#and she couldn't get past that feeling until the end of her life. and hazel is so unselfish in the present because she knows what

[bayetea]

I hate the "as a girl whose grandmother was a slave, can I just say not cool?" line from hazel in moa it's the worst line of dialogue rick has written in his life. But like what the fuck. what kind of insane lore drop is that. hazel's grandmother was an enslaved woman. marie levesque cast a spell to meet the god of riches so that she could finally know what it was like to live beyond the indigence and suffering of her mother. marie wanted to be a queen, not a slave like her predecessors. she wanted pluto to give her all the riches beneath the earth

and then the earth enslaved her body. gaea possessed her and through gaea's influence marie forced hazel for six months to overexert herself to the point of collapsing to raise and reanimate alcyoneus. gaea worked hazel like a slave

it's so explicit here. this is SLAVERY. gaea was using hazel's forced labor for material wealth and power. she was only 13. her grandmother was used and her mother was used and hazel herself was used, they were black women exploited for what their bodies could provide in service to the hideous intentions of monsters in power over them. hazel broke free from the cycle and saved the world all by herself by choosing death - it was the only way out

and even in her second chance at life she's actively fighting to die again. she's an instrument of the gods being used to achieve an end that is supposed to kill her. she was convinced that freeing thanatos would result in him taking her life. she didn't know throughout hoo if her father would kill her when the main quest succeeded. even nico didn't think hazel was going to live. she didn't WANT to die a second time. but she fought for the world and for her friends anyway

by the end of marie's life she was only skin and bones. gaea used her body until she didn't need it anymore. marie was the daughter of an enslaved woman who dreamed of being a queen and instead the earth goddess robbed of her life and dignity. and her soul would have been tortured further in the fields of punishment if not for hazel's unfathomable selflessness and bravery to negotiate for mutual asphodel. hazel never even saw marie again after that. what was it that doomed the levesque family? that marie asked the god of death and riches for too much? she deserved even more than what she asked for. I'm fucking sick no one talk to me

[writeroutoftime]

the morning after

pairing: jack thompson x reader (requested by: @barbiegirlbaby )

a/n: hope you don't mind that I did a headcannon style story! it's basically a story, but this was the easiest way for my brain to write it lol (also, on a totally different note, I miss the time when you could indent bullet points!!)

oOoOo

Waking up, you immediately noticed the sheets underneath you were not your own. A sly glance to your left and you saw the mussed, dirty blonde hair of none other than Jack Thompson.

Flashes of the previous night came to your mind. The feel of Jack's lips against yours, the way his hands traced the shape of your body. Remembering it all brought a flush to your face despite your internal protests.

As carefully as possible, you slid from the sheets and dressed quickly. Heels in your hand, you gave one final glance towards Jack's sleeping form. You ignored the small pang in your chest and slipped out the door, hailing a cab back to your place.

Once home, you breathed a sigh of relief to see that Peggy was already out and couldn't pester you about your dalliances.

Collapsing on the couch, you throw your feet up and think back to everything that happened the night before.

For the past few months, Jack had been a thorn in your side each time you ran into him, Peggy being the link that connected you. As with most people in his life, Jack got under your skin and managed to rile you up with his words and his looks.

But something snapped last night and in the dim lights of the bar, Jack had surged forward and kissed you, long and hard. Next think you knew, the two of you had stumbled up the stairs and into his sheets.

Your cheeks heated at the memories, and you forced yourself to banish the thoughts from your mind. How were you going to face him again? So, you made the completely mature decision to avoid him.

Over the next week, you avoided going out and tried to keep between your apartment and work. Occasionally, you stopped by the store for food, but nowhere you thought Jack would make an appearance.

It was on the fifth day of this pattern that Peggy finally cracked. "Okay," she started, hands on your hip staring down as you listened to the radio. "what is going on?"

"Nothing." you told her, though it came out more like a question. But all it took was one withering look from Peggy and you cracked. "Okay, Jack and I might have slept together. And I also might be avoiding him so I don't have to face the utter embarrassment of his rejection."

Peggy's eyes softened and she sat down next to you and wrapped her arms around your frame. "Well if that, were to happen, then Jack would be a complete idiot to let a catch like you get away."

"Thanks, Peggy." you whispered to her, enjoying the comforting silence for a few moments.

"How about the two of us go to dinner? Get you out of this apartment and get your mind off 'you-know-who'? she asked, pushing you towards your bedroom to change.

Though you hated to admit it, Peggy was right. It was nice to get out of the house. The two of you had a nice meal and made plans to visit the diner again soon. It wasn't until the end of the meal that you caught a glance of dirty blonde hair out of the corner of your eye. Freezing, you saw Jack walk into the diner and take a seat at a booth nearby.

Collecting your things, you hurry to stand and try to leave the diner as covertly as possible. Guess there was a reason you weren't in the SSR, since Jack's eyes landed on your retreating frame.

He called out your name and followed you outside. "Hey, wait a second, will you?"

"Hi, Jack." you mumbled, looking down at the sidewalk.

There was a thick tension in the air as neither of you knew how to start the conversation.

Jack finally took a breath and took a leap of faith. "I was, uh, surprised to see you weren't there when I woke up last week."

"Thought I'd save you the trouble of kicking me out." you said, arms crossed across your chest, trying to appear detached.

Hazel eyes look at you in surprise. "Hey." he whispers, detangling your arms and grasping your hand. "I wouldn't have kicked you out."

"No?"

"Of course not. In fact, I was gonna, uh. You know what never mind." he said, suddenly bashful.

This change of character piqued your interest and had you curious for more. "No, it's okay. You were going to what?"

"Well, I was gonna ask if you wanted to go on a date? A proper one, ya know? With dinner, maybe dancing, the whole nine yards."

Your heart fluttered at the thought. And here you were thinking he'd want nothing to do with you again. With a newfound confidence, you pressed a kiss to the side of his cheek.

"So, what time are you picking me up tomorrow night?"

oOoOo

a/n: sorry if this felt really jumbled, but I hope you enjoyed reading!

[a-court-of-lust-and-stardust]

Love on Ice Chapter 11: The Sly Fox

Hmm…any guesses what this chapter could be about? 😜 Also, thank you to those who are keeping up with this story. Your comments keep me motivated 🥰

33 days until Competition

“No.” 

“Come on, Elain.” 

“No.” 

“Chicken.” 

“I am not!” 

There was only fifteen minutes left for their designated ice time, and the pair had spent ten minutes bickering about a new move Azriel wanted to incorporate into their program. Elain declined without hesitation, and Azriel pulled out every trick in the book to persuade her into reconsidering. 

“It’s just a simple curve lift. It’s easy enough,” Azriel tried again, hands gripping the sides of his waist. He looked like a perplexed parent, and Elain stifled a laugh. 

“To you,” She emphasized. “I’ve never tried anything that complex. My past skating programs were…”

“Boring?” 

Elain huffed, arms folded over her chest. He wasn’t technically wrong. “I was going to say basic.” 

“Even so, I never pegged you as a safe skater, Elain.” Azriel taunted. The slight flare of her nostrils brought a smirk to his lips. “I figured you would appreciate taking risks.” 

“Not risks where–if they end poorly–could slice open your thigh,” Elain said through gritted teeth. The move was dangerous. Azriel, clearly, was a sucker for thrills and had no regard for any potential life threatening injuries.

“You’re worried about me,” He teased, poking her cheeks. Her natural blush was slowly but surely becoming his favorite color, second to the lovely shade of her eyes.

Elain rolled those pretty eyes, swatting his hand as her heart thumped. “Don’t think too deeply about it. Of course I care about your safety.”

She cared about a lot more than just his safety. She wouldn’t admit it, though. 

Comforting hands settled on her shoulders. Azriel bent down to her level, hazel eyes promising. Though he always wanted her to have fun and be silly, he knew when to be serious. She appreciated how he could read her so easily. “I need you to trust me, but more than that I need you to trust yourself. I know you can do this, Elain. I wouldn’t suggest we try it if I believed you couldn't do it. But if you feel strongly about not adding this into the routine, I won’t push you. It’s your choice.” 

Choice. 

She was growing accustomed to that word over the last few days. 

A choice when to practice, and for how long. A choice of what spins or step sequences to add to their program. A choice to spend more time together, grow their relationship. It felt empowering to have that sense of control back in her life. 

Elain exhaled through her nose, softening her features as she said. “If this ends badly, I am not visiting you in the hospital. I’ll send flowers with a note that says ‘I told you so’.”

He laughed, taking her hand to twirl her a few times before pulling her close, pressing a delicate kiss to her forehead. Azriel’s platonic affection was also new to her. He held her hand. Smiled big and bright and beautifully. And was apparently a huge fan of feeling her skin on his lips. One could interpret his actions as romantic, and—and it certainly felt like it, but it wasn’t unusual for skating partners to be adoring. A part of her heart twisted.

“We both know you’d be the first person at my bedside, Elain. No point in trying to deny it, either.”

She hummed. 

Fine. He was right, but there was no reason to tell him. 

“And what about me?” Elain asked curiously, blades digging into the ice. “Would you be the first person at my bedside if I were to get hurt?” 

“Of course I would,” He answered firmly, thumb running over her knuckles.“But we don’t need to worry about that. You’ll never be injured on my watch. I won’t allow it. I’ll take care of you no matter what.” 

Something crackled in the air around them. 

Elain coughed, hoping he wouldn’t find her rude for changing the subject before she could dwell on his promise. “So. When do you want to do this? After the twizzle?” 

Azriel shook his head. “It’ll be best after a pattern dance step. First, you’re going to balance on one skate while I grab your ankle and the back of your leg like this.” He guided her through the movement, solidifying his grip on the base of her ankle. A grip that would never, ever let her falter.

“While I’m doing that, you’re pushing up to stand on my thigh, and then you’ll swing your other leg around so the weight is distributed evenly. And to make sure you’re secure during the curve, my hands will wrap around the front of your thighs, holding you in place.” 

He continued the demonstration, positioning Elain’s body into the lift. She wobbled briefly, but Azriel did as he said. His hands came around to clutch the front of her thighs, his touch warm on her skin. The lift was held for three seconds, completed by Elain pushing off his thighs and spinning once in the air, Azriel catching her easily before lowering her skates to the ice. 

“So?” His grin sparkled, and Elain allowed herself one brief moment of adoration as she gazed at the slight chip in his tooth. “What do you say? Think we can add it to the program?” 

Elain considered, pursing her lips in thought. The element was bold and daring, and it could add even more depth to their program, something the judges would be looking for. And he believed in her, seemingly more than anyone else ever had. 

She relented with a chuckle. “You haven’t led me astray so far, so let’s do it.” 

With newfound enthusiasm, they rehearsed the lift for the remainder of the time slot. It was messy and needed work, but the pair was eager to perfect it. They were so immersed in the new element they failed to see two skaters gliding toward them. 

“You’ve used up ten minutes of our ice time.” 

Elain had almost lost her balance at the displeased voice. Azriel caught her with ease and set her down on the ice in front of him, his chest pressed against her back. 

Lucien stared at them, voice cold yet his face was the portrait of indifference. Instinctively, Elain’s hand found Azriel’s, squeezing once. Lucien clocked the movement, humming to himself. 

“What are you talking about?” Elain asked, only now noticing the stunning woman a few inches behind him. She tensed when the woman looked her up and down, and not in a way that made Elain feel comfortable. 

“I said, you’ve used up ten minutes of our ice time,” Lucien repeated, rolling his eyes. The woman snickered, linking her arm with his. “What aren’t you understanding?” 

“Watch how you speak to my partner,” Azriel said lowly, vein straining in his neck. Elain ran a thumb over his scarred knuckles. “I've got about a million reasons to make sure you leave this rink with broken legs. Don’t test me.” 

Lucien clicked his tongue, but offered no rebuttal. It was a smart move on his end. Something told Elain he knew Azriel would follow through on the threat. She’d never heard his voice darken the way it just had. Something stirred low in her stomach. 

“Temper, temper,” The woman purred, eyes flashing wildly. “I usually like that in a man, but I would advise against threatening my partner in front of me.”

Elain froze. Behind her, Azriel stiffened. His hands slid on either side of her hips, holding her in place. “I’m sorry?” 

“Elain, Azriel, meet Vassa,” Lucien introduced, a sly smile painted on his mouth as she dipped her head. “My skating partner.” 

Skating partner? 

Impossible…he dropped out of the–

Oh. 

Oh. 

“What the fuck do you mean skating partner?” Azriel questioned, eyes darting between Lucien and Vassa. His anger was palpable, skin ablaze against her own. She thanked whatever deity existed that his hands were on her waist. She was two seconds from pouncing. 

“Well, after our little incident, I simply could not let my chances of securing the gold go to waste,” Lucien explained. Elain noticed how Vassa’s lips thinned, how she regarded her with disdain. “Vassa and I will be representing the Autumn Region in the competition.” 

Every new piece of information gave Elain whiplash. 

“Incident?” She squeaked, eyes burning. Azriel’s grip tightened, his hold on her grounding and comforting all at once. “What the hell are you talking about? There was no incident. You–.” 

“I think we’ve chatted enough, don’t you?” Lucien cut her off, eyes hardening in challenge. He reached for Vassa’s hand. “Now, If you’ll excuse us, we’re going to use whatever time we have left to practice our routine.” The duo dismissed themselves toward center ice without another word. 

Blood rushed through her ears, skin warm and clammy.

She couldn't believe it.

The abandonment. 

The betrayal. 

The lies. 

No sadness or heartbreak filled her chest as it did weeks ago.

It was replaced by rage.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Azriel whispered as they skated off the ice. They took to the bench, aggressively flinging their skates into their bags. 

Elain nodded, hands gripping the edge of the bench. A new fire crackled in her heart. She turned to Azriel, whose own demeanor had taken on an air of fury. “Yeah. We’re winning this fucking thing.” 

The rage that had reared its head hours ago had finally dissipated into annoyance and an unshakeable contempt for redheaded men. Freshly showered in a pair of mauve leggings and a baggy white t-shirt, Elain had been pacing in her kitchen for the past 20 minutes, alternating between chewing her slice of strawberry shortcake and biting her thumb nail. 

She could make peace with the fact Lucien had lied to her. She could make peace with the idea that he found it so easy to betray her. And now she had to accept the idea that he may have more tricks up his sleeve. Could he go as far as potentially sabotaging the competition? Ruining what very well could be her last chance at receiving a gold medal? She would have said no if the question was posed months ago. Now, she didn't know what to believe. Maybe he had always been sly and cunning, and her willingness to see the best in people blinded her. 

And the more she thought about it, the more irate she became. He had jumped through hoops to abandon her, when she would have accepted his honesty even if it pained her. Clearly, in his mind, she wasn't even worth the truth. 

The clock on the wall read just after eleven at night. She huffed, tapping her fingernails on the counter once, twice, three times before deciding to visit the one person she knew would be awake. And on her trek over to his home, Elain had one single thought.

She hoped Azriel had wine, because she was going to need it. 

The matte black doors of his home were truly a welcoming site. Standing on the top step, Elain decided that she probably should have sent him a message and asked if he wouldn't mind a visitor. She hadn't even thought about if he had an early morning practice, or perhaps a game in the early evening that he needed to be well rested for. Even with those thoughts running through her head, she knocked on the door anyway. 

The door swung open, and Elain didn't even give herself a second to take in his appearance before she let herself in. Nor did it register for Azriel who was standing on his front doorstep until she was brushing past his body in the foyer, expertly sidestepping his hockey helmet. 

“Please tell me you have Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or something stronger,” Elain said by way of greeting, pushing past his frame until she was stomping straight toward his kitchen. 

Dazed, Azriel blinked twice and pushed the front door shut with his index finger. “Hello to you, too, Elain.” 

He didn't have much choice but to follow her into his kitchen. One shoulder against the wall, he folded his arms and watched her navigate his kitchen with an amused smile gracing his face. He had so many questions. 

What the hell was she doing awake at 11 at night?

Why was she frantic?

Why didn’t she ask him to pick her up?

Why did she look so good with tangled wet hair and an oversized t-shirt? 

Why did his heart race and his cock twitch at the mere observation that she looked comfortable in his home? 

After scouring all of his cabinets, she spotted half a decanter of brandy and decided that would do for now. She grabbed two crystal tumblers and poured a finger width into each. Brows raised to his hairline, Azriel watched as she knocked back her glass in three gulps, scowled, and then refilled her glass, walking toward him with both. 

Before he could accept the tumbler, Elain froze abruptly, liquid sloshing in the glass and slightly over the edge, dripping onto her fingers. 

Azriel frowned, attempting to remove his glass from her hand. She only stood there with a pounding heart, eyes trained on the base of his throat. 

Elain croaked, “Why are you wearing my necklace?” 

Azriel stilled. Almost robotically, he tipped his head downward, where the gold chain with a cursive letter E was on display against his black compression shirt.

Fuck. 

He’d been so careful, keeping it hidden underneath his shirt during practices, hockey games, nights out with friends. And now here she was, the rightful owner of the jewelry, with an expression on her face he couldn't read. 

“Why did you come over, Elain?” A lame attempt to divert the subject. 

She swallowed, handing over the glass with a shaky hand. The last time she saw that necklace was seven years ago. It hadn’t been in pristine condition back then, and certainly had lost its color now. “Well, I was in the mood to rant about the unexpected visit we received today at Snowspell, but now I think I want to talk about something else.” 

Fair enough. 

He motioned toward the living area, and they settled into the couch nearest to the fireplace. Azriel tucked his foot beneath his opposite thigh, sipping his brandy as Elain settled into her own spot, throwing a blanket over her legs. She crossed them under the cashmere blanket, settling the drink in her lap. 

“You’ve held onto it all these years.” Not a question. 

He nodded sheepishly. “I had every intention of giving it back to you at first, I swear I did. And then you left the rink without it and I just…” A shrug. “I barely saw you after that. And honestly, I wasn't sure how you would react if I sought you out. Or worse, really, how your mother would.”

Elain shivered at the thought. She could already picture Mama’s scowl along with her…colorful language. 

Azriel traced his finger around the glass rim. Pink bloomed high on his cheekbones as he said, “You've been my good luck charm for a while, Elain.” 

She almost spat out the brandy. Blinking, she asked, “What do you mean?”

“After putting on the necklace, I won the next three ice dance competitions,” He admitted, watching Elain’s brows rise. “I’ve also played some of the best hockey of my life. A small piece of you has been with me for years. Without even realizing it, you’ve been part of some of the best moments in my life.”  

She looked at him then. 

Really looked at him. 

Not just the warm eyes and strong, beautiful features. 

Not just the tattoos or the sweatpants hanging very low on his hips or the happy trail peeking out from underneath his shirt. (Though, she may have stared just a tad longer than necessary, and he may have caught her doing so and shifted a bit in the couch so more of his skin was exposed.)

But she looked at him and realized there weren’t enough words in any language to describe how important he’d become in just a short amount of time. There weren’t enough words to reflect how much she admired him, and how much his unyielding desire to see her happy had started chipping away at the walls around her heart. 

And as he went to remove the necklace, she crawled across the sofa with the blanket and brandy and curled up beside him, stopping him with a gentle, “Keep it.” 

Azriel gazed down at her, their noses only a few centimeters away. He had to pause himself from leaning forward and burying his face into her hair. “Why?” 

Elain shrugged, throwing half the blanket over his legs. He splayed his arm along the back of the couch and breathed out a sigh of relief when she leaned her head against his shoulder. “Because it’s yours.” 

There was a brief moment where she was unsure if she meant the necklace or her heart. 

What she did know, however, was that something changed between them that night.

ARTWORK FOR THE CHAPTER BY @chachachai17: HERE

DIVIDER BY: @saradika-graphics

[chessyhoward]

When Chess had first broke the news that she was taking Hazel to meet an old friend, excitement had quickly made way for trepidation. Her little girl, dark hair braided down her back, swinging her legs over the edge of her single bed, had merely raised a single eyebrow and stated in her sweet New Yorker manner of speaking, "But Mama, you don't have any old friends."

She couldn't really fault her for that one. It was technically true. All of Chess' old friends were people she saw through Facebook and Instagram updates, and people she hadn't seen in person since she declined various invites to pool parties and sleepovers, fearing people would discover the bump she hid under her jumper. Remnants of Chess' old life were few and far between, and Hazel had never been back to Sydney. She'd chatted to her Grandma and her Auntie handful of times over video chat, but never her Grandfather, who still had not been able to reckon his once-promising daughter throwing away her whole life over a teen pregnancy. Chess wished he could see how Hazel June was the best possible thing she could have done with her life.

Hazel had eventually warmed up to the idea of meeting Henry when she discovered that it went hand in hand with a day trip to Coney Island. She sat across from her Mama now, bundled in her winter coat and scarf, hair in two braids instead of one. Chess had deliberated over what to wear for longer than she cared to admit. Henry was her oldest friend and she'd once loved him dearly, but it wasn't hard to see their lives had gone in completely different directions. He was a rockstar, for crying out loud, no longer the shy boy who'd played piano for her. In the end, she'd settled on a pleated skirt, chunky boots, thrifted jumper and her trusty black leather coat that fell past her knees. She'd long since mastered the art of fashion forward clothing that still allowed her to run and play with her kid.

The train rocking Chess into a lull, she tapped her fingers against her knee. Glancing over at her daughter, she noticed Hazel was chewing her bottom lip. Leaning forward to broach the seat across from hers, she nudged Hazel.

"What's up, buttercup?" she asked, a small smile on her face.

Hazel leand in, so that her nose was almost brushing Chess' own. Dropping her voice to a whisper, she looked at her Mama with big, serious eyes.

"... Is Henry my dad?"

Unable to help herself, Chess crumpled into a fit of laughter. She'd always promised herself never to laugh at her daughter's questions, but she couldn't help herself. Hazel's sweet face soured immediately, leaving Chess to tug a resistant six-year-old into her lap.

"Oh, I'm sorry for laughing, baby. But no, no. I wouldn't spring that on you. He was my best ever friend."

After some light reassurance, the rest of the trip into the station was filled with amicable, nonsense babble about how they were going to spend their day. It wasn't long until they were spilling into the street, Hazel's tiny hand clasped in hers, peering out for a familiar face. He spotted her before she did him, and Chess raised her hand in an awkward half-wave, before pointing the man out to Hazel.

Still clutching Hazel's hand, she allowed herself to be enveloped in a hug, feeling the years fall away.

"Hi Hen," Chess beamed, her free hand coming up to cup his cheek, forgetting to not be over-familiar. "You look so handsome!"

Dropping her hand from his face, she instead watched as he turned to Hazel. Her tiny carbon copy peered suspiciously at his outstretched hand. The conversation on the train made sense, suddenly. Hazel, her bold and sociable little girl. suddenly nervous to meet her Mama's old friend? Chess squeezed her hand reassuringly, as Hazel stared him full in the face, peering at the smile he offered her.

Eventually, Hazel allowed her small hand to be shaken. Still not letting go of Henry, she turned to Chess and asked, "Are you sure, Mama?"

Chess winced, screwing her eyes shut. Apparently, she was not going to get out of this line of questioning lightly.

Typically, Henry didn’t really meet people for coffee. He wasn’t much of a ‘small talk and catch up’ kind of guy, if he was being honest. Plus, he was meeting Chess and Chess was bringing along her six-year-old daughter, Hazel, and while it had been twenty years since Henry had been a six-year-old, he was certain that any kid around that age would be bored stiff if told they were going to be sat in a coffee shop while their mother caught up with an old friend.

So, he’d bypassed the idea of meeting in a cafe completely and, of course, a bar was out of the question. Instead, he remembered all the summers in Monaco where he and Chess would hop onto his bicycle, him cycling and the brunette sitting on his handlebars, and go down to the pier, eating their weight in ice cream and encouraging each other to go on all the carnival rides. While summer was far behind them now, Henry still thought that something like that would be more their speed - Hazel’s too - and after finally finding a day in between touring and meeting with the Wilkes’, he sent Chess a text asking her to meet him at Coney Island.

The cold was biting as he stood outside the subway station, waiting for the girls to arrive. Still, it gave him an excuse to wear a scarf which he had been planning on doing in any case to hide the sizable hickey that Diego had carelessly left on his neck. Try as he may to tell himself that continuing to sleep with his bandmate was a bad idea, he’d yet to actually stop himself from falling into bed with Diego. Having a physical reminder of that wasn’t exactly helping matters, and he tugged his scarf further up, just in case it revealed itself to Chess and prompted certain questions to arise.

Eventually, after hearing the rattle of the D train leave the station, he spotted a young brunette across the street. Years had passed since he last saw her, but she still wore the same face that had taken up a good majority of his childhood.

Smiling softly, he looked both ways before jogging across the street to approach her and Hazel.

“Hey, you,” he greeted her, suddenly feeling the years fall away from them as he reached in and automatically gave Chess a hug. With a small squeeze, he eventually let her go so he could step back and properly look at her. “It’s really good to see you again.”

College and raising children and grieving best friends who had passed had kept the two of them apart for longer than either of them would have liked, but Henry could safely say there was no awkwardness between them as he beamed at Chess. Then, satisfied that his oldest friend hadn’t changed all that much, he turned his attention to the little girl clinging onto her hand.

“Hello,” he greeted her. With a sly smile, he pulled his hand out of his pocket and extended it towards her, a formality he’d never indulged in with an actual adult, but he hoped it would amuse her. “You must be Hazel. I’m Henry, your mum’s friend from when I was… about your height, actually.”

[silverflamedqueen]

Stages of Regret (Chapter 1)

This will be heavy on the angst. If you’re looking for fluff, and quick romance. Turn back now. It’s going to get worse before it gets better. This was shorter than I would’ve liked it to be. But, I wanted it to end on a certain point. 🙈

Nesta Archeron’s days off were spent visiting her favorite bakery. Where she would indulge in warm, fresh chocolate croissants. Days off meant no schedules to adhere to. As well as no one to look good for. Which meant pajamas all day sometimes. She could possibly read a book, or hang out with her friends. More importantly though, it meant she got to spend time with her favorite person. She wasn’t an overly chatty individual. Mostly she just listened to Nesta talk. Every now and again adding to the conversation.In her own special way. Her friends across the hall, Gwyn, and Emerie adored her the second they met her. Often begging to spend time with her. They said she was good company, and Nesta couldn't help but agree. It all made her happy.

But, at times, deep within herself. It also brought about a bitter feeling. Thoughts of what could’ve been. Had she not been such a coward. What could've been, had she let go of her damned pride for once in her life. It was too late for that now though. Without a doubt, there was no going back. Too much damage had been done. The bridge was burned to cinders. So she looked toward the future she could look to. Ignoring taunts, the shadows whispered in the darkest parts of her mind. This was her life now. She chose this. Owning it was the only option.

So with croissants in hand, she chattered absently. As she rounded the corner to her hallway. Noting how it was getting hot outside. Which was only met with the sweet smile and laughing eyes of her companion.

The sight of a man idly leaning against her doorway stopped Nesta dead in her tracks. She recognized those hazel eyes. As they bore into her, piercing that armor she worked so hard to forge. He always had that effect though. He always would.

For the past year, she’d seen those same eyes .They haunted her, serving as a reminder of what she did. What she couldn’t take back. He shifted his stance. Pushing off the wall.

“ Nesta” he gruffed, no hint of the love they once shared. She wasn’t surprised. So she steeled herself. Standing straighter, she adjusted the bag on her shoulder “ Cassian”.

She didn't know why she expected to hear him call her Nes. Maybe it was wishful thinking on her part. The affectionate name had always calmed her. Not that she’d ever admit to it. But, No matter the tone, whether it be joking, gentle,or loving. It always made her feel special. It was just for her. He never called her by her full name, ever, until now.

Nesta’s mind wandered to the Christmas party. That had changed everything. Had it really been a year and a half since she heard that name last?  She recalled Rhysand, her sister Feyre’s arrogant fiance. How he’d poked at her and Cass’s relationship. Any civility between the two of them. Was purely for Cass and Feyre’s sake. Anytime they were alone together. No words were exchanged. Both were content to sit in silence. Morrigan, Rhysand’s cousin, joyfully inserted her opinion that Elain would be a more palpable option for Cass. Something that even pulled a chuckle out of Amren. Who had once been a friend of sorts to her. In the end though she was never hers. Amren was Feyre's friend. She felt foolish for thinking otherwise.

Azriel though had never uttered any grievance towards her. In fact, he often gave her small reassuring smiles. When she had become the topic of interest. In a less favorable way. She even saw him give Rhysand, his brother, a disapproving look. At the comment made about her and Cass’s relationship.

After that comment though. The digs kept coming. Nesta had sat herself in a stuffed armchair as they all berated her. One comment, in particular, had hit her hard. Made by Morrigan, no surprise there. A wish that she’d just go away. To his credit, Cass gave her a look. But, she needed more than that from him. She knew most of them hated her. Thought she wasn’t good enough for Cass. It was an unspoken fact. Hell, she herself believed it. But, Nesta finally had enough when Morrigan pouted and draped her feet across her boyfriend's lap, wiggling her toes. A clear indication of wanting a foot massage. Her boiling point was fully reached when Cass indulged her whim.

With that, she had stood up, and made her way to the front door. Throwing it open, causing a resounding thud. As it hit the wall. Silence fell quickly after that. Cass had tried to intervene afterward. She even heard Feyre call out for her. She was too angry, too hurt to care. Cass had fretted about the cold weather, and her lack of a coat. Begged her to stay. To just talk to him. But, she heard none of it. If They wanted her gone. Then she’d do just that. 

However, a kink was thrown into her plan a few days later. One she didn’t see coming. One that scared her to her very core. If she was being honest.

Nesta showed up at Cass’s door the next day.  She needed to talk to him. Wanted to talk to him. She missed him. She missed his morning cuddles. She missed the way that he denied using her shampoo, that idiot. Resolve was fresh in her mind. She was ready to talk to him. To figure out how to move forward together. Her hopes were slashed though when. His door opened only to reveal a sneering Morrigan. A waste of space she had called her. Before slamming the door in her face.

   Nesta got a new number, broke her lease, quit her job, and moved across town. In the span of a few days. She assumed everyone was giving her space, by not showing up. When they did though most would be in for a much welcome surprise. She’d finally be out of their lives.

Her new job paid better for sure. For the first six months, she worked behind the bar. Learning different pouring techniques, and the proper way to mix drinks. After that, she started working the floor.  Balthazar, her boss, was adamant that all his employees get to their cars safely at night. Made this ridiculous buddy system. But, it worked. She was appreciative.

Her new apartment wasn’t much. A simple one bedroom. She’d made it a home though. Soon after moving in she met her neighbors. Gwyn, a spunky redhead. Who worked from home. She barely left her apartment. When she did leave. She’d dart over to another apartment.

Emerie owned a family shop. Something said family wasn't too thrilled about. But, she seemed unbothered by it. All of them had bonded over smutty books. Soon forming a genuine friendship. They cured her loneliness.

The clearing of a throat brought her out of her thoughts, and back to the current situation at hand. Cass’s face now looked elsewhere. Hazel eyes, met another pair of  Hazel eyes. The one year old on her hip was intrigued.  As she stared in wonder. Pain flashed across his face. “ How old is she?” he asked. Nesta knew what he was asking. She thought It’d be obvious. From the tiny tuft of light brown hair atop her head, to the piercing hazel eyes. She was a perfect mix of both of them. At least Nesta thought so. “ If you’re asking if she’s yours, she is”. She hadn’t meant it to come out so blunt. So, she tried to soften it. “ I had no right to keep her from you, I’m sorry”. His eyes met hers for the second time today. The pain still evident in them. He leaned back on the wall. “ Can we have a discussion inside?”. Nesta had feared this talk. She knew that eventually her past would catch up to her. “Of Course”. She said, a slight shake in her tone. As she opened her door.

[artic-willow]

Duskwood AU "Criminal On The Loose."

Chapter 1 (M) "Feelings."

Taglist: @jakelogic @crow-chaos @i-desire-jake @jakeismylover @digital-corruption @pennyl4n3 @saddah-mo @booklover-01040 @rw47vr-key7vr @red-writes-stuff @layanasstories @zmayadw @hacked-by-jake @spookycolorpeanut @leverageduskwood @lyricsofravensong @juan-nonetheway @robbybarnes @lois-carroline @captainwanderlust78 @jake01040-duskwood @silentblogsstuff @youngphilosophertragedy @slow-hazel @sasnayaandra  @lem-onchan  @futaba-01040 @duskwood-fandom @aisling-things @oceanipebble @withjake-blog @duskyducky @roxiuuu @duskwoodx @miraculous-duskwood-girl @riaduskwood @nala-raines @lyon-amore @justubi @renneiscent

!TW: Bad words, Medical drugs/Drugs and mention of Self-Harm (Flashback)!

*Jake’s POV*

I'm in the car, with a cigarette in my hand, parked in a parking lot. Disgusting.

I'm dirty, my mouth is just sticky from the smoke. Adorable. My hoodie is dirty with smoke residue. Disgusting. My mind cannot forget about my past. Again, disgusting.

I feel like one of my fathers, who takes drugs until he has lost all consciousness and sees reality slip out of his sight. Because he is, he has spent his life smoking as if it is the only escape and a band-aid from all pain.

...That's it, sort of. In fact you know what it does, the dangers of only consuming one cigarette.

But, I just do it. Why? Just two words, life sucks.

No, not always. Only those who see life as lousy live it as lousy. And because of that, I don't have a good life. Because I passed it only as if I were the spectator.

Yet when I was a little boy I couldn't control my emotions, so I couldn't do anything other than impose pain on myself. Scratching until I felt a bittersweet in my mouth. 'A quick remedy' in fact.

Poor little boy, emotions hurt, huh? This is why I have learned to ignore them, not to take them into consideration. If I do, will I suffer? Yes, as always. I can't let emotions win. Yet emotions hurt so much but they are indispensable, because if you don't listen to them, everyone automatically considers you a robot. Without emotions and to be thrown away.

Why does no one understand why I don't listen to my emotions? Easy. Hating a child is automatically being emotionless.

Yet that little girl is the result of an infidelity, the mother and father confirmed it. As my parents did more than once.

Even though my emotions tell me to get close to her, it looks like that little girl is pointing a gun in my forehead.

Disgusting.

She just has to be alone from me.

Without thinking I smoke again, now the smoke comes out of the window while I am in a state of 'Your wound is healed, for now!'.

From just one breath, they become five and so on.

I can only do one thing, hold a piece of paper in my fingers, not a normal piece of paper, a letter.

Jessy gave it to me. Best friend of that bitch.

As soon as I read and reread the last line, I just wanted to throw up from all the emotions I had in my body:

—

Dear Jake,

I wanted to end it, I already had the pills in my hand in my room. I just wanted to forget the pain, but it seemed too much to ask. Still, I was in front of the bar.

Needless to say, to forget the pain, I turned into a doll for him. He could bite me, he could slap me, I didn't care. It was nice.

And when it's done...It's done. Perfect, thanks phil! We will not see each other again, because I am no longer anything to him but only a sex toy...But that's okay! Bye!

But...Oops, forget about the protections.

We're running away from the government, needless to say they found out about me being pregnant. I had feelings for Jessy, but oops she told the group. Answer? Only for my protection and baby's.

And phil? Straight to jail, the group served him to the police on a silver platter. He was just a traitor to them.

But...Now I don't have a husband and a baby in my arms. I gave birth in very bad conditions. I give birth on the ground and almost die.

She's a little girl, I call her Azure. Yet I don't want her.

To recap...I have a little girl in my arms that I don't want, the hypothetical father is in prison, ‘my’ group and I are wanted all over Duskwood and at the moment we manage in a Bunker.

What should I do? Obviously run away and leave the child to the group. I spent my whole life running away from problems, like you. I've spent my entire life with a classic: 'Oops.' Just like you.

Yet I can't raise my finger at you, because you were in prison and maybe even dead.

So, we are tied. Traitor. :)

- Summer

—

I just wished the emotions at that moment hadn't left me, worse than believing what I read.

What the fuck?

She can't really have said that... 'All a misunderstanding' like she seems to be saying this, or like she is spitting in my face that everything she is doing is justified because I did it too when we knew each other as children.

No, she is not a child anymore. Grow up arrogant bitch.

Yet why does she seem to not give a shit but act like a goddamn selfish person?

I literally slide off the seat, I only feel my dry mouth with the letter between my fingers.

Damn it.

Although it is pitch dark, I see a silhouette in the shadows.

Jessy?

I see Jessy climb up and open the car door.

Wait...How long have I been here?

-"Jake! It's full of smoke in here!" She exclaims as she coughs.

He steps aside, just to let the smoke out.

I didn't know what to do. I bow a little and rub my eyes without thinking.

-"What were we doing before?" I asked. Fuck how stupid I am.

She frowns. -"Excuse me? We've been here for hours!" She gets in the car and with a bang closes the door. -"We are on a mission!"

-"Oh. Right." Respond by looking at her, although I don't have a mirror with me I can imagine my gaze darkening.

She looks at me confused, -"What happened?"

-"Is irrelevant." I answer.

-"Jake." She begins, in a slightly sarcastic voice. "I don't know you well, but you understand that something is wrong."

I sigh.

I see with the thing in the eye her looking at the paper between my fingers, I was so concentrated that I have completely forgotten about the paper.

Quickly, she takes the paper.

-"Jessica!" I exclaim and try to snatch it from her hands.

Despite this, I somehow manage to pick up the sheet. We looked like two children.

-"What is that??" She faces the letter with a lot of curiosity.

-"A letter, but it's none of your business." I rolled my eyes.

-"It's not from..." She slowly pulls away from my arm. -"...About Summer?"

I look at the void. -"Yes."

She doesn't say anything. -"I left you the letter..." She begins, "I was hoping you wouldn't find out."

-"What?" I raised my voice.

She looks up, completely scared. She gets defensive and mumbles something. -"Wait! She betrayed me too!"

- "This does not mean that you have to make me unaware of everything!" My hand slowly turns into a fist.

-”I’m sorry! But I thought you might want to look for her...You were on time!" She tries to justify herself, as if the light is now the dark.

-"Much worse!" Growl, how the fuck does this bitch afford?

I approach with a stiff fist, she takes my sweatshirt with one hand and squeezes it. I sharpen my eyebrows and she seems to be asking for mercy only with her eyes.

-”Jake! Stop! She never loved you!” What she says is a fucking sword of truth in my heart, fuck it.

As soon as she says those words, my heart punches itself. It is frustrating, it is true but above all I have never had hope with her and Jessy knows it.

I sit on the half-broken seat, a tear falls from my eye and I cover my face with my hands like a hedgehog.

-”What…What did I do wrong…She never loved me even if I wanted her heart too much…I did a lot for her…?” My voice is completely broken, like a glass jar. It echoes throughout the car even if it is extremely low.

Jessy never seems to have seen a boy cry, my dad would be disappointed in me. I look at her, her pale green eyes lightning mine.

She hugs me.

-"I'm sorry, Jake." She whispers in my ear and squeezes her arms in my neck.

I tried, tried a lot but my efforts were in vain. She never loved me, and she didn't hide it as she hid on her prairie when we were little.

I close my eyes, my throat is completely dry but I still try to let go of the stress.

As I always did when I was adolescent, but I cut myself and sometimes I still use it...I did it because the stress was deadly and I couldn't deal with it. Maybe I'm happy to be an adult, or maybe not.

Even though I am now known as a criminal, with a gun in his hand and a heart at the bottom of his body. I accept destiny, like a child without parents in a street...Without a home and a destination, but maybe the destination I want to reach comes from my heart.

The love that has not been returned, and never will.

[shesnotaposer]

𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮❜𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 || 𝐰. 𝐦𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐟𝐟

navigation || marvel masterlist || hollywood masterlist

pairing: wanda maximoff x female reader

warning: kinda fluff, natasha romanoff as your established ex, steve rogers as your ex's new boyfriend

prompt: "with you, i feel free."

a/n: i was supposed to post this tomorrow but what the heck, i might as well just do it now :)

"natasha is leaving with steve for good, apparently." your attention, once lost on the woman dancing happily with her man at the center of the room, now was grabbed by a scarlet dressed lady who's figure walked towards you with 2 drinks at hand.

you looked at her, yourself forcing a small smile as you gently accepted the glass she handed you. her eyes were kept on yours, as she dropped herself onto the spot next to you, watching you take the drink with big gulps as she waited for a response.

you didn't know, nor did you think that she wanted you to at least comment on her news. you really wouldn't want to. natasha is no longer a part of your life. whatever she chooses to do, with whoever she chooses to do it with, is none of your business.

but as you finished your drink, your girlfriend's eyes piercing through you, you knew that you had to. so as you set your now empty glass at the table in front of you, your eyes subtly stealing glances from the red-head who continued to dance with steve, you looked at wanda, with a slightly tilted head and a reassuring smile.

"that's nice." said you in a soft voice. "i wish them the best."

you saw it, every hint of emotion hidden behind her hazel brown eyes. doubt, fear, worry, disbelief, disappointment. all for an answer she seemed not to want to hear. but behind those emotions were her, clearly trying to fight them all off.

you did not need to ask, nor did you need her mind-reading powers to know. just her eyes were enough to let you know how she feels. and right now—for the longest time, you know that what she feels is worry over the possibility of your unceased feelings for natasha. she was your greatest love afterall.

you spent 7 years loving her. her name had been engraved long in your heart. and even until your 7 year long relationship had ended, that very lady, everything that she is, all the she's done, and what you two had would always and forever be a part of you.

"i love you..." you whispered. "with you, i feel free."

she knew. wanda knew what you were trying to do. she just wished you never had to do it. she cursed herself everyday for being how she is, feeling what she does, and having you constantly reassure her of your feelings for her.

but she can see the way you stare at your former lover. the spark in your eyes are much brighter than when you stare at her. she never ceased to miss every stolen glance you get of natasha. your concern for the lady thay had never changed—instead had grown more. and in missions... she saw how you looked out for natasha the most. how you grab ever opportunity to protect her, laying your life constantly to protect hers.

so would it really be her fault... if she couldn't believe your words?

"come... let's dance." she said, standing up as she dusted her dress, offering her hand right after. a giggle you let out before accepting her hand, herself now leading you to the dance floor.

and right as the music had changed into a slow romantic song, she already had her arms on your waist, and yours wrapped around her neck as you both stared at each other, face only inches away.

how she wish she could believe you. she loves you with all her heart, but deep down she knows that you don't. that despite you loving her back, your love for her is only a small part of the love you wish you could stop giving natasha but couldn't.

you didn't know that. probably because instead of facing whatever feelings you still have left of your past lover you push it all down to where you'd no longer feel like they exist. that's why until now you wished that wanda could just believe you. when you tell her that you love her. you wish she'd see the way you look at her, and how happy she makes you feel. especially now, as you both danced, lost into your own little world, you could feel your racing as she held you close to her.

and when the opportunity came, she spun you around, and from what it seemed like, you two had been completely lost into your own world. as you both danced like princesses in a ball, hand in hand, with her spinning you in many vast ways that had you laughing and giggling, you feel your head starting to spin and so did she, but all you could think of, or even feel at that moment was each other.

that was the happiest you've felt you've been in a very long time, this lady being the one making you so happy.

the whole world felt like it had left you all alone with only the music and the company of each other, time seeming to slow down as you got tilted back, time completely stopping. she stared at you with a smile and her deep brown eyes, and that was when you realized,

the person who made you the happiest had emerald green eyes.

[reidswritings]

I’ll Fight For You

authors note; uhhh happy new year! this is just a little something i wrote when i was feeling sad and wishing i had a spencer. i am in NO WAY trying to romanticize depression lol also this is kinda based on the song moonlight by future islands (this isnt edited so if you saw a mistake, no you didnt)

word count; 2.5k

warnings; depression and anxiety

Heavy. So, so heavy. That’s how she felt. She felt like the whole world had its ties on her and they were dragging her down, down, down. It felt like the darkness had finally caught up with her. She felt as though she couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. It was all too much— too much of an effort, too much of a task, too much to even get her body to sit up. 

She had been fine the night before— that’s what she was trying to convince herself. 

She hadn’t been.

No, instead she had been declining and everyone who knew her could see it. They could see it on her face, they could see it when her usually contagious smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. They saw it in the way she apologized one too many times. They saw it in the way she constantly zoned out. They saw it get worse and worse and worse every day. 

Bit by bit they watched as the disease clawed its way from the depths of whatever cave it lived in and did its very best to drag her back down into the darkness with it. 

They saw it all. They were just too polite to say anything. Too polite, too uncaring, too preoccupied. Too whatever. A part of her wished they hadn’t been too whatever. A part of her wished they cared enough to reach out. 

Though, she thought, maybe it was a good thing they hadn’t. Maybe it was a good thing they let her be. Maybe it was a good thing— it gave her the opportunity to get over whatever this was by herself, in peace. 

The Tired Girl wasn’t kidding anyone. They all knew what this was. This wasn’t some funk she’d get over. This wasn’t just a bad day. This was just her life. This was just how she had to live. This was her condition rearing its ugly head—her depression. It always happened to her at the worst times. It happened when she first fell in love. It happened when everything was going well at work. It happened when nothing was wrong in her life. It happened when her life was absolute shit. It always happened when she least expected it. 

It just always happened.

Beside her, she felt the comforter pull. It pulled away from under her chin, letting in the cold air. Letting in the bad thoughts. Letting in the intrusive thoughts. Letting in everything she desperately wanted to keep out. She felt him move from the bed, his hand patting her back. He leaned down, fingers tangling themselves in her knotted hair, kissing her head so softly she wanted to cry. She heard him grunt as he stood, bones cracking alongside the stretch he gave— she listened as he did the same thing he did every single morning. 

She heard him gulp down the glass of water from the night prior, she heard him walk into the bathroom connected to their room and she heard him hum to himself as he started his day. She listened as he twisted open the cap to his contacts, then his glasses case. She heard him opened the face wash and then the toothpaste. She heard it all, stuck in the bed like she was chained to it. Stuck in the bed like she was prisoner to it. 

She heard him do all these things and once again, like clockwork, she began to feel her body seize up. She felt her blood boil, she felt herself become so angry she could hardly stand it. 

She wished she could move. She wished she could get up to be with him. She wished she could partake in their morning kiss. She wished they could laugh together in the bathroom mirror, toothbrushes in hand and toothpaste falling down their lips and chins. She wished she could share a cup of coffee with him. She wished and wished and wished. She wished she wasn’t so angry at the world, at herself, at everything. 

Oh, how she wished she could just be there. 

Minutes passed. Or maybe hours. Time wasn’t relevant to her anymore. Her unfocused eyes were watching the curtains. They were pulled closed, dark and depressing— much like herself. She remembered when they bought the stupid drapes. 

The had bought the blackout ones, hopeful not to be woken up by the sun raising. She liked it at the time, she thought it was a good idea. . . at the time. Now, the goddamn curtains were hurting her soul. She wanted to pull them open. She just had no energy. She just couldn’t move.

So, she sat, staring blankly at the god awful blackout curtains. Until he blocked her view. Her eyes focused, meeting the beautiful hazel eyes she fell in love with. His mouth was moving but her ears hadn’t caught up yet. She could tell that he was sighing, defeated. She blinked, unmoving. She felt bad, she felt so fucking horrible. She felt horrible for her, for him, for everything. Still, she couldn’t find it in herself to move— to make it better. To fix things. 

She watched his hand reach out, slowly, settling on her covered arm. She could feel the warmth through her shirt and that made things a little better. Not much, but when you’re that sick, anything helped. No matter how big or small. 

She wanted to smile, thank him for being there for her. She wanted to kiss him like her life depended on it. She wanted to give him all the things he deserved— but still, she was unmoving, frozen.

Everything hit her at once, she could throw up. She could cry, she could scream, she could throw a fucking fit. She wanted to be left alone, she couldn’t handle anything. He was talking, she was catching the tail end of it. “—ou alright?”

Thick with sleep, with sadness, with morning haziness, her voice was loud, “Huh?’’

He spoke again, “I said, are you alright?” She could feel his thumb rubbing against her arm and it hurt. It hurt. Everything hurt. She shook her head, eyes closing again. She felt her face scrunch up, in annoyance, in pain, in sadness, in everything she wished she wasn’t. 

He moved his hand, the one that was just too soft, to her cheek. She wished it was soothing, she wished she could lean into his touch. The Worried Boy nodded, “Okay, okay. What can I do? How can I help?’’

The girl shrugged. She was sighing, heavy, it carrying everything that she had bottled up the past weeks. She knew what she needed, but she was too afraid to ask. Too afraid to voice her thought, too afraid she’d be too much. Too afraid that this would be the one thing that he deemed to be too much. 

He pulled the blanket back up to her chin, hands hovering. His mind was moving a mile a minute, trying, thinking of anything that might help his Pretty Girl. Her mind was creating lies, telling her that she was worthless, that he hated her, that she was nothing. 

It was a whirlwind— her mind. She willed it to stop, unsuccessfully, she curled further into her dark position. She felt his hands leave her, finally. A breath of fresh air rushed through her lungs, comfort and calm filling her veins. She could finally breathe— until she couldn't again. Her mind began again, throwing the nasty at her. It told her he didn't love her, it told her he didn't want to touch her. It told her she was too much. It told her all the things she didn't want to hear. 

It told her all the things he tried too hard to make her forget on the good days. 

"Hey." his voice cut through the fog, loud and strong. It was her light at the end of her dark tunnel, "Stop that."

He let out a breath, it fanned on her face, she welcomed the heat that followed. “I’m sorry.”

He was shaking his head, sad and feeling all the feelings for her. He wished away her bad thoughts, he wanted her to return to the usually bubbly girl she was. 

 Her world was suddenly shifting again and her mind becoming no less clouded, heavy as ever. The boy who she loved with her entire being, pulled her arms to her chest, sliding in bed behind her. His lips were moving against her ear, words brushing her skin. 

Her ears were picking up on the sweet nothings her pretty boy was murmuring, but her mind was on a different path. Her mind was fogged. It was like she was watching, listening, through a fogged up piece of glass. 

She could feel his arms on her body, it was comforting. And before she knew what was happening to her, her mind was swirling again. It was sharp. She found her voice, strong in the disappointment that was her illness. “Spence— Spencer, I-I.”

She stopped, depression kicking her in the ass. Spencer’s voice was louder. “Don’t, don’t stop. Keep going, push through, Y/N/N.”

“I’m so tired. I feel like. . . everything is just so hard right now, Spence.”

He sighed, she did too, eyes heavy and lethargic. She was so fucking tired, she felt like she could pass out any second. She felt like she hadn’t slept in ages. Her head fell back on to his shoulder, his hands bursting away the knotted hair away. If she wasn’t in this funk, she knew her heart would’ve skipped a beat at the simple gesture. Breath heavy on her lungs, on her body, on her mind and soul, she exhaled.

Her boy nodded, squeezing her just a little extra. “That’s it. Let it out.”

His hands were moving again, brushing against her cheeks. He was wiping, lingering. Her eyes caught his hand when he finally took it away, it was wet, glistening in the small amount of light that illuminated the two. 

“I’m sorry. . .” The broken girl breathed. She wasn’t sure why she did so. All she knew was that it was second nature. Saying those words was up there with the need to breathe, pressing and dire. 

“. . .Why?” It was just as quiet as her cries— the ones that she barely had a clue were happening. 

Despite the ignorance, she cried harder, eyes and face scrunched up tighter than Spencer had ever seen. Her breath had caught, faster than they both wanted. Her heart seized up, sad and lonely— despite the pretty boy beside her. She wanted to be anywhere other than where she was. She was tired— tired of feeling the way she did. Tired of feeling like she wasn’t enough for him. Tired of feeling like she was more a burden than a blessing. She was just so, so fucking tired. 

She knew she could talk to him. She knew that. Of course she did, it was Spencer— she could tell him anything and he’d never, ever, in a millions years, judge her or make her feel like less for having her own thoughts and opinions.

So, it was usually easy to talk to him. It was easy because she loved him. She loved the way he responded, she love the way he would light up every time she sat him down and told him everything. It was easy because he would get this look on his face that she rarely ever saw. He would get this look that she loved more than anything in the whole world. More than chocolate, more than her favorite movie, more than her friends, more than everything. 

Y/N’s most favorite thing in the whole world was the look that crossed his beauty whenever she talked to him. When it happened, it was like the whole world had stopped. To, Spencer, it was like everything in his world had become. . . secondary. Like, nothing else mattered to the pale boy except the words that were leaving his pretty girl. His eyes would grow all wide and innocent and it warmed Y/N’s heart every damn time. 

She quickly learned that to see her favorite look, she had to talk. To him. About everything. Even the ugly. Even her deepest darkest secrets. And she did, quite often too. So, when the broken girl cried out in-between sobs and choppy breathes a very heart-wrenching, “I don’t know!” Spencer knew something was amiss. 

His hands were back in her hair, pulling it away from her eyes, her forehead, opening up the girl to the light he so desperately wanted to share with her. “Hey, just breathe.”

Cries still there, just not as present, she sat up. Looking at her boy through the blurry vision that were her tears, she said, “You don’t deserve this.”

He didn’t answer, he only raised his hand, to place on her shoulder, probably. She flinched away and hurt crossed his features before he placed his hand back down onto his own leg. She continued, head shaking, “You know that, don’t you? You deserve someone who can get up with you in the morning. You should have someone who doesn’t wallow in their own pity and despair. You deserve more than me, Spence.”

“I don’t think you understand, Y/N.” His voice had a bite of sadness to it. Y/N could tell. His eyes were far away, though maintaining eye contact. 

“Understand?” Her breath stilled finally. She was perplexed with her beautiful boy. An action that happened quite often. 

His beautiful eyes returned, he shook his head slightly. His mouth turned up at the side and he let out the smallest of chuckles. “Y/N, I-I— You mean everything to me.”

The boy cleared his throat, probably to flush away the tears that threatened to show through his voice. Then he continued, looking at his pretty girl. “I will tell you until the end of time. I’ll tell you until it gets through that thick skull of yours.” He chuckled at that, a finger tapping against her temple. 

“Spencer, I’m just so, so tired. Tired of everything.”

Her boy sighed, sad again. “ We fight for each other. You fought to clear my name, you fought to get me clean. . . again. We fight for each other, Y/N/N. And right now, I’m asking for you to make the choice to stay, because I cant do this without you, Y/N. I’m gonna fight for you. I’ll fight for you, until I don’t have to anymore.”

And for once, 

For once,

For once, she realized, she wasn’t quite as alone as she had thought. She wasn’t the only one that experience this kind of sadness. She realized that her once small, dark world was no longer small and dark. 

Not with Spencer Reid pulling her through the dark, never ending tunnel. Now, she wasn’t cured, not by any means, of course. But, it hurt just a little less knowing he was right there with her. 

Knowing he was her light in the dark storm of life. And that was all she needed. 

[i-write-sometimes-blog]

Cold Eyes (Dark Rey x Reader) [Epilogue]

Summary: a soft moment after the war.

Words: 1,293

A/N: So this is the very end of this series. Thank you all for taking the time for reading it and staying until the end. 💕💕✨

One year after the battle of Mustafar.

Dim lights slid through the big window casting shadows over your bare back that Rey had been contemplating in silence as you peacefully slept. You seemed so happy lying next to her, humming delicately in your sleep. Rey could never get enough of that sight that made her heart melt as a warm sensation spreaded through her body. Happiness, she liked to think. Love, in fact.

Rey brushed some strands of hairs out of your face to appreciate more of your pretty features, for her you were the most beautiful creature in this vast galaxy. Her gaze traveled from your face to your shoulders as her delicate fingers caressed your skin smiling at the sight of the little marks she had left over your skin the night before, a very passionate night.

However, the smile curving her lips disappeared when her eyes met the long scar that snaked down your naked back and the circular scar that matched the one below your ribs, the unerasable marks of the lightsaber, Rey’s saber. A painful reminder of her dark past, of how much she hurt you.

She regretted her actions, hated her past that she tried to leave behind so desperately, sometimes even hated herself too. No matter how many times you told her everything was fine now she refused to believe it, she couldn't. Not after all she had done. And those scars were proof of how dangerous she was. Rey didn’t want to be dangerous, not to you.

The feeling of her soft fingers tracing down the longer scar in your back woke you up and as your eyes fluttered open you looked over your shoulder to find Rey gazing down at you, the warm light of the early morning illuminating her soft features.

“Hi.” you mumbled, still sleepy but with a pleasant hum leaving your lips.

“Hi.” Rey greeted you. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you."

"It’s okay. I don't mind waking up to this view." You murmured with a soft grin over your sleepy face.

She smirked for a moment but you noticed how the smile seemed to hide something else, there was conflict in her hazel eyes but you didn't know why.

"Hey, it's everything alright, sunshine?" You asked, shifting in the bed to face her. "Rey, what is it?" You murmured confused. You looked at her propped on her elbow next to you, thinking. When her gaze met yours again she seemed calmed once again.

"I… " she said, struggling with her words a little. "Sometimes I think you're just a beautiful dream."

You smiled. "Well, you certainly are a dream come true, my love." You told her, earning a soft melodious chuckle that echoed through the room until it vanished in the air.

"Sometimes I don't get to understand," she said in a rather serious tone. "after everything I did to you, why are you still here?"

Rey had asked you this question so many times over the past year and your answer was always the same.

“You know why.” you told her smiling. You got closer to her placing a hand delicately over her the side of her face, Rey enjoyed the warm sensation of your warm palm against her cheek before carefully placing a kiss over your skin.

“Do I?” she said in a playful tone looking into your eye with such tenderness, her hazel eyes seemed warmer with the soft light of the early morning, those eyes that you completely adored, that were never yellow or cold again but full of hope and light. "Remind me again." She murmured with that beautiful smile of hers that drove you wild.

You chuckled before answering.

"Because I love you, Rey" you told her. No matter how many times Rey heard those words they made her heart beat faster every single time.

"I love you too, Y/N." She said leaning in to press a short yet sweet kiss over your lips. Then she went quiet for a moment, just observing you unable to believe you were really there with her after all that happened, after all you went through.

"Thank you." She finally murmured.

"For what?"

"For never giving up on me." Rey told you. "You were always there for me when I needed you the most, no matter what. When everyone else thought I was completely gone you still saw light inside me and even in my darkest days, in my lowest point you always loved me." She confessed with a surprisingly calm tone as she ran her fingers through your hair.

You listened to her words carefully, feeling every kind of sensation while she spoke from her heart

"I don't think I'd ever be able to repay you for everything you've done for me, my love, my light." She murmured looking into your eyes. Rey had spent all those years alone in the desert seeking something that was now in front of her, because when she looked into your eyes she could swear she was home.

"I can think in a few ways." you teased with a smirk. Shaking her head Rey laughed before leaning to capture your lips in a more passionate way. After all this time with Rey her kisses were still the sweetest, you were sure you would never get tired of her delicate lips brushing against yours.

"I'm really in love with you, Rey. And I think I'll always be." You murmured inches away from her lips.

"I'll love you until the last star dies." She mumbled. "And that's a promise."

Carefully you tuck a lock of Rey’s hair behind her ear, you took your time to admire her features, that soft smile of her that allowed her dimples to show into her cheeks, couldn’t resist to press a kiss over one of them before letting your gaze keep traveling up her face until you found her light brown eyes, her eyes reminded you just how long this journey had been for the two of you and you realized in every step her gaze always seemed to follow you around.

Light brown was her glance when you met her for the first time in the Resistance, she appeared in the doorway with her delicate white clothes to ask for help and without knowing, stole your heart.

Her eyes were cold more than once, unfortunately. You saw that deadly stare in her eyes for the first time in the woods, looking back at it, it seemed like it happened in another and way different life. Those cold eyes chased you for a long time, afraid of all the anger and pain they seemed to hold. Fearing that darkness that was growing inside Rey would exterminate all the light.

At some point you thought it did, Rey gave up completely to the darkest side of her turning into a complete stranger, turning her eyes to the color of the burning lava beneath the cold fortress that witnessed everything, the bad but even the good. It witnessed a love that bloomed in the dark.

And now, with the delicate light of the morning that slid through the window like the light that filtered through the leaves of the trees outside the small house her eyes were hazel, shimmering like hundreds of stars forming a beautiful hazel nebula with hints of green. Warm as the rising sun. You could stare into those eyes forever if you could, you felt grateful you would get to see them every morning for the rest of your life.

After all those battles, after all that pain you were sure you both had suffered enough, it was time for you to start over. The war was over but your lifes had just begun.

Tagging: @cpt-bolter , @elvencantation , @jay-birf03 , @x-a-gay-disaster-x , @ridleysjazz , @hstoria , @iamafangirl-fightme , @leilei-draws , @hayley-the-comet , @snoot-snoot-toot , @1-800-depressedlesbian , @empresspalpatinee , @xgaygremlinx , @the-great-imagines-of-1812 , @rxyarrows

(In case you want to be tagged for specific things or everything I write, just let me know)

[joelthedinosaur]

Ridin' High | Part Two

Joel Miller x OC

Part one here

Warnings: angsty old man, language

Word count: hella?? idk man I wrote this in July and then didn't get back on this blog until a few weeks ago...

Cat awoke the next morning to find Joel asleep next to her. Naked. Soft light filtered in through the window as twilight faded.

She groggily rubbed her eyes and pushed herself up off the floor. Embarrassment at what they had done enveloped her.

How could this happen? Fear and shame rose up in her. She barely knew this man.

As she rose, Joel opened his eyes and rolled over. His body stretched languidly on the floor of the cabin.

"Mornin'". He grinned sheepishly at her, a glitter flashing in his hazel eyes. "Sleep well?".

"Joel...". Cat didn't even know where to begin. They had fucked like animals with abandonment. She had never felt so deliciously confused - or sore - in her life.

She averted his gaze and hastily gathered her clothing from the floor. Slipping into the other room, she dressed and attempted to avoid him.

--

Joel sat up from the floor, stiff from lying on the hard ground, and disappointed that Cat seemed ashamed.

Damn, he ought to be ashamed as well. He just fucked a girl half his age. He was a father before this girl was even born.

With a groan, he pushed himself to his feet and dressed. The girl had already rushed out of the cabin to the horses by the time he grabbed his pack.

"Cat, I...". He followed her out onto the porch of the cabin and called out to her. He gently grabbed her shoulder and turned her towards him.

There were tears in his eyes. A tightness gripped him and his heart fell. He still desperately wanted to be close to this girl. Had he hurt her? Did he misread her signals? Hell, she seemed as eager as he the night before.

"I'm sorry. That shouldn't have happened". She choked on her words and tears began to fall from her eyes.

"Hey, hey. Shh. Don't do that". He pulled her to his chest and held her tightly. She went limp against him and sobbed. "Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong."

Cat continued to cry into his chest until he tipped her chin up so her eyes met his gaze. "Darlin', that was amazing."

She grinned feebly but the smile was gone as quickly as it had come. Her brow furrowed. "It shouldn't have happened. I'm sure you have someone. I see the way other women look at you". Cat pushed out of his arms and slung herself up onto her horse. "We have a long ride."

Joel sighed heavily. This girl drove him insane. A swirl of emotions filled him and he felt the same electricity from last night fill him again as he stared at her on the mare. Shaking his head, he said no more and mounted his own horse.

Cat made sure to keep a decent distance between him as they rode back to Jackson. She never said a word, and he didn't dare speak up. She rode silently ahead of him and kept her eyes forward.

To his disappointment, she didn't speak to him once they arrived back at the town. She left her mare at the barn and stormed off, stone faced.

Joel led his horse slowly into the barn, brow furrowed. One of the men tending to the horses chuckled softly. "What'd ya do? Piss her off?".

"Guess so," Joel replied.

He didn't see her for the rest of the day.

--

Two weeks went by and Cat managed to avoid Joel almost entirely.

She managed to swap her patrols so they weren't sent out together. Joel hadn't seen her since she stormed off from the barn.

He hoped half-heartedly that she might see him at the dance hall or perhaps walk by his home. His body ached at the thought of her and it hurt him to think that she might be disgusted at what they had done.

A dance was scheduled for later that night. He typically didn't enjoy going, but Ellie asked him to attend. Joel hoped he might at least spot Cat there to see if she was alright.

Music flooded out from the dance hall into the night air. People clapped and swirled around the dance floor in time with the music. Joel sat off to the back against the wall chatting with Tommy and Maria.

He noticed Ellie, Dina, and Jessie across the hall but no sign of Cat. Ellie waved and he raised his glass in greeting to her.

Finally, Cat walked into the dance hall. She stayed far away from him and never met his gaze. She busied herself talking to friends for a few hours. Joel watched as she talked and laughed with the younger men.

He shifted uncomfortably, not even pretending to listen to Tommy talk anymore. His focus was on her.

--

Cat could feel his eyes on her from across the dance hall. Her heart pounded in her chest. She knew he was watching her, but she was too afraid to meet his gaze.

She tried to hold a conversation with the other girls standing around her. Guys her own age milled about, attempting to impress the group of girls with smooth talk or jokes in between drinks.

One guy whose name she honestly couldn't remember was trying his best to impress her with a story about some stunt that he pulled out on a patrol.

She tried to listen politely, but she honestly wasn't interested in whatever he - maybe it was Chad? - had to say. Cat tried to end the conversation and step away but the poor guy wasn't taking no for an answer.

"Hey, why don't you and I go somewhere quieter?". Chad reached for her arm and attempted to pull her towards him.

"No thanks". She tried to pull out of his grasp but he held her firmly. He reeked of beer and a bloom of panic started to spread throughout her stomach.

"Come on, bab-"

A thick southern drawl cut his words off. "I think the lady ain't interested". Cat turned her head and saw that Joel had strode across the room to stand next to them.

Compared to the younger man, Joel was several inches taller and much stronger. A dark scowl furrowed Joel's brow, and his jaw was clenched tightly.

"This is between me and her, old timer". Chad smirked smugly at Joel.

Cat shrank at his touch. She didn't know what was more embarrassing. The fact that she couldn't get away from this creep or that Joel was trying to intervene.

"I'd suggest you back off, boy". A crowd had begun to form around the trio and Tommy began to walk towards them, intending to stop his brother from any fights. "I don't want to repeat myself, son". Joel and the younger boy stared one another down until he finally removed his grasp from Cat and slunk off.

Joel's face never softened as he watched him walk away. He turned his smoldering gaze to her. Whispers spread throughout the crowd around them and Cat's face flushed as people stared. They had only ever seen Joel this protective of Ellie before.

Sighing in frustration, she turned without a word and hastily fled outside leaving Joel standing in the center of the crowd.

--

Joel's face fell as he watched Cat leave the dance.

White hot anger had surged through him when he saw the younger man touching her. He practically had her cornered across the hall.

Joel could see the distress on her face. He had always been a gentleman and didn't mind protecting women from dicks like him, but a hideous pang of jealousy and anger filled him as he had watched the other men around her.

Tommy clapped him on the shoulder after the standoff. "What the hell was that?".

"Nothin'." Joel shook his head and brushed off his brother's hand.

Joel exited the dance hall quietly and scanned the street outside for her presence. He jogged past a row of houses until he finally caught sight of her heading towards her home.

He called out to her softly and the girl stiffened with her back turned to him in the middle of the street. They were standing in the empty street now with no one else around, the sounds of the dance hall faint behind them.

The furrow in his brow calmed slightly as concern clouded his face, but his tone remained gruff. "He had no right to keep touchin' you".

"Joel, just stop". Cat began walking briskly away from him once again.

"I was tryin' to look out for you!" He couldn't help it, but his face was flushed with frustration and his tone rose slightly in defense. "Did you just want me to stand there while he hung all over you?". He stomped after her, his accent sharpening as his temper flared. He was letting his anger show.

"I can't do this, Joel."

He threw his hands up in the air. Women could be so difficult. He was frustrated at how much he cared for her and how distant she seemed.

"This," she turned and gestured her arms between them, "it's unhealthy". She ran her fingers through her hair haphazardly as she met his gaze. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes.

He stepped closer to her. They were on the street they shared now. His house was close. His face softened at the emotions contorting her beautiful face. He lowered his voice, almost sighing as he spoke. "Look...I just want you safe, girl".

She screwed up her face in frustration and groaned. "You need to stay away from me". She threw her hands up in the air. A look of pain and desperation crossed her face.

Joel was quiet for a minute or two. He felt the last bit of anger leave his body and the twinge of disappointment he felt was almost unbearable. "It ain't that easy, darlin'".

He closed the distance between them until he could feel her breath on his face. Tenderly, he took her face in his hands. "I can't handle how much I want you."

Joel pressed his lips to hers and Cat eventually gave in, gently knotting her hands in his hair. "Trust me, you have no idea," she breathed in between kisses.

[obx-snippets]

Chapter 2 ∫ ≈ Ocean’s Siren at the Kegger ≈

Summary: Reina goes to her first kegger in the obx and it’s a lot more than she bargained for.

Warning: Cursing, panic attack, mentions of aquaphobia, drowning.                  S L O W B U R N

Word count: 3.2k

Pairing: JJ Maybank x female!oc

Masterlist

a/n: thank you to those who are showing interest in the series so far! Hope you stick around till the end!  

After long-wearing hours of searching for a suitable outfit, Reina gave herself a pep-talk in the mirror as she sat on the floor, staring deep within herself. If it weren't for Mina and Chris being at work so late, they would diagnose her to be clinically insane.

"It's a party, quit being a pussy."

"It's near water, why the hell would you even go?"

"I mean....you were invited, so it's sort of rude if you don't."

"I don't even drink anymore, so I could bring my own Gatorade."

"Why would you say 'yeah, I know where the boneyard is.' Fucking dumbass, you just moved here yesterday."

"Where are my pills?"

The setting sun was seated on an orange and pink horizon that it claimed as its throne. The breeze carried the ocean's salty scent in the air, tousling Reina's hair that she fought to keep tucked behind her ear. Her flip flops slapped against the hard cement, moving her bike by her side, not yet having the courage to step in the sand as she walked alongside the beach. She could hear the faint sound of pounding music, and as she neared the supposed kegger, the hollering a cheering of teens became clear as day. The lights of burning torches danced across her brown as she stopped just at the beach's edge, her toes only inches from the golden sand. A familiar sensation bloomed in her stomach like a flower that was hidden from the sun for too long. Excitement? Thrill?

A feeling that she hasn't experienced since that night. There was a smaller crowd of teens surrounding a small area of a particular part of the beach, and Reina had to squint her eyes to make out John B holding up a blonde boy by his ankles as he performed the infamous game, the keg stand. Pride tugged at her heart, knowing her past self would have stood up to the challenge of lasting longer. But she stayed put, hugging her body over the soft material of her white oversized sweater that covered a portion of her blue tennis skirt.

Her jaw instantly clenched, and eyes screwed shut upon hearing the water so close. The waves were mocking, tormenting enough to make her breathing ragged and uneven.

A gleeful cheer brought Reina to open her eyes to see John B patting his blonde friend on the back after he successfully lasted thirty seconds on the keg stand. Cheap beer dripped down his contoured chin, his laugh traveling to where Reina stood. She guessed he was one of the other boys in John B's van but wasn't sure what his name was.

Was he Pope or JJ?

His cerulean eyes shimmered under the torch lights, his toothy grin surprisingly contagious. Reina hadn't even noticed she was smiling until a pair of blue eyes latched onto hers, heat quickly radiating up her ivory cheeks. Her lips parted as if to say something but realized how far he was and quickly closed her mouth. It seemed the blonde surfer discerned what she attempted and opted to pass her a nod before stalking away with his arm draped over John B's shoulder.

Reina couldn't comprehend what she felt once she made eye contact with the boy. His ocean eyes. His handsome, chiseled features. That toothy smile that spread to her own lips. That gray muscle tee that made her mind wander. Her bottom lip was tucked between her teeth as she watched Kiara punch another boy on the arm for tossing his red solo cup on the sand.

The one who ordered the sprite.

John B was leaning forward as he sat on a fallen tree trunk, his finger prodding the blonde's side before gesturing toward a gorgeous blonde girl dancing provocatively in a small crowd. It seemed like she was the bait for the night, but Reina wasn't impressed.

"Hot, isn't he?"

Reina let a yelp slip her lip as she jolted away from the smirking girl standing next to her. She was casually drinking her beer; her dyed hair pulled up into a bun with bobby pins holding back stray hairs. She had seen her at the Wreck along with the other rowdy teenagers that occupied too much of her time for just a couple of drinks.

"W-what?" Reina cleared her throat, playing dumb as she wrung her hands to let her sweater's sleeves cover her hands.

The girl glanced at her from the corner of her dark hazel eyes as she gave her a pointed look. "The one you were ogling is JJ." she stated, pointing one of her fingers that held her red solo cup toward the blonde who was currently staying still so Kiara could pluck something out of his eye. "The sweetheart who ordered the sprite is Pope, and you met the rest--oh, and I'm Harlow. Westwick."

Harlow held out a hand, and Reina glanced down at her black painted fingers before shaking it gently.

“Reina Lynch.”

Harlow made a face, “Reina. I like it.”

Reina was surprised when she felt a smile pull at the corner of her mouth. She looked back up at Harlow, a kind expression of her own on her face.

“Thanks,” she replied.

Harlow took a large gulp of her drink, blinking wildly when some of it splashed into her eye, “So,” she started, clearing her throat, “how long you been in the OBX?”

Reina let out a sigh, carding her hand through her hair before tugging her sleeve back over her hand, “not long,” she answered, “definitely still adjusting.”

Harlow nodded her head, shivering from a gust of wind before brushing some of her baby hairs from her eyes, “Yeah, it takes a while,” Harlow laughed, “where are you from?“

“Cali.”

Harlow gaped quickly with a laugh, “Oooh! California, I like it. That’s totally rad, dude.”

Reina let out a laugh, a real laugh. “Nobody talks like that in California, you know?”

Harlow’s pink lips parted, ready to reply to her when the song switched, causing a gasp to slip from her mouth, “I love this song!” she exclaimed, turning in small circles to find a place to set her cup down, “dance with me!”

Reina clammed up immediately, the smile slipping from her face as her eyes darted to the crowd of drunk dancing teenagers. “Oh, no, I-“

“Come on!” Harlow cried over the blaring music and shouting, her dainty hand wrapping around her wrist, “please! nobody else likes to dance to this song with me!”

Reina pondered for a moment, letting Harlow shake her limp arm, chewing on her bottom lip. Worry pooled her eyes, wondering how it would feel to jump back into the party life so soon. She hasn't had a drink, so as long she steered clear of any and all alcohol consumption, one dance didn't seem like the worst thing. Besides, her blue Gatorade was tucked safely on her bike, where she had parked it by a palm tree.  

“Okay,” Reina sighed, itching a random spot on her neck before she touched her regrettable scars and coiled her hand away, a smile touching her lips once she met Harlow's eyes, “one dance.”

She didn't seem like it at first, but Harlow Westwick was a firecracker who's adrenaline had boosted to a hundred by the time she started dancing. Reina couldn't help but laugh anytime the girl poorly busted a dance move that, in her opinion, was killer. Instead of trying to mirror anyone else's movent, Reina gradually let her body sway to the heavy pumping music, her eye getting lost in the darkness and focusing on the song's base. Soon enough, the two had been dancing for an hour, disregarding Reina's 'one dance' policy.

Reina followed the tipsy girl around the boneyard, not bothering to tell her to ease up on the drinking as she didn't see it as her place to tell her what to do. She had caught Kira glancing toward her and passed her a small smile before quickly grabbing Harlow's waist when she nearly fell face-first on the sand. Too occupied with keeping Harlow upright as she marched down the beach, Reina overlooked JJ, John B, and Pope staring at her from where they sat around a bomb fire.

“So,” JJ started, downing the last of his beer, “what do we think of the new girl?”

John B casted his eyes over to Reina, who was dancing with their friend, more trying to hold her up than anything, “She seems cool,” he replied with a shrug.

Pope nodded along, his eyes still on Reina and Harlow down the beach, “She sounded nice, and she’s currently babysitting Harlow, so seems like she could hang.”

JJ tapped his ring clad finger against his plastic cup, his eyes dancing side to side, “Think I could bag her?”

His question sent the other two boys into a groan, Pope rolling his head back and John B tossing a nearby empty solo cup at him,

“Jesus, man! Do you think about anything other than sleeping with girls?”

JJ looked up, pondering, “Weed,” he answered, “spend a lot of time thinking about weed.”

“Yeah, we know,” Pope said, rolling his eyes.

“She could be gay,” John B suggested.

“What makes you think she’s gay?” JJ asked, face scrunched in confusion.

“What makes you think she’s straight?” Pope rebutted.

“Touché, Pope,” JJ tipped his empty cup at him, “touché.”

The wind was nipping at Reina's skin once the music suddenly died down. She had been following Harlow for so long that she just realized how different the sand felt under her sandals. The ground was a bit more firm but squishy at the same time, unlike the dry sand she had been wondering just hours prior. Reina stopped dead in her tracks when the sound of waves broke her from her trance. She inhaled sharply, her smile dropping, and her eyes widening in mild horror. The smell of salt became like a toxin in her lungs, and she stumbled back, her hands balling into a fist. If she knew Harlow would lead her this close to the water, she wouldn't have taken up the offer to dance. The dark sky made the water look like a raging god, calling her to step into its deadly grasp.

Despite the influx of cold wind, Reina found herself sweating under her sweater as she created more distance between herself and the ocean. A flash of a flowy green dress came across her eye when she saw Harlow drunken figure dancing toward the water. Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest, seeing her tread dangerously closer to the shallow part of the ocean. The girl couldn't even keep herself balanced on the sand, and the waves would devour her immediately if she got any closer.

"Um, Harlow," Reina's tone was scarcely over a shout, not wanting to scare the girl. "could we maybe head back to the party?"

Harlow flimsily whipped her body around, her pale cheeks flushed with heat as a grin played on her lips. "There's not a pool at the party, Reina!" Harlow stated, her hand's failing to properly set on her hips as they kept slipping off.

"This isn't a fucking pool, it's the ocean. Now could you please--Harlow!

The giggling mess of a teenager took another tantalizing step into the water until she was knee-deep. The waves roughly slapped onto the back of her legs, her body bucking forward, bringing Reina to gasp. Any person with sense would have marched to Harlow and dragged her away from the water to prevent her from drowning. But Reina stayed glued in place, watching the tipsy teen splash water about. Maybe if she called her enough times, Harlow would listen.

Reina bounced on one of her legs, her pleading eyes desperately trying to spot one of her friends in the crowd that seems small considering how far they had traveled. Another loud splash brought Reina to look back at Harlow. Water must have got in her eyes, and she was brutally rubbing her knuckles over her eyelids to cease the burning. Reina's heart stopped upon seeing a wave hurtling toward Harlow, but as her words got stuck in her throat, the water slammed into her back, her body lurching forward face-first into the icy sea.

"Harlow!" Reina cried, taking a hesitant step forward. Her ears keened in on the waves, her eyes adjusting to the darkness to try and spot Harlow but nothing. She prayed that her head would appear above the waves, smiling and breathing. But nothing again. It's as if the ocean had eaten her alive and didn't think twice to bother apologizing.

Reina's breathing became uneven once she realized Harlow wasn't resurfacing as long as she stood there doing nothing. "Fuck me.." she huffed and shook her head.

Without a second thought, Reina was dashing forward down the small hill that led to the water, kicking off her sandals. Her mind was so hellbent on saving Harlow that she didn't focus on how the water felt on her torso, how it tugged on her figure to swim deeper. She knew if she let her mind find out that she was indeed in the ocean, she would surely drown, and both girls would be lost at sea.  

Reina's hair was now wet as she was forced to dive under and let the salt burn her vision as he tried to make out Harlow's silhouette in the darkness. She kicked around, her hands roaming the area until she felt her hand swipe across a clothing material. She instantly heaved the girl's body up until Harlow's face was above water. She was completely unresponsive, and a sting of guilt tugged at her chest. If she hadn't hesitated, Harlow would still be breathing.

She pulled Harlow to the shore with all her strength, letting her body lay on the wet sand. Reina brushed her damp hair from her face and tucked it behind her ears to better examine the girl. "Harlow," Reina called to her urgently, cupping her face in her hand to try and shake her awake.

She had never performed CPR, but this was a life or death situation. Reina pressed both hands on Harlow's chest and began pumping up to thirty. Reina gripped her jaw and plugged her nose to pry her mouth open and started breathing air into her lungs. She repeated the action a couple of times, and just when she lost hope, Harlow's body began jerking violently until she was coughing up water to the side along with some of the cheap beer that she let screw with her mind.

Reina's heartbeat eased as she let out a sigh of relief and sat back on her heels, looking up and letting her eyes flutter shut. Harlow wiped her mouth with the back of her hand before sitting up, her eyes wide with her mouth agape as she stared ahead at the ocean that nearly killed her. Silence loomed over the two girls, both trying to process what had just happened. The only sound was their heaving breathing, the taunting ocean, and the party that was likely to go on until the sun rose.

"We shared our first kiss," Harlow giggled after fleeting silence, resulting in Reina snapping her neck toward the girl.

"W-what?" she muttered, her face reddening as confusion pulled at her brows.

Harlow was beaming, and the wink she sent to Reina made her squirm in place as she stared at the girl stunned.

"Harlow!"

Both girls looked back to see Kiara, JJ, John B, and Pope rushing toward them.

“Holy shit!” Pope examined the girl's soaked state and shivering bodies, “what happened?”

“Had a near-death experience, P man,” Harlow answered as her feet wiggled in the sand, “but God herself over here saved me.”

“Are you seriously cracking jokes right now?” Kie shouted, her features stitched into an angry frown, “you almost died!”

"That's an exaggeration," Harlow quipped with a quirked brow. With shaky hands, Reina helped Harlow to her feet. She looked among the girl’s group of friends, averting her eyes from the ocean beside them.

"I had to perform CPR," Reina mumbled quietly to her statement. But it seemed Kiara and Pope caught on as they're eyes bulged from their sockets.

“Dude, for real, are you okay?” JJ asked, his eyes bouncing between Harlow and Reina.

“Uh, yeah, I guess,” Harlow sputtered with a shrug as she held her body to find warmth, “never almost drowned before, so I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel.”

“What is wrong with you? You could have died! You can’t just go out into the ocean drunk as shit!” Kie lectured.

“Yeah, Kie, I get it, alright!”

The two girls' voices started to rise as they argued, John B and Pope hurried to step between them, trying to mediate. Reina stood a few steps away from them, biting through the skin of her lip until her mouth filled with the taste of iron. Without knowing what she was doing, her feet started to move her away from the group, unaware JJ had his eyes on her the entire time.

________________________________≈Ω≈___________________________________

Reina's hands were trembling as she unlocked the door to her house, her face blank when she entered the cold living room. The driveway was vacant of any cars, meaning she was completely alone. Alone with her thoughts.

Her worst enemy.

When she took another step across the cold wood floorboard, she nearly slipped. A gasp sounded through her lungs, and her mind found an opening. A door that had been locked for so long that she never dared be this close. But with her soaked hair making a puddle on her feet and her wet sweater weighing her down, the tears that began streaming down her cheeks were inevitable.

Reina tossed the keys toward a wooden table near the door and fled to her bedroom. She had to use the wall as support as she pressed her hand against her chest, trying to even out her breathing. But it was too ragged, and she felt like collapsing. Though her room was large in width, she could feel the walls closing in on her. Like her nightmares had finally cornered her.

A sob racked her throat, and she began to tear off her skirt along with her underwear. She didn't want to feel anything related to tonight's events. She regretted going at all.

Reina finally stripped out of everything until she was bare. Her legs gave under her, and she fell to her knees and shuffled back until her spine made contact with her bed. If ripping her wet hair out was an option, she would do it immediately. From the air conditioning blowing down on her, she knew a stuffy nose was guaranteed, but she didn't want to feel anything.

With her jaw wobbling uncontrollably and her body shaking, she held her legs close to her chest and rocked back and forth.

You're not in the water anymore.

Reina threw her head back, scraping the side of her neck along the pattern of her scars. The tune of the windchime seemed so distant, but yet it was enough.

"I'm sorry," she sobbed.

Her heart steadied, the warm tears continuing to flow like a blanket trying to comfort her.

"I'm sorry, dad."

@pogueszn @mdlyncline @bricksatanakinswindow @ponyboys-sunsets @kaitieskidmore1 @casper17 @moonshinerbynight @cordeliascrown @acvross-the-universe 

[toldbymae]

𝐆 𝐑 𝐀 𝐕 𝐈 𝐓 𝐘 ~ 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐮

C H A P T E R  O N E: BEGIN AGAIN

Fandom; Choices stories you play

Pairings; Ethan Ramsey x Mc (Lucky-Rae Longford)

Summary; Emotions are the luxury you can’t afford as a Doctor, consider this something Ethan Ramsey learned early. When the sun sets, all hope seems lost. That is, until a wide-eyed young intern tumbles, quite literally, into his life and the sun has never shined brighter. 

Warnings; Swearing, Graphic descriptions of injury, Alcohol consumption, NSFW, Character death, Violence, Mentions of stillbirth, Physical abuse.

Word Count; 1.4k (1,467 including this and the above.)

Author Note; This story is an au and starts at the beginning of open heart book one. The storyline won't entirely be the same, some aspects will change eg; Miss Martinez won't end up dying because of mc...instead it'll be because of someone else. In this story, you’ll hate Landry even more.

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆; 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵, 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘀.

Enjoy!

LUCKY-RAE

After a six and a half hour flight, Lucky got off the plane and made her way through security, grabbing her suitcase and making her way through the crowd of loud and rowdy people. Most of them wore a smile, running into the arms of friends and family, while others were crying and watching as they bid goodbye.

Life is something precious.

It's strong and yet, it's so fragile and easy to take away.

The automatic doors opened and, almost instantly, she was hit with golden rays of the sun. Boston, she smiled and began venturing down the street.

Lucky couldn't wipe the irreplaceable smile off her face, nor did she want to. This is going to be the start of something new. Something good. Something...unimaginable.

The sudden vibration of her phone drew the redhead from her thoughts as she hastily grabbed it out of her pocket.

Landlord guy; 27 Ilford terrace, be there at 3 pm and I'll give you your keys. NO LATER.

Lucky; Sure thing

She tucked her phone safely back in her front pocket and called for a taxi, told him the destination she was heading to, and sat comfortably in the back seat, after putting her luggage in the boot, with the much-needed assistance of the driver.

25 minutes.

The car set off and Lucky leaned her head against the window, watching everything pass her by.

A smile crept back onto her face.

It's happening, it's finally happening. All these years of dreaming, believing, and working hard have led her to where she is right now, where she will be in the future.

Edenbrook Hospital, one of, if not the most, prestigious in the country. Widely known for its efficient and dedicated health care and team.

It hadn't always been her dream to work there, nevertheless, Lucky was determined now more than ever, not to allow the past to cloud her judgment or decisions.

All the people she'd save...all the people she'd be able to help...and those who she can't save...

Seconds descended into minutes which soon felt like hours and the taxi pulled up outside her new home. She thanked him, paid, and dragged her suitcase behind her as she walked up the steps and patiently waited for her landlord to arrive. She spotted him making his way down the road, wearing a blue shirt and loose-fitting black trousers.

"It's nice to finally meet you in person Mister...."

"Just call me Farley." He said delving his hand into his over-sized pocket and fishing for the keys.

"Thank you, I promise to take good care of the property...Mister Farley."

He laughed, "I know you lot will."

She paused, you lot. But there's only one of her...

"What did you mean?" She asked.

"Oh..." He laughed again, "Go inside and you'll see, Doc."

And she did. She unlocked the door and trekked up the stairs and wished there was a lift.

Lucky's breath was instantly taken away. The view was simply spectacular, the apartment was spacious, too spacious.

"This isn't all for me, is it?"

"Turns out you really are as smart as you look." He retorted, turning his head and pointing out all the other bedrooms which would be accommodating other people. Lucky shifted uncomfortably.

"Don't worry." He reassured, "I'm sure you'll get along with them just fine." Without another word, Farley departed leaving Lucky alone.

Her momentary peace was interrupted at the sound of voices and the door flying open. Five people walked in, luggage trailing after them, and meek smiles.

"He really wasn't lying..." Someone moaned, a slim and tall man with wild curly, hazel nut-brown hair, with baby blue eyes.

"I got one can't wait!" The voice of a short, brunette squeaked, smiling from ear to ear. Lucky couldn't tell whether or not she was being genuine.

"What are the odds of us all Woking at ED?" Another woman rolls her eyes and makes her way into the kitchen and raids the fridge.

"Well...I guess I should introduce myself?" The uncertainty in her voice caused Lucky to internally cringe.

"Lucky." She extends out her hand and the small girl, no taller than her, shakes it.

"I call dibs on the largest room." Says the girl whose name Lucky is yet to know, who is currently stuffing her face with a chocolate bar, "I'm Jackie, that's Sienna, Elijah, and Landry."

"Pleasure to meet you." Lucky replies. Sienna smiles at her, "I think we're gonna get along just great and I love your voice, are you, Welsh?"

"Irish, from Killarney."

"Well, is anyone hungry might as well order something." Elijah says getting his phone and looking up nearby takeaway restaurants.

Hours of talking and unpacking later, the interns sat at the table eating pizza and watching TV, feeling nothing except mixture exhaustion and relaxation.

"There's this bar down the road called Donahue’s, wanna go?” Jackie suggests, earning the attention of her new fellow roommates.

Landry shrugged, “I mean I don’t mind...but we’ve orientation tomorrow so...let’s not drinking too much.”

“Alright, let's go.”

...

ETHAN

The bar was still and quiet as the diagnostician drank the last of his whiskey and motioned for the bartender, his long time friend Reggie, to get him another.

"You sure you want another?" Reggie asks, hesitant.

Ethan almost instantly nods and the sound of voices filling the once empty bar drew him from his thoughts.

One in particular caught his eye.

Her laugh sounded like a melody he could listen to every day.

Her eyes, glassy, pure, and ruby green. So beautiful and mesmerizing.

Her hair, long, curly, and auburn shade of red.

Her freckles, as golden as the sun, spread across her face like stars in a midnight sky.

Ethan forced himself to turn away, unable to get the image of her out of his head.

He wouldn't see her again.

Or her dark red lips, so kissable.

He drank the remainder of his drink and decided to call it a night, much to Reggie's relief.

From the corner of his sky blue eyes, he sees her stumbling and about to fall, glass in hand. He catches her just in time and she smiles and drunkenly laughs, before throwing up a river on his green jacket and white top. Ethan sighs and helps her walk over to the nearest booth and sits her down.

“Shit...” She says, “I’m such a lightweight. Sorry, I uh...you know.” Her eyes dart to the ground and her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll get you some water.” Ethan walks over to the bar and Reggie gives him a bottle of water, he opens the bottle and passes it to her. Lucky smiles gratefully and drinks it.

“You're a lifesaver...sorry again about your-

“It’s fine, really.”

A hesitant silence falls upon them until Lucky speaks, “I’m not usually like this.”

“I’m really, really, really nervous about tomorrow...”

“What’s tomorrow?” He asks.

“My intern orientation at Edenbook Hospital. Have you heard of it?”

“Yeah, I certainly have. I don’t think you have anything to be nervous about. You're going there for a reason, remember that.”

“...You know exactly what to say. I like that.”

He sits down opposite her, properly able to see her golden freckles in the soft and warm glow of the light.

“I haven’t asked.” He began, “What’s your name?”

She laughs, playfully slapping his knee, “My parents named me something, like, super weird...don’t go laughing okay?”

“You have my word.”

“Lucky. Lucky-Rae to be exact.”

...

The following morning felt like a complete nightmare. Ethan was in the shower and for once, not even lukewarm water could calm him down.

He dreamed about her.

What was wrong with him?

Every time he closed his eyes, he imagined her long red hair tickling his skin as her lips pressed tantalizingly against his flesh, traveling lower and lower...

His eyes darted upwards at the clock and the time was five minutes past six. Ethan didn't bother wrapping a towel around himself and turned the shower head off before getting dressed and making his way to work.

The traffic was even more so annoying than usual.

Cars sped past him and all could hear were the screams of the couple arguing in the car in front and a baby crying in the car behind. Ethan resisted the overwhelming urge to gouge his ears out. Half an hour passed and Ethan was walking in the hallways of Edenbrook, watching the nurses organize patient files.

An hour later the interns arrived and the hospital wasn’t silent anymore. A sudden commotion corrupted, he turns his head and a woman has collapsed and isn’t moving. Without another thought, he rushed over and ushered for space.

Ethan looked around and noticed an intern rushing over, long red hair, dark green eyes...golden freckles. As if this day could get any worse.

[littlemisssquiggles]

You know, I can't help but stop thinking about how Cinder's Grimm arm reminds me on Peter Pettigrew's silvery hand in Harry Potter. So... Do you think it is possible Cinder might die (that is, if she dies... Which I just assume since I see now way she can be redeemed anymore) not by Ruby's hand, not by Neo's hand, but instead by her own? Like... Literally. Sorry, I couldn't stop myself from making that pun...

Heyo Seaberry! That’s actually a cool observation. Outside of theconnection to Team STQR, Cinder is sort of like Peter Pettigrew, only minus thecowardice. If anything, LeonardoLionheart was more like Pettigrew in terms of personality and motives fortheir betrayal, at least in my opinion. In regards to your question; not tosound negative or anything like that but if I’m being completely honest withyou fam, this squiggle meister is at a bit of a loss on what the CRWBY Writersare doing with the characters and their respective stories; particularly thevillains.

I was already kind of iffy on their choice last season to bring Neo back intothe story to play pawn to Cinder andher schemes. Even now when we’re nearing the finale of V7, I still personally thinkthat Emerald Sustrai wouldhave been the better candidate to be Cinder’s accomplice while in Atlas. Itstill peeves me a little bit that the CRWBY Writers' rationale for Neo's returnin V6 was because "theythought Cinder having an accomplice to Atlas would've been cool" according to the V6 DVD Commentary.

Even though….Cinder has always had accomplices throughout her whole run in RWBY. In V1, she was Roman's formersidekick before she received a promotion within the PLOT and becameSalem's representative with Neo taking over as Roman's right hand protégée asof V2 while Emerald and Mercury became Cinder's primary two goons.

This dynamic was retained until theconclusion of V5 only for Cinder to wind up on her own after suffering ahumiliating defeat by Raven Branwen. If you’ll allow me to get nit-picky here, I’m still in awe that the Writers believed resurrecting afan favourite character for the sole purpose of slapping her with a new backstory that was never previously established in the main canon, repeatingthe same purpose that she had in prior seasons minus the emotional connectionand history was a quote, unquote, “a coolidea”.

In my opinion, it would've been more compelling towatch Cinder all alone; forced to claw her way out of her rut and find her ownway to Atlas Kingdom by her own devices and naturalcunning. It could’ve also been an appropriatetime for the story to touch base on Cinder’s past and how she became themegalomaniac we see her to be now. But nah, let's do the exact same thing we'vealways done with her character. Give her a pawn to manipulate and get to do herbidding.

But at least with Emerald, therewas the established history and relationship between her and Cinder that’s beenhighlighted since the events of V2. Cinder even once referred to Emerald as her‘apprentice’ or rather her ambition was to mouldEmerald (and by extension Mercury too maybe butthe focus was more on Em) into her perfect apprentice in a similar fashion tohow Salem moulded her.

Emerald being Cinder’s accomplice toAtlas would’ve been a great opportunity to not only flesh Cinder out more as avillain but Emerald as well.

But nah, let's side-line the characterwho was actually built up as a close accomplice and apprentice under Cinder formore than two seasons (both before and during the Mistral Trilogy) and had amuch better chance for development in favour of bringing back a belovedcharacter who had zero connection to Cinder outside of being the boss to herformer boss.

I don't care if Miles and/or Kerrypromised Neo's return from seasons before; given how V5 ended, Emerald should’vebeen Cinder’s accomplice to Atlas, exactly like she’s been for several seasons,more so than Neo. We could’ve had a Claudia from the Dragon Prince moment forEmerald where she refused to believe that Cinder’s dead and out of her loyaltyto her, ups and abandons Mercury and Hazel in favour of remaining in Mistral inorder to track Cinder down.

Imagine if…LittleMiss Malachite and her Spiders had double crossed Cinder---but instead of ratting her out to Neo, theywere going to apprehend Cinder to collect the bountiful reward for her captureas advertised all over Mantle as a result of what happened at Haven.

Imagine if…Cinder found herself cornered by theSpiders only to be saved by Emerald of all people, who instantly made waste of the Spiders. Without hesitation,Emerald kills each and every last Spider who dared try and harm Cinder; furtheremphasizing her loyalty to the Fall Maiden as a means of remaining by her side.Imagine if this move even earns Emerald great respect in Cinder’s eyes.

Instead of using Neo, imagine if …Cinderfulfilled the very desire she voiced back in V3. Back then, Cinder said thatshe desired to become someone powerful enough to be feared by others who stoodagainst her.

Instead of using Neo, picture analternative scenario in which, after Emerald had saved her, Cinder returns thefavour by protecting Emerald in a sense from an enraged Little Miss Malachitewho draws a weapon on her. Picture Cinder unleashing her fury on poor MissMalachite; overwhelming the crimeboss by pinning her down with her Grimm arm while her other hand threatened toburn her face off with her Maiden Magic.

Instead of using Neo, let’s say Cinder used her own powers to intimidate a fear stricken Little Miss Malachite into using her resources toget Cinder and Emerald to Atlas in exchange for spearing her life. Let’s say…forwhatever reason, MissMalachite had Spiders in Argus whocould’ve easy commandeered a Atlesian airship from right under the military’snose for her if needed. So that’s what happens. Cinder and Emerald receive whatthey need from Malachite and as soon as she had served her purpose, Cindereither could’ve killed her to prove her power or…chosen to spare Malachite as auseful ally to her and Salem later. That could’ve been a neat, small littlealternative to what was done in the canon.

I guess what bothered me the most aboutthe decision to suddenly bring Neo back was that you didn’t really need Neospecifically for this role of being Cinder’s accomplice for the Atlas Arc.Personally, I think the showrunners missed a golden chance to further developEmerald. Instead of Neo, I would’ve gone with Em since her connection to Cinderactually ties into her own respective story as opposed to some shared vendettaon wanting to kill Ruby. Not to mention that I believe Emerald’s Hallucinationssemblance would've worked just as well as Neo's Illusions; probably even bettersince Emerald could’ve further messed with a target’s mind similar to what shedid with Yang and Pyrhha back in V3.

Nothing against Neopolitan.I don’t dislike her as a character. I just personally feel like this shouldn’thave been the purpose the Writers brought her back into the main story for.

Youbrought her back to be Cinder’spawn. Not sidekick.Not even apprentice. But her pawn. Her tool. Her little ice-cream flavoured puppet. That’sthe best you got for her? A rehash of her last purpose within the PLOT onlythis time with a character who doesn’t share any kind of emotional bond withher and has a better chance at double crossing her once she’s done using herfor her own personal gain.

The only saving grace for this ideawould be if Neo becomes the General Jinjur of the RWBY story and actuallysomehow winds up becoming an unlikely ally to the heroes once she learns herlesson with Cinder. Either that or my “cracktheory” about Neo double-crossing Cinder firstby pilfering the Relic of Creation for herself

But then again, this is only my opinionand these are only my thoughts and ideas.

In terms of Cinder Fall, I have afeeling that they're going to give her a win this time. I'm more leaningtowards the hunch where Cindersucceeds in gaining the Winter Maiden magic with her sights set on acquiring the Relic of Creation; especiallyin the event that Neo fails to claim the Relic of Knowledge from Oscar and asCinder told her, she needs a relic to basically get back on Salem's goodside.

So if Neo fails in retrieving the lamp,the staff will be Cinder's next best option at redemption in Salem's eyes.

Not to mention that I remember hearingsomething about us learning about Cinder's backstory at some point for thisarc. I know the likelihood of her being killed off is there given the way thePLOT suddenly had her and Neo reappear for this season after the end of V6which reminded me an awful lot of how they handed Adam Taurus last season. Butneedless to say, I think it's safe to assume that Cindermay survive for another season or two.

~LittleMissSquiggles(2020) 

[umccall71]

Decision of a lifetime

Chapter 16

Book: The Royal Romance

Characters: king Liam x Lady Sexy

Rating:Mature

Word Count: 1950

Disclaimer: All characters used are sole property of Pixelberry. I am simply borrowing them for entertainment purposes.

Summary: Liam x (mc)Sexy knew they were destined for a lifetime together, but his world had other plans. The couple share a fateful night that would forever alter their future. Does fate stand strong together or banish his love to the shadows?

A/N: Sorry but I have been super busy with family situations. Thank you for the patience.💗💗

Catch up here

***************

@eadanga

@ao719

@carabethpow

@lauradowning29

@elles-choices

@hopefulmoonobject

@indiacater

@3pawandme

@blackcoffee85

@simsvetements

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@romanticatheart-posts

@fantasy-of-fiction

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@silviasutton1989

@lodberg

@kingliam2009

************************

It had been a week since the royal wedding and the official queen was resting per doctor’s orders.Liam was taking no chances when it came to his wife and child.He knew that his dream was realized in spite of his father and cohorts trying to end Sexy’s life and his happiness.They were spending the afternoon leisurely lounging in the royal quarters. The doctor had given them a clean bill of health. Both Sexy and the baby were well and out of danger. Liam stood in the doorway watching Sexy in adoration as she laid on the chaise lounger in the sitting area overlooking the garden. “God you are so beautiful,'' he smiled as he gazed at her leaning back gently stroking her growing belly. There seemed to be this sense of peace within her aura. She sported a flowing tunic top that split at the belly , a light pair of 3⁄4 leggings, and bare feet .

“I am in love with that belly love”, Liam chuckled as he locked his baby blue eyes on her now prominent baby bump. Sexy’s visible belly was proudly on display and undeniable at this point. “ your pregnant belly is an official bump!” Liam dropped to his knees aside the chaise lounge and his full lips landed on Sexy’s exposed belly. He closed his eyes and his long fingers traced the curve of her belly and sides. Liam could not stop smiling at the sight of his wife as the sun danced on the golden flex in her hazel eyes. The bronze glow accentuated her soft skin soothingly.

Sexy reached her fingers down and grazed liam's head lovingly. “I love you my king… will you feel the same way when I can barely walk around and see my feet?”, she teased. “I have a question Liam… will you love me when I can no longer see my feet?” Liam paused momentarily before lifting Sexy’s hands to his lips, “ I will enjoy watching every inch of your beautiful body transform as you grow our baby. Do you realize your were already the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, but in light of your pregnancy… your beauty ...your radiant .. is breathtaking Sexy.”, he kissed her hands. Liam's hands slide up, cupping Sexy’s face as he captured her lips in a searing kiss. Sexy felt breathless as liam's tongue tangled with her own. Liam softly massaged her tongue as they both got lost in the exchange of the fiery kiss. “ I cant believe that you are twelve weeks pregnant already. I can’t wait until we meet our little button”, the excitement radiated from his eyes. “Speaking of 12 weeks...and with you being out of the woods… I think we need to discuss how and when we will make the announcement of the heir.”

Sexy looked away briefly as she contemplated his word, his request. “ Liam, I know we will eventually have to let the kingdom in on our blessing… but there will be questions about how far along we are… when did we learn of the pregnancy...why we waited to make the announcement?`` she looked down at her belly as she wrung her hands. “I'm sure they will think you only married me… because I'm pregnant liam”, her eyes well up with unshed tears.Liam ran his thumbs along the outline of her eyes as he wiped away her tears. He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. “Baby… I don't give a damn about anyone thinking that I married you because of the pregnancy.. We know the truth…”

Sexy cut off his words, “what if I'm one of those people that felt … had there been no baby, there would be marriage..to me at least. Liam I couldn't help but wonder had I not stayed in Cordonia, and you learned I was pregnant, would you have been married to madeline right now. What if I had gotten on that plane and left for New York, not finding out about the baby until much later.” Liam's heart broke . watching the woman he loved recount the darkest time in their relationship. He waited for her to unburden her pain, to know she had been carrying around this doubt. “Liam, i was never supposed to have you... your father made sure of that. I remember the feeling of so many eyes on me as the photo was plastered all over the news, feeling the harsh ,clammy hands of the guards as they removed me from that ballroom… during your moment.To be given an hour to gather my belongings under the watchful eyes of the kings guards, then to be ushered unceremoniously to the airport to be ejected from this country that i came to see as my future home.” Sexy’s breathing became labored as she recounted the night that gave her the greatest gift and the greatest abomination against their love.

“Shh, shh… please don't cry. I am so sorry … that I didn't fight for us soon enough. I regret that I stood by and did nothing as you suffered alone. Sexy just the thought of you spending weeks sick, sleepless night, racked with loneliness thinking that I love another and did not treasure the love we share. I am the man that should have taken our moment … the night of the coronation and chosen you publicly from the beginning to be my queen. After we confessed our love and made love in the maze…. I owed it to us to start our life , especially since I had told you that I wanted a future with you”, he hyperventilated seeing the visible emotional pain she was still reliving.

Sexy pulled back from his embrace, gathering her composure, sitting in silence for a moment, “Liam , I forgave you for your decision back then. I accepted that you didn't feel a profile in courage was in your purview. You did what was expected of you. I love you … that has never changed and never will until the die. I can never forgive your father , and the others that made a choice that I did not only deserve to be your queen, but i did not deserve to live. Had they gotten their way, had I walked a few steps slower… The day that I was to become your queen would have been the day you would be planning my funeral. I am trying so hard to count my blessings that were all okay, but the thought of almost… losing our child before they can even take a first breath.” Sexy shook with anger thinking of the possibility she could have lost her child. She didn't think about losing her life, but the life of their unborn child. “I know you want to make a big splash of an announcement to let the whole of Cordonia know about our baby… the heir. I never want to rob you of sharing such a tremendous gift that should be celebrated among all, but I know that it will become open season on the commoner that trapped a king into marriage after getting herself knocked up out of wedlock.”

“STOP… I will not listen to you berate yourself, talk down about yourself, disrespect the woman that you are. You never trapped me.. You did not get yourself knocked up as you put it. I fell in love with you … the first night I met you. I sought every opportunity to spend time with you. When we were not together, I counted the hours until the next time i was able to steal a moment with you. Sexy… know that when we made love it was one of the happiest days I shared with you. Everything that we shared in the past , and will share each day going forward will be 100% my choice and desire. Sexy I never want you to feel anything but love, and commitment with every iota of my soul. You .are .it for me. Your my every dream and to have that dream personified by a child is that much more fulfilling.”

Liam took Sexy out onto the balcony looking out over his mother’s vision and announced, “ We will announce of baby, because I am proud and I know that you love this little button as much as I do. He or she is nothing to be ashamed of. Just know that I am here with you every step of the way. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you… your wish is my command. The king serves only his queen. For you I will lay it all on the line. We will stand before our people and share with them news that will have them celebrating until you give birth and then on. We can do a one on one interview with Ana DeLuca, or make an announcement before all the press and people.”

Sexy wrapped her arms around liam's mid section and took a deep breath. “ Baby I know now how much we mean to you, so I will stand beside you as your queen and share our little button for the first time. Liam… I need to put all of this behind me. As long as there are loose ends out there that could come after me… i will not rest.” Sexy turned to walk inside to the bed and lay down. He could see the look of exhaustion on her face, she seemed worn out. “Sexy you need your rest… I will take care of this for us. The bastards that did this will pay… including my father. He will pay for the fresh hell he's brought upon us. My duty is to queen and my child.” Liam pulled the cashmere throw across Sexy as he watched her drift off to sleep with tension visible on her forehead. When he finally heard her soft breaths escaping her lips, he walked out to the living area when he heard a knock at the door.

Liam opened the door while gesturing to keep it down, “Bastien… is everything alright?”

“Sir .. I am sorry to disturb you and the queen, but I have news about the attack on your wedding day.”he paused awaiting a confirmation to proceed from his king. Liam acknowledged with a slight nod and curious look. “Go on…”

“Your majesty, the degenerate that carried out the former kings orders was not working alone. We were able to recover some history from the cell phone that was on his person when he was apprehended at the cathedral. We triangulated the ping off the towers and found that he messaged someone within the palace moments after the explosion. King Father was already in the church when the message was sent. The other person that was involved was here at the palace during the attack.He is trying to clam up with his cooperation.”, Bastien stated.

“Get him in an interrogation room asap.. This son of a bitch terrorized my wife on our wedding day. Every.single .person will be tried for treason. We will announce the pregnancy and then we will move forward with the council for formal charges. There will be no mercy…” Liam walked with Bastien to the door and they headed for his study to draw up formal charges to be presented to his council. “Bas… I failed her and it will not happen again. She feels that I didn’t fight for her…for us when it counted the most. It’s time to clean up this corruption for my queen and my child. I never wanted her to feel I am not all in and i will protect her. This. Ends . Tonight.”

[lololova]

Prompt: Takes place in 47 Seconds (4x19) when Castle and Beckett discusses how wrong it all is, how the victims were just random people being at the wrong place at the wrong time with all these plans of their futures they would never get to experience.

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"It makes you think about all those things in your own life that you don't want to put off anymore," Kate says as she keeps eye contact with him, tries to conjure up the courage she needs in order to say what needs to be said before she chickens out. Again. "Castle, I..." she looks down, starts fiddling with her fingers. "I remember," she lets it out in an exhale, not sure he can hear but needing to keep her eyes off of him in order to not lose strength. "I remember everything and I... I've tried to put together my-ah, my broken pieces. I want to be whole, for you, f-for u-us," she stumbles across the last two words, because she really doesn't know how to say the things she needs to, doesn't know how to confess the feelings stirring inside her towards the writer.

Without moving her eyes she sees his feet come in closer, the warmth of his body indicating his body was only inches away from hers.

"Kate, I..."

"Yo, captain's gathering the troops," Esposito says into the break room and Castle immediately takes a step back to create distance between them.

In that second she can't help but hate her friend and coworker, but clenches her jaw in order to not let it spill out her mouth. So close. They'd been so close to finally getting somewhere. She looks back to Castle once Espo is out of the way and sees the hope along with the disappointment in his blues. Taking a deep breath she notices his eyes turn to her with anticipation of what she was about to say, but she knows it's not what he wants to hear.

"We should get back to the case."

Even she can hear the disappointment in her voice but she knows there isn't much more they can do before the case is over.

"Yeah, we'll talk when it's over," he agrees and she sees a flash of hope in his blues.

She's not moving and so when he passes her he carefully joins their fingers together to tug her with him. Without hesitation she follows him and lets their fingers touch until they both let go when they get into the bullpen. She's not really sure what it means, but she's confident they won't go too long before they talk about everything.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Once the case is finally over, the reporter arrested for the explosion and the victims, Kate finds herself in front of her team with the offer of a drink to unwind. Ryan immediately passes with the excuse of missing Jenny, which Kate completely understands, and when Esposito says he's too tired she immediately looks at her partner. She's certain he can see the glimpses of hope and anticipation in her hazels but she doesn't care.

"Of course, I'm in," Castle says and she has to hold back herself in order not to jump of joy.

"Let me just grab my stuff," Kate quickly gets her phone and keys along with the small bag she brought with her this morning.

Soon enough the two of them is heading out of the precinct Kate can't help but think about grabbing his hand – maybe tangle her fingers with his? – but also can't find the courage in herself to act on her thoughts. What if he rejected her? Though, she doubts he would, especially considering the longing gazes he'd sent her way during the case when he thought she wasn't looking. She keeps noticing the looks even as they set their footsteps towards The Old Haunt without a word about where to grab the drink. Both of them loves the bar and almost every time they headed out for a drink after a hard case they went there. Castle owning the bar is a big plus too, means they can go down to the office if they want privacy.

"After you," Castle says as he opens the door for the bar.

"Thanks," she smiles with her teeth showing as she walks past him.

They order a beer each before Kate gestures towards the office with an askance in her eyes. Castle doesn't hesitate before he leads the way and opens the secret hatch in the floor to let her go down first. Kate steers her feet towards the couch he's placed down there and takes a sip of her beer when he sits down next to her.

"So..." he starts and she can feel her hands getting sweaty with the nerves flipping inside her belly. "You-uh, remember everything?" She nods her head and looks at him from under her lashes, wanting to hide but knowing there were nowhere for her to go. "How long?" There's a hurt in his voice and she wonders if she waited too long to tell him. Can't help but wonder if he doesn't want her now that he knows she lied to him.

She gulps, licks her lips before slowly parting them. "I," her voice was raspy with the small fear invading her whole being, "I never didn't."

"Wha-why?" She quickly turns her eyes down in shame, doesn't dare look at him. Now he's definitely going to leave her.

"I wasn't... ready, I didn't... couldn't cope," her voice is a lot lower and more insecure than she normally allows it to be. But it being him and not just anyone it somehow makes it feel a little more okay. If she's going to open up to him, truly open up, she needs to show her whole self, not just the hard boiled detective she is. "It's no excuse, I know... and I understand if you hate me."

His sudden huff had her looking at him and his eyes tell her he's beyond frustrated. "I could never hate you Kate, I lo-ve you." Her eyes widen and it feels like a stone is lifted off her shoulders.

"Y-you do?" she says and he nods slowly, as if he's trying to show how serious he is. She's biting her lower lip while looking into his blues, trying to conjure up the courage she needs to say it back. Because she wants to say it back. Wants him to know she loves him too, no matter how broken she is or how it makes absolutely no sense to her at all that he loves her. She can tell he's patient, waits for her to say something as if to not screw anything up. It almost looks like he's afraid he's scared her away, as if he is just waiting for her to run away. But she won't. "I love you too."

Her voice is strong, more confident than she believed she could muster, and it looks like it surprises him. Did he not know? Had he been that clueless? What about their talk at the swings? Had she been that unreadable?

Without warning he leans in and before she knows anything else his lips touch hers in a careful peck, pulling away as fast as he leaned in. Kate smiles at the small tingles left behind by the touch and finds herself leaning into his side, cuddling into him with her head fitting perfectly in the crook of his neck, her arm going behind his back to be as close as she can be.

"How do you want to do this?" Castle asks after a moment of silence, his arm around her shoulders to keep her close.

"I need to go slow, that wall that I told you about?" she more felt than saw his nod. "It's coming down, but it's not quite there just yet. I want us to start though. I want us to be an us. I don't want to wait anymore."

He pulls away in order to look down at her and his lips pulled up in a big grin is contagious as she feels her own lips drawn up in a mirroring smile. She catches herself glancing to his lips and when she adjusts her eyes to his again she can see he noticed the change.

"Does that mean I can kiss you?" he asks and she bites her lip in anticipation.

"I think it does," she whispers and that's all he needs to hear before he closes the distance between them, claiming her lips with his.

The wall inside her looses more bits and pieces as his tongue brushes it's way into her mouth, dancing with her own tongue. She has a feeling it wouldn't be long now until that final brick fell, until he was completely and utterly under her skin. She has a feeling he's actually already in her veins.

The End

[jakeyfrye]

Happy Mothers Day, Dad.

Elizabeth came home from school with a rather dark cloud over her head, the topic today had her bummed out for a while. What made the day worst was Father not being home. At least Aunt Evie's here.

"Hello, Elizabeth." Evie greets in her chair as Ellie entered and sat on Evie's bed. Evie can tell something isn't right. "Is something wrong?" She asked.

Ellie nodded a little, "Where's Dad?" Oh, no wonder. She just missed Jacob already, Evie was a little worried that something happened at school. The last thing she wanted was Jacob busting into the school and causing mayhem until he found the one upsetting her and may have to move her to another school... again. Would he go that far? Oh defiantly, without a doubt. A side Evie never knew of him, she finds it adorable to see him over protective for a child but won't admit it to him.

"Today's mothers day... everyone talked about their mothers and I... well... I don't have a mother... not anymore..." Ellie hates thinking of the past, today it just brought her back to where she had it all to when she lost everything. Evie leans back in her chair, she couldn't help but think of her as Jacob when he was a child. All they had was a father but unlike Elizabeth, they have never had the chance to meet their mother.

Evie had no idea what is worst, having to lose a mother with or without knowing who they are. Actually they were both as bad. A slight story of the man Ellie calls father could cheer her up.

"You know, that brother of mine dreads the day for the exact same reason when he was young. In fact he made it sound like we had mother when people ask what he was going to get her on Mothers Day."

Ellie looks up at her with sadden but curious eyes. Evie relaxed in her seat a little more as she flicks through memory lane.

"Every after school on Mothers Day Jacob would pick flowers. A bunch of them too. He'd turn around, ripped cheeks and asks me if mother would like them all of the time. Hmph... you should see that smile and his eyes brighten when I say 'Of course she will'. Then he'd put them outside somewhere, hoping she come home... little did we know... we found out that she wasn't coming home."

"What happened?... why didn't she come back?"

Evie took in a deep breath and exhaled shakingly. "Well... we discovered that she passed away well before we even had a chance to see her or grow up with her. All we had was a Grandmother, then a Father... eventually we only have each other."

Looking at the young girl, it was clear that she wasn't very happy about the topic. It would be best if Evie left it as it is. She got out of her chair and ruffles Ellie's light hazel hair. "Don't worry about it, love. Jacob has you now, I'm sure that's all he needs, a child to be a child with. And besides, today is only a day to appreciate the one who loves you no matter what you do in your life."

Now that statement got little Ellie thinking, a day to appreciate the one who loves you no matter what?... an idea came to her head, it may seem ridiculous but yet brilliant. And there was only one person in this cold world that brought her in and raised her well.

"Evie? Could I ask you a favour, please?"

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

It was dark and late by the time Jacob arrived back at the train hideout. He was beaten by a rollercoaster of emotions, making his journey home an absolute mission. He said what had to be said to his Mum, he's home now and Ellie should be asleep. That's all that matters now.

He always goes through Evie's car to get to his, he found it easier from some reason. He was completely taken back to see Evie bright eyed and bushy tailed.

"Brother! You're back! Oh! And by the way... Ellie has a surprise for you."

To you there should be no reason to freak out about it, but it's Jacob after all. Yes, he's usually carefree as ever. When it comes to those he hold dearly to him it's a totally different story. "Evie! You know that she can't be up THIS late! Not even a minute over her bedtime!-"

Evie just rolled her eyes at her twin, he's such a motor mouth when scolding her. This was just first gear.

"Jacob..."

"If she doesn't get at least 6 hours of sleep, she'll have insomnia!-" second gear, it was getting faster.

"Jacob!..."

"And with her having insomnia means bad health!-" third gear. At this point words end up clashing together.

[I]"And with bad health she'll be unhappy!And a unhappy child means horrible paren-"

Evie stops him right there by cupping either sides of his cheeks to shut him up. Wow, he is really paranoid today. "Jacob!!... just calm down. I know that you're tired and having a bad time right now. Which is why the girl is up still."

Evie slightly flicks her head towards the door that lead to his carriage, indicating him to go in as she lets go of him. He was curious now, whatever the reason for Ellie to be up so... so called late is beyond him. It must be worth while.

"....fine. But don't make a-"

Evie had enough of his scolding and just shoves him in his carriage. "My god! Jacob! It's just for one bloody night!"

"Ach! Okay, okay! Just stop pushing me!"

Finally booting him inside his own car, dimly lit by a few candles. There was Ellie standing right there in front of him nervously for some odd reason. It alerts him in the wrong way as ever.

"Hey, sweetheart. What's the matter? Nobody's been picking on you, have they?!"

Ellie just hums, well more like a shy growl as she waddles towards him with a small box wrapped in pretty wrapping paper. It wasn't his birthday yet... or did he forget again? How can he forget if he shares the same birthday as Evie? He got down on his knees to get to her eye level.

"What's all of this for?" He asked.

Little Ellie looks at Evie, doubting if this is going to work or not. Evie just nods and mouths "Go ahead... you got it."

Looking back at her Dad, she inhaled deeply and brought the box up to him. He still had no idea what's going on, he was utterly confused and worried that he had missed something while he was gone.

"Happy Mother's day, Dad..." she looks at him with a small smile. "... I love you."

His reaction was nothing but shock, mother's day?... for him? Jacob isn't a mother? Is that what Ellie thought of him this whole time? A mother? It made no difference really. Practically Jacob had been both roles in parenting, firm and strict yet loving and playful.

No matter the reasons for this, it meant the entire world to him. He couldn't help but embrace the girl tightly. It wasn't a day for him, this wasn't his day at all. And here is his little girl making her own rules up just for him. It wasn't as much as the things he did for her, but it never matters to him. Every little thing she does was something huge.

The girl wraps her arms around his neck, cuddling her head against his. "You didn't have to do this, darling. It's Mother's Day, not Father's Day." he spoke softly. Ellie just fiddled with his hair and hums,

"We both lost someone without having the chance to say goodbye..." she pulls away just to look at him, her small hands held either sides of his stubble cheeks. "...But it's okay! Because you got me and it's my job to take care of you. Leave the worrying to me."

Ellie was far too young to understand what point she was aiming for, to Jacob it made perfect sense. Even if she was repeating exactly what he told her many times before. It just meant that she knew what he means and believed he could care for her. Having that just made the struggles of being a better Father more rewarding. As firm and strict as he may seem, under that heart of thin layer of stone was gold being melted by this young girl he gladly and gratefully calls his own daughter.

A small yawn had brought him back to earth, she laid her head on his shoulder. He could feel her weight against him, a clear indication of tiredness. He wrapped his arms around her waist and stood up, hoisting her off the floor. "Alright, alright, I think it's time for bed now." He spoke softly to her as he carried her over to the couch and laid her down ever so gently. She was already asleep, he tucks her in and kissed her forehead like he had done all for all of these years.

If there was one thing he could ask for out of life is to just watch her age up well, of course he wants her to be this little sweet girl that constantly looks at him for guidance. Picking up her little gift up from the floor, he knew what it is already. With a tear of paper, he was right. Simply it was a box of chocolates, from there he knew that she always will be his sweet child.

A small sniffle brought his attention to Evie. Jacob gave an airy laugh at seeing her all emotional, something he hasn't seen for a very long time. He approached her with the box full of sweets.

"Here, look. Have some sweets, the best cure for feeling better."

She just shook her head with a small smile, looking at him with teary. She didn't say anything, not a single word at all. Instead she went up to her brother to bring him into an embrace. It had completely taken him by surprise, girls seems to be brilliant at it, that he figured out growing up with her. The night was filled with soft laughter coming out of the carriage of Jacob Frye as the train rocked, rolled and went on riding through the City of London as Evie said,

"I think I've seen enough sweets for a day, thanks to you two."

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

A/N: Yeah, Mothers Day for me (well it was) annnd I thought "Damn, wouldn't it be cute if a child did something for their solo father?" BOOM!! Thought of little Elizabeth and Jacob straight away.

Anyways, Happy Mother's Day to all of the mum's out there. Hope ya'll treat her well, if you have a solo dad than show him a little appreciation too coz... why not!