#and then FORGETTING GREG. SOBBING

[pieofdeath]

obsessed with ify getting the dm chair and immediately using it to arm himself and his companion and then declare the safety of his entire party. pc solidarity.

[widowbitessting]

Flower Petals on the Floor

Word Count: 996

Rating: General with fluffy scenes. SFW!

Summary: All you wanted to do was surprise the Trio! at work. But the stupid security guard is set on ruining your plan.

Dom!Natasha Romanoff, Dom!Wanda Maximoff, Dom!Carol Danvers x Sub!Reader

(I swear I'm not an idiot. I got asks and I lost them. Can I find them? No. I remember it being along the lines of 'a security guard not letting Baby past' so nonnie I am sorry for losing your ask. Just label me stupid I guess. Again, it’s not the best thing I’ve written but I hope you all enjoy nonetheless)

xoxo

It was supposed to be a surprise. 

A midweek visit as your classes were called off. 

You’d even bought a small bouquet of flowers for each of them. 

But would the stupid security man let you in?

No.

No matter what you tried to say, he just wasn’t having it. 

“Listen! They know who I am, just let me up!” 

“No. Your name isn’t on the list, meaning you can’t come in.” He tells you. “Now go and bug someone else.” 

You glower at him, officially irriated. 

“I am not bugging - how many times do I have to tell you? I’m their girlfriend!” 

“That’s what they all say. I wasn’t born yesterday.” 

“Listen boogers for brains, I don’t know who pissed in your coffee this morning; but I’m here to surprise my girlfriends ‘cos they’re stressed out of their minds and you’re sort of ruining it!”

“Heard it all before, love. Now beat it.” 

He shoves you and you stumble back. 

“Hey!” 

“Get out of my building, doll face.” 

“Who are you -” 

“I will personally remove you if I have to. Leave.” 

He tries to shove you again but you manage to scurry back.

You glare at him.

“Fine. Fine. I’m going. There’s no need to push me. God.” 

You stomp out of the reception area and back out the pristine glass doors, where the horrible weather is waiting to soak you. 

“Fucking stupid…butt face.” 

You stop as the door swings shut behind you and pull your phone out of your pocket; texting the Trio.

Y/N (13:14): Hypothetically…if I was trying to get into your building…what would I need to do?

Carol (13:14): Well hello to you too, cutie. 

Carol (13:14):  We’d have to put you on the OK list; get you a Visitor ID sorted and so on. Why?

You groan. 

Why is nothing ever simple?

Y/N (13:15): No reason

Wanda (13:15): Are you downstairs, baby?

Y/N (13:16): Maybe…? I’m outside…

Natasha (13:15): Go back inside love, we’ll be there in a minute❤️

You quickly do as you’re told, rushing back into the warmth of the building. 

Only, you’re met with the same security man as before. 

He’s glaring at you. 

“Listen love, if you wanted to be handcuffed this badly, all you had to do was ask.” 

“What?”

He throws your flowers to the ground and spins you around so fast that you don’t even have the time to make a sarcastic comment. 

The cold bite of his handcuffs snag at your skin. 

“Listen -” 

“No, you listen to me, I’ve had enough of your shit. You’re in detainment until the cops get here, is that understood?”

“Cops? But wait -” 

“Save it.” 

This has to be the most mortifying ordeal of your life. 

Everyone in the open reception space is looking at you and you really don’t know what to do. 

And to make it worse, your left shoe keeps squeaking.

“I can’t - I can’t go to jail!” 

“Should have thought of that sooner, love.” 

He moves you so easily that you make the mental note to start going to the gym. 

Dragging you towards the turnstiles. 

He scans his ID and pushes you through.

Taking you towards the back door when - 

“Greg, any reason you’ve got our girlfriend by the wrists?” Natasha’s voice has you both stopping and you just want to sob in relief. 

She glares at the man holding you, raising an eyebrow. 

“Oh thank god.” You mutter. 

“Yeah, that’s kind of our job.” Carol adds. 

“Told you I wasn’t lying.” You glare back at him.

“I was just -” 

“Being disrespectful to someone who we care about.” Natasha buts in. “Forget being professional, you were being downright rude. Uncuff her. Right now.” 

“Yes, ma’am. Sorry ma’am.” 

He lets you go and you quickly move to stand closer to your women; Wanda’s hand quickly finds your waist and holds you close. 

“Do you do this to all the visitors that aren’t on the all clear?” Carol asks, putting her hands into her pant pockets. 

If things hadn’t been so disastrous, you’d have found it incredibly hot. 

…Maybe you still do…

“I - no. I…” 

“Go on. We’re waiting.” Wanda snaps. 

“I was told to make sure no one got in if they’re not on the all clear.”

“And how do we ensure people do get on the all clear?” Natasha asks, as if she’s speaking to a 1 year old, 

“Having one of the reception team buzz up to Kate…”

“And did you do that?” Wanda asks.

“No…”

“Why not?” Says Carol. 

“…she…she was testing my patience!”

“And the reasonable thing to do was handcuff our girlfriend and cause a scene?”

“I was handling it accordingly.”

“He hurt my arms.” You pout and nestle into Wanda, hiding your smile. 

“I think we should have a little chat, Greg, don’t you think? Bring in the Head of Security too?”

The man visibly pales.

“I think that sounds wonderful.” Natasha adds on. “You’re dismissed. We’ll contact you later when we’re ready.” 

And just like that, he’s gone. Practically vanishing in thin air.

“Are you okay, my love?” Carol asks, looking you over and inspecting your wrists. She clocks the red marks where the handcuffs were too tight. 

“I’m gonna kill him.” Natasha growls, pulling you in for a tight hug. “My poor girl.”

“We’re gonna put you on the clearance list and get you an ID sorted.” Wanda says. “So you can come straight up next time.”

“Okay.” You pout. “I brought you flowers but he…” You point to the flowers littered on the floor. 

“Aw, baby girl.” Natasha sighs. “We appreciate the gesture. C’mon. Wanna come see where we work?”

You nod. 

Natasha takes your hand and leads you to the elevators. 

They open almost as soon as you get there and the four of you walk inside. 

Carol presses their floor and you grin up at her. 

Until she asks:

“Baby girl. Where’s your coat?”

[upslapmeal]

Notes from the Taskmaster S15E04 recording

I got to see this episode filmed back in September (if you were there hello from the person Mark Olver kept quizzing lol, and important question: do you have an airing cupboard?) and thought I'd make a post with some Bonus Content from the recording. Last time I did this I realised I'd forgotten loads so this time I got home, sat down, diligently made notes for until the end of the prize task, and decided to do the rest the next day. I did not do the rest. So we'll just have to see how well my memory holds up 😅

The version of Greg's aeroplane-themed intro was an alternative version filmed at the end - the original had the reveal that THEY'RE ALL DEAD!! and the second one was filmed "in case anyone dies in a plane"

Alex had three """""jokes"""" about his Italy trip, each one increasingly terrible. The one I made a note of was "I saw Stevie Wonder" turning into "I saw a wonder of the word". Needless to say, Greg was unimpressed.

When Greg went to Mae to introduce their prize task, their opening comment was "I’m excited to continue to explore our….dynamic"

The strength of the dynamic was then questioned when Greg was dismissive of their prize

Whatever your opinion of how Mae was scored for a later task, when Greg saw their prize on the stage at the end of the episode he said it had been underscored and it actually looked like a lot of fun

“Kiell you’ve been doing badly…it’s not your turn yet though. Frankie?"

"Jenny has always given a sob story just after presenting her prize, last episode leant heavily on her dead father" - we were told this after Jenny said she couldn't knit the hat because she had nerve damage in her hands

"I forgot to be funny then, sorry that was just sad" - Jenny

The ad buffers we saw in studio were filmed in Gatwick, and since this was before S14 aired there was a discussion about what airport it was based on the presence of an upstairs Jamie Oliver restaurant in one of them

[here ends the comprehensive notes]

I cannot stress this enough, but ANY angle or thought that you may have about Mae's throw(s) (or lack thereof) came up in the studio

I can't remember what ended up swinging (heh) it in their favour but it truly felt as though it was going to go on forever

Man I wish I could remember any specifics because there was So Much, genuinely every single possible take on that attempt was thoroughly and gleefully dissected

Hearing during this episode that Ivo had won the last two was much like when I saw that Bridget was in first place during the record for S13E04 lol

Right. Banana.

I think the logic ended up being that the task said to get the 'BANANA'

And they did, in fact, get the 'BANANA'

They got the word not the object

And there was definitely a debate about what it is to be a noun, which Mae weighed in on and I think almost made Ivo explode that they had no right to after what they did with a verb

I feel like this may have been cut bc Ivo used 'she' and I imagine the editors are going for consistency, but it's a shame bc it was amazing

But it was still 'BANANA'. As stated in the task. The word it said to get was the word they got.

Do with this what you will.

During the live task, Ivo kept pouring his sand, very very slowly, after everyone else had finished and after he was told his stream had broken, until the bottle was empty.

Tragically Jenny did not wear the turkey on her head at the end, despite everyone agreeing earlier that the winner would have to.

There we go then. And the moral of the story is to actually make notes on what happened before you forget everything. And by 'you' I mean me. I swear I'll have better notes about the S16 finale.

[knizuu]

random school thoughts =w=

Y'know I would usually compare Sonic to Dog Man [for pretty surface level reasons] but honestly I'm seeing a Shadow as a rational parallel too.

Mostly just from Shadow and Maria to Greg[ory, I forget that's the full name] and Knight. I mean, already, you have the duo where one has passed-and the other is alive. Basic, if you tell me. Digging deeper, isn't both Shadow and Dog Man the solution to Maria/Knight's problem? Maria's issue being sickness, because Shadow was to be a living cure. For Knight, his head was dying, so for some form of living on, there was Greg's head. So yeah, Shadow and Dog Man are relating to a character who dies for their sake. [Maria letting Shadow go still makes me sob madly T_T]

+With the idea of Shadow having some form of biological relation to Maria, it's similar to how Greg is literally sharing the same life as Knight :]

Holy cow both of em are sooo powerful-you have the ULTIMATE LIFE FORM and the superhero who has not just great fighting skills but also can carry 500 POUNDS [strong boyos ^ ^]

...omg if they switched plots-THAT'D BE CRAZY/silly

[sirtadcooper]

I was tagged by: @matbaynton - thank you! <3

Tag someone you want to know AND/OR some of your besties.

This turned into a monster of a thing so I'm sticking it under a cut!

Favourite colour: I am rubbish at this question. I love various colours in various contexts, but at the moment I am really gravitating towards greens. Green is a colour I haven't paid much attention to before, but for some reason over the last few months I have taken an interest in it. I even bought a solid green jumper!

Last song: When Things Explode by Unkle. It's a song I first heard on an episode of Person of Interest and it's now on one of my YouTube music playlists. Takes me right back!

Last movie: I had to check my Letterboxd for this - that's how often I'm watching films at the moment! It was the 1995 version of Persuasion that I rewatched at the end of August. A film I only discovered recently but has become one of those instant comforting favourites.

Currently watching: Oh heck - I'm struggling to keep track, there are so many! I'm watching The English at the moment. Also Outsiders series 2, Taskmaster series 16, New Girl (on season 2), This Farming Life series 6 with my dad on a Sunday morning, All Creatures Great and Small series 4, Fletchers' Family Farm series 2, Schitt's Creek with @phantomviola (on season 5), The Musketeers (series 2) and Black Books (series 3) with @userdjarin and who could forget Our Flag Means Death season 2 which has taken over my brain! Along with all that I squeezed in a Primeval series 2 rewatch which I finished the other night. [slaps roof of my brain] this bad boy can fit so many narratives in it.

Other stuff I watched this year: HAH! I have an IMDb list of TV shows I've watched this year! It's long as heck! Silk, The IT Crowd, Black Sails, The Last of Us, Lost in Space, Endeavour, The Terror, Arrested Development, Community, Vicious, Prehistoric Planet, Why Didn't They Ask Evans?, Ted Lasso, Miranda, The North Water, His Dark Materials, And Then There Were None, Jonathan Strange & Mister Norrell, The Great British Sewing Bee, The Bear, Blackadder, 30 Rock, Chernobyl and The Expanse. And those are just the ones worth mentioning! And some of these I watched four times! Okay, one thing. Okay, it was The Terror.

As for films, it's a poor show this year - I haven't watched as many (see above for reason why). I have seen the latest Spiderverse film and I've love to see Barbie!

Shows I dropped this year/didn’t finish: The Mandalorian (sob!), Vikings (I think I was maybe an episode or two shy of finishing the first season but... man... I just wasn't having fun), My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (to be fair this might have been last year, I can't remember, but I know I stopped a few episodes into season 2), Fleabag (I watched one or two episodes... wasn't quite for me).

Currently reading: Darwin by Adrian J. Desmond and James R. Moore (about 100 pages in but I'm taking this one slow because I'm not hyperfixating on him) and Dead Famous by Greg Jenner which I am taking even slower. I've read quite a few books related to the Franklin Expedition this year (thanks, The Terror) and for a while I was reading pretty solidly but I guess that's what hyperfixation does to you!

Currently listening to: I'm not really listening to music much these days thanks to YouTube's annoying ad blocker pop-up so I'm typing this in silence, haha! But podcast-wise I'm doing great. Three Bean Salad is probably my favourite podcast at the moment. The humour is just too good, and I look forward to hearing the lads every week. I'm also binging The Rest is History which is a bit more serious but still has its fun moments. I'm also listening to Off Menu, No Such Thing as a Fish, The Bones Booth, Taskmaster: The Podcast, The Mariner's Mirror Podcast, and odd episodes of RHLSTP if I know the guest. I save podcasts for when I'm doing something like washing the dishes, walking or driving.

Currently working on: Now that the puppy I found at the end of August is vaccinated, she can go out and about, and that has led to me abandon the polymer clay for a while to return to a hobby that I haven't spent much time on since early 2020 at the latest. I wanted to make her some nice collars and leads so she looks smart for our walks which I will inevitably be photographing. I know it's kind of hard to see but I made this collar and lead for her.

I was a bit worried that I'd forgotten how to sew the leather but thankfully not. I have a few more straps of leather lying around that I'd like to make into collars and leads as well. And several rope leads that need whipping (you wrap thinner twine around the thicker rope to finish it and protect the end from fraying) but I'm having to take my time with those because the twine is murder on my soft, delicate, feminine hands. I can whip maybe four leads before my fingers are red. It's worth the pain!

Current obsession: Our Flag Means Death has taken over my life once again. Whatever happens in the finale next week, I know I will be a mess. Heck, I'm already a mess.

I'm tagging: some recent mutuals so we can get to know each other, but no pressure! @tigerballoons, @woofety, @jackharkness, @jddryder, @ajcrowleys and @skatingthinandice! <3

[welcometoelliotstable]

Dollhouse

Relationships:

Greg/Gov

(And if you squint) Implied California/New York

Read on AO3

(This is a songfic using the song Dollhouse by Melanie Martinez)

Warning: angst

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

Hey girl, open the walls

Play with your dolls

I sigh as I walk back into the statehouse again. 5 days a week, only Friday and Saturday for breaks.

I think the only real reason I kept this job was because of Gov, the states are just annoying.

We'll be a perfect family

"Oh Greg you're here! Great, we can start now! Can't have a meeting without filming an episode! Gotta get paid somehow..." Gov greeted mead I walked in. He mumbled the last part, but I heard it. Money's been tight, I realized that a while ago.

When you walk away is when we really play

Gov walks out of the room and immediately Florida runs at me, Louisiana and California close behind him. "Greg!! You're back!"

"I was gone for two days, Florida. You know I come back every time."

Florida isn't the brightest.

You don't hear me when I say

After the meeting, I go to speak to Gov. I always do, not that he ever listens.

"Mom, please wake up

Dad's with a slut

And your son is smoking cannabis"

"Hey I think California might finally have the whole Disneyland thing under control. It's safe to say he can handle himself now" I tell him.

No one never listens

"Sure, yeah" he mumbles, shuffling through papers on his desk.

This wallpaper glistens

"Alright, I'm gonna go sleep then" I tell him. Without waiting for an answer, I go upstairs to my room. It's next to California's and Texas'.

Don't let them see what goes down in the kitchen

Of course, they're fighting again.

I guess tomorrow might be a better day. 

Places, places

Get in your places

"Gov calm down, they're probably fine" Virginia tells Gov.

"No, they need to be here. They need to be sitting right across from me where I can see them or- or-"

Throw on your dress and put on your doll faces

"Greg, can you come comfort him? I'll try to find Loui and Florida" Gin asks me. "Yeah, sure." I reply.

Everyone thinks that we're perfect

"Gov it's okay, nothing's wrong."

He's having a panic attack.

Please don't let them look through the curtains

"Gin will find them, they're okay"

"No, no they aren't I can't- don't-" he chokes between tearless sobs.

Picture, picture, smile for the picture

"I found them!"

"Virginia, thank God you're back!" I exclaim.

Gov takes a few deep breaths, "finally. Now I know you two aren't hurt."

Pose with your brother, won't you be a good sister?

"Alright everyone sit down in your seats, we're going live today" I say, the states mostly know to listen to me. Except New York. He does what he wants.

Everyone thinks that we're perfect

"Alright, live in 3..

2..

1."

Please don't let them look through the curtains

Just after I finish my countdown, Gov shoots me a look that says "thanks for that"

I just simply nod and mouth, "don't thank me, thank Gin for findin' em"

D-O-L-L-H-O-U-S-E

I see things that nobody else sees

The meeting was just as eventful as any other, Texas and Cal got into a fight, Florida passed some questionable laws and Loui just drank to avoid responsibility.

After the meeting was over I did what I normally do and take the video equipment first, then go back to the Table for my sound equipment.

D-O-L-L-H-O-U-S-E

On my way back, I see Cali and Texas still at the table, New York seemingly holding Cal back.

"Don't, B. It's not worth yer time" he tells them.

"Don't tell me what to do, York!" They pull away from him, "I can fight my own battles!"

I see things that nobody else sees

I leave before it escalates.

I don't wanna be part of this mess.

Hey girl, look at my mom

She's got it going on

Gov is in the kitchen, not drinking coffee for once.

Ha, you're blinded by her jewelry

When you turn your back

I walk closer to him instead of continuing to my room. It might be nice to have a normal conversation with him for the first time in who knows how long.

She pulls out a flask

And forgets his infidelity

Turns out I was wrong, “Gov what the actual hell are you doing?!”

He’s drinking.

“Louisiana!” I scream, the tone in my voice harsher than I meant it to be.

Uh-oh, she's coming to the attic, plastic

Go back to being plastic

“Mais, what was dat for?” He says as he runs down the stairs.

“Did you by any chance give Gov vodka?”

No one never listens

“Nah, you know I only drink daiquiris”

This wallpaper glistens

“Sure you do.. just leave okay? Find out who gave him the vodka if you can”

One day they'll see what goes down in the kitchen

“I’m fine, Greg. Stop worrying so much” Gov says, his words are already slurring a bit.

“You need to get out of this addiction, Gov. You were doing so well, what even happened?”

Places, places

Get in your places

“It’s none of your business, Greg! Leave me alone! I hate all of you. You’re all useless.”

Loui looks hurt at the statement, but I just shake my head. Gov is an aggressive drunk, he doesn’t mean it.

He doesn’t mean it.

I just gotta remind myself that.

Throw on your dress and put on your doll faces

He doesn’t mean it towards the states.

He doesn’t mean it towards his coworkers.

He doesn’t mean it towards me.

Everyone thinks that we're perfect

“C’mon Gov, let’s get you upstairs”

“No! Absolutely not! I have work to do!” He screams, shoving me away.

Please don't let them look through the curtains

Louisiana tries to help me calm him down. He tells him, “What would dey all think if dey saw you like this? ‘specially Flo’ida, you know how much he cares ‘bout you, even if he don’t show it.”

“Especially me” I mumble to myself now than anyone else. Gov and Loui can’t hear me.

“Gov,” I start, “Louisiana’s right. You gotta calm down. For the states if not for yourself.”

Picture, picture, smile for the picture

He doesn’t answer, which usually means I’m right but he doesn’t want to admit it.

Pose with your brother, won't you be a good sister?

I take the bottle away from him and place it on the kitchen counter. “Come on, Gov. Let’s go upstairs.”

Everyone thinks that we're perfect

Please don't let them look through the curtains

We get to my bedroom and Gov sits on the bed. “You gotta stop this man, I hate seeing you like this” I say. Not that he’s gonna take me seriously but might as well try.

D-O-L-L-H-O-U-S-E

I see things that nobody else sees

A few hours pass, most of the time Gov just sits there and complains about everything while I edit episodes and send some emails to Ben, Liv and a few others. We were going to have them make a guest appearance again.

D-O-L-L-H-O-U-S-E

I see things that nobody else sees

After I finished my work, I joined Gov on the couch. He’s listening to true crime again, honestly I can’t blame him. That stuff is interesting.

Hey girl (hey girl)

Hey girl, open your walls

Play with your dolls

We'll be a perfect family

“Gov, you wanna go sleep? It’s gotten pretty late” I ask him.

“Mmm I don’t wanna get up” well, that’s a first.

Places, places

Get in your places

“Alright, stay here then. I’ll get you tea” I offer. “Coffee?” He pleads.

“Absolutely not”

Throw on your dress and put on your doll faces

I go downstairs to the kitchen to make tea and see Florida and Louisiana sitting at the table. “You okay, Florida? You look a bit off” I ask. I’ve gotten to know the states pretty well.

Everyone thinks that we're perfect

“I-is Gov okay? I didn’t means to stress him out so much.. I- Loui told me what happened, Greg” he turns to face me.

Please don't let them look through the curtains

“He’s okay, Florida. I promise. He’s gonna go to sleep soon”

“Mais sha, I told ya he’d be alright”

“I guess you were right Loui, I just- I know I’m a lot of trouble but I’ll stop if he needs me to-“ Florida starts, but I cut him off before he can finish, “Florida, no! You make him happy! Sure, he gets stressed when you’re not in his sight but that’s because he feels responsible for you. Almost like a big brother”

Picture, picture, smile for the picture

Pose with your brother, won't you be a good sister?

“I see him as a big brother..” Florida lightly laughs, his voice bitter.

Everyone thinks that we're perfect

“Seriously Florida, he’s okay. I promise.”

Please don't let them look through the curtains

“I believe you, Greg. Thanks.”

“Of course”

D-O-L-L-H-O-U-S-E

I see things that nobody else sees

I grab the tea cup off the stove and proceed upstairs back to my bedroom.

“Here, Gov. drink at least a little bit” I say, handing the cup to him.

“Thanks Greg, I don’t know what I’d- what any of us would do without you”

D-O-L-L-H-O-U-S-E

“It’s my honor, Gov”

I see things that nobody else sees

We lay down next to each other in the bed, and when his hand accidentally brushed mine, my heart skips a beat. After a few minutes pass, the silence only proves Gov has finally fallen asleep.

I quietly get out of the bed and grab the tea cup to take it back to the kitchen.

“I love you” I whisper to him before closing the door to my room, “I really, really do”

I know he’ll never hear it.

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

@uriahcantdraw

[greg-montgomery]

hi!!! <3 I literally cannot get dad!greg out of mind 🫢 and i know this is TG and not technically greg but all I can think of is greg trying to distract your baby using blueberries (which are both of their faves) and just being silly at the doctors office while the little one gets his shots or even just a check up because the doctors office makes him sooo nervous 🥺 so greg is his personal clown that day doing all sorts of fun stuff and before you know it, check up is over & no tears 🥹🥰💕💕 greg turns my brain into literal mush i can't help it sorry

side note the caption on that tiktok......yes ma'am 🤭🤤🤪

I AM SO OBSESSED WITH THIS CLIP 😩 his voice????????? so deep and warm 🫠

but enough with my thirst - dad!greg distracting your baby with blueberries??? sobbing.

this is sooooo greg :( i remember that scene with dharma when she was sad about her yoga class and he was making silly faces to her to make her laugh bc she was crying :( he would definitely do this for your little kid 😭😭

he would make all those silly faces and say funny things to make them giggle and forget all about the scary doctor 🥺🥺🥺

and blueberries!! omg greg looooves blueberries and as your son grows you realise that so does he!!! and greg is like “he got this from me :D” and it’s true 😌😌😌 so when it’s time to go to the doctor he has some blueberries with him!! and he even does tricks like throwing one in the air and trying to catch it with his mouth!! and your son just giggles with his dad and it’s soooo cute 🥹🥹 your child even munches on one after he gets his shot, completely unbothered by the doctors visit!!!

dad!greg is just so sweet and so caring, making sure that your babies laugh and smile and aren’t scared :( and they looooove their dad so so much 😭😭😭

[serickswrites]

Whumpmas In July Day 25

25. Share a sneak peek of something you’re working on!

Ok! So many things lol. But, I’m going to take this to mean BIG things. So here’s the latest chapter in giant WIP (Burnt Offerings) that I am working on. Bit of background for context: Mallory and Greg are related (by marriage) but also work together. Leo is the serial killer that Mallory caught (he tortured her for several weeks and is quite obsessed with her). 

Warnings: referenced murder, referenced death, trauma, trauma response

“I am not here to talk, Leo. I am here so you will tell me where she is.” Mallory’s voice was stronger, she sat up a little straighter in her seat.

“And why would I do that?” Leo cocked his head. “What have you ever done for me, Mallory?” He drew out each syllable in her name.

“I think you know what I have done for you.”

“And what’s that exactly?” He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “From where I’m sitting, you have only taken things from me. Never given.”

Greg could see Mallory freeze. Could see her not breathing. Hang on, kid. I’ll get you out of here. He opened his mouth to speak, but Mallory started talking first. “You’re right. I haven’t given you anything, Leo.” Greg could hear the sadness in her voice. Oh, kid.

“I haven’t given you anything. But you still took it all from me.”

“And what exactly did I take from you?” Leo leaned in close.

“Everything,” Mallory said, voice heavy with sorrow. “You took everything from me.”

Leo smiled as she spoke. “And for that, my Mallory, I let you live.”

“Yours,” Mallory whispered as she dropped her head.

Greg opened his mouth once again, ready to end this visit, when Leo looked up at him. “I see newby isn’t here today. I take it he’s in the field waiting for directions?”

Greg nodded, not trusting his voice. I will make your life miserable. I will end these visits. You can’t hurt her anymore. Hold on, kid. I’ve got you.

“Tell him to go to Prospect Park. Near the arch. He’ll find them there.” He turned his attention back to Mallory. “Don’t forget, Mallory. Never forget. I let you live. I let you have that gift. I could have just as easily taken your life. But I gave you the gift of life. And of memory.”

Greg tapped on the window behind him before he grabbed Mallory by the shoulder. He pulled her out of the chair and from the room to the sound of Leo’s laughter. Greg pulled her into a tight hug as they stood in the hallway. Mallory clutched at his sweater as she sobbed. Oh, kid. I am so sorry. This was my fault. I didn’t help you. Didn’t intervene. Please forgive me. God, Mal.

By the time Greg was back on the highway driving, Mallory had stopped crying. She was twirling the water bottle in her hand as she stared out the window. “Mal, come home with me. I can call Papa and he can come home early.”

“It’s ok, Dad. I’m fine. I’ll just nap at home and head back—“

“You’re not going back to work today, kid.”

She turned to face him. “Wyatt stayed back to run down leads. We are getting closer. I need to be there!”

“You need to take care of yourself today. That was,” he searched for the words. I don’t want to scare you. To make you feel bad. But that was difficult to hear.

“No worse than any other time,” she said sharply. “This is what visiting him does.”

“Then maybe we can take a break.”

“No,” Mallory turned away again. “No. The victims need this.”

“Not badly enough to set yourself on fire every two weeks, Mal.”

“I’m not setting myself on fire.”

“You are. You are, Mal. And I’m giving you the fucking lighter. How can you not see how this is hurting you?”

“I do see.” Mallory looked down at her hands.

“That’s even worse! I can’t let you keep doing this. What kind of boss, what kind of father, would that make me?”

“I have to, Dad. Talking to Leo,” she paused thoughtfully. “Talking to Leo is the only way I am going to find her. And it’s the only way I can let go of what happened.”

Greg was silent. I don’t agree. I can’t let you hurt yourself. I need to protect you, kid. Help you heal. I love you, kid. I’ve got you. Always. “There are other ways.”

She shook her head and laughed, a melancholic hollow sound. “If there were, I’d be doing them. You know that. This is the only way.”

“Mal—“

“It’s true. You know it. And he knows it. It’s why he isn’t giving me information on where he put her. Because he knows once he does,” her breath caught, “I won’t go back. I will be done with him. Forever.”

Forever cannot come soon enough. “You know I’ll go with you. Every time.”

She looked up and gave him a wan smile. “I know, Dad. Thank you.”

I’ll always be there for you, kid. You don’t even need to ask. I’ve got you, kid. I’ll always have you.

[superbattrash]

Okay, episode 2 had less of what I expected but more of other good stuff, that’s cool

Sandy ep2

Man, it’s like looking at my own depression, yikes. You’ll be ok sandy, you’ll rebuild, I’m sure it’ll be just as nice as before

At least you have lulu, they seem nice. And very loyal too as far as I can tell

Oh no, you don’t have your full powers, you poor little sandymandy. You can get them back tho! You totally can, I promise. Wait is Ethel still alive then? Oh she totally is, that’s crazy

Good for you, E, but you’re totally ruining Sandy’s life, that’s not very nice of you

That’s gotta be teef man, right? He is so obsessed. Are eyes worth that much for you Corin? You had a decade of fun, now go home with your master

3-in-1, how very head and shoulders of you. I think lulu is right, maybe the others will help- oh. Oh right. They didn’t help you when you were all alone and naked :( okay, forget the siblings then, go for the shower people

Is that a DRAGON OH MY GOD IT’S SO UGLY I LOVE HIMMMMMM. Oh. Gargoyle, sorry

Cain? As in- oh my god THAT cain, okay okay then. Mystery and secrets? Cool cool, that. Probably makes sense, idk

No, don’t take the not-dragon!! They’re so mean, you ALL lost something, boys, don’t be mean :( oh you’re so sad. This is awful, I don’t like this, Cain and Abel just want their Greg to be okay :(

You’re gonna absorb him just to get the head and shoulders guys to come and not even tell you what you wanna know?? Sandy, I don’t like this :(

Oh you’re crying. Don’t cry. If you cry, I’ll cry 😭

Sandy, you need to give Gregory back when you’re done, I won’t forgive you if you don’t

He???? Just killed???? I mean I know he did but but w h a t

Kill him?? And then trust you? Jesus, this crazy bitch. Oh, a very thinly veiled threat, nice, Corin.

The Fates, right, sorry, I forgot their actual name, excuse me, but you’re really going into the murky water just to, what? Pay them? This is a lot, sandy, just.. a lot

JESUS CHRIST I JUST PEED A LITTLE I didn’t expect a jump scare sort of deal

Sandy, I like sandy more. Can I call you morph if I really have to call you something else?

He’s confident but polite, that’s a nice combination so far

CONSTANTINE????? ARE YOU SHITTING ME? Like the one we already know?? Probably not, but I’ll pretend

Oh my god is that gonna give them a new Gregory? Please please please, yay

Supernatural and sexiest, ehehehe, okay, that’s fun, Ethel. You’re both flirting, now stop it. Oh god don’t show her your not-eyes, you crazy bastard JESUS CHRIST WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT WHAT DID YOU DO, ETHEL

oh so he keeps killing him over and over, that’s…something. IT’S A NEW BABY YAAAAY, I KNEW IT. Irving? Really? Ok then, it’s your not-dragon. G, you say? Just call it Girving then. Oh, same brain

Aaaand you killed him

Where are you now, E? Who are you visiting, hmm? That’s gotta be your kid. Oh so by taken your son, you meant his mind? Wait, is that. Is that whatshisface. The actor who plays the Weasley dad?? It sounds like him anyway

Goldie?? Hm, okay I guess

Abel. My guy. Bestie. That is not healthy

Lulu is totally my fav - or yaknow. Second favorite. I still like sandy mostest

“No more ravens” cries sobs screams

You can’t just expect Constantine to obey you, dude, you ain’t got any of your mojo

Is that you, Corin? Did Ethel send you back home? Oh that is. Disturbing to watch. Lulu can you please beat his ass? “I fit right in”, yeah, humans suck, Corin, we know. You kinda have a point but it’s not a very good point, just sayin’

Alright. I did think there’d be more chasing but it’s still a solid 7 I’d say. Good characters, many questions. Oh and very nice buildup which I appreciate, a good tummy full of lore, thank you, sandy

[splendourofrecognition]

What's going on?

I feel so...tender. Right on the edge of a big, big sob. Thoughts about dogs floating around, guilt about forgetting Ruby's cardigan this morning, then joy that I started to put some self-compassion into practice, followed by wondering if I need an ADHD assessment, followed by worrying I'm about to burnout again, followed by....a single deep breath.

I guess I have a lot going on. But then again, it seems I always do. I look upon people that stay in one place, one job, one house, one routine and feel so incredibly stuck and sad imagining it. So, naturally, I've made moves to have a life of spontaneity and flux, but in the process can often burn myself out. There are things about the flux that I love and fills me up- like booking Amsterdam to see Andrew & Bill in September. Or some of the little holidays we have planned over the summer. The thought of going to London on Saturday to celebrate my birthday. These things feel good. What things don't? I suppose it's the inner and outer expectations that I put on myself, particularly at work, and now with my upcoming counselling course. My people-pleasing remains part of my MO and it's utterly exhausting.

When I put others' needs before my own, it's neglect. I think the more I can understand this and gain clarity around it, the more I'll be able to choose differently.

And then there's the dog situation.

Kobi has been coming to mind a lot in the wake of Billie leaving. That's interesting to me, given that we more recently needed to re-home both Moose and Pip. God, our track record. It's dire.

Why Kobi? He's the key to unlocking the desire to have a dog in our lives. When Kobi arrived, I was 14. It had so far been the very worst time I'd ever experienced- high school was filling me with dread, friendships were changing rapidly by the day, I'd made the decision to give up dance and with it a whole group of friends/identity, I had started dating Greg and it was hard hard hard because though he made me laugh, he was in constant pain. My mom and I were fighting more than we ever had and would continue to...in fact, it would only get worse. Kobi, though. He was always there as this stable and loving force. I think I felt unconditionally loved in a way that I hadn't since I was very, very young. In Kobi's eyes, I was wonderful, just as I am, without having to DO or BE anything other than myself. It was a world of safety, love, affection and connection. I can't keep writing this because the tears are coming and I'm alone at the garden centre.

To Kobi. One of the greatest loves of my life.

[michelle-is-writing]

Family Matters, Greg House

Word count: 1.7k~

In the time I’ve worked at Princeton-Plainsboro teaching hospital, some might say I'm the bubbly doctor in our group. Although I don’t know how true this might be, I do know everyone can agree I'm definitely more bubbly than doctor Gregory House, but that's for another day to discuss. I'm usually the one people send in to try and cheer up patients. Because of this, I mostly work in the pediatrics ward where young, sick children are. Sometimes, I have an easy time talking to the kids and making them happier, and sometimes, I don't; usually, when I'm upset, I have a hard time.

Right now, I'm having a very difficult time.

A young New Jersey girl at the age of 11 had developed mastoiditis, an infection that affects the mastoid bone above the ear and is typically caused by a middle ear infection. Usually, this all clears up, but sadly, this infection had grown to be so bad that the girl ended up with only twenty-three percent of her hearing left in the one ear. Although this is the case, I'm not having a hard time because of the girl's loss of hearing, no.

I have my own problems at the moment.

Since I'm working in the children's ward, I don't get to see Wilson or Greg as much as I want to. Despite Greg's tendency to be an asshole, he's still my best friend and not to mention that Wilson is the kind of guy anyone can talk to about anything. However, our schedules are all different, so, as I said: we don't get to see each other that often.

At least they're still in my life though. For my family, I can’t say the same. Recently, I've just lost the closest person to me in my family; although it wasn’t through death, but through immaturity and childishness. Because of this, all of my other family members have closed me out as well, causing me to be alone. With all of my friends busy and my family shutting me out, I have no one to talk to or enjoy time with... no one. I can't even get a boyfriend for Christ's sake, and it's not like the guy I have my eyes on actually likes me back. Greg is the type of guy you can easily fall in love with, yet at the same, you really shouldn't.

"Doctor (y/n)," the young girl by the name of Jessie states. Putting all my focus back on her, I remind myself not become distracted anymore today. This isn’t the first time, unfortunately. "Will my hearing ever return?"

I smile sadly at her and shake my head. "I'm sorry, Jessie," I tell her. "Your hearing in that ear won't return, but it's not a bad thing!" I assure her. She smiles in relief. "We can always get you a hearing aid, and that will help get your hearing back to normal again, but the wait might be a little long," I explain. "Is that okay with you?"

She nods her head at my question. "I'm okay with that, doctor (Y/n)," Jessie tells me, "I'll have my family help me until then," she smiles brightly. "You can always look up to your family, right?" She states, confident in her words.

Tears slowly rising to my eyes at the thought, I nod and quickly blink them away. "That's right," I tell her, still smiling. "And don't you ever forget it," looking toward her parents, I nod my head. "The discharge nurse will be here in a few moments with the papers. If you'll excuse me..."

Without another word, I quickly leave the room and walk as fast as I can to the nearest empty room. I prefer going to James’ office instead, but it's two floors away, and I don't want any awkward elevator trips. So, before I have a mental breakdown in the middle of the hallway, I find an unlocked janitorial closet before walking in and closing the door behind me, ultimately sliding down the hardwood door once it's shut.

Sitting on the cold, tile floor, I begin sobbing as quiet as I can, my hand covering my mouth. I already had my family drama on my mind all day, but for that girl to unintentionally throw it back in my face? That was the frosting on top of the already leaning, three-layer cake.

Tears stream down my cheeks like raindrops as I cry my heart out. I can tell my cheeks are red by the sensation of heat I currently feel on them; my hands feel it too. I'm crying so hard my chest begins to heave up and down as if I were having a panic attack. Oh God, I can't have a panic attack. Not here, not now.

Behind me, I feel two knocks on the door, causing me to halt. The only problem is: the knock wasn't above me, it was where my back is against the door. Remind you, I'm currently sitting on the floor. The only way someone can knock that low is if there is a midget behind the door there or someone used something like a cane... it's Greg.

Slowly moving up a little, I shakily open the door and let the grey haired man in, watching as he looks at me with pity. I've never seen the confident doctor House look like this with anyone. It's like a... a totally different Greg.

Sitting down beside me against the door, Greg drops his cane beside him as he sighs and wraps his arm around me before gently tugging my body close to his. Shocked, I tense up, tears no longer pouring out of my eyes. Greg never comforts anyone like this. He always makes fun of them or says something that many people take offense to, but he never... he never cares. He always brushes it off his shoulder, yet for some reason, he seems like he actually cares this time.

"What's wrong?" He asks, his voice deep as usual with no emotion.

I wait a few seconds before lying. "Nothing important," I tell him, my voice wavering from my scattered emotions.

Pulling me back to face him, Greg looks me in the eye before sighing again. "I know you've been crying by the wet tears on your cheeks, slight puffiness, and redness to your eyes, and fast-paced breathing - and I don’t even have to be a doctor to notice that," he breaks down my current state, lifting an eyebrow. "Now, are you going to begrudgingly tell me what's wrong or do I need to stay in here with you until you finally give in to all my unrelenting sexiness."

His comment makes me laugh, causing a grimace of a smile to fall on House's lips. Out of all of us, I've been the only one to do that. I've been the only one to break Greg's stone exterior and interior. Plus, It doesn't help that I like Greg romantically. I like the fact that he's confident and witty; he's not afraid to be himself. Although, he can still be quite an ass to others, but to me, he’s always been nothing but kind. Even when I first started working here, he was still patient and sweet - a rare sight to everyone else. It used to hurt me to think he’ll never feel the same way as me, but I’ve gotten so used to that fact that it doesn’t even bother me anymore.

"It's just... my family," I explain, Greg pushing my head back onto his shoulder as he holds me. At this point, I'm not shocked by anything he does. The infamous doctor could be high for all I know. He probably took a few Vicodin tablets before coming down here now that I think of it.

"They've completely... shut me out," I explain, shrugging as I rest my hand on his shoulder. "They never talk to me anymore, they've blocked me in any way of even trying to talk to them. My cousin just sent me an email last night telling me that I didn't need to contact them anymore as they no longer wanted me in their lives," I close my eyes, tears rolling down my cheeks. "Plus, I wish I could work with you guys again," I take a breath before saying the next thing. "I miss you."

A few seconds of silence pass before Greg leans down to my face level. Opening my eyes, I'm greeted by his own sapphire orbs, watching as he continually inches forward until his lips plant themselves on mine. Our eyes close at the same time in response to the touch of our lips, and they stay that way too. With my heart beating fast and a different fire in my cheeks, I instantly respond to his kiss while placing my hands on the sides of his face, feeling his hands attach themselves to my hips as I do so. We kiss until we have to breathe, both of us pulling apart simultaneously.

"They don't deserve you," Greg tells me, a little out of breath. "You are wonderful; a decent and kind human being, inside and out," he takes a small pause, flashing his blue eyes down to mine. "I never thought I’d say this, but… because of you, I think maybe not everyone is a horrible person and that maybe I can be a bit nicer a time or two," he then smiles at me, kissing me once more. "You have made me feel love believe it or not."

Smiling, I lean up to kiss his forehead before sitting back down and resting my head against his chest, my eyes cast upon him as he looks down at me. "You've also made me feel love," I confess to him, my voice shy. "I've grown to love you as well. You and your sarcastic comments and witty comebacks and your insults to apparent stupid people," for once, he laughs, making me grin. "I can't help but love it all."

After a few moments, Greg speaks up. "I know I can't be your entire family," he murmurs, holding me close. "But I can try to be your... your..." He draws on, clearly trying to come up with an appointed title for himself. After a few seconds, I giggle and cut him off.

"Boyfriend?" I ask, making him roll his eyes.

"I was going to say significant other," he argues, looking over to me. "The term boyfriend is so, well, childish," he complains, making me giggle.

Leaning closer, I peck his lips. "Good thing you have a childish mind," I tease him, pressing my lips to his one more time before he responds to my comment with something horrible or completely inappropriate. It is Doctor House we’re talking about, after all.

[drarrily-we-row-along]

Day 126: Arranged Marriage

April 16th was an appropriately stormy day.

Harry sat in the window seat, watching the rain batter the glass and cursing arranged marriages, cursing Astoria Greengrass, cursing Draco Malfoy, and cursing himself for falling for his auror partner. Everything about today was awful and he was vindictively glad that it was pouring on their wedding day. He hoped that their umbrella charm failed and Astoria's lovely hair got soaked.

He was trying to find the energy to get up and make some tea when there was frantic pounding on the door. His head snapped up in surprise, heart jumping to his throat but he forced it back down. The knocking continued so he pulled himself up and headed to the front door.

"I'm not in the mood today," he said as he opened it.

"Hi."

Harry stared at the man who was standing before him in white and gold dress robes, his long hair bound in an elaborate braid with gold ribbon woven through. He was gorgeous and it made Harry's brittle heart shatter further.

"I'm getting married today," Draco said.

He swallowed, pain slicing through him like a well placed diffindo. "I know," he rasped.

"You," Draco started, flicking his braid over his shoulder and licking his lower lip, "You're supposed to be there."

"Don't ask that of me," Harry whispered, choking on the words.

"Harry, you're my best friend-"

He shook his head, "I can't, Draco," he begged, hoping he would understand. "I can't."

"Please, I need you-"

"No you don't," he replied, clenching his fist and digging his nails into his palm hard enough to draw blood.

Draco's lower lip protruded and he looked on the verge of tears.

"I'm sorry, Draco," he whispered. "I just can't watch you get married to someone," who isn't me went left unsaid but Harry wondered if the other man could hear it anyway.

"But-" he began again.

He shook his head and stepped back, "Happy wedding day," he murmured, the words tasting like ash in his mouth. "I hope you'll both be happy," he added before closing the door, putting it between him and Draco. Harry turned his back to the door and slid to the floor, staring unseeingly into the dark house and wondering if it would ever seem bright again.

(Read more below the cut)

Draco stood and stared at the door for a long moment, aching with the desire to reach out and open it, to pull Harry into his arms and promise to never leave him. He didn't know why he'd come, Harry not showing up this morning for brunch with the other groomsmen ought to have been enough.

He leaned his forehead against the door and gave himself one minute. One minute to allow the memories, the yearning to rush in. To remember the way Harry had looked last night at his bachelor party, drunk and smiling at him, smiling so wide that his dimples stood out. He remembered how they stayed up after all of the other groomsmen had pulled someone and turned in for the night.

Remembered the way they'd gone back to Draco's hotel room for a game of cards and ended up sprawled out on the floor, side by side, shoulder to shoulder, just talking. Let himself remember how free he'd felt, like he could be anything and Harry would still accept him.

"You're my best friend," Draco had told him.

"I'm in love with you," Harry had replied.

He tried to stop the memory there, tried to keep his brain from replaying the way Harry's face had crumpled, the way his tears had made his vivid green eyes brighter than all the stars in the sky. He tried to forget the way he'd said, "but I'm getting married tomorrow" and the way that had made Harry cry even harder. Draco tried to forget the way that Harry had stood up with a mumbled apology and stumbled from the room.

But mostly, he tried to forget the way that he had chosen not to follow.

One minute. That's all he allowed himself before he stood up and straightened his shoulders. Getting married was what was expected of him, the scene he would cause if he didn't, well, it didn't even bear thinking about. With one last glance at the door, he apparated away to tell Greg that he'd been promoted to best man.

-------------

Astoria looked beautiful. Her white and gold dress robes were radiant and she had pearls woven into her hair. She smiled at him and squeezed his hand when he reached out to receive her. "You look stunning," he murmured.

Her smile widened and she looked so happy that Draco's heart ached.

They approached the altar together and the ceremony started. When it came time for them to be bound by magic, Draco took her left had with his and they pointed their wands at their wrists.

"Ready?" Astoria asked. They'd practiced this, without their wands of course; they'd practiced timing the words right, syncing the words that would bind them together.

He stared at her, at her warm, comfortable brown eyes. He knew if they got married that he'd come home every night to those eyes. She was good and kind, and Draco loved her.

But not the way he loved Harry.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered.

"What?" she asked, her smile slipping a touch.

"I can't," he said, parroting the words Harry had said to him this morning and shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Tor," he breathed, "But I can't do this."

Everyone around them started whispering and Draco's heart beat a little faster. "What?" she repeated.

"You're a dear friend," he said, ignoring the people around them, "but don't you want more for us? Don't you want passion and-"

"Draco," his father hissed, "Get yourself under control."

He released Astoria's hand, "Don't you want a love you've chosen?"

"It's Harry, isn't it?" she asked as a tear slid down her porcelain skin.

The room was positively buzzing now. "I'm sorry," he said again.

She took a breath and stepped toward him, and for a moment, Draco was sure that he was going to be slapped. But then her arms wrapped around him, drawing him into a hug. "You're being brave," she whispered, "and no one is going to thank you for it." She drew back slightly, "but I'm proud of you."

He pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"Go," she said, pulling back and drying her eyes.

Draco nodded, "You should go on the honeymoon," he said because he knew that she'd always wanted to go to Greece. Then he stepped back before anyone could get to him and apparated out of the wedding chamber and straight to Harry's door not even bothering to put up an impervius to stop the rain. "Harry!" he shouted, banging on the door again. "Harry!"

The door flew open, "What are you doing here?" Harry asked, nearly frantic, "You're supposed to be getting married."

He stared at the other man, allowed himself to fully feel everything for the first time. His heart expanded and clunked painfully against his ribs and tears stung the back of his eyes and rain ran down his face, "I couldn't," he managed.

Harry looked stricken, "Merlin, Draco, I am so sorry. I never should have-"

Draco closed the distance between them and kissed Harry.

The other man's body went rigid for a moment before he melted into Draco, clinging to him and letting out a choked sob.

He pulled back, "I'm an idiot."

Harry blinked at him and then nodded miserably, "I'm so sorry-"

"No," he interrupted. "Circe, no. Not for kissing you but because I have spent the past three years in love with you and too stubborn and foolish to do anything about it."

"Draco," Harry breathed, eyes shining again.

"Can you invited me in?" he asked with a laugh. "We're getting soaked."

Harry nodded and pulled the other man inside, Draco was about to say something more but Harry caught him around the waist and pressed him back against the wall, kissing him again, his mouth hot and insistent against Draco's. "I love you," he murmured into the kiss, branding the words against Draco's mouth. Before pressing kisses all over Draco's face, along his cheeks, his nose, his chin, his forehead, and even his eyelids. "I love you," he said again, burying his face in Draco's neck and holding him tight.

"I love you, too," he whispered, carding his fingers through Harry's messy curls and pressing a kiss to Harry's temple.

"This is crazy," Harry muttered into the sensitive skin of Draco's neck. He pulled back and Draco saw that he was grinning at him, "You're absolutely barking. I can't believe you did that. Your parents must be pissed."

"I imagine they are," he replied.

"You imagine they are? As in you don't know that they are?" he asked incredulously.

He huffed, "Like I was going to just stuck around to find out. No thank you. Mummy will need time to talk Father out of disowning me, and Astoria will need time to convince her that this is the right thing."

"Astoria?" he asked, wrinkling his nose.

He nodded, "she's surprisingly good with my parents, definitely one of the perks of marrying her." Draco grinned at him, "The sex had better be good."

"The sex will be fantastic," Harry promised. "So, how long do you think it's going to take your parents to forgive you?"

"A few weeks at least."

Harry brushed the hair off Draco's face, "Let's go somewhere," he said.

"What?"

The other man nodded, "Like on a vacation or something. You're off the next two weeks because you were supposed to go honeymooning and I'm off the next two weeks because I didn't want to deal with an idiot temporary partner and because I was anticipating being a bit heartbroken," he shrugged. "Let's go on vacation."

He laughed, "I'll go anywhere as long as it's with you."

------------------

Day 125: Accidental Bonding | Day 126: Fake Dating

[burntotears]

🤲👀💁‍♀️ for the writer emoji asks =)

Fanfic Writer Emoji Ask Game

🙋‍♀️ Do any irl people know you write fanfic? (I think this is the one that was meant... I don't see the other emoji on the list)

I was talking about this in the literal skeletons discord the other day−when I was 12 my brother found my slash boyband fanfic on my PC (I had my own computer because dad is a PC technician and built us PCs) and "outed" me to my mom. It was a weird conversation, but didn't really result in a lot, honestly? I didn't get in trouble, she was just kind of baffled but I started writing other generic fiction too and posting that online so it became a whatever thing. Dunno if she realizes I still do it and I'm sure my brother has forgotten all about that happening.

My husband knows I write fanfic and that I RP too, obviously. I ask him weird/random questions all the time when doing research or am looking for the right words. He just rolls with it−he's a good sport.

👀 Tell me about an up and coming wip please!

I talk about a lot of them, but I guess I will mention the new one sigh. I decided to write a holiday fic which I don't usually do, but I read one of the prompts for the RNM New Years Countdown and got inspired to write a Malex fic based on the 2006 movie The Holiday, which is basically one of my favorite holiday movies ever for reasons unknown.

It's going to be long and that's not what I wanted to happen, yet here we are. So now I'm just going to say it covers three of those prompts or something because ugh. Also it's going to be background Greg/Isobel because reasons. I have a thing for that pairing and I wanted it instead of kybel.

🤲 Would you please share a snippet of a wip? From The Holiday AU:

“Hey, Iz,” he said and headed back toward the primary bedroom. “Did you conveniently forget to mention that your brother would be coming here?”

“No,” she replied, sounding offended, “but he lives like five minutes away so it’s not hard for him to stop by.”

“Not Max. The other one.”

Isobel was silent for a few moments. “Right. So… I might have forgotten to tell him I wouldn’t be there.”

“No shit, Iz!” Alex rubbed his temple, exasperated.

Isobel scoffed. “You didn’t exactly mention there would be a sobbing man on your sofa either.”

“What are you talking about?” Alex frowned. 

“Looks like you, says his name is Gregory and he lives here?” Isobel prodded.

“He’s not supposed to be there.”

“From what I have gathered, his girlfriend broke up with him,” Isobel said, sounding disinterested.

“Shit. They were supposed to go on a cruise.”

“Oh god,” she replied, sounding upset.

“I know,” Alex agreed.

“No, that they would go on a cruise. They’re so unsanitary.”

Alex groaned. “Really not important right now, Isobel. What about your brother? Can’t he go stay with your parents?”

“Would you subject your brother to your parents?” Isobel asked skeptically.

“I thought that you liked your parents.”

“Yes, but Michael has a… difficult relationship with them.”

Alex raised his eyebrows. “Okay…” What the hell did that mean?

“Look, just… he’s really nice once you get to know him.” Isobel didn’t even sound convinced of it herself.

“That’s not the ringing endorsement you think it is.”

“He’s got Nora there, so he’ll be even better behaved!” she tried. It sounded like one hell of a fishing trip she was on.

“Wow, you’re really talking this guy up.” Alex deadpanned. “Does he know you think so highly of him?” 

Isobel snorted. “I have to deal with your sobbing mess of a brother here, so the least you can do is look at my hot brother for a little while.”

“Did you just call your brother hot?” Alex shook his head. “No, not the point. Anyway, you don’t have to deal with Gregory, he can just go…” Alex tried to think of someplace in Roswell Greg could possibly spend the next two weeks.

“Yes?” She prompted.

“Fuck.” There was nowhere for him to go. Alex sure as fuck wasn’t going to send him to their dad’s place.

“Exactly. So we’re both stuck, looks like,” she said.

He sighed. “Fine. I’ll give it a few days, but if he’s still as obnoxious as his first impression was, I’m not making any promises.”

“Of course. Maybe Gregory will stop crying long enough that I could even watch TV,” she shot back testily.

[high-functioning-lokipath]

SH - John Watson x Reader - Better Late Than Never - Words: 2,679

A/N: This was the prompt: Reader went to med school with John, she liked him but never told him so. John gets deployed and they lose contact. A few years later they meet again because of a case.

"C'mon, Y/N," John laughed. "If you don't study for the test tomorrow, I won't give you the ice cream I bought!" 

"Is it Death By Chocolate?" You replied, raising your head only slightly from it's spot on the floor. 

"Maybe," He replied with a smirk. The two of you were in your dorm, trying to study for the quarter finals. You were in your 6th and final year of med school. You'd met about halfway through your 2nd year and had instantly become close friends. Small displays of affection were normal between the two of you, the type that best friends would share without giving a second thought. John didn't have a clue, but you had developed quite the crush on him. You never told him, though, for fear of messing up the one good friendship you had. 

"John!" You groaned, dramatically sprawling out further on the carpet. "I think my brain has died." You had been trying to remember everything you'd studied and were coming up blank. 

"Hm, I'm studying to be a doctor, not a coroner, but I would say time of death was somewhere between 6 years ago and now," He teased, leaning over you from his nearby perch on your futon. Pretending to be mad, you threw your foot up and kicked his leg. 

"You git!" You exclaimed with a grin.

"Oi!" He replied, dramatically tumbling to the floor next to you. You both lost yourselves in a fit of giggles. You stopped laughing and just stared at him when your brain caught up with your eyes and you had one of your "moments". He looked so happy lying there next to you, laughing his head off. His hair was a mess, his jumper had gotten abit twisted and was creeping up his torso, and his eyes were bright with tears of laughter. "You ok, Y/N?" He asked when he noticed you had stopped laughing. 

"Yeah, just thinking," You replied quickly. 

"Ok, as long as it's nothing serious," He said. "Really, if anything is bothering you, you can talk to me. You've been zoning out more often recently so," He looked away, a bit embarrassed. "I was worried."

"I'm fine, John," You replied, not having the guts to tell him what was really on your mind. 

About a year later, only 3 months after graduation, John called you. You still kept in touch, although you lived in different cities now, and your feelings hadn't changed. John had dated a few different girls but nothing ever worked out. You, though? You had gone on one date but left halfway through when the guy wouldn't shut up about himself and asked if you were splitting the check. John had told you he had applied at a small clinic near his apartment so you assumed his call was to update you on that. "Hey!" You said, picking up immediately.

"Uh, hey, Y/N," He said, sounding fairly upset. "Look, I," He sighed. "You remember that I enlisted a few months ago?"

"Yes," You replied, a lump forming in your throat. 

"I've just gotten my deployment letter. They're sending me to Afghanistan. I leave this Friday." Silent tears streamed down your face and you found yourself unable to reply. "Y/N? Are you still there?" He asked.

"Yeah," You choked out. "Yeah, I'm still here, John. I, well, I guess I should wish you well then." You pinched the bridge of your nose and breathed deeply, trying to get ahold of yourself. 

"Look, I know you're not a fan of the military but can't you at least congratulate me? This is something I wanted after all."

"Is it? Is it really?" You nearly yelled. "You didn't sound all that cheery two minutes ago when I picked up the phone! Besides, how could I congratulate you when all I can see is you getting blown to bits out there!"

"Sorry," He replied immediately. "That, that wasn't fair of me to ask." You both were silent for a moment before John spoke up again. "I'll write." 

"Not with that handwriting you won't, " You replied, falling back into your regular banter. 

"I'll try to make it legible for you," He promised. You nodded, though he couldn't see you, and started crying again.

"Alright," You said. "Can I drive over Friday and see you off?" 

"Best not," He said. "I think it's better for both of us, yeah?" You reluctantly agreed. The two of you chatted for a few more minutes before saying goodbye. Shaking off the foreboding feeling that had settled on you, you continued with your day and started planning your first letter to him. 

The first few weeks went well, his letters arriving regularly on Friday's without fail. Then one week it came on Monday instead, the next on Wednesday, and soon two weeks passed without a letter. When you finally received it, he said that they had gotten to a point where it was getting harder and harder to safely send a receive mail. He asked for you to stop all letters and promised to find you again when, or if, he got home. That night you wrote him one final letter but, of course, never sent it. You were determined to move on with life now but you promised yourself to never forget him.

"Good morning, Molly," You said walking into the hospital with her. You'd moved to London and gotten a job at St. Bart's, working in the outpatient clinic. A few weeks after starting there, you'd met Molly while on break. You exchanged numbers and started meeting in the cafeteria if you both had breaks at the same time. In time you met Sherlock. What an experience that had been. He immediately deduced which department you worked in, how long you'd been there, where you went to college, when you went to college and he even figured out that you'd been in love with someone in uni and never got over them. Needless to say, you were impressed. Ever since then he texted you occasionally for confirmation on medical related hypotheses.

"Good morning, Y/N," Molly replied. 

"Have you heard from Sherlock recently? I haven't gotten any texts from him in the past few weeks." Molly chuckled and nodded. 

"I've heard from him. He has a new flatmate. A doctor too!" 

"Wow!" You replied. "Good for him! Let me know next time he comes by so I can meet him. I'd like to know who my replacement is," You teased. Molly giggled and you continued chatting as you walked over to the elevator. As the doors were about to close, you heard someone yell.

"Hold the lift!" You slammed the open doors button and Sherlock ran in. He nodded at you and you let go of the button. The doors started to slide closed again when another person called out.

"Sherlock!" You froze hearing that voice. You tried to get the doors in time but missed.

"Y/N?" Molly asked, worriedly. "Are you ok? You look like you've seen a ghost!" You nodded and leaned on the wall, trying to get yourself together. You decided to ride up to Molly's floor and see if Sherlock's friend came up on the next lift. Sherlock kept staring at you, confused, while you sat there waiting. A few minutes later, he came storming in the door. 

"Sherlock! What were you thinking? Why didn't you hold the lift for me? I had to wait for the next one which happened to-"

"John," You gasped, amazed that it actually was him standing in front of you. "John!" You exclaimed, jumping up and running over.

"Y/N!" He replied, a grin spreading on his face. His smile faltered quickly though. "I," He said. "I need to be going. I forgot I had an appointment. Yeah. That's it. I'll see you at the flat, Sherlock." John quickly limped out the door and off to the elevator.

"He's the one, isn't he?" Sherlock said after a few moments. You nodded sadly. 

"Why'd he run off like that?" You asked. 

"Well it's obvious he didn't have an appointment. That leaves two possible reasons for his lying. One he could be-"

"Oh shut up, Sherlock!" You cried. "I know why he left. I-" You cut yourself off, choking back a sob. "Just sod it all! I need to go to work. I'll see you at lunch, Molly." You ran off, down the hall and to the elevator. 

"Molly, I know that look in your eyes," Sherlock said once you'd left. "What are you planning?"

"The perfect set up. Now help me-"

"Molly," Sherlock interrupted her. "I may not understand a lot of things related to the topic of human relationships but I can tell you this, if either of us were to get involved, we may be maimed." Molly nodded in agreement.

Weeks went by and you worked harder than ever, taking extra shifts whenever you could. Your boss finally told you to take a week off to recharge. After much arguing, you relented and headed home for a week. Being alone all day, however, left your mind wandering. Thinking back to what might have been. To occupy your time, you decided to catch up with one of your good friends who lived nearby. You hadn't had the chance to hang out in some weeks but you texted each other every day. When you didn't hear from her yesterday, you worried but figured she probably was just tired. "Maybe she'll have some good advice for me," You told yourself. Knocking at her door, you checked your phone again to see if she had replied yet. Now you were really worried. You grabbed your spare key to her apartment and went in. 

"What do you want?" Sherlock said, answering his phone.

"Sherlock, it-it's Y/N. Can you," You paused, taking a shaky breath. "Can you come down here please? I need your help. Lestrade's already on his way."

"On my way," He replied, grabbing his coat and scarf. "What happened?" As you explained to him everything, he grabbed John's coat and tossed it to him. John was mildly confused of course, but went along. 

"I went in and found her in the bathroom," You told him. "I'm probably missing something obvious. I'm sorry," You cried.

"No, you're doing fine," Sherlock said genuinely. John looked at him surprised as they got into the cab, still not aware of who was on the other end of the call. "We'll be there in 7 minutes."

"We?" You asked. But Sherlock hung up before he answered. 

"Y/N?" Greg said, coming up behind you. "I hate to say this but, we're going to need a statement. Do you want to wait till Sherlock gets here?"

"No, it's alright. Let's get it over with." A few minutes later, you'd told Greg everything you knew and he'd gone inside with the others to investigate. A cab pulled up and Sherlock rushed out. "Sherlock!" You exclaimed running up to him. As you approached, you saw another person getting out of the cab. "Why did you bring him?" You hissed.

"He's my assistant, flatmate and, if I have deduced correctly, a friend of both of us," Sherlock said.

"Look, that was years ago, I don't even know if-" You started whisper-yelling. You got cut off though when John walked up. You noticed he was limping again. 

"John," Sherlock said. "I believe you're acquainted with Y/N. You're much better with people than I am," He stated briefly before going into the apartment.

"Y/N, I'm so sorry," John said once Sherlock left. You nodded, sitting down on a nearby bench before your legs gave way from exhaustion. 

"She was a good friend of mine. I don't know what could have happened." John was quiet as he sat down next to you.

"Sherlock will figure it out. If anyone can, it's him," He finally said.

"That is for certain," You replied with a dry chuckle. "So how did you meet Sherlock?"

"Oh, well, you remember Mike Stamford?" 

"From uni? Yeah, I remember him."

"Well, he introduced me to Sherlock. We were both in need of a flatmate and he matched us up." John paused for a moment, brows furrowed. "That sounds much too much like a bad dating ad. Mike got us together."

"Nope, that's worse," You replied chuckling.

"You understand."

"I think so," You finally replied. "So," You paused. You were so desperate to ask him more but you weren't sure if this was the best time. "Oh, well, nevermind. Glad that worked out." You quieted again, staring off down the street. John looked at you for a moment before clearing his throat.

"Right, yes. So, what have you been up to?"

"Work. I got a job at St. Bart's about 2 years ago. That's how I met Molly and therefore Sherlock." You were silent for a moment before adding one more thing. "I've missed you, John."

"I've missed you too," He admitted. "I'm sorry I didn't write or call when I got back. I-" He sighed and absently rubbed at his leg. "I couldn't. I was scared, if I'm being honest."

"Why? What happened?"

"You know we got sent into a very dangerous area. That's why I had to stop writing to begin with. But then, well, I got shot."

"Your leg?" You asked since he had been limping and rubbing at it. 

"Ah, shoulder actually. The limp is psychosomatic. It comes and goes when I'm particularly worried or upset."

"Oh, I'm sorry," You said, not completely sure of what to say.

"I've been back in London for about a year. I looked you up actually. I found out you were working at Bart's. That's why I ran into Mike that day. I was in a park nearby, trying to work up the nerve to go and see you."

"Why didn't you?" You asked. He looked away, embarrassed. "Sorry, I shouldn't have-"

"No, it's ok. I should be honest." He ran a hand through his hair and chuckled nervously. "I was afraid of what you'd think of me. I didn't come back as some 'war hero'. I'm a washed up medic who can't even walk correctly."

"It's psychosomatic, right?" You asked, tilting your head slightly.

"Sherlock says so."

Well then, you have nothing to fear." He looked at you questioningly. "You know I never cared about the military so I could honestly care less if you came back known as some 'war hero' or not. You're not washed up, just look at you! Out here solving mysteries with the world's only Consulting Detective, Sherlock Holmes! And you can too walk right! You're just too scared to."

"I'm not so sure-" You interrupted him by leaning over and planting a kiss on his lips. Pulling away with a giggle you got up and ran a few feet away. 

"You'll have to come here to get another!" 

"Oh, you devil," He grinned. He got up and walked over to you quickly, picking you up, spinning you around and giving you another kiss. You laughed happily and leaned on his shoulder. 

"See? You did just fine!" 

"I suppose I did, didn't I?" He chuckled. 

"Oh, John," You giggled. "I should have told you a long time ago. I love you, John Watson." He smiled from ear to ear.

"I love you too, Y/N L/N. But a crime scene isn't really the best place to do this at."

"Why not? We giggle at murders all the time?" Sherlock suddenly butted in.

"How long have you been standing there?" John yelled.

"Well," Greg suddenly said, a few feet away and holding up his phone. "This video is already 4 minutes long, so," He trailed off.

"John," You said, not taking your eyes off the two other men.

"Yes, love?" He asked as you reached for his hand.

"Let's get 'em." You then spent the rest of the afternoon chasing Sherlock and Greg around the neighborhood, enjoying their girly shrieks, until Mycroft showed up and put a stop to it. Later that evening, you and John were enjoying some Chinese takeaway back at your apartment.

"I really can't apologize enough for leaving you in the dark, Y/N," John said. "I should have written," He chided himself.

"It's alright, John," You assured him. "Actually, you just reminded me of something. Wait here a moment." You ran off to your room and pulled an envelope out of a small box in your desk. You returned to the living room and held it out to John. "This is for you. It was my last letter but," You paused, blushing lightly. "I never mailed it."

My Dear Captain Watson,

I hope you're doing well. I hope you're staying safe and helping as many as you can. I hope -

Oh what am I writing. John, there's something you should know and I wish I could tell you in person but better now than never I suppose.

I love you.

There. Feel free to never write me back again or return this with a 'Dear John' letter. Well, you know what I mean. I wish I could have said it better or sooner but I was scared to lose your friendship. Now I'm more scared of actually losing you.

John, please return safely. Even if we never speak again. The world should not be without John Watson.

All my love,

Y/N

"Y/N," John said, tears in his eyes after reading your letter. "Why didn't you send it?"

"Well, you had asked me not to write anymore since it was dangerous and," You paused, shaking your head sadly. "I chickened out again."

"Well, I guess what they say is true then." You looked at him quizzically as he pulled you close to him and leaned his forehead on yours. "Better late than never."

Sherlock BBC Taglist

@lucywrites02

@delightfulheartdream

@bartv21

@another-crazy-fangirl

@ladylulu143

@gaitwae

[ofpraise]

In the crevices of my soul, they sleep

cross posted to Ao3, comments and kudos appreciated :)

The lantern is a cage for souls, yet those inside are not always mournful to be there.

He was too late. He stayed cuddled up in the tree with Beatrice's blue bird family for days, and when he found his little brother tangled in the edelwood, no longer pale and cold (and he must have been so, so cold) and he was much, much too late. The next few days blurred together as a mix of despair and guilt. He could remember the basics, we wrote them down in point form for the fear of forgetting who he was and how he got there, which plagued his conscious and unconscious brain.

The first bullet point: he sat there for days. It was freezing. The Beast was waiting for him to succumb, and he snapped. The lantern was a casualty. The lantern needed a beast, The Unknown needed a beast. The beast can’t come from the unknown, the unknown can’t create for it is a place of death. Therefore, it morphs what gets caught in its web.

The second bullet point: He woke up and the beast didn’t. Well, the old beast didn’t. He supposed the beast did wake up, after all.

The third bullet: There was no oil. He was dying. Someone filled the lantern. Greg's edelwood wasn’t there when he woke up. He wasn’t there.

The fourth bullet just read “I can’t remember my name.”

~~~~

When Greg woke up, it was still cold. It was cold but his big brother was there. Kinda. Or was it Greg that wasn’t there? Everything is dreamy and dizzy like when he was sick and his mom would bring him soup. Where was mom? She had to be worried about them by now. She gets so mad when he wanders off. Maybe she’ll have soup for them when they get home.

The little boy tried to focus on his surroundings. If he couldn’t see where he was, then he couldn’t get Wirt home. Although, Wirt is here. Kinda. More like Greg was in a lantern and Wirt was clutching the lantern and crying. He didn’t know why he was crying, they were together and they could go home! He tried to call out to his big brother, to hug him and comfort him, but he just kept sobbing painfully and calling his name.

He stayed like that for the rest of the night.

Greg was confused a lot of the time after that. He didn’t understand why he was in a lantern or why Wirt had big antlers. Or why he couldn’t talk to Wirt at all for that matter. Wirt talked to him, he talked to him a lot. There were a lot of “I’m so sorry, you deserved a better brother” and “I miss you”’s but Greg couldn’t tell him he was okay. That he was here. That he would always be here cause he wasn’t exactly sure cause everything is warm and dizzy and confusing but he may be a part of Wirts soul now.

Which he didn’t mind. He saved him, just like he said he was going to.

He just wished Wirt knew he was there.

Being a part of Wirt wasn’t as bad as Wirt seemed to think it was. Greg could feel whatever he felt, from the crunchy autumn leaves underfoot as he paced The Unknown to the constant anguish and loneliness. It was funny, but not in the same way burgling turts was funny, that his big brother could feel so lonely when thousands of souls were right here in the lantern.

Time was also funny but not burgling-turts funny. Every minute felt super duper long but he couldn’t gauge how long he had been here for. It had to be long enough for Mom to worry, and make them soup.

Greg became aware of the time when he realized he couldn’t keep Wirt alive on his own anymore. The lantern was burning out.

Wirt was aware of this too. Greg knew this because he could feel his big brother's sorrow at the thought of filling the lantern. But even though it broke his heart he filled it anyway. He wouldn’t let his little brother's sacrifice be in vain. All Greg could do was watch as Wirt curled up in the corner of the broken down cabin for days, mumbling apologies to and slipping in and out sobbing fits. Greg didn’t know if the other person was sad here. He knew a new soul filled the lantern, but he could only feel Wirts emotion, and by extent grief. He wished he could thank the person for keeping Wirt’s soul alive. Wirt deserved to live.

By the time Wirt left the cabin he needed more edelwood again. It came easier this time, to his revulsion. Greg was confused. How could his brother be so sad about keeping himself alive? Was it because he didn’t need food anymore? He would be sad if he couldn’t eat ice cream anymore too. Well, technically he couldn’t either. But it was okay cause his big brother is okay because of him.

The third time Wirt filled the lantern, he talked to him.

“You’d hate me if you knew what I did,” his voice was barely above a whisper. He lay on the floor eye level with the flickering lantern. “This is all my fault. You deserved to go home. You were supposed to be moving on to the next grade. To be opening Christmas presents. To be warm and safe in your own bed back home. It’s my fault, I was being selfish and irresponsible like I always am.” Tears poured down onto the hardwood floor. The floor wasn’t comfortable, Wirt deserved to be in his own bed back home too. Greg was already warm and safe, he hadn’t ever felt as safe as he did connected with his big brother's soul. He could never hate Wirt, he loved him.

It wasn’t bad or scary in the lantern. The only bad or scary things were how bad Wirt felt about him being there. Wirt's thoughts about letting the lantern fizzle out were confusing and frightening. Other than that, he was happy here. Wirt had never talked to him as much as he did now when they were at home. It was nice to have his attention, he just wished it was positive attention and his emotions weren’t mostly dread.

A while after that (at least it felt like a while, everything was still mushy like doughy pretzels) Beatrice came back. She didn’t bring happy emotions like Greg hoped.

“I told you. I don’t want to hear from you.” His gaze was ice cold and his emotions even colder. “You put him in the lantern. I myaswell have eaten him, Beatrice. I should have died in the snow.”

Beatrice held her ground. “Did you really think I was gonna let you die? Do you think Greg would want you to die?” “I’m already dead!” His brother shouted in anguish. He let his voice fall to a whisper. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not human anymore. I can’t even feel guilty for filling this thing anymore.” The lantern was dropped to the hard floor and Greg felt a sharp jolt of pain. “I did this. I deserve the punishment.” Tears rolled down his face and it hurt more than the drop.

Footsteps approached and Beatrice pulled him into a tight hug. “You ARE human. You’re Wirt, my best friend.” Tears filled her eyes alongside him, “you beautiful mistake of nature, you don’t deserve this.”

He was glad Wirt started to feel better, because he kept feeling worse. As he cried, the lantern lay neglected on the forest floor. It was already starved for oil. It wasn’t going to last. Greg knew this, and Wirt knew this, even though he didn’t say anything.

“Goodbye, Beatrice.”

“Goodbye, Wirt.”

It was cold again.

~~~

When Wirt opened his eyes, he wasn’t in the unknown anymore. His room was exactly like he left it. Almost.

“WIRT!”

His little brother opened the door and all the memories, all the heartache came rushing back at once. Greg ran at him with the speed only a six year old given too much candy could have, wrapping his tiny arms around his waist and Wirt felt the weight of the unknown finally lift from his shoulders.

“I’m so sorry I’m sorry for everything, Gre-” His words caught in his throat and came out a blubbering mess of apologies. “I get it if you hate me, I deserve it after I everything I did to you- and, and the rest of-”

“shhh.”

Wirt blinked at his little brother's disapproving glare. “You shhh” he whispered, averting his gaze.

The little boy wrapped his arms around his neck, finally able to give his big brother the hug he’d waited so long for. “I could never hate you, you're the best big brother ever. I wanted you to stay alive, I wanted to go home with you more than anything.”

Wirt inhaled a soft breath and held his brother tighter than he could ever hold anyone.

“Can we go home now, captain? I want soup really bad.”

He wasn’t the beast. He was Wirt. And he was finally going home.

He carried his little brother out the door, out of the unknown.

“Yeah. Yeah, let's go home.”

[sweetbuckybarnes]

Broken Bones

Pairings: Lara Jean Song-Covey + Peter Kavinsky

Summary: Lara Jean's POV, Lara Jean reminisces about when she broke her leg between 6th and 7th Grade.

We'd been discussing the bones we had broken over the years, and I remembered the only major time that I had broken my bones.

"Largie?" Greg called, pulling my attention back to now. There were Peter's friends from the Lacrosse team, their girlfriends, and my limited number of friends (Chris and Lucas). "When did you break your bones?" He asks.

I look over at Chris, and she remembers when I majorly broke my bones. "It was the summer between 6th and 7th grade, so we were what, 12-years-old?" I look to Chris for confirmation, which she does. "We were biking down this steep hill that Chris used to live by, it was like this," I mime how steep the hill was with my arm.

"So we're biking down, and LJ is ahead of us in this race. It was us two, Peter, Lucas, Genevieve, John, Trevor and Allie," Chris continued, making me smile that Chris remembers this.

I think back to that day, and instantly remember what happened after that. Sort of... "I must have skidded over some rock or something because before I knew it, I was flying over my handlebars and tumbling down the hill. I was less than halfway down already," I continued until Peter spoke up.

"I could only watch from my bike as Lara Jean went head first to the floor and down the hill. Her dad was running after her, quickly followed by Chris on her bike. I couldn't help but think that Lara Jean was going to be at the bottom of the hill, dead," Peter said, holding me tightly to his chest, nuzzling in close. "It was the worst thing I'd ever seen, I honestly thought we'd lose her, and she'd never have known how I felt about her," Peter explained, fiddling with my fingers in his lap.

"You had a crush on me? Even then?" I ask and smiled when he nodded - slightly embarrassed. "When I got to the end of the hill, I was laying on the floor, sobbing, I was in agony, my leg was in the wrong direction. The only two faces over my head I could see was my dad's and Chris's because I was crying, everything was fuzzy," I say, which causes Chris to jump in.

"I will never forget how LJ looked when we were looking at her. It's something that a 12-year-old would never forget. There was blood all over her face, her leg was in the wrong direction," Chris said, smiling at me.

I smiled at her and finished the story. "When my dad took me to the hospital, I'd broken that," I point to the bone in my thigh, "this one," I point to the bone in my lower leg, "and part of my foot,"

Greg looked shocked by what I had just said (with the help of Peter and Chris, of course). "All because you fell over your handlebars?!" He exclaims, looking like I'd just told him that I was best friends with Harry Potter!

"Yeah, I was in a cast for the rest of the summer, had to sit back and watch the rest have fun, although, Chris did sit on the sidelines and keep me company, which I will be eternally grateful for," I smiled at Chris, who gave my hand a loving pat.

"I kept you company sometimes!" Peter spoke up, looking like I'd dug a dagger into his heart - shocked that I'd forgotten.

I look over my shoulder and smile up at him. "I remember you did, sweetie. Of course, I remember," I kiss his cheek as the attention went to someone else.