#also a little Tommy study because PLEASE we need to talk about how his favorite movie is love actually.

[kinaaaard]

Tommy looks at Evan in his bed and thinks of Mr. Darcy. Thinks of period pieces. Thinks of Love, Actually. 

If you were to glance him in a grocery line or catch his profile in traffic, it wasn’t a surface-level judgment anyone in sane society would ever make: this guy loves a bleeding-heart romance. It was a left-of-field, out-of-pocket fact of himself that felt like less of a secret and more of the thing tacked on by the producers of romance reality TV — this guy’s too unapproachable, let’s give him some charm. 

Guys like Tommy (broad, blue collar, a wealth of oppression and military repression) were rare to even exist within the genre unless you delved into the more harlequin novel bodice-ripping romance of it all. And maybe that’s why he liked them. 

They allowed easy oxycontin. He liked when people miscommunicated for the sake of the narrative, only to end up falling into bed by the end. He liked how declarations were made about the other’s faults, and that they blearily choked out, and despite it all, I still love you! He liked how often the romances brought together opposite people under unlikely circumstances, and how fate wrapped them up in a neat little bow. 

Most of all, he liked how far away they felt. How untouchable. To him, streetlamp-yellow kisses under soft falling snow felt as plausible as dragons and space operas. 

His other interests felt imbedded in his person. Muy Thai, engines, those were par for the course. The expected things he would readily wear on his sleeve. A man like him, into romcoms, on the other hand? It was something that seemingly only existed in the grey matter of his brain. A secret. A gentle smile from a barrel-chested man didn’t necessarily betray this penchant for treacly, cinematic love. He didn’t pretend that it did, and certainly not with the men he dated in the past. He never wanted to jar previous boyfriends with the disconnect, never wanted to shatter the veneer of masculinity. That felt dangerous. That felt vulnerable. 

But he looks down at Evan in his bed. 

His face is slack and easy with sleep, half-pushed into the pillow. Pale morning light swallows the room, gilding the corkscrew turns of his curls. Burnishes them as they rest against his forehead, the skin smooth and unbothered. Tommy’s eyes linger on the soft bed of hair, hands tingling with memory of how they feel between his fingers — not unlike Mr. Darcy’s hand after holding Lizzy Bennet’s — before trailing down to the slopes of his eyes, his lashes. They rest undisturbed on his cheeks as Evan’s body takes deep, beautiful breaths of air. He almost mourns the view of Evan’s cornflower blue eyes. Then the slope of his nose, prominent and round, before dipping to the petal-soft plush of his lips. Pink like early, early dawn. 

He can’t help it. He plants his hand on the curve of Evan’s stubbled jaw and cups, thumb brushing against the soft thistle. Romcoms don’t feel so far away, anymore. Don’t feel like a contrary fact or a rare allergy or a study of ancient mythology. It feels close, nestled in his chest. Just looking at Evan is easy oxycontin. 

Evan starts to rustle, brows knitting. His face turns a bit but Tommy keeps his hand steady. Tommy thinks, I’ll make him coffee soon, just the way he likes it. 

Tommy thinks of the Mr. Darcy’s deep, anguished yearning. How it culminates into warmth at the end. Thinks of how he kisses her on the nose, on the forehead, and the cradle of love seen before the credits. 

He looks at Evan and wonders if he’ll ever watch a romcom again. He doesn’t need to, really. 

[eashmo]

7 minutes in hell, or is it heaven? Part 5

-Love Me-

Warnings: eventual smut, fluff, and lots of angst. Billy is extremely soft to y/n that it's hurts me physically and mentally 😅

Theory of Biogenesis, if you read what of the study is, it reminds me of what the mind flayer sort of does from what I've gathered from not watching the show. I'm not a scientists so don't throw hands. Also, I know it's blasphemy for me not wanting to see until now. With that being said, I need someone to share their Netflix so I can see this show. Please 🙏🏻 the amount of vague information with some of his parts on youtube is sort of annoying.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

*y/n pov*

It has been a few days after the whole incident between Billy and me. He is still bullying me in front of people, which, in his words, " he has a reputation to withhold." But deep down, it was becoming friendly banter. Ever since I became friends with the bad boy, it was actually somewhat refreshing to now see him with a kind smile behind his eyes when he did something to you in the hallways. When nobody was left in the hallways, he got more charming and flirty. The duality of this boy was a roller coaster at times.

After the first period, I made a beeline to my locker, getting my textbooks for the next class as on cue. I felt Nancy and Robin on both sides of me doing the same.

"We've been meaning to ask. What happened that day in the gym with Hargrove?" Robin asked.

"Oh nothing, me and Billy just talked about the scene he was causing with Steve." I say.

Nancy scoffs, "So it's billy now? And we all know Hargrove doesn't just casual talk."

Robin shook her head in agreement.

"We know about your crush on Hargrove, which I still don't see what you see in him. But we just don't want to to see you get hurt, that's all." Nancy says.

"Guys, I appreciate it. I truly do, but it was just with him, that's all." I say with a sigh.

"Then how did he get a broken nose and you having a different shirt on? We saw you guys in the hallway walking to the nurses office." Robin chirped in.

Struggling to reveal the truth, I feel a warm presence against my back. The smell of him surrounded me. He was too close.

I jump with a squeak. "Jesus Hargrove, a warning next time would be nice." I shyly say.

"Now why would I do that y/l/n? Seeing you jump because of me is hilarious." He said with a laugh as he knocks the science and English books out of my hands.

*Bell rings* "See you in class, darlin." He winked.

Watching him away from me and the girls was always a favorite sight since day one, because of one certain thing...... his ass.

"I guess the talk didn't stop from bullying you still." Robin scoffs.

Shaking my thoughts from the day dream And Shrugging " I guess not." I smile to myself, knowing there were no malicious reasons behind his acts anymore.

*Billy's POV*

I was in the hallway with Heather, Tina, and Tommy talking about a big upcoming party.

"Yeah, whatever, count me in." Is all I say.

I was pretty occupied watching a certain little someone across the hall, seeing her with Wheeler and another girl, Buckley. I think.

Wheeler and Buckley were talking in hushed tones to her while they occasionally looked up at me. "What the hell are they talking about." I thought as move closer to them.

I then hear my name briefly falling from Y/n's lips. Now, that got me more curious because she never said my name when she talked to her friends. Then I hear Buckley say, "Then how did he get a broken nose, and you having a different shirt on? We saw you guys walking to the nurses office."

I start to get nervous when I hear that, so I walk a little faster, hoping she won't tell the truth about the incident and my father. I was then right against her back, feeling her breathing. I notice she was struggling to come up with an answer.

She all of the sudden jumped with a squeak when she realized I was directly behind her. "Cute," I thought, giving her an amused smirk. "Jesus, Hargrove, a warning next time would be nice." She shyly said.

"Now why would I do that y/l/n? Seeing you jump because of me is hilarious." Giving her a teasing laugh as knocked her textbooks out of her hands like usual. I liked seeing her bend down to get them, knowing I'm the one that gets her on her knees.

The bell rang out in the emptying hallway.

"See you in class, darlin." I winked at her as I turning to go to science class.

I could feel her usual stare at my back . I walked through the hallway, and the feeling of her staring always excited me since the first day. How I sometimes caught her staring at my face in the gym or the cafeteria.

When I found out the main reason why she stared at me was when I discovered her journal in the library that she accidentally left behind. She had pages upon pages of my face, hands, and sometimes just my eyes. She also wrote dream confession next to them.

Becoming friends with her was the best decision I ever made in my life.

Class was getting boring as ever. Ms. Clark was giving a lecture about the theory of biogenesis. I noticed that y/n was starting to dooze off at her desk that was on the other side of the room from mine.

I walked silently to the other of the room as soon as Ms. Clark's back was turned, and nobody was paying attention. Taking the empty seat behind her. "This will be fun," I smirked.

*Y/N POV*

I'm struggling with my life to keep up with how fast Ms. Clark is writing on the board about biogenesis. It was becoming brutally boring. My eyes were fighting to stay open.

After a couple of minutes, I started to feel a poke against my cheek. I swatted at whatever it was, but when I did, my hand made contact with a warmer hand. I sun around in my seat to find ocean blue eyes that held mischief staring back into my annoyed eyes.

"What hargrove?" I whisper yell while looking around if anyone was watching. Nobody cared.

" Hmm, nothing, don't mind me, you're missing a lot of notes, by the way." He whispered in my ear while pointing to the new notes that were now written on the board.

"Shit" I turned back around to viciously write as fast as I could before she erased them.

It didn't take long to feel large finger thread through my hair. Not bothering to slap his hand away. I'm not going to lie to myself for liking how he massaged my scalp.

Sighing, I relax into his hand, and the feeling was lulling me to sleep.

*Billy's POV*

Feeling her relax under my touch relaxes me. I took some of her hair with my other hand that wasn't supporting the back of her head, I could smell her (your favorite sent shampoo) shampoo from the strands I held. The smell was filling my senses with peace.

I know I want to keep our friendship a secret but if I keep getting moments like these with her makes me want to ruin my bad boy reputation, I would risk it all for her, especially for what kindness she shown me these few days after I told her about my father. I'm starting to not give a damn about my reputation.

As she slept in my hand, I stole her notes to write the new material she was missing. I smile at her childish doodles of cats, flowers, and smiley faces. "Jesus, she's adorable," I thought.

The lecture and class were starting to come to an end. I quickly scribble down the remaining notes. placing the paper back on her desk, I gently shook her awake.

"Class is over, time for lunch, babygirl." I say as I walk to the doorway.

*Y/N POV*

Feeling my shoulder gently shake and a hand being removed from the back of my head, i woke up to hear a husky voice that retreating about the doorway. "Class is over, time for lunch babygirl."

"Fuck" confused as I scramble to get my notes into my backpack, raced out towards the cafeteria.

"Y/n, did you hear me?" Robin asked.

"Hm, sorry no, I'm just tired and stressed. I fell asleep during the most important science lecture of this school year, I missed tons of notes. What were you saying." I yawned.

"I said do you want to go to the arcade tonight."

"Unfortunately, I'm going to have to pass Ro-Ro, I have to study tonight." I say.

The lunch bell rang, signaling that it was over. "I guess I will ask Jess for the missing notes." I thought as everyone started to head back to classes.

*TIME SKIP*

"Thanks, Jess, for the notes! I'll give them back tomorrow first thing!" I tell her.

"No problem y/n, see you tomorrow!" She waved.

Sitting on my bed, I pull out mine and jess's notes. "Ugh, this is going to be a long night of writing and studying." I thought.

Picking up my notice that they were already filled out by beautiful handwriting that Suspiciously looked like Billy's. Why did he help me with my notes?

Scoffing, "Of course, he has beautiful handwriting." I giggle out loud. Scanning his work, I notice something at the bottom of the page and gasp.

Previous Chapter

Part 6

Masterlist

2023

[soft--dragon]

Tree House Bros

Based on the headcannons some lovely people on discord and I discussed at an ungodly hour and I wanted to write something because the ideas we thought of were too adorable not to :D Jam and Anakin, this one’s for you guys ✊✊✊ Let’s goooooooo

Word Count: 1,964

Warnings: None

This is a SFW tickle fic, if you don’t like that then don’t read :)

Charlie wouldn't be ashamed to admit that he has grown closer to Tommy. The boy was the human embodiment of sunshine, putting up a facade of brashness but really being soft underneath. He loved physical affection from his friends, something Charlie had been ecstatic about finding out. Hugs, hair ruffles, cuddles, Tommy was always willing to accept them. Charlie also discovered that praise would make the boy glow happily, so he took it upon himself to make sure he complimented the boy whenever he interacted with him. 

Charlie once proudly swept the boy up in a bear hug, yelling "LOOK AT THIS CHILD! THIS CHILD IS AMAZING!" All the while Tommy was flushed red but laughing at Charlie's loud claims. 

Charlie adored the teenager he'd managed to get so close to lately, to the point where he considered him his little brother. He'd been careful not to outright say that however. Wilbur always got scarily overprotective of Tommy whenever someone dropped the sibling bomb. His was more terrifying than Techno when he was in 'Big Bro Wilbs' mode. 

Still, Charlie thought of himself as Tommy's brother figure, alongside the multiple other people Tommy had cluelessly managed to adopt as siblings. And being a brother figure means there are certain rules and requirements you need to meet. 

One of which is knowing how to deal with a sad Tommyinnit. 

Charlie had started developing what he liked to call a 'Tommy Is Sad' radar and found the boy crying underneath a tree. He'd done what any good brother would and pulled him into a hug, comforted him, then helped him fix the issue that was causing him to be upset. Once that had been cleared up, Charlie had looked at the tree they were sitting under and decided right then and there that this would be the spot for them. 

The look on Tommy's face when Charlie revealed the tree house sitting in the oak tree branches would be a forever treasured memory. He'd hugged Charlie tightly, on the brink of tears that he quickly reassured the older they were purely from joy. The treehouse became their official meet up area. Anytime they needed each other for comfort, to vent, or to just hang out, the treehouse was the place to go. It had a massive slime plush that worked a beanbag for them, a large fluffy rug covering the floor and golden lanterns hanging from the ceiling. A chest sat in the corner stuffed with snack foods and drinks, their favorites of course. The treehouse was a treasured place for both of them. 

One day, Charlie was talking with Eret, then suddenly went stiff as a rod. 

"Charlie?" Eret blinked, "you good?"

"My T.I.S radar is beeping" Charlie said, turning on his heel and scanning the land quickly. 

"Your...your what?" Eret asked incredulously. 

"My brother needs a hug" Charlie rushed out his explanation, his eye catching a red and white shirt a little ways away. "Bye Eret!"

He bolted straight towards the sight of the bright sleeved clothing, leaving a very confused and slightly amused Eret in his wake. Charlie quickly approached the small cluster of trees where he spotted Tommy, slowing down so he could scan the area carefully. After walking a little further, he finally found the boy. He was curled in a ball underneath one of the tall trees, arms wrapped around his knees tightly and shoulders shaking. 

"Tommy?" Charlie crouched in front of the boy, cautiously reaching out to the boy. 

The boy flinched at his voice, tightening his grip on himself. "G-Go away Charlie" his voice shook with the broken, scared request. "P-Please I don't want to s-see anyone right now…" 

Charlie's heart ached when he heard a choked sob, Tommy hunched in on himself as he tried to muffle himself. Charlie bit his lip, looking down at the teen worriedly. He was clearly distraught, 

"Buttercup, can I pick you up?" Charlie asked softly, praying the boy said yes. He desperately wanted to hold his baby brother close and never let go until his tears had disappeared. 

Tommy raised his head slightly and Charlie felt his heart drop. Tommy's eyes were red and brimming with tears, his lip dented with bite marks and cheeks streaked with tear stains. He took a shaking breath in then nodded, slowly uncurling from his ball to raise his arms out to Charlie. The man gently looped the boy's arms around his neck and hefted him up. He held Tommy close who instantly pressed his face into Charlie's neck, taking in shallow breaths.  

Charlie's worry spiked further and quickly made his way to their treehouse. If anywhere could help the boy calm down it was there. 

Charlie was more than grateful they installed a pulley lift as the way to get into the treehouse. He gently set Tommy down on the large slime plush, placing his hand on the boy's head and brushing his thumb over Tommy's hair. 

"I'll be right back, gonna get you some water and snacks okay?" 

Tommy only nodded, curling in on himself again, sinking into the plush. Charlie dropped down to the chest and took out some cookies and water, quickly returning to his brother. Tommy was trying to dry his tears, only causing them to spread across his already stained face. Charlie dropped down in front of him, taking out a washcloth from his inventory. 

"May I?" He asked gently, holding up the cloth. 

Tommy studied it for a moment then nodded slowly, lowering his hands from his face, sniffing. Charlie placed his hand underneath Tommy's chin to tilt his head up. With gentleness only a brother could possess for his sibling, he carefully washed the tears from Tommy's face, apologizing softly when Tommy flinched slightly at the coolness of the damp material. 

Once Tommy's face was cleaned, Charlie offered him the water and cookies. They sat silently, Charlie keeping some distance between himself and Tommy in case he wanted space. Tommy nibbled on the baked goods, sniffing occasionally. 

"Are you gonna be okay?" Charlie asked quietly. 

Tommy swallowed his mouthful and flicked his slightly bloodshot eyes over to Charlie. 

"Yeah...no...I don't know…" he mumbled, subconsciously making himself smaller. "I don't know why I just broke."

Charlie looked at him sympathetically. "Some things can just pile up sometimes, it's nothing to be ashamed of Buttercup, it happens." 

Tommy smiled a little at the nickname but it disappeared as soon as it came. "Yeah it just never usually happens to me." 

Charlie watched his brother for a moment then opened his arms, holding them up. "C'mere." 

Tommy shuffled into the embrace, clinging to Charlie tightly once he leant against the older. Charlie wrapped the boy into his arms, holding him securely and firm but with the warmth and love Tommy deserved. 

"It happens to everyone Buttercup" Charlie reassured quietly. "It doesn't matter if it's common or not, breakdowns tend to sneak up eventually and it's healthy to have a bit of a cry every once and awhile." 

Tommy squeezed Charlie to him, nodding into his shoulder. "I don't like it though."

"And that's okay, I'd be a little concerned if you did" Charlie promised, then smiled and put on a Texan accent. "Have to lock ya up in the old prison cell for liking da breakdowns aye mate? Lil bit coo coo in the nogan for that one if ye ask me." 

Tommy giggled slightly into Charlie's shoulder making the older internally coo. The boy's giggles were the sweetest things you could hear. 

"What's got ya giggling like a hyena Tommy? Was it something I said? Nothin' funny about being thrown in yee ol' cell is there?"

The reply only got Tommy giggling more which in turn made Charlie chuckle. 

"Oh no! Seems I got a case of the giggles too! It's an infection! Tommy you're spreading a giggly disease! This is terrible! I must find a cure before it takes over the server!"

He gently spidered his fingers over Tommy's stomach and lower belly, grinning at the muffled squeal Tommy gave. 

"I think I've got it Tommy" Charlie began dramatically, "I think the cure is to tickle all the giggles out of you."

Tommy's laughter went higher at Charlie's words. "Nooooohohohoho" he groaned but his light hearted tone peppered with giggles let Charlie know he was okay. 

Charlie kept it relaxed and gentle, wanting Tommy to feel comfortable right now. Though he wanted the boy to laugh, he didn't want to exhaust him further by wrecking him. He gently pulled Tommy's back to his chest, hugging him from behind and softly scratching around his lower belly and sides. Tommy melted into the tickles, tipping his head back to rest against Charlie's shoulder as giggles spilled from his lips. 

"This okay?" Charlie asked, running his nails over Tommy's stomach. 

Tommy's giggles picked up slightly, sinking further into Charlie's chest. "Yeheheah" he murmured, "fehehehels nihihihice." 

Charlie felt his heart melt at the boy's words. How could one teenager be so cute?? 

Charlie massaged his fingers into Tommy's ribs, smiling when he squeaked through his giggles. He pressed into the divots and muscles of his ribcage, chuckling as Tommy squirmed against him. 

"Lehehess plehehease" Tommy pressed out between his heightened giggles.

Charlie complied instantly, moving back down to the sides of Tommy's stomach, wiggling his nails gently. Tommy melted into the touch, giggles calming again. 

"Thahahanks" he smiled up at Charlie. 

Charlie nudged Tommy's head with his cheek. "Of course Buttercup, only gonna do what makes you comfortable."

Tommy flushed slightly and a warm feeling blossomed in his chest at the genuine consideration for his feelings. Instead of answering he pressed his face into the crook of Charlie's neck, trying to hide his red cheeks. Charlie seemed to catch it however and cooed. 

"Naww, gotten a bit pink there Buttercup, you are so precious."

Tommy shook his head. "Nohohoho" he groaned, "I'm not." 

Charlie chucked, Tommy able to feel it rumbling from how heavily he was leaning on Charlie's chest. "I think everyone on the server would disagree with you on that one Buttercup, but whatever you say." 

He took a hand from Tommy's midsection to run it through the mop of curls on Tommy's head. Tommy arched his head up into the touch like a cat, a content hum emitting from his throat as his eyes fluttered closed. 

Charlie smiled at the sight. "Sleepy Buttercup?" He asked softly. 

"Mmmm" Tommy slurred, cuddling closer to the older. "Sleepy time?"

"Of course, I'll be here when you wake up" Charlie promised. 

Tommy smiled softly and nodded. "Okay...night Big C..."

"Sleep well Buttercup." 

It was a peaceful silence for a few minutes. Tommy leaned further into Charlie as his breathing evening out. His previous crying episode tiring him out and the gentle tickles easing him into sleep. Charlie kept gently carding his hand through his hair, messing with the blonde curls. 

'Suck it Soot' Charlie thought with a fond smile, 'bet you've never seen Tommy like this before.' 

Charlie opened his communicator and sent through a photo of Tommy sound asleep against him to Wilbur.

Pollen Boy

*Image file*

Hehehe look at himmmmm

He's so sweet Wil no wonder you adopted him as your little brother

Wiblur Scoot

Stop stealing Tommy Charlie >>:(

Pollen Boy

No <3

Wiblur Scoot

He's meant to be my Tommy

Pollen Boy

Sharing is caring Wil

Wiblur Scoot

He's my little brother

Pollen Boy

I like to think he's our little brother :D

Wiblur Scoot

Don't even think about it

Pollen Boy

Too late

I'm gonna get us matching hoodies

Wiblur Scoot

d o n t u d a r e

Pollen Boy

:3

I'm gonna get him socks too

Wiblur Scoot

CHARLIE NO

[peakywitch]

Little Hands - Michael Gray

PART ONE

MASTERLIST

WORD COUNT: 2K

warnings: none (i think this one has angst?)

gif: @oberelias

A knock on the bar door caught Harry's attention. He immediately knew who it was. He opened the door, seeing the young woman from a half hour ago.

"Y/N?" he asked, not understanding anything. A girl of about 17 years, crying at the door of the Garrison. Harry thought he would never see such a thing.

"Sorry Harry, I had nowhere to go..." she sobbed; Harry invited her in and poured her a glass of water as she sat down at the bar.

“Are you better?" he asked her, after a few minutes.

The girl had been staring at the glass of water since Harry had offered it to her. The silent tears kept falling from her eyes. What will I do now? She would go home alone. She would forget about being a teacher and would have to dedicate herself to whatever she could, so her son would have something to eat.

Her son.

Y/N still didn't get it. She was seventeen, a minor, and her ex-boyfriend had just left her. She could not abort, she had found out too late.

"What the fuck am I going to do..." she whispered, asking Harry.

"You in trouble?" he asked, worried that she was hurt.

"Yes, in a giant problem." She replied, drinking more water.

“I think whatever it is, you can work it out. If you have people who want you by your side, you'll be fine." He said, as he rearranged the liquor bottles.

“The person I love doesn't want to be with me, Harry. He said horrible things to me and I…”The poor girl bursted into tears, Harry felt so out of place.

The man, not knowing what to do, approached the small kitchen that was at the back of the bar and took out some pieces of brownie that were carefully protected. When he returned to her side, he opened the noisy bag, filling the Garrison with a strong chocolate smell.

"You know?" he asked “My mother was a baker, and she made the best cakes in town. She made these brownies when I was sad or had a broken heart." He smiled wistfully; Y/N's red eyes focused on him “Last night, I felt a heavy sadness. And all I could think of was brownies." He placed the two brown squares on a gray plate. "I firmly believe, these brownies will heal you a bit." He held out the plate to the crying girl, she tried to grab one "Wait, not yet."

He reached under the bar, pulling out a glass bottle of milk: “There is a kitten that had a baby, and in the morning when I am leaving, I serve her some on a plate outside. But a broken heart deserves a sip to accompany brownies. "

She poured the milk into a pint, and told her she could eat now.

Between brownies, laughter, and some milk, she was able to stop crying and laughed at some stories Harry was telling her.

When night fell, Y/N stayed in one of the rooms upstairs. Harry had offered it to her for free, as Y/N had been very good company while he set up the pub for that Friday night. However, she insisted that she would return the favor by cleaning up on Saturday morning with him. Also, she wanted to see the kitten and her baby.

Ten o'clock at night showed up on the clock, telling Y/N that in two hours this hellish day would end. She was lying with her dress still on. The poor deluded woman had thought she would return home with… Michael. The more she thought about the subject, the more her heart ached.

“I won’t be with you, get rid of him. It would be easier. "

It was final: she would be a single mother.

Michael entered the pub at ten o'clock, tired, nervous, angry, sad, helpless, and heartbroken. He was disappointed in who he was. He had been infuriated by the fact that this new person that he was, had hurt Y/N. Michael could be called Henry, Benjamin, Patrick, or Mirtha. It didn't matter his name, he loved Y/N. So when he walked into the private booth at the Garrison alone, Tommy knew why. How was he going to find her, if she was as far as she was near?

"I thought I told you not to come back if it wasn't with her, Michael." said his cousin.

Gray sat down dejectedly in one of the chairs. He snorted and poured himself a whiskey.

“Looked everywhere. Shit, I even walked into that disgusting station with idiot Campbell. I looked in every square, on the outskirts, I asked in each hostel: nothing. I know her, she got on the train hours ago and she must be in her bed crying." His gaze was so lost on the beer bucket on the table, that he did not notice the knowing looks of his cousins.

“Tom,” said Arthur “go on. Tell ‘im. Look at ‘im.”

John slipped a chuckle.

"Tell me what?" Michael asked, looking at Thomas. "Tommy, if you know something, please tell me ..."

"Michael," tommy cleared his throat, "you well know that nothing happens here without me knowing."

"Here? Small Heath? As I said, I don't think…” the Shelby interrupted his cousin.

“No, here like the Garrison. And I think you forgot that if you go upstairs, you will find a lodging that I mount..."

Michael didn't let him finish, cutting him off as he stood up abruptly.

"You knew all this damn time where she was!?" he roared.

"I have known for a few hours." he answered calmly, after drinking more Scotch.

Before Michael could say anything, Tommy spoke again: "Third door to your right."

And just like that, Michael came out of the booth like a bullet. He crossed the bar quickly, no matter who he shoved in his way. The stairs were climbed even faster, leaving him in a matter of seconds in front of Y/N's door.

He breathed. He realized how nervous Y/N must have been. He knocked on the door with a simple double knock.

Both knocks woke her up, bringing her back into the world. She stopped and approached the door carefully. Meanwhile, Michael was dying of nerves.

"Who is it?" Y/N asked.

"Me." Michael said.

"Who is Me?" she ask.

Y/N recognized that voice, of course she did. But she didn't know who the person with the voice was. She felt totally alien to this Michael Gray. Henry would never, ever have yelled at her.

"Y/N... lovey, please..." he begged.

"Do not call me that way. You don't feel that about me. Neither do I, I don't know you. "

Y/N was being too harsh for her liking, but Michael knew perfectly well that he deserved never to see her again.

“Y/N, I need to talk to you. Please…”he asked, he was about to cry.

"No. Goodbye." She sentenced.

Michael sighed in frustration. He sat in the doorway; he would sleep on the floor if necessary.

Now what can I do? If he opened the door, it would bother her even more. But if he left her alone, he would lose her forever.

"Y/N..." began the boy, and waited for an answer, nothing.

"Do you want me to leave you alone?" he asked again.

Silence.

"Well, here goes nothing." He sighed.

“Hello Y/N, my name is Michael Gray. I was born in 1903, and when I was four years old my father passed away. I was taken away from my mother, Polly, when I was five. I had a sister, they also separated us. The government changed my name to Henry. I was in an orphanage for about three years, until the Johnson, a very nice couple, adopted me. I grew up in the suburbs in a beautiful house with an apple tree in the garden. I met my first friend, she had your name, you know? "

Y/N was sitting on the other side of the door, listening to her favorite person speak. When she hear herself in the story, she smiled through tears.

“When she asked me to play family, I always pretended to propose to her. I never knew why. After a while I realized: the girls did not have germs. Then she started to seem like the prettiest girl, then the most beautiful young woman. I was in love with her for several years, I realized late. But one day..." Michael smiled wistfully" One day I plucked up the courage... a year ago and something, maybe. And I told her everything that happened to me with her. She kissed me and we started dating. She would come to my house after school. We would eat apples from the tree and study a little. And then we’d kiss a lot in the neighbor's barn at night. "

Y / N gave a little laugh, and that triggered Michael's pulse.

“Then I reconnected with my family, with the Shelbys. And I was so mad at the Johnsons for keeping my true story from me… they had told me, they’d abandoned me. When Tommy told me the truth, I was blinded by the pain of the lie and the thrill of finding my family. I did not realize that by meeting my old family, I would be abandoning one that was beginning to grow, you know?" They both wiped away tears.

“So, my girlfriend, she came to my homwtown angry, alone and pregnant. She was super, super angry and sad. And she told me everything, and I never felt worse. For having abandoned her, for seeing her cry about it and for abandoning her again when she told me she was pregnant. So..." he sighed "I am this, a simple stranger, who tells the story of his life, to the love of his life. Hoping that she forgives him. Because, you know, I know she knows I'm a bloody idiot. I mean, when we kissed for the first time, I accidentally bit her lip and left a small scar. "

They both laughed, listening to each other and wiping their tears.

“So…yeah. If you ever see her, tell her that for me, I know she doesn’t want to see me.” Michael said, with remarkable sadness.

Y/N wiped away her tears and gently pulled her hair. She stand up and knocked on the door three times. She then heard Michael stand up quickly.

"Who is this?" Michael asked.

"My name is Y/N, can I come into your life... again?" she asked, crying.

Michael's heart began to skip multiple beats and his smile spread across his face. He opened the door and saw his girlfriend standing, tired and crying. When their eyes connected, both bodies exploded into a loving embrace. They were both crying, they missed each other.

"I’m so sorry Y / N, so, so, so, sorry..." he stroked her hair.

"I love you, Michael Gray. But the next time you leave without saying goodbye, I will kill you with my bare hands. "

"Your hands are little, lovey, you can’t." She laughed, while Michael was filling her face with kisses.

"So, wait to see what a woman with little hands does to you at three in the morning when you don't want to take care of your baby."

Michael stopped the kisses and looked into her eyes.

"For a moment I had forgotten." Laughed Michael.

"Oh my God." Y/N joined in on her boyfriend's laughter.

[sokayisaidiot]

Dream SMP Assumption #7

Today’s topic: Everybody is suffering and you know it.

Please DO NOT read if you’re uncomfortable with the themes of death, depression and suicide. It’s a very complicated theme. I did NOT study it and do NOT know some aspects of it. I just go off the things I saw in the smp and made my own theories about it. If you’re even slightly triggered by this, please stop and do NOT try to read it. Please do NOT put yourself in some kind of uncomfortable zone.

Please do not. Thank you

(This is all assumptioning from the fictional world of dream smp)

(Heavy spoilers on the resent events)

(Also just assumptions, when you know something, you can always drop it :))

(Mainly around the lmanburg way, sadly need to learn more about badlands ): )

(This Series is created by another person, that’s just too fuckin lazy to move her butt)

Trigger warning today:

Suicide thoughts

(PTSD)

Depression

War

Child Neglect

Betrayal and Trust Issues

Death

Lets get this straight, no one is pure evil just because. Everybody has something happening and BOOM, finished chaos and sadness and strange behavior and aggressiveness and- You get me? Good. I will take on EVERYBODY who says that a person in the story didn't suffer. I aint a Apologist either. I just want to make some things clear who suffered how. Understand? Good.

Stop saying “[Character] didn't suffer!” Hell yes somehow everybody, close in the lore, fuckin did.

LET’S GET STARTED

__________________________

Tommyinnit

Lets start with one, who should be pretty obvious. Tommy. In my second Assumption, I explained symptoms of PTSD and Depression. 

He was never really trusted by any point

Was just as used as Techno, because who had Tommy controlled was pretty powerful

He was exiled by a country, he HELPED saving MULTIPLE times

He saw his brother get killed by his father

He experienced so many deaths (Tubbo’s, in the final control room, Schlatts, 

He lost his pets 

He lost his belongings

Has to be on edge constantly

Gets accused by someone and then MOSTLY EVERYBODY believes, it was him

He isn’t really taken seriously

He gets seen as power-hungry person

People literally having him on the Hitlist

He nearly saw his best friend dying, on a mission, that was started by him

His older Brother, who he has an confused relationship with, doesn't even want to be revived.

Lost his brother to insanity and had to sit in the FRONT ROW of this spiral

PTSD

Depression

Suicidal thoughts

Betrayal

next to no one on his actual side

got left by almost everyone

was stuck on a island with an amnesiac ghost, who is a shell of his older brother

gets told his comfort items he had before everything else didn't matter

constantly has to live on the edge because he runs around with one just fuckin heart

Tubbo

Next to Tommy, he also suffers from PTSD, Depression and Suicidal tendencies. And that doesn't mean you kill yourself. It means you are too careless to give a fuck. And that can happen. TUbbo was way too easy to give up his OWN LIVE for something his best friend has passion in it.

He got publicly executed in a place HE DECORATED by someone he considered his Allie

Had the burden of Presidency on his YOUNG shoulders

The People who had to teach him about it, were also there for the tyranny

Got constantly considered a pawn, a throwable item

The adults use him as a figure head and proceed then to use him

He HAD to exile his best friend, or Tommy would have died sooner than ever

PTSD

Suicidal in a way of being okay for dying

Depression

Betrayal

Never gets taken seriously

Gets over-spoken a LOT

GETS COMPARED TO FUCKIN MANIACS OFTEN

Didn’t get nice words after his manipulator told him down, just SILENCE

He nearly died

He heard 

Got left by everyone, when they didn't see anything in this place anymore

got told by his best friend, that the discs were more worth than him

As Tommy, he is always on the edge of death

Technoblade

Techno is one of the most powerful people here on the server. No doubt about it. However, if someone, even a God, tries to refuse they have feelings, it’s impossible. And those feelings, when they get something terrible done to them, get hurt.

BETRAYAL

Loneliness

A bloodlust he sometimes seriously can't control, no matter how much he tries

His best friend (Wilbur), died before his eyes

He thought he could trust his (little brother figure) friend

Gets used often for material

betrayal

Has a hard time understanding his feelings

Gets talked over

Is socially avoiding talking

Gets seen as a bad guy many times

Trust issues, yay!

Also BETRAYAL

has at least some people who want to kill him

Wilbur Soot

Our favorite maniac! Yay! We can all see how he fell from a proud Leader of a family to an lost in himself man, with nothing left to loose

Had to countdown his brothers death

Was killed by his father

His OWN SON disowned him

He wasn't able to get help, especially not from his younger brother

His Allies were not really trust worthy

He got betrayed by a close comerade

His dear Brother was sometimes really chaotic

He had to lead an army to war, not one, but two times

He lost the election

He had to run away from a country he helped create

Had a hard time with this father (with how it’s shown, that he maybe was neglected and had to raise Tommy)

Ranboo

Our favorite Memory-Minutes-Boi! I think EVERYBODY in this community will protect him

His first days on the server were pure Chaos

Had to see a person, he considers a friend, being rotten away and not being able to do anything about it

A sister figure who just went angry

He isn’t trusted by anyone really

He knows things others don’t

ALSO LOSING YOUR MEMORY AND HAVING CONSTANT MEMORY LOSS FUCKIN SUCKS, TRUST ME

Has serious issues

GETS TALKED OVER

Is often forced to take a side, even if he's against it

Phil

He has a hard time. Especially with the death, failed resurrection, disowning one of his son, he didn't got even close to. Being 

Also on the edge of death every day

Was in the end peer pressured into killing his own son

Suffering from the loss of his son

Couldn't help his youngest son in exile, because he thought Tommy hated him

Wasn’t there for L’Manburg glory days

was ridiculed in his house arrest

Dream

Of course, we all know how mad he is now and shit, but you gotta think, he has some points here, that are infecting his behavior LARGELY

His friends left him, without considering helping him

He had lost his dear pet before

He actually wanted peace, but fell into the fun of destruction and chaos without someone knowing or helping him

He is homeless

Probably, he is a old being, that already suffered for millions of years

Sapnap

He’s actually one of my favorite Characters and I think we know he has a place in here.

Third wheels a  l o t

Constantly being referred as the THIRD person, who isn't important

Fought his friend, who took the side of a child

Said friend had one of his beloved fishes by his side the hole time

Said Fish got thought as dead

Fundy

Some of you guys forgot how sad actually Fundy’s character is. He IS one of the most hurt characters. And he gave up hope

constantly being talked over

disowned by his hole family

GREW UP IN OLD L’MANBURG, WHICH WAS AT WAR

doesn’t think he is a part of a group

had to disown his father, to help fight a tyrannt

Got babied his whole life

His dead father is still running away from their problems

Doesn’t know where his mum is

Lost his home so often

Nihachu

Actually the person I watched for the first long time as in the SMP

Again, being talked over

Doesn’t get taken seriously

Lost her Best friend (Wilbur)

Got betrayed by her friend, Karl, by him selling their Land to L’Manburg

Gets used as a hostage or Maid in Distress, even when she isn’t

Got her pets killed

Then constantly being used for her niceness

Jack Manifold

He has a pretty big Role now, and he's very VERY angry. And you might ask why

Got left behind by his country

doesn’t get taken seriously

Got his most powerful items removed in one thing

His land somehow is near a crater

got told he didn't suffer somehow

Went to mf hell

Quackity

Quackity, despite his funny demeanor, he's one of the hurt character

with him staying with Schlatt, he had a uncomfortable relationship a long time

got killed by the festival

somehow helped organize the death of a child

Said kid helped a revolution against him

he helped a tyrant come to power and will probably never get it live down

fought for a country so often, but, two times, it got exploded in front of his face

had to face war, also in a young age

Eret

Our favorite King is here too! Yes, he may have started the distrust spiral of Eret, but somehow, someone would still have led them to the FINAL CONTROL ROOM. Somehow History will always be happening.

Had one of the hardest time, getting forgiven

Was never really given a chance

got accused of something

gets used as a pawn

He has shown often regret

got left alone

I think we all can say they are just having MULTIPLE communicate, trust and self worth issues. Like goddamn, Puffy, please help them, you’re one of the only sane people in the lore-

[fl0ating-tree]

Fanfic prompt: everyones first visit to Dream in the prison (specifically Puffy, Sapnap, Punz, George, and/or Niki)

OOH i really hope we get to see these actually happen because my heart is gonna snap when it does happen. im gonna do george + sapnap and puffy bc this would be super long if I did them all. 

george is probably OOC because we don’t really have an example of how he is when he’s in character. also fair warning for puffy’s part, it might come off as a little c!dream sympathetic. that’s not the intention, it’s more to show how even dream still has emotions even thought he’s awful, but if that stuff really upsets you maybe don’t read puffy’s part. it’s barely there but still. 

George and Sapnap

Sam rarely stood guard outside of the prison. After all, it’s inescapable and he’s the only one with access. After locking Dream away Sam reassured them all that he built safety features in that no one but him, not even Dream, knew about. Sapnap called him paranoid when Sam told him that over lunch one day, now he couldn’t be more thankful.

“Are you sure you wanna do this?” Sam asks as he leads both Sapnap and George towards the only occupied cell. “He’s...he’s not exactly fun to be around at the moment.” Sapnap cringes at that. He feels bad that Sam is the one who has to bring Dream food and water, but no one else was particularly jumping at the opportunity to be around Dream after what happened. He doesn’t think he’ll ever forget Punz’s panicked urges for him to find anyone on the server and meet up at the Nether hub. How Punz led them through the Nether in full sprint, giving them all the vague explanation of “Dream is going to kill Tubbo and lock up Tommy” and nothing else. Sapnap wouldn’t have believed him if he didn’t walk in on Dream laughing at a despondent Tommy, holding a sword to Tubbo’s neck. Seeing the walls lined in trophey cases labeled for his friends and allies belongings (and even loved ones, was Dream really going to put Skeppy in a cage just to get to Bad?) 

“Sapnap?” Sam asks again after Sapnap doesn’t respond. 

“Yeah, sorry,” Sapnap shakes his head and continues walking, glancing at George to his left, “I’m sure.” George says nothing and continues walking. He hasn’t said anything since he logged on asking where Dream was. It took an hour of nearly everyone on the server telling George what happened for him to believe it. Even after everything Dream had done, George was still loyal to a fault. 

“George?” Sapnap presses and George’s shoulder stiffen.

“I need to see him for myself,” George says flatly and Sam and Sapnap share a look before continuing down the halls. Sam brings them through locked doors, redstone contraptions, pad locks after pad locks and at some points he even has George and Sapnap be blindfolded so they can’t see the inner workings. Sapnap was worried, as were others, that Sam would betray them and simply let Dream escape. But the fury in Sam’s eyes when he saw the cage built for Fran, when he heard Dream blew up the Community House, that squashed any thoughts of betrayal still lingering. 

“Wait here,” Sam tells them and Sapnap can smell redstone lighting and pistons firing before Sam’s now muffled voice calls out to them. “You can take off the blindfolds now,” he calls and they both do.

Before them is a large blackstone box, the wall between the cell and the corridor being made of obsidian enforced glass (Sapnap didn’t even know that was possible to make until Sam told him about it.) It was well lit and inside the cell was a decent looking bed, a door in the far corner presumably leading to a bathroom, a desk with papers and blunt markers, a round table with only one chair, and lastly, Dream. All things considered the cell was nice, nicer than Dream deserved, but Dream himself looked terrible. His mask was gone, destroyed by Tommy, and it made him so...human. Out of the corner of his eye Sapnap could see George studying Dream as well. His clothes were disheveled, deep bruises still on his face from his fight with Tommy and Tubbo, and where there was a normally calm and sophisticated aura surrounding him, Sapnap saw nothing but unjustified anger. 

“You’ve got visitors,” Sam says unnecessarily from where he stands by the lever to open the cell. George flinches at how detached Sam sounds. The normally kind and bright man sounded almost disappointed in Dream. 

“Yay me,” Dream snaps back, it’s Sapnap who flinches this time.

“You two wanna go in, or just talk through the glass?” Sam asks and Sapnap looks to George for an answer. He doesn’t give an answer, only stepping closer to the glass. Dream leans up from his relaxed position on the bed, intrigued. 

“I’ve gotta say Gogy this is probably the biggest thing you’ve slept through yet,” Dream teases, his voice friendly and open and Sapnap hates how badly it makes him want to break Dream out of this terrifying prison and pretend like nothing bad has ever happened.

“Were you really going to kill Tubbo?” George asks, voice quiet and void of emotion.

“Why do you care?” Dream growls, and Sapnap remembers why he can’t pretend like this is the Dream from months ago that he built the community house with, “You never gave a fuck about what was happening before, why do you care now? Cause Sapnap told you to care?” The mockery in Dream’s voice builds tension in George’s shoulders.

“He’s 17, Dream,” George’s voice is thick and Sapnap takes a step forward, having his own questions for Dream. 

“Why did you do any of it?” Sapnap asks, “Taking everything everyone loves? Controlling Tommy, trying to kill Tubbo, why did you do it?” 

“None of you get it!” Dream screams and even Sam jumps in surprise, “This is my server! I’m in control here, not Tommy, not Tubbo, no one but me!” Seeing Dream this...lost, this out of his element, without the mask is unsettling. His face is too raw, too many emotions on display from the man Sapnap always knew as calm and collected and one step ahead. Sapnap turns away, not baring to see his once best friend so far gone. 

“I’ve seen enough,” Sapnap tells Sam quietly, and the man nods. He guides Sapnap towards the exit, the two of them glancing back when George doesn’t follow. Dream seems to notice as well.

“Not gonna follow them Gogy?” He laughs, crazed and maniacal and hauntingly similar to a certain dead president. 

“You don’t get to call me that,” George snaps, voice fierce and shoulders tense. “You lost the right to call me that a long time ago.” 

The three of them say nothing else as Sam leads them out of the prison, even as Dream’s screams echo down the hallway and echo in their minds for the rest of the night. 

Captain Puffy

It started out as a joke, if Puffy was being honest. Dream had followed her around one day, carrying extra supplies for her, listening to stories of her old pirate adventures, and helping her with her daily tasks. She’d later find out that he was having a really terrible week, stressed from events he wouldn’t disclose (she’d later find out about those “events” as well, to her disgust) and not wanting to talk to anyone but needing something to occupy himself. Puffy joked around, calling him her “duckling” and let him continue doing it. It helped her and him, so she found no harm in it.

Months passed with their small routine. Dream would have a bad day or simply not want to be around the others (Puffy would, again, find out later that it was more that others didn’t want to be around him) so he would follow her around, helping out with her daily tasks or just spending the day with her. It reminded her so much of one of the younger boys on her long abandoned crew, cured a small amount of homesickness, and slowly it became less of a joke and more of a true friendship. The day Dream slipped up and called her mom, even thought she’s only two years older, used to be one of her favorite memories. Emphasis on used to be. 

She was hesitant when she heard rumors of Dream’s villainy. This was Dream they were talking about, the kind guy who came to her when he had a bad day and helped her with anything she asked. She saw him build up those walls around L’manberg, and she heard the murmurs of how he wouldn’t let anyone go see Tommy in his exile, but she passed them off as hyperbolic or flat out lies. She wonders if she was more attentive to what Dream was doing could she have prevented some of this pain. She doesn’t think she’ll ever recover from seeing Dream, her duckling, seconds away from killing a child and further traumatizing another. 

“We’re here,” Sam tells her solemnly as she hears pistons move and unties her blindfold. She could care less about how the cell looked, or how impressive the redstone was. All she could focus on was Dream, standing close to the glass, looking terrible. His mask was gone, showing his emotions clear as day. His eyes screamed sadness and anger and betrayal all in one. His hair was tangled and there was still some blood matted in it from where Tommy had fought him. His shirt was wrinkled and he didn’t even have any shoes. He was simply stood looking heartbroken and entirely human in this cell and it took ever ounce of willpower in Puffy to not cry to Sam to let him out. He looks nothing like the monster who manipulated and controlled others, he looked like her Dream, her duckling, her friend. 

“Dream...” Puffy starts but the words die on her tongue. 

“Puffy, please,” Dream starts and without the mask she can see tears welling in his eyes, “I know it looks bad but you know how bad these past months have been for me, you’ve always been there for me, you have to understand.” 

“I don’t...” the air in the room feels suffocating, “Dream I saw it with my own eyes. I saw it with my own eyes. How could you?” She watches as anger overrides Dream’s eyes but a mournful look still stays on his face.

“Puffy, Cara, you know me,” Puffy can’t hold back her sob when Dream uses her real name. The only other person she told that was Niki, and after their recent fight over what to do with Tommy, Puffy really didn’t want to think about Niki right now. “You know I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t have a reason. I’m doing what’s right, I’m making sure there’s no more fighting. You’re smart, you know me, I wouldn’t do this.” 

Puffy looks at Sam who looks an awful combination of guilty, furious, and depressed. Sometimes she forgets Sam has been here since the beginning. She wonders if Dream has always been evil, if he was always this manipulative, in the beginning. 

“When you would help me,” Puffy starts, still not looking at Dream, “when you were my duckling, was that just a cover? Was that just you trying to use me, too?” She turns back to meet Dream’s eyes, the mask no longer there to hide the way his eyes scream that he’s lying. His face is a dead give away for what he’s doing, Puffy wonders if that’s why he always wore the mask. 

“No, Cara,” Dream lies through his teeth, “I’d never use you, I promise. You have to believe me.” 

The three of them stand in silence, Dream leaning on the glass with fake tears in his eyes and real tears in Puffy’s. Sam is deathly quiet in the corner of the room, watching and not intervening. Puffy can’t tell if she appreciates that or not. What she can tell is that she can’t stand to look at Dream another minute. 

“I really did care about you, Dream,” she wipes her tears on her sleeve and turns to Sam, “I’m done.” Sam just nods and leads Puffy towards the exit. 

“Puffy, please! I wouldn’t do this, don’t you see it!” Dream pleads, voice morphing from sorrow to anger, “I did what I had to! Puffy listen to me! CARA!” 

Sam still says nothing as he sets a steadying hand on Puffy’s shoulder as she sobs, guiding her out of the prison and away from her duckling. 

[smallplaceinthecosmos]

Ok ok now that my thoughts are more coherent genuinely I got about a month of c!Wilbur streams before November 16th and I did not have them long but I have been eagerly awaiting their return I love how he picks at character motivations and we get to see a little improv character study in real time those are legit my favorite things ever.

Like I love Ranboo’s streams on their own but his character doesn’t really talk about why he believes what he believes, or when he does he goes in circles and gets himself confused, because c!Ranboo doesn’t really have a clear idea of why he believes what he believes. Getting to see someone else pick his brain was excellent, he actually had to explain himself properly and elaborate on his opinions and!! They’re not all bad or wishy-washy!! There’s good intention under there, it just needs direction. Maybe enderwalk!Ranboo already has that and it’s just waiting below the surface - but either way I think Wilbur could be good for Ranboo, genuinely, and vice versa, actually for similar reasons as I said Ranboo and Tommy would work well together.

Wilbur and Tommy have a lot in common, a few of which set them very well as foils to Ranboo - they’re tenacious, they’re aggressively loyal, and they’ve both got a boatload of trauma left undealt with. Ranboo is people pleasing and unsure of himself, but he’s also consistently kind and understanding - we saw it today, in fact! Not once during the entire stream does it seem like Ranboo is hiding any concerns at all about Wilbur being a bad person, despite everything he’s heard about the man since he joined the SMP. To all appearances, he’s convinced Wilbur’s changed, or at least that it’s worth giving him a chance, and Wilbur is genuinely moved by this. Whatever reservations Wilbur had or still has about Ranboo, manipulation or no, it will not just be Wilbur influencing Ranboo here. The sort of unconditional understanding Ranboo tends toward is sorely lacking and sorely needed. (And however you feel about the methods Wilbur’s using, maybe he’ll have some positive influence on Ranboo as well.)

[finnyboywolfhard]

Song That The Morning Brings (Prologue)

Steve Harrington x Henderson! Reader Series

Summary: Y/N Henderson is new to Hawkins and what better to have than someone willing to show you around. She befriends someone who eventually becomes her best friend, but the ties begin to break as they face some changes. 

a/n; hellooo! this is going to be a S1-S3 slowburn fic. I’m going to try to update regularly but I can’t promise anything. Let me know if you want to be taglisted or anything :) enjoy!

warnings: cursing, angst, slight mention of abuse, alcohol

word count: 2.1k

The  Hendersons arrived in Hawkins only a few days before the beginning of the school year. Luckily for Dustin, he had only just finished 4th grade, his friends were mere technicalities in the move. However for Y/N, that meant that she had to leave her friends right at the start of high school. She couldn’t necessarily be mad at her mom for leaving her dad finally, Dusty was still a little too young to understand the severity of some of what happened between their parents. Their dad didn’t ever get physical with their mom, but the damage done to her mentally was enough for anyone to break. So, Claudia helped her kids pack their things while their father was away and move the distance to Hawkins.

“Hey mom, I’m gonna walk around the town a little bit just to try to get acquainted. I’ll be back.”

“Okay honey, please be careful. “ Claudia kissed her daughter on the cheek and let her wander off.

It was still warm out, which was nice but what was even nicer was the cool breeze blowing in her direction. She walked down past Lincoln Park and found herself wandering into a clearly richer neighborhood.

The girl was scared from her thoughts as she bumped into a boy who had been running in her direction attempting to catch a ball.

“Ah shit! I’m so sorry.” He said.

“It’s alright; I was kinda in my own little world anyway.” She said with a smile, slightly taken aback by how attractive he was. Maybe she could get used to being in Hawkins.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but do I know you?” He asked her.

“Steve! Dude! Come on!” A boy yelled from far away.

“No you don’t, I just moved here. My name is Y/N” She reached her hand out for him to shake it, “It’s nice to meet you Steve, but I think you should probably get back.”

“Y/N, you don’t have to but tomorrow I can give you a proper tour of Hawkins if you meet me here tomorrow morning at like 10 AM.”

“Steve that would be lovely.” She waved goodbye to him and began walking back to her house.

When she got home, she ran to tell her mom about what had happened, before her mom sat her down for a serious conversation.

“Y/N, I know this was hard for you, and I’m so sorry that you had to move away from your friends.”

“Mom, it’s okay. I’ll make it out okay. I just know it. And I know Dusty will be just fine too. You don’t have to worry about us.”

“I know, I just know I can’t be the male influence in your guys’ life, and that worries me.”

“Mom, you’re the best influence we have, okay? I’m gonna head to bed and I think you should too. I love you mom.”

“I love you too my dearest. Trees, Leaves and Needles.”

Y/N went to bed that night with her mind going ninety miles an hour. She couldn’t stop thinking about Steve and whether he was playing some grand practical joke or if he was being super genuine. She thought about what her mom said about a male influence, because in all reality she never had one nor needed one, but Dustin would. Neither Claudia nor Y/N could be that for him.

When she rose the next morning, she was eager to get ready and head over to Steve’s. She didn’t even say goodbye to her mom and brother. The walk was super pleasant and she got there quicker than expected.

“Y/N! Hey! I’m so glad you actually came!” The tour was the official start of their friendship.

After that day the two were inseparable. For all of freshman and sophomore year, the two were never seen without the other. On the last day of Sophomore year, Y/N had just gotten back to the school to clear her locker out for the summer.

“Hey Stevie!” Y/N hugged Steve from the back, hands flying around his waist.

“Hey Y/N/N, where have you been all day?”

“I told you! Today was when I went into meet Chief Hopper about being a work study for him over the next few years.”

“Oh yeah, and you’re positive it’s not because of your dumb school girl crush on him?” She slapped his arm for that response, having been embarrassed of the fact that she opened up to him about that in the past.

“I am 100% positive about that. I am also 100% over that. Anyway, I’m primarily gonna be working with Flo, and if I’m not with her, I’m gonna be filing shit away for them. So, how was the final day in Hawkins High for the year without me?”

“I got invited to a party!”

“Wait, really? By who?”

“Tommy H! He said it’s gonna be super laidback and fun, and I was thinking that you could come with me….” He was nudging her in the side, her blatant disgust by the idea stayed on her face like cement. “Come Y/N, just one party that’s it, that’s all I’m asking.”

“I’ll think about it, when is it?”

“Tonight.” He muttered under his breath, knowing she was gonna freak.

“Tonight?! Steve! I told you that I have stay with my mom and brother tonight because we’ve hung out every other night this week.”

“I know, but I was hoping that maybe your mom would be chill if you just stayed home tomorrow instead.”

“Steve, we have plans to hang out tomorrow already. Remember?” He shakes his head a little. “We are gonna go see Trading Places and then dinner.”

“Y/N, please. I really want to go to this party but I don’t want to go alone.” The girls heart broke a little at the sight of him so let down. But she had made a promise to her mom, and seeing her mom like that would be so much worse.

“I’m sorry Stevie. I made a promise. I’ll drive home if you want? I don’t have to pick up Dustin for another hour.” The boy agreed to her driving him home.

Later on in the night, she had just sat down in the living room to watch Raiders of The Lost Ark with Dusty for probably the sixth time in the past few months when her phone started ringing off the hook. She rushed over to pick it up.

“Hello?”

“Y/N! Oh thank you for ans-s-swering. I n-need you to come-“ A burp interrupted the sentence deliriously coming from the other end of the phone. “To come get me. I’m a little drunk.”

“Steve, where are you?”

“Tommy’s house. He lives on Holly Avenue.” This sentence a little more clear, but definitely still slurred.

“I’ll be there in like 5.”

She hung up the phone and walked over to Dustin, letting him know that she would be back soon and that he could keep watching the movie without her. She walked to her car, already feeling the anger she was gonna feel when she got there. As she started her drive over, she played her favorite Grateful Dead album, Wake of The Flood. They always helped her stay calm when she was gonna burst. When she pulled up, she could already hear the loud, overbearing music and could already see the stumbling teenagers rejoicing in the end of their school year. She parked her car, and decided to dive head first into the sea of her peers in search of the dumbass boy she had befriended last year. The floor was sticky beyond belief, and the smell of the air was a mixture of disgusting and putrid. Her blood was already beginning to boil, but reached its point when she heard, “Harrington, your girl is here to pick you up.” The girl whipped her head around and saw a pack of boys standing around Steve cracking up, all of them visibly less gone than he was. She hurried her pace to go over to the group, she grabbed his wrist with a firm grasp and an authoritative “Let’s go”. Steve followed close behind her, stumbling ever so slightly, slowly becoming closer and closer to her, almost as if she was a stable surface to push his body weight onto.

“Y/N. Y/N. Y/N. Y/N, you’re going too fast. “ The girl slowed her pace a little bit.

“Y/N, are you mad at me? I don’t want you to be mad at me. I was just trying to have a little fun for once.” It felt like a dagger going through her heart, ‘for once’. That one hurt her.

“Y/N, please talk to me.” They had just reached the passenger side of the door, and she was buckling him in, just as Chief Hopper arrived to break it up.

“Steve, stay here.” She had rushed over to Hopper when he was getting out of his car.

“Hey Hop. I’ll file this tomorrow morning; this is Tommy Hagan’s house just so you know.”

“Believe me, I know. This isn’t my first time coming here. Why are you here?”

“I had to pick up an idiot friend. I’ll let you go do your thing, just thought I should inform you just in case.”

“Thanks Y/N, see ya.”

She prepared herself for what was coming once she got in the car. Her heart was beating out of control. However, she was pleased when he was quiet while she was buckling herself in, but once she started her car the chattering was back.

“Y/N/N, why are you mad at me?” His voice was super sad, but she was also really upset.

“I’m mad because I didn’t really want you or me coming to this party tonight, but you came and I had to come to get you because you can’t handle your alcohol. Also, you said have fun for once. I thought we had fun when we hang out but whatever.” At this point, she was on her way to his house.

“Y/N, I’m Sorry. I promise.”

“Yeah, whatever its fine.” The car then fell silent, until he realized she was taking him to his house.

“You can’t take me to my house.”

“What? Why?”

“My dad will kill me if he finds out I have been drinking.” She could tell he was starting to sober up, even just a little bit.

“Okay, well I can’t take you to my house with me, so how about we drive around until you think you can see your dad?” The boy nodded his head. Just as he did that, her favorite song from the album came on. She started humming along until the chorus hit, where she started full on singing.

“Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world,” he began staring at her as she sang along, “This is my favorite lyric Stevie, ready… Wake now, discover that you are the song that the morning brings, Isn’t that beautiful?”

“Yeah, it really is.” Love starting filling his eyes, but she never saw it. They drove for a while longer, until he felt comfortable enough to go home. She looked at the clock, and saw her curfew was about to expire in about 20 minutes. This dwindled down to ten by the time she got to Steve’s. She put the car in park, got out and walked him up to his room, knowing the layout of the house as well as she’d known her own. She got him up to his room and ready for bed, before walking over to the door to leave, knowing she’d be the one to have to talk to Mr. Harrington. Steve stopped her as she was leaving by saying,

“I really am sorry Y/N. I promise you that this will never happen again.”

Except that promise was repeatedly broken. The amount of times that she had to leave her house to rescue a drunken Steve Harrington, or as people would say “King Steve”, from a disgusting party became too much for her. The last time he called her, was the last time that they had ever talked after nearly 2 years of nonstop friendship.

Junior year came at her like a flash, and here she was three months in, finding herself lost without Steve by her side. But deep down in her heart, she knew that this ‘King Steve’ character was just a façade that he needed to deal with, and that her best friend would be himself again eventually. That didn’t make her feel any better about the whole situation regardless.

[ppastel-pinkk]

the less i know the better

genre: angst, with a fluffy ending I guess?

warnings: irresponsible drinking if that makes sense, unedited writing jshdjdh I sort of having this idea and type then post it right away

pairings: Tom x Reader

note: this is a random writing, a little bit inspired from the song by Tame Impala with the same title, was listening to it while working and sort of get this idea and HAD to write it down somehow :)) messily written because I’m at work and had to stop a few times because I need to do some paper works and I’m kinda bad at writing in English.. but still I hope you enjoy!

—

“She just left with Haz.”

His eyes darted towards the front door, and to his surprise, he really met the sight of you in your favorite blue jacket walking hand-in-hand with his best friend, Harrison. He spat the remaining drink in his mouth, spaced out in disbelief.

“Man, I thought she was your girl?”

“I thought so, too.” He gulped the last sip in his bottle before continuing, sour. “Turned out I was wrong.”

Jacob leaned on the bar table as he tried to prevent him from ordering more booze. He’s already on his second bottle for the night—first when he saw her sitting together with Harrison for probably about an hour or so, exchanging glances and laughter. The second one, he just chugged it empty, mercilessly.

It’s slowly coming back to him, how both of you had been so close for the past few weeks. How you started to notice him in your Spanish class, putting up with his antics and ambitious demeanor. How you told him that wearing glasses in class is actually a graceful sight and your words caused him a sleepless night— the one where he couldn’t stop smiling ear to ear until the sun came.

He looked outside the window of the bar, eyes fixated on the bench under the tree where you and him used to study for exams together. Him secretly watching a leaf fell to your silky hair ever so gracefully, it made him felt like in a movie. Made him smile ear to ear even when it’s way past a month since he first saw that sight.

Both of you were so close—almost too close to be true. He’d been your date to every parties you almost refused to go to, and you’re his date to his every movie night. He took you to your new favorite place—an old bookstore by the end of the streets near his apartment. He’s down to your every tea time invites, even though he prefers coffee than your strawberry tea. You’ve been to his room and alas, now he couldn’t look at his own blankets like how he used to. It surprisingly still had your scent in it, and he could see it torturing him for the next four months, maybe more.

You let him hold your hand while walking. He welcomed you to his embrace when you’re feeling low. You both almost kissed by the end of your latest movie night, all that hope he got just to see you move it with Harrison.

“Is it possible that she just...”

“Being friendly to you so she can get it with Haz?” Jacob took down Tom’s hand that were calling for the bartender. “That is cruel... but still possible.”

“Hey, more shots please!” He shouted to the bartender.

“Enough, Tom, you’ve drank enough.”

“Who cares,” he plopped down on the table. He couldn’t feel his energy running through his body anymore. He’s tired of drowning into the pain, looking back to the memories he had with you that now left a sour taste in his mouth.

The bartender put the drink in front of him, but somehow he couldn’t make himself to drink it. Pictures of you came running fast in his head, along with all the things he thought was supposed to happen. He’d seen it in you, all the gleams in your eyes whenever you look at him, how much you cared about him more than anyone else. How your sight never leave his figure even when you both are far away from each other. How your lips almost slipped the L word almost every single time. He has seen hopes in you, sadly it wasn’t the one that comes true.

Looking back at it, now he knows why you were keep asking about Harrison for the past few days. Where he came from, his house, even his parents’ names. That sudden curiosity triggered the alarm on his head but Tom refused to hear it. He has fallen too deep, and he wish he wasn’t.

And he kind of regretted his decision to bring you to this party, trying to introduce you to his world—part of it was to introduce you to his best friend. Turned out you both going too well, even far too deep into conversations and laughter that slowly make Tom felt out of place. He felt betrayed, seeing you walking out of the bar with his best friend. And he doesn’t want to imagine what you did with him while you were out of his sight.

Pictures of you having it with Harrison, how you both made it your night and simply throwing his existence out of the window, kept coming back to his head that he decided to take one shot in. He heard Jacob’s warning almost too faintly, maybe even too tired to care.

Oh, the less he knows the better.

-

Tom wasn’t really sure how many shots he took that now he’s lying almost helplessly on his own bed. The comfort of his blanket sent sudden wave of realisation as the last time he remembered being sober was when he was lost in his thoughts at the bar. Jacob's effort to get him back to reality had failed miserably, as he chugged more alcohol into his system. His head was pounding hard and he felt nauseous all the time, surrounded himself with regrets for not trying hard enough to sober up. He got up to take a bucket that Jacob usually left him on the side of his bed, but he only find a warm soup and tablets of aspirin on his bedside table. A note with such neat handwriting was placed just between the two.

You were a mess. Eat this to feel better.

He squinted his eyes to enhance his blurry vision, figuring out who might’ve left that there. It’s clearly not Jacob’s handwriting because his looks a lot like toddler’s scribbles than an actual handwriting. He studied them hard enough that the headache is starting to came back, so he quickly gulped down the aspirin with a glass of water nearby. As he drank, his mind keeps sending him back to the picture of him and you studying Spanish under the tree. You scribbling down a note for him to study, with such a beautiful handwriting that he kept in his drawer just to make him go to sleep happily. He was shocked once again, could it be you who wrote this note for him?

Quickly his hands pulled the drawer to take that small piece of paper and compare the two in front of his face. It was indeed your handwriting.

He was confused. Thought she left with Haz? I must be dreaming, right? He pinched himself, and-ouch! It hurts, so that means he’s fully awake.

He was about to exited the room, maybe trying to find some evidence of you coming to his small flat when he heard your crisp laugh. It used to sound like a symphony to him, until it was replaced with siren after what you did to him at the bar. Bet Haz were also here to laugh at me being a complete mess, he thought to himself.

His hand turned the knob and slowly opened the door, surprisingly found you sitting on the couch with Jacob in a friendly distance. You looked so cozy and the dim lights from his fireplace gave you a warm light, send flutters to his stomach. You and Jacob were having a small talk, not noticing his presence until he sort of lost his balance and almost fell to the side. Lucky for him that there’s a table just beside him, so that wasn’t too embarrassing—but it did shock you and Jacob.

“You’re awake, Tommy boy?”

He nodded as Jacob rushed to his side and trying to help him sit on the couch. Both Tom and you were now sitting side by side, he looked at you with such an awkward glance and you’re still with your warm, loving eyes he always adore. He almost feel like fainting again when he looked at you.

“Well,” Jacob stood up from his spot on the sofa. “I’ll leave you two alone so you can have the talk.”

He left with a suspicious grin on his face, not even care the slightest about Tom’s panicking gaze. Now that hungover guy has no option than to sit with you, maybe for a couple minutes. He’d called it a night and pretend to go to sleep later so he wouldn’t have to face you or anything you wanted to talk about.

“Feeling better, Tom?”

He nodded while scratching the back of his head. “Not good but definitely not terrible.”

“Glad to hear that. You were a mess last night.”

“Yeah, your note told me about that.”

“So you’ve read them?”

He nodded in silence, letting out a worn out sigh. He planned to leave maybe a minute or so-just for you not to feel bad about his reaction upon meeting you, but his curiosity got the best of him. Questions kept popping up in his head as he looked at your presence on his living room. Why is she here? Wasn’t she with Haz last night? What happened? What’s the talk that Jacob’s been teasing about?

“Is there anything you wanted to ask me?”

“Whoa—how do you know?”

“You’ve been staring at me like a lost kid, mate.”

Even when you pointed out that obvious behavior, he still stared blankly at your eyes. Get lost in your gaze that he used to love, or simply get drowned into his pool of questions. But then, the more he dives in to the depth of your eyes, the more it hurts. 

“Why are you here?”

You sighed. “You were wasted, Tom. The moment I got back to the bar, you were yelling like an old, grumpy hag. Jacob was having a hard time with dealing with you on his own so I helped him. Haz even drove you back here, but he couldn’t stay since he had to go to Greece this morning. He’s sorry that he couldn’t be around, tho.”

“Wait, you went back to the bar? Thought you were leaving with Haz?”

“No, of course I wouldn’t! Why would I leave my date on the bar? Gosh, I should’ve told you that we were—”

Her date? he thought. Did she just call me her date after having the courage to ditch me like that?

Tom didn’t hear the rest of your long explanation. his head was too far clouded with anger and it made him feel even more dizzy. He stopped you midway through your explanation, manage to spit out words.

“Knock it off. I know you’re in love with Haz. You’re befriending me just to get with him, right?”

“Excuse me, what?”

He sighed deeply, fingers starting to massage his temple as his headache is getting even worse. “I knew it, I saw how you suddenly get so curious about him, how you immediately stick to him as soon as you both get along. Leaving me out of the picture. I shouldn’t hoped too much, but to be honest, it sucks.”

“No, oh my God. Tom,” you scooted over to Tom that had his head hung low, reached for his hands and squeezed it gently. “I just found out that your best friend is my cousin. How can I be in love with my own cousin?”

“W—what?”

Her cousin, he thought to himself. He should’ve known better—the chemistry, all the connection you had with Harrison, the curiosity, it’s not at all romantic. They were simply a cousin! He should’ve known this instead of being a total dumb-ass. Tom could clearly see you holding back that laughter as he felt warmth filling his cheeks. Pretty sure they turned into bright red right now, that you couldn’t resist the small giggles. He was flustered, wish he could just disappear into thin air right now.

“Yeah, remember when I told you I have a long-lost aunt? Turned out Harrison was her son. That’s why I asked you his parents’ name the other day. We went out for some fresh air to talk about this and for an emotional hug, I’m afraid that it’d be weird if we did it in front of you and Jacob. We did some catching up and talk about stuffs... that’s why it took a little long.”

“Oh gosh I feel awful... I’m sorry I don’t—”

“No, don’t say sorry. I must be the one apologizing for not making it clear that’s it’s you whom I fell in love with. It’s not like I’m being nice to you so I could get close to Haz, gosh, no. That is such a nasty thing to do.”

“Wait... did you just say you...”

“Yes, dumb-ass. I love you. Wasn’t it obvious tho? The way I was comfortable with you around, and my converted gaze every time you looked me in the eyes for more than five seconds. How my cheeks were burning every time I see you laugh-or maybe we both are being too caught up with our own feelings to notice the love that is in the air.”

His eyes darted to where your hands were, on top of his very own hands. He looked closely at the way your fingers were squeezing his hand, not to tight but enough to reassure him that everything you said was true. That whatever you said was something that flowed naturally from the bottom of your heart. You’re being absolutely honest and that was enough for him to close the gap between both of you and let your lips met.

He kissed you softly, without hesitation that was clouding his mind up until a few seconds ago. He smiled into the kiss and his happiness roamed around both of you, was pretty obvious for you to feel it as he was kinda hoping it would be. Both of you parted, and now his hands were the ones squeezing yours warmly.

“So are we dating now?”

You chuckled. “Yes, we are.”

“But one more question,” he scooted over so that he could lean his back on your chest, letting you envelope him with a warm hug. “Did Jacob knew about this? I noticed he was mentioning about the talk?”

“Sort of, because you told me everything beforehand—while not being sober at all.” You laughed. “You told me everything on the bar when you got wasted. Then I asked Jacob for further explanation. That’s why he knew about this talk, he even asked me to do that since I told him how I feel exactly.”

Tom’s jaw dropped. He couldn’t imagine how much of an embarrassment he was in front of the love of his life whom he not yet confessed to. He could feel the blood in his cheeks are boiling, pretty sure his cheeks are now reddening madly. That reaction gained a few more chuckles from you, as you were gently caressing his hair.

“That must be so embarrassing...”

“Nah it’s fine. That lead us to this, we should be thankful instead.”

“You’re right, love.”

Tom grabbed your hand that was starting to messing up with his hair, kissed the palm softly before holding it tight. He felt dumb for mistaken your actions as taking him for granted, but he was a bit relieved that with the help of his stupid reactions, it was resolved to an even better relationship he could ever wished for. And now, as he was resting his head on your lap peacefully, he knew that he learned something important today.

The more you know the better. Always.

[celestica-1988]

My Heroine

Nikki Sixx The Dirt! x Female Reader.

Warning: smut

You waited for this night for months.

You took the ticket as soon as it was available and you kept it as a treasure: your precious Mötley Crüe concert ticket.

You weren’t disappointed, the guys did their best to give the crowd a memorable show and they didn’t fail.

During those two hours you sang, screamed, jumped and moshed as it was the last night of your life. Even now, in the parking of the arena, in the frozen New York November you felt some warmth in your heart.

At some point someone started to scream that the band was going to the bus and you ran like the others, luckily there weren’t many people so the Crüe had some times to talk and joke with the fans.

When it was your turn you hugged Tommy, Vince and Mick, they were all relaxed, Nikki was different. It was like he didn’t know what to do when someone hug him, but after some seconds he hugged you tightly.

They all signed your notebook and you waved at them together with the others fans.

You moved towards the metro looking at the autographs, considering of getting them tattooed or not, when you see a small note by Nikki.

“Come to my room, it’s the 66 at 6th floor.” You froze.

Was it true? Can you really go to the address of the hotel?

What if it was just a game?

You weren’t a common girl, you were a fat one. The nature didn’t bless you with height, but with an enormous belly, gross thigh and short legs. You weren’t pretty and all the people in elementary, middle school and highschool took remember you it as a job. Not a day passed since someone insulted you, hurted you and someone even beated you.

Yea, you had two wonderful blue eyes, but the world didn’t care for your eyes or sweet soul, all that mattered was your body and your was so ugly you considered suicide more than one time.

Was Nikki message another way to remind you that you were a fat ass, ugly and unlovable girl?

Could you trust him?

No, you couldn’t, because, after all, you didn’t know him, but you decided to go the same. If you didn’t you would probably kick your ass for missing such a chance for all the rest of your life.

The hotel wasn’t too far away so you walked to it and when you saw it you were amazed, it was a very expensive one. You stepped in the hall and you felt like Cinderella going to the ball, just your prince wasn’t a prince at all. You looked for the elevator and reached the six floor, once you were out of the machine a man wearing a black suit stopped you.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. But the sixth floor is reserved for Mötley Crüe.”

“I’m here to meet Nikki Sixx.”

You said with the more firm voice you can find.

“Can you show me an invitation or something?”

You got a bit irritated, but then remember that he was used to girls who tried to sneak in without permission. You handed him the note and he read it carefully.

“Ok, you can go. But, please, be careful.” You nodded and walk till the door with a 66 in it, uncertain you knocked a couple of times. Nikki opened the door and smiled.

“Come in, dude.” You obey and looked at the messy room.

“You know my name, but what’s yours? I don’t like calling people dude for the whole night.”

“My name is Y/N.” You answered smiling.

“So, how was the concert tonight?” You started telling him how beautiful and funny and like if it was a dream come true.

He smiles happily so you chatted till when you see a wound still bleeding on Nikki arm’s. You stopped talking.

“Whats up, Y/N?” “Why are you hurt?”

You gestured at the wound.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I broke a Jack Daniels bottle and one of the pieces cuts me.”

“Where the first aid kit?” “In the bathroom, I think.” You went to look for it and when you find it you came back to Nikki.

“Stretch the arm, please.” “Ok.” You removed the blood, disinfects the wound and then made a little bandage.

“Wow, thank you! It’s the first time that someone got worried and treat my wounds!”

His voice was genuinely surprised.

“I’m studying to become a nurse.” You smiled to ease the tension, but the air in the room was changed and there was nothing you could do about it. He was looking at you in a way that screamed sex, but also with something that show a need for affection, your breath became deeper, totally aware that your bodies were close.

It was the time for the discourse and you hated it, but you had to protect yourself. “Listen, I know I’m not here to just chat.” You winked towards the bed.

“So, I have a question to ask you and, please, be real.”

You breathed heavily.

“Do you wanna fuck me because I’m nice or interesting, whatever or because you made a bet with your friends? Like I give you 100 dollars if you fuck the fat ass.

Because if it is the first situation I’m totally fine with it, but if it is the second situation let’s stop here and say goodbye.” Nikki look was confused.

“No, I don’t wanna fuck you for a stupid bet. I’m not at highschool anymore.”

“Then kiss me.” You smiled at him, reassured.

The kiss was not sweet or gentle, it was rough and full of passion, his hands were everywhere and your were tangled in his hair. Soon the clothes were all over the room and you were moaning under his touch, he was sucking your neck. Tomorrow you would have many hickeys to hide, but so him. You felt electricity every time his big hand caressed you next to the thigh. You screamed when he slowly started to rub your clit.

“So wet for me.” He whispered.

You give a little squeeze to his boxer.

“So hard for me.” Something animalistic passed through his eyes and suddenly you find yourself giving him the back, he kissed your spine and your ass and then, with one form thrust he entered you. You had no time to adjust, still you were dripping with pleasure, moaning and screaming.

“Be loud for me, angel.” He caressed your hair after minutes of pulling them to give you the right rhythm.

“Is it okay, angel? Am I too rough?

Sex is fun just if we both enjoy it.” You weren’t used to such rough se, but you liked it and you liked even more that your partner worried about you.

“I’m fine. Fuck, I’ve never been better.” He kissed your neck and keep thrust.

“Y/N, you’re tight!”

He moaned.

“Fuck, I’m gonna cum.” “Me… to…” You exhale with the last breaths.

You were floating somewhere around the room, pleasure took you away and made you feel so special.

When you came back to earth you noticed Nikki between your legs with a smirk.

“What?”

“Sh! Just enjoy, love.

You’ve been so good.” You heard stories about how the bassist likes to eat out his female partners, but, fuck, you didn’t think he was so good. His tongue moves with expert movement in your most sensible spot and he rubbed a thumb around your clit that you were about to beg him to finger you.

But he did and the waves of pleasure took away another time.

“You taste good.” You looked at Nikki with a faint smile, you were happy and tired at the same time.

“And you meet all the expectation. I can’t even breathe.” He laughed and he laid next to you.

You look for your panties and put up a Nikki’s tee when he grabbed your fist.

“Where are you going?” “Isn’t how it work? You fucked me and now we say goodbye.” “Come here.” He patted the space next him.

“You aren’t going anywhere tonight.” His voice was sleepy and he curled up against you, with an arm through your stomach.

“Goodnight, Angel.”

“Goodnight, Nikki.” And you both felt asleep.

  You woke up feeling a nice warmth. During the night Nikki changed position and you were laying over his chest.

You would never leave that room, you would like that moment lasted forever.

Unluckily it happened, Vince opened wide the room’s door, startling both of you.

“You did it, old bastard!”

He threw 200 dollars on the bed.

“I did what?” “You fucked the fat ass!”

You froze.

“No, Y/N is not what it seems…” You slapped him.

“You’re a liar, fucking piece of shit!”

You got up, wore your jeans and shoes and slapped Vince with all your strength.

“Fucking moron, fuck you, jerk!” “We are you fave band, sweetie, you can’t …” “Fuck off, you aren’t my favorite band anymore.” You stormed out the room and almost knocked down Tommy.

“Are you okay?

Do you want me to call you a taxi?” “I have no money.” “I’ll pay for you.” “Well, thanks then.” You and him reached the hall, found an empty cab, you told the taxi driver your address, Tommy paid and you were finally away from that nightmare. Tears started to fall, you felt used and violated, you felt a piece of trash.

No more sex with rockstars.

You said to yourself.

Doesn’t matter how hot, nice or kind they might appear.

You finished your vow.

New York seemed even colder than usual that morning and you just wanted to sleep and not exist for a while.

Luckily the taxi driver didn’t ask you why you were crying your heart out in you car.

You arrived at your flat complex and stumbled inside, the goddamned elevator was out of use so you used the stair till the last floor.

You opened the door and collapsed on the couch, crying yourself to sleep.

You were awakened from strong knocks at the door, you took a baseball bat and carefully opened the door.

It was Nikki.

“What the fuck do you want?” You said sternly standing against the doorframe, your arms crossed on your chest with one hand whom still old the bat.

“Hi, Nikki. Nice to see ya. Wanna come in?” You flashed him a furious look.

“I won’t repeat. What do you want?” “I wanna talk to you.” “No need of it, your friend were clear enough.” “No, he wasn’t. It is not what it seems!”

“Say another cliché and I will use the bat mercilessly.”

“Listen. Ok, it’s true. I made a bet with Vince two days ago, the one who fucked a fat girl would win 200 dollars, but I was drunk as hell. I completely forget about it, I swear.

When I had sex with you it was because I like you not for the bet.”

Your hands clenched on the bat.

“Is it another bet now? How much this time?”

“No bet. I beat the shit out of Vince.

You are not like the others, you are my heroin!” Your eyes widened.

“What?” “When I use heroin I did because I feel the warmth that my mother couldn’t give me. When you hugged me, fix that wound and tonight I felt the same thing!”

He was desperate, but you were too hurt by the way it ended.

“You’re batshit crazy. Leave before I fucking beat the crap outta you!” You came back in your apartment and ignored the knocks, they stopped when your neighbor – a bodyguard – got rid of him.

You started to study, unable to do other things and you immersed yourself in the book.

At midnight you decided to have a break and ate something, Nikki was on the other side of the street under the snow.

Fuck him.

You ate a sandwich and then you started to study again.

The sun went down, but you stopped just around seven o’clock to prepare yourself a dinner. You watched out of the window and Nikki was still there, just lying in the sidewalk, unconscious.

The nurse in you kicked in: you open the door, climbed down the stairs and crossed the street. You touched his face: it was frozen. You looked for the pulse and you found it, but it was weak.

Without even thinking twice you carry the man on your shoulders and started move towards the house. It was partially your fault if he was almost frozen to death.

  Dragging Nikki from the ground to the last floor wasn’t easy.

The elevator didn’t work again – did it ever work a day from when you lived there? – and the stairs seemed never-ending, but you did it.

You removed all his clothes – yes, also the underwear –, picked a towel and dry and massaged him to heat him up. Then you take some clothes that your ex left there and dressed Nikki and you dragged him in your room. You covered him with all the blankets you found and then you went to sleep on the couch.

It was a long day, you were dead tired.

At some point during the night, you felt the presence of someone next to you, you carefully opened your eyes and you almost screamed when you saw Nikki.

“It’s okay, I’m Nikki.”

Panting and feeling your heart beating faster you looked to him.

“What were you doing?” “Watching you sleep.” “Why the hell?” You were confused, hurt and clueless. The bet was over so why was he still lingering around you?

“I like you.” “As if.”

“Listen, Y/N, for all my life I never felt loved. Just a couple of time when I was a kid and Deana was nice with me. When it happened, I felt a warmth in my heart. Growing up I started to believe that I did not deserved love, so I looked only for sex. I found that warmth again in heroin, but, you know, on the long run it kills you slowly and painfully. It eats your brain.

Then you hugged me after the concert, you talked to me, took care of me and we had sex. I felt it again, the warmth.” “It was a bet.” “I already told you I forgot about it. Please, believe me.

When Vince came in and threw the money I would’ve liked to kill him. I beated him, because he ruined the first time I feel something for a girl.”

“Nikki, stop.

Don’t make it worse. You can’t love me: I’m a fatass, you will grow tired of my big body.” You tried to hold back the tears, but Nikki saw them.

“I love your body, there so much to hug and caress.”

You stayed silent, you didn’t know what to say.

You needed a moment to process that Nikki fucking Sixx almost froze to death to talk to you, to tell you that he liked you.

He fucking liked you.

“Do you really like me?”

“I think yes, I think I even love you, but I’m not good with feelings.” Your heart skipped more than one bit,

You were torn apart, one part of you yelled to forgive and kiss him, the other one to not trust him.

“How can I trust you again?

How can I be sure that you ae not joking?” “There is no way, Y(N. Just follow your heart.” You looked at him. He was sober, his eyes were sincere and he was nervous like a girl at her first date.

“I love you too.”

You whispered softly.

“But, please, don’t hurt me.”

“I won’t.” He lifted your chin with a long finger and kiss you slowly and gently, as you were both savor yourself.

He picked you up bridal style and he walked towards your room. He places slowly on the bed and then reached you, he was the big spoon, hugging tight from behind.

He kissed your neck.

“Goodnight, princess.

He said with a sleepy voice.

“Goodnight, rockstar.” You listened to him falling asleep and concentrate on how good you feel in Nikki arms.

They were like your house and you had no intentions to leave anytime soon.

[exomatseumnida]

Sleep on my lap for the last time

in which Bobby comforts you when you go through a shitty time

I woke up feeling a bit blue than usual. Not sure if it was because today is Monday or because my period is near or because my pet cat, Tommy, had been sick for these past days. I pushed away those feelings and motivated myself to get up from the bed and made way to the bathroom.

It seemed like Monday hates me because one, Bobby doesn’t reply to my text (in which I assume he was busy either in practice or making a new song), two, my class was extended until five o’clock, three, my housemates hate my cat and they send subtle hints telling me to send Tommy away. Me, being the un-oblivious one, decided to brush it off until one day one of my housemates blamed Tommy for scratching her cat and rant on Instagram about it. And what am I supposed to do about it? Scold Tommy? As if he can understand.

Things however started getting out of hands when Tommy started to leave crystals from his litter box everywhere on the floor, peed blood and vomited everywhere. My housemates started glaring at Tommy and treating him like a stray cat. I was well aware of his sudden change in behavior and had been bringing Tommy to the vet every night ever since he showed symptoms of urinary tract infection (as to what the vet diagnosed him with).

One night, I put Tommy inside my bedroom after many nights of not doing so (because he peed on my bed when I didn’t let him out despite his frequent meows) and started studying for my upcoming finals. I was so stressed out because physiology really isn’t my favorite subject out of this course that I am studying. I was at the verge of breaking down and suddenly I felt a heavy furry thing jumped on my lap and started kneading on my thigh.

“Tommy, not now…” I looked down and tried to put her on the floor but she curled herself and slept on my lap. I sighed and decided to just continue to study before my phone lit up signaling that I received a text.

‘How’s Tommy?’ Bobby asked

��He’s doing fine except that he threw up yesterday and still peed blood’ I typed explaining Lucy’s situation to Bobby. I had told Bobby about Tommy’s condition (minus the housemate part) and he had ever since asked me to update about Tommy.

‘I want to meet that kid before I’m off for tour ’

‘You don’t want to meet your girlfriend?’

‘Aww baby, I want to meet both of you but Tommy can’t text me, can he?’

I chuckled and decided to ditch physiology and just chat with Bobby since to wait him reply to my text sometimes takes a decade.

It was just a normal Saturday evening when I had to bring Tommy to the vet again for his check up. I could hear one of my housemates whining about how messy the house has been these days (ever since Tommy fell sick). Me, on the other hand, ever since she ranted on her Instagram about having Tommy as a pet cat was worse than a heartbreak, have been avoiding human contact with my housemates and locked myself in my room. I know It was not directed at me but somehow, how could she say that to a cat who is just…..living his life as a cat? It puts me in an uncomfortable position when they were all hating on my cat, I mean, what am I supposed to do about it?

Once I was back from the vet, my housemates were all cleaning the house and suddenly said ‘we need to talk about Tommy’.

And I knew it would be something bad. Something that I am outnumbered for.

“We really can’t stand him vomiting and fighting with Lucy (their cat). Once we give Lucy away, we won’t be taking care of Tommy” one of my housemates said while mopping the floor.

“Um…all these while I was the one taking care of him?” I made an obvious statement while still holding the carrier where Tommy was still inside.

“I mean, you have to put Tommy in your room and not let him out in the living room, can you do that?”

I frowned. I hold in my scoff and tried to hide my disappointment but I guess I failed at doing so when one of them tried to back me up, even though deep down I know she was the one who ‘suffered’ the most.

I tried holding back the words that was about to slip out of my mouth but I know I couldn’t just throw away a friendship over a cat, neither can I keep Tommy inside my room until graduation day so I decided to say this for friendship’s sake

“It’s okay, I’ll let go of Tommy” I smiled, although I bet everyone who could relate to my situation right now could hear my heart breaking into pieces.

“Oh, if so, then we won’t let go of Lucy”

And that was it. That was the sentence that made me sick to the pit of my stomach to even call her my friend. Never have I ever felt so betrayed in my entire life.

And being the person who hates awkward situation, I nodded and proceeded to enter my room.

Somehow, I’d like to believe that they were kidding. I know taking care of two cats in small house was a bit overwhelming considering how they’d fight, leave urine traces and sometimes poop, but can’t they just consider my feelings and talk it out smoothly instead of just smashing it to my face?

I let Tommy out of the carrier and watch as he walked towards my bed and curled to sleep. This is going to be an emotional night. I picked him up from the bed and put him on my lap like he always did whenever I’m not looking for a distraction. Tommy jumped off from my lap and headed towards the door.

“Tommy….can you please…this is the last night you will be with me…” my voice trailed off as I wiped my tears off.

The next day, I decided to drop Tommy to the pets’ center for adoption. I picked up my furry friend who had been with me for almost two years that I had to let go over the sake of friendship and held him close to me, taking in his scent before setting him free. The friend that had been with me through my untold tears, through my unspoken happiness, through my stressful days….

“Just fill in this form and you can let him go” the lady said as she handed me a form to fill about Tommy’s details.

I took one last look at him and how his eyes slowly blink while he looked at me sadly in the arms of the lady who handed me the form just now. I fought back my tears and tried telling myself that I was being emotional. He’s just a cat, right? Why would I make a big deal over this?

On the way back home, I failed to hold back my tears and let them fall. My sobs grew louder gaining attention from people around me. I closed my mouth with my hand and sat on the nearest bench to calm myself down. I took out my phone and called Bobby but just to my luck, he had his phone off. God, this felt worse than my last breakup….

One week passed and the void that Tommy left still couldn’t be filled (call me dramatic but I am dead serious). The heavy tension in the house was still hanging in the air and I don’t feel like making any effort to loosen them. I rarely left my room except to attend class and buy necessities.

Bobby had invited me to his practice and to accompany him to work on his new song. I haven’t really told Bobby about Tommy because I don’t think he needs to know when he has much more to think of besides a cat.

“Hey, (Y/N)!” the boys greeted as I entered the practice room. “Hi” I waved back. “You look like you lost some weight” Yunhyeong said as he took a closer look at me. “Am I?” I turned to look at myself in the mirror. I think I look the same though…

“Is it because of college? Damn, I really thought of enrolling but seeing how it stresses you out makes me think twice..” Donghyuk said. I laughed and saying it wasn’t because of college but something else.

“Anyway, where’s Bobby?”

“He’s in the studio, probably still working on the new song” Hanbin replied.

I walked to his studio which was one floor up and knocked before turning the door knob. “Oh, you’re here?” he turned around with his cap covering his disheveled hair. “Yeah, am I disturbing?” I asked before entering. “No no, come on in” he said while placing the cushions on one side so that I can sit. Bobby saved whatever he had done and turned his attention towards me. He opened his arms and smiled while I walk towards him and hug him tight.

“How’s my girl?” he asked while running his hand on my back. “Great” I said but my voice cracked while I lied. I was not even the slightest amount okay. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat after sending Tommy away.

Bobby pulled away and looked at me straight in the eyes. “I don’t think so…” he tilted his head as he furrowed his eyebrows. And that was it. That was the threshold. I broke down in front of him hard. Bobby engulfed me in another hug, “hey, hey, what’s wrong?” he soothed me. However, I didn’t stop sobbing. Yes, that was how much I was holding it in.

Once I calmed down a little bit, Bobby pulled away and cupped my face. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked while wiping the remaining tears that left. I hiccupped before making a sentence and held my breath to calm down.

“I don’t think you’ll be able to meet Tommy…” I said before explaining the whole story.

“Oh babe…I’m so sorry. I don’t really know how it feels to be treated like that and to lose a pet but I’m always here for you, okay? You’re a strong girl, you’ll get through this. I’m sure Tommy understands you, it is out of your control. You’ve given him love and shelter for the past two years, I’m sure he also wants the best for you. Sometimes to love is to let go” he patted my back. “Tommy will be a brave and loving cat to his new master because you taught him that, babe. He’ll remember you for growing him up, although I’m not sure if cats have a great memory, but I’m sure deep down he feels thankful to you” Bobby smiled.

Somehow his words made me feel better and less shitty than I was feeling for the past week. I gave him a weak smile before wiping off the remaining tears that rolled down. “Come on, let’s go get your chocolate mint ice cream from the cafeteria” he held me hand and dragged me out of the studio.

Having Bobby in my life is always a bless.

[idonthavehusbandsihavelovers]

Love Wasn’t in the Plan - Part 11 (Sweet Pea/OC)

Riverdale AU

Chapter Summary – Being in a relationship is harder than Angel, and Sweet Pea first thought can love really win when people can’t let go of the past.

Pairing – Sweet Pea / OC

Warning – Swearing, little Fluff.

Author Notes – Again this story is a little different from the show storyline so that I could fit my character in, I want to thank you for your likes, comments, and re-blogs they mean the world to me and help me keep writing.

A huge Thank you to my lovely  @lukeevansandjdmobession for checking over my story.

.Story Summary & Preview , Part 1 ,  Part 2 Preview , Part 2 ,Part 3 Preview, Part 3 ,  Part 4 Preview , Part 4 , Part 5 Preview , Part 5 ,Part 6 Preview , Part 6 , Part 7 Preview , Part 7 , Part 8 Preview , Part 8 ,Part 9 Preview , Part 9 , Part 10 Preview, Part 10 , Part 11 Preview

Chapter 11 – New Love & Old Love.

Angel was in a good mood the play has been put on a break because of half the cast and crew mainly the serpents were helping Jughead with his protest at south side school. Her boyfriend included, so she decides she play the supporting girlfriend teasing him and co with food and then going to Toni to have a look over their final photo they are sending Tommy for the charity show which is only a few weeks away.

Tommy had guilted her into singing as well because she ran away and made him sick with worry, so she owes him one. Angel had just finished getting ready, giving her a quick once over and made her way downstairs. Archie was at the door on his way out himself.

He smiled when he saw her, “Going to mess with Jughead and Sweet Pea?”

She laughs and just resorts back “Going to study with Veronica?” She used air quotes when she said study, knowing there wouldn’t be any studying going on with them two. Archie laughs, he was going to resort back, but their mom shouts them from the Livingroom.

“Archie, Angelica can you come in here please your father and I would like to speak with you.”

The twin look at each other panicked, Angel mouths to him “What have you done?” Archie shake his head no and mouths back “What about you?” she shakes her head, shrugging and makes her way into the Livingroom to see both her parents sitting on the chair, her dad looked uncomfortable at whatever their mom had planned to speak to them about.

Mary smiles and motions to chairs in front of them, “Why don’t you have a seat.”

Both cautiously sat down looking at each other and then their parents, Angel had to ask “Are we in trouble or something?” Mary laughs “No, Angel you’re not in trouble, it just we don’t talk much, so what are you both up to today?”

Still feeling suspicious as to where this conversation was going Angel was the first to answer “I’m going to see Jug and Sweets at the school to see how the protest is going, then I’m going to work on Tommy project with Toni.” Her parent nod and look at Archie, who shrugs and says “I’m going to Veronica to study for our English exam.”

“Studying?” Fred asked raising an eyebrow at his son, Archie smiles and nods back. Angel was fighting back a laugh, hiding her face, so their parents don’t see her smile, Mary clears her throat.

“Well I’m glad you’re both being honest with us, but now you’re older and both in a somewhat serious relationship…”

Angel grabs Archie hand, he squeezes her back, both with a panicked look on their face.

“Oh my god, she isn’t?” Archie said.                                                          

“Oh my god, I think she is, she going there,” Angel said back.

“She wouldn’t, would she, we might be jumping to conclusions?”

“No, Arch, I don’t think we are.”

Fred smile, he loved the little duo they did, it made you believe they were indeed twins when they finished each other sentences. Mary just rolled her eyes at her children, they can be so immature at times.

“Pack it in, the pair of you, I’m trying to have an adult conversation with you.”

Angel laugh and smiles at her, “Mom I love you, but you’re a bit late for the sex talk.”

The boys cringe which made the girl roll their eyes, Mary carry on “I know sweetie, but your father and I just want to make sure you’re both being safe, we don’t want…”

“An unwanted pregnancy,” Angel answered, the room went quiet, she scolded herself it just came out, she keeps forgetting it’s still early days with her family. She let out a sigh, standing up and smile at her parents, “Sweet Pea at the moment is chained to a fence so we won’t be doing anything for a while but don’t worry we’re always careful. I’m on the pill, dad stops cringing mom started this, and I’m just trying to be honest.”

He parents nodded, it was silence for a moment, Angel coughs “Erm can I go now and I’ll be staying at Toni tonight as well.” Fred smiles and nods “Of course princess, stay safe, and we see you tomorrow.” She smiles, walks around the table and kisses her parents on the cheek, “Love you both.”

“We love you too,” Mary said back, with that Angel walks out of the house and hoping this was the last awkward family conversation for the next year.

(At Southside School)

“Hey, little one, what are you doing here?” FP asked as he saw her get out of the car, she smiles and holds up Pops takeout bag. “I thought you might be hungry.”

“You’re the devil incarnated,” Jughead stated, with his usual scowl, Angel gives him her most innocent smile. “I don’t know what you mean, I’m here to be a supporting friend and girlfriend, and I just happened to be hungry, so I went to Pops for something to eat.”

FP laughed, knowing she was lying but didn’t say anything, Fangs was looking at the bag in her hand practically drooling “Did you get us anything?” Angel giggled, taking the burgers out the bag handing one to FP and shakes her head “No Pretty Boy, you’re on a hunger strike right, fight the power!”

Fangs let out a groan, which made her laugh more, she turns her attention to Sweet Pea looking him up and down, biting her lip, Angel not going to lie he looked good in chains. She slowly makes her way up till she met his eyes, he tilted his head and raised an eyebrow at her.

Angel smirks and shrugs, “I just thought once this is over maybe you can keep those chains?” Sweet Pea smirk back and winks “Maybe I can?”

“Eww, you both make me sick.” Fangs said in disgust, FP and Jughead nod in agreement. Sweets wink at her, and she giggles before she could tell Fangs to shut up, Sheriff Keller come over.

“Hey Angel, I’m glad your back and safe, but I need to ask you a few questions.”

Angel stood up confused, “Erm sure Sheriff, have I done something wrong?”

He smiles and shakes his head, “No Angel, don’t worry. It just have you heard about the car we found in the lake.”

Angel still a little confused about where the conversation was heading “Yeah, I don’t know how I can help?”  

“The CI’s have been able to give us a timeline of when it was pushed in the lake, and according to Kevin you were in woods by the lake taking pictures, and I was wondering if you saw anything out of the ordinary?”  

Angel tried to think back it was a while ago and a lot had happened since then, “I can’t remember to be honest Sheriff, but I might have caught something on my camera I could go through them and give you any I think will help.”

He smiles at her and gives her a quick hug “You a good kid, Angel, thank you, nip to the station if you find anything ok. Also, you need to come over for dinner soon it’s been too long.”

She pulls back and smiles at him “Of course Mr. Keller.”

She turns back to the group, her smile turns to a frown when she sees FP’s and Jughead faces, Jugs had gone white. What the hell is wrong with them?

“Jughead, you ok?”

FP was the first to recover, “Yeah sweetness, you know Jug, and this is the longest he’s ever gone without a burger or any food to be fair, he didn’t think this hunger strike out properly.”

He smiles at her but he knew deep down Angel would still be suspicious but she let it go she learnt years ago, the Jones boys weren’t ordinary. She shrugs accepting this was the only explanation she was going to get, Angel turns back to Sweet Pea, walking up to him and give him a quick kiss, after a few minutes she pulls away and smiles at him.

“Try not to get yourself arrested Serpent boy.”

Sweets smirk back “I can’t promise anything, but I try for you, Princess.”

She laughs and begins to walk back to her car “Have fun boys, see you later.”

They watch her drive off, FP looked at Jughead who was still pale “Calm down Jug, you got that project with her for the play just say its been a while and ask her if you can see her pictures, let stay level-headed about this.”

Jughead raises her eyebrow at him “You make it seem easy, she been avoiding me since she came back, we don’t spend time together unless we’re with everyone else.”

FP raise an eyebrow at the slight sadness in his son's voice, when he talks about Angel. “Jug is there another problem, I should know about.”

Jughead avoids his dad’s eyes and shrugs “I just miss our relationship before all this, we were so close, and now it’s awkward, and I just want us to be us again.”

FP knew there was something else but he didn’t want to push his son, he let out a sigh and place a hand on his shoulder. “Give it time boii, that all I can say.”

Jughead nods agree but still thinking how much time will it take.

(At Toni trailer)

Toni had all her picture on the kitchen table, Angel smiles, she was right from the start Toni was incredibly talented, she picks a photo up of Cheryl, turning to Toni and raise an eyebrow at her.

“Who would have thought Cheryl Blossom falling in love with a Southside Serpent.”

Toni laughed “Remember what I told you all those months ago, life works in mysterious ways. Who would have thought the Northside Princess Angelica Andrews would fall head over heels for Southside Serpent Sweet Pea.”

Angel laugh at her comment, turning back to the table and picking up her favorite picture of Sweet Pea. She smiles slowly stroking his face, “I would never have thought that was possible like I told you months ago I wasn’t looking for love.”

Toni smile, she saw how happy the pair of them made each other, but there was a giant blue elephant in the room, who happens to wears a beanie.

“I know you don’t like talking about this but have both of you spoken about your old feeling for Jughead?”

Angel let out a sigh, placing the picture back on the table and turning to Toni giving her a sad smile. “No I know it bad but I think we’re both avoiding that conversation, it going so good and I don’t want to ruin it because let be honest there no solution I can’t change who I use to have a feeling for. Also, Jughead is one of my oldest friends I can’t imagine my life without him, but I can’t imagine my life without Sweet Pea.”  

Toni leans her head on Angel's shoulder, rubbing her upper arm trying to comfort her a little. “I know Angel but remember this I’ve known Sweet Pea my entire life, and I’ve never seen him look at a person the way he looks at you. He’s mad for you girl so when it does come to a head remember no matter what he says he loves you.”

Angel smiles, leaning her head against Toni and place her hand over hers. “Thank you Pinkie, I hate growing up.” They laugh and pull away from each other, Toni still smile thought it better to change the subject.

“Less about our relationships, have you decide what song you be singing at this event?”

Angel smirk and looks back at Sweet Pea picture, “Yeah I’ve got a few ideas, and I hope people will like it.”

Toni smirk and raise an eyebrow at her wondering what Angel was thinking about doing. “I’m sure people will love anything you sing, you're an extremely talented person, we’re lucky to have you.”

Angel smile grew “Oh believe me Pinkie, I’m the lucky one.”

(A weeks later)

Well to say the friendships in Riverdale have strained and tested the last week would be the biggest understatement of the year. Angel couldn’t keep up with what was going on and who was mad at who anymore but the play was back on and like it or not everyone had to work together. Only out of fear at what Kevin would do if they ruined his play.

Angel was waiting for Jughead in the Black & Gold, she was so nervous she avoids this all week, but Kevin informed her not so nicely that she needs to grow up and find a way to work with Jug or he will disown her as his best friend.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

Angel looked up from her camera to see Jughead walking in, she smiles put her camera down. “No, it ok, I’ve only been here five minutes myself, because I was watching Sweets and Reggie play basketball and got distracted.”

Jughead smile at her “How was trying to cheer for both of them?”

She laughs, “Not easy but they now know better to make me chose between my husband and boyfriend.”

Jug laugh and sits down next to her, “Well anyone would be stupid to go up against you.” She smiles, they look at each other for a moment, god this was awkward, but their friends were sure the more time they spent together, the easier this would get.

After five minutes, Angel chose to look away cough a little to cover up the awkwardness “Maybe we should get started.”

Jughead nods and takes his camera out his bag “Yeah I think that be a good idea.”

(An hour later)

They had nearly finished sorting out what so far they will defiantly add to the final copy of the video and the photo book Kevin had asked Angel to make for the play for the cast and family.

“I think we make a good team.” Jughead looked up smiling at her, she looks away smiling and bite’s her lip “Yeah but nothing compared to you and Betty.”

He nods “Yeah she one of a kind.”

Angel laughed, “Yeah that an understatement but I’m being honest I think your good for each other and Kevin told me you'd got a new mystery someone threating Cheryl?”

Jughead raises an eyebrow “Yeah but it not easy Cheryl has a lot of enemy’s.”

Angel scoffs “Yeah she does but what do to expect when you torture half the school, but she doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment.”

Jughead nod in agreement and then it was silent again for a few minutes, Angel closes her eyes and lets out a sigh. Maybe this was enough today they’ve talked a lot more today than they have since she came back, you know one day at a time.

“Well I think we made a good start, but I promised to meet Sweet Pea, and I don’t want to be late.”

Angel got up to leave, packing her stuff back into her bag and throwing it over her shoulder, but before she walks out the door, Jughead says something that makes her stop in her tracks.

“It wasn’t unrequited.”

She felt her heart skip a beat, Angel knew what he was talking about but need to make sure she heard him right.

“What did you just say?”

Jughead closes his eyes, take a deep breath and opens his eye to look at her, he’s been wanting to say this since she came home.

“Your love for me wasn’t unrequited, remember before you went to New York, I asked you to meet me at Pops.”

She nods her head, afraid of her voice. “Yeah, but you had to cancel because your mom left and your dad went off the wagon hard.”

Jughead nodded and carried on “I wanted to tell you before you went to New York and found a guy better than me. That I’ve been in love with you since the second year of middle school when you punched Chuck for calling me a weirdo.”

Against her better judgment, she laughs at the memory. Jughead takes this as a good sign, “After you left I felt angry at myself for how that night turned out, but with time I thought maybe it was fate. You know I fell in love with Betty, and you were a big hit in New York.”

Angel just looked at him, confused where this conversation was heading.

“However when it came out what Nick did for you, I just kept thinking this wouldn’t have happened if I had talked to you that day if I had told you about my feelings. Angel you would have never gone to that party.”

Angel let out a shaky breath and leans over to grab his hand. He didn't look at her now.

“Juggie look at me please.” He takes a deep breath and looks up at her, he had a blank face, but she could always tell what Jughead was feeling through his eye, they always gave him away.

“Jug listens to me, you need to stop blaming yourself, and it wasn’t your fault. We can’t change the past and I wouldn’t because it lead me to Sweet Pea but thanks you now I feel a little less awkward.”

Jughead squeezes her hand back, “Anytime Angel, I’m glad we got this out in the open.”

She smiles at him, next minutes there was a knock on the door. They both turned to see Sweet Pea standing there with an unreadable look on his face, staring at their entwined hands. Angel moves her hand away, Sweet Pea now looked up at her face she could tell he was trying hard to hide the anger building up inside of him.

“I thought I would come and pick you up, you ready Princess?”

He sounded sweet, but she knew where this was leading. Well, its time to face the music “Yeah.” Angel turned to smile at Jughead “See you tomorrow Jug.” Walking over to Sweet Pea who grab her hand as soon as she got close enough and stormed out of the room only slowing down when they got to his bike.

He turned to hand her the helmet, “Phone your dad and tell him you won’t be home tonight, tell him you’re staying at Toni or something.”  

Angel take out her phone and texts her dad. Afterward, she climbs on the back of his bike wrapping her hand around his waist. As he takes off, she couldn’t help but think this was going to be a very long night.

Part 12

I just want to say, Thank you guys for your patience and support during my writer block but I’m proud of this chapter, and I hope you all enjoy it. 

Tag list -  @lukeevansandjdmobession , @mlvgren , @kayleidoscopicworld , @mantleandpea ,@kingbouji3 , @randomfanficreader29 , @princess-of-the-fandoms , @everheart12 , @stitchattacks   , @jullamy   , @misskarynie , @superhalsteads ,@lolabean1998 , @chicagoblackhawkslover96 , @its-sweetpea , @riverdale-enthusiastt ,@lightwoods-look-better-in-black  , @riverdalesserpent , @topstory21  , @helplessquotess , @sweet-jughead , @lilybellsworld  , @inlovewsweetpea  , @potato384 , @soff-ie @happydaydreamersoul , @marifromtheneighborhood , @northbulldogssouthserpents @xrosegoldwolfx , 

[classic-rock-roller]

1. You and Kevin come home one day to see Bonham lying on the couch with her eyes closed, a saxophone sound coming from the speaker on the table. It sounds somewhat familiar but  you can’t place it. “What are you listening to?” Kevin asks. “Jazz Mario,” Bonham responds without opening her eyes. Kevin wrinkles his nose, “That’s the dumbest shit I ever heard of.” How do you and Bonham respond?

Bons shoots straight up off the couch and goes, “It is not!”

Me: I do my homework to it. It’s great study music. 

2. Bonham is playing the Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack for you and Kevin and Rudy when the ‘Galaxy Birth’ song. Rudy says, “This is cute.” Bonham says, “I don’t know, it kinda makes me think about death.” What do you and Kevin think of it (song available on request or on youtube) and what do you say?

Me: It does kind of remind me of death. But it’s also putting me to sleep. 

I close my eyes and rest my head on Kevin. 

Kevin: Can we change the song please? I really don’t want her drooling on my shoulder at two o’clock in the afternoon.

3. You’re hanging out with Kevin and Bonham one day when Vince calls you out of nowhere. No hello or anything, the first thing out of his mouth is, “I know marriage is for better or worse but how much worse is it gonna get?” You’ve got him on speakerphone, so how do the three of you answer him?

Bonham: Much worse. Much, much, much worse

Kevin: It’s not so bad..as long as you find the right person. 

And then he looks over at me which makes Bons gag. 

Me: I mean you’ve already been married one time before you married Sharise so shouldn’t you already know?

4. Bonham’s showing you, Kevin, and Rudy a jazz record, and it’s pretty good. A nice bari sax solo comes on and Bonham kinda moans a little and says, “I’d marry a bari sax.” “A player?” Rudy asks. “No, the actual instrument.” She says, and she sounds serious. How do the three of you respond?

Rudy: I mean you could. 

Kevin: Whatever floats your boat. 

Me: As long as you don’t want to marry pizza. I don’t want to see oral sex with pizza again. *shudders* 

5. Rudy asks Kevin what his favorite song is one day, and Kevin totally blanks. “How can you forget your favorite song?” Bonham asks. “Shut up, I have jamnesia.” Kevin says. How do you and Rudy respond?

I roll my eyes, “Jamnesia isn’t a real thing, Kevin.” 

Rudy: Actually it’s a surf camp.

6. You’re sitting with Kevin and Bonham one day when she cringes at a news article. “Some guy got arrested for going around to hotels and filming himself jerking off when the housekeeping staff came in. OH SHIT and get this, one of the guys that caught him gave him a blowjob. Do people just blow each other nonchalantly, like, what the fuck?” How do you and Kevin respond?

Me: When they’re high and drunk enough they do. 

I look pointedly at Kevin. 

Kevin: WHAT?! I never did that!

Me: Uh-huh 

7. You’re at a small get-together with Bonham, Kevin, Rudy, Carlos, and Crue. At one point when you’re sitting with Bonham and Nikki, Kevin comes up to you and says in a deep British voice, “I fancy you.” Before you can say anything, Bonham asks him, “How much have you had to drink?” How do you and Nikki respond?

Me: Too much. He always gets the British accent that sounds kind of like Ozzy when he’s had one too many. And the he usually throws up in. Three...Two...One

Nikki: Aww, seriously dude. These were brand new shoes too.

8. You and Kevin are walking down the street one day when a stranger shouts, “Oh my God! You’re Kevin DuBrow!” Kevin smiles a little and says, “Yep, that’s me. Always glad to meet a fan.” The stranger looks completely awestruck and shouts, “YOU ARE A GOD.” Kevin recoils a little bit and says, “I’m not, I’m just a guy.” How do you respond and what does the stranger do?

The stranger tries to hug Kevin which makes him recoil more and then I get between them. 

Me: Ok, buddy. You’re being very rude. Take social cues and realize Kevin doesn’t want you touching him. We’ll be happy to sign something as long as you don’t act crazy.”

9. You’re at a party with Kevin, Rudy, Bonham, Carlos, and Crue. When it’s time to go, you and Bonham are collecting the boys when you come across Tommy. He’s standing in the only path through the house, dancing. “Move,” Bonham says. Tommy doesn’t even turn around and cheers, “Fuck youuuuu.” Bonham slaps him on the ass to get him to move. He turns around and just leans over, towering over her, and you can’t tell if he’s pissed or turned on. What does he do and how do you and Bonham respond?

After a bit, I realize his pupils are dilated which means he’s really turned on. Since he’s way taller than both of us and extremely drunk we don’t have odds in our favor. Bons is trying to slip past him but he won’t let her. I quickly say, “Hey Tommy, Pamela is waiting for you out by our car. Why don’t you go get her?” “Pamela! Where?!” And he sprints out to the car. 

Bonham: Quick thinking. Now let’s round up the others. Mick’s getting Nikki and Vince. 

Me: And once we get back, we’re locking Tommy in his room. 

10. You’re doing tequila shots with Bonham, Kevin, and Rudy one day. After you’ve all had a few, you’re getting playful. You lick your hand, lick off the salt, and take your shot. You’re cringing, and you say, “Where’s the lime!?” (if you want I can explain how you take a tequila shot, if you don’t already know). Kevin giggles, and sticks it out of his mouth on his tongue. “You want it, take it.” He says around the lime. What do you do and how do Rudy and Bonham respond?

Well of course I’d take it. I pull him in and kiss him to get the lime and since we’re both drunk we end up making out. 

Rudy, who’s has had the least to drink, pulls the bottle off the table and caps it before saying, “Ok, that’s enough for you guys.” 

Bons gags and goes, “At least wait till Rudy and I aren’t in the room before having sex. Christ.” 

11. Bonham gets back from work one day before a show and it’s cold. She brings her sax in from the car and says, “Bertha needs to warm up, so I brought her in while I get ready.” You don’t think anything of it, and Kevin comes downstairs as Bonham goes up. He goes into the kitchen and then comes back out and sits with you. Bonham comes rushing down the stairs and stops into the kitchen before leaving, but when she gets in there she screams. “Who put my saxophone in the oven!?” Kevin shrinks into the couch a little bit as she storms out of the kitchen. “Who put my antique saxophone in the oven and melted her!?” Kevin mumbles, “I thought that would warm it up faster.” How does Bonham respond, and what do you say? Do you defend Kevin?

Bonham: How can you be so fucking stupid?! It can’t go in the oven. It’s like if I threw your stupid iron man toy in the oven

Kevin springs up and goes, “No! Don’t throw him in the oven! I’ve had him since I was a kid! That’s genocide!

I don’t like that the two most important people in my life are fighting so I get between them and calmly go, “I’m not siding with anyone but Bons, Kevin was only trying to be helpful. And you know how stupid he can be. And Kevin, try to use the brain that god gave you.” Before I slap him upside the head. “Also you will be paying for Bertha to be fixed or you will be buying Bons a new Sax.” 

____________________

1) You come home from work one day to find your singer laying underneath the Christmas tree. You drop your stuff and go, “What are you doing?” She doesn’t even look at you and says, “I’m thinking.” You join her underneath the tree and go, “I don’t know how you find this relaxing.” She’s about to say something when you hear Kevin go, “What the fuck are you two doing?” What do you and your singer say and how do Kevin and Randy respond?

2) Your band is on tour with Crüe promoting the joint album that had just released. Baby Mal is with you because QR is on their own tour and your singer and Kevin didn’t have anyone to watch him. One night, your singer is putting Mal to bed when you get a call from Kevin. You step outside of you and your singer’s hotel room to answer and the first thing you hear is, “I’m going to kill him! How can he take my wife and child away from me like that? I’m flying to your next venue so I can beat his ass!” You pull the phone away from your ear and go, “Whoa, whoa, whoa. What are you talking about?” “Didn’t you see the article in the latest gossip magazine?” “No, I didn’t. Hold on.” You hang up and go down to the nearest convenence store to pick up the latest gossip magazine. Sure enough, you find your singer and Tommy on the front with your singer holding Mal. The headline reads, “Breaking news! War Angel’s singer has left Kevin DuBrow to raise their son with Tommy Lee!” What do you say when you call Kevin back, do you tell your singer, and what does Kevin do when he shows up at your next concert?

3) Your band is in a slump for your new album. Your band, Kevin, and Randy are in the studio trying to figure out what to do. You all take a break to go get lunch, although your singer stays behind. When you come back, your band, Randy, and Kevin find your singer in the recording booth singing along to The Wild and the Young. She doesn’t notice you guys at first until Erik says into the mic, “Hey, that’s pretty good. Why don’t we cover that?” How does your singer respond and what do you, Daryl, Linus, Randy, and Kevin say?

4) Daryl has recently been getting on your nerves a lot more and he is being really creepy towards your singer while working on your next album. One day, You, Kevin, Linus, and Erik come back from getting lunch to find your singer pinned against the wall trying to get Daryl off her. He didn’t do anything but he was close to it. Once he’s off her, she goes, “I don’t care what we do, but I want him out. I don’t feel safe. If you don’t want him out, I’ll leave. But right now...I need to get air.” You can tell she’s holding back tears. Once she leaves the room, what do you, Kevin, Erik, and Linus say to Daryl?

5) Your singer and her and Kevin’s kids have been staying with you and Randy since Kevin hit her when he was drunk. She says she won’t move back into their house until he gets help or goes into a program for his alcohol and drug use, “I’m not raising my kids around a raging addict.” One day, you’re watching the kids while your singer is at work. You hear the doorbell and you pick up Roxanne to get the door. When you open it, you find Kevin, he looks at you and then to Roxanne. He tries to grab her from you but you pull her closer to your chest. “Please just let me see my kids and my wife. I miss them so much. Please. Can you just tell her to move back home? I need them.” How do you respond?

6) It is the day of your singer and Kevin’s wedding. You’re helping her get ready (since you’re the maid of honor) and the other bridesmaids, her sister, Ash, and Christina, are helping as well. She’s just put her veil on and she turns around to look in the mirror. The four of you gush over how beautiful she looks, but she looks nervous. She sits on a chair and goes, “I don’t know if I can do this. I love Kevin so much, but I don’t know if I can go through with this.” She’s getting cold feet. What do you, her sister, Ash, and Christina say?

7) You come home from work one day to find your singer curled up in a ball on the couch with a box of tissues. You ask her what’s wrong and she goes, “Kevin just broke up with me because he and Randy have to go on tour for the first time.” How do you respond and what do you do about Kevin?

8) You band has decided to fire Daryl after he almost raped your singer and are now trying to find a drummer to replace him before going on tour. You and your singer have been auditioning people for weeks. She’s almost give up hope finding a good replacement when a young kid comes in to audition. He’s about eight years younger than you and the rest of the band, so you and your singer are a bit skeptical. He auditions and he’s phenomenal. Once he’s finished, you go, “What’s your name?” and your singer says, “That was amazing!” He smiles sheepishly and goes, “I’m Sean. I have always been a huge fan of you guys and modeled my playing after Daryl.” Sean has just turned twenty while the rest of your band is twenty-eight and older. Do you decide to hire him as the new drummer or do you decide against it because of his age?

9) You band has been around for about eight years and on the cusp of 1990 (it’s 1989) you go on tour. You bring along a burgeoning young act from Seattle called Nirvana. When your band and Nirvana meet for the first time, your singer goes to Kurt and says, “It’s so great to meet you, Kurt,” before sticking out her hand. He takes it, but while he does he says, “War Angel is an over-bloated, over-produced band that is just in it for the money. You only make music for the money.” How do you, your singer, Linus, Erik, and new drummer Sean respond?

10) You, Kevin, and Randy are sitting at the kitchen table when your singer comes bursting through the front door. Her hands are full but she drops her bag in the living room and is having a conversation wither her mother on the phone. The three of you are staring at her and when she gets off the phone, she goes, “What?” Kevin goes, “Where did the kid come from?” “Oh, this is my cousin Weston. Bons and I have to watch him this weekend. Did I forget to mention that?” She then hands you the baby, “Here Bons, can you hold him while I go get the rest of his stuff out of the car?” How do you, Kevin, and Randy respond and how does you weekend with Weston go?

11) Since Kevin broke up with your singer several months ago, she has moved on to date Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses. You’re still dating Randy so you and your singer still see Kevin a lot. Your singer most of the time just ignores him because she’s still very hurt at what he did to her. You, Randy, your singer, Duff, and the rest of QR (Kevin included) are hanging out at a bar. Your singer and Duff are being really cute. She’s sitting on his lap and he has his head resting on her shoulder and he occasionally kisses her neck or cheek. Kevin has been quiet and will glance over at the two of them occasionally. Your singer soon stands up and goes to you, “I’ll see you back home. Duff and I are going to a movie.” Before she grabs his hand and they walk out of the bar. What does Kevin say after they leave and how do you and Randy respond?

12) You got into a bad car accident and had to go into surgery. When you come to in the hospital bed, you feel someone holding your hand and murmuring. You open your eyes to find your singer at your bedside. She’s kneeling and holding your hand in hers and she looks like she’s praying. Just then Kevin comes in and goes, “You know praying won’t help, right?” How does your singer respond and what do you say? How do your singer and Kevin react once they realize you’re awake?

@osbournebemydaddy your move, Bons :)

[caddyxjellyby]

Alcott Readathon 2018: An Old-Fashioned Girl (1869)

Alcott’s third or fourth depending on how you count Good Wives novel, featuring cane-shaking, a menage a trois, and America’s favorite fighting Frenchman. Polly Arrives Fanny tells Tom to pick up Polly from the station. Tom says "She'll think you cared more about your frizzles than your friends, and she'll be about right, too." Fanny says "If I was the President, I'd make a law to shut up all boys till they were grown; for they certainly are the most provoking toads in the world." I wonder what Tom means by wearing a thingumbob? A veil maybe? The naughty boy tells Polly the hack-driver is tipsy so he won’t have to sit with her. It boggles my mind that a fourteen year old would refer to herself as a “little girl.” I suppose back them children didn’t have to bend over backwards to be taken seriously. That is, if you refer to yourself as a little girl people won’t take you seriously. But if they just do it as a given you don’t bend over backwards to earn it. Polly sings for Madam Shaw, the grandmother, and they talk about how they were brought up properly unlike the Shaw siblings. Madam Shaw doesn’t approve of children calling their father Papa. What the fuck. I bet “the old man” would make her spontaneously combust. The girls see a vulgar play; Polly doesn’t understand half the jokes, and the girls on stage are dressed as jockeys, which I think means wearing trousers. Scandalous. Madam Shaw praises her innocence.

New Fashions

Apparently eyeglasses were trendy in 1869. Polly follows Fanny to school, where the girls gossip about Carrie who ran away with an Italian music teacher.

Fanny: "I like to read about such things; but it's so inconvenient to have it happen right here, because it makes it harder for us. I wish you could have heard my papa go on. He threatened to send a maid to school with me every day, as they do in New York, to be sure I come all right. Did you ever?"

Belle: "That's because it came out that Carrie used to forge excuses in her mamma's name, and go promenading with her Oreste, when they thought her safe at school. Oh, wasn't she a sly minx?"

Trix: "I think a little fun is all right; and there's no need of making a talk, if, now and then, some one does run off like Carrie. Boys do as they like; and I don't see why girls need to be kept so dreadfully close. I'd like to see anybody watching and guarding me!" GO TRIX KEEPING GIRLS THE SLIGHTEST BIT “CLOSER’ THAN BOYS IS PSYCHOLOGICALLY HARMFUL AND DISRESPECTFUL. ...I have a lot of feels about gender and child-rearing, okay? Okay. The constant ads for the Blockers movie keep bringing it to mind. (Kathryn Newton, the most recent Amy March, is in it.) The Bostonians gush over some exciting novels; Polly doesn’t know them. Polly: "My mother says a real gentleman is as polite to a little girl as to a woman; so I like Mr. Sydney best, because he was kind to me." I want that embroidered. “Polly was not a model girl by any means” Sure, Louisa. The kids say ain’t a lot. Creosote sent my mind straight to Discworld. Polly’s Troubles Polly wished the children would be kinder to grandma; but it was not for her to tell them so, although it troubled her a good deal, and she could only try to make up for it by being as dutiful and affectionate as if their grandma was her own. Awww. The fact that they name their sleds is adorable. Me, I’ve never been a person to name inanimate objects, other than occasionally referring to something as the precious. Fan reads Lady Audley’s Secret. "I shouldn't think you'd make him laugh, when he's always making you cwy," observed Maud, who had just come in. Good one, Maud. Little Things Polly is a perfect child who can do no wrong, except spend some money on bronze boots instead of presents for her family. We learn that she has a dead brother named Jimmy. They studied Latin together so she helps Tom with his. Tom falls off his new velocipede and hits his head. Polly holds it while a doctor gives him stitches. Scrapes AFTER being unusually good, children are apt to turn short round and refresh themselves by acting like Sancho. For a week after Tom's mishap, the young folks were quite angelic, so much so that grandma said she was afraid "something was going to happen to them." I kind of loathe this line of thinking? If you want children to be good, don’t insult them by not trusting them. Polly, if you’ve never had to lie to your parents then you know you have good parents, and not everybody is like you. A boy sends Fanny flowers and that’s unacceptable. ���I'll send you to school in a Canadian convent,” says Mr. Shaw. Oh boy. Tom dresses up in Fanny’s outfit, then they and Maud look at Polly’s journal, which is full of sketches of the family and friends, and Polly’s thoughts on Fan. If she would be as she was when I first knew her, I should love her just the same; but she isn't kind to me; and though she is always talking about politeness, I don't think it is polite to treat company as she does me. She thinks I am odd and countrified, and I dare say I am; but I shouldn't laugh at a girl's clothes because she was poor, or keep her out of the way because she didn't do just as other girls do here. I see her make fun of me, and I can't feel as I did; and I'd go home, only it would seem ungrateful to Mr. Shaw and grandma, and I do love them dearly." Grandma Tom was reposing on the sofa with his boots in the air, absorbed in one of those delightful books in which boys are cast away on desert islands, where every known fruit, vegetable and flower is in its prime all the year round; or, lost in boundless forests, where the young heroes have thrilling adventures, kill impossible beasts, and, when the author's invention gives out, suddenly find their way home, laden with tiger skins, tame buffaloes and other pleasing trophies of their prowess. The Shaw kids find Polly up in Grandma’s room, listening to her stories. They’re like you never told us that story and Grandma’s like you never asked. "At eight o'clock on the appointed evening, several of us professed great weariness, and went to our room, leaving the rest sewing virtuously with Miss Cotton, who read Hannah More's Sacred Dramas aloud, in a way that fitted the listeners for bed as well as a dose of opium would have done.”Surprisingly snarky Grandma. "Wait for your turn, Tommy. Now, Polly, dear, what will you have?" said grandma, looking, so lively and happy, that it was very evident "reminiscing" did her good. "Let mine come last, and tell one for Tom next," said Polly, looking round, and beckoning him nearer. Oh come on now Polly. Tom wants to shoot cats? Okay. Polly asks about a glove; Grandma tells the story of Lafayette kissing the glove with his picture on it and then kissing her on the cheek to avoid that. Grandma’s Aunt was married to John Hancock, just like Abigail Alcott’s grand-aunt was married to him in real life. Also she thinks leg o’mutton sleeves are beautiful and becoming. Let’s not hold it against her. Colonel May, that’s LMA’s grandfather. Next we go even further back in history - Grandma produces a letter “written by Anne Boleyn before her marriage to Henry VIII, and now in the possession of a celebrated antiquarian.” How she acquired this letter is not explained, and it does seem to be the original letter and not a copy. Good-by [sic] We get it, Louisa, you think fancy clothes are sinful. They hold a going-away party for Polly, inviting some girls to keep Maud out of the way and Tom’s school-friends, Rumple, Sherry, and Spider. Polly and Tom open the redowa; he’s bad at keeping time to the music, like me. She doesn’t know how to dance the German so she plays with the little girls in the library. Aww, they snuck presents for her family in Polly’s trunk. Six Years Afterward "WHAT do you think Polly is going to do this winter?" exclaimed Fanny, looking up from the letter she had been eagerly reading. She’s returning to Boston to teach music. Mr. Shaw respects her for being independent. Tom says she’s pretty in a moment of foreshadowing. Madam Shaw has died. "Where did you learn so much worldly wisdom, Polly?" asked Mr. Shaw, as his wife fell back in her chair, and took out her salts, as if this discovery had been too much for her. "I learnt it here, sir," answered Polly, laughing. "I used to think patronage and things of that sort very disagreeable and not worth having, but I've got wiser, and to a certain extent I'm glad to use whatever advantages I have in my power, if they can be honestly got." What is this, the Shaws doing something good for once? Holy hell! “You must come and see my pets, Maud, for my cat and bird live together as happily as brother and sister," said Polly, turning to Maud, who devoured every word she said. "That's not saying much for them," muttered Tom, feeling that Polly ought to address more of her conversation to him. Geez, Tom, entitled much? Tom is engaged to Trix. Polly keeps bees at her country home. It must be so nice to be able to clean without the paranoia that you’re going to get mocked for doing it wrong. All hail living alone! Lessons Polly finds her drudgery a bit harder than she expected but her pupils love her. She found Fanny enduring torment under the hands of the hair-dresser, who was doing his best to spoil her hair, and distort her head with a mass of curls, braids, frizzles, and puffs; for though I discreetly refrain from any particular description, still, judging from the present fashions, I think one may venture to predict that six years hence they would be something frightful. The problem with writing books set in the future. Polly comes home one day to find her landlady, Miss Mills, sewing a dress for Jane, who also lives in the boarding-house and tried to kill herself because she couldn’t find work that paid enough for the rent. Polly goes to visit Jane. Brothers and Sisters Polly’s brother Will visits her every Sunday and they’re BFFs. Tom hates being called Carrots; I want an Anne of Green Gables crossover. Maud informs him that Polly thinks he’s handsomer than Mr. Sydney. "Don't make such a noise, my head aches dreadfully," said Fanny, fretfully. "Girls' heads always do ache," answered Tom, subsiding from a roar into a chuckle. Um, fuck you Tom. He suspects Trix of wearing makeup because she won’t let him kiss her cheek, only “an unsatisfactory peck at her lips.” That’s less satisfying than the cheek? Whatever you say, Tom. Fanny confirms it. He doesn’t approve. Will arrives to take Maud to Polly’s; LMA gets a dig in: “They were very good friends, but led entirely different lives, Will being a "dig," and Tom a "bird," or, in plain English, one was a hard student, and the other a jolly young gentleman. Tom had rather patronized Will, who didn't like it, and showed that he didn't by refusing to borrow money of him, or accept any of his invitations to join the clubs and societies to which Tom belonged. So Shaw let Milton alone, and he got on very well in his own way, doggedly sticking to his books, and resisting all temptations but those of certain libraries, athletic games, and such inexpensive pleasures as were within his means; for this benighted youth had not yet discovered that college nowadays is a place in which to "sky-lark," not to study.” We'll see more of that when we get to Jo’s Boys. Polly talks better than other girls who are coquettes. Seriously. Jesus Christ. Maud has “a talent for betraying trifles which people preferred should not be mentioned in public” and “a queer way of going on with her own thoughts, and suddenly coming out with whatever lay uppermost, regardless of time, place, or company.” Huh. Needles and Tongues Fanny’s sewing circle meets at the Shaw house. Polly listens to them gossip. “Another divulged the awful fact that Carrie P.' s wedding presents were half of them hired for the occasion.” That’s pretty funny. Polly and Trix butt heads over giving charity. “[Trix] felt the same antagonism toward Polly, that Polly did toward her; and, being less generous, took satisfaction in plaguing her. Polly did not know that the secret of this was the fact that Tom often held her up as a model for his fiance to follow, which caused that young lady to dislike her more than ever.” I am not entirely unsympathetic to Trix. Polly tells them about Jane and they’re very moved and resolve to hire her for sewing. Forbidden Fruit Polly, Fanny, and Tom go to the opera. Polly buys new gloves for the occasion and their dog chews them up and she’s like serves me right for buying something I didn’t need. Her new bonnet survives, though, and Tom mentions how becoming it is. "Dress that girl up, and she'd be a raving, tearing beauty," he whispers to Maud, and Polly overhears. A bit of sarcastic fourth wall breaking: I deeply regret being obliged to shock the eyes and ears of such of my readers as have a prejudice in favor of pure English by expressions like the above, but, having rashly undertaken to write a little story about Young America, for Young America, I feel bound to depict my honored patrons as faithfully as my limited powers permit. Otherwise, I must expect the crushing criticism, "Well, I dare say it's all very prim and proper, but it isn't a bit like us," and never hope to arrive at the distinction of finding the covers of "An Old-Fashioned Girl" the dirtiest in the library. Polly wears her hair down, holy shit. Maud comments on what a lovely bride she would be, Tom refers to her as “Mrs. Sydney,” and Fan goes to the carriage “in an usually lofty manner.” Love triangle ahoy. And who should appear at the opera but Arthur Sydney? Polly, on her reaction to heartbreak: "That's not my way either," she said decidedly. "I'd try to outlive it, and if I could n't, I'd try to be the better for it. Disappointment needn't make a woman a fool." Sounds like Rosamund. We are reminded that French novels are evil, and Polly calls Tom a modern Beau Brummel. The Sunny Side Fanny and Tom discuss Polly/Sydney. Tom thinks being a fine lady wouldn’t suit her; Fanny disagrees. Tom realizes his sister likes Sydney and says nothing about it. Polly introduces Fanny to her friends Becky and Bess, two artists who live together. Becky is sculpting “the coming woman” and needs to put a symbol in her hands. Fanny suggests a queen’s sceptre, Polly a man’s helping hand, and Bess a child. Becky turns those down. Kate, an accidentally successful author, suggests a ballot-box. They have a lunch of sardines, oranges, crackers, and cheese, on mismatched plates which one 1860s reviewer found too unfeminine to be realistic. We learn that "Bess is to be married in the spring, and Becky is to live with her." Kate wants to put Polly in a book. Very funny.

Nipped in the Bud Polly inner monologues about how she can’t love Arthur Sydney as a wife should, so she ought to tell him before he proposes. Particularly since he and Fan would suit each other. She changes her route home so as to avoid meeting him, then he sees her coming home from Fanny’s one day and they talk. He says that Fanny hasn’t improved with her years and Polly defends her friend. “She puts on that dashing air before people to hide her real self. But I know her better; and I assure you that she does improve; she tries to mend her faults, though she won't own it, and will surprise you someday, by the amount of heart and sense and goodness she has got." Breakers Ahead Tom gets expelled for knocking down the Chapel watchmen. At least he didn’t need that degree for a job. And Mr. Shaw’s business has failed, and Tom has acquired a significant amount of debt. Oh no. Polly comforts him and then Fanny, who doesn’t actually need much comforting, being glad for the distraction from her unrequited love. Indian cake . . . is that cornbread? A Dress Parade The big house was given up as soon as possible and the little house taken; being made comfortable with the furniture Madam left there when she went to live with her son. The old-fashioned things had been let with the house, and now seemed almost like a gift from Grandma, doubly precious in these troublous times. At the auction, several persons tried to show the family that, though they had lost their fortune, friends still remained, for one bid in Fanny's piano, and sent it to her; another secured certain luxurious articles for Mrs. Shaw's comfort; and a third saved such of Mr. Shaw's books as he valued most, for he had kept his word and given up everything, with the most punctilious integrity. Maud enjoys herself learning to housewife. Polly gives Fanny advice on freshening her wardrobe, such as turning her grey suit. Fanny used to give Maud her old dresses for tableaux. Polly’s story is based on real life. From LMA’s ”Recollections of My Childhood”: People wondered at our frolics, but enjoyed them; and droll stories are still told of the adventures of those days. Mr. Emerson and Margaret Fuller were visiting my parents one afternoon; and the conversation having turned to the ever-interesting subject of education, Miss Fuller said,-- "Well, Mr. Alcott, you have been able to carry out your methods in your own family, and I should like to see your model children." She did in a few moments,--for as the guests stood on the doorsteps a wild uproar approached, and round the corner of the house came a wheelbarrow holding baby May arrayed as a queen; I was the horse, bitted and bridled, and driven by my elder sister Anna, while Lizzie played dog and barked as loud as her gentle voice permitted. All were shouting, and wild with fun, which, however, came to a sudden end as we espied the stately group before us, for my foot tripped, and down we all went in a laughing heap, while my mother put a climax to the joke by saying with a dramatic wave of the hand,-- "Here are the model children, Miss Fuller!" Playing Grandmother Tom has a harder time than his sisters. He’s too bad at business to help his father so he hangs out with Mrs. Shaw. "I'd cut away to Australia if it wasn't for mother; anything, anywhere to get out of the way of people who know me. I never can right myself here, with all the fellows watching, and laying wagers whether I sink or swim. Hang Greek and Latin! wish I'd learned a trade, and had something to fall back upon. Haven't a blessed thing now, but decent French and my fists.” Oh my gosh I think Tom’s a millennial. Polly teaches Maud how to make raisin cake for Tom’s birthday. He receives two letters: one from Trix dumping him, and one from Arthur Sydney saying that’s he’s paid Tom’s debts. Tom, unwilling to owe him, decides to go West, young man, like Polly’s brother Ned. The Woman Who Did Not Dare POLLY wrote enthusiastically, Ned answered satisfactorily, and after much corresponding, talking, and planning, it was decided that Tom should go West. Never mind what the business was; it suffices to say that it was a good beginning for a young man like Tom, who, having been born and bred in the most conservative class of the most conceited city in New England, needed just the healthy, hearty, social influences of the West to widen his views and make a man of him. Polly goes home for the summer, Maud to the shore with Belle, and Fan stays home. I’m pretty sure Polly lives in Concord. Does she know the Marches? She returns to Boston in the fall and Fanny says have you been sick? No, it’s love. Polly gives vague answers and Fan replies that she thinks Sydney is starting to like her. She shows Polly a photo Tom sent and Polly’s face makes her go Aha. Winter passes, and in May Fan and Sydney get engaged. Tom’s Success "Come, Philander, let us be a marching, Every one his true love a searching," would be the most appropriate motto for this chapter, because, intimidated by the threats, denunciations, and complaints showered upon me in consequence of taking the liberty to end a certain story as I liked, I now yield to the amiable desire of giving satisfaction, and, at the risk of outraging all the unities, intend to pair off everybody I can lay my hands on. Tom comes home and tells Polly he loves her. "Now, Tom, how could I know you loved me when you went away and never said a word?" she began, in a tenderly reproachful tone, thinking of the hard year she had spent. "And how could I have the courage to say a word, when I had nothing on the face of the earth to offer you but my worthless self?" answered Tom, warmly. "That was all I wanted!" whispered Polly, in a tone which caused him to feel that the race of angels was not entirely extinct. I suppose if I liked Tom more the romance might work for me but I don’t and it doesn’t. Neither pairing seems to happen naturally, the narrative forces them together. Will marries Jane and Maud remains a spinster, “[keeping] house for her father in the most delightful manner.” The End and I’m glad of it! Next is Little Men.

[glassrain]

Oliver Queen

*First Impression: Very favorable. It probably helped that Arrow’spilot episode was intriguing, well-laid out and artistically crafted.But even as far as Oliver as a character and a person, I fell in lovewith him right off the bat. I found his violent yet calculatingapproach to Star City’s crime bosses fascinating, especiallyconsidering that Arrow isn’t really a dark show (or at leastit wasn’t - I haven’t watched recent seasons, so I can’t attestto those). It dealt with Oliver’s murders seriously, without losingit’s optimism and dipping into “edgy” territory. I thoughthis mindset was interesting, as well as realistic. I was very excitedabout this fascinating and complex character in a relativelyfamily-friendly show.

Ialso loved his humility in that first episode - he could have madevery realistic excuses for what happened all those years ago, butinstead he chose to own it and try to make things better. I respectedthat.

*Impression Now: … Well, I suppose that depends if we’rediscussing “real Oliver” or “Canon Oliver.” While Ihaven’t watched past season three, Oliver went through a radicalpersonality shift after season 2 - he stopped caring about thingslike his family company and legacy (which was very importantto him during seasons 1 & 2), he became surprisingly comfortableexpressing his personal feelings (???), he stopped being Star City’ssilent guardian as theArrowand became some beloved figurehead (Since when?). Oliver stoppedplaying up his billionaire alias and essentially became … a hobo?Yep, when you stop to look at it, he became a hobo and wasperfectly content to remain so. And you expect me to believe thatthe man who allowed Felicity to dangle herself as bait for a serialkiller would refuse to teach Laurel how to defend herself in orderto “protect” her? I don’t think so.

So,yeah. I’ve got some issues with what the guys up top have done withmy beloved Oliver’s character, but then I hardly consider that tobe really Oliver anymore, you know? I don’t know, maybe he’sgotten back on track since season 3. I still adore Oliver, butI think that the Exec’s have not done justice to either hischaracter or his story.

*Favorite Moment: So hard to pick! I’m probably going to miss some since it’s been a while since I’ve watched Arrow. Tommy’s death is definitelyway up there - oh my gosh, it broke my heart! Stephen Amell’sacting was gut-wrenching, along with the whole aspect oflast-minute “I forgive you”s - plus, Tommy! Not Tommy,please, anyone but Tommy! I also loved that flashback scene in season1, when Oliver is confronted with a “hostage” and he has tochose whether or not to free him. I feel like this, even more thanthe torture or the bird scene, is the major turning point for Oliver,when the drive for survival really starts working it’s way into hisblood. This moment is so good, so simple and sympathetic andchilling, as we get to see the innocent child that Oliver was die alittle before our eyes. and his answer to why he won’t cut the manloose: “Because I don’t know you.” It’s quiet and simpleand only half-remorseful.I really do enjoy this scene.

Or,oh! His dinner scene with Helena. Now that was a good scene.

Andlet’s not forget Diggle’s introduction scene. That was pure gold(not to mention that it led into that epic montage of Oliver buildinghis base).

*Idea for a Story: I’m actually in the process of writing anintrospective one-shot. It’s pretty much just Oliver, shaving andwashing properly for the first time in years, then looking in themirror and thinking, “Who is that?” Not very exciting, butcharacter studies are how I roll. I also want to write a series thatjust kind of … explores the unaired scenes between Barry and Olliethat may have taken place during all the Arrow/Flash crossovers.Like, Barry equal parts fussing and fangirling over Oliver while hehas the rat poison in his system, the actual conversation in whichBarry tells Oliver about the Lightening, the fight scene between thetwo which Oliver apparently lost - that sort of thing. I just want itto showcase the friendship between Barry and Oliver, because I loveit and need to see more of it!

*Unpopular Opinion: I don’t know how unpopular this is among thefans so much (though I think it’s not too favored) but Ihonestly don’t think Oliver was much of a jerk when he got backfrom the Island. I mean, he could be a little thoughtless, sure. Hehad trouble opening up to people, he struggled to adjust to thechanges in his life and his loved ones, he was suffering from majorsurvivor’s guilt and PTSD … but a jerk? Are you serious? That boy was not a jerk. He was kind and considerate and forgiving and polite, he was protective and just wanted his loved ones to be happy. If that’s your definition of a jerk, I wish that all guys were jerks.

*Favorite Relationship: Gonna have to go with Oliver and Slade forthis one. Their dynamic is so good! I love their development, from leery and reluctant allies with a common goal to brothers-in-arms … to ultimately, enemies who both wish that it hadn’t come to this. Remember Moira’s death scene? If you watch Manu Bennett (Slade) during this whole scenario you’ll see that he’s actually crying after he runs her through and Oliver collapses. The whole mentor/student eventually turn on each other thing is one that I just adore, and this one in particular is played out so well! Their interactions are great as both friends and enemies … plus, doesn’t Slade come back in like, season 6 or something (I think that’s what I’ve heard)? And he and Ollie are working together? That would be amazing.

* Favorite Headcanon: I headcanon that, when Ollie finds himself slipping into a dark place, or just gets stressed out being the Arrow or whatever, he goes and visits Tommy’s grave. And he talks - he doesn’t talk about his problems or his struggles, he doesn’t ask for advice, he talks about, like, girls and movies and how stuffy those business people can be. Normal stuff. “You ever think Detective Lance and I would be on speaking terms, Tommy?” Because Tommy was the only person who never really got tied up in all the vigilante drama, and it’s only with Tommy that Oliver ever really gets to feel normal.

Thank you for the ask! And thanks for sending Ollie in particular, since I adore Oliver Queen and am thrilled for any excuse to rave about him.