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formeandmyfics · 4 years ago

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MORE THAN YOU KNOW PART2

JUGENEA FAN FICTION

Disclaimer: Language, Sex & Medication mention

I WOULD SUGGEST READING PART 1 FIRST

October 1951 “Oh my Gosh, look, they lit it up,” Kay Thompson’s voice excitingly howled, “Driver can you pull over?” As the town car slowed to a stop on the curve the passenger window rolled down and Judy’s large, dark eyes stared up at the brightly lit theater. The Palace theater hadn’t been lit up like that for years and now it was now lit up just for her. RKO PALACE 2-SHOWS DAILY -2 JUDY GARLAND & AN ALL STAR SHOW Judy was in a daze for a moment. When she was in ‘bad’ Vaudeville growing up, it was her family’s dream to play the Palace. It was every Vaudevillian’s dream to play that theater. When she was in For Me and My Gal, the movie hit close to home and she was delighted to play it. That was just a movie set, though. This…this was the real thing. As Kay and Gene all erupted in a cheer and laughter, she closed her eyes and thought ‘It’s happening, Papa.’ But in one quick moment, Gene grabbed her and happily planted a big, hard kiss to her cheek making her erupt in giggles. After relishing the moment, the foursome made their way to The Stork Club, a popular New York nightclub for celebrities and socialites. There they ran into many friends and celebrities who crowded around their booth. Judy, of course, the main attraction. When Gene saw that Judy had a moment to breath, as everyone busied themselves in conversation, he slipped into the booth next to her. “Hello, there,” she said sweetly. “Hello, there,” he repeated before leaning into her ear, “You know what I’m thinking?” “Considering you’ve been on the Bourbon tonight, I have a pretty good guess what you’re thinking,” she said slyly with a hint of seduction in her voice. Gene looked to make sure no one was looking before he lifted one the large menu’s to shield them for a moment. She giggled softly, “What are you doing?” “It’s no one’s business to see this,” he chuckled before kissing her. The kiss was gentle at first contact, but then his hand slid along her neck to the back of her head as he gave her a very, delicious, French kiss that left butterflies between her legs. When he broke contact with her lips, just barely, she placed her lips together as if tasting and she gently ‘mmm’. He smiled and tilted his head to top that when the menu was suddenly whipped away from his hand startling them both. Van Johnson wore a big silly grin as his eyebrows rose, “Whatchyou doin’.” Judy gasped, “Darling! Hahaha,” she got up to embrace him, “I didn’t know you were in New York!” Gene stood up to kiss Evie. When Evie and Judy hugged, Evie gasped taking Judy’s hand, “What is this?!” “You two finally aren’t going to be living in sin anymore, huh,” Van said laying a congratulatory hand on Gene’s back. “That’s right,” Gene grinned ear to ear. “It’s beautiful, honey,” Evie quipped. “Isn’t it,” Judy smiled happily. “When did you propose,” Evie asked Gene. “Back in August. We were vacationing at Lawford’s place in Palm Springs," Gene answered “You seem like the kind of guy to go all out to propose." “I was planning on a big to-do but the moment just came up and it was actually quite simple,” Gene stated. “It was simple but romantic,” Judy assured him, “It was dawn and we just woke up and we took a walk on the beach in our pajamas and then he just did it.” “Awww. Was it a surprise?” “Oh, yes.” “I’m so happy for the two of you,” Van sincerely said reaching to kiss Judy’s cheek, “May I take this opportunity to share a dance with the Bride-to-be?” “You may,” Judy said and let Van lead hear to the dancefloor. As someone came over to Evie, Gene grabbed his glass and downed the rest of his Bourbon, when he spotted Kay motioning for him at the other table. He went over and got his lighter out to light her cigarette, “What’s up?” “I want to talk to you for a second. I didn’t want to mention anything, but I’m a little concerned.” “Concerned about what,” he asked lowering his voice like hers was. “Earlier today, at rehearsal, I went into Judy’s rehearsal bag to grab some sheet music…” “Yeah,” he said casually. “And I saw something,” she said weary. When she didn’t continue, he gave her a questioning but persistent look, “What?” “I saw a few medication bottles.” “Her sleeping pills,” he said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Maybe…maybe,” she nodded, “I thought of that.” “What did the bottles say,” he asked as he placed a cigarette between his lips. “I don’t know. I didn’t have the chance to look because Judy came in.” Kay licked her bottom lip before taking another drag of her cigarette, “Her moods have been erratic lately. And I know that’s ‘Judy’ but these are a little more intense.” “Yeah, I noticed, but it’s just stress with the show coming up.” Kay ignored his excuse, “Dottie and I have been helping with her gowns. She has lost over 10 pounds in a week, Gene.” This got his attention, as he had noticed her weight loss as well in a short amount of time. He never really thought about it, except she looked marvelous still in a healthy way. When their eyes met, Kay continued, “Why would she keep her sleeping pills in her rehearsal tote?” Gene looked down and fiddled with his lighter as he knew what she was getting at, “I don’t think so, baby. She promised me she wouldn’t." Kay saw the denial on his face, she understood why, but wanted to make sure he knew of the possibility, “I know. And maybe I’m wrong. I just wanted to let you know, just in case. Maybe you can check, hm?” ��Yeah, maybe. Thanks,” he said giving her a thank you smile before he turned to look at Judy. She was slow dancing with Van, but in mid laugh. He smiled wider seeing how happy she looked. She caught eyes with him at that moment. When she saw him staring, Judy tilted he head and gave him a wink.

It was a little after one in the morning when Judy and Gene walked into her apartment at Beekman Place, a swanky area on the east side of Manhattan where Kay had an apartment. It was convenient, not only to be one floor away from her friend, but was only a 15 minute drive to the theater. When they shut the door, Gene was just a tad wobbly on his legs, not much, but it was clear he was feeling good from the liquor. Judy was sober as a judge and very amused as he helped her with her coat, but couldn’t get her arm out. “Honey, stop. Here, let me do it,” Judy giggled trying to free her arm. “Well, damn, if we can’t even get your coat off, we’re in a lot of trouble later,” he chuckled. Once freed from her coat, Gene hung it up, then placed his own coat and fedora on the rack, “I’m gonna go take a quick shower so I don’t have to take one when I get up.” “What time does your plane leave again?” “Eleven,” he said as he walked into the bedroom. Twenty minutes later, Judy was sitting on the sofa reading a magazine, still in her cocktail dress, when Gene appeared in the doorway of the bedroom clad only his pajama pants. He had expected her to be in bed waiting for him when he got out of the shower, but she wasn’t. As he stood there, he didn’t say anything, he just looked at her persistently. She looked up at him, “What?” “Come on.” “Come on, what?” “I’m not going to be back for almost two weeks. Get in here,” he said raising his voice exaggerating. “Whyyy,” she whined. He knew she was teasing him. “You take forever to get ready for bed, and I want my dessert, so I need you in there now.” He started to turn to go back in the bedroom when she spoke up like a little girl, “Make me.”

Gene turned around and gave her a ‘Oh, really’ look which made her bust up laughing and he walked up towards her. “You can’t do nuttin’. I’ll call the house detective.” Gene ignored her and grabbed her swiftly over his shoulder as she laughed as they disappeared into the bedroom. The next morning, Gene was dressed nicely, all ready for the airport, as he made coffee in the kitchenette. It was a quarter past 9, and quiet, as Judy was still sound asleep in the next room. After pouring himself a cup of coffee, he walked over to the patio doors and opened it letting the crisp air invade his being. The trees all along the street below were bright orange, the color magnified by the morning sunshine beaming down. Oh, how he missed fall mornings in New York. You didn’t get changing colors of nature and fresh air like this in Los Angeles. With the sounds of birds and bustling traffic in the distance, Gene had a moment of solitude as he replayed the past few days. He accompanied Judy to New York on the train and they arrived the last day of September. That was only three days ago, but they were very productive three days. As planned, Judy started rehearsals at the theater on October 1st. Chuck Walters directed and staged it, Hugh Martin was her pianist/accompanist and her conductor was the same young gentleman that conducted her Palladium shows. Roger couldn’t be there as he was at MGM working but she had worked with him in LA, on laying out the musical sequences and writing brand new songs just for that occasion. Kay, of course, was there to help her with vocals and Dottie tagged along as a personal assistant. She was surrounded by people she was familiar with, but most importantly, whom she could trust. The rehearsals, from what Gene saw, were great the first few days. She had a lot of energy and was happy, but she was also direct in her approach on how she wanted things to be and what made her feel comfortable. She got involved in everything – even down to the lighting. She was very poignant about what light mark would hit her during each song.

When she rehearsed ‘Over the Rainbow’, she was a little winded since it came right after the tramp number. She got a little annoyed with herself that she was out of breath, and she didn’t want to have a lull in the program, with the audience waiting while, ‘Old, fat Dorothy tries to breathe,’ as she put it. During her frustration, Gene had walked up to the orchestra pit below the stage where she stood He suggested, “Baby, just sit down and sing it.” “What?” “Just sit on the edge of the stage so you can catch your breath and then sing the Rainbow number. Hell, you probably won’t even need a microphone you sing so damn loud.” Judy actually loved the idea. A lot of her show was informal anyways. At the Palladium, she took off her shoes and joked with the audience and talked with them…to show them she was a real person. And she was doing the same thing at this show, even more so, staging the interaction purposefully. Her sitting down on the stage would bring it to a more intimate level and bring her closer to her audience, whom she adored. “…But do you think it’s too cheesy,” she asked. “They want cheese. They wouldn’t have watched any of your movies, if they didn’t want cheesy. Look at Summer Stock,” Walters had said. “That was pretty cheesy,” she added. “Right, but romantic. They want a performance, give them one, darlin.” When rehearsals were over, Gene assumed she’d want to get some rest, but she wanted to do the town, still full of energy. He was happy to join, to spend any time with his fiancé before he had to head back to LA to work on ‘Singing in the Rain’ which he was co-directing and starring. It was his baby, Judy knew that, so she was very understanding that he had to fly back and forth. God, he would miss her though. Ever since getting engaged, they found themselves inseparable when they were together. Gene smiled almost naughtily when he thought of last night. After knowing her for a decade, he could get so angry and so irritated with her and her almost bi-polar personality (she always used the excuse ‘I cannot help that I’m a Gemini’) but he knew how to handle her. One thing he never tired of, no matter the circumstance, was their intimacy. It seemed as the years went on, the sex got better. Making love or screwing, it was never dull, which is what he experienced with his ex-wife. That’s why he ended up with Judy in the first place. Sex with Judy never got dull because she was never dull. Last night, he didn’t know if it was the booze with him, or because they were to be separated again, but they had an unhinged session that they hadn’t had in quite some time. He also never tired of how she sounded during lovemaking especially when he pleasured her orally, which he did last night. He got his dessert. He was sure she was going to rip the bed sheets, as she arched, her hands clenching onto the white sheets for dear life. She begged him to stop, but didn’t push him away, as he overworked her through her orgasm. She gave him the same equal treatment before straddling him to start them off. Soon, she was begging him to fuck her, her sensations heightened. If they were in a hotel, the occupants in the entire hallway would’ve heard them. He even checked the bed afterwards, as he thought they broke it. They had a lot of laughs before they fell asleep. Gene chuckled to himself taking another sip of coffee as he walked back inside. He stopped in his tracks when his eyes landed on Judy’s rehearsal bag that was sitting on the edge of the couch. Suddenly, Kay’s words replayed in his head: “Why would she keep her sleeping pills in her rehearsal bag,” she had said to him worried, “Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe you can check, hm?” Now sober, things started to go through Gene’s head solemnly: her moods weren’t really erratic, but he had noticed she was more irritable than she had been for a while…she had accelerated energy day and night until she took a sleeping pill…she had sudden weight loss without changing her diet or exercising…she had heightened sensation during sex…he had seen these all before, when she was on her medication at Metro. Gene walked over to the couch and sat down next to the bag. He set his coffee cup down on the table before he hesitated. He never invaded Judy’s personal belongings. One thing they both agreed upon when moving in together was that they both respected each others personal space and private things. But, he had to know, just for himself, and for her own safety. He looked back at the bedroom door before he grabbed the bag. Opening it, he shuffled through items that were familiar to him: sheet music, makeup, her black, slipper flats, a silk Chinese scarf, a book she was currently reading and… There at the bottom of the bag, he saw two prescription bottles next to each other. Gene didn’t even have to look at the label to know that they weren’t her sleeping pills. These were orange bottles with ‘Office of Robert Clark, MD Malibu’ on the label. Her sleeping pills were in a white bottle prescribed by their trusted friend, Dr. Probirs, whose office was stationed in Beverly Hills. Gene’s eyes closed in disappointment before he looked at each of the bottles. It was as he assumed: they were an upper and downers. Gene’s first initial instinct was to down them in the toilet, but he knew that would just cause a fight. When she was still at Metro, they had fought about her medication during the later years, after her first cry for help when she cut her throat. Each time he brought up her ‘medication’, she boldly told him to ‘fuck off’ and that they were her business. When she first started her last picture, Summer Stock, she was clean of medication, but she was terribly nervous and sometimes wobbly. She wanted to quit the project, to go back to resting like she had in Boston, but no one would hear of it. She went back on medication for the energy to continue the movie, which Gene did not like, but had no say. When Judy Garland wanted to do something, she just went ahead and did it. The medication was very closely watched and regulated. When she left the studio for good, one year ago, she had stopped the medication all together. When the two moved in together shortly after, she promised Gene that she would be done with them for good. She had even told him that on her own free accord. But he made her promise that if she needed medication again, or even if she thought about doing it for any reason, she would talk to him about it first and they would figure things out. Obviously, she had broken that promise. Gene found himself very angry, very hurt, but at the same time he did not want to jeopardize anything with her and this show. Screaming at her would change nothing. That wasn’t the way to handle Judy, he had learned early on in their relationship. She responded to calmness, flattery, wittiness, and no bullshit honesty when things were serious. If you yelled at Judy, she yelled back and either shut you out or become distant. No, confronting her right now was not the right thing to do. If she was back on medication, he knew she was vulnerable and possibly a ticking time bomb.

But he did wonder how long it had been since she had been back on them. Palladium? Just recently? It was a California doctor so obviously she had gotten them back home. Was it after they got engaged? All these questions rolled through his mind.

Gene placed the items carefully where he had found them and zipped up her rehearsal bag when he heard her sleepy voice call out for him from the bedroom.

Walking into the bedroom, Gene gave a slight smile before placing his hand on her head, sweeping some hair out of her face, "Did you sleep ok?"

"Mm hm," she moaned. When she saw him dressed in a suit, she became a little sad, "Are you leaving soon?"

"Yeah, baby," he said disappointingly, "I have to leave here in a few minutes."

Judy made a sad face and reached her arms out. He immediately got on the bed and half layed on top of her comfortably. For a moment, they just laid there together. Judy noticed the way he was looking at her, deep in thought with a worrisome look, and she furrowed her brow, "You ok?"

"Hm?"

"You look like something is bothering you."

"Other than having to leave you, again," he smiled and leaned in for a kiss. Gene then got serious real quick, "I really love you, Judy."

"I love you, too, darling."

Gene sat up and sat her up with him, taking her hands in his, "Everyone here loves you and cares about you...Chuck, Kay, Dottie, Hugh...you know that, don't you?"

"Of course. That's why I asked them to help me with this show."

"If you ever need anything, or you're feeling a little down, you can always go to them when I'm not here. You're never alone, I want you to know that. And if you ever need a break, it's ok to stop.”

Judy looked at him skeptically, “Yeah."

"And you know you can talk to me about anything. I've been there with you for years, I'm not going anywhere. If you ever need help with anything, anything at all, all you have to do is ask."

"Gene, why are you telling me this right now?"

He ignored her, "We trust each other, right?"

"Of course, but..."

"Is there anything you want to talk about before I leave?"

Judy’s confused face suddenly softened as looked dead into his eyes. Her lip quivered a bit, as if she was about to speak, the way it did when she was nervous, but then she just shrugged, “No. You'll be back the 15th, right," she asked.

Gene felt even more disappointment that she didn't confess but he responded, "Yep, I'll be back the day before your opening."

"And you'll be right there in the wings," she said as a confirmation.

"With bells on," he teased and he saw her relax, "What did I say at the lake house? I promise I'll be there no matter what. She show will be great and if you need any help, which I know you won't, I'll be right there beside you."

"Good. I want you in my side view at all times," she smiled

He smiled back and they kissed one more time, lingering a little longer.

When Gene left the apartment, with his fedora tilted on his head and suitcase in hand, he took the elevator down a floor to stop at Kay's. She opened the door at the second knock.

“Oh, good morning, darling,” she said with a cheery smile.

“Morning.”

“Are you on your way to the airport now?”

“Ya,” Gene looked down, pausing, and bit his bottom lip in a bit of distress before looking back up at her, “You were right, Kay.” He saw her curious expression quickly turn to comprehension.

“They weren’t sleeping pills, were they,” she carefully said. He shook his head, ‘no’.

“So, what happened,” she said crossing her arms as she leaned against the door frame.

“Nothing. I didn’t have the heart to ask her about them. All I know is, they’re from some MD in Malibu and they’re the same things she took at the studio.”

“Judy,” Kay sighed just as disappointed but then she got a little stern, “So, you’re just going to sweep it under the rug?”

“Of course not. But I’m also not going to start World War III right before her opening of the show. You know how she is. She’ll either play it off like it was just a bag of M&M’s I found or throw a tantrum and tell me to fuck off. Either way, she’ll put up a wall with me.”

Kay nodded knowing all too well, “That’s true. If that happened, anything could trigger her and she’d probably cancel the whole damn show.”

“Exactly. It’s too risky. Her career needs this. She needs this, baby. I’m not going to chance it with a confrontation. Believe me, when we fight, it never changes anything until we come to middle ground and we can’t do that with me 3000 miles away.”

Kay bit he nail in thought, “Ya, she’ll do whatever the hell she wants, anyways.”

“When I’m gone, can you just..can you..” Gene practically begged the blonde with his eyes.

She new exactly what he meant and smiled, “I was going to anyways. Everything will be fine. And don’t worry, I’m not going to say anything.”

“Thank you, doll. If you need anything, just call. If I’m not home, then call the studio.”

“You got it. Have a safe flight,” she said and they reached in for a kiss goodbye, “See ya the 15th.”

That afternoon, a cab pulled up in front of Gene and Judy’s home just as Lauren walked to the end of her driveway to fetch the mail. When she saw Gene get out, she happily went over to meet him. “Well hello, there,” she said as the cab drove away.

“Hello, there,” Gene replied letting her kiss him on the cheek.

“Just getting back from New York?”

“Yep.”

“We just got our tickets in the mail for the opening of the show.”

“Oh, that’s swell.”

“How’s the theater coming along?”

“It’s beautiful. They’ve re-done it all inside. New paint, new curtains, new chandeliers, the works.”

“How is she doing?”

“She’s great. Rehearsals, just from what I’ve seen the past few days, are going beautifully. And she sounds fantastic, Lauren. Her voice is stronger than it was in Europe.”

“Probably because she’s happier here. Look what she’s doing. She’s reopening the Palace and bringing back Vaudeville. That was an amazing idea you had there, Gene, if I do say so myself.”

“Thank you, thank you.”

“I hate the idea of you being all alone in that big house right now. If you don’t have any plans, why don’t you come with me to Marina Del Rey. We’re going to do a little sailing.”

“Ah, Captain Bogie, at it again, huh?”

“Yeah, so how about it?”

“Thanks, but I’ll have to pass right now. I’m a little tired from the flight.”

“Are you sure?”

“Oh, yeah. Being around people non stop in New York the past couple days wore me out. I want to relax a bit before I return back to work tomorrow.”

“Alright. You’re welcome to come over for dinner, too, anytime.”

“That, I’ll definitely take you up on.”

“See that you do,” she said walking away but just as Gene started up his driveway she turned around, “Say, what’s Judy number, where’s she staying so I can ring her up sometime?”

“She’s in the same building with Kay. Beekman Place. 9-7768.”

“Thanks, darling.”

When Gene shut the front door behind him, a very quiet, and partially dimmed, house greeted him. He could immediately smell the fresh aroma of lemons, which meant their housekeeper Joannie had probably been there that morning. Right now, there was no Judy, no Liza, no Nanny Mary, no housekeeper. It felt calm but odd, as it always did when Judy wasn’t around for a while. Whenever Judy was around, there was at least a few people buzzing nearby.

As Gene head up the stairs, he made a mental note to make sure to call Kerry. He knew Betsy was going to drop her off later but didn’t remember what time.

The white and peach toned Master Bedroom was clean and bright when he walked in, but a little stuffy as it was cool enough in Los Angeles to not need the air conditioning on. He immediately opened the veranda doors to let some air in, then turned on the radio. One habit he took from Judy after all these years, was need to have a radio, record player or television on at all times. He used to love complete silence, but now it made him a little antsy after a while.

Gene turned on a current baseball game and started unpacking his suitcase. When he rummaged through his toilette bag, he pulled out a piece of paper and immediately smiled. He didn’t even have to open it to know it was from her. Something she always did, was leave little notes for him. Even when they were together at home, she’d leave a note laying around. He knew she could express her emotions better when they were in writing or through her voice in song. He opened the piece of paper that was monogrammed ‘RKO Palace Theater’ on top, and in her familiar slanted cursive it read:

Thank you for all of your support, darling, and your great ideas. Imagine, the little, fat girl with pigtails playing the Palace. You and Me, we’re great, baby. Call me the second you get home. - Love J

Gene sat on the edge of the bed and picked up the beside phone. He checked his watch to figure out what time it was in New York before dialing the theater. After getting through the receptionist, and then speaking briefly with the stage manager afterwards, he was patched through to Judy’s dressing room.

“Ms. Minnelli’s dressing room,” he heard Dottie say, whom always used Judy’s legal last name for security reasons.

“Hi, sweetheart, it’s Gene.”

“Oh hi. Hold on, Judy is right outside the door.”

There was silence for a moment before Judy picked up, her voice a little out of breath, “Hi, darling.”

“Hi, baby. Have I interrupted work?”

“No, they just called for a break, so you got me at the perfect time.”

“Did you run to the phone, I’m flattered,” he chuckled,teasing, as he still heard her try to catch her breath.

“I just did the Medley, in full voice.”

“Long song.”

“You got it. How was your flight?”

“Okay. I got your note, honey, thank you.”

“Oh, you found it, huh?”

“I’m trying to figure out when you put it in there considering I was awake when you fell asleep last night and woke up before you did this morning.”

“Magic.”

“I don’t doubt that.”

“Everything okay at home?”

“Yep, all quiet. Housekeeper was here earlier. I ran into Betty. She invited me to go out on the boat, but I think I’m just going to stay at home and relax. I have an early call at the studio tomorrow morning. She mentioned she was going to call you. She and Bogie got their tickets for opening night, too.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful. Honey, don’t forget, Kerry is being dropped off at 4.”

“4...” he double checked his watch and it said 3:45, “Shit. I forgot what time she was coming. How do you remember that and I don’t?”

“It’s in my repertoire to remember your business,” she teased.

“Anything else I forgot?”

Judy giggled, “She’s going to work with you and then Vincente is going to get her around noon for her play date with Liza.”

“Oh, that’s right. Well, I better go then. Everything okay on your end?”

“Yes, sir. Call me tomorrow. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

She made a kissy sound before hanging up. Gene hurried with emptying his suitcase and made sure Kerry’s room, which connected to Liza’s, was set. He had just enough time to change into casual wear when Kerry arrived.

After getting her settled in, he went into the Master Bathroom to fix the medicine cabinet door that had screws come loose on top, leaving it slanted. During one of their little ‘tiffs’, Gene had slammed it shut, a little too hard. So, it had been that way for quite some time. Fixing things, or building things, around the house relaxed him.

The radio still played a ballgame, as Kerry traipsed into the bedroom. Passing the bathroom door, she looked in to see her Dad screwing the cabinet with a nail between his lips, obviously occupied. So, she walked over to Judy’s vanity where her perfume, makeup and a costume jewelry box lay on top. Kerry picked up one of the Max Factor red lipsticks, curiously.

Gene was continuing with the cabinet, when Kerry stood in the doorway, and asked, “Daddy, why doesn’t Mommy wear red lipstick?”

He turned and saw Judy’s velvet red lipstick on his daughters lips, done neatly, but looking ridiculous on a 9-year-old, he had to laugh, “Go take that off.”

“Doesn’t it make me look pretty? I think it makes Judy pretty.”

“It makes you both pretty, but lipstick is not for nine-year-old girls.”

“I’m ten in 13 days,” she said with her chin up.

“Ten is still too young to wear lipstick, at least that color. Wipe it off now, please,” he said handing her a kleenex.”

“Why doesn’t Mommy wear red lipstick?”

“Your mother used to, when we first met. But then she liked the pinks better. Pink is pretty, too.”

“Do you like red better?”

Gene couldn’t help but smile at her unknowing innuendo, “I do like red better…but I won’t like it on you until you’re at least eighteen-years-old.”

Kerry rolled her eyes and disappeared back into the bedroom. When Gene was finished, he passed Judy’s walk-in closet where Kerry had her feet in a pair of black high heels.

“Why does Judy have such high shoes?”

“Because she’s short and it gives her height. Honey, what are you doing. I don’t think Judy would appreciate you touching all of her stuff.”

“Yah, huh! She told me I could play with whatever I wanted but to just be careful and not bring any drink or food in the bedroom. That was all.”

Gene looked at her like she was fibbing and Kerry’s eyes opened wide, “You don’t believe me! Call her right now, she’ll tell you. I’ll call her…” she went to stomp past Gene in the tall heels but he caught her and playfully tickled her lifting her up, the shoes falling off her feet.

“Oh, no, you don’t. She’s rehearsing right now. We’re not to bother her. If you’re that serious about it, I do believe you. But, I think she meant only when she’s home you can rummage around our bedroom.”

They went back in the bedroom and Kerry sat on the bed as Gene put his tools away. On the nightstand, she looked at a framed picture of Judy and her daddy. It was a studio-taken, promotional, black and white picture of the two of them from For Me and My Gal. Kerry didn’t know it was from that, as she hadn’t seen it, but the two were much younger in the photograph.

“Daddy?”

“Yah?”

“Are you really going to marry Judy?”

Gene paused a moment, before looking at her seriously, and he sat down on the edge of the bed worried, “I am. When we took you and Liza out to dinner to tell you about it, you were happy. Don’t you want me to marry her?”

“Oh, yes. It’s just, Liza has been calling you Papa Gene before you even told us you were getting married. And I was wondering if it’d be okay if I call her Mama Jude.”

Gene let out a funny breathe as if he were relieved, “Of course you can.”

“She’ll be okay with it?”

“Oh, honey, she’ll be so happy when she hears you call her that, believe me.”

“Good.”

He paused a moment, “Kerry, has your Mama said anything to you about me and Judy?”

“Like what?”

“Anything that’s maybe not too nice? You know, your mother and I aren’t married anymore. I just want to make sure we’re all friends.”

“No, she hasn’t said anything bad. When I told her about you marrying Judy she said something like, it was gonna happen eventually. But then her boyfriend asked me if Judy was gonna have a baby.”

Gene looked up at her, a little shocked. At least Kerry was too young to understand the meaning behind that, “Yeah, well, speaking of, how do you like Michael? Is he nice to you?”

“Oh, yes. He helps me with homework and he makes Mom laugh a lot.”

“That’s great,” Gene said sincerely.

“Is Judy gonna have a baby?”

“No, she’s not. At least not yet.”

“Soon? I’d love a baby brother or sister, Daddy.”

“Maybe the stork will bring us a baby after we’re married.”

“Mommy said I can go see Judy’s show in New York.”

“Yes, you’re all set to go with me the first weekend of November when I go back to New York.”

“I thought you were going back on my birthday?”

“Yes, Judy’s opening show is on your birthday, so I’ll be there. But I’m only staying a few days because I have to be back her for work. But then the next time I go back three weeks later, you’ll be with me. I’m sorry I won’t be able to be here for your birthday, honey.”

“That’s okay. Judy needs you.”

Gene kneaded his eyebrows, “Where did you hear that?”

Kerry shrugged not the bit interested, “I heard Mommy say it once.”

“She’s right, kiddo. But listen, I’m going to go to FAO Schwartz and bring you back something great and then we’ll go celebrate with ice cream sundae’s at the Brown Derby.” Kerry smiled and rocked her body back and forth excited, “And speaking of food, lets go make some dinner.”

He took her hand and they walked out.

The next evening, Judy was looking through a bridal magazine in a back bedroom of Betty Davis’ penthouse as she hummed along to Josephine Baker’s ‘La Conga Blicoti’ that the infamous singer was singing live with the piano in the next room.

“Ow! Dammit Kay,” Judy said trying to turn to look down at her friend.

Kay was on her knees behind her with a knitting needle between her teeth as she was sewing up a seam that had ripped in Judy’s flared cocktail dress.

“Well, if you would quit wiggling your ass, Judy, then I wouldn’t stick ya.”

“What do you think of this,” Judy said showing her a ‘2nd wedding’ bridal dress.

“I think you have too much boob for that,” she bluntly stated.

“Oh, stop.”

“I still cannot believe Bette has a bridal magazine laying around. She married Gary last year. There you are, my dear, all set.” Kay stood up and then saw a silk, champagne-colored, halter-style dress that was tight on the bodice but flared at the skirt and came up to the knee. “Oh, that one is beautiful.”

“I like the color.”

“It would go great with your skin tone and dark hair. Who’s the designer?”

“Chanel.”

“Oh, I’ll definitely ring up Gabby if you’re interested in looking at some designs. Have you two talked about when you’ll get married?”

“No. But I’d like to do it shortly after we close here. I don’t want to wait too long. I’d be happy just going to the Justice of the Peace tonight if he were here.”

“I bet you would,” Kay giggled.

“I don’t want a big wedding. Just something intimate with our closest family and friends, maybe even in our backyard. I know Gene would love that.”

“It would be pretty with the rose bushes you have out back and the koy pond. But then a big party afterwards for everyone?”

“Oh, of course. We’ll buy out Ciro’s,” Judy teased and they both laughed as they walked out back to the party.

Gene stood in the doorway of the Master Bedroom, leaning against the door frame biting on his thumb nail with apprehension. He never felt such anxiety to enter his own bedroom before. After coming home from the studio that evening, only one thing was on his mind: Judy’s medication. He had momentarily forgot about it after spending the previous afternoon with Kerry and the last time he spoke to Judy she sounded well and happy. But being back at the studio, where almost everyone took them, it was hard to forget about it.

Of course, he had taken them himself, but he quit them a few years ago. And even then, he only took them if he had a night shoot or a ‘back-to-back’ where you filmed into the night and had an early call the next morning. He wondered if Judy hadn’t gone off of the at all. Did she lie to him? Did she have them secretly hidden like she used to do at the studio and at her home with Vincente.

So, Gene made a decision: he would look for them in every possible place. He and Judy always respected each others privacy and space. He never went ransacking through her persona belongings. He had his own closet and never once stepped foot in hers unless she asked him to grab her something. She had a dresser in there as well, which she said was off limits. He didn’t ask questions, he respected that. It was called trust and now here he was.

Gene sighed and pushed himself off the door and walked in the room. He didn’t know how long he took, but he looked at every place he could think of, knowing how clever she was. He even looked in place that Vince had once told him she had hid medication but, fortunately he found notta. When Gene went to look at the last possible place, her dresser in the closet, he stopped himself. If he hadn’t found anything yet, he probably wouldn’t in there. I mean, she had told him it was off limits, so if he were to look anyplace it would there. She was too smart to put them there. Gene shook his head and walked away. No, he wouldn’t betray that trust, at least not without speaking to her first.

He felt relieved, but still trepidacious, and needed to distract himself. He picked up the phone and dialed next door.

“Hey, Betty, your dinner invite still good? Oh, great. I’ll be over in a minute, thanks..”

Judy leaned into a match that Lennie Hayton held out for her to light her cigarette. Lena Horne came by and gently touched Judy’s arm to get her attention.

“Look who’s here,” she nodded towards the entrance.

Judy looked and there the Butler was taking Artie Shaw’s hat and coat. Still on the landing, he pleasantly looked around the room, but then caught eyes with Judy who looked at him almost bashfully. He beamed into a big, provocative smile when a waiter interrupted him with a glass of champagne.

She looked away and cleared her throat as she took another drag.

“He’s coming over,” Lena said before she ushered her husband away with a mischievous eye.

She, like many others, had known that he was the first man Judy wanted to marry. She had admired him, respected not only his musical talent, but his kindness towards her. He made her feel like a star. He was also the first man she had fooled around with. And even though he had led her on, he never let it go all the way physically, but continued to pursue he emotionally until he eloped with her friend Lana Turner out of the blue. It was Judy’s first heartbreak.

When Judy looked back, Artie was strolling her way, smiling and biting his bottom lip.

“Hi,” he simply said.

“Hi,” she said back friendly, but when he came in to give her a kiss she giggled and turned away so it landed on her cheek, “Artie.”

“Guess what?”

“What?”

“I have tickets for your show at the Palace.”

“Oh, that’s great. Tickets,” she emphasized, “Does that mean there’s a new lady friend that I’ll be meeting that night?”

It was Artie’s turn to blush, “Uh, no, nope, just my mother. She really liked you, when you were around a lot back in the day.”

“Well, I liked her, too. But we both know I wasn’t the reason why I stopped ‘coming around’,” Judy said with a hint of an icy undertone.

Artie heard it but he chose to ignore it, “So, are you here alone?”

“With Kay Thompson.”

“No date tonight,” he said surprised.

“Gene is in Los Angeles. He had to get back to work.”

“Man, if I were him, I wouldn’t have left. Things are too exciting for you right now, aren’t they?”

“They are, but but he’ll be back for the opening.”

“Oh, well, that’s good. Say, if you ever want to catch up, let me take you out to lunch or dinner sometime. We can even do something casual like Lindys.”

“Oh, that’s very sweet, but I am busy, and I don’t think my fiance would appreciate me going out with another man alone,” she said, adding a giggle to keep things light.

“Fiance,” he said amused and she showed him her left hand which he took to look at it. “Well, well, well, look at that. Congratulations, to you both.”

“Thank you.”

“Judy,” Bette said across the room waving.

“Will you excuse me?”

She went to walk but he stopped her, “If you ever change your mind, just let me know. Lindys, lunch, that’s all,” he repeated.

Judy nodded in acknowledgement before walking away.

The next afternoon, at Metro, Frank was walking towards the main office building when Gene stormed out of the front doors. He had an angry look on his face and didn’t even see Frank when he passed him.

“Gene? Hey, Gene!”

Gene stopped and turned around, completely preoccupied, “Oh, hey, bud.”

“Whoa, what’s going on?”

“I...” Gene sighed, “I’m sorry, pal, I can’t chat right now. I gotta take care of something.”

“Yeah, you g’head. Call me if you wanna get a drink tonight. Considering how pissed you look, I’m guessing you may need it.”

Gene nodded and went on his way.

Meanwhile, at the theater, Judy was on stage, in her rehearsal clothes. She went over to where her tea was sitting on the piano and took a sip.

“Give me a key note, darling,” she said to Hugh. “Here, honey,” Hugh said as he sat at the piano and played her the intro key for ‘Pretty Girl’.

“Ok.”

“Shall we?”

“Let’s do it,” she said coughing a few times to clear her throat.

Kay sat in one of the front row seats swinging her leg back and forth and tapped her pen against her note paper as Judy sang her hit from ‘Little Nelly Kelly’.

“Ms. Thompson,” the stage manager said with a low voice as to not disturb Judy.

“Yes?”

“Phone call for you. It’s Mr. Kelly.”

“Oh, tell Gene that Judy’s in the middle of rehearsal. I’ll have her call him during break.”

“No, ma’am. He said it’s urgent.”

The stage manager reached down at the orchestra pit where there was a phone sitting on the conductor stand, and with the long cord, he pulled it to the woman’s lap. She looked at him oddly as he walked away to get back to his business.

Kay picked up the phone, and covered her other ear with her finger, “Hey, Gene, what’s wrong? Huh, speak up, Judy’s in the middle of a song,” Kay listened, “Wait, what?”

On stage, singing, Judy glanced at her friend a few times, curious who the call was that couldn’t wait. When she saw Kay’s body language change and her expression turn to shock, she got a little worried, but she continued the song. Kay seemed to try to be rationalizing with whomever was on the other end, as if she were trying to calm the other person.

“Gene, don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it. Don’t beat yourself up. Yes, I will,” Kay listened then got more stern raising her voice which Judy heard, “I said don’t worry about it, God dammit.” When Kay hung up the phone, she placed her fist over her mouth thinking, before she looked up at Judy with a peculiar expression.

Judy’s words faltered, her voice trailing off, as she looked down at Kay and she couldn’t continue.

“Stop, stop. Hugh, darling, I’m sorry. Give me a second,” Judy went to the edge of the stage, the orchestra pit separating the two ladies, and she squat down, “What’s happened?”

“Go, finish your song, then we’ll take break.”

Judy laughed incredibly as she answered, “I am not going to finish anything until you tell me who was on the phone.”

“It was Gene. He got some bad news.”

“Oh, my Goodness. Is Kerry ok or…”

“No, no, nothing like that. Now, don’t get yourself worked up. I want you to remember, there are other shows…”

“What do you mean other shows? What the hell does that mean?”

“Well, it seems Gene got pulled into Arthur’s office just now. The studio is retracting their approval of his time-off request for the 15th through the 18th.”

Behind Judy, her dancer boys all assembled onto the stage, lead by Chuck, but Judy remained where she was, tilting her head as if she hadn’t understood Kay correctly, “What do you mean?”

“Honey, he said he tried everything. He’s so upset right now, but they won’t back down. They said they already gave him time off for when he was just here, and they’re still approving his time off for when he comes here the first weekend in November, but not this upcoming one. He’s the director, and they need him there,” Judy remained emotionless and Kay gave it to her straight, “He won’t be here opening night.”

Judy blinked when suddenly Chuck’s voice called her from behind her, “Hey, Judy, here’s the boys. Gotta rehearse the intro.”

Without a word, Judy got up and walked over to them. Kay cautiously sat down, keeping an eye on Judy the entire time. As Chuck staged their mark, Judy tried to pay attention, she was wobbly on her feet as he placed her where to stand, behind the boys, her mind elsewhere.

“Okay, the mark is set. That’s do the song,” Chuck happily stated.

The music started, the boys did their intro, then when it was time for Judy to appear from behind the boys, to surprise the audience, Judy simply walked into the wings, but quite hastily.

“Here we go,” Kay said.

Chuck held his arms out, completely taken back by her exit, and he looked at Kay. She put her hand up, as if to tell him it was okay, before standing up and walking to meet Judy backstage.

Kay could already hear Judy’s voice on the phone as she walked closer to the dressing room. When she got inside, she shut the door behind her.

“What do you mean Gene’s not at the studio anymore? He was just in a meeting…oh, you did? No, that’s okay. Can you please patch me to the studio operator?” As Judy waited, she looked over at Kay with a determined look. “Hello, yes, can you please ring Arthur Freed’s office? This is Judy Garland. Thank you.”

“Arthur Freed’s office, may I help you,” the secretary asked, “Yes, Miss Garland. Just a moment please.”

She was about to get up when Arthur walked past her and she placed Judy’s call on hold, “Oh, Arthur, I have Judy Garland on the line. She said it’s urgent.”

Arthur sighed. As much as he loved Judy, he had a feeling why she was calling and he did not have the time or energy right now, “Tell her I’m leaving for the day and if she needs to leave a message, I will get back with her. Oh and tell her that I miss her.”

“No problem,” she said as she watched him walk away before she got back on the phone.

Judy snickered when she listened to the secretary, “I bet he does. Can you please ring Ida Koverman’s office for me? Thank you.” Judy waited and looked at Kay, “Arthur said for me to leave a message and that he misses me. I’m not leaving a fucking message.” Kay couldn’t help but smile as she sat down opposite Judy.

“Judy, dear, how are you?!”

“Hi, Ida. How are you,” Judy said genuinely but a little rushed.

“A little birdie told me all about your success oversees and now with your new show opening in New York. I’m so thrilled for you.”

“Thank you. It is quite wonderful. I’m sorry to be short, but I really need to speak to Mr. Mayer.”

“Oh, Judy, honey, you know how he…”

“Ida, it’s of great importance. I must speak to him, it’s urgent.”

“Alright, let me see where he is. Hold on,” she put Judy on hold and went straight to the Big Boss’ double doors knocking only once before entering.

“Louis, Judy is on the phone. She said it’s urgent. Shall I patch her through?”

“My Judy,” he asked a happily surprised.

“Yah.”

“Of course!” He waited for the call to come through and immediately picked it up, taking off his glasses, “Judy, dear, what do I owe this pleasure?” He listened, “Judy slow down. Yeah. Yes, I’m aware. No, he didn’t but I did talk to Arthur. I know and I’m sorry dear but business is business. Judy, calm down, you know if could I would but…” he sighed and hung his head, “…yes, I know. Again, I’m sorry, but my hands are tied. You know, we did just give him three days out of the schedule and he still has his days in November…” L.B. then got stern, “Judy, I’m sorry but there’s nothing I can do.”

Judy slammed the phone down and let out a frustrated yell.

“I take it, it didn’t go well,” Kay said lighting a cigarette.

“He said Gene didn’t even come to him to try to talk to him, can you believe that?”

“If L.B. doesn’t cave for you, he sure isn’t going to cave for Gene.”

Judy took Kay’s cigarette and took a drag. She then licked her lips and handed the cigarette back to her standing up.

“I’m going back to the apartment,” she said grabbing her coat and bag.

“Judy, rehearsal might be good for you, to keep your mind off things.”

“Going out is going to keep my mind off things. I’ll see you later,” she said and left without another word.

It was just after dinner time when Judy walked back into her apartment, in a pretty day dress. She had called up Artie after she left the theater and accepted his invitation. As promised, he took her to Lindy’s for a late lunch and it was all pretty casual. She had a glass of wine to calm her nerves and actually enjoyed catching up with him. They flirted, which was inevitable but harmless, and he made no advances. It was all very friendly and refreshing. But when she was alone, walking back to the apartment, her heart grew heavy again. He promised her he’d be there…no matter what. Now, he wouldn’t be. She held in her tears as long as she could.

Judy covered her face in her white, gloved hands and finally let it out, crying as her back slid down the door. She stayed like that for a few minutes until the phone rang. Judy scrambled up to answer it, hoping it was Gene.

“Hello,” Judy answered sniffing.

“Hi, it’s me.”

“Oh, hi.”

“I’m just calling to see how you’re doing. Baby, are you crying?”

“Oh, yeah, you know me,” Judy said trying to play it off.

“A good cry will make you feel better. Have you spoken to Gene?”

“No. I just got back to the apartment.”

“Are you going to call him?”

“He should call me.”

“I agree, but listen, his balls are probably jumping back inside at the thought of talking to you right now. When you two do speak, just be rational.”

“Darling, you do realize you just used the word ‘rational’ in the same sentence pertaining to Judy Garland and Gene Kelly.”

“I’m aware,” Kay laughed, “Listen, take a bubble bath, have some tea and relax. I’ll see you tomorrow. If you need anything, call me. I’m only a floor away.”

“Thank you. See you later.”

Judy hung up and sighed. She looked around the quiet, empty apartment and she felt tears springing up again. Judy immediately went over to her rehearsal bag and took out a bottle of her medication. After taking one, she retreated to the bedroom.

Frank’s car pulled up in the Kelly’s driveway and Gene got out, unsteady.

“Day drinkin’, let’s do it again, next time,” Frank joked.

“Yeah, yeah,” Gene said annoyed and shut the door.

Frank didn’t back out until he saw Gene get inside the front door.

Inside, on the foyer table,. was the mail that he didn’t open that morning and a little blurry eyed, he went through it. Just ‘cause he was drunk didn’t’ mean his bills and business could be placed on hold. A certain piece of mail caught his attention. It was addressed to their address but no name for who it was for, but he did recognize the return label. It was that damn MD Office in Malibu.

Gene tore it open and it was a bill for Judy’s medication. He immediately went to tear it up in anger, but doing that also wouldn’t erase the bill nor her business with them, and he let out a frustrated yell. Judy stood by the large windows in her bedroom gazing at the city lights as she smoked a cigarette, clad in a white bathrobe, her hair still damp from her bath.

After glancing at the time, she exhaled the smoke frustrated and murmured, “Piece of shit.”

Judy walked over to the side of the bed and stomped her cigarette out in the ashtray before grabbing the phone.

Gene was downstairs in his ‘man cave’ practicing his aim at pool, in complete silence, a beer on the edge of the table, when the phone rang. He ignored it, all 7 rings as if he didn’t even hear them, and then there was silence again. Only the ticking of the clock and a dog barking outside was heard. A few seconds later, it started ringing again.

He walked over to the phone hastily and picked it up, his voice irritated, “Fuck Off.” He hung up and walked back to the table taking a swig of beer.

It was a little more than a few seconds, but the phone started ringing once more. This time, Gene threw his pool stick down and answered the phone again, his voice raised, “I said…fuck…off.”

“Gene,” Judy said insulted.

“Oh,” he said, softening, but not sobering up, “It’s you.”

“That’s the way you’re addressing me now? ‘It’s you?’”

She heard him let out a big sigh, as he ran his hand through his hair, leaning his back against the wall. But, he didn’t talk.

She did.

Judy spoke very articulately, “You-son-of-a-bitchhh.”

There was no need for explanation. He knew why she was calling.

“Alight, let’s have it. Give it to me, baby,” he nearly hissed, almost ignorantly.

It was the same tone he used in the bar when egging on the drunken men that talked shit. There was no heartfelt apology from him. He was looking for a fight so she’d give him one.

“You’re a god damn piece of shit…a disloyal mother fucker…a God damn backstabber...”

When Gene heard silence he spoke up, “Are ya done?”

“I haven’t even started, baby.”

For a long moment, they were both silent, as if they were battling their own emotions when Gene finally spoke up with a sincere voice, “Judy…”

“No,” she said her voice cracking as she tried to hold in the tears, “You don’t get to do that.”

“Baby, I have been in misery the whole fucking day over this. Please don’t make me feel worse than I already do.”

“You promised,” she said with a whimper, “Remember? You promised me you’d be there no matter what. You know what it means to me.”

“God dammit, I know. I KNOW,” he shouted, “You think I want this? I fought with Arthur on it, but he wouldn’t back down. I tried all I could.”

“No you didn’t,” she snapped.

“The hell I didn’t.”

“You didn’t! I called up L.B. myself this afternoon and he said you never spoke to him.”

“Because I knew it was a dead end. If Arthur said no, there was no way in hell that L.B. would say yes. Am I right?”

Judy paused but spoke very cattily, “Right.”

“He may have bowed down to you back in the day, but he’s not gonna cave for me, even if my girlfriend is Judy Garland.”

“You’re what,” she said angry with disbelief.

Gene immediately realized what he said, “My fiance. I’m sorry, baby doll. I’m just upset.”

“You’re drunk,” Judy said disgusted.

“Oh, congratulations,” he said clapping loud enough so she could hear it.

“You’re pathetic.”

“No, you’re pathetic,” he corrected.

“I’m pathetic,” she screeched.

“You’re pathetic for always being so god damn selfish! Don’t you realize that this isn’t just any film? I’m the fucking director. I’m helping put it together. You know this project is like my baby. I’m sorry things didn’t work out the way we planned, but shit happens. I’ll still be there for the show, just not on opening night.”

“I NEED YOU ON OPENING NIGHT,” she cried, yelling so prodigiously, the walls almost rattled, “After I found out, I walked out of rehearsal and came home and balled my eyes out!” Again, there was a moment of silence and she went on, her voice more calm, “You broke a promise, Gene, yet you call me pathetic…”

Gene’s voice came out deep and slow, “You really have the audacity right now, to berate me for breaking a promise, after you broke one as well?”

Oh, he was pissed, Judy had only heard that voice a few times and it gave her chills…bad ones. But she was still confused.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Dr. Clark in Malibu.”

Judy took a surprised intake of breath followed by a sorry cry, “Gene.”

“How could you,” he said his voice now cracking, “How could you go behind my back and do that? After all that we been through together in that department, you didn’t tell me.”

He heard Judy start crying and it broke his heart that he started weeping, “You told me you wouldn’t do those again. You promised me, Judy,” Judy’s cry hearing him cry was so heartbreaking, but he continued, “You promised me when we moved in you would talk to me about it, that we’d work though it together.”

“I didn’t want to disappoint you,” she managed to get out.

“How long has this been going on,” he said, his crying stopped now turned back to anger, “Did you even stop or was that a lie, too?”

“Of course I stopped.”

“When did it start again? Palladium?”

“No.”

When she didn’t continue, he got impatient, “You owe me an explanation.”

Judy let out a sound, her crying now subsided, “I don’t owe you a god damn thing but a headache.”

“Oh, dealing with you, believe me I’ve learned to live with it.”

“Oh, go to hell!”

“But, honey, I love you so it’s worth it,” he tried to smooth over, “Please, tell me.”

“How did you even find out?”

“What the hell does it matter how I found out? Doesn’t change the situation.”

He almost blurt out that he searched through her rehearsal bag but he didn’t want to get him nor Kay in more hot water. He had a bill from the office, that was as much reality check as he needed.

“But if you must know, a bill came in the mail. It wasn’t addressed to either one of us so I opened it and hello, what’s this…a god damn bill for medication my future wife promised me she’d NEVER FUCKING TAKE AGAIN!”

Judy nearly jumped out of her skin at his rage and her voice came out with a vulnerable undertone answering his question, “Just before we came to New York.”

“But why, Judy,” he asked trying to be understanding, “Is it because of work?”

“Of course it’s because of work.”

“But I don’t understand. You didn’t need any of that on the Europe tour.”

“They were different over there.”

“What do you mean?”

“People over there didn’t care how I looked or if I fell down or just stood there like a god damn mime. They loved me for me. But over here…Gene they’re so mean. I’ve read the papers. After we got back to the States, I didn’t get any offers. They called me a has-been, a fade-out. Europe called the tour ‘A Smash’ but here they called it, ‘A Good Try, But No Good.’ They’ve eased up on that now, but they’re still calling me matronly, and homey, and pretty but fat.”

“Who gives a fuck what they say,” he said disgusted.

“I DO,” she yelled but then talked more calmly, “I do. I’m working extra hard and extra long hours rehearsing. I’m going to be doing 2 shows a day. I need the energy, then the sedative to relax, plus I need to slim down. I want this show to be bloody perfect and I want to show them I’m better than I’ve ever been.”

“And it will be.”

“Well, probably not anymore, thanks to you.”

“Like I fucking planned this, Judy. Jesus Christ, when are you going to get it though your thick skull…I tried, they didn’t budge, but it is still my production.”

“May be, but as far as I see it, you’re choosing that forsaken studio over me.”

“I’m not just a guy you live with that’s there for moral support at your beck and call, I’m Gene Kelly. I also have my own career, my own life.”

“And I’m Judy Garland. I’ve got my own life, too. I got along just fine before you came into the picture,” she retorted.

“Ya, then you don’t need me.”

“You know what, you’re absolutely right.”

“I know I’m right,” he agreed trying to explain to her she didn’t need him to be there that opening night.

“If you’re so keen to your own career, your own life, and thinking I don’t need you…well maybe you don’t need me around anymore at all.”

Gene didn’t know why he did it, but he found himself hanging up the phone. He would later realize it was the stupidest thing he could have done.

The sound of garbage trucks outside woke Gene with a start. He groaned when he sat up, holding his head, and realized he was on the living room couch upstairs. Fuck, he didn’t even remember how he got there.

Gene looked at his watch and sighed, relieved. It was still early. He still had enough time to get to work. Thank God it was a later call. Gene bent forwards, leaning his elbow on his knees, and ran his hands over his face. He was still for a moment before his head shot up as last nights conversation rolled through his brain.

“Did she break up…” Gene got up and walked over to the phone in almost panic, and mumbled to himself, “I think she broke up with me last night.” As the phone rang, Gene figured in his head that it was 10:30 in New York.

“Hello?”

“Oh, Dottie, hi, it’s Gene.”

“Oh, hey sweetie. How are you doing,” she said cheerfully.

“I’m a little worse for wear.” “You sound tired. Are you ok?”

“I had a little too much to drink last night. Say, is Judy there?”

“No, we’re meeting some people for brunch. I just came back in the apartment to grab something for her, but I’ll tell her you called.”

“Okay. Uh, Dottie…”

“Yeah?”

“Did Judy say anything to you this morning?”

“About what?”

“About me…about us.”

He heard her curious tone, “Nooo, but, should she have?”

“I’m not sure,” is all he could manage.

Gene felt a little relieved hearing that Judy didn’t rant to her friend about her problems. That’s all she ever did with Dottie in the studio trailer especially when she was not happy in her marriage or relationship. Maybe it would all blow over. He knew she was as much medicated last night as he was drunk.

“Kay did tell me that you can’t make it to the opening. I’m so sorry to hear that, but I want you to know that Judy’s doesn’t seem too upset by it so don’t beat yourself up.”

Gene kneaded his eyebrows confused. That sure wasn’t Judy’s tone last night, “What did she say to you about it?”

“Not much really. It was just in passing, but she said that you would be a later show. That was it.”

“Well, she’s right. I will be. Thank you, Dottie. I’ll call later, love.”

“Bye-Bye.”

Gene walked upstairs to take a shower feeling like a weight was lifted off his shoulders. Later that afternoon, Gene was out on his back patio playing cards with Lauren as they ate some finger sandwiches that the housekeeper had prepared, all the while he told her everything that had happened.

“Jesus,” Lauren said.

“I know.”

“But it sounds like she just needed a good nights sleep. Give her a little more time. If she hasn’t spoken about it to her friend Dottie, then, like you said, everything is probably ok. When you guys speak, do it when you’re both sober and calm.”

“Yeah,” he said and rubbed his temple.

“That hangover still goin’ huh?”

“Yeah. If they would’ve called me this morning and told me I only needed to be at the studio for 3 hours, I would have just called in sick.”

“I told you, one of my famous Bloody Marys will knock that hangover right out of ya.”

“No,” Gene winced, “No alcohol.”

“Mr. Kelly.”

They turned as the housekeeper walked out with a courier package, “This just came for you.”

“Thank you,” he said and took the package.

“What are you expecting from a courier?”

“Nothing,” he said inquisitively as he looked at the mailing address, “It’s from New York, it’s from Judy.”

“She loves writing notes. Watch it be a telegram that she had couriered apologizing and giving her undying devotion to you.”

As he worked on opening the package, Gene smiled up a Lauren, whom looked like a tough cookie on the outside but inside, she was one big ol’ marshmallow. He got the large, padded envelope open and looked inside. When he didn’t reach in or say anything for a moment, Lauren became suspicious.

“Gene? What is it?”

He waited another moment before he pulled out Judy’s engagement ring. Showing Lauren, he spoke softly, “I think she just called off our god damn wedding.”

“Are you crazy,” Kay nearly shouted as she trailed behind Judy as they walked into the theater from the auditorium doors, “You can’t call off an engagement from one god damn phone call. You don’t even talk rationally with him about what happened, instead you overnight him your fucking ring? Are ya nuts?”

Judy ignored her friend and kept a brave, professional face as the approached the stage, but Kay went on, “You two have been through so much the past 10 years. You’ll get though this, too, no matter how hard. Do you realize what he’s probably feeling right now?”

“The same thing I’m feeling…betrayed. He doesn’t care about me and this show.”

“Will you listen to yourself? How can you say that?”

“Because it’s true.”

Kay knew Judy, on medication, was more irrational and vulnerable and sometimes didn’t know what she was saying.

“When he confronted you about your medication, did he tell you how he found out?”

“A bill that came in the mail.”

Kay nodded, “He knew when he was here.”

“What?”

“I told him to look in your rehearsal bag because I thought I saw them and I wanted to make sure.”

Before Judy could respond with anger, Kay went on, “He didn’t confront you here because he didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize this show. So don’t tell me he doesn’t care because he does.”

Judy’s face dropped a little and Kay took her hands, “Did you tell Gene what you told me earlier, about how you’re going to stop the meds the moment the run is over?”

“He didn’t ask so it’s none of his concern.”

“Look, from here on out, it’s all between you two, but I needed you to know that. I also need you to know, no matter how mad you are at me for telling him that, I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be right here.”

Judy nodded but took her hands out from Kays, “If Gene won’t be here on opening night, I need to focus on the show, not him. You have no idea how fucking scared I am doing this. It is a little about being selfish because he’s the one person that always gets me through. He got me through my most horrible times like on Pirate and Summer Stock and the Palladium. He promised me ‘no matter what’. That’s a serious promise.”

“Yes, it is,” Kay had to agree.

Without another word, Judy turned to get back to rehearsal.

“Honey, it’s a madhouse, you should see it. Everyone is here. It’s like VJ day out there with celebrities tossed in,” Kay said excited as she entered Judy’s dressing room.

Judy was sitting at her vanity in her silk robe, her hair and make up done, when an elegantly-dressed Kay burst in and she couldn’t help but laugh from the excitement and nerves.

“And they’re all going to see me fall on my ass like at the Palladium!”

“I wish I could have seen that.”

“You would have if you weren’t doing your own show that very night.”

“They all love you, just like the fans in Europe, maybe more so,” Kay said and pointed to the opposite wall where tons and tons of telegrams, were pinned up that Judy had received, not to mention all the vases of roses along the floor.

Judy smiled genuinely and nodded, “I’m going to really kick some butt tonight aren’t I?”

“You’re gonna knock em’ dead. And I’m going to be there in the wings. I’m going to see where Dottie is at. I’ll be back.”

When Kay shut the door, Judy turned back around facing the mirror, her smile fading.

“I’ll be right there in the wings. I promise. Will bells on.”

That’s what Gene had said to her. Judy looked down and fiddled with her makeup brush. They hadn’t spoken one word since that fight. That was almost 2 weeks ago. He didn’t call, but she also didn’t call. She had spoken to Roger though who told her that Gene was working overtime at the studio and seemed in good spirits. Judy had worked her ass off for this show, and she made herself be in good spirits as well. It had been time for them to focus on themselves and their projects than just each other.

Judy looked up at the only telegram that she had posted to her mirror, above Liza’s picture. It was from Gene that came yesterday, the day that he was supposed to return back to New York. It said only 6 words but ones she needed to hear the most: I love you. You’ll be great.

Now with a rational mind, and his absence, Judy realized it really wasn’t Gene’s fault, but she wasn’t lying, or being dramatic, when she knew she needed him there. But, the show must go on.

As Judy got up to get dressed, suddenly she heard an echo of commotion that seemed to come from down the hall. She was smoothing out her dress that was still on the hanger when the door opened.

“Kay, I heard everyone go bonkers. Who just came in? Let me guess, Sophie Tucker?” When there was silence, Judy turned around and she immediately took a step back, losing her balance, falling back into a chair completely in shock.

“Guess again,” Gene said smiling, looking handsome in his tux.

Judy let out a whimper as she jumped up and right into Gene’s arms. He held her tight, picking her up so her legs around his waist, and they both shook as she cried against his shoulder her fingers digging into him. Through her tears, she managed to see Kay standing on the other side smiling before she shut the door for them to have privacy.

Gene was nervous as hell when he got to the theater, not knowing for sure of how her reaction would be, as she had give him back her ring. So, to be holding her like this, as she cried, felt like an immediate rush of relief and happiness. They hadn’t even talked yet, but he felt like in that moment he got his girl back. A sob escaped his lips that he tried so desperately to hold in. Hearing this, Judy stood back on her feet and took his face in her hands, giving him a kiss as she continued to cry.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door startling the both a bit.

“Yes,” Judy answered.

“10 minutes to stage, Miss Garland,” they heard an assistant say.

“Thank you.”

Judy took Gene’s hands in hers and they both seemed to let out a breath.

“You look good,” Gene said sincerely.

“Yeah,” she giggled, “With runny mascara.”

“You look good without mascara,” he said taking a seat so she could freshen up her face.

“Gene,” she simply said, but it had a lot of meaning behind it.

“Later.”

“Ok,” she responded with a little smile.

After redoing some makeup, Gene helped her with her dress, and then she took his hand and they walked to the wings of the stage.

They both stood there as Judy’s ‘boy friends’ danced and sang their introduction.

“I’ll be right here,” he whispered in her ear, his arms wrapped around her waist. We intro-duce, the lollapalooza…JUDY!

Gene gave Judy a slap on the bum before she walked out on stage. The audience went mad. She couldn’t even go right into her first song ‘Call the Press’ because the cheers and claps wouldn’t stop. It delighted her so, she couldn’t stop giggling. Gene laughed when Judy had to calm them down by putting her finger up to her lips to shush.

Halfway through the program, as Judy and Chuck did the ‘Couple of Swells’ number, Kay walked up behind Gene, as he was still in the wings, and she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.

“Was she this happy and funny in rehearsals,” he asked very amused by her banter with the audience. Of course some of it was staged, but a lot she had just chatted and joked and was wickedly funny. She was being herself. It was his Judy.

“She put on a happy face and was funny in rehearsals, yes, but she is an actress. This…this is real. And I think we both know why she’s so happy.”

When the number finished, with roaring applause, the lights in the entire house dimmed, leaving Judy in a bright spotlight. Out of breath, still in her Tramp costume, she sat down on the edge of the stage and started ‘Over the Rainbow’.

Singing that song that night, something magical happened. Gene had heard her sing it many, many times, but this time it was quite haunting, with an eerie hush from the audience. She sang it deeper from her soul than he ever heard her. She was trembling, but strong. It was if her entire life; every happy and sad emotion she ever felt, and every good and bad time she ever experienced, came through that song just then. And the audience knew it. Judy had started tearing up during the middle of it and it touched everyone’s hearts.

He had peeked at the audience. Only the first two rows near the orchestra were visible from the spotlight, but they were all staring up at her like they were children. Some were crying and others had their hand over their mouths in awe. Gene was as captivated as they were. Even Hugh Martin at piano couldn’t take his eyes off her.

In the middle of the song, Judy had cut a long note short, when she had glanced over at Gene and she let out some high-pitched sobs, fully crying now. He urged her on and she continued, still weeping, but she managed to get through the rest of the song with full force. When the song ended, she got up and took her bows, for the short intermission, before heading straight into Gene’s arms.

After the triumph of Judy’s opening night, and after a lot of interviews and friends congratulating her in her dressing room backstage, Gene escorted her to the Stork Club where they met up with all of their friends including the Bogarts and Sinatra. The two fell right back into their routine like nothing had changed as they posed together for photographs and greeted people together, as a couple. They even shared a few dances, but there was still a heaviness. Both knew the sooner they left, the sooner they could talk.

It was 1 a.m. when the two got back to her apartment, quite an early time as spending time in a New York nightclub would usually go on until 4 in the morning.

Gene followed Judy into the bedroom, who immediately noticed his small suitcase on the bed.

“You came here first?”

“I needed some place to change into my tux,” he said with a playful voice, but it was the truth. When all she did was just give him an understanding nod, he went on carefully, “Can I stay?”

“I would be offended if you didn’t,” she said with her own playful tone, but also serious in the offer.

As he slipped off his shoes and took his suit off, he watched as she took off her heels and unclasped the stockings from her garters under her party dress.

After Gene dressed down to his undershirt, but still wearing his tux pants, he noticed her struggling with her back zipper.

“Need some help,” he asked walked over to her.

She nodded and he slowly zipped it down. As he did, she looked at him through the mirror, “When did you get to New York?”

“Just hours before you went on. I caught the last flight. There was only one seat left. I was very lucky, honey.”

“You would have charted your own plane if you were that adamant.”

“You’re right,” he said with a laugh, “I probably would have.”

As Judy hung up her dress, Gene admired her in her strapless, one-piece lace girdle. She didn’t wear them often, except for special occasions like tonight, but when she did, he thought she looked like a pin-up girl. He had told her that before, but all she did was laugh. She hated wearing them. He felt his libido stir, but he knew they were on the verge of talking.

“How are you feeling after tonight,” he asked sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Relieved and happy…but a little confused at how you were able to get here,” she said giving him a glance over her shoulder as she folded up her shawl.

“Well, I, ah, after you sent me the ring back…”

Judy didn’t dare look at him that time.

“...and after we went that long without speaking, I realized that anything to do with work wasn’t worth losing you, no matter who was being the most stubborn.”

Judy gasped and turned around to look at him, very worried, “What did you do?”

Gene knocked on Mr. Mayer’s office door and waited for him to respond before he stepped in.

“Kelly…shut the door and come here,” L.B. said when he saw him just standing there.

Gene did what he was told and walked over to the desk, but he didn’t sit down as he kept up a strong front.

“Sit down,” L.B. said impatient.

Gene complied but shook his head ‘no’ at the cigarette that L.B. offered.

“Now, I’ve just spoken to Arthur. What is this I hear that you’re demanding to be let go from ‘Singing in the Rain’? You’ve been wanting to direct this picture for a while. Have you gone insane?”

“With all due respect, Mr. Mayer, it’s not worth it.”

“Oh, nonsense, what do you mean. Not worth what?”

“If you talked to Mr. Freed then you know what I’m talking about.”

L.B. sighed, “Judy is a very complex girl but she’ll understand.”

“Not this time. And anything to do with work, even though it means a lot to me, is not worth losing the woman I love. I want to marry her and have a family with her someday. I can’t risk it over one film.”

“If she doesn’t understand why you can’t be there on one particular night, perhaps she isn’t the woman you should marry,” L.B. said annoyed.

Gene ignored his comment, “If you won’t let me have more time off, then I need to be let go from this picture so I can take it upon myself to be there.”

“I won’t hear of it,” L.B. shouted.

“Then I’m afraid I have to ask to be released from my contract and I will pay any damages in doing so,” Gene said. He hadn’t even thought of that before, but he somehow found himself saying it.

L.B. immediately stood up,“Nonsense! You’ve become one of our best box office draws! You’re a hell of a director and choreographer!”

Gene just looked down. When L.B. saw the look on Gene’s face, he slowly sat back down.

Leaning back, he clasped his hands on his tummy, “There’s only been one person at this entire studio, in my entire career to be honest, that I gave special privileges to. And not just in a business sense, but in the mental capacity as well.”

He turned to look at his large book shelf. Gene turned his head to look and there on a shelf was picture of L.B. with Judy as Dorothy.

“And even though she isn’t part of our studio anymore, you are,” he emphasized. “And she will always be family. I didn’t realize how serious this all was. I don’t want to lose you over your request to having an extra few days off.”

Gene sat up in his chair a little bit as he realized what was coming.

“I’ll grant you tomorrow off through the weekend, but you better be back here on Monday, sharp.”

“Oh, Mr. Mayer, thank you,” he said standing up to shake his hand in both of his.

“I’ll get Stanley to take over for a few days,” L.B. said as if it weren’t a big deal with what just happened.

“Thank you, again. You have no idea what this means to me…to us.”

“Yeah,” he said, “Now get outta here before I change my mind,” L.B. said with a half smile.

Judy sat next to Gene, placing her hands on his leg almost in horror, “Do you realize what you almost did?”

“Kind of an idiot move, huh?”

“Yes,” she laughed, “But you’re my idiot,” she hugged him happily, “Darling, you’re so stupid, but I love you. I cannot believe you did that for me.”

“And I’d do it again.”

“Don’t you dare. You’re too good to stop now.”

“There’s other studios, Judy, but there’s only one you.”

Judy made a sad face before pushing away from him, “You’re gonna make me cry again. Hell, I even cried on stage!”

“They loved it. You should try to cry every time you sing that song.” “I just might. It’s not hard to do, so it wouldn’t be an act.”

“You said something earlier.”

“What?”

“That you love me.” Judy nodded and looked down but he lifted her chin, “Why don’t you look at me and say that.”

A little embarrassed, Judy stood up, “Look, just because I sent you my ring out of anger and heartbreak doesn’t mean I actually stopped loving you.”

“That was also a chancy move to make yourself there, dear.”

“And you didn’t call.”

“You didn’t either.”

They both broke out in guilty smiles.

“I…didn’t really mean it, darling,” Judy said sitting back down next to him in desperation.

“Well, then good thing I brought this,” he said and reached into his pocket.

Judy let out a laugh seeing her engagement ring. He took her hand about to slip it back on but she pulled away.

“Wait. I have something I need to tell you.”

Gene’s eyes widened, “You’re pregnant?”

“Oh gosh, no, I mean not right now, I don’t think,” she said and they both chuckled. “No, I wanted to tell you, I am truly sorry for not telling you about the medication. But I wasn’t lying when I said I was scared.” By Gene’s look, she could tell he was still very hurt by it and she went on, “I haven’t been on anything for days now. I did a lot of thinking about us, about me in particular, and I knew I had to prove to myself that I could do the show without you and without the medication. Lucky for me, I did it only without the medication.”

Gene put his had on her jaw looking into her eyes, “They’re gone?”

“Somewhere in the Hudson river by now I presume.”

He chuckled and gave her a kiss before looking back down at her hand, “I love you, Frances Gumm,” he said slipping the ring back on her finger.

“I love you, Eugene Kelly,” she said grabbing him into a passionate kiss.

Kay slapped the morning newspaper with her hand, “The Times is calling the show a smash hit. Just like I said, they’re saying the streets of Manhattan were the craziest and happiest they’ve been since VJ Day.”

Roger held his own newspaper, “The Daily is saying October 16th should be called ‘Judy Garland Day’ in New York.”

“Oh, I’m so happy for her,” Kay said, “She was so trepidatious.”

“We all knew it would be a hit. At least the press has changed their tone about her since she returned from Europe.”

“No kidding.”

“I wonder if she’s seen the papers yet.”

“She’s probably still sleeping.”

“Do you think Gene’s up there with her now?”

“Boy, I hope so. They left together and I know they needed to talk.”

“Hopefully they worked everything out.”

Judy whimpered as fantastic sensations once again spread throughout her body. She was still so sleepy to be able to give it her all like she had the night before. Boy, the sex was always amazing, but last night was extra wonderful as they both tried to show their apologizes. She was sure it had become a competition. But now he was telling her to just enjoy it. Oh, she was. The feeling of him sliding in and out of her slowly as his pubic bone rubbed back and forth against her, had her nipples peaked and her toes curled.

Gene grabbed her hand in his, holding it above her head, groaning as his finger tip played with her ring. She felt so fucking good, still slick from their endless night of lovemaking, and she was getting tighter and tighter with each stroke.

He maneuvered himself, lifting from her neck, so he could be face-to-face, and she gasped placing her hand on his lower back encouraging him.

“Right there,” she whispered against his lips.

He smiled and continued with the same pace, but pushed a little harder with each thrust teasing her. Each thrust had her moaning louder and louder until she lost her voice and caught herself against him. Gene continued through her orgasm, reveling in the feeling of her tight muscles milking him, letting out his own moans until he exploded into her as he release one long, desperate groan.

As Gene lay on his back, Judy half laid on top of him and reached up to kiss his cheek, “You know how you came up with the idea of my show after watching our first picture again?”

“Yeah,” he said still out of breath.

“Well, I came up with one of my own.”

“What?”

“Remember how Harry and Jo promised to get married after they played the palace?”

Gene smiled wide, “I thought that was the plan.”

“Well, I already played my first show. And I don’t have a matinee today.” Gene’s head lifted looking at her surprised and she went on with an excited voice, “Let’s get married.”

“Today?”

“Today.”

Gene rest his head back down and laughed, not from the silly idea, but excitement. He knew with all the friends they had in town, they could get a marriage license quickly. But he was sure she had wanted a wedding.

“We can have Kay and Roger come and we can invite the Bogarts and Frank as they’re still here. We’ll just give a big, huge party back in LA once the show is done. What do you say?”

Gene smiled and ran his thumb up and down her bare arm, “I say that you’ll be doing your 2nd show at the Palace a married woman.”

Judy squealed happily and jumped on top of him.

*If you haven’t listened to ‘Judy at the Palace’ album, I would suggest doing so to give you an idea of that night :) You can find the complete concert here under Feb 24, 1952 which was her closing

night. http://www.thejudyroom.com/media/judy-sings-in-concert/

#judy garland #jugenea #fanfiction #gene kelly #palace theater #jg fans

11 notes · View notes

oohfluffy · 5 years ago

Text

TIHM Ch.15 | BBH

Group: EXO

Member: Byun Baekhyun

Theme: Angst | Fluff | Rated M | University!AU | Football!AU

Word Count: 3,065

chapter 15

"Is this Lee Saejin?"

You just got home from school, and the phone rang as soon as you got in.

"Ah, yes. Who's this?"

"This is the Family Care Hospital."

You quickly ran out of the house as soon as the caller told you about what happened.

Your grandmother was hit by a truck, and she's now in a critical condition.

"Grandma..." Your tears streamed down your cheeks as you hastily got inside of the hospital. You frantically asked the nurses on the counter, lips quivering in fear and anxiousness. "W-Where's she?"

"Ms. Lee?" A nurse called you and gently led you to the waiting area. You looked around with your eyes wide, breathing fast as your hands clasped together. "Calm down, Saejin-ssi. Your grandmother is inside the operation room. They're trying their best to..."

Everything was fading rapidly.

You couldn't hear what the woman was saying. You were in this black hole, and all you wanted to do was cry and scream in fear.

You couldn't lose her.

Not her.

"P-Please." Your voice broke as you sobbed on your seat. Your shoulders shook while your tears continuously flowed down your face. "I-I can't lose my grandma."

But it seemed like you weren't really favored by luck.

"I heard she lost her grandmother."

"Suits her right for being a slut."

"Maybe karma is working!"

"She shouldn't have done that, what a shame."

You were still in that black hole. Still in that corner. Still crying. Still being consumed by sadness.

Still alone.

You started to learn how to hurt yourself to refrain from being numb.

You pinch your skin too hard. You punch the wall too hard. You scratch your wound too hard. You tug on your hair too hard. You hit your head too hard.

You needed to feel.

And those kids in the university were making it easier to do so.

Your body straightened as the coldness hit the top of your head. Laughters and snickers were heard as soon as you locked the door of the cubicle you were in.

"Oh damn! That must be so cold!"

"Shush! Let her enjoy it silently."

"I'm surprised she didn't scream."

"Let's go!"

Your lips quivered as you slumped down on the toilet. With water droplets trickling down your hair, your clothes dampened. You shivered as you felt your skin getting too cold.

Despite the bad intention, you were grateful for those bitches.

Your hand gripped on the cutter in your pocket. You let out a pained sigh as you shook your head.

You would have used a more painful way to feel.

"Saejin-ah."

You slowly closed your locker door. With blank eyes, you turned your head to the person who called you. You didn't bother gasp as you felt your lips dry.

Park Yong Sun.

"I-I'm sorry, Saejin-ah." She cried as she looked down, her dark hair falling on her face. You just stared at her vulnerable state. Everyone around you seems to be interested and curious about what's happening in your life. "I-It's my fault."

Your eyes watered as you looked at the person who you trusted your everything with. Your best friend that grew up with you, stayed with you, and cared for you.

What made her do this?

Was it the cuts on your wrists? The bruises on your temple? Maybe the red marks on your neck? Or was it your busted lip? Which one made her feel guilty?

"I-I'm so sorry—"

You walked past her, limping as you went out of the hallway. You didn't want to hear the rest. You didn't want to listen to her lies, or her justifications why she did that. You didn't want to see her again.

She didn't deserve it.

"She's here!"

"Is it true that she's the reason?"

"How can she appear here as if she didn't do anything?!"

You were wrecked when you heard the news. You weren't supposed to care or to be involved.

"Park Yong Sun is dead. She killed herself."

And you cannot comprehend how it is your fault again.

—

"Say ahh." Baekhyun said as he carefully nudged a spoonful of ice cream on your lips. You complied quickly and ate it, trying to avoid a much more embarrassing scenario in public. "Good girl."

"Shut up."

Wondering what you are doing with that puppy?

It's just your first date with him—let's change that.

It's your first acquaintance gathering with him.

"Let's go play!" He excitedly said as he threw the empty cup away, dragging you again around the mall. Girls were ogling at him as he walked past. You couldn't help but to roll your eyes. He was just wearing a plain oversized white shirt that slightly shows off his broad chest, and a pair of glasses sitting on the bridge of his nose.

He looks like a good boy, and everyone digs it as usual.

You were supposed to be taking a day off alone, but then Baekhyun knew, and he just couldn't leave you to spend the day alone. He's been stuck on you for the past few days, and it was annoying but comforting at the same time.

After a few minutes of walking, you got inside a game station. There were a lot of kids and teens playing, and it was almost crowded. You felt uneasy as Baekhyun easily got through it.

You both walked until you were in front of a huge screen with two guns in front.

"I'm not good at these things, Baekhyun." You whined as he gave you a huge weapon that supposedly kills zombies on the screen. He just grinned and patted your cheek before getting his. "We're just going to die, I'm telling you."

"We're not, baby. I'm here." He winked as he clicked the start button. Your heart thumped loudly as the game began. "Just follow my lead, okay? If you didn't know, I'm a damn good player."

"Oh I know that, Byun. You are a player."

Baekhyun grunted as he knew you were talking about a different thing.

You almost squealed when a zombie suddenly appeared in front of you, making you instinctively pull the trigger of your gun. And another one on the side, and on top, and on the farthest left!

Baekhyun watched as you single-handedly killed the zombies attacking you. He smirked as he looked at the screen, keeping up his game so he won't lose to you.

"I think I should be threatened, baby. You're a good player too." He laughed as he quickly pulled the trigger, killing as many zombies as he could. You grunted as you breathed in and out loudly, hands gripping on the weapon tightly.

After an hour of playing around the game station, you sat down on a bench with a tired smile on your face. Baekhyun went to find a vending machine to buy water, so you waited for him outside the game station.

You were looking around the place, taking in the sight of the stores and stalls, when a group of girls were approaching while giggling.

"I saw him here earlier!" The one in front said as she led her friends to the game station.

"Was he alone? I bet he wasn't!" The other girl exclaimed incredulously behind her.

"I don't think so. But hey, we can separate them for a while, don't you think? And we can play with him instead."

They all giggled together like fucking bees, pushing each other to the place until they all stopped. It was quiet as you leaned your back on the glass, becoming a bit impatient already.

"Babe. Sorry, did you wait long?" The familiar gentle voice that Baekhyun has been using on you said, making you look up at him. He was kind of sweating as he held out a cold bottle of water. "The vending machine inside was broken, so I needed to get to the working one outside."

You smiled gratefully as you took the bottle and quickly took a sip on it. You glanced at the girls, who were surprisingly still at the entrance, and looked back at the boy in front of you. Baekhyun has his eyes only set on you.

"Sit down." You patted the space on your left, and he easily complied like a dog. You took another gulp of water before giving it to Baekhyun, who took it with hesitation. "Aren't you thirsty? You're even sweating." You pulled out your handkerchief from your pocket.

"Ah, it's okay—" Without a word, you patted his face with your hanky. His eyes were wide as you willingly wiped his sweat. His lips parted when you wiped even his neck. He glanced around a bit, and saw that there was an audience behind him. He smirked at you.

"It's not good to just dry off your sweat—" You said seriously as you glared sideways at the girls watching.

You were fully composed until Baekhyun decided to join your little roleplaying.

"Anything for my baby." He said loudly as he leaned on your touch, lightly kissing your wrist as he did. Your cheeks were instantly in flames as you watched him. "I just love getting tended by you like this."

You bit your lip as your hand stopped on Baekhyun's cheek.

Your eyes went to his own, feeling drawn to his gaze. His hand held yours that was on his cheek, he smiled as he gave it a peck, letting his lips linger on your skin.

"Thank you." He mumbled as he sighed in relief. He slowly intertwined his fingers with yours, letting your hands rest on his lap. He drank from the opened bottle of water that you gave him earlier, drinking from the same spot you drank. You gulped down the lump forming in your throat before looking away.

"L-Let's go?" You asked as you glanced back at the murmuring girls behind him. Baekhyun nodded and stood up hand-in-hand with you. You led him out of those girls' gazes, taking lead in dragging him around this time.

You let out a breath of relief when you were finally out of the people's curious gazes. You stepped onto the escalator with Baekhyun behind you, and still had your fingers intertwined with him. You were deep into your thoughts when you felt warmth on your neck.

"Where are we going next, Saejin-ah?" Baekhyun whispered, his breath tickling your ear as he leaned on your shoulder. You almost shivered at his low voice.

Am I out of my mind already? This guy is a freaking playboy! He knows how to play!

"We are eating. I'm hungry." You mumbled as you got off the escalator, dragging him to follow you. You saw your favorite fast food chain, and grinned. You pointed at it. "There. We'll eat there."

Baekhyun watched as your eyes twinkled while you waited in line. He can sense your excitement and happiness at the moment, and he's loving every second of it. He was just behind you when a guy kept on bumping on your shoulder. You glanced at the man and furrowed your brows.

You chose to ignore it until the man almost fell over you. Baekhyun was quick to think and tugged you closer to him before the man fell. The people around were shrieking and asking for help. That man, with no question, is drunk.

"You alright?" Baekhyun asked as he hugged you from behind, feeling your body turn rigid as you looked at the man before you. "Were you hurt?"

The man was already being carried by the staff, and finally got out of the line. Baekhyun squeezed your arms as he didn't hear you responding. He decided to be the one who orders for the both of you.

With you in his arms.

Yes, you saw that right.

Unbeknownst to Baekhyun, you couldn't think and speak clearly because of him. Because he was too close to you. Because he is currently hugging you from behind as if he was a koala bear!

Is he crazy? Well, I guess I am too because I'm letting him do this!

"Yeah, that will be all." You heard Baekhyun say to the cashier, arms falling from you for a second to grab his wallet. You instantly walked to the side, surprising him and the cashier. You didn't dare look around because for sure, everyone was watching the scene unfold before them.

"Come on. Let's grab out seats." Baekhyun mumbled as he grabbed your hand and walked around the place to find empty seats. Fortunately, there was a two-seated table near the counter.

You couldn't look at him straight. You just looked at your hands on your lap. The hands that finally got used to holding hands with someone else because of him. Your cheeks blushed as you recalled the times you held hands with him.

Oh no, Saejin. No.

"Saejin-ah? Baby?"

Your head snapped up at Baekhyun, eyes wide as if you were a deer caught in headlights. Baekhyun raised his eyebrows in worry.

"You okay?" He asked, lips pouting as he looked all over your face. "You didn't get hurt earlier, did you?"

My heart is wavering, Byun. I'm not liking it.

"No, I'm fine." You said as you weakly smiled at him. He frowned as if sensing you weren't. "Really. I'm just kind of tired."

His body was warm.

He suddenly smiled.

"Were you getting possessive earlier, baby?" Baekhyun leaned on his hand on the table, his eyes crinkling in delight. "I saw those girls you glared at. Were they looking for me?"

Your eyes widened as your eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Was that being possessive?! I just disliked the fact that he's getting attention everywhere!

"Tss. No way." You spat as you looked away, sighing in relief when the waiter arrived.

Baekhyun just wouldn't drop it though.

"I'm certain you were claiming me at that moment, Lee Saejin. " Baekhyun grinned as he watched you quickly shoving fries in your mouth. "I saw it in your eyes, and they don't lie."

"Think whatever you like. I was just being kind, that's all."

He took a sip on his coke, eyes never leaving your face. You were angrily chomping on your burger, making him chuckle while he watched you.

"I wish you'll always be kind then." He mumbled, making you look up at him. "I won't look anywhere else anymore if you're just right here."

You probably look like a hamster now, with all the food stuck in your cheeks. Realizing this, you quickly chewed on it and gulped them down. You drank your soda, hoping to clear both your throat and mind as you did.

"I'm serious, baby."

You stopped moving as you heard his deep voice, one that he hasn't used often when he casually talks to you. You looked at him again with wary eyes. His gaze was gentle, but at the same time, hard.

He's serious. Damn serious.

"Let me court you."

Your mouth gaped at his words.

Byun Baekhyun courting me?! Is this a scam?

"Y-You? Courting? Me?" You stuttered as you pointed at yourself. Baekhyun nodded. You chuckled humorlessly. "You should think about it—"

"I have." He said sternly as he stared into your eyes intensely. Your lips parted. "I've been thinking about it everyday since I met you. And I've only got one conclusion, Saejin."

You shook your head at him, losing your appetite.

"You don't know me, Baekhyun. You might fancy me now, but I'm sure you'd be out of my sight in a few days." You said bravely with a straight face. The happy and soft atmosphere before was ruined in one moment. "You're used to change, Baekhyun. I'm not sure if I can take that in. I'm not sure if I'll be strong enough to be broken again. I'm not sure if I can bear with it."

Baekhyun's eyebrows furrowed as he watched your eyes welling up. He didn't want to see those tears flowing on your cheeks. He didn't want to make you cry.

"Hey, hey." He quickly stood up and dragged his chair beside you. You sniffled as you looked away. "Baby. Hey. Don't cry. Okay, I'm not gonna push this courting shit on you. I'll wait, okay?"

What if he knew about what happened before? Wouldn't he be like everyone else? Would he disappear too? He's popular, and to stay popular, he needs to. He would be ruined because of me. I don't want to start something that I know will just bring pain to both of us.

You silently cried as he hugged you, pressing your head on his broad chest. You felt comforted by his warmth and his scent. His hands caressed your back as he quietly spoke to you.

"I just wanted to prove to you that I'm willing to court you and make you my only one."

You unexpectedly snorted at his cheesy words, making him pout. You chuckled as you saw him looking down at you.

"Sorry, that was too cheesy I couldn't handle it." You whispered on his chest, a smile tugging on your lips. "I understand, Baekhyun. I hope you can understand me too, until I'm ready to open up to you."

He smiled at your reply, pushing away the fact that you just snorted at his wonderful line.

"Okay, deal. No courting." He mumbled as he kissed your temple. You groaned at his sly advances. "Flirting then?"

"Oh shut it."

"You like me too, right?"

"I didn't say anything about that—"

"You do, Saejin-ah. You're just fighting it."

Your lips jutted out as you realize he was right—

AM I? AM I LIKING THIS PLAYBOY?! NO WAY, LEE SAEJIN.

"I like you, Lee Saejin." He whispered as he hugged you tighter. "Being this close to you makes me so happy." He nuzzled his nose on your hair like a puppy wanting attention.

"And you smell damn amazing—"

You quickly pushed him away and sat up straight. You ate your burger again as if nothing happened. You wiped your eyes with your sleeves, and chewed on your food. Baekhyun was still beside you, frowning at your response.

"Eat, Baekhyun." You sternly said as you nodded at his food. He sighed as he grabbed his food, but stayed beside you as he ate. Your lips tugged into a smile as you drank your soda.

You're scared, but maybe, just maybe...

—

Tagging my loves: ❤

—

♫ Ch.16

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greyfongschemmenti · 4 years ago

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Under Pressure 9|15

FryeArcana

Chapter 9

Trust and Suspicions

Summary:

You have to decide whether to take Mako's word or believe Lin. You start to make your own thoughts and investigation on the culture center explosion. How will you take it and will you be able to figure it out.

The plan is in place while you’re standing beside Mako and Asami, watching her workers place dummy crates onto one of Varrick’s ship. “the ships all loaded. Let’s get this sting operation going.” You’re about to start walking to the ship when Mako stops you “not yet, we need extra manpower.” You turn around and face them “who do you have in mind?” Asami looks at Mako “what about Korra? No better muscle than the Avatar.” You quickly look at Mako and speak up “I don’t think Korra is around” Mako nods “yeah, actually, she’s, um—she’s out of town right now.” He eyes you before looking down. Asami glances at the both of you “everything okay with you and Korra?” Mako brushes her off “yeah, yeah. Forget about Korra. I’ll talk to Bolin.” You look at Asami and rub the back of your neck you see Mako is far away now before you lean over to Asami “they broke up, but you didn’t hear that from me” “what? Why didn’t he say something?” she looks at you and you shrug “they had a big fight at the station. Maybe he’s not ready to talk about it” you frown before you wave her goodbye “I gotta go handle some stuff at the office. Make sure I stay doing my normal routine and not bring any suspicion to the Chief. If there are any updates let me know.” You wave again as you walk away to the station.

You walk up towards the desks of officers when Lin calls for you “Lieutenant if you can step into my office.” all the officers look at you and start murmuring. You gulp as you look down and make your way to her office, closing the door behind you taking a seat across from her. “Yes, chief?”

“you have any update on this case. Raiko is on my ass on finding the culprits” she groans as he pinches the bridge of her nose. “you’re guess is as good as mind, although…” you trail off and Lin looks up “what?” she snaps. You try to ease into it inhaling deeply “I think Mako might be on to something.” Lin groans out loudly “not this shit again… You’re not seriously believing Mako, right? It’s so far stretched”.

“I get that, but he’s doing more detective work than Lu and Gang.” You grip the arms of the chair sitting up. “that’s not Mako’s job to begin with” she snaps as she starts to glare at you raising her tone. “then who else is going to do the job!” you stand up out of the chair getting heated to Lin’s stubbornness on not wanting to listen to you “Lu and Gang are two lazy fools that don’t want to do anything. I’m grasping at straws here and Mako is the only one who has any sort of idea on what happened that night! He witnessed a man run out the direction from the building and drop that remote control. Which is what set off the explosives. That same sequence happened on Varrick’s ship during the theft--.” Lin jumps out of her chair and slams her palms on the desk “you better watch your tone with me, lieutenant.”

You put your hands on the edge of her desk and lean in to face her “you want progress on this case. I want this case solved just as fast as you do, Chief, but you don’t want to listen to Mako or trust what he has to say.” You glare at her and she snarls not liking, “what does Mako have to do with the case?” she barks out “You assigned me to put Mako down as MY shadow. I have a built a partnership with him. One that has built with trust and believing oneself while out on the field. I’ve kept quiet throughout this whole Mako butting in at the wrong times but I’m going to finally add my input. We’re supposed to trust each other on the force especially by the time we move up and get partners. How are we supposed to do that if we’re just bashing the rookies down, he’s showing interest and dedicating himself to solve this case but what are we really doing if we’re just going to brush him off.” You slam a hand down on the desk then stand up straight and pace the room. “So who does super-cop Mako think is responsible” Lin exasperate amusing you for a second as she drops down at her chair folding her arms. You sigh deeply as you rub your temple before you tell Lin Mako’s theory, “The guy Mako identified is a member of the Agni Kai Triad. He believes the triad was hired to bomb the cultural center during the peace march. We have no clue yet on who hired them, but Mako is adamant that it wasn’t the Northerners.” you put your arms behind your back as you look at Lin and she eyes you “This has Northerners written all over it. No one else would benefit from seeing the center bombed and ambush a ship war provisions. Yet, you believe him?” she says irritated and frustrated at this whole situation. “you took me back on the force because you trust my judgement, perception and intuition. Something is telling me to trust him. Call it a gut feeling. Mako hasn’t failed or disappointed us on the force,” Lin rolls her eyes and rubs her face “I’m not going to have my mind changed because you have a “gut feeling”” she groans out. “we’re not getting any closer just arguing here. I’m going to go find new leads” You sigh “I agree” she snaps as you walk over to the door putting your hand on the knob you stop for a second “All I’m saying since Amon, Mako has earned some trust. You’re usually always right, but this once… you may be wrong, Lin” you look back at her, your eyes softening before you open the door and walk out the office, head out the station. Getting ready for the night, you planned to change and take a taxi to the docks. It’s now or never, you have to prove to Lin and to yourself that Mako might be right after all.

“So when you asked for help you really got help from the Triple Threats” you lean on the railing as you look down at the water as you kick a small pebble off and watch it get lost in the clash of waves. “they’re all I could think of, plus they owed me a favor” he said, and you roll your eyes “I just hope this doesn’t blow up in our faces. Sorry I’m not trusting to triad members” you mumble while you eye two-toed ping as you tug on your jacket collar. You should’ve layered more clothes on after you changed from work. The wind is really cold in this area. “I used to work for them” Mako commented and you nod “yeah, I remember, but you did it to survive. You don’t do it anymore. They choose to do it.” You look out into the dark horizon, not a sight of light. You let the silence take over around you as the ship makes it way along the route where Varrick’s ship was on until Mako comments “this is right around the area where the attacks happened. So we should keep our eyes peeled and stay quiet.” Two Toed Ping starts rambling a bunch of nonsense and you lean your head down letting a groan escape your lips. Mako turns to Ping “Two Toed Ping, please” he stops then proceeds to ask Mako “so what’s it like dating the avatar?” both you and Mako sigh as you step away and go sit on a nearby bench. Imma let him handle that. You try to block out of the conversation and keep your eyes peel, your mind races back to that conversation you had with Lin. In the background you hear Ping calling out to Viper and Shady Shin about how disbelief he is that Mako was the one who broke up with Korra. You smirk and silently laugh hearing them tease Mako then look away crossing your arms, it’s been a while and so far and nothing. Maybe this whole thing is a bust.

Another 30 minutes of no action happening out here in the middle of the water you turn to Mako “you ever thought about cutting them off” you ask Ping as he shows you and Mako his toes and how he got his nickname “they’re my lucky toes”. Mako groans as he paces around and stops “wait, guys. do you hear that?” you look around then back at him “I mean besides the chatter and the waves clashing against the ship. Nope. Nothing. Just like the last past hour.” You huff as you slouch against the wall of the ship. Mako groans “Ah! What’s taking so long?” Ping chills back and puts his arms behind his head like he has no care “you just gotta relax, like me. sit back, knock your boots off enjoy the sound of the waves”. Mako growls “I’m gonna check out around the ship” Mako walks away leaving you with Ping “did Mako really break up with Korra or is that a bunch of phooey?” he leans over to you and you scoot over before getting up “that’s what he said, didn’t he” you walk over to the railings and look down at the waves. “I’m gonna go for a walk I’ll be back” you notify Pin as you walk down along the railings as Ping waves you off dozing into a nap. You keep walking as a hand comes out from a corner and pulls you towards them you’re about to fight them when Mako puts a finger on his mouth signaling to stay quiet. You gain your footing and stand “what’s wrong?” you whisper “I just overheard Shady Shin and Viper. We’ve been double-crossed. We have to get off this ship” Your eyes widen at the realization “who the hell would do that?” you whisper as you both start to run in the direction of the speed boats. You get stopped by the triad “where do you two think you’re going?” Viper smirks Mako grunts as he throws a fire punch at the men and you jump over the railing into the speed boat starting it up while Mako cuts the ropes. You slam on the accelerator and gun it back to the city while Mako fire bends at the two speed boats. You try to keep the boat steady to help Mako until Viper starts to waterbend large shards of ice out of the water and you start dodging “hang on!” you yell out as you start to maneuver around them. You think you’ve gained enough space between them when you’re suddenly sent up into the air by a large waterspout of water. “Holy shh….” You scream out you metal bend the seatbelts around you and Mako to prevent the both of you to fly off from the boat. You grab on tightly on the steering wheel feeling your stomach turn as you come crashing down. Making sure to keep control you land back on the water and continue on nearing closer to the City. You can see the city skyline coming nearer, “Almost there!” you see several other ships in the horizon and maneuver around them, Mako turns around “They’re getting closer!”. “not for long, grab on to something” you grip on steering wheel as you see two ships crossing each other and you narrow your eyes calculating the right time to turn and get in between the two ships. “watch out!” Mako scream you yell back “I got this! You worry about Viper and his men!” switch gears and speed off. Mako looks back “Nice job! One down, one to go.” “yeah but where’s--“You swerve avoiding colliding into Viper who came from a different direction you try to gain control of the boat trying to prevent it from tipping over. The boat stalls out and you try to get it started back up “Mako, the boat, we’re stalled!” Viper collides into your boat head on and Mako fights off with Viper while you run and jump over to the other boat tearing off a piece of metal from their boat and wrapping it around the driver trapping him on the steering wheel. You look back at Mako who got knocked back into the seats of the boat and you snarl running over to Viper and jump over kicking him down on his back before throwing him back in his boat. You jump over the windshield and try starting up the boat as it sputters out until it finally roars to life, you switch gears and time it right to send the boat to dive into the building coming up fast. You swerve to your right avoiding collision and drive off along the harbor. As you and Mako watch the boat crash into a warehouse “so any ideas?” you yell out “someone paid the triple threats to keep us distracted.” You grimace “distracted from what? Did you offer them anything?” you look over at Mako before turning back to the water ahead. “Asami offered some vehicles and stuff….Asami…we gotta check out the Future Industries warehouse!” Mako yells as he holds onto the edge of the boat. You nod and make your way.

You call Asami using a nearby phone and tell her to hurry to the warehouse. You walk over to the light switch and turn it on, it finally illuminates the now empty warehouse. Your jaw drops as you ball your fists “whoever paid the triple threats stole everything.” Mako comments “I can’t believe we fell for this” you look down your eyes tearing up. Mako puts his hand on your shoulder “I’m sorry, y/n. This is my fault; it was my idea.” Asami runs over to the both of you and stops abruptly as she sees the scene behind the two of you and her eyes widen. You look at her and your eyes water “Asami…I’m sorry” Mako explains everything that happened and Asami looks in horror “I’m ruined…my company…it’s over…” she looks down in defeat. “we should check your other warehouses. Maybe they didn’t have time to hit them all.” He tries to give Asami some hope. Asami’s shoulders lower as some tears start to form at the corner of her eyes “you don’t understand. Everything I had was in here.” “we have to search the place for evidence. If I can find a lead…” he goes off trying to think of a plan “Just stop. We’ve failed, Mako” you beg him as you turn around your back away from the warehouse heading towards the dock in front of the building leaving Mako and Asami alone together. “it doesn’t matter anymore” Asami says quietly. “we can figure this out.” He quickly interjects “it’s over. I give up” she looks down admitting defeat. Mako turns to Asami and looks into her eyes “well, I’m not giving up on you.” Asami looks up with tears in her eyes, looking into Mako’s eyes and leans in giving him a kiss. You turn around and watch the kiss unfold gasping Asami steps back “sorry, I—” Mako looks around awkwardly “uh…it’s—it’s okay.um…anyways…I gotta run. I’m gonna find out who did this, with y/n’s help, and I know just who to ask.”

Asami offers to give you a ride home you offer to drive and stay the night at her estate. She refused, wanting to be left alone. You sighed and nodded understanding and bid farewell as you step out of her car waving her goodbye as you head up to your place. You shower getting rid of the harbor smell off of you and change into some fresh clothes. You remember Lin and look at the clock it’s 1 in the morning you grab your uniform jacket. You walk over to bowl and grab your keys and get on your bike, speeding over to Lin’s place. You look over and knock on the door not getting an answer. She’s probably still back at the station. You get back on your bike and head over to the station.

You walk up inside the station almost bared besides the two officers at the entrance and a couple of officers at their desk sleeping. You quietly walk past them and knock on Lin’s door “yes, who is it” you open the door and call out to her “Chief” she looks up quickly putting her glasses down motioning you to step inside. You walk in and close the door behind you. “where have you been?” she asks eyeing you suspiciously “I was investigating on the case.” you’re just now coming back? You should’ve just gone home.” she looks down at the paperwork “no, after I was done I went over to Future Industries trying to help Asami with her company troubles.” You explain then stop “I checked to see if you were home, but I forgot I was looking for Lin Beifong, so I came to her real home” you teased. “after our discussion in the office you just left without another word. Wondered if it would be a repeat of last time” she muttered you shake your head “whatever happens at work stays at work.” You approached her as you pulled a seat to sit at the side of her desk. “Plus, if I know anything about you… I figured you wouldn’t sleep or try to rest until you’re closer to solving this case. So maybe… you wouldn’t mind my help.” you lean over at her as you look into her eyes putting your hand on top of hers. Lin gives you a soft smile “that’s your job, lieutenant”. You smirk and rolls your eyes “yes, chief” you playfully salute then grab a file and start rereading the reports.

After half an hour you set down a cup of coffee in front of Lin while you take a sip out of yours and get back to reading your notes before looking up

“there is something that keeps gnawing my mind.” You speak as you close your file looking out at nothing

“what is it?” Lin looks over at you

“Varrick” you mutter

“Varrick?, What about him?” she says coolly as she flips a page

“His indifference about losing a ship was just weird, don’t you think?” you arch your eyebrows as you think back to that scene in the interrogation room.

“Varrick has plenty of shipping boats, he owns a global shipping enterprise” Lin mutters back.

“Well yeah, exactly. He was transporting materials that he could profit and lost it. Yet he showed no anger or frustration after three attacks occurred in the same week. Most businesses would be furious if they lost potential profit. Isn’t that a bit peculiar?…unless” you stand and slowly walk to the window looking out at the empty low lit square.

“unless?” Lin perked up looking over to where you walked off to.

“unless Varrick purposely blew up his own ships…” you turn around to face her

“you’re seriously not proposing that Varrick destroyed his own ships for what?” she takes her glasses off and sets it down on the desk as she turns her chair to face you.

“I know that sounds preposterous but is it really that crazy?” you step towards her

“why would Varrick blow up his own ships. Like you mentioned he wouldn’t want to lose a potential profit if he’s getting money from his deal with Future Industries”

“yeah you’re right…” you trail off as you look back over out the window and let Lin go back to her paperwork.

“you’re sound like a conspiracy theorist like Mako” she jokes

You smile at her but slowly frown at your thoughts

You’re lying back in Lin’s bed with her sleeping beside you. You’re both exhausted with staying in the office so late but even though your eyes feel heavy you’re unable to sleep. Your mind won’t stop thinking back on your suspicions about Varrick. Lin stirs and turns over on her other side shifting her body as she scoots over so she can rest her head on your chest putting her hand on your chest. You put your hand over hers and curl your thumb around her finger as you kiss her forehead watching her sink down comfortably and go back into a peaceful sleep. You smile enjoying watching Lin sleep then look up at the ceiling going back to your thoughts. The only people that knew about that sting operation was you, Asami, Mako and Varrick. You’re obviously not it, Asami would never do that to her own company. Mako…you don’t trust he would betray Asami like that or that he would drag you down like that, so that just leaves…Varrick. But why… ‘he wouldn’t want to lose a potential profit if he’s getting money from his deal with Future Industries’ Lin’s voice replays in your mind. You analyze that for a moment, Varrick wouldn’t be trying to overtake and gain control of Future Industries, would he? He wouldn’t play that dirty, right?

#lin x reader #linbeifong #lin beifong #lin #fanfic #tlok #lok #TLOK2UnderPressure #fyrefics #linxreader #linbeifongxreader #linbeifong x reader

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wheres-my-sanity · 4 years ago

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We were just children pt.1

Summary: What happens if you meet your childhood best friend after 15 years again? On the other end in a nightmarish fog that only seeks to kill its inhabitants. Old wounds get reopened and scars show. But there always a change of forgiveness. You just have to take it.

Pairing: Felix Richter x Élodie Rakoto

A/N: I wanted to write this since I read Élodies lore for the first time, but never had the time or motivation to do it. In this first chapter I will heavily focus on Élodies arrival. Felix will only be mentioned. The second chapter will be focused on their reunion. Also I want to thank harcourtholmesii again. I hope you enjoy my story.

„Come Felix, it’s going to be fun!” “Élodie, I really think we should turn back.” “Oh, don’t be such a coward, it’s just abandoned tunnel. See, I go first, just trust me.” “O-Ok I’m coming.” “See, as long as we are together nothing can happen.”

Élodie woke up, tears in her eyes. The moon wash shinning on her sweaty skin. She stood up from her bed and walked out on the balcony. Another nightmare. They had become more frequently than usual. She looked down at the messy streets of Paris. Why now? Her life was going ok. A few weeks ago, the doctors came to the conclusion that Élodie had fully recovered from the loss of her parents. She had found this apartment, which, granted wasn’t really big, but it was enough. Élodie didn’t want to sit in some house, no, she wanted to explore and discover. While she had told the doctors that she just loved being outside, the only thing she really wanted was to continue the search. Her parents were somewhere out there, she just knew it.

Élodie let herself fall on her couch and thought about what she had missed. She had been at every graveyard of the city, on every dark and dusty corner, but hadn’t found anything out about the whereabouts of her parents. Where had she not looked? What did she not see? The catacombs. Unlikely, but possible. Tomorrow she would inform herself about how to get into the underground. In a week she could maybe find a guide. She would find her parents, no matter the costs.

Élodie awoke with a groaning head. Of course, the catacombs were a bust, what did she expect? Élodie expected to be either in police station or the clinic. Neither of both was the case. She was at some kind of wreck yard, as the hundreds of crushed car-piles told her. She also could make out the distant shape of a giant lodge. The whole area seemed to be surrounded by a stone wall with a metal fence on it. The place seemed forsaken. Élodie stood, wondering how the hell she got here. On her left she could some kind of giant generator. The wires of the thing seemed to reach over the whole place.

“Hello, is anybody here?” No answer. As Élodie wanted to ask again, she could suddenly feel strong hands covering her mouth and a male voice say: “If you don’t shut up, he’s gonna hear us!” As Élodie turned around she could see the face of big man with a nose that looked like it has been broken more then once. Suddenly Élodies heart began to beat loud and fast. Apparently, the man seemed to feel the same. He gestured to come with him. Since Élodie had no idea where she was and the man seemed really worried, she decided to follow him. The man leaded her to a pile of tires where he hid behind. Élodie raised an eyebrow, but questioned not any further. Seconds after she hid too, a giant man, at least 2 meters high, walked by. He wore a black worker attire and long shoes, but the two most notable things on him were in his hand and on his face. A giant kitchen knife and a white emotionless mask, both covered in blood.

After a minute Élodie could feel her heart beating slower and they could see the man with the mask walk away. Just when she started to feel relieved, she could her a scream that made her flinch. The man with the broken nose cursed and then said: “Wait, here, until me or another man named Dwight return. The names David by the way.” With that he took his leave. 5 minutes later, Élodie heard another scream, this time a different one. A few seconds after she could see something huge moving on the sky. A paint breathing made her look down again. Another man approached. He had a pair of glasses and a key in his hand. And he was bleeding. A lot.

“D-Dwight?” Élodie asked nervously? The man nodded. “Where’s David?” Dwight shook his head and pointed at something behind her. Élodie turned around to see a hatch, she could have sworn wasn’t there before. The man slowly walked over to it and opened it. He waved at her, before he said: “Come.” With that he straight up jumped into it and disappeared. Before Élodie could even blink she could feel her heard beating again. She looked back only to see the man with the knife approach. Without even thinking Élodie jumped into the hatch, only to see darkness again.

When Élodie could see anything again, she could make out Dwight next to her. Magically he seemed to have stopped bleeding. They were in some kind of forest it appeared. All of the sudden Dwight rose up and began walking in a direction. Élodie sprinted after him. She chose the most obvious question first: “Who the hell was that?” Dwight seemed to be exhausted but still answered: “His name is Michael Myers, but we just call him the shape. Could you please wait with any other question until we reach the campfire?” While Élodie wanted to know where she was and how she got here, she decided to be quiet. Since this man saved her life the least, she could do was to leave him alone for a bit. After 10 minutes of walking, they reached a clearing. In the middle was, what she guessed to be the campfire that Dwight had mentioned. Around it sat around 25 people. “Hey Guys we have a new one again.” Élodie looked up to see the semi-interested looks of all of the people. “May I present to you Meg, Claudette, Jake, Nea, Laurie, Ace, Bill, Feng, Quentin, David, Kate, Adam, Jeff, Ash, Nancy, Steve, Yui, Zarina, Cheryl and… “FELIX?” Élodie shouted. “Élodie?”.

#felix richter #élodie rakoto #dead by deadlight #dbd

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hazeofhearts · 5 years ago

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Flash Back (Robin x reader)

(The story about how the reader finds out she’s attracted to girls is actually how I found out I was bi!)

Song inspiration: literally only “I Want to Know What Love Is” on repeat

You sat on Robin’s desk chair, spinning around slowly, your eyes flicking from her to the ceiling back to her. She was sitting on her bed, flipping the pages of her winter break assigned reading book remarkably fast. You breathed out a loud sigh. Robin closed her book and propped her elbow up on her knee, resting her chin in the palm of her hand.

“Can I help you with anything,” she asked monotonously while batting her eyelashes. You looked at her with mirth in your eyes as you continued spinning.

“Nope,” you said, popping the p.

You heard Robin get up from her bed and walk over to you. Suddenly, the chair stopped spinning and Robin had her arms on either side of you on the desk, holding you in your position with your knees up to your chest.

Robin had a smug smirk on her face while yours was getting progressively more and more warm.

“You sure?”

You hesitated only a second before pecking her lips and pulling back. She laughed at you and pulled you to her by the collar of your sweater. She kissed you passionately, her teeth grazing your lips and driving you crazy. She pulled away too quickly and hopped back on her bed.

“Stay still and stop distracting me. I’m almost finished with this.”

You did as she said, folding your arms on the desk top and resting your head there. As you looked at Robin, you remembered so many things about your relationship that lead you to this moment.

~Sophomore year~

You stepped into the drama classroom of Hawkins High School, ready to impress everyone with your incredible acting skills you’d worked on all summer. Freshman year was a bust but you were determined to make sophomore year, and every year after, your bitch.

Except, you would die of a heart attack before Christmas.

Robin Buckley was here. The same Robin Buckley you’d had a crush on since 8th grade.

You’d broken up with your boyfriend the summer before 8th grade. All he’d want to do is kiss and for some reason, it was really gross to you. You’d never wanted to kiss someone less than your boyfriend.

Then, on the first day, Robin had stepped into your homeroom and everything made sense. You now knew why you didn’t want to kiss boys and why you got grossed out whenever you thought about marrying a boy.

It was because you liked girls.

Robin had sat down next to you. You felt your heart going a thousand miles a minute.

“I’m Robin,” the girl beside you said, flicking her waist length hair out of the way. You remembered wanting to run your hands through her thick, long locks back when you were so obsessed with her.

“Y/N,” you managed to say without stuttering.

“Cool,” Robin said, turning her attention to the front of the room.

And that was that. From then on, you’d had a massive crush on her. She was funny and smart. She was in band and was a good actress and knew two languages and was learning a third! You were pretty sure you were in love with her.

Standing in the doorway to the drama classroom two years later, you vowed then and there to become her friend because even if she didn’t like girls, at least you would be satisfied being just friends. All this before you marched right over to her and asked her to hang out after school.

~Junior year~

Well this wasn’t ideal. Both you and Robin had plans to be the lead in the spring play. The entire drama class was divided on who should play the lead because you were both phenomenal.

It especially made it hard because it could totally damage your friendship. You were still crushing on her hardcore and if anything happened to your friendship, you’d probably drop dead.

“Alright kids! We can’t keep going on like this,” Mrs. MacKenzie said. “We’ll just have both girls run the scene and we’ll see who deserves the part. This way, it will truly be fair.”

You read over the script and cringed when you saw that there was a kissing scene.

“Ugh, I’d rather keel over than kiss Brian DeBacker,” Robin whispered to you.

“I was thinking the same thing,” you replied giggling. Robin joined in soon after.

“Are you girls ready? Your giggling over there tells me you are.”

In the end, you bombed it. You just couldn’t kiss Brian without wanting to gag. At least Robin seemed happy. That’s what really mattered to you.

All the time you’d spent in the drama room meant that it was late in the afternoon and, with it being the tail end of February, it had started raining hard. Brian DeBacker offered Robin a ride that she refused, claiming that she had to give you a ride home.

“What are you talking about? I walk home,” you whispered.

“Not today you’re not! It’s pouring outside! I’m not gonna let you get a cold because of me.”

Robin wrapped her arm around your shoulder and the two of you hustled to her bike. You let her get on and hopped onto the bar on the back wheel.

It had been thirty minutes, longer than it would’ve taken you to even walk home.

“Robin, you know the way to my house, you’ve been there before! What’s the deal?”

“Maybe I don’t want you to leave me just yet,” she said quietly. You almost couldn’t hear her over the rain.

“Wait, Robin, what?”

Robin slowed down into a secluded area before she climbed off her bike with you hopping off before her. You stood together under a tree that did nothing to cover you from the rain.

“I don’t want you to leave me,” she said matter of factly.

“Robin, we see each other every day. What do you-“

“Why couldn’t you kiss Brian today?”

You flinched, your heart slamming against your rib cage as you fidgeted with your fingers.

“W-What do you mean?”

“What I mean is,” Robin said softly, her voice turning dangerous as she caged her arms around either side of you, a tree trunk digging into your back. “You’re a phenomenal actress and competitive to boot. You would never blow a role, not even for me.”

“T-There will be other plays. Brian just isn’t that cute,” you said, swallowing thickly, your eyes dancing everywhere except Robin’s face and her intense eyes.

“Have you had your first kiss, Y/N?”

“No,” you whispered.

“Do you want to,” Robin asked, her ocean blue eyes reflecting the fear that you felt in your body.

“Yes.”

Robin leaned forward slowly, her eyes hooded and her lips parted. When your lips met hers, you felt a jolt of electricity run through your body. Is this how it felt to kiss someone you really like? Is this how it really felt to kiss the right person?

Robin’s lips were open so you parted yours and suddenly your tongues were involved in the equation. It wasn’t nearly as gross as you remembered from 7th grade.

Robin’s arms slid around your waist as she pulled away from you, locking eyes with yours. You snaked your own arms around her shoulders, pressing your forehead to hers.

“So, how’d I do,” she asks a bit breathless.

“Better than I could have ever imagined.”

Robin straightened up but still kept her arms around you.

“You imagined kissing me?” Disbelief soaked through her tone.

You nodded gently. Robin was silent for a moment and you could see her brain trying to process the information that you’d given her. This is what you were afraid of. You messed up your friendship, the one you’d worked so hard to cultivate. This was your fault.

But why would Robin kiss you unless she felt the same? What was that about? She never wanted you to leave her side but what did that even mean?

“I feel the same way.”

Your eyes immediately welled with tears.

“Really?”

“Yes,” Robin said, also tearfully.

You both leaned forward to kiss again and it was still as electric and as shocking as it was the first time. Robin pressed her body into you and you let out an involuntary groan. You could feel her body on yours. The firmness of her thighs and the softness of her breasts. The brushing of her torso against yours. You pulled her even closer, relishing the feeling of someone on your body.

You continued to kiss until you had to pull away to sneeze.

“Maybe we should finally go to your house.”

~Summer before Senior year~

You were so giddy you felt like throwing up. Your little brown bag holding your purchase bounced against your leg every few seconds. You turned into Scoops Ahoy, your girlfriends workplace, and saw her immediately at the counter. She smiled widely at you and you did the same.

“Ahoy, can I get anything for you today?”

“Hmm,” you hummed, tapping your chin. “I think I’ll have the blonde.”

Robin’s cheeks flushed as she laughed at you before moving to the back to get her coworker out of there so the two of you could hang out. It was Steve Harrington out of all people! You two hadn’t been close in school but you were friendly enough with each other. It seemed that he’d learned how not to be an asshole after he’d graduated, which was good for him.

“Hey Y/N,” Steve said, holding his hand out for a fist bump. You tapped his fist with yours while rolling your eyes playfully. Robin tugged you behind the partition and into the back room.

“15 minutes,” Steve called to the two of you.

“Yeah, yeah, mom!”

The two of you sat down giggling at the table in the back.

“This is a surprise visit! What’s up, babe?”

You lifted the bag over the table and slid it to her.

“I was going to wait for our six months but I just couldn’t.”

Robin opened the bag and pulled out a small box. She made eye contact with you and you only smiled cryptically. She opened the box and gasped.

The ring inside was simple. A thin, silver band with a small 1/2 carat diamond. Robin took it out of the box and slipped it onto her left ring finger, making you flush. You didn’t expect her to do that.

“I love it so much babe. And I love you even more.”

Robin got up from the table and dropped several kisses on your lips. You smiled into every kiss.

“I’ll switch it over to my right hand so nobody suspects anything though.”

You lifted your own right hand that showed a matching ring on your ring finger.

“I understand completely.”

~Present day~

“You’re staring.”

Robin’s voice broke you out of your memories and you lifted your head.

“Sorry, I was spacing out.”

Robin sighed with a smile on her face and tucked her bookmark into her book. She only had a few pages to go. Her arms opened and you crawled into them after nearly launching yourself off her desk chair.

“What were you spacing about?”

“The day when I’ll be able to change my last name to yours.”

“Shut up,” Robin scoffs, running her hands through your hair, her diamond getting caught in a tangle.

“I’m serious. I’ve been thinking about it since 8th grade! Y/N Buckley,” you said wistfully.

Robin’s hands still.

“That’s funny. I think it was around then that I had a crush on you too.”

“You stopped having a crush on me sophomore year when Tammy Thompson caught your eye,” you said with a mock jealous tone to your voice.

Robin groaned.

“I swear to you, it wasn’t that serious!”

“It better not be! I spent a lot of money on that ring!”

Robin giggles into your hair.

“Is that the only thing you care about?”

“No,” you say, your hands inching closer to the hem of her sweater. “I care about everything having to do with you. I care about you.”

Robin squeals as you sneak your cold hands beneath her sweater but she doesn’t move them away. You run your hand over the smooth curves of her waist as you bury your head in her chest.

“I love you,” you say.

“I love you too.”

#robin buckley x reader #robin buckley x you #stranger things robin x reader #stranger things robin x you #stranger things fanfic #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things s3

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flatlineforest · 4 years ago

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First Heat {Hanzo Shimada/shimadacest overtones}

Warnings: A/B/O dynamics, Omega Hanzo, Alpha Genji, primarily Hanzo x Guards, loss of virginity, underage, breeding kink,

Wordcount; 2515

Read on AO3 here. Originally posted on 12/15/2017.

Hanzo had never experienced a heat. When his heat didn’t arrive by the time he was fourteen, his doctors assured him that he was simply a late bloomer and that it would come when his body was truly ready. At sixteen, they talked to his father about options for inducing his heat but Sojiro stubbornly assured them that he would not risk making his heir infertile just to rush nature’s processes. Genji had his first rut on Hanzo’s seventeenth birthday, at the expected age of fourteen. It infuriated Hanzo and made him feel ashamed, hiding in his room for the rest of the day as servants bustled about getting things for his younger brother. He didn’t come out for three days after that, either, shirking his duties and wondering why he was a defective omega. As the heir and an omega, Hanzo had many responsibilities to prove to the rest of the clan that he was just as capable of leading as an alpha would. But he could not rightfully take his place as leader if he was unable to produce any heirs.

Eventually, Hanzo gave up on waiting for his heat. He threw himself into his work two fold - taking over the clan’s drug and brothel operations in the regions Chubu, Kanto, and Tohoku as well as amping up his training in martial arts and bowmanship. He began to make himself known - he was going to be the clan’s next oyabun and it was vital that he started building his reputation early. His father had high expectations of his strong omega son, expecting to mate him off to a powerful alpha of another clan and have them all come together under the Shimada clan name. And to accomplish that plan, Hanzo was going to need to be more experienced and more respected than any other potential clan leaders. He took his tasks very seriously, and often spent weeks away from the Shimada estate.

He was in the middle of one of his extended trips to Tokyo - checking over his various brothels and dealers there to ensure their quality had not gone down in the months since his last visit, when he got a call from his father. He would have to come home for a few weeks - attend to the estate in his father’s honor as the other went overseas to work on a weapons deal. He asked after his younger brother, if the second son could watch over the estate while Hanzo finished his quality control visit but his father would not hear it for a second and instructed Hanzo to return home immediately.

Hanzo left most of his belongings in his Tokyo apartment and traveled back to Hanamura the following morning, settling back into the estate with an ease and comfort as the cherry blossoms bloomed around him. He inquired after his brother only to find out that his brother only returned to the estate to shower, eat, and get money from their father. Only fifteen and yet so...unruly. It annoyed Hanzo, and he decided that he would just have to set his brother right before he returned to Tokyo.

Or...At least, he planned to.

What he hadn’t planned on was to wake up naked covered in sweat and slick, his whole body on fire and aching.

His heat.

He wasn’t sure if it was a curse or a blessing to have his first heat finally arrive and to arrive in the comfort of the Shimada estate. On one hand, he had as many servants to bring him toys and drinks and food at his leisure, but on the other hand...The number of alphas willing to knot him and hold him down until his instinctual need to be bred was satisfied was greatly reduced.

He reached between his legs, trembling fingers shyly sliding through the folds of his leaking cunt and shivering at the feeling. He hadn’t given himself the time to explore his body and bring himself off in months - he had too much to do and his last orgasm had to have been more than six months prior. He rubbed at his swollen clit slowly, gasping out into the silence of his bedroom as his hips pushed up into his own touch. His cunt leaked out another wave of aromatic slick, announcing to every alpha and beta in the area that he was in heat and in desperate need of a cock in his sensitive, omega pussy to breed him right up.

He couldn’t ignore the pulsing in his cunt, aching for something to dip inside and yet...He couldn’t do it himself. Whether it was the shame of having to fuck himself or out of an unfamiliarity with his own body, he couldn’t bring himself to dip his fingers into his aching hole. He stayed there, fingers hovering over it for a few minutes, before another lick of heat up his spine had him rolling out of the bed, uncoordinated and dizzy as he looked for his phone. He called his head of security, Mr. Soto, attempting to explain the situation but failing at finding words. As his subordinate started to ask questions, sounding vaguely concerned, Hanzo managed to finally say, “I need assistance. Come to my quarters, quickly.” The other man did not need any further instructions, and hung up the phone quickly.

Hanzo tossed himself back onto the bed, spreading his legs out wide in an attempt to ease the aching of his pussy as he rubbed at his clit. He didn’t need to wait long, however, his head of security busting open Hanzo’s bedroom door as he was accompanied by three of his top men. They looked around the room, guns in hand as they attempted to identify whatever situation that their precious heir needed assistance in. But the mean, determined looks melted off their faces after a few moments, turning their attention to Hanzo where he sat on the bed, his virgin pussy at the apex of his spread legs looking like nothing less than a crown jewel. Hanzo had the pleasure of watching them sniff, alphas and betas finally picking up on the thick layer of heat pheromones permeating the room.

It seemed to register to the four of them at once, as they all rushed to be the first to take advantage of their boss. Soto arrived between Hanzo’s legs first, pulling Hanzo closer to himself roughly by the omega’s strong thighs, growling viciously at the other men in the room as he claimed the heat-stricken omega for his own. For a moment, it seemed as if two of the other men were willing to attack Soto for the right to breed such a sweet smelling omega, but Hanzo’s purring seemed to calm them down.

“Why fight, when you can share,” He coo’d, spreading his legs wide as Soto shoved his pants and boxers down to his knees. He reached out for the other guards, his purr loud between them before it stuttered to a stop as Soto pressed into that wet, welcoming pussy.

For a second, Hanzo forgot what it was like to breath. Perhaps it was because of his heat or maybe this was what it was truly like to lose his virginity - but he was suddenly aware of every sensation, of the warmth of that thick cockhead spreading open his pussy, of the sudden hands against his body as the alphas took full advantage of Hanzo’s invitation. He tensed up for a few second, the room spinning around him as he held his breath, before Soto pressed his hips forward until they were flush together and Hanzo was forced to exhale.

“God, you’re soaking,” Soto moaned above him, his hands on Hanzo’s trim waist as he started to grind his hips forward. “Are you okay down there, sir? God, you look like you’ve never taken a cock before.” Rather than fucking his hips forward and taking the omega beneath him, Soto seemed to relish in taking his time in satisfying his needy boss. From the way Hanzo blushed and shivered beneath him, Soto could only conclude…”You really haven’t, have you? So busy being the little heir that you never took the time to enjoy yourself. The precious heir...and I’m here poppin’ your cherry.”

Hanzo was singularly focused on Soto above him, even as the other guards fished their cocks from their pants and approached the bed. He reached his hands out for them, following his instincts as his pussy was spread wide on Soto’s thick alpha cock. His heat seemed to be quelled for the moment, satisfied by all of the alpha pheromones in the room as he was finally, blessedly, being bred the way his body had desired for years. He couldn’t even muster up any embarrassment at Soto’s comments as he was fucked.

He was snapped out of his trance, reaching out to take one of the guards in hand. He stroked carefully, as he had seen in the various brothels he managed. Seeing these actions and actually performing them were two very different things - he wasn’t sure if all of his experiences watching his whores perform had prepared him for the weight and warmth of some nameless guard’s cock in his hand. He stroked methodically, doing his best to stay in focused and still please the alpha in front of him.

The other occupants in the room came forward slowly, one to Hanzo’s right and the other coming to kneel next to Hanzo’s face. He didn’t need to be instructed on what to do- mouthing at the length presented to him and moaning as his sense of taste was assaulted with alpha musk. He adjusted himself - a hand on each of the cocks presented to him by the guards on his sides and started suckling at the length of the dick jutting out in front of a face.

For a virgin, it was a bit overwhelming but he was just following his instincts on what he should do...And perhaps a bit influenced from watching others do these same sexual acts over the years. It seemed to be working - above him Soto was moaning and growling as he pressed his hips forward, forcefully thrusting his thick alpha cock into Hanzo’s tight, formerly virginal pussy, and the other operatives had their heads thrown back or were watching him with intent, satisfied eyes.

It was motivating to say the least - pheromones swimming through his system as he eagerly serviced the cocks presented to him. He could feel his mind drifting - losing himself to the pheromones and hormones slowly but surely. It felt like they had been going for hours yet he was sure that it had only been a few minutes - a handful of short minutes into his heat. He started pressing his hips back as he suckled on that juicy cock, hands turned into loose tunnels to allow his guards to fuck into them.

He could feel pleasure building underneath the warm, squirmy sensation below his skin. He wished he could chance a hand between his body and where Soto was still thrusting away at his hot, wet pussy but his hands were occupied. He kept pushing his hips back, feeling as if things were starting to come to some sort of climax, like the kind he had read about in the erotica novels he kept hidden under his mattress.

He was shocked from his reverie by the guard whose cock Hanzo was currently worshipping grabbing him by the hair, tugging at it pleasantly as he pressed his hips forward. His virgin mouth was not nearly prepared for such a thing - neatly gagging around that cock as he was forced to take it. The second shock came as his mouth was flooded with salty cum. Where his normal set of standards would have had him spit rather than demurely swallow (as he so readily fought against the idea of obedient, omega servitude even in uncomfortable situations) he was not in any place to push away the man by his hips. He swallowed the thick spend and didn’t dwell on it greatly as Soto started to grind his hips forward. Eventually the guard pulled away, sitting back on his haunches as he watched Hanzo service the other two guards.

With one less cock to attend to, Hanzo was able to really work the other two. They seemed entranced by their young, pretty heir, especially as their eyes traced the path of a stray drop of cum sliding down his lips.

“Ahh fuck~ Look at him. So cute, staring up at us all starry-eyed,” one sighed, continuing to press his hips forward into the warm tunnel of Hanzo’s delicate, but calloused hand. “Just makes you want to eat him right up - claim ‘im as your own.”

That had Soto growling possessively, pressing his body into Hanzo’s and pushing the omega back onto the bed. His teeth hovered over where Hanzo’s mating mark would go, at the junction of his neck and shoulder - wanting desperately to claim such a gorgeous, coveted omega but knowing it would be his doom if he did so. It was widely known that Hanzo was off limits to such things - his father’s plan of marrying him to an important alpha in a business move was well known and established among all of Sojiro’s employees and associates.

Of course, Hanzo was needy in his heat - a surge of need gripping him as he was pinned down underneath a large, powerful alpha. He pressed up, such that Soto’s teeth were just barely grazing against Hanzo’s perfect, unmarked skin. On some base level, he wanted to be mated and claimed and fucked until he was swelling with an alpha’s child.

That simple action - pressing up into Soto’s jaws and feeling those sharp canines graze his skin - was enough to send Hanzo over the edge. His pussy clenched around Soto’s cock in eager waves as he arched his back and moaned loud enough for the entire estate to hear.

Soto couldn’t help it - he changed the trajectory of his bite to instead hit purely on Hanzo’s shoulder, biting down to keep the omega in place as he humped his hips forward. Between them, his knot was swelling. Every backwards pull sent flames licking down Hanzo’s spine, his tight pussy being forced to spread wide for the alpha cock breeding him right up.

Soon enough, Soto’s knot was locking the two of them together while he hummed contentedly at the moaning omega beneath him. Besides them, the two unsatisfied guards were stroking frantically at their cocks, knots half inflated simply because of all of the omega pheromones in the air. They seemed to reach completion in tandem - aiming their cocks over Hanzo’s blissed out face to give him a nice facial.

Lying beneath a powerful alpha while having his womb filled with thick, creamy cum...Perhaps it wasn’t what Hanzo had planned for his day, but it was more than satisfying. He couldn’t wait to see what he would get up to for the rest of his heat.

#shimadacest #hanzo shimada #old fic #forest writes

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generalllimaginesss · 5 years ago

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*I guess I’m going to start OBX imagines because why not? Seriously obsessed with them right now so here’s my first imagine! Feel free to leave any feedback!!*

He was quite the looker. The blue eyes, the abs, the best sense of humor. He was the whole package, plain and simple. The only problem was he was absolutely, and undeniably crazy, and that just wasn’t acceptable for your parents. They wanted way more for you than what the Outerbanks could offer.

JJ Maybanks was your future husband, little problem was he didn’t know that yet.

He really didn’t know much about you, other than the fact that you and Kie occasionally hung out. You didn’t fit in with the filthy rich kooks that owned 2 houses, but you didn’t fit in with the pogues because you had money to go buy a car for your 16th birthday, or even a pretty comfortable savings for college. That’s why your parents had begun to worry about your teenage obsession with the biggest pogue of all.

You and Kie had been friends for a while, but you never felt comfortable enough with her to hang out with the guys, so you never did. Until tonight.

“Y/N, you know we don’t bite. You can talk,” John B, who was sitting on the couch in his living room, said after everybody’s conversations had begun to to take 3 different directions.

He was cute too, you’d give him that, but he almost seemed too perfect. There’s always something about those kinds of guys that drive you away.

You were sitting criss crossed on the floor, leaning back in the front of the couch when everybody began to look at you. The heat to your cheeks quickly became intense.

“I know, it’s just I don’t do these things....I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, never had a boyfriend...” You rambled, suddenly realizing how boring of a life you lead.

“Well that can change as soon as you want it to, ya know, hanging with all of us involves most of these things,” JJ winked at you and smirked.

The blush that was already on your cheeks was burning and you were hoping that the dimly lit living room didn’t give away the butterflies that JJ Maybanks’ wink and voice caused. He was a perfect imperfection and little did he know that you had been practically in love with him ever since meeting Kie and the boys.

Pope grinned and piped up, “Yeah, we’re not as crazy as the Kooks make us out to be. Annoying? Mmm maybe, but we’re good people.”

“But didn’t JJ pull a gun on Topper like a week ago?” You giggled and looked across the room at the blonde headed boy. He rolled his eyes and smirked.

“Y/N, it was one time. Plus he was drowning Birdy over there and somebody has to be our getaway driver, am I right?” He laughed and ran ran his fingers through his hair to get it out of his eyes.

“Correction on all of these statements, I’m the only sane one of the group. Somebody has to keep them in check,” Kie added.

The conversations never ended and you loved it. Nobody ran out of things to say, it never got awkward, and you loved that. It felt so natural and right. It felt like the missing puzzle to your life, besides JJ being your husband but that comes in time. This felt like home.

Just as Kiara and John B began a contest of who could catch more popcorn in their mouth, your phone buzzed and got your attention.

“Curfew is 10:30, no negotiating. Dad will be up waiting,” Your mother knew just how to make a good night dreadful. You didn’t want to go because this environment was so addicting and carefree, not controlling and judgmental like your family 90% of the time.

Everybody busted out laughing suddenly when John B leaned to far back to catch a piece of popcorn and fell off the back of the couch.

“Now that’s dedication,” Pope clapped slowly and laughed.

“Sorry to cut the night short, but I have to be home in 15 minutes. Thank you guys for letting me come hang tonight. I had so much fun,” you smiled as you gathered your things and headed for the door. The room was filled with groans and various statements saying “come back soon.”

“You’re not walking by yourself are you?” Kie chimed in.

“I’m fine, it’s only a little about a mile away. Besides, wouldn’t want to drag any of you guys away to be bored by me,” you smiled.

“Nope, not gonna happen when it’s dark out. JJ, I nominate you to walk our guest home.” Kie promptly said. She knew what she was doing, and your back was turned to JJ, and facing Kie, and boy if looks could kill, you’d be picking out Kiara’s flower arrangement for her funeral.

“I mean, I’m not complaining,” JJ admitted as he jumped up from his seat and sprung to the door to open it for you.

“Such a gentleman, thank you,” you laugh softly, the butterflies in your stomach going fucking insane.

When you and JJ were out of earshot, the other pogues began the bet.

“I give it about a week, that’s how long I think until I wake up and JJ has a new guest in his bed,” John B smirked.

“Nah man, she’s too innocent for him. Maybe by the end of the summer, and that’s if she isn’t scared away by him.” Pope shook his head and grinned.

“I say they spend a few months trying to hide it behind our backs and then we’ll catch them doing something gross,” Kie said as she shifted her weight on the couch. She shipped you both hard. What are friends for if they don’t help their friends get the girl or the guy?

Meanwhile, you and JJ had began the walk, silent for the most part, and about an arm’s length away from each other. It was awkward to you, but he seemed to not mind. Every once in a while you slowly cut your eyes in his direction to get a look at his cuteness.

“You know....if you took a picture it’d probably last longer than the few seconds you keep cutting your eyes at me,” his smirk practically seeped through his voice while your heart began to beat rapidly.

“I, uh, I’m sorry. Thanks for walking me home, though. You seem like a pretty cool guy,” you tried to change the subject as quickly as possible.

“I’d like to think I am. Everybody has skeletons in the closet though. Some a little more big and scary than others. How come you haven’t hung out with us until now?” He looked towards you, slowly inching closer.

“I just feel like I don’t fit in anywhere, ya know. I feel like I’m too boring and stiff to hang out with the pogues, but the Kooks are so snobby and self-absorbed that I can’t possibly be happy with them. So, I’m stuck with just me, I guess,” You fiddled your thumbs while he took in every last word that came from your mouth.

“I like you. You’re awkward and quirky, not gonna lie, but you seem willing to go off the deep end for a little fun. You have potential,” he winked and nudged you, causing you to smile and look at the ground.

After about 10 minutes, you arrived at your house. The white two story house was illuminated by the yellow glow of the porch lights. You could see your father’s silhouette through the white curtains and you immediately regretted letting JJ walk you home.

“Well this is it. Thank you for the company, I enjoyed it,” You walked up the front porch steps, voice lower than ever, praying that your dad didn’t hear you yet.

“I like your company. I like it a lot actually. Say we meet at the dock tomorrow? 10 a.m? I’ll have a good day planned,” JJ’s heart sped up a little and he wanted to drink in the sight of you for however long he possibly could.

“I’d have to ask my parents, but I’d love to,” You smiled and placed your hand on the doorknob.

“Great. Loved getting to know the quirky side of you tonight. Maybe we could spend more time together....you know the Pogues and all. We had fun,” He knew he couldn’t stall much longer but he was magnetically drawn.

“Yeah, maybe. Thanks again!” You finally twisted the doorknob and walked inside. Sure enough your father was sitting in his recliner, snoring and about to drop a cigarette that had been burning far too long. So much for him staying up for you.

You couldn’t help but think of everything that JJ had said to you. He seemed like a very genuine guy. You wanted to be near him all the time because he’s hot and he made you feel stable, like the deck of the boat in between waves. He was the one for you.

Now to just convince the parents to let you spend time with him....this should be fun.

Hey guys! Thanks so much for reading my first imagine :)) hope you all like it!! Should I do a Part 2?

#jj outer banks #obx netflix #obx imagine #outer banks #john b x reader #jj maybank #jj maybankxreader #pope #john b #rafe cameron #sarah cameron #topper

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headoverhiddles · 5 years ago

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Disorderly Conduct - Sheriff Brackett x Reader [Smut]

Synopsis: You go visit the Sheriff at work to see if you can have a little fun. Then, an unexpected visitor forces you to improvise.

@chari-koopa

It was one of those days.

Most days at work were alright-- Sheriff Brackett liked to think he did an on-par job taking care of Haddonfield and all its good citizens. Of course, today was one of those "fuddle days," as he called them. Everything was sticky and hot, as things got in early July, and Mrs. Bedford had called him all the way to Sicamore Road across town to settle a dispute with her neighbor over their gardening line. (He supposed it was for the best-- it had escalated to bearing arms by the time he got there.)

Now he was looking forward to settling in with his sticky bun in the office until someone else decided they needed him.

"Sheriff?" Brackett looks up, clouds in his mind parting.

"Hm?"

"You've got a... visitor."

The fact that the officer was on the verge of a smirk should have tipped Brackett off, but one thing he was not was observant. Who could it be now, come along to bother him?! Maybe Jed from Strawberry Lane, come to complain about Mr. Adler’s golden retriever fucking up his lawn again. God forbid he have an actual issue to deal with as Sheriff, instead of riding around the streets in a god damn fur cap looking like Davy Crockett.

He headed right into his office, taking off said hat and sunglasses...

"Christ almighty!"

You smile up at the sheriff as he shuts the door quickly, checking out the frosted glass to see if anyone else saw you.

"Calm down. Nobody saw me but deputy hoo-hah in there. Shouldn't there be some more cops on duty? This is a station, right?"

"What are you doing out lookin' like that?!" Brackett blurts, cheeks reddening. You bite your lip, squishing your tits together a little more. You love making him squirm, and the remodeling of your school outfit did just that.

"I thought I'd come say hi."

"And what've you done to your uniform?" he sighs, swallowing as his eyes come to rest on your extremely accentuated bust. You had made a few modifications to your school uniform to make it sexier. The skirt now barely grazed the bottom of your ass, and your buttons were popping beneath your breasts.

"I made it my own."

"You sure did that," he nods. He rubs his face as he sits down. "You do realize everyone I work with is gonna think I'm a pervert now."

"Not if I were to beg you to fuck me loud enough for them to hear."

"(y/n)!"

You giggle. "Not that I would."

"You better not--"

"Fuck me!"

"Hun, I'm warning you!"

"What're you gonna do, daddy?" you breathe, spreading your legs. His eyes go down to your panties, which he can see are soaked through. He undoes the top two buttons of his uniform, takes a deep breath, and stands you up.

"Wait for me at home, I won't be long."

"But daddy, I need you now," you moan, grabbing his arm. He escorts you to the door, rubbing your shoulders.

"Sweetie, daddy's at work, he's working, he'll be home so--" He stops mid sentence and gasps a little as you reach forward to palm him through his pants. "What are you--" he gives a raspy moan, and you feel him get hard in record time.

"Mmm, I don't think you want me to stop now, do you daddy?" you blink up at him, licking your lips, and he grabs your arm, leading you over to his desk and hastily undoing his belt buckle.

"You drive me wild, princess," he mumbles, hurriedly taking himself out, "But you know it."

"Mhm," you smirk wickedly, and lick your lips at the sight of his cock. "Fuck, I want it, sir."

"Real fast," he groans, parting your thighs and grabbing onto one, "And I mean real fast." Just then, the landline on his desk rings. "Jesus," he mutters, and you press the speakerphone button for him, taking your top off. "This is Brackett!" His voice sounds so strong and authoritative when he's at work, and it turns you on. He knows that, so he tries to play it up.

"Sheriff, there's a Doctor here, said he came from Smith's Grove or somethin'. Got a big problem he's gotta talk to you about."

"You don't sound too urgent about the whole thing," Brackett says, moving your hips closer to his.

The deputy's voice lowers. "That's because he seems like a bit of a wingnut.”

"Can it wait for five minutes?" Brackett blurts in exasperation.

"Only five sir?" You can hear the deputy smirking. Brackett looks less than amused as you giggle and bite your finger.

"That's enough outta you Ronson, keep quiet and tell him--"

Just then, there's a flurry of hard knocks at the office door.

"Sheriff!" It's a British voice. "Sheriff, I really must see you, it's a terrible emergency!" More banging.

"Oh hell," Brackett mutters, looking down at your spread out body on his desk, and you decide to take matters into your own hands. You slip under the desk, and Brackett follows your lead, quickly taking a seat in his chair just as the doctor bursts in.

"Haven't you ever heard of waitin' to be invited in?" Brackett snaps, covering his lap up, and the doctor puts his hands up.

"Sheriff, I'm Dr. Loomis. I'm so sorry for my lack of etiquette but this situation doesn't have very much time for it, I'm afraid."

"Alright doctor," Brackett says, sitting back, "I'm all ears. What's this big problem you've got for me?"

"Well you see, 15 years ago, I looked after a boy--"

As Loomis begins to speak, you put your hands on the sheriff's knees. He chokes a little as you get closer...

"--the devil's eyes. I couldn't get through to him. Now, he is dangerous, and he is coming here! Tonight!"

You swallow his cock down.

"Oh my god," Brackett breathes. Loomis hesitates.

"...Yes well, I'm glad you see the gravity of the situation, to be honest I feared you wouldn't--"

You go back to sucking him, almost gagging as you take him to the back of your throat. You start to dig your fingernails into his thighs through his uniform pants as you bob up and down on his cock.

"--and I believe he will make first for his childhood home."

You lick a stripe across the head.

"Jesus fucking Christ."

"My thoughts exactly, Sheriff." You go up and down, tightening your lips and playing with the vein on his erection, teasing him, working him up to an amazing orgasm.

Brackett white knuckles the desk with one hand, and taps your head with the other. He's close, you can feel it by the way he's thrusting ever so slightly into your mouth. You're so wet, trapped there between daddy's legs choking on his cock, pushing him to the absolute edge. You'd get it in bed later for this.

Doctor Loomis pauses his rant for a moment, eyeing the sheriff's appearance. His eyes are fluttering closed, and his breathing is heavy.

"Are you alright?"

Brackett opens his eyes under Loomis' suspicion.

"Just fine. Just... just fine, keep going." The encouragement is obviously directed toward you, and you go even faster, bobbing and licking.

"--Right. Anyway, I know for a fact Michael will be coming for his baby sister, and the other houses in this town are in danger as well."

Brackett gasps and looks up as you suck him perfectly. "Lord above."

"Indeed, so you agree this is the course of action we must take before he finds her?"

You suddenly feel Brackett's fingers twist in your hair as he comes in your mouth with a slight grunt. His neck strains and he squeezes his eyes shut, then regains his composure. "Um. Doctor, I'm gonna level with you. I haven't heard one word you've said." Loomis looks extremely frustrated. "Now how about...” Brackett holds up both hands, “We try things again, over burgers later. My treat. I know a damn good joint just up the bend here--"

"Burgers?! While we're eating burgers and chatting, Michael Myers will be out turning your little town into a slaughterhouse!"

"Okay--”

“Slaughterhouse, Sheriff!”

“Alright! At least give me ten minutes to... to right myself, dammit!"

"Very well."

You start to tuck him back up.

"Oh, by the way," Loomis turns with a slight smirk, "The lovely little thing you've got under the desk is a right looker." He winks your way, and you blush. Brackett starts to babble, so the doctor waves it off. "What, you thought I'd never gotten a blowie under the table before? Nothing like it, eh? And she seemed quite the talent, judging by your entertaining facial aerobics." He laughs at Brackett's embarrassment. "You've not exactly got the best poker face, Sheriff." His face gets serious again. "We'll be in touch tonight."

The door closes, and Brackett gets up, running a hand through his hair.

"Dammit... (y/n)... this was not appropriate!" he moans, making sure his fly is done up.

You can see the conflict in his face easing away as you bite your lip and act coy.

"Daddy didn't enjoy it?"

He sighs, looping his arm around your middle and drawing you close. "I enjoyed it, princess. I enjoyed it a lot. Too much."

You smile, cuddling into his chest and tucking your hands into the back pockets of his uniform. "Love you."

His heart melts a little. He can never resist you. "I love you too, babygirl. So much. Now you get home safe." He gives your ass an affectionate little squeeze under the short skirt, and fits on his furry Sheriff hat. "Seems like the punishment for all that'll have to wait til tomorrow night."

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fieldfullofbangtan · 6 years ago

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bts imgn: taking care of them when they are drunk (friends)

holy poop this is my first ever imagine and it is WAY too long im gonna try to make it shorter in the future lol

(also im taking requests! so send emmmm)

requests are open!

✎ masterlist

SeokJin

Jin would call you at 3am asking you to pick him up from a bar. You knew that the boys sometimes went out to grab a drink but this time Jin was alone which was weird. He didn’t- or couldn’t say much more than just “(Y/N) please can you come pick me up? Im at the usual place...”.

When you got there he sat outside on a bench napping, you had to pretty much carry him to the car. He crashed at your place cause you thought him getting drunk might be because of some fight he had with the others. When he woke up he explained.

“Did I puke?”

“God I hope not...” you say worried looking around.

“Sorry... The bar had a drink called unicorn poop and it tasted like cotton candy and I think we all had one too many so the boys left without noticing I went to the bathroom...”

Just as he finished that sentence the front door busts open and 6 men run inside looking scared shitless. When they spot Jin on the couch they all sigh in relief.

“Thank god...”

( vv him being groggy af in the morning vv )

Namjoon

Namjoon can drink, everybody knows that. He is usually the one who acts the most sober and takes care of the others. But you’re not that bad of a drinker yourself. A few cocktails and a few shots is no biggie. So when you all went out one night Jin and Suga had to bring the lightweights home because they were all basically asleep 2.5 hours in.

You and Namjoon were just beginning though. After another 1.5 hours of dancing and drinking your feet started to hurt and the music was getting too loud. You walk around to try to find Joon but he is nowhere to be seen. Suddenly somebody hugs you from behind. Getting ready to headbutt whatever creep is behind you, he says

“Can we go home now pleaaaase”

You laugh at how dorky Joon is being. He’s only like this is he’s wasted. He becomes a 9 year old boy who has abandoment issues.

“Sure but you will need to let me go cause I can’t move when you are hugging me like this” you say as you laugh.

“Fine...” he says as he pouts.

The club is walking distans to their dorm so you decide to just walk with him and crash there. The 15 minute walk is filled with corny dad jokes, waves of compliments and occasional deep thoughts. You even have to save him from walking into a few lamp posts and poles.

Waking up at their dorms the day after you see a message on your phone.

Namjoon 9:30

- we had to leave early for practice this morning but we left you some Doenjang soup. thanks for a fun night out and if you tell anyone about how drunk i was last night you are no longer allowed to borrow my clothes. ily :)

(vv you are yoongiiii vv)

Yoongi

You hear someone knocking at your door at 12pm. The smart thing to do is grab a frying pan and hide in the closet, but this is not the first time something like this has happened. Yoongi has a tendency to drink when he is feeling down and with the holidays coming up, the possibility of him not being able to spend it with his family usually gets to him. The sloppy, barely audible knocks also point to it being a drunk Yoongi.

Opening the door he is looking at his feet, hair covering his face.

“Come in...”

“Im sorry you always have to deal with me when I’m like this...” he mumbles.

He couldn’t really talk about it with the others because they are most likely just as upset or stressed. It would just end in 7 grown men drinking their sadness away together.

You don’t say much. You grab a beer, a bottle of water and a few blankets from your couch and drag him with you up to the roof of your apartment buildning. Thankfully it’s not freezing cold out and your hoodie plus a few layers of blankets is just enough to warm you. You sit down on the ground, not too far in the distans you can see the skyscrapers of Seoul and above you a clear, star-filled sky. This is where you always go when you feel down. Nothing can make your problems seem small better than skyscrapers and stars.

Yoongi reaches for the bottle of beer when you swat his hand away.

“That is for me.” “This” ... you give him the water bottle ... “is for you”.

Yoongi sighs but takes the waterbottle and opens it to drink some.

The rest of the night you talk about everything and nothing, you make him promise to call you if he ever feels bad enough to repeat this and when the clock reaches 3am, Jin calls and convinces Yoongi to go back to the dorms. He hugs you goodbye and holds you a little longer than usual giving you a kiss on the forehead.

“Thank you (Y/N), I owe you”

Hoseok

Partying with J-hope always ends badly. He has a lot of fun without alcohol, so imagine him drunk. Yea he has way too much fun. He will dance too hard and spill someone’s drink, which leads to a fight. Maybe hit on someone’s girlfriend, which leads to a fight. Once he thought some other guy was Jungkook and playfully slapped him on the head, when the random dude turned around he pointed at someone else, which lead to a fight.

Usually the others can calm situations like that down, but in your case when drinking with hoseok alone, the goal was to stop those situations before they even started.

“Heyyyy that guy looks like Donald Trump” Hoseok slurrs.

“What? Who? Nobody here it over 30...” you look around confused.

“Him over there! With the orange hair!” he says amused.

“Hoseok Donald Trump has orange skin not orange hair boi get your disses right”

“HEY, HEY DONALD!!” he yells at the guy.

“HOSEOK WTF” you whisper-shout as you cover his mouth.

The guy and his entire entourage looks at us confused as Hosoek waves happily at them.

“Why are you always trying to get beaten up????”

Jimin

Jimin sometimes drink too much and it can be because he feels a lot of pressure and alcohol can help relieve that. You followed them to Japan, their first world tour destination, to see the show and they were able to book you a hotel room in the same hotel as them.

After eating dinner with all of them in Joon and Yoongis room they all wanted to sleep earlier because of the concert the next day but Jimin and Jungkook said you could hang a little longer with them by the bar.

Jungkook left after one beer but Jimin stayed with you. When you finished your first drink Jimin was already on his third. You could notice that he was feeling the alcohol because he smiled a little bit more and spoke a little less clearly

“You have a long day tomorrow Jimin, I think you should go to bed” you say slightly worried about his hangover tomorrow.

“Don’t worry, I won’t be able to sleep anyways...” Jimin says with a sad smile.

“Hm?” you look at him for an explanation.

“My anxiety hits the roof right before a concert, I have so many people I need to make proud and I will never be good enough for them...” he drinks what’s remaining in his glass. “I never feel like I’m enough compared to the others, you know?” his eyes start tearing up.

Your heart sinks and you pull him into a hug. “Don’t be stupid, everybody loves you and all your flaws. They don’t expect you to be perfect, they expect you to be human.” You grab his shoulders and push him up from your embrace, staring at him. “Your gonna go to bed, do your best tomorrow, and even if you mess up or don’t think you did well enough, you will still be loved by millions. I promise.”

He smiles and nods, he grabs your hand from his shoulders and says

“Comon’, let’s go to bed”

Taehyung

Taehyungs drunk stages are -a little extra hyper-, to - yelling alot-, to -wearing his shoes on his hands and telling everybody his deepest darkest secrets-, then waking up and remembering nothing.

In this case during you night out, he had told you some hella weird stuff like him having an ice kink, him having a sex dream about you, and that he likes whipped cream more that anything in the world...

This definitaly scarred you since you see Tae as a brother so you felt like giving him some payback. Since he crashed at your place you knew exactly how. You went into the kitchen and grabbed an ice cube, you walked to the counch where he was sleeping and started to rub the ice cube against his face.

“Mm- Huh?” He opened his eyes and stared at you slightly disturbed.

“Good morning taeee ~” you sing.

“Why the ice cube...” he looked at you suspiciously.

You just stared right back at him smirking.

“Oh no... what more did I say last night...”

Jungkook

Jungkook can sometimes be a bit of a lightweight. Now he can drink beer or wine just fine. But if its mixed drinks or shots, the boy can and will blackout.

“SHOT SHOT SHOT SHOT SHOT SHOT EVERYBOOODY”

“Jungkook it’s 10pm... there’s like 13 people in this club...”

“Comonnnn pleaase just take a shot with me....”

He has already had a beer and three shots and you don’t feel like carrying his unconscious body back to the dorms. You know you would get yelled at by the others since you promised them to take it easy with the maknae. But knowing drunk Kookie, he is not going to let up.

“Fine. I’ll take shots with you right after I use the restroom ok? Wait here.”

He nods happily and starts to do something on his phone. You make sure he is not paying attention and go to the other end on the bar. The other bartender looks at you waiting for your order and you ask him to fill 2 shotglasses with water as you point to Jungkook. He nods and chuckles a little. Probably not his first time getting asked that.

You see him pat Jungkook on the shoulder as he points to something, when he is distracted the bartender replaces the two shot glasses nearest him with the glasses with water. He tells Jungkook nevermind and retreats.

“Ok let’s do this!” You tell him coming back from the “restroom”.

“WOO!” he yells as you clink your glasses together and drink the water.

“Wow I must be drunkk cause that tasted like water!” he says happily and starts to drag you to the dance floor.

“I’ve got a long night ahead of me...”

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lovemesomerafael · 5 years ago

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Chapter 20: The Inevitable

Chapters 1-10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19

Ugh. Spoiled, entitled prep school jock with a chiseled chin and washboard abs. Rafael could not wait until he could escape this meet and greet. He’d heard that Peter Stone had made quite a name for himself as a prosecutor in Chicago, but how hard could it have been for a guy like that to swan his way up the ranks? He was pretty much the poster child for straight, white, male privilege. Asshole. Juries probably didn’t hear a word he said, just sat there fantasizing about bouncing quarters off his perfect ass. Everything about him rubbed Rafael the wrong way, including the fact that his position at the D.A.’s office had been simply handed to him tied with a ribbon because of who his father was. Barba shook hands with Stone for appearances’ sake, then spent the remainder of his obligatory ten minutes in the conference room absorbed in his phone trying not to make faces.

At the end of the day, Barba made his way out the door into the late spring evening, grateful to be leaving the office before midnight. He did have some work in his briefcase for later, but at least he’d be comfortable at home. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught that new arrogant ass Stone standing on the sidewalk, being greeted with a hug by a woman who reminded him vaguely of someone. As he turned his head to glance at them, he realized she reminded him of Liv’s new detective. Because she was Liv’s new detective. It abruptly struck Rafael that Stone had just come from Chicago, and so had she.

Oh.

It came as a relief to him to learn that Detective Parker was in a relationship. That meant he could relax and just appreciate the way her clothes hugged her in all the right places. And he could admit that she made him laugh despite his intentions. He didn’t even need to worry that he found the way she overpronounced consonants in Spanish uncomfortably cute.

But it only made Stone more irritating to Rafael. Of course Stone would be with a woman like her. As he approached the parking garage, Rafael suddenly caught himself wondering what she’d be like in bed. He couldn’t help noticing that she had a superb body, and was apparently pretty… physical. ¡Coño! Shut up, Barba.

“You sure this is the one?”

“You don’t care if I’m sure. You just don’t want to move a couch.”

“Obviously. But you dragged me here, so if that’s the one you want, let’s do this.”

Laura looked around for the salesperson who had been hovering annoyingly for the past hour, now ironically nowhere to be found. In fact, it felt like now that they needed help, she and Peter were suddenly all alone in the furniture store.

“No one’s looking. Put it under your coat and let’s bolt.”

“I’d prefer not to get busted in my first week at the D.A.’s office.”

“I got my shield. I’ll arrest you, and we’ll say the couch is evidence.”

“You just want to flash your shield at people. You’re like a kid. Anyway, here he comes…”

The salesman and Peter wrestled Laura’s new couch into the back of Peter’s SUV, with about a third of it hanging out the back flagged with a big red piece of flapping plastic. Peter got progressively crankier as they reached Laura’s building and borrowed a dolly from the property manager. By the time they finally had the couch in her living room, he was barely speaking except to complain.

Fortunately, Laura had known Peter a long time. While he returned the dolly, she answered a knock on her door to a guy waiting impatiently with bags of aromatic Thai food. Peter was delighted when he came back to the apartment and saw it, immediately opening boxes and eating. As always, he didn’t bother with dishes.

“When did you call for take out?” He asked with his mouth full.

“At the store when you were loading the couch.”

“You’re a genius.”

“You’re a jerk when you’re hungry.”

He didn’t stop eating, even while he chuckled.

When dinner was over, Peter sprawled across Laura’s new couch, looking half asleep.

“I met your D.A. today.”

“Barba? What did you think?”

“Didn’t have the chance to say more than three words to him. McCoy had all the A.D.A.s stop by so we could meet – I don’t know why they do that. I won’t remember one of their names.”

“Except Barba.”

“They say he’s good. If half the stories are true, you should do OK with him.”

“What kind of stories?”

“Apparently he got a guy convicted by letting the guy choke him with a belt in front of the jury.”

“Seriously? Barba?”

“That’s the story.”

“I can’t imagine that. He seems really… I don’t know. Tightly wound.”

“You don’t like him?”

“He’s barely spoken to me. I’m beneath his notice. Although he has managed to mention about seventeen things I’ve done wrong. So there’s that.”

“Give him a shot,” Peter said, rolling to a sitting position and leaning over to kiss Laura on the cheek as she sat on the floor in front of the couch. “I gotta get going. I’m dead on my feet.”

“Thanks for helping me with the couch. I appreciate it.”

“You only love me for my body.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

It had been nice for Laura, seeing Peter, if only for a couple of hours. Or maybe because it had only been for a couple of hours. Peter was never going to be just a casual friend to her, no matter how much she might want that. Several times during the process of moving from Chicago to New York, she had thought they’d made a mistake doing it together. Not because she hadn’t enjoyed spending so much time together again. Just the opposite. She had enjoyed it too much. She had enjoyed him too much.

Peter’s forehead was creased with the wrinkles of troubled thoughts as he took the stairs down to the street. There were no easy answers with him and Laura. They’d decided to stay in each other’s lives because, having reconnected, they weren’t willing to give up the bond that existed between them. Romance aside, he liked Laura better than anyone else in the world. But “romance aside” was a whole lot easier said than done, because he was also in love with her. Trying to maintain a friendship and keep their mutual love out of it was very, very difficult at times. Like now. He would like nothing better than to be back in her apartment, with her writhing and moaning beneath him on her new couch. And he knew he could have persuaded her to do it.

But there was no point torturing himself, or her, when they both knew that indulging that want would only lead to the same heartache they’d already survived. Sooner or later, their past would catch up with them.

As he drove to his own apartment, he thought about their trip from Chicago. He and Laura had arranged to start their new jobs on the same day, so that they could drive to New York together with everything they owned stuffed into Peter’s SUV pulling a rented trailer. The problem was, helping each other pack their belongings into the trailer and then spending two days driving together had reminded him of all the reasons he’d fallen in love with her in the first place. They’d had the opportunity to really talk, to reestablish their friendship and attachment to each other. They caught fully up with one another’s lives, laughed over old jokes, and created new ones. They’d listened to all the eclectic old music they both loved and that had been the soundtrack of their life together.

For all sorts of reasons, they’d decided to break the trip into two easy days and spend a night in Cleveland. In retrospect, things would be simpler now if they’d just driven straight through.

They’d decided to stay at a nice hotel rather than a roadside cookie cutter place, and had rooms next door to one another. Once they’d checked in and found the hotel’s restaurant, they enjoyed a laughter-filled dinner that was a little more romantic than he’d wished it was. Since it was a weeknight, they’d had the restaurant practically to themselves. She had looked so beautiful in the candlelight, with her hair picking up the glow and her eyes sparkling with humor as she smiled at him, he couldn’t help but flirt with her. She didn’t seem to mind. He remembered trying not to wish this dinner was the beginning of a long evening of seducing her.

Peter had suggested that, since the hotel had a great pool and they were both stiff and sore from the drive, they should take a swim and maybe soak in the hot tub. She had agreed and they’d gone to their separate rooms to change.

When Laura had arrived at the pool, there had been no one there except Peter, who was already swimming laps. It had been a very long time since she’d seen him in nothing but swimming trunks, and she couldn’t help but stare. He was magnificent. His long, clean strokes showed off the definition of his muscular arms and back, gleaming with water under the lights.

The water had felt wonderful, relaxing and invigorating as they moved and worked their muscles. Peter had gotten out of the pool first and, like Laura, took the opportunity to stand with a towel around his neck, watching and appreciating.

After her last lap, they stepped carefully across the tile of the pool room and slowly eased themselves into the bubbling, steaming water. They sat side by side, not touching except where one of Peter’s outstretched arms came in contact with the back of Laura’s damp hair. For a few moments, neither spoke.

Peter started to stroke Laura’s hair with the back of his fingers. Although he tried to seem unconscious of doing it, in fact, they were both exquisitely aware of what he was doing. Without looking at him, Laura softly tried to object.

“Peter…”

He simply slid his arm behind her and gently but firmly pulled her next to him. She melted into his side with a sigh as he rested his cheek against her head.

“Just be here with me for a minute.”

Laura let herself believe that she could just enjoy his nearness and the feel of his bare skin for a few moments before he would take his arm from her and move away. That transparent self-delusion allowed her to lose herself in this moment without fear that she would have to be the one to control herself.

Of course, he didn’t let her go or move away. Instead, he reached his free arm around to cup her chin and pull her lips to his. He hadn’t been able to restrain himself and she was absolutely incapable of resisting. On some level, they’d both known when they decided to stop for the night that this would happen. They’d wanted it to, even though it would complicate things. Their arms were instantly wrapped around one another as he pulled her into his lap and kissed her senseless. They were beyond thinking, able only to feel a vague danger behind a profound need that had them both breathless as they devoured one another’s mouths.

Laura completely forgot that they were in a hotel, in full view of a security camera and anyone who happened to come in. She kissed Peter with all the love and passion she felt for him, lust overwhelming her senses as she lifted herself off him long enough to straddle him, never breaking their kiss. She sat moving her pelvis against his erection in the swirling, steaming water, then began to move one hand from his back across his shoulder, dimly intending to slip it between them to take him into her hand. She was fully ready to draw him into her, right there in the hot tub.

In the back of her mind, she laughed at herself. She’d purposely worn a one-piece swimsuit. Bikinis were too overtly sexy, and their bottoms were too easily removed; she’d told herself that her simple black suit was a much better choice for the chaste friendship she and Peter were trying to have. But this sultry, hungry grinding had always been more likely, and now she was determined to have him inside her, swimsuit or not.

Peter, however, reluctantly began to slow his kisses. He gradually backed off the pressure with which he was crushing her to him. She moaned in protest and tried to resist, pulling him closer and kissing him with increased fervor. But he persisted. Eventually they sat, foreheads together, panting and trying to gain control of their desire.

When they had caught their breaths a bit, Peter moved Laura off of him and set her down on the shelf-like bench under the water. He moved away from her.

“You stay there,” he said, still a bit breathless but grinning apologetically.

Laura was desperately conflicted. She wanted him passionately, and knew that he wouldn’t take much convincing to let her do all the things she wanted to do to him. But that would only make it harder for them going forward.

They gazed at eachother from their separate positions. Both felt the same way. Neither wanted to say the words that would mean they couldn’t give in to their desire, but neither wanted the inevitable consequences. Finally, when their breathing had slowed and their ardor cooled somewhat, Peter spoke.

“Do I owe you an apology?”

Laura made a face. “No, of course not. I just wish it wasn’t so hard being around you and not touching you.”

“Is it?”

“You know it is.”

“Sunshine.” The look on his face was pure proposition.

“Don’t, Peter. I can’t say no to you.”

“Then say yes. Just tonight. This hotel is Vegas. What happens here stays here.”

“That’s not how it works. Not for me, with you.”

She shook her head and began to climb out of the hot tub. He followed. They used their towels to dry off as well as they could, and put on the t-shirts they’d worn over their swimsuits. Although Laura’s was oversized, Peter noticed that it barely covered the tops of her legs as he followed her from the pool area, down the hallway, and up the stairs to their third-floor rooms.

He kept following her into her room. Without a word, she stepped aside to let him pass, then closed the door behind him.

“Peter…” She sighed, trying one last time.

He moved to take her in his arms. “Take a shower with me. Let me make love to you. You know how good we are together. I want you. I want this. And so do you.”

“I do want you, but it’s a bad idea,” Laura murmured, surrendering to the truth as she pulled his shirt up his torso.

“Terrible,” he agreed, yanking it over his head and dropping it. She lifted her arms while he pulled her T-shirt off, then dropped them as he slid the straps of her swimsuit from her shoulders and pulled it down her body to drop to the floor. When he kissed her, the kiss was slow, soft, and deep. The decision made, they could take as much time as their lust would allow. It took them a long time to make it into the shower.

It was a good thing they’d given themselves extra time to get to New York and get settled. They had stayed an extra two days in Cleveland.

In her fourth week at SVU, Laura was still on a steep learning curve. Lieutenant Benson was very different from Hank Voight, and the crimes they investigated were, in many ways, much more personal and devastating to the victims than those she’d worked in Intelligence. She was learning a whole new set of interview skills, and a new way of approaching investigations. The crimes the Intelligence unit had worked were usually about people protecting their illegal businesses. In SVU, the crimes had much more complex motives.

The squad stood or sat in the common area, studying the case board they’d been able to construct with what they knew so far. It was starting to come together. Everyone on the team had suggestions, theories, and insight to contribute, and the meeting was close to breaking up.

“We’ll re-interview the other students in the dorm who heard the fight, see if anyone heard two male voices in that room,” Olivia said to Barba, standing up and collecting her things from the table.

Barba, sitting on the edge of the table, took the last swallow of his coffee. “See if you can find the rest of the girl’s study group. I still think they know more than they’re saying.”

“Maybe, but I’m not sure how much that helps, given the timeline,” Laura said. “We might do better looking for whoever walked her back to the dorm.”

Barba kept looking at Benson as he said to Laura, “Hush. Adults are talking.”

He continued addressing Olivia with more instructions.

Laura saw red. She was sure her mouth was hanging open in her humiliated rage, which only intensified as it sunk in what he had just said to her, in front of her Lieutenant and her squad. Those who had been sitting scooted back their chairs and rose, moving to get to their various assignments.

Carisi stepped close to her as they crossed the room to their desks. “Don’t take that too seriously, he’s like that with everyone. Barba’s… an acquired taste.”

She pretended to shrug it off, appreciating Carisi’s friendly words, but she was too furious to speak. Had she been alone, she would have burst into hot, angry tears. She grabbed her jacket, grateful that she and Fin were leaving the squad room before she said or did something she’d regret. Although no one had seemed to react, which supported what Carisi had said, she was still embarrassed and very, very angry. I don’t care who the fuck he is, or how much of an asshole he is to everyone else. Nobody gets to speak to me like that.

It was still light outside when Fin and Parker finished their interviews on campus. Laura was calmer, having had a few hours to think about what Barba had said, but still by no means over it. It was fairly early. He would probably still be in his office...

Hearing her knock, Rafael looked up from some papers he'd picked up from his desktop. "Detective?" Laura took a breath and said, "With all due respect, Mr. Barba, I need to ask you not to do that again." "Do what?" He was only half listening, already beginning to read the papers in his hand. "Speak to me the way you did today. It’s demeaning to me and, frankly, even more so to you. I don’t expect you to listen to me, I don’t even need you to acknowledge me. But if you do speak to me, please do it with common courtesy." He looked up in some surprise. “Really? The newest detective in SVU is standing in my office calling me out.”

“Apparently.”

He briefly considered being offended by the audacity of this new detective. But he liked audacity. Besides that, he could see that she was deeply angry. He didn’t even know what he’d said to piss her off, but he knew himself well enough to know it was entirely possible that, whatever it was, it had been over the line. He appreciated the effort she must be making to be as respectful and polite as she was, given that he could tell she wanted to throttle him. He was intrigued. "And you thought you should come here and set me straight." "Not at all. Carisi says you talk to everyone like that. Fine with me. I don’t care how you talk to everyone else. But I am a woman in what is still very much a man’s world. I can’t afford to let anyone talk down to me.”

“I see. In that case, I apologize. I meant no disrespect.”

“To be honest, it's mostly that it was so dickish. I'd like to think you're not a dick."

He fought a grin. “And now you’re standing in my office calling me a dick.”

“To be precise, I called your behavior dickish. And I said I think you’re not a dick.”

Rafael looked at her for a long moment, waiting for her to crack a smile. She didn’t.

“And now, if I don’t do as you ask, I’ll be proving to you that I am a dick. Well played.”

She didn’t respond. This woman was genuinely pissed, and not at all charmed by his attempt at a joke.

“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again,” he said, as sincerely as he could manage under these strange circumstances.

"Thank you." She said, a note of genuine gratitude in her voice and her expression entirely serious. As she walked out, closing the door behind her, she hoped she hadn't just made a big mistake. But she didn’t think so. He was having trouble keeping a straight face. He could have been amused by her, which would piss her off. But she was very good at reading people, and what she was getting from him was different. She thought he actually respected that she’d stood up to him. And she definitely felt better He stared at the door after she was gone, a wide smile on his face. He shook his head and began to laugh. He was still laughing when he walked around his desk and sat down. This conversation had actually been pretty unflattering to him. But he couldn’t stop laughing nonetheless. Detective Laura Parker had chutzpah. She wasn't the least bit in awe of him. In fact, she had been perfectly politic as she basically called him a dick to his face. And since she was safely unavailable, he found himself looking forward to working with her.

#law & order svu #law & order: special victims unit #rafael barba #raul esparza #peter stone #philip winchester #sonny carisi

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totallyrhettro · 5 years ago

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Ravenvale, Chapter 15

Word Count: 2434 Rating: This chapter: PG; overall story: explicit Warnings: None Summary: On their way home from another case, Agent Seaborne and Agent Roach find themselves in the strange, fog-covered town of Ravenvale. Notes: Seaborne and Roach AU where, years after the events seen in the YouTube series, they manage to become FBI agents.

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Roach kicked in another door. Seaborne plugged his ears so he wouldn’t flinch so hard this time, but it still startled him all the same. This was the eighth or ninth door they’d tried since they began a systematic search of the hotel’s second floor. Each room was identical to the last in both floor plan and furnishings. That is, they were all completely empty save for a single overhead light. Seaborne couldn’t believe that all the rooms had been emptied out since he and his partner reached this God-forsaken town; he had to assume they never had any furniture. It didn’t make any sense, but nothing did but, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once wrote: Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth. The problem was, too much of this place was impossible.

“This place is a bust,” Seaborne told him, looking in on the empty room. “What do you expect to find?” Roach shrugged.

“I dunno,” he admitted. “Something.” He cross the small room to the window across from the door, much as Seaborne did before they started this pointless search. Unless the view from Roach’s room, this window didn’t face any of the houses, only the empty void behind the city’s limits. Beyond the thin, invisible pane of glass there was nothing but fog.

“If there was anything here, it’s long gone by now.” Leaning against the far wall, Seaborne folded his arms across his chest. At this point he didn’t care if they did find anything in his cruddy hotel. He wanted to find their car- any car, really- and they weren’t going to find it doing a room by room search in here. “Maybe there’s a police station in town,” he supposed, not hopeful. “They couldn’t have cleaned that place out.” The increasingly infamous ‘they’: a theoretical group of unknown size that seemed bent on completely messing with two unsuspecting FBI agents for some obscure reason. Seaborne hated that Roach had finally convinced him that there was a ‘they’, after all these years, but a conspiracy seemed to be the only explanation.

“I haven’t seen so much as a road sign,” Roach noted, peering through the mist as if he expected one to suddenly appear in contradiction. “And I doubt we’ll be able to find a map.” Pausing, he turned back to his friend, flicking the hair on the back of his neck. Seaborne wondered how the man hadn’t started going bald back there for all the times he did that. “I feel like we’re so close to something here. I just know it.”

“Well, not here, here,” Seaborne noted, somewhat humorlessly. Roach did not appreciate the joke.

“We can’t go chasing every dark shape we see,” he tossed back, with more anger than he meant to. Seaborne looked away, wishing they didn’t have to argue right now. “We don’t know what’s real and what’s not. We need to keep our heads and stick to what we can prove.”

“We can’t prove anything,” Seaborne muttered before he could stop himself. Roach wanted to snap back, but Seaborne was right. They had nothing right now; no leads, no proof, no car, no guns, no phones. They were completely lost in a fog, literally and figuratively.

“I know,” he sighed, crossing the room to stand next to his partner. He leaned against the same wall and their shoulders were right up against each other. In the chill of the room, Roach’s arm was a wonderful heater. Seaborne wanted to curl up next to the man, toasty and safe, but friends didn’t do that. Reluctantly he pushed away from the wall and stood a few feet away with his hands on his hips.

“I found a photograph in the library,” Seaborne blurted after a minute or so. He wanted to break the silence and for some reason that was the first thing that came to his head. Roach looked at him, curious and surprised.

“Of what?” he asked, wondering why his partner was choosing now to suddenly bring this up. At first he figured that Seaborne had just forgotten, but then he heard the nervousness in the man’s voice as he continued.

“It was a photo of us,” Seaborne explained, unable to make eye contact with his friend. If the photo was just a figment of his own imagination, he was embarrassed to admit what he had imagined. “In the camaro.” At the mere mention of their red coupe, Roach couldn’t help but think about his dream from last night, and the activities that had taken place therein.

“They were probably watching us before we even came to this town,” Roach concluded. He vowed to find out who was doing this when they got back home. He wasn’t going to let this one go. “Do you still have the photo? Can I see it?”

“I- It’s gone,” Seaborne managed, apologetically. “I don’t even know if it had been real in the first place,” he added quickly.

“They wanted you to see it.” his partner shrugged, as if he was stating the obvious. “They wanted us to know they had been watching us.”

“Maybe,” Seaborne faltered. He wasn’t sure if that theory could hold true; it hadn’t been a photograph of the past, it had never happened. Of course, Seaborne couldn’t tell Roach that. He already felt like he’d said too much already.

“Well we’re not going to find anything standing around in here,” he pointed out. This conversation was getting too close to revealing his inner secrets and he needed it to stop right now. “We need to check out the local houses, if only to question the the other residents.” He shrugged as if to ask if he wasn’t right and Roach nodded in agreement.

“Maybe we can at least find a car to take out of this place,” he proposed, standing straight as well. At the mere mention of a car Seaborne was suddenly hit with visions of him and Roach sitting naked in his camaro, and glanced out of the window, expecting to see a small face peering in. There was nothing there. He turned back right away but Roach had already noticed his partner’s movements. “What? What is it?”

“Nothing,” Seaborne replied, his statement half true. He dearly wished he had seen something, then they would have some sort of lead other than his own strange sighting. “Let’s just go.” Without another word he left the room, trying to focus on something other than what the photograph had shown him. Now was not the time to be thinking about Roach naked. After a moment or two Roach followed suit, chalking up his partner’s behavior to stress.

“I was done checking in here anyway,” he murmured to himself. Outside, back on the streets, the fog seemed denser than ever. The humidity was seriously messing with Roach’s hair now, causing the normally perfectly placed hairs to stick up in weird places. Running a few fingers through his dirty-blonde quaff left the hair moist and only slightly more in place, but it was better than nothing. Seaborne’s hair was somehow unphased by the humidity, though it was still quite damp. It was as if they had both stood in a bit of light rain for a few minutes. Their suits were in a similar state, leaving them with a rather damp feeling. What Roach wouldn’t have given to be back home, wrapped up in a blanket in front of his fireplace… maybe a cup of hot cocoa in his hands, Seaborne sitting next to him…

“I think it was this one,” Seaborne pointed out, interrupting Roach’s thoughts. He was pointing to one of the many houses that lined the streets and looked pretty much like any of the others. This one was a pale yellow with white trim. It was fairly nondescript with two floors, a two-car garage and large windows that were blocked by closed curtains.

“You sure?” Roach wondered as they sauntered over to the mailbox. It was black and unmarked.

“Nope,” came Seaborne’s curt reply. He wasn’t sure. All the houses looked so similar and he really didn’t think it mattered that much. They had to start somewhere. Roach shrugged.

“Good enough.” Strutting up to the front door, Roach searched for a doorbell. When he didn’t find one he settled for knocking a few times on the door itself. No answer. He knocked again before giving up and testing the door knob. He wasn’t sure if he should have been surprised or not that the door wasn’t even locked but, taking it as a stroke of luck, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The entryway was empty; a windowless room with a small closet and an overhead lamp that bridged the gap between the front door and short hallway. The walls were the purest white, the wooden floors much the same. Roach walked softly, trying to stay quiet lest whomever lived here would hear him. Seaborne followed close behind, equally cautious. He didn’t want a repeat of the library. Who knew what was living in these homes? He and Roach walked down the hallway before pausing at the end. Roach leaned around the corner, wishing he still had his gun at his side, not that he was certain a bullet would do anything against the illusions he’d already seen.

His eyes scanned the living room beyond, checking for hidden dangers before motioning to his friend that the coast was clear. It was more than clear. Like the rooms in the hotel, the living room was empty of furniture, as was the adjoining nearby kitchen. At least, he assumed it was supposed to be a kitchen. It was hard to tell without counters, cabinets or appliances.

“Just like the hotel,” Seaborne mused, stepping past his partner and into the large room. “Just an empty shell.” He glanced at the ceiling, the walls, the baseboards. “Not even electrical sockets.”

“Not that they would have worked anyway,” Roach pointed out, remembering his uncharged phone. “So much of this town is like a facade: outlets that don’t work, clocks without hands, rooms without furniture.”

“Windows without glass,” Seaborne added. Roach turned to see his friend sticking a hand through the frame of the room’s big bay window. Turning to look back at Roach, Seaborne and he exchanged glances as the taller man approached to test out the glassless window for himself. Like many things, it made no sense. If there was no glass, how was the fog outside kept at bay? Surely the curtains couldn’t be the cause. Roach thought back; had all the windows they’d seen been fake as well?

“Or it could be another illusion,” Roach countered, running the fabric of the curtains between his fingers. “Nothing in this town can be trusted.” He tossed the curtains aside before turning back to his friend. “I want to find the clues that will solve this mystery, more than anyone, but I don’t think I can without a clear head.”

“You think we’re still, what, drugged?” Seaborne felt his lungs fill with air, tasted breath on his tongue, felt it in his throat. It didn’t taste like drugs, had no scent beyond regular air.

“I think as long as we stay in this fog we can’t believe anything we see, hear, or touch.” Absently-mindedly he ran his fingertips along the scratch still on his cheek. “Even if it leaves a mark.”

“An illusion did that?” It was hard to believe, but so was everything else insane that Seaborne had experienced. If true, it would mean that neither of them could be safe from their own minds, their own imaginations.

“An illusion with an illusionary knife,” Roach clarified, remembering distinctly. Seaborne dearly wanted to hear more details about that. “It doesn’t matter,” Roach continued, as if reading his partner’s thoughts. “Look, I don’t know how far it is ‘til the next town, but I say we try to walk for it. At the very least we can maybe get away from this fog. They can’t have covered the entire state with it.” The logic was sound, but the application could be more difficult than just a stroll through the park. Still, they had to try.

After a brief search of the rest of the house, revealing only more empty rooms, Seaborne and Roach returned to the streets. The fog was still ever present, but neither of them could see more than five feet in front of their eyes. It was getting thicker with each passing minute. If they were going to leave, now was the time. Roach took Seaborne’s hand; he didn’t want to lose him in the fog. Together they stood at the side of the street, where the road met the sidewalk, exchanged one last nervous glance, and then… they started to walk.

They walked in silence, in a perfectly straight line, away from Main Street for several minutes. They passed house after house, block after block, with no sign of life anywhere. Not a single person or car passed their sight, only more of the same monotonous town. Seaborne was afraid someone was going to stop them, that some terrifying illusion would attack them, but nothing did. Roach was certain that the edge of the fog couldn’t be far and he was determined to find a way out if he had to walk a hundred miles. There had to be an end to this nightmare somewhere.

After walking for about an hour Seaborne cursed himself for not buying more comfortable shoes for this trip. The cookie-cutter houses had stopped awhile back and there was nothing but wide open spaces on either side of the road. Not that they could see very far; there could have been buildings not thirty feet away and they wouldn't have known. Without much of a view, he was looking down, focusing on putting one foot in front of another when Roach came to a complete halt beside him.

“This isn’t happening,” he whispered, falling to his knees. “This can’t be happening.” Looking up from his kneeling, distraught companion, Seaborne saw immediately what had his friend so distressed. There, not twenty feet away, piercing through the fog to glare at them both, was the insidious red neon sign of the hotel…. ‘Hotel’ it read. ‘Vacancy’. Somehow they had returned to where it all began. Seaborne sat down on the cold, hard asphalt beside his friend, all hope of escaping this ordeal abandoning his heart.

“They won’t let us leave,” he mumbled, shocked and dismayed. “We’re trapped here.”

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#rhett #link #rhink #fic #fanfic #fanfiction #ravenvale

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disasterjones · 6 years ago

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Jarrett. Give us the tea my dude

Jarett: Describe your worst boss or teacher you've ever had.

my time has come,,

this is obscenely long, apologies

okay so I used to work at a credit union (it’s basically a bank but they push this concept of “community” and “we’re not like the banks” except that they are, do not be tempted by their honeycomb claims, they’re as fragile as they are sweet) and I worked in the quality assurance department

we were tasked with everything from balance inquiries to opening accounts to being the equivalent of loan servicers (without the capacity to actually craft the loan agreement for underwriting, because then what would the loan officers do)

my boss, we’ll call him Bob, had two assistant managers, we’ll call them Jenny and August, who were probably the pacific northwest equivalent of Stepford Wives, with Bob being the superficially-agreeable gentleman that welcomes the unaware into the compound for assimilation

so anyway I joined this job through a temp-to-hire position and it was great for the first six months or so (as it turns out, even jobs have honeymoon periods), I made friends with coworkers, I established a presence and something of a reputation for being the friendly-and-decently-quick-learner, which I would later find out was to my detriment, because they took the “quick learner” concept and thought that translated perfectly to “teacher,” and about a year in they gave me a temp to train

the temp was never a problem, although she did sometimes like to be on her phone when we were in the middle of a call, but I’m just an employee that’s giving pointers, I’m not a boss nor am I her mother, so I don’t bother to give her too much hassle about it. she still manages to keep decent call times for a newbie and is able to navigate our systems after a little bit of repetition

this was the beginning of my issues with Bob, as he wanted me to be more strict and adhere as closely his own inflexible schedule as possible. problem is I can’t force a person to learn faster, nor had I asked for the responsibility of training someone in the first place. why hadn’t they asked someone with more experience? sure I’d learned the ins and outs of the programs okay, but i hadn’t developed the tools to quickly de-escalate angry callers yet, hadn’t even been given access to several systems I was expected to use to train this temp, but being behind was my fault no matter what I said

I’d already been dealing with some subtle snideness and condescension from Jenny and August on top of that, and it took me ages to realize it’s because I was the only person that didn’t engage in makeup culture (partially bc I can’t afford that shit lol) and that was literally the reason why: I wasn’t “put together” or “company ready,” even though I never personally interacted with members or anyone on site beyond people in my immediate department

so a year and a half of this, of subtle underhanded remarks and difficult demands, of having constant rising expectations and quotas, told at every turn that our goal is to have as many new members as possible, all the while a broken record of lie, just repeating constantly that “sales don’t matter, it’s about the community”

(EXCEPT GET ALL THE ACCOUNTS DON'T LET THEM SLIP THROUGH YOUR FINGERS YOU FUCKING FAILURE YOU COULD HAVE GOTTEN THEM 3 ACCOUNTS YOU COULD HAVE GOTTEN THEM A GOOD RATE ON THE NEW CREDIT CARD IF THEY JUST SIGNED UP BUT REMEMBER WE DON’T WANT TO SELL THEM ANYTHING)

finally it’s Christmas time and I’ve been busting my hump for the whole year and it’s my second year so I’m eligible for a bonus and I’m literally gonna burst I’m so happy... until Bob and Co. announce that, despite all our stellar efforts this year, despite that we are ahead of company projections by a 15% margin across all departments, despite that I personally (and by proxy our department) was responsible for the acquisition of an account worth over 1.3 million, we were told our Christmas bonuses were actually going to be a bit sparser than they were the year prior, my first year, the year I got a $75 Fred Meyer gift card in

I had been looking forward to a cash bonus and had worked my ass off for it, had been damn near guaranteed it during a number of team/personal reviews with the managers, but surprise! three days before christmas, all I have to look forward to is $50 to a place that I can reasonably get a single pair of shoes from (and maybe some socks)

it’s a month or so later that the Big Change happens, and the entire building of employees moves across town to a new location. some people get let go in the shuffle, including one of my close friends I’d met there. financially stressed though she was, I could see how much happier she was to be out of that place, and I started to get inklings of leaving as my mental health began to deteriorate. another result of this change is that the parking availability for employees is cut down to a third of what we used to have, except it’s even less because most of the spots at the new building are intended for members, so everybody’s carpooling or riding bikes or bussing

side note: carpooling is all well and good in a green initiative, but do you have any idea how difficult it is to coordinate more than two people for a carpool? either you can make us carpool or you can have us in on time, you can’t have both

a bit of advice for anybody new to the job circuit or who might have trouble deciphering “appropriate” social gestures: no matter how open they say you can be, no matter how friendly or amenable they appear to be to mental health struggles, don’t fall for that trap and think you can show any moment of weakness. it’s true that not everyone will react the way my managers did, but don’t take the chance if you can help it. on the surface, they understood. on the surface they said they were with me.

i would go on to walk in on those same people mocking my symptoms and talking about how it can’t be that bad, that I must be trying to get attention.I was labeled unprofessional, and no matter how much they encouraged open communication and preached how “life happens and things get rough for people,” I was still an acceptable target.

so I took my complaint to HR, who at first seemed taken aback at the notion that, of anybody, BOB could be engaging in such careless and callous behavior. “Oh, he’s such a nice man! I’m sure he didn’t mean those things.” and because he wasn’t the one saying them, but rather laughing along with them, and because it was my word against theirs, it was unlikely to go anywhere

time crawls on and it’s about march or so when everything finally snaps in my brain. getting out of bed feels like selling my soul and going to work feels more like torture than a paycheck. on The Dawn Of The Day That Broke My Back, I was up and ready, out in front of my apartment and chain smoking to keep myself awake, when I realized that no matter when my carpool shows up now, we’re going to be late

I try to keep myself in decent spirits, not be a grumposaurus on the way in. I feel prepared for the day, got my coffee and my lunch in a bag and a nice outfit and I feel like maybe today won’t be as bad as the rest of the month has been, even though we’ll be late

we arrive about 10 after, but I’ve got Jenny and August’s numbers in my phone, so I’ve sent them messages ahead of time to let them know that the carpool was a bit late because traffic has been troublesome. I don’t remember how true it was, but the point is I did my part to let them know ahead of time that we weren’t no-shows, just a bit delayed. as I’m walking in (mind you, following and followed by a number of other individuals just as late as me), Bob singles me out, pointing first at me and then another aggressive point in the direction of a closed office space

fun fact: with the new change in locations, he no longer has his own office, in fact he now sits directly adjacent to me and close enough to hear me speak under my breath, something I had to be constantly aware of

he ignores the confusion on my face as soon as we’re inside and immediately begins to accuse me of slacking off, saying I’ve been skipping out on and coming late into work constantly, and I need to “get it together” or I’ll be out of a job. I try to express that I’m not trying to shirk my responsibilities, just that I’ve been dealing with a lot of personal stuff and it’s affecting my focus. He doesn’t care, his frustration continuing to escalate, and every time I offer a response or rebuttal to an unfair statement, he gets angrier and changes what he’s upset about.

Finally it happens.

“You were late! 10 minutes late! You need to be in your chair at your desk and ready to sign in and be ready to take calls BY 8:00!!”

I have grown tired of him yelling for no reason, and the backbone that had crumbled away over the last two and a half years suddenly snaps back into place hard as steel.

“I would like to know why this is all aimed at me specifically, when you saw me enter with the remainder of my carpool, the carpool that you all made us set up in the middle of construction season, which of course is happening on the only road that leads here.

“I would like to know how I’m supposed to control the environment or lives of the other people I am stuck riding with every day for this job that supposedly cares about us, even though it doesn’t seem to care about the extra expenses or time crunch we now have to endure as a result of this change that miraculously doesn’t affect you.

“I would like to know who put that stick so far up your ass that you thought it was necessary to yell at your employee about 10 damn minutes. If you don’t mind, I have a job to get to.”

And I go and sit at my desk. He fumes quietly in the office for a while before coming out to his desk, returning to whatever he was doing before he pulled me aside to treat me like a child.

Not a few hours later, I get a call from a member that had been working directly with Bob (big ordeal that needed a manager a few days prior, so he was the go-to for this particular account), and they wanted to speak with him, claiming it was urgent. I hold the call and stand up, trying to get Bob’s attention quietly since there’s other calls happening around me. I call his name quietly, saying “phone for you, it’s [member’s name]” but he doesn’t seem to hear me because he doesn’t respond. So again, I whisper his name, this time leaning more towards him to hopefully catch his eye with the movement, but he cuts me off before I can get the member’s name out

He starts yelling. Like, at the top of his voice, yelling. In a small room, to a person less than 5 feet away, audible to everyone both on a call and not (I would later find out it was also audible over the phone! a member asked what the yelling was about. but I’m the unprofessional one)

“CAN’T YOU SEE I’M BUSY? WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO BOTHER ME WITH CAN WAIT. GET BACK TO WORK.”

The resolve I’d summoned earlier didn’t stay with me, and this was the final straw. It’s one thing to be berated to and humiliated one on one, it’s another to be on the receiving end of it in the presence of 20 other people. I get back on the phone and tell the member, “I’m very sorry, he’ll have to return your call. He’s unavailable at the present.” and hung up, because I was about to cry and I needed to get out. I log out of everything, lock my computer, pick up my belongings and wave to one of my carpoolmates as I walk out and down to HR

they wound up convincing me to stay for a few more weeks, especially after they fired Bob (who it would turn out was going through a divorce, his second in four years, and I just happened to be the punching bag he needed that day), but eventually I left and never went back

[ Critical Role Ask Meme ]

#anon #asks #gif #prompt #god i haven't thought about taht in years #its still so vivid though

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haxorus-imp · 7 years ago

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Alien Affections - Villainous/Reader - Chapter 15

Flug finished setting the last filled vial into the vial display on table with the rest of the 13 other filled products. Just as he predicted. He only had enough blood for 14 vials. He looked towards the other empty vials that sat upon the table across from the chemistry table. There had to be about 30 empty vials on that table. Each one empty of contents and a desire to be filled with...Flug shook his head. He best let Black Hat know he was finished. Before he grows impatient. A sudden rumble from behind him caught his attention, then there was a familiar distinct popping sound.

He's here. "FLUG! Are the bloody poisons ready?!" Black Hat roared as he appeared in a puff of black smoke a short distance behind the doctor. Causing Flug to violently jump and stutter out answers faster than his mind could recall what he was saying. "Y-yes, Sir! The vials are all prepared and r-ready!" Flug squeaked as he moved out of the way of his predatory boss, who strode past him and took in the view of the vials on the vial display. Black Hat gave a large and menacing grin as he observed the finished product. Picking one vial up and examining it. Causing the contents to slosh from within the vial, as he turned and looked at it with his one visible eye. With careful examining qualities and skill. Black Hat finished as he grinned and placed the vial he was examining back onto the display. "Excellent." Black Hat purred, picking up the tray. "Where is the 'Effectiveness of the Poison' pamphlet I demanded you write out before I left? Fetch it for me!" Black Hat ordered the on-edge scientist, who went over to his workbench and retrieved the paper. Handing it over to Black Hat as he held the display in one hand. "Makes heroes weak to their own elemental prowess...no resistance to poisons...loses ability to fly...humans aren't effected...smells enticing...works if injected or consumed." Black Hat muttered, studying the list with a careful gaze. "I will be off to have cambot take pictures of these. They're going on sale immediately!" Black Hat folded the paper in his one hand and placed it within his overcoat pocket. Then, he began to make his way to the exit of the lab. "Oh. By the way, Flug." Black Hat looked over his shoulder towards the skittish doctor. "I'll be expecting more of this product within the next week. Make sure you have some by then." Black Hat warned before he left the lab. Leaving Flug to his own devices. To which the doctor looked at the empty vials on the other table and felt sick all over again. He quickly looked away from his future shame and instead checked the clock that was present in the lab. It read 8:57 PM. He had unexpectedly worked away the afternoon and it was closing in on the evening. Not only that, but he can't remember if he ate anything. Flug blinked slowly and paused when he felt his stomach growl. He sighed. He might as well get something to eat. 5.0.5 might have prepared a meal, seeing it's so close to dinner--Oh. Wait. He was taking care of Dementia... Right. Dementia. Flug suddenly began to feel claustrophobic in his own laboratory. As he knew it was because of the vials and he rapidly made his exit out of the laboratory. He needs time to think, he'll think over while he gets some nourishment. -- Flug had made his way to the kitchen for a bite to eat. He'll be damned if he has to eat another sandwich. When he checked the fridge, he was slightly disappointed. But, it seems that there was some spaghetti leftover in the fridge. It seems someone had made lunch and left some for him. Well. He thinks that, anyway. He took out the dish and warmed it up in the microwave. Then, dressed it up to his liking and made his way over to the kitchen table. He began to eat, not taking off his bag, and slurped up the noodles from the plate. Yet. Even if he was eating, he couldn't get rid of the nagging guilt he felt that overcame him in the lab. 'I couldn't prevent Black Hat from taking the vials...' He thought. 'Is it because I'm cowardly? Or that it's something out of my control? I could of batched it on purpose but...' 'Is it the fear of being beaten by Black Hat? The wrath of my boss? Am I unable to stop...anything?' 'I could of done something. But...I guess I just need to perform crowd control and make sure to lessen the damage that we'll possibly face.' Flug silently ate, lost in his thoughts. '(Name) doesn't deserve this. To become a living bio-weapon. They were pulled here by mistake. MY Mistake.' 'They have such a positive outlook on the world. I can't see why. Nor can I see how. But...maybe it's where they came from. Their world.' Flug looked somber as he was nearly done eating. 'That's right. (Name) isn't even from here. Yet, they come from a world that has it's own problems, yet they always look toward the positive sides of things.' 'They smile, pull pranks, and don't fault others for things they couldn't prevent.' 'Even if they get mauled by their own boss, they still come around him. Despite of what he did. I don't know if they forgave him, but...they sure do let even the most serious of cases slide by them.' 'Relaxed, mild tempered, self controlling, intelligent. That's what they are...and they don't deserve this.' Flug stood up suddenly. Skidding his chair back a few inches more than needed. He then picked up his empty plate and sat it in the sink. 'They deserve to know.' Flug finished his mental monologue. He then left the kitchen in search of you. Determination running through his veins. However, it was a few minutes later after searching the manor and he couldn't find you. It was starting to become worrisome to Flug. He checked your room, you weren't in there. He check most of the bathrooms, you weren't in them. The kitchen was already empty and so was the lab. Meaning those two places were a bust. They wouldn't be in the office, as Black Hat is probably recording the ad for the vials and hates to be disturbed during such events. He even went to Dementia's room.

Which was occupied by a, still ill, Dementia and a caretaker 5.0.5. When he asked if the bear had seen you, 5.0.5 had to think for a moment before the bear nodded and pointed into the direction of the stairs that went towards the roof. Flug thanked 5.0.5 and headed into the same direction that the bear pointed where you went. Approaching the stairs and going up the flight, he began to feel slightly nostalgic. This was where he met you on the night he did his meteorite experiment. Nearly two full weeks ago. He shook his head as he came to the hatch that lead to the roof. He took in a deep breath and opened it.

He was prepared to see you sitting on the roof and doing nothing or just looking over the roofs' edge to see the city from a higher point of view.

Flug was surprised at what he saw.

Seeing you laying on the roof with a few pillows and a blanket was not what he was expecting to see. -- You suddenly heard the hatch to the roof open and when you looked over, you were surprised to see Flug staring back at you. He was also equally surprised to see you laying there on the roof in your make-shift nest. "(Name)? What are you doing laying up here on the roof?" Flug asked, leaving the hatch and closing it back when he got out onto the roof. You just shrugged. "I've been feeling homesick a lot lately. So...I thought I would go to the only place in the house that was closest to my home." You explained, pointing to the sky. Flug looked up and was pleasantly surprised by the clear skies that had taken up residence over the city. Above you both was a purple sky that was slowly turning a dark blue, steadily revealing the twinkling diamonds that were the stars. Like a giant twilight covering was steadily being pulled back to reveal the night sky. There was also a warm breeze tonight, as the city itself seem to quiet itself down for the nightlife to take over. You were staring up into the ethereal sky as the stars became more prominent. Like little shinning beacons that pointed the way back home. Your homesickness was still present, yet, the stars and the sky brought yourself some comfort and closure. If you closed your eyes and imagined yourself home, it wouldn't feel any different from being on your parents roof back home.

The silence was broken by Flug as he cleared his throat. "So...you're stargazing, then?" Flug asked. Looking up at the sky as well. You hummed in acknowledgement. "Yep." You looked over to him from the spot that you were laying on. He was still staring at the sky as you hummed to get his attention. "Care to take up that stargazing offer I gave you a few days ago?" You patted the vacant spot next to you in your make-shift nest. Flug thought it over for a few seconds, before shrugging himself. You scooted over to make room and watched Flug sit down on the roof and laid down next to you on the blanket. You both basked in silence, that was only slightly disturbed by a few distant barking dogs and a couple of cars that would drive through the roundabout every now and then. You sighed in contentment. "This is nice..." You said. "Being up here in the calm and quiet. Looking at the stars as they become more visible." You looked over to Flug who had a finger on his unseen chin. You looked at him in curiosity, noticing him studying the stars with a careful set of eyes. You shifted slightly. "What're you thinking about, Flug?" You asked, looking back at the starry firmament. Flug hummed. "I'm trying to figure out where the constellations are." Flug replied. Occasionally pointing his gloved yellow finger to the sky and made a motion with his hands, as if he was connecting unseen dots. You looked over to him in slight interest. "You studied astrology?" Flug looked back at you. "Well, sorta. It was a hobby of mine when I was a mere child. I tended to look up stars and planets in my schools' library most of the time." He said, looking back at the stars. You stared in interest. "I was a shy kid and books were my way of showing my interest. I went to the library so much that I got to know the librarian at the time. She was a very nice lady. Even letting me inside when the library was supposed to be closed." Flug looked off into the sky and turned back to you.

"Do YOU study astrology?" Flug raised a brow. You grinned.

"I guess it was a hobby of mine, as well. As I would always look up starmaps and zodiac affiliated items. Sometimes, I would go out at night and sneak onto my parents roof. Just to get a closer look at them. They always interested me as a kid. If you couldn't tell from my articles of clothing, I love aliens and space. I would always look up history of the moon landing and I would read Sci-Fi novels that had to do with space. I still read about theories of Aliens, UFOs, Technology, and the like. Even to this day." You explained, watching the welkin dim from a violet to a royal blue and the blue void dot with more stars. Flug hummed in interest, turning his head back to the sky. Which filled in a few moments of peaceful silence.

"Funny enough. I even thought and dreamed about being abducted." You said, suddenly. "I would always hear stories on people getting abducted and being returned home months later...I always wanted it to happen to me. And look at where I am now! Beamed to another planet in the dead of night and met some weird people!" You laughed.

Flug just shook his head, crinkling his bag as he did so.

More silence followed, only temporarily disturbed as a car drove though the roundabout down below.

"Do you. . .want to know what we call our constellations here?" Flug asked, to which you looked over at him in severe interest. "Would I? Yes! I would love to know more about this planet and what it calls it's own stars!" You smiled brightly at him. Flug gave a light chuckle. "Okay then." He then pointed to the vast blanket of stars that had revealed themselves.

"Look there. Do you see those stars over in that section? The bigger bright one and the three smaller ones?" You searched for a few seconds before nodding. "That's Automus. The living heat reactor from ages ago. It was said that the being provided warmth to villages when the harsh winter months came though for our ancestors, allowing our primitive ancestors to spread out farther with little consequences in winter. When he passed away, they named that sector of stars after him." Flug explained.

"Oh, cool! Uh-I mean, hot!" You laughed, to which Flug rolled his eyes. "Then, there's that constellation over there!" He exclaimed, as he pointed to three larger stars in a cradle arc with a smaller one in the center of the arc. "That's Nataria. It's named after the being that assisted our ancestors during the great famine by using their powers to grow food and crops. They named that sector of stars after the being as it resembles a cradle. Symbolizing that the being cradled the humans during harsh times." Flug pointed out. You grinned as you both watched the sky and the stars that twinkled above you. "Then, there's that constellation!" Flug exclaimed, pointing to two larger stars whose appearance made it look like the stars were circling each other. "That's Taozei. It's named after the legendary being that ended a 150 year war between two ancient empires. Creating an era of peace that lasted for 200 years. It's one of the most well known constellations we have in our skies." Flug explained.

"Ah! I get it! Tao means 'Path' and Zei means 'Understand'." Flug nodded at your assumption and continued with his explanation.

Flug pointed out more constellations, telling them their names and stories as he did so. It felt like hours when he would talk about the stars and visible constellations. Down to the stars name and identity in the field of science. He would talk about comets and their own exploration to their own moon.

You listened intently to every word he said. Absorbing the information like a sponge.

"Wow...your planet even has different constellations than mine. My planets constellations are named after Zodiacs. Each resemble a different creature or being that is mentioned in myths or folklore from my own planets' ancient years." You said in awe.

Flug looked over to you. "Well, most of our constellations are named after great heroes of the past. Believe it or not, back then, being a hero usually meant that you were a god to our more primitive ancestors. If you had powers, you were considered a demi-god and you were appointed to the highest status in your village, town, or city." Flug stated. "Really?" You looked toward Flug as he nodded. "Yeah. But, that was during a time before villains became a thing. The first villain ever recorded was a being called 'Vilegran Malus'. He preformed wicked deeds and used his powers to overthrow kings and spread his empires' borders. He brought war, famine, and death to those who resisted and opposed him." You frowned at that statement. "He scarred the reputation of heroes and people with powers in general. Soon, normal people feared individuals that had powers, and instead of placing them on tiers of power, they were shunned from their own people." Flug somberly explained. "Oh." You looked toward the sky once more.

"Nice to know that not only my own people can be bigots." You muttered. Flug hummed in acknowledgement. "Then, the first hero ever recorded was called 'Suphoran Heroik' and he turned the tables on Vilegran by protecting his village, even if they shunned him." Flug explained. "This began to form one of the oldest guilds in the world to date. The "Heroic Acts Guild"...or 'HAG' for short." You suddenly bust out laughing at that statement. "Th-They called it HAG?!" You laughed, while Flug shook his head. "Yes, yes. They called it 'Hag'. But, the villains had it worse, as theirs got closed down for multiple reasons." Flug explained. "Theirs was called 'Villains Alliance Guild '." Flug looked over to you and saw your cheeks all puffy from contained laughter. All you could let out was a distinct 'Pffffftt'. Flug rolled his eyes from within his goggles. "I'm not saying the acronym." He huffed. You just laughed loudly and started to roll around slightly on the blanket. Letting out all of the pent up giggles and cracks. Ha! Cracks! It took a few minutes for you to finally calm down. Much to Flugs' pleasure. Then, you positioned yourself back to how you once were. You both laid there on the blanket and pillows in silence. The stars above you both were now in full view, as the sun had long since retreated to the other side of the planet, coating your side in darkness. The waxing crescent moon in the sky was a light silver, giving a more special feel to the sky. It was a perfect night to be stargazing, in your opinion. Looking over to Flug, he seemed to be studying the sky. Probably for more constellations. You just happily looked up into the royal blue sky and stared off into one particular distant star. You knew that your planet was a lot farther than that star, yet, it brought you comfort to envision that star as your home. That you weren't stranded on a planet a few hundred thousand light years away from everything you've ever known. You just took a nice deep and calming breath.

Still. It was nice to stargaze up here with Flug. Your closest friend. To which, said friend, suddenly spoke up. "(Name)? I...have something to tell you." Flug whispered, as he looked over to your relaxed form. You looked back in slight curiosity. "Yeah? What is it?" "Well, there's...gonna be...a..." Flug stuttered as he observed your form. Both of you were barely lit up by the streetlights that were on the street, the roof was dark and Flug's equipment from 2 weeks ago has long since been cleaned up. Yet, he felt like stuttering out his explanation. Your gaze was staring into his and he had urges to curl in on himself.

What if it didn't go right!? What if you didn't want to see him again?! What if you hate him after this moment??! "There's gonna be what, Flug?" You asked, tilting your head at him slightly. Flug quivered and blurted out an explanation for his behavior. "There's gonna be a meter shower soon! Do you want to go see it?!" He quickly spoke, only realizing what he did. He didn't tell the truth...he chickened out again. Flug felt like hitting himself and clawing at his face. Why can't he just say it as it is?! BLACK HAT'S USING YOUR BLOOD FOR EVIL. How hard is that?! Your joyous laughter snapped him out of his stupor. "Are you asking me on a date, Flug?" You laughed and bumped his shoulder with your fist. Flug took a second to process his previous words before stuttering out an excuse. "N-No! I t-thought we c-could go out as f-friends!!!" He squealed, to which you just laughed harder. "I know what you meant, Flug. Don't sweat your bag off." You smiled and winked. To which Flug grew flustered at. "It's getting late anyway. I have to go get cleaned up." To which you sat up on the blanket.

"So, when's the meteor shower?" You asked as you stood up and stretched. Flug blinked. "It's...in about a week and a half? It'll occur during the full moon." Flug mumbled, currently stunned at the sudden turn of events. "Ah! Then we'll have enough time to prepare!" You began to walk to the hatch for the roof and turn to Flug. "See you on our 'date' then, Flug!" You mockingly blew a kiss and laughed when Flug started to sputter nonsense. You then left the roof. Leaving Flug all by himself. He placed gloved hands on his goggles and fell back onto the pillows and blanket. He came up here to warn you about Black Hats' intentions and he got a 'date' instead. Wasn't this just his night? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Next> <Previous ~First~

#Villainous #flug x reader #black hat x reader #alien affections #fanfic

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hannahberrie · 7 years ago

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Everybody Talks | Chapter 3: Telephone

Fandom: Stranger Things Pairings: Mileven, Lumax Rating: K WC: 5259 Summary: On a Friday night, the kids find their sleepovers getting more awkward by the minute.

[AO3] Chapter Selection: [1][2]-3-[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][Epilogue]

[A/N]: Many thanks to @estrelladesimons for helping me draft this chapter, as well as the rest of the story. She is a lifesaver!

“Fireball the son of a bitch!” Dustin exclaims frantically.

“Hurry!” Mike pleads.

“Holy shit!” Lucas says through his teeth, gripping the edge of the table.

Will, hands shaking, drops his roll. The dice hit the Dungeons and Dragons board with a thud that resounds in the boys’ ears.

There’s a collective sharp intake of breath as the boys lean in, waiting for the dice to fall still.

“Wait for it…” Dustin says, holding up a hand.

And then…

“YES!” They all cheer, exchanging high-fives. Will breathes a sigh of relief, Lucas is grinning, Dustin fans himself with his hat, and Mike proceeds to pick up the Dungeon Master’s manual.

“The Orc howls in pain!” Mike reads dramatically, adding a couple shrieks of pain for theatrics. “His body bursts into flames, leaving nothing but a blackened corpse behind!”

“Sweet,” Dustin grins.

“Is that it?” Will asks, looking up at Mike expectantly.

“Silence falls over the dungeon,” Mike continues to read, “You breathe a sigh of relief. It’s finally over. Until—”

“Until?!” Lucas exclaims incredulously.

“Until you hear a noise. A faint, echoing rumble. It starts far away, but as your eyes widen in fear, you realize it’s getting closer, bigger.”

“Shit, shit, shit,” Dustin wheezes.

“An army of Orcs storms the dungeon!” Mike declares, slamming a fist down on the table for emphasis. “There’s hundreds and they’re looking for vengeance, for blood!”

“Son of a bitch!” Dustin exclaims, throwing up his hands in defeat. “We’re fu—“

He’s cut off by the sound of the basement door swinging open. The boys look up from the gaming table to see Mrs. Wheeler descending the stairs. She glances around the basement, looking frustrated, to say the least.

“Michael?” She gripes, folding her arms across her chest. “What did we say about keeping things clean?”

“It is!” Mike insists.

His mother motions to the numerous empty pizza boxes and coca-cola cans scattered across the floor.

“Well, except for that stuff,” Mike admits. “We just got distracted by the campaign!”

His mother gives him an impatient look before she begins to pick up the trash littered all over the floor. “You know that I’m not going to let you guys have sleepovers if you make a mess like this!”

“We know,” Mike says flatly.

Mrs. Wheeler finishes stacking up the precarious assemble of pizza boxes and soda cans in her arms. “Next time, you’re doing this,” she reminds him.

“I know.”

She glances at the game board, then back at the pajama-clad boys. “Have you guys been playing this all night?” She asks.

“Kinda…”

“Aren’t you guys getting a little old for this game?”

The boys exchange irked frowns.

“There’s no age limit for D&D,” Mike insists, rolling his eyes. “I’ve seen like, 40-year-olds playing it.”

“Well, that’s comforting,” Mrs. Wheeler replies dryly. She takes the pile of trash and heads back up the stairs. “Make sure you guys are in bed by 10!”

“But it’s Friday!”

“10 o’clock,” She repeats firmly, reaching the top of the stairs.

“Thanks, Karen!” Dustin calls out just as Mrs. Wheeler shuts the basement door.

“Dude!” Mike exclaims.

“What?”

“Don’t call my mom ‘Karen!’”

“She said I could!”

“When?”

“Last week!”

“Can we just get back to the campaign?” Lucas cuts in.

“Before we’re completely destroyed by the Orcs?” Will adds.

“Fine,” Mike sighs. He looks at the manual again and starts reading once more. He continues the narrative, setting the scene before listing off what scenarios the party could take.

Will, Lucas, and Dustin turn to each other, talking amongst themselves frantically.

“I say we fight our way out!” Lucas suggests.

“How are we going to fight hundreds of Orcs?”Will asks worriedly, “I think we should try to reason with them.”

“You can’t reason with bloodthirsty maniacs!” Dustin exclaims, “I say we offer one of ourselves as a sacrifice!”

“Who do we have to sacrifice?” Lucas asks, dumbfounded.

“The traitor,” Dustin jokes, jabbing his thumb towards Mike.

Mike’s brow furrows. “What?!”

“I’m kidding!” Dustin insists, before adding, “…Mostly.”

“How am I a traitor?” Mike asks indignantly.

“Well,” Dustin glances at Will and Lucas before continuing, “You kind of betrayed the party.”

“How?!”

“You befriended the enemy!”

“What?!”

“El? El Hopper? You’re like, totally in love with her!”

“Am not!”

“You literally walked her out of class!”

“I already told you guys, we just happened to be walking out at the same time. What was I supposed to do, just ignore her?”

“Uh, yeah!” Dustin says, tone indicating that Mike is missing blatantly obvious. “That’s how we survive!”

“Survive? Survive what?”

“High school!”

“Don’t you think you’re being a little harsh?” Will cuts in hesitantly, “I mean, we don’t really know them.”

“Thank you,” Mike says to Will, giving Dustin an annoyed scowl.

“I’m not being harsh!” Dustin defends. “I’m just dealing with the facts! Everyone knows that high school has a hierarchy. You got your shithead jocks, the preps, the stoners, the punks, and then, way at the bottom, us. Face it, Mike — you and El are from two completely different classes!”

“No, we’re not! We’re in the same grade!”

“Not school ‘classes’!” Dustin motions to the Dungeons and Dragons board. “Like these. When’s the last time you heard of like, a High Elf befriending a Drow?

“What?” Mike exclaims, furrowing his brow.

“Exactly, never!”

Mike, currently at a lost for words, just frowns. “Yeah, but…”

“We’re just not meant to get along with people like El, it’s not how high school works!” Dustin continues, “It’ll only blow up in our faces and end in disaster!”

Mike falls silent. Dustin’s words, though he probably doesn’t know it, speak to a secret worry of Mike’s: that El will grow bored of whatever is happening between them. That she’ll wake up one day, remember how lame he is, and want nothing to do with him, like most kids at school. Is he really just wasting time, trying to get to know her? Maybe he’s just prolonging his own rejection.

“He has a point,” Lucas admits.

Mike isn’t ready to admit as much. “I thought you liked Max!” He instead points out in frustration.

“I do—“ Lucas pauses then freezes, eyes wide, “I mean, I don’t! I mean, I dunno. She’s still awesome, but I’m pretty sure she hates me.”

“Why?” Will asks.

“Every time she passes me in the hallway, she punches me in the arm,” Lucas explains, “It kind of hurts.”

Dustin laughs. Lucas proceeds to punch his arm.

“That means she likes you,” Will says, ignoring their fighting, “At least, I think so.”

“How would that mean that she likes me?” Lucas asks, confused.

“She’s showing you attention!” Will explains, “My mom says girls always go out of their way to show attention to the guys they like.”

“Really?” Lucas perks up at this, failing to hide his growing smile.

Will shrugs.

“Like it matters!” Dustin scowls, “Did any of you guys hear a word of what I just said?”

“Haven’t you ever heard that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover?” Mike counters Dustin, “What if Max and El are really awesome, and you’re too busy being an asshole to even realize it?”

Dustin gives him a look. “I’ll believe it when I see it. For now, I’m just trying to save us all from catastrophic embarrassment!”

Before anyone else can answer, Mike’s mother opens the door to the basement again. “Michael!” She calls down, “Phone!”

“Who is it?” Mike calls back.

“It sounds like a girl!”

Wait. What?

“A girl?!” The guys all echo, turning to look at each other in bafflement.

A beat passes.

Then they’re running.

The four boys, now shouting, scramble up the stairs with Mike in the lead.

“Maybe it’s Vanna White!” Dustin exclaims, “Maybe you’ll get to be on Wheel of Fortune!”

“Why would Vanna White call my house?” Mike snaps back.

“I dunno! But think about all the Atari games we could buy!”

“It’s probably Mrs. Hawthorne!” Lucas snickers gleefully, “She’s gonna bust you for stabbing the Biology frog in its gall bladder!”

“That was an accident!”

They reach the top of the stairs, race down the hallway, and arrive at the family phone. The receiver is still hanging off the cord where Mrs. Wheeler left it, swaying ominously.

As his friends scramble to stand behind him, Mike stares at the phone, suddenly feeling nervous.

“Are you gonna answer?” Will asks Mike.

Curiosity gets the better of Mike, and he nods in response. Glancing at his friends one last time, he takes a deep breath and picks up the phone, placing the receiver over his ear.

“…Hello?”

“This is the best part!” Max gushes excitedly, “Just wait for it!”

El watches in horror as the music swells and Michael Myers bursts from the shadows. He pins his victim to the wall by the neck, watching as his prey writhes in his grasp. Myes raises the knife. Its blade glints in the moonlight. Then, with a sickening squelch, the knife drives right through the victim’s chest and into the wall.

“He gets PINNED to the wall with the KNIFE!” Max recounts, face twisted into a grossed-out smile. “It’s totally disgusting and awesome!”

“Totally awesome,” El nods, grimacing. She looks away from the screen and returns her attention to the task at hand: painting Max’s nails. “Hold still,” she instructs, getting out the black polish.

“Sorry,” Max apologies, laying her fingers out in front of El.

“You like this?” El mumbles as the camera lingers on the limp body of the victim.

“It’s cool!”

“Cool?”

“Totally.”

They’re in El’s room, currently in the midst of one of their coveted Friday night sleepovers. They’re sprawled across El’s bed, surrounded by candy wrappers, nail polish bottles, and dark eyeshadow palettes. Max brought over her VHS copy of Halloween, which is currently playing on the small TV El keeps atop her dresser.

El gives the black nail polish a shake before unscrewing the cap. She carefully holds Max’s palm with one hand as she applies the polish with the other, making sure to not get it all over Max’s cuticles.

While El still has her hair slicked back, Max has pulled hers back into a long ponytail. She flips it over her shoulder as she speaks, making sure her hair is out of the way as El gets to work.

“You like the movie too, right?” Max asks, glancing back at the TV.

“Yeah,” El lies. To be honest, after the frog dissection, the last thing El needed was an entire movie that was solely about someone going around and cutting people open. But El also knows that this is Max’s favorite movie, and she doesn’t want to hurt her feelings.

“I was Michael Myers for three Halloweens in a row,” Max states proudly. “One time, I hid behind some bushes and totally scared the shit out of Billy. You should’ve heard him, he screamed like a—“

There’s a knock on the door, and the girls look up to see El’s father, aka, Jim Hopper, aka the Hawkins Chief of Police, standing in the doorway.

El knows that, like her, her dad can be pretty intimidating. He’s tall and massive and can yell when he needs to. But tonight, he’s not a tough police officer. Tonight, he’s just her dad, sporting an old Hawkins University T-shirt and some jeans.

“You kids still doing alright in here?” He asks, glancing into the room. His eyes land on the TV, catching sight of Michael Myers stalking down a dark hallway, knife in hand. He frowns. “What are you watching?”

“Nothing!” El quickly replies. With a quick jerk of her head, the TV switches off, and she turns to smile at her father innocently. “Just sitting!”

“And doing nails!” Max adds, holding up her hands as evidence.

“Humph,” Hopper snorts, evidently deciding to let it slide. “Well, are you girls getting hungry? You want me to order a pizza, or something?”

“Yes, please!” El chirps.

“Can we have sausage and pepperoni?” Max asks.

“Sure,” Hopper replies.

The girls wait for him to leave before turning back to each other. El keeps the TV turned off, hoping that she can get away with ‘forgetting’ to play the movie again.

“Are you going to go to Homecoming?” El asks, trying to distract Max with conversation.

“You mean the dance?”

“Yeah.”

“The dance that they’ve put up ten million posters for all over school?”

“Yeah.”

“The one at the end of the month?”

“Yeah.”

“The dance that only dweebs go to?”

“Yeah?”

“Then no.”

El pushes down the tinge of disappointment that rises in her chest. “Yeah, me neither. It’s lame.”

“Totally.”

El finishes Max’s nails, and Max admires them proudly. “Thanks!” Max smiles, proceeding to blow on them to help them dry faster.

“Welcome,” El replies, pushing the nail polish bottles aside.

A moment passes, and El starts to search her mind for something to say. She really, really, doesn’t want to finish watching the movie. Thankfully, Max speaks up next.

“We should do something!” Max says, looking around El’s room.

“Like what?”

Please not ‘watch Halloween’.

Max thinks. “What do girls do at sleepovers? Like, the preps?”

El’s brow furrows. “I don’t know. Gossip?”

“Listen to Cyndi Lauper?”

El blushes. “Talk about guys.”

“And,” Max says slowly, pausing for dramatic emphasis, “Pillow fights!” She turns, grabs a pillow from El’s bedspread, and proceeds to smack El over the head with it.

“Ow!” El laughs, grabbing her own pillow.

The two go back and forth, whacking at each other sporadically as they burst into fits of uncontrollable laughter.

Amongst the chaos, Max knocks the remainder of El’s pillows off the bed, uncovering something that was hidden underneath.

The Hawkins High 1984 yearbook slides out into view. It bumps up against Max’s leg and makes her pause. “What the—“

“Don’t!” El gasps, dropping the pillow she was holding.

Max snatches up the book before El can. She turns it over in her hands before holding it up to El, an intrigued grin curving her lips.

“Why do you keep last year’s yearbook under your pillow?” Max asks incredulously.

“It’s nothing!”

“Nothing? Seriously?”

“Just give it to me!” El snaps, lunging forward.

“What are you hiding?” Max moves back and gets off the bed, holding the yearbook closer. Ignoring El’s protests, she starts to flip through it, looking completely pleased with herself. “Wait, is this page bookmarked?” She asks, flipping open to the page marked with a yellow post-it note.

“Max!” El scrambles off the bed and follows after her, but Max is too quick. She continues to move about the room, maneuvering just out of El’s reach.

“Why do you have this page bookmarked?” She asks, scanning the page, “It’s just the last of the kids from our grade, no one we even know is — holy shit.”

El freezes. “What?”

Max turns the book around and points at the page. “That’s that guy!” She exclaims, “Mike! Mike Wheeler! The geek! The one you were totally drooling over last week!”

“No!” El denies adamantly, her cheeks growing hot.

“You even got his dorky club photo bookmarked,” Max snorts, flipping to the second sticky-noted page. “You’re like, totally stalking him.”

El uses her powers to whisk the book out of Max’s hands and into her own grasp.

“Stop.” She says firmly, giving Max her best glare.

Max looks alarmed, but then her expression softens. “El…”

El tries to stay mad, to stay tough, but her embarrassment eats away at her and she can feel her walls start to break.

She looks at her feet, face hot with shame. “Don’t,” she warns, pleads. “I…I know it’s stupid. I’m stupid.”

“You’re not stupid!” Max quickly insists. She moves to sit on the bed again and motions for El to join her.

El, still clutching the yearbook, follows her with great reluctance.

Max turns to look her in the eye, speaking with great sincerity. “I’m sorry I laughed, okay? I just didn’t think you’d ever like someone so—“

El eyes her warily.

“Different,” Max hastily finishes.

El slumps her shoulders as she looks down at the yearbook in her arms. She runs a finger over its spine, thoughts going back to her few, but treasured, memories of Mike. The way he made her laugh. The way he rambled when he got excited. The way he wasn’t totally scared off by her smudged eyeshadow or dark demeanor. The way he smiled at her.

“He’s nice,” El finally mumbles, “and smart. And funny. He doesn’t make fun of me for being weird.”

Max stays silent, allowing El to unload all of her emotions.

“I know you think he’s a geek, but I…I like him,” El continues, feeling less shy, “Just ‘cause he likes comics and video games doesn’t mean that he’s a total knucklehead.”

“Right,” Max replies, looking oddly uncomfortable for a moment. But the moment passes as quickly as it comes, and a second later, her face returns to its original, relaxed expression. “No, you’re totally right. I shouldn’t have laughed, that was stupid.”

“It’s ok,” El assures her with a small smile. She turns, grabs her pillows off the floor, and arranges them as they once were, sliding the yearbook back under her them. Though the anxious feeling in her chest has died down, she’s still feeling a little awkward about the whole thing. She’d never planned on having to explain why she spends too much time looking at someone in a photograph, even if it was to her best friend.

“So, what are you gonna do?” Max asks.

“Do?”

“About President Nerd?”

Oh. Right.

El looks down at her own nails, gaze focused on the chipped black polish on her thumbnail. “I don’t know. He barely notices me,” She mumbles.

“Why don’t you just show him one of your mind tricks, or something?” Max suggests. “That’ll get his attention.”

El gives her a look. “You know I can’t. Dad doesn’t want me to tell anyone about my powers.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. It was just an idea.”

“And,” El continues, “I don’t want him to think I’m a freak.”

“Why would he think that?”

El holds up her hands, then motions to her own head.

“Having powers makes you cool!” Max says. “You know what I’d do if I had powers?”

“Something dangerous?” El smiles.

“Uh, yeah!”

The two exchange smiles before falling silent.

A beat passes, then Max gets a mischievous grin on her face. It’s the same grin she had before they spray-painted the principal’s car.

Oh no.

“What?” El asks hesitantly.

“It’s just,” Max replies, grinning even wider, “If he won’t notice you, you just gotta make him.”

El frowns. “What do you mean?”

Max turns around, grabs the phone resting on El’s nightstand, and pulls it onto her bed. “Call him!”

“No!” El jumps back from the phone as quickly as if it had burned her.

“C’mon!” Max taunts, holding out the receiver, “I dare you!”

“We already played Truth or Dare.”

“Well, we’re playing again. Call him.”

El continues to shake her head, though with a bit of reluctance. “I don’t…I don’t know his number,” she mumbles weakly.

“Yellow Pages,” Max replies.

“But…”

“Do you want him to know you exist, or not?” Max says exasperatedly, “Are you really going to just keep moping around like a total bonehead or actually do something?”

El looks her in the eye.

Max looks back.

“I’m not a bonehead.”

“Then call him.”

El takes a deep breath.

“You know you want to,” Max says in an exaggerated, girly voice that makes El giggle.

“Fine!” She bursts.

“Yes! No takebacks!” Max laughs impishly before jumping off the bed. “I’ll go get the book!”

El buries her face in her pillow as Max runs out of her room and down the stairs.

What on earth did she just agree to?

Much too soon, Max is back with the bulky Yellow Pages book. She rejoins El on the bed and begins to flip through the “W” Residencies. Her eyes are narrowed with determination, while El’s are wide with anticipation.

“Wheeler!” Max announces triumphantly, jabbing a finger at the page. “Ted and Karen. That’s gotta be it!”

“O-okay!” El says, unable to hide her nervousness — she doesn’t think she’d be able to even if she tried.

El pulls the phone closer to her. Max reads off the number. El dials it with shaking fingers.

Max slides in close to El, no doubt to make sure she can hear the entire exchange take place. El holds the receiver to her ear, holding her breath, heart pounding.

The phone rings three times before it’s picked up.

“Hello?” Someone answers — someone that’s definitely not Mike. It’s a woman’s voice, probably his mom’s.

This was a terrible mistake.

“Uh, hi?” El’s voice is shaking, and she takes another deep breath to steady herself. “Is Mike there?”

“Yes, he is. May I ask who’s calling?”

El hesitates, not wanting to out herself just yet. “I’m in class with him,” she offers instead. “At school.”

“Alright, I’ll go get him,” Mrs. Wheeler replies. El can hear her set the phone down.

“Was that his MOM?” Max snorts.

El nods. “She’s going to get him.” She can feel her heartbeat in her throat and she suddenly feels nauseous. “What should I say to him?” She hisses to Max.

“Tell him you love him!” Max replies, snorting again.

El punches her leg.

There’s a minute of silence. Then, moments later, El hears the muffled sound of running feet and shouting. Her brow furrows in alarm and confusion, but seconds later, it’s quiet again.

More silence.

Then she hears someone pick up the phone.

El readies herself.

Here we go.

“…Hello?” Mike asks nervously.

El swallows. “Hey.”

Both receivers crackle loudly, allowing for Mike and El’s friends to hear every exchanged word.

“Who is this?”

(“The girl of your dreams,” Max says in that girly voice again, unable to keep a straight face.)

“…..El.”

“El?”

(Will’s jaw drops. Dustin and Lucas immediately proceed to make an ‘oooooooh,’ sound.)

“Uh, yeah.”

Mike’s heart skips a beat, and for a moment, he’s pretty sure he’s dreaming. Then again, if he is, he’s 100% sure that his dreams wouldn’t include Lucas and Dustin making kissy sounds in the background. “Hey!” He replies, throwing the guys a dirty look. “What’s up?”

El pauses. She still doesn’t have a good reason for calling him. She glances around her room, desperately searching for some sort of inspiration. Her gaze lands on her backpack, and she smiles in relief.

“Do we have homework?” She asks quickly, “In Biology? I, uh, forgot.”

(“Homework?” Max mouths, shaking her head in disbelief.)

“Homework?” Was that it? Mike feels his heart sink a little lower in his chest. “I don’t think so.”

“Oh,” El replies. Why did she call him again? She sounds like a complete idiot right now. How is this supposed to make him like her?

“Yeah.”

(“This is the most depressing conversation I’ve ever heard,” Lucas mutters, “And we just had to watch Scared Straight for psychology class.”)

“So, uh, what are you up to?” Mike asks, trying to make conversation.

El feels herself blush. “I’m just at my house,” she mumbles.

“Cool! I’m at my house too!” Mike responds earnestly.

(“No shit,” Dustin says, smacking himself on the forehead.)

Even though this conversation is going about as well as a train wreck, El smiles when she hears the familiar, upbeat liveliness in his voice. “Comics and video games?” She asks, hoping he’ll remember their detention conversation.

Mike grins. She’d remembered! “Uh, yeah, kind of! I actually just got this new Star Wars Comic, First Strike? It’s the 100th issue, so it’s like, super cool!”

“One hundred?” El echoes in surprise.

“Yeah, they make a lot,” Mike continues, “I’ve read all of them though. You could borrow them sometime, if you wanted.”

(“Do you think that showing you his comic collection is the nerd version of getting to first base?” Max asks.)

El feels her face grow warm. “Yeah,” she says casually, even though she’s never seen any of the Star Wars movies. She’s not about to admit that right now, though.

“Cool!” Mike replies cheerily.

El wants to say more. She wants to just sit and talk to Mike for hours upon hours until her voice is hoarse and she’s exhausted her vocabulary. But with Max right there, grinning at her, and the mounting feeling of pressure swelling in her chest, El knows that she needs to take a step back.

“Well, uh, I should go,” she says.

Mike feels his heart sink. Then again, as he scowls at Dustin and Lucas, who are back to making kissy faces at him, now isn’t exactly the best time to get into a lengthy conversation with El.

“Yeah, okay,” Mike replies. “See you later!”

“Okay!”

“Bye!”

“Bye, Mike!”

The phone call ends.

“You guys are assholes!” Mike says as he hangs up the phone.

In response, his friends all burst into laughter.

“That was painful!” Lucas exclaims, both grinning and wincing at the same time.

“Like watching C3PO trying to win over Leia!” Dustin giggles.

“Oh, c’mon! Was it really that bad?” Mike asks, turning to Will. Though he keeps his tone casual, internally he’s pleading for validation that he didn’t just totally screw up.

“I think she likes you,” Will offers with a smile, “She’s showing you attention, remember?”

Mike hesitates. “But she just wanted to know about homework!”

“She could have called the teacher,” Will points out, “Or someone else in class.”

“That’s true…”

“You want my advice?” Dustin asks.

“Not really,” Mike mutters.

“Get out while you still can,” Dustin finishes, placing a hand on Mike’s shoulder.

“Gee, thanks.”

“You’re welcome!”

“C’mon!” Lucas rolls his eyes and starts heading back down the hallway. “Let’s get back to the campaign!”

“Last one to the basement gets sacrificed!” Dustin calls out, darting past them.

“No fair!” Will cries out, following after them.

As they’re already halfway down the basement stairs, Mike already knows that he’s going to be the one to get sacrificed.

Shit.

Glancing at the phone one last time, Mike follows his friends down the stairs, forcing himself to push aside any further worries about El.

El hangs up the phone quickly, cheeks a bright scarlet.

Max starts laughing again, though this time it doesn’t hurt El’s feelings. “He’s like, totally in love with you,” Max snorts, “It’s adorable, really.”

El tries her best to give Max an annoyed look, but truth be told, the phone conversation has left her head in the clouds. “He doesn’t,” El insists half-heartedly.

“Right, Mr. ‘I’m At My House Too’!” Max bursts into another round of laughter. “‘Let me show you my sweet comics!’”

El, despite how red-faced she already is, manages to blush even more. “Shut up!” She replies, now laughing too.

“You like him,” Max teases, poking El repeatedly.

“Stop!” El gasps, trying to grab the offending finger.

“You like Mike!”

“Mike?” A new voice asks.

The girls look up to see Hopper standing in the doorway, holding a box of pizza.

“Dad!” El squeaks. She and Max sit up straighter on her bed, trying to look as nonchalant as possible.

“Who’s Mike?” Hopper asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Nobody.”

“Nobody?”

“Yeah.”

“So you’re just getting all giggly over ‘nobody’?”

El hesitates. “I….”

“Mike is a boy from school,” Max cuts in.

El turns to her friend, aghast. “Max!”

“What?” Max shrugs, “He’s a cop! He was going to find out eventually!”

“So, you tell him now?”

“Do I know him?” Hopper asks. He’s smiling, eyes twinkling with mischief. “This ‘Mike’?”

“No!” El exclaims. This, without a doubt, is the most embarrassing night of her life.

“What’s he do?” Hopper continues, looking intrigued. “Any sports or clubs?”

“Well, he’s 15, so he sells drugs,” Max says dryly, “Like, hardcore drugs. And he’s been to jail, like five times.”

“MAX.”

Hopper snorts at the sarcasm. He sets the pizza down on El’s bed and points to Max. “I like her,” he states.

“I don’t,” El grumbles, throwing Max a dirty look.

Max beams back at her.

“I going to assume you’re joking,” Hopper says, giving the girls a serious look, to which Max nods sincerely.

“Do you actually think El would like someone like that?” Max asks.

Hopper hesitates. “Well…”

El’s brow furrows. “Dad!”

“Well, I know you two are into this whole,” his sentence trails off as he motions between them, “Punk thing. I’m fine with it, but I want you to be smart about it. Like, the whole thing with the principal’s car? You gotta stop messing around like that.”

“I know,” El pouts. Even though her dad already chewed her out about this last week, it still hurts to know that she disappointed him. “Sorry.”

Hopper smooths his hand over El’s slicked-back hair. “You guys are good kids,” he reminds them, “I know high school isn’t always easy, but you don’t need to act out to make it easier.”

Max and El exchange hesitant looks.

“Ok,” El mumbles.

Hopper nods before moving back and heading back towards the door. “Make sure you get some sleep,” he instructs them.

“We will!” Max assures him.

Hopper leaves then, shutting El’s bedroom door behind him.

“Your dad is pretty cool, you know,” Max says. She opens the pizza box and takes a slice, proceeding to talk with her mouth full. “Like Jack Cates. I wish my dad was a cop.“

“You say that now,” El takes her own pizza slice. “But what about when you want to spend time with Lucas?”

Max nearly chokes on her pizza slice. “What?!”

El raises her eyebrows and takes a bite of her pizza.

“I don’t like that dweeb!” Max insists.

“Okay.”

“I don’t!”

“You were staring at him during lunch yesterday.”

“He had food on his face, it was hilarious.”

“Okay.”

“I don’t like Lucas,” Max repeats. She rolls her eyes, flips her ponytail, shifts in place, and makes a snort of disgust, as if the more dismissive actions she makes, the more El will believe her.

“Sure.”

Max gives her a dirty look.

El only beams right back.

#mileven #mileven fanfiction #stranger things #stranger things fanfiction #berrie fics #*#everybodytalks #miss-sad-marshmallow #lovecolesprouse #wrongirish

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