#and then flo arrives and i'm like Oh

[violet-jessop]

insane that once a month i lose my mind alongside my uterus' lining

[gothamite-rambler]

The Batgirls on their Periods at the Same Time

Context: This is probably some ooc and if that bothers you just scroll on by. It's cool, silly fics like this depicting the batfamily in this manner isn't for everybody but don't leave hate comments if this bothers you. This is posted here because it's more shorter and just feels like it would work here 😊 Oh and I wrote this while on my period. We go through out periods in different ways. The batgirls and batwoman are expys of that and this is how the male members of their family handle it. This is for all my girlie pops that have to deal with this curse. Let's dive in!

Dick (walking over to Barbara): Hey, Barb, you sent me a few angry texts. Did I make you mad about something I'm unaware of?

Barbara (seething): Yes! Remember that triple chocolate cake I had leftover? You’d better buy me a new one!

Barbara deliberately rolled over Dick's foot while muttering an impressive assortment of curse words.

Dick (complaining): Ow! You said I could have it!

Barbara (voice filled with the fury of a thousand angry souls): Lies! Get me a new one, or I'm ignoring you for the rest of the day, including during comms tonight! You greedy ass! Hold off on the sweets, fat ass!

Dick (furrowing his brows, angry): Fat ass? Rude! Jesus over some cake? I'll buy you another one... after I ice my foot. You freakin’ jerk.

Barbara (over her shoulder with a smirk): Cake thief!

Tim silently listened to the argument while he sat at the kitchen table. Dick sat down, rubbing his sore foot.

Tim (confused): Hm... Have the girls been acting… a little on edge lately?

Dick (hesitating): I hadn’t really noticed until my foot became a casualty. What have you seen?

Tim: Barbara seems to be irritated with everything around her and Stephanie has been eerily quiet and distant today, which is unlike her. Bruce asked her if she wanted to patrol a different part of Gotham, and she just growled at him... which is close to how she usually acts.

Dick: Hm… that's odd.

Just then, Stephanie Brown trudged into the kitchen, wearing an oversized shirt and jogger pants, looking like she had just escaped from some form of medieval torture.

Stephanie (almost a whisper): I’m watching cat videos. Don’t bother me and let Duke know I'm really sorry for the many hurtful words I said.

Tim (coolly while stirring his tea): He said it's fine and he'll return in a few days.

Stephanie nodded with an understanding 'mm-hm'.

Stephanie: Oh and tell Bruce I’m covering the other part of town tonight, just need to be wrapped in blanket for next few hours.

Tim (nodding): You got it, bestie.

Stephanie grunted a 'thank you' and shuffled out of the kitchen.

Tim: She hasn’t snapped at me too much.

Dick (worried): Hm… wait, wait, wait... Duke left? This isn’t the time, is it?

Tim (tilting his head): Time for what?

Dick (leaning in dramatically): No, no, no- Wait, we might be in the clear if Cass and Kate don't have there's.

Tim (looking confused): Have what?

Dick: You poor summer child.

Dick sighed, shaking his head, while Tim shrugged nonchalantly, blissfully unaware of the tale as old as time: period sync-up.

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

Meanwhile, Jason heard a knock at his door. He opened it to find his older sister, Cass, standing there, wringing her hands nervously. She bit her lip, a worried expression on her face.

Cass (waving quickly): Hi, Jason.

Jason: Hey, Cass. Everything okay? You seem stressed.

Cass (bashfully): Do I? Yeah, um, my… Aunt Flo is visiting, my caregiver never took the time to- I hate when she visits, but I need to go to the store for supplies… I don’t want to go alone. You’re the only one I trust to take me.

Jason (confused): You don’t have an Aunt Flo, and what supplies do you need to meet her?

Cass (frowning): Oh… oh dear, you don't get it. Um, my crimson tide… has arrived?

Jason: Crimson… what now?

Cass (losing patience): My period is on! I need to buy tampons or pads before I bleed and ruin my sheets again! I'm literally wearing the last tampon, Selina is on vacation-

Jason (covering her mouth): All right, got it! The message is crystal clear now. Okay, stand there, I’ll grab my keys.

As Jason went to his living room to get his backpack, Cass stepped inside, surprised he’d actually agreed to take her to the store.

Cass: Wait, you’re not… weirded out by this?

Jason: I’m friends with Artemis. I’ve seen things, it makes me squeamish at times, but that might be because I've never went through it... thank God. Austen can keep watch while I'm gone.

Austen the cat meowed to confirm that as he rested in a carboard box.

Jason (heading outside): Now let’s get you those supplies.

Cass clapped eagerly, following Jason to his car, clearly relieved.

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

Back at Wayne Manor, Dick waited for his father to pick up while Tim sat in perplexed silence.

Dick (calling Bruce): Bruce, are the girls on their periods?

Tim (gasping dramatically): Oh, that’s what it is!

Dick (clearly irritated): Jesus Christ, Tim. Duke figured it out!

Tim (defending himself): I've been distracted lately.

Bruce (calm): Hm… that explains why Stephanie snapped at me and why Barbara cussed me out… I’m a little too familiar with that sort of thing. I don't blame Duke for taking a week off, he texted me earlier about that. So yes, they definitely are. Cass is probably on board for that ride too. Women can sync up with their menstrual cycles like a well-oiled machine.

Kate's laughter could be heard in the background along with Bruce groaning.

Tim (stammering): How does he-- Bruce, how do you know that?

Bruce (slightly uncomfortable): Selina is very informative… and Harley is a treasure trove of knowledge. Trust me, you learn a thing or two. Just go easy on them, and they won’t bite your head off. You didn’t do anything to tick them off, did you?

Dick (ice pack firmly planted on his foot): ... I may have done something to make Babs upset.

Tim (grinning proudly): I have not, so I’m doing good!

Bruce: Well, like I said, don’t do anything else stupid, Dick.

Dick: I’ll try not to.

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

With that, Bruce ended the call, sighed, and turned to his cousin Kate, aka Batwoman, who sat in the passenger seat with her arms crossed and a smirk on her face.

Bruce: And then there’s you.

Kate (coolly): Yeah, just going to ignore me? No mention of the four-way sync-up?

Bruce: I’m ignoring a lot right now especially involving you. I’m a master at many things—women syncing menstrual cycles is not one of them.

Kate (nodding sagely): Trust me, women don’t get it either.

Bruce: Let’s at least get you your monthly period supplies.

Kate (squirming): Could you not call it that?

Bruce (mockingly): Could you be actually prepared next time and not drag me out of work?

Kate (swiping her hand like a cat): Ooh, catty? Maybe you’re on your month as well.

Bruce (chuckling dryly): You’re hilarious, let me tell ya.

Kate: I cope with humor. Now get out of the car. Also, you’re buying me lunch today.

Bruce (sardonic): Oh, fantastic. I definitely wanted to treat you while you’re on your period. Now, let’s get your supplies before you fashion a makeshift cape out of my car seat.

[obessedwithfictionalmen]

Co-Stars pt.15

Callum Turner X Actress! Reader

Summary: Y/n is invited of cooking with Flo and gets a little drunk.

Warning: Kinda cringe (I'm sorry)/ alcohol/ Swearing/ use of Y/n/

Word count: 790 words

Florence Pugh invited her on her cooking show. She was excited to go with her, she loved to cook, and she was friends with Flo. She brought Callum with her, and Callum brought Austin. When she arrived, she hugged Florence and took the apron that she gave her. It was a white one with pomegranate all over it. ‘’I’m so excited!’’ she squeals. Y/n chuckles and kiss Callum before Florence goes live.

‘’It’s cooking with Flo, bitches!’’ she puts the knife in the cutting board. ‘’And Y/n is here!’’ Flo exclaims, hugging her again. ‘’Hey everyone! How’s everyone doing?’’ they look in the chat for the answers and then, they look at each other before laughing for no reason. ‘’Guys, today we’re going to do chicken Cajun alfredo, or whatever the order is. But for the drink, I made Y/n’s favorite, a rum n’ coke!’’ she gives her the glass and they tap their glass together before starting to pace around the kitchen to get the ingredients. ‘’By the way, if you hear people talking behind, it’s my husband and my husband’s husband’’ Y/n laughs. Austin, Callum and Florence burst out laughing, Y/n is proud of her joke, as she joins the group laughing.

‘’So now the chicken is seasoned – ‘’ Y/n impulsive thought took control as she slapped the chicken, like she would slap someone’s ass. ‘’- Mate, what the fuck’’ Florence’s smoker laugh took over her laugh, which made Y/n laugh even more. ‘’How many drinks did they have?’’ Austin asked, chuckling. ‘’I don’t know’’ Callum laughed. Y/n was out of breath from laughing so much. ‘’Okay, where were we?’’ she laughed again. Florence took a sip of her drink before looking at her friend. ‘’We have to cook the chicken’’ she explained. ‘’Oh, we should put music!’’ Y/n suggested. Florence nodded before she hit shuffle on her playlist, the first song that came to their ear was Vente Pa’ Ca by Ricky Martin ft Maluma. ‘’I love that song!’’ Y/n exclaimed as she took Florence hands to dance. ‘’The chicken is going to burn, love’’ Callum warned. As Y/n lip synced, Florence quickly took care of the piece of meat.

The pasta was almost done, so was the chicken, Florence and Y/n had about 3 drinks, Austin and Callum’s cheeks were hurting from laughing so much; Y/n was unhinged. Every thought that went through her head, she shared it. ‘’I think I would’ve been burned alive if I lived in Salem when the trial happened, because I have great tits and an opinion.’’ She said, touching the side of her tits, laughing. ‘’I’m hot, they want to make me hotter’’ she giggled. Florence face palmed as she stirred the pastas. ‘’I think you had enough to drink’’ Callum laughed. Y/n nods in agreeing with him. ‘’We’re going to take a little bit of pasta water before dumping it. That’s the secret, pasta water!’’ Y/n exclaims as she takes a scoop of the pasta water. ‘’Someone in the chat said that Callum and Austin are the parents and we’re the children’’ Florence laughs.

‘’Ok! It’s done! Look at how pretty it is!’’ Y/n says as she shows the plate to the camera. ‘’Austin, Callum, come and taste!’’ Florence says. The boys come behind the girls, Callum puts his hands on Y/n’s waist, making her giggle. ‘’That smells amazing!’’ Austin comments. ‘’Yeah, it does!’’ Callum adds. As they take a bite of the food, Y/n and Florence looks at each other. ‘’It’s so fucking good!’’ Y/n exclaims. Florence nods and chuckles. ‘’Babe, you need to come on the show more often’’ Florence says. ‘’I’ll gladly come back’’ Y/n smiles. Austin and Callum take a bite at the food and smile. ‘’That is Gordon Ramsey level’’ Austin exclaims. ‘’It’s really good, oh my! I love it’’ he smiles.

‘’Okay guys, so that was cooking with Flo and Y/n, bitches! See you next time!’’ Florence says as she stops her live. ‘’That was really fun! Thank you so much for the invite’’ Y/n hugs Flo. ‘’You’re welcome here any time. Maybe with less drinks’’ She laughs. Callum agrees as he puts his arm around Y/n’s waist. ‘’Ouh! Next time we can cook shrimp tacos!’’ Y/n proposed. Florence nods as she says goodbye to Austin.

The aftermath of the video on the internet is good. People are saying that Drunk Y/n is unhinged, the fact that Y/n called Austin her husband’s husband is funny, Florence needs to invite Y/n again, Callum’s love contact is physical touch and many more stuff. Y/n was a little bit embarrassed about things she said, but overall she had a really great time, and she wanted to do it again…

[blackjackkent]

Prompt fill for @astreamofstars from this ask for this prompt meme. Karlach - "It is my fault, I think, that you have forgotten to fear me."

-----

“Oy, who’s the glowy bitch by the door, then?”

Karlach knows better than to bother looking up when the fresh-meat greataxe grunt starts talking, down the barracks a ways. This shit isn’t new. They always like to talk, the new arrivals to Zariel's army. And as soon as they see Karlach, no other topic will do.

Fair play enough, after all; she does kinda stick out. There's nobody else like her in the platoon, or in the whole army. In the eight years she’s been here, nobody else has ever gotten the tin can stuck into them and survived. She’s special, as Zariel likes to assure her, though special has never bought her anything but more blood and death - and the attention of every ignot who want to pick a fight.

Today’s mouthy prick is a draegloth, which explains why he’s talking a big game. A dogskull’s almost as unique as Karlach is around here; makes sense he’d pick out a target fast before anyone can pick him out for an asskicking.

“Oh, that? That's Cliffgate,” says another voice. This one Karlach recognizes - Namtar, a cambion, one of the platoon sergeants. He and Karlach have butted heads before, because Namtar is a rotten pissant. “Zariel's little kiss-ass. No heart, just an infernal engine in her chest.”

"No way," the draegloth says. "That's the Demonsbane? A ruttin' tief? Not even hellsborn?" He laughs sharply. "Lettin' in all sorts these days, uh?"

Karlach ignores the mocking words, focusing on choking down the tasteless morsels that pass for rations around here. The bunk across from her creaks unhappily as weight hits it.

“They're talkin’ about you, Dart,” Flo says with a nasty grin, settling onto the bed and lounging back against the wall. “Gonna sit here and take it?”

Karlach sighs. She picked up the nickname around her second week in the Hells, and it's never once been meant with kindness. Even Flo says it with a nasty edge, and Flo is the closest thing she has to a friend.

Good reminder, I guess, that no one here really gives a fuck about me, no matter how much I might like to pretend. Even after eight years, she can sometimes, if she squints, convince herself that there's camaraderie here, like there was in Gortash's old crew before he sold her out. But it's vain hope, a desperate attempt to pretend this place isn't rotting her fro the inside out; the illusion never lasts long and always just leaves her feeling lonelier.

"If it's not them, it'll be somebody else," she says noncommittally. "Lemme eat my dinner in peace."

"Nawww..." Flo says, comfortably dismissive. "C'mon, Dart, give us a show. Been too long since we had a proper scrap in here besides the piece in your chest."

Karlach laughs softly in spite of herself. It's a pretty weak pun, but the jokes in Avernus are as bad as the food. "I'm wore out, Flo," she says, shaking her head. "Leave off."

She looks up to find Flo's smile has turned a shade more brittle. "C'mon, now, Dart," she says, and there's a warning note in it now. "Y'know I can't be seen bein' friends with a softy. Give us a show, I said."

The message is loud and clear, as it always is. My friendship is conditional. And you'll do as I say, 'cos you *don't* want to be my enemy. Now dance.

Karlach huffs out a weary, flame-hot breath and tosses aside the last bit of her ration pack uneaten. With a groan, she pushes herself to her feet and strides down the barracks corridor towards Namtar and the draegloth.

"Hey, there she is." Namtar looks up with a lazy grin as she approaches. He's flopped on his bunk with his boots off, his wings furled neatly under him and feet up on a stack of equipment piled at the foot of the bed. "How's tricks, Dart?" Before Karlach can respond, he shoots a conspiratorial glance at the young dogskull. "Y'know why we call her Dart, Markos?"

The draegloth -- Markos -- looks puzzled. "Why?" he asks.

"Dumb-Ass Rusty Toaster." Namtar brays with laughter so hard it shakes the bed a little. "Fits, too, cos all she's good for is throwing at things t' poke holes in them."

Markos snickers loudly. Several more of the platoon have picked up on the conversation; smelling blood in the water, they've started to circle up, leaned casually against the walls or peering over the edge of their bunks. Some of them are grinning, enjoying watching the Demonsbane get a dunking. Others - the smart ones - are eyeing Karlach warily. She hasn't said anything yet, but her eyes are smoldering. In spite of herself, the rage is building. 

She doesn't want to fight them. She never has. She's always been loyal, and even in this bitch of a place, even under Zariel's thumb, she'd have fought hard for anyone here who wanted to fight for her in return. But that's never made the slightest bit of difference, because everyone here is a fucking tosser.

Hells. Maybe, when you come right down to it, so am I.

And that, really, is what enrages her, far more than these empty little insults.

"Y'know," she says slowly, looking the draegloth up and down. "I expect this sort of crap from the fresh meat. A mouth spewing shit 'cos you haven't learned to shut the fuck up yet. But you--" She turns her gaze slowly and deliberately to the sergeant. "Eight years it's been, Namtar, and neither of us dead yet, so you'd think you'd have figured out not to mess with me." She lets a slow, feral grin curl across her lips, and there's a ripple of anticipatory mumbling from the gathering crowd around them. "My fault, I guess, that you've forgotten to be scared of me. But I can fix that."

She moves suddenly, with no windup, her fists and feet all shifting at once. Her left fist crashes into Markos's jaw, knocking him back into the steel frame of the bed behind him; his skull ricochets off it with a metallic whingggg as his skull ricochets off the metal. With her left foot, she kicks behind his knee while he's unbalanced and fully flips him sideways. As he bounces back from the bedframe, he goes careening onto his front, his nose crunching into the stone floor.

Meanwhile, her other hand grabs Namtar by the collar and drags him out of his bunk. He has almost two inches on her, but she lifts him with ease one-armed, the engine roaring in her chest and sending energy coursing through her bicep. Spinning out of the kick at Markos, she slams Namtar into the wall, then releases her grip for a split second, only to refix it tightly around his throat before he can fall.

All of the cambion's bravado has vanished. His eyes are wide and brilliant white in the dark red of his face and he squirms ineffectually against Karlach's implacable grip. His wings, crunched between his back and the wall, struggle feebly. "Oy! Let me go!" he bleats, gripping her hand with both of his and trying to pull it away.

She glares at him. "Maybe. If you want to grovel a bit. Otherwise I'll finally just kill you. Maybe everyone else would finally get it through their thick skulls that you don't mess with me."

He sneers in an attempt at disdain, though it's considerably weakened by the fact that he's now struggling to breathe. "You wouldn't dare."

She laughs humorlessly and leans forward until her nose is nearly touching his, so he can feel the heat radiating off her body and see nothing but the exhausted fury in her eyes. "That really a chance you wanna take, sergeant?"

He hesitates, balanced between his anger and his fear. But something he sees in her eyes must convince him, because the fear wins. "Sorry," he mutters.

"What was that?" she asks coolly. "Didn't hear you."

"I'm sorry," he snaps. "Now let me go."

She could drag it out further, but the whole situation feels sticky as hot tar on her skin, burning down into her bones. Gods, I hate this. I hate all of it. I don’t want to be this thing they’ve made me, but I don’t know how to stop.

She releases his throat with a jerk, letting him slide down the wall to the floor, where he sits clutching at his neck and wheezing. Markos, nearby, is out cold where he hit the floor.

"Good," she mutters. "Just... stay there and shut the fuck up." She doesn't wait to hear what the other gathered soldiers might have to say, but turns and stalks away back down the row of beds towards the other end of the barracks. 

Flo gives her a slow clap as she returns to her bunk, grinning unpleasantly from ear to ear. "Nice one. Damn good show, Dart, just as I asked."

"Shut up," Karlach answers, tossing herself facedown onto her mattress. The engine is still running hot, surging pain through her chest and her head and her arms with the slow letdown of adrenaline; she can smell it searing a scorched mark into the bedsheets. "You too - just... just shut up and leave me alone.”

[bbymunsonx]

The Last Time (Ted's Version)

Chapter Nine

chapter warnings: language, angst, slight emetophobia, talk of sexual content

word count: 4.6k

Lacy Watson: Jamie, I heard what happened. Please call me okay?

Lacy Watson: It isn't what you think. Please call me back.

Lacy Watson: Jamie!!!

***

It's been a week since Jamie got traded back to Man City and the team's been torn up about it. Especially because we have a special game this weekend. Rebecca claims that she didn't have a choice and that his contract with Richmond had expired, but Ted doesn't believe her. I've stayed out of their argument because I didn't know any better. Either way, Jamie's gone and the team is going to have to get used to that. 

We're getting ready to travel to Liverpool to play against Everton. The boys have been incredibly on edge because Richmond hasn't been able to beat Everton in the past sixty years. 

"You really want me to come?" I asked. Ted was practically begging me to come with them. 

"Of course, I do. This is our first away game and I really want you there, Lace," Ted smiled. 

"Alright, I'll come," I beamed. I was excited about going away with the team and being able to stay in a fancy hotel. 

Rebecca Welton: I heard you're coming this weekend! Keeley's coming too! Do you wanna come on the jet with us?

I've never ridden on a private jet before, that sounds amazing. I either ride on a private jet with Rebecca and Keeley or I take a four hour bus ride sitting next to Ted. Hmmmm.

Lacy Watson: As much as I love you, I think I'd rather sit on a bus next to Ted for the next four hours. Sorry!!

Rebecca Welton: Don't you dare apologize. Enjoy the bus xoxo ;)

We all piled into the bus. I went into the back and saw Coach Beard sitting in the seat next to Ted. I widen my eyes at him that mentally said, "Get the fuck out of the seat, please." 

Like he was almost reading my mind, Beard frantically said, "I forgot to call Jane and tell her goodbye, I'll be one second." and ran from his seat. 

"I'll just keep his seat warm until he gets back," I plopped down in the empty seat, right next to Ted. 

"I'm really glad you're joining us, Lacy Loo. I feel like you're like a good luck charm, kinda like my own little four leaf clover." He looked over at me, causing me to blush. As the blush started to spread over my cheeks, it made me realize that we were never able to talk about me trying to kiss him. He's probably forgotten all about it at this point. 

"I'm glad you wanted me here. I thought after what happened the night of the gala that you didn't-" I was cut off by Roy screaming at the front of the bus. 

"OY! Pay attention! I don't wanna hear ANYTHING about some stupid, fucking curse. We're gonna go and kick Everton's ass tomorrow, yeah?" Roy screamed, causing the boys to erupt in screaming and chants. 

"What were you saying?" Ted brought his attention back to me. 

"Oh, nothing. I'm just glad I'm here." I smiled. 

The bus ride was filled with small talk and Ted reading over his divorce papers over and over again. Kind of put a damper on the mood. 

As we arrived at the hotel, Rebecca and Keeley texted me to meet them up in their suite after I had gotten my room key. Thankfully, I was able to switch room cards with Beard so I'd get the room next to Ted. 

I had taken the elevator up to the top floor and found my way to Rebecca's room. After knocking a few times, Keeley flung the door open and hugged me. 

"Hi, babe!" She squealed. She always acts like she hasn't seen me in years, which I love. 

"Hi, Keels!" I squealed back. As I loosened my grip, I looked behind Keeley and saw Rebecca standing in the middle of the room, talking to another woman. 

"Lacy, this is Flo, my oldest friend." Rebecca introduced us both. 

"Flo? Really?" The woman seemed almost offended. "Friends call me Sassy." 

"It's really nice to meet you, Sassy." I shot her a big smile. I was so excited to be able to have a girls night. After all this drama with Ted and Jamie, this was exactly what I needed. 

"Sassy was kind enough to remind me that this weekend is my wedding anniversary with Rupert." Rebecca stated. "That's why I want to spend this weekend surrounded by all my favorite girls." 

That almost made me start sobbing. I remember just a few short weeks ago, Rebecca always seemed so cold so it was really nice to know she genuinely liked me. 

"Alright, are you guys ready for dinner? I need a drink!" Sassy exclaimed as she dragged Rebecca out of the room. 

"It's gonna be a long night," I nudged Keeley as we followed the two women out of the room. 

***

We were nearing the end of our dinner as we were laughing and joking around about our sex lives. It took me a few drinks to be able to talk and laugh about how I slept with Jamie. It wasn't even until I had gotten it out that I realized Keeley was with Jamie. All she did was laugh.

"You shagged Jamie?" She gasped and laughed. 

"I could've sworn you knew!" I covered my mouth. 

"Absolutely not. I mean, he's not a bad lay." Keeley admitted, to which I nodded. 

"On that note, I am going to visit the loo," Sassy got up from the table. As she walked away, Rebecca turned to the two of us. 

"How do you like Sassy?" She asked. 

"I think I might be in love with her," Keeley drunkly joked. 

"I think she's so great," I beamed. The more girl friends, the better. 

After about ten minutes of drinking and talking some more, Sassy came back to the table. 

"You get lost, Sass?" Rebecca joked.

"I found the most handsome man outside. I wanted to shag him right then and there on the floor," Sassy blushed.

"Girl, look at you! You could shag anyone you wanted. Go get him!" I shooed her off, jokingly. 

"If he wasn't in the middle of something, he would be in my hotel room right now." She laughed.

After Rebecca paid the check, the three of us went back into the suite for a little bit to keep gossiping and talking. About an hour passed before I realized it was getting late and we had the game tomorrow morning. 

"Some of us have to do work in the morning, so I'm gonna hit the hay, ladies." I waved goodnight. 

"Nighty night," Keeley waved back, with Rebecca and Sassy waving behind her. 

As I took the elevator, or I guess I should say lift, down to my floor, I kept thinking about Ted. I felt guilty having a good night while he was struggling to sign his divorce papers. I reached my door but before I could open it, I stalled. Ted's door was right next to mine, it wouldn't hurt to pop in there just to see how he's doing. 

I turned around and knocked on Ted's door. A few seconds passed and no answer. I waited a few extra seconds and knocked a couple more times before the door flung open. "What?" He asked harshly. I've never seen this version of Ted before. He was freshly showered with his hair flopped over his forehead, not freshly styled like usual. Though he was freshly showered, he reeked of strong alcohol. 

"I'm-I'm sorry. I just wanted to see how you're doing." My eyebrows pulled closer together as my jaw clenched. The look on his face was one I've only seen with one other man...

"It's way past curfew. Go to bed." Ted spit. I just stood there, frozen, not knowing how to respond. A part of me knew he was hurting and all I wanted to do was push past him and hold him. Another part of me wanted to run into my room and sob in my pillow. "Lacy. Go." He slammed the door in my face. 

It took me second to gather the strength to turn and walk towards my room. As I walked into my room and let the door shut behind me, a sob immediately escape my mouth. My hands fell in my face as I cried and cried into the night. 

***

The sun started shining into my room, signaling the start of a new day. I had two hours to get ready before the game started. I took my time getting ready. Twenty minutes past as I found myself still sitting in the shower, scrubbing my body, making sure to scrub off all the feelings I felt last night. 

Ted isn't Julian. 

Ted. isn't. Julian. 

I put on a nice outfit and did my makeup nicely, just in case paparazzi were around of course. I exited my room, lookin left and right and only seeing an empty hallway. The stadium where we were playing was about a ten minute walk from the hotel, and I really needed the fresh air. I picked up a coffee from a local coffee shop and made my way over to the stadium.

As I found my way to the locker room, I could hear Ted's voice talking to the players which cause a knot in my stomach. I slowly and quietly sneaked my way into the locker room, but Ted immediately caught a glimpse of me, causing his eyes to widen. 

"Lacy," he rushed over to me. "Can I talk to you real quick? Privately." He looked around to the players, wanting to separate himself from them. I nodded.

Ted took my arm and led me to a private room where we could talk. 

"Ted, I-" I started before he held up his hands, trying to get me to stop talking. 

"Lacy, please. I am so sorry about how I spoke to you last night. Excuse my language, but I am so fucking sorry. I was just, I was having a bad night. A really bad night. And I took it out on you when you were just trying to be a good friend. Is there anyway you can forgive me?" His eyebrows furrowed as his eyes softened. If I didn't know any better, I would think he was trying his best not to cry. 

"There's nothing to forgive, Ted. You're human and you have human emotions. It's okay." I smiled at Ted while reaching up to give him a hug. He opened his arms and welcomed me into them, tightly. The both of us closed our eyes, letting the hug last, until we heard someone clear their throat. 

Ted looked over and gasped immediately escaping from the hug, "Sassy Smurf?" 

"Marlboro Man, so we meet again," she smiled at him. Rebecca, who was standing next to Sassy, looked at me with wide eyes once she made the connection. 

The man Sassy wanted to fuck in the restaurant was Ted?

"Small world," Ted smiled at Sassy. "What are you doing here?"

"She's my oldest friend," Rebecca awkwardly smiled. 

"What about that." Ted said with a smile still on his face. 

"Alrighty, don't we have a game to play or something? Let's go," I left the room and made my way back into the locker room. Nate was telling the team all his notes that he had for them, some of them were insanely mean, but it made the team eager to play. 

***

Thanks to Nate's pre-game pep talk, the team won, breaking their sixty year loss streak. After we all individually went back to our rooms for a midday nap, we got dressed in our fanciest outfits and went out for some karaoke. Rebecca had brought Sassy with her, who hasn't kept her eyes off of Ted all night. I went from thinking she was the coolest girl in the world to wanting to punch her in the face. There were so many men on the team and she could have any of them. But of course, she wanted the one I wanted. 

We all laughed and recorded as Coach Beard ran onto the stage to sing his rendition of "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga. Ted was recording to send the footage to Henry when he tuned the camera over to me to capture me wiping tears off of my face from laughing too hard. 

Everyone egged me on to go on the stage, so I chose to sing Style by Taylor Swift, obviously. It a song that resembled Ted the most. During the entirety of the song, I had to watch Sassy as she swooned over Ted, but Ted's gaze, nor his camera, didn't leave me the entire song. 

Rebecca went on after me, singing Let it Go from Frozen. She was magnificent. She could easily be on Broadway if she wanted to. Out of the corner of my eye, I could notice Ted's leg bouncing up and down vigorously as he was anxiously playing with his fingers. I looked over at him with my brows furrowed, trying to ask if he was okay without outright asking him. He jumped up and ran out of the karaoke room without a word. 

I gave it a second, not wanting to get the same reaction I did last night, but obviously something was wrong. Fuck it. I jumped up and ran after him. I followed him through the club, filled with sweaty people dancing without a care in the world. As I reached the door, I looked to my left and didn't see him there, I looked to my right to see him crouched on the ground. 

"Ted, honey, what's wrong?" I knelt down in front of him. 

"I- I don't know," He stuttered. He was shaking, his eyes wandering all over the place. He was having a panic attack. 

I cupped his face with both of my hands, and rubbed his cheeks with my thumbs. "Ted, you're having a panic attack. You need to breathe."

"I can't. I can't breathe." He panicked. 

"Yes, you can. Breathe with me." I started to breathe with him, but he wasn't looking at me. "Look at me, Ted." I tighten the grip I had on his face, giving him no choice but to look at me. He nodded. 

"I'm going crazy." He sighed. 

"No. You're not going crazy, Ted." I smiled at him. "Now breathe with me." I inhaled through my nose and exhaled through my mouth, and Ted did the same. We did this ten times until I could feel his heart rate start to settle. 

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Ted profusely apologized. 

"Don't apologize. Don't you ever apologize." I kept rubbing his cheeks with my thumb, trying to comfort him. 

"I think I'm okay," Ted tried to get up. I quickly rose up so I can help him get up. "I think I'm gonna head back to the hotel for the night." 

"Okay, I'll go with you," I went to walk after him before he stopped me.

"It's okay. I think I wanna be alone for a little bit," He smiled at me. "I... I'm glad you're here. My little four leaf clover." He started walking away.

"Panda!" I screamed at him. He stopped and slowly turned to look at me. 

"Alright, I'm really glad you're here." 

I smiled at him as he started to walk away. I went back into the karaoke room where Roy had started to sing Bohemian Rhapsody. He must've had a lot to drink. Sober Roy would never do that. 

"Is he okay?" Coach Beard looked over at me. 

"Yeah, he'll be alright. He's just headed back to the hotel for the night." I replied. Sassy had looked over at me and smirked to herself. 

After a couple more songs, we decided to head out for the evening. We've had a long day and we were all getting tired. Rebecca decided to go to the bar to get a drink, Sassy went back to the hotel for the evening, and I went with Roy and Keeley to go back to the hotel. We took a scenic route around Liverpool before we all ended back at the hotel. 

"You sure you don't wanna come and hang out for a bit?" Keeley asked, causing Roy to groan in frustration. 

"I think Roy would actually kill me if I said yes, but thanks, babe." I smiled at Keeley before taking the elevator up to my room. 

As I was about to enter my room, I thought I would double check to see if Ted was doing okay. Even though he said he would be alright, I just wanted to make sure.

My fist lifted up to knock on the door but before my hand made contact, I heard something come from the other side of the door. A woman's voice, talking and laughing. Sassy. After the sounds of talking and laughing came the moaning. Sassy and Ted. My hand immediately reached up to my mouth to cover the sounds of my sobs as I ran away from the door and into my room. 

I curled up into bed with tears running down my face. Since Ted and I share a wall, and his bed lined up with mine, I could hear everything. I could hear the bed banging against the wall and the both of them moaning and laughing. God, his laugh. It was unmistakable. I laid in my bed with my hands covering my ears as I sobbed.

No, I can't do this to myself. It isn't right. 

I took out my phone and sent one quick text. 

Lacy Watson: What room are you in?

Coach Beard: 431

Lacy Watson: I'll be right there. 

I gathered my essentials in my bag and ran right to Beard's room. I knocked on the door a few times before he opened it up and his face softened. 

"I-I- I can't be in there," I cried out. I laid my head in my hands as I started falling apart. Beard opens his arms and immediately pulls me in the room and shuts the door. 

"What happened?" He questioned. 

"I went back to my room and I thought I would see if he was doing okay. But when I went to his door, he was with- he was with Sassy." I was able to say through sobs. "And I know it's silly to feel this way since we aren't together, but I- I really like him, Coach."

"I know. I know." He held my head as I cried. "Listen, I think you need to talk to him. The two of you need to talk." 

"Can we just tell him that we slept together so that we're even," I tried to joke. 

"I think he would actually kill me. I'm not joking." There was no hint of joking in voice. "Here, just stay in here for the night. I'll sleep on the pull out couch, you take the bed. You're not gonna go back to your room and have to deal with that." 

"Thank you," I smiled sadly. He got the pull out couch all ready for him while I got under the covers, still in my clothes from the day. 

"Coach?" I mustered out, still not being able to stop crying. 

"Yeah, Lace?" He called from the couch. 

"I think I love him." I whispered.

"I know."

*** 

"Rise and shine!" Coach Beard flung the blinds open. "We have two hours until we have to leave and you still have to go to your room to get your stuff."

My eyes fluttered open a bit as they adjusted to the sunlight. First, I was confused as to why I was in Coach Beard's room, but then the memory of last night hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart sank. I thought it had been a nightmare. 

"Thank you for letting me stay here last night. I just couldn't... yeah I couldn't." I couldn't even get out what I needed to say. 

"Of course." Beard smiled. I think this was one of the only times I've seen him act serious. It was a little scary. 

"I'll meet you back at Richmond. I'm gonna grab a ride on Rebecca's jet." I said before I walked out of the room back to my own. As I reached my door, I saw Sassy leaving Ted's room. 

"Oy! Lacy!" She called over to me. "You'd get lucky last night too? Look at you doing the walk of shame!" 

"Yeah, last night was so crazy." I said sarcastically. "Between the drinking and the fucking, I'm just so out of it today."

"I totally get it. Let me tell you, your coach is fucking amazing."

"Oh, Ted? Yeah he's alright." I kept my sarcastic tone to see if she would catch the hint, she doesn't. 

"He's such a gentleman. And I knew you were wondering, and yes, he does talk like that during sex and he's just so eager to please. He let me ride that little mustache like a jet ski." Sassy bragged. I'm not sure if it was because of what she just told me or if it was actually from all the alcohol I had last night, but I had thrown up all over myself. All down my outfit. It was not a good look. 

"Jesus, babe. You alright? Here, let's get you cleaned up." Sassy tried to usher me into my room. 

"No! Just leave me alone." I nudged her away from me and slammed my door shut. I immediately ran into the shower and just let the hot water wash away last nights dinner and Sassy's words. So eager to please. Her words kept repeating in my head. 

After my shower, I took out my phone to text Rebecca. 

Lacy Watson: Let me know when the jet leaves. I'd like to take it if there's still a seat for me. 

Rebecca Welton: There's always a seat for you. Are you alright? Sassy told me what happened. 

Lacy Watson: I'll tell you on the jet. 

On the jet, I told Rebecca and Keeley what happened and both of them were in awe. 

"I am so sorry, Lacy. I had no idea she was gonna do that." Rebecca apologized. 

"It's okay. I mean, it's actually not okay. It actually fucking kills me, but he's not mine. He can do whatever, and whoever, he wants." 

"Babe, you need to tell him how you feel. It's actually killing you. And I hate to see you like this." Keeley rubbed my arm. 

As she finished speaking, my phone buzzed. 

Coach Beard: Ted was asking everyone where you were. He's very worried. 

Lacy Watson: Did you know he is very eager to please? And that he even talks like that when he has sex! Thanks to Sassy, I know that now (and so do you!)

Coach Beard: I'm not sure how you want me to respond to that. 

I rolled my eyes as I put my phone away. "Rebecca, I hope it's okay that I take today off. I just want to be home."

"Yes, Lace, of course. I needed to borrow Ted for the afternoon anyway so that's no problem at all." 

After we landed, I took a cab back to my flat and immediately crawled under my sheets and went back to sleep, trying to pretend that the world doesn't exist. 

***

I must've slept the entire day away because I woke up to someone banging at my door. When I looked outside, it was pitch dark out. 

"I'm coming up!" I could hear Ted's voice call out at the bottom of the steps. Oh great. I got up from my bed and walked out into the living room, where Ted was coming up the steps. 

"Where the hell have you been?" He asked. 

"Sleeping," I groaned, still half asleep. 

"Um, alright. Why did you sleep all day? Are you alright? Are you sick?" He asked with worry in his voice. 

"Actually, I'm not alright, Ted." My voice started to break. 

"Here, how about you sit down." Ted motioned to the couch. I shuffled over to the couch and sat down, he immediately took a seat next to me. "What's on that noggin of yours?"

I couldn't get the words out to actually tell him how I felt. Every time I went to say it, the words wouldn't come out. "I..I..I'm just upset Jamie left." I panicked and that was the first thing that came out. 

"You're really that upset that he's gone?" Ted's eyes softened. 

"Yes. Yes I am." I said coldly. "Things were getting better between us. He was finally starting to open up to me and now he's gone." Ted's jaw began to clench. 

"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way." 

"Yeah, me too." I whispered. 

"Alrighty, then I guess I'm gonna get out of your hair, but please come to work tomorrow, okay?"

I didn't say anything as Ted walked down the step and left my flat. That's when I started to cry again. 

Ted's POV

After I left Lacy's room, I immediately went downstairs and banged on Coach Beard's door. He opened the door almost immediately. 

"Hey, Coach," Beard greeted. 

"I really messed up," I groaned as I let myself into his apartment. 

"What happened?" Beard asked, motioning for me to sit on the barstools in his kitchen.

"Well, you already know I slept with Sassy last night, but I didn't tell you all of it." I cringed. Beard didn't verbally respond, but nodded his head, telling me to continue, "The entire time I was with Sassy, I was picturing Lacy. I mean, the entire time. Sassy is such a lovely woman and I feel so awful but, Coach, I don't know if it's because of the divorce or what, but... I don't know. I think I might like Lacy."

"Ted, if you think it's just feelings because of your divorce, then you're stupid." Beard finally spoke. 

"What do you mean?" I questioned, oblivious to what he was insinuating. 

"I mean, you've been in love with this girl since the moment you saw her. Maybe even before that. Do you remember when we had the team party a year ago, and you saw her with Julian? You never treated Julian the same after that." 

"Yeah, but I didn't even know her back then. I just saw her with her boyfriend, no big deal."

"You already had those feelings for her since before you actually got to know her, and now that you know her... your feelings are running rampant."

"Well, it doesn't even matter if I like her or not, she likes Jamie." I lowered my head. 

"I think you need to talk to her. You don't know everything." Coach Beard raised his eyebrow at me. 

"How do you know?"

"I know all." Beard answered. He's right, he always knows everything about everyone. 

I smiled at Beard slightly. "Thanks for listening, Coach." I left his flat and headed back to my own. Now, I just had to get unstuck from my own head. 

Lacy's POV

I hadn't moved from the couch in a few hours as I got comfortable in the couch hole I was creating with my body. Suddenly, someone is banging on my door. 

I groaned and got up from the couch. "Ted, I need to be left alone." I moaned as I was walking down the steps. I flung the door open and my blood ran cold. My eyes widen so much they almost fell out of my head. 

"Hey, Ace. You miss me?" The man on the other side of the door smugly said. 

I was able to sputter out one word, "Julian?"

authors note: this chapter and the next chapter were probably the most fun to write !! just a lil fact about me but I'm actually a senior in college. im minoring in creative writing so anytime im writing this story it always feels like im doing homework (in the best way possible lol) see u besties in the next chapter. buckle up ;)

taglist: @nerdgirljen

[theloveoffootball10]

sᴛᴀʏ - ᴛᴡᴏ

series masterlist / complete masterlist

ᴛᴡᴏ

Sitting with the Norris family I feel like I've known them forever, even Flo and Cisca who aren't much younger than me are happy for me to be here. The afternoon passes so quickly I'm amazed Lucas is still sleeping.

"Do you mind if I ask how far along you are in your pregnancy?" Cisca asks and I know everyone has an opinion on this baby, even people who don't know me assume things.

"I've just gone 17 weeks and I'm due the 4th of March" subconsciously I rest my hand on my ever growing bump "everyone thinks I'm so much further on than I am, I'm huge compared to my last pregnancy"

"Do you know what you're having? I know my pregnancies carrying boys then girls were totally different"

"Yeah she's a girl. I only had a scan a few days before I came away and haven't told anyone yet. I had a feeling though because I've put on so much weight including in my face and my skin has been so bad but last time you would've thought I'd just put a football up my top" saying my baby is a girl out loud catches me off guard. I wasn't going to tell anyone until she's born.

"You still look incredible and she'll be worth it in the end" Cisca tells me and I feel like every word she's ever going to say to me is true.

"Mama I want my claren" noticing Lucas wake up I take him into my arms until he wakes himself up fully before I introduce him to everyone. "I Lando mama"

"I know you're Lando. Are you going to say hello?" In an instant Lucas is up off my knee and telling everyone he's Lando and he drives a McLaren.

"I drive a claren mama. No Ferrari" talk about being put in my place.

"I know Lando drives a McLaren baby. You have your McLaren here" I say handing Lucas his toy cars from his bag which he proceeds to show off proudly while singing let's go Lando.

"He's like my brother in child form. It's so weird how much he's like Lando in fact he's probably more mature at two years old than what Lando is" from the time I've been sat with the family I've noticed Flo is the more outspoken one but she's very similar to me. 

"Is his name actually Lando? His energy reminds me of our Lando when he was little" Cisca asks watching my little boy show Adam his cars he brought with him.

"No it's not, his name is Lucas. It's funny though he was nearly named after Lando, I had my heart set on it. My family are huge formula one fans"

"Oh really? Lando would've loved it if Lucas was named after him. We'd never hear the end of it"

"Some days I think I should've just called him Lando. His thing at the minute is to tell people his name is Lando and he point blank refuses to answer to Lucas"

"That's so cute. We'll have to tell Lando when he arrives. How come you changed your mind?" Cisca asks as Lucas continues to show off his Lando cars.

"When I was pregnant Lando's name really stood out, as a family we watched him coming through the ranks and getting his first Formula One start it only seemed right my baby would have a racing inspired name" I smile to myself thinking back on how Lucas got his name "My ex hated the thought of Lucas being named after Lando, he tried to say the only reason was because of Lando being attractive. I'd brought it up a lot when I was pregnant because I loved the name so when he left me before Lucas's birth was registered I decided he was my baby and I was going to call him what I wanted. I came across Lucas and there was no going back from that, it was close to Lando without being an exact copy. I then went through hundreds of middle names and settled on Valentino" I explain thinking back on how Lucas got his name. Now I couldn't imagine him being anything other than Lucas Valentino.

"As in Valentino Rossi?" Cisca asks.

"Yeah my dad has always been a fan and I guess it rubbed off on me"

"It's scary how alike you and Lando are. If I didn't know better myself I'd say you'd been manufactured in a lab for each other!" It's so strange for me to hear Cisca saying how similar I am to Lando. I would've thought we're worlds apart "have you and Lucas been to races together?"

"Yeah my family have been going to Silverstone since before I was born and now we still go as a family. My mum went to Silverstone when she was pregnant with me and other than Covid years I've gone every year, I got judged for it but Lucas went for the first time when he was barely three weeks old. I'm not completely irresponsible he wore ear defenders the whole time we were there but it was amazing to share that moment with him"

"You're his mum, you know what's best for him and your decision is final. Don't ever let anyone tell you any different" my mum has always given me amazing advice and from speaking to Cisca for the small period I have I feel like she's very similar. It's like she's an extension of my mum.

I spend the rest of the day and the evening with my newly adopted family. They've taken me under their wing and Lucas being here hasn't bothered them at all. They invited us to dinner with them where they continued to make me feel like I belong with them. When I spoke to my family back home they couldn't quite believe I'd became an honorary Norris for the duration of my holiday, almost to the point where I think my brother was tempted to get on a flight because he feels left out. I didn't tell them that Lando is joining his family in the next few days in case it doesn't happen but mainly because I don't want to get my hopes up.

Being a similar age to Lando I've followed his career closely over the years and I've seen him race multiple times before he even made it to Formula One. From a fan perspective I admire everything he's done, as a person I can't lie I do find him extremely attractive. Do I think he would ever take notice of me? Absolutely not but I can admire him from a distance.

"Adam!" Lucas practically screams as he runs across the restaurant when he spots Adam sitting at a table for breakfast the next morning.

"Lucas wait for mummy!" I try to keep up with Lucas but thankfully Adam catches him before he can get far.

"Mummy I Lando!" Mummy rather than mama? I'm definitely in the bad books. Noticing the distinctive curls sticking out the back of the cap on the person sat next to Adam there's no denying who it is. Lando has arrived and I suddenly feel sick with nerves. Hearing his name Lando turns to look at Lucas and I can only watch the scene in front of me.

"Are you Lando just like me?" Lando asks Lucas his energy matching my two year olds as they meet for the first time. I can see Lucas is confused but trying to work out if he knows Lando, his face tells me he knows he recognises him but he's unsure. The amount of videos Lucas watches of Lando, I have no doubt he knows who he is in his own little way.

"I Lando! I drive a claren!" Lucas explains to Lando pointing at the picture of the McLaren car on his chosen T-shirt for the day.

"Me too! You'll have to show me your McLaren I bet it's better than mine!"

"Morning" I say to Adam not knowing if I belong in this conversation "if we're interrupting we'll leave you alone"

"Nonsense. Have a seat and we'll get you some breakfast ordered. The girls should be down soon. Lando this is Natalia who we were telling you about, Natalia this is Lando our son" usually I'd be confident when I meet someone for the first time but meeting Lando I am so nervous. He's even more stunning in real life than he looks in photos. His jaw is perfectly chiseled, his hair despite being covered by a cap looks like it would be soft to run your fingers through, his smile lights up his face, the small gap between his teeth adding an extra layer of charm and his eyes. Oh my god his eyes are beautiful. I've never seen anyone have such green eyes but yet they're so blue at the same time. It’s almost like they can’t decide what colour they want to be.

“It’s nice to meet you Lando” I can’t take my eyes off Lando as I sit down at the table opposite him. I can smell him from a distance, maybe it’s the increased sensitivity to smells due to pregnancy but he smells incredible.

“Likewise. My sisters have mentioned you a lot since they met you. Is this Lando 2.0?” Lando asks dividing his attention between me and Lucas who has now decided to get all of his toy cars out to show Lando.

“This is Lucas but he thinks he’s Lando 2.0. He won’t answer to his own name and refuses to drive anything other than a McLaren”

“I like his style” watching Lando with Lucas im amazed at how Lucas has taken to him within minutes. There’s a chair pulled between Lando and Adam that Lucas has sat himself on and I know he’s in his element having someone to play cars with.

As the conversation between Lando and I flows my nerves disappear. He’s given me no reason to feel on edge and he’s talking to Lucas like he’s known him forever, as a mum I couldn’t ask for more. My child is grinning from ear to ear, who am I to put a stop to that. Even being left alone with Lando as Adam goes to get us all drinks I don’t feel like I need to run away from the man in front of me.

“I’ve heard you’re a fan of mine” Lando asks barely looking up from where Lucas is showing him yet another car but I see the look in his eyes and the smirk on his lips. Is he flirting with me?

“You could say that but then I’m also a fan of Mercedes and Ferrari as well so make of that what you please” I say with a shrug eating the strawberries that are in front of me.

“By the end of this holiday you won’t remember who Mercedes or Ferrari are Natalia, I can promise you that” biting my lip I don’t get to respond to Lando as we’re joined by his mum and sister but the look on his face tells me he knows he’s got me, hook line and sinker. Fuck.

[forever-fixating]

WIP Wednesday

Howdy, yall! Thanks to @onthewaytosomewhere and @priincebutt for the tags! Aunt Flo came for a visit (if ya know what I mean), so I was down for the count for a couple days. But I have some goodies all the same. Teasing both stories yet again because I'm a nerd and can't stop at just one. Under the cut, enjoy!

living in a new normal

June and Nora arrived two days before they went set to depart for Paris. They made a day of shopping for last-minute items. Henry desperately needed some fresh wardrobe pieces for future date nights with Alex. Absent Pez, June was happy to dispense her fashion expertise.

“Oh, what about this one?” she suggested, selecting a soft pink linen shirt from a rack. “It would really complement your complexion. Plus it’s light enough for a summer evening stroll.”

Henry held it to his chest and looked in the mirror. “I think you’re right. I tend to stick to familiar colors. Lots of blues and such. My best friend Pez is always goading me into branching out.”

“Nothing wrong with having a signature color,” June smiled. “With those eyes of yours, blue is a no-brainer, but it’s always good to have a little variety.”

Henry folded the shirt over his arm with his other selections. He and June drifted toward the front of the store. As they paused near a display of trousers, Henry said softly, “I want you to know that I care about your brother very much.”

June looked up at him, her expression inscrutable. Henry licked his lips. “That is to say…this isn't some fling for me or an easy way to get a free vacation to Europe. I’m not going to drop him once the tour is over. I know a lot can change in three months, and Christ, maybe he will be the one to toss me aside-”

“He won’t,” June said firmly. 

“You can’t know that.”

“I know my brother,” she insisted. Henry’s mouth snapped shut at the certainty in her tone. She took a deep breath. “Despite what the tabloids might say, Alex isn’t some playboy screwing models or actresses left and right. When he’s in a relationship, he gives it his all. Maybe too much. The dumbass may claim he can do casual, but the only person that has ever really worked out with was Nora and only because they both had eyes for other people.”

Alex’s laugh rang out from another part of the store, full-throated and carefree. June smiled in the direction of it. “I never met Jasper. After what we “affectionately” call the fuckening, I was worried the trauma Alex experienced would keep him closed off from seeking out happiness for a long time. You were an unexpected but very welcomed surprise, Henry. You brought the light back out in him. I may not have seen you two interact all that much, but I can tell from the tone in his texts and phone calls how much he cares about you.

Henry felt his throat tighten at her kind words. She reached out to grasp his free hand and finished by saying, “I know you’re concerned with what people will think. But you’re not in this alone. The thing you’ll learn about the Claremont-Diaz clan is once you’re in, you’re one of us and we look out for each other. Remember that, okay?”

A Tournament for His Heart

As Alex watched them talk, he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up. Phillip nodded, and Alex stood, following him through another door. This led to an office, dark save for the moonlight from the window. Alex watched as Phillip pressed part of the mantle, and a panel in the wall released with a click and swung out. He looked at the prince, who said, “Follow the passage.”

Hope rose up within him as he stepped over the threshold. His footsteps echoed off the stone. He summoned a small orb of light to guide his path, and it floated in front of him like a phantom. As he walked, descended a set of stairs, and continued down another passage, another sound joined his footsteps. Soft at first then growing stronger with each step: piano music. Finally, he saw a sliver of golden light as he reached the end of the passage. Alex’s hand reached out and pushed the door open wider. Revealed was a small library, a fire crackling. A familiar figure sat at the piano. The golden head, hair longer than Alex remembered, looked up from the sheet music.

“Hello, cariad.”

A/N- My bestie Kate has been such an incredible help with these stories, especially LIANN. If yall thought Love on the Menu was romantic, JUST YOU WAIT. Paris is gonna be two parts and loaded with enough romance to give you cavities. Stay tuned!

[killerfrostisme]

I was quite surprised to see that there weren't many fanfics where Lucy gets her period. It's a normal part of most uterus bearing people's lives, and to be honest I'd like to see it represented in YA books too. It's 2024, let's not act like we don't bleed.

Hence, this is my humble attempt to change that.

This one takes place between TSS and TWS and follows book canon:)

Lucy could always tell when she was about to get her periods. Besides the fact that she always felt like death, she also started to resemble one of the Visitors she and her team desperately tried to snuff out. Rarely could she not predict the time when Auntie Flo would come traipsing into her life. Whenever she saw the telltale signs of a period fast approaching, she'd prepare well. She would pack her kit bag with extra tampons and loads of chocolate. She'd also make sure she'd carry a plethora of painkillers. She almost always got it right.

Almost.

It was a light case and Lockwood and Co was feeling quite relaxed. The owners of the house had informed them of a benign spirit-a probable Type One-whose only job in death was to float on the top of the landing and exude forlorn energy. Upon further research, George uncovered a news article which stated that an old couple had died within a week of each other. The man first, of natural causes and the woman next, of a broken heart. Even though, the spirit was supposedly a Type One, Lockwood had been quite adamant about taking extra iron fillings and even an iron chain, which was typically not required for a Type One case. Lucy had to admit, he'd really stepped up the leadership game after the mishap at Mrs Hope's house.

It was just as well since there wasn't just one ghost but two!

The containment of the sources (a pair of delicate satin slippers for the wife and a pair of silver wire rimmed glasses for the husband) were an easy affair. After dropping George off at Portland Row (he'd had a nasty fall on the stairs in the haunted house and just wanted to sleep the pain away) and with both sources safely ensconced in silver nets, Lucy and Lockwood set off for the furnace.

They sat in a comfortable silence for the entirety of the ride to the furnace. The kind of silence that's brought on by a sense of not knowing each other well enough, but with a desire to change.

Lucy was feeling quite woozy after the case, and chalked it down to just plain fatigue. They had been going on an awful lot of cases after the success of Combe Carey and she hadn't really had enough time to sleep. When they got out of the cab, Lockwood flashed her a tired grin, and she momentarily forgot about her wooziness. Strange. Maybe she's not as tired as she thought.

-------‐‐--‐----------------------------------

"Feeling alright, Luce?" He asked, after handing in the sources. They were standing outside the building, waiting to hail a cab to go home.

"Yes, I think so." she replied, wincing a bit when a sharp shooting pain pierced her lower back. "Why do you ask?" she asked, in what she hoped was a nonchalant manner.

"No particular reason." He responded, keeping his eyes on the road in front of them, searching for an empty cab. "It's just- you've been a bit quiet today. Not to mention, I've seen you wincing here and there. Are you hurt?"

Oh. So he'd caught that. He was a lot more observant than she gave him credit for, she supposed.

"Oh no, I'm fine."

They lapsed into silence yet again. This one seemed more pregnant than the easy one they'd shared in the cab on the way over. Lucy was desperately trying to recall her cycle dates and was drawing a blank. She knew she hadn't packed her period kit with her, and her emergency pad-she mentally berated herself-was safely sitting on her dresser in the attic at Portland Row. She was completely defenseless. Her only option? Freebleed and try not to stain everything under the sun. The silver lining was that at least she was going home.

She fidgeted uncomfortably. When was that damn cab going to arrive? How much longer was she supposed to suffer in agony? Why were women cursed with this abomination every month? Why did men get off scott-free for literally everything in life? Why was the patriarchy-

A delicate cough roused her out of her mental rant. "Is it-is it" Lockwood began, one hand rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "By that I mean, do you-are you-"

"Oh, just spit it out!" she snapped.

Lockwood looked over at her in a mix of shock and surprise, which immediately made her feel guilty. She didn't mean to speak to him in such a belligerent manner, but he was really testing her patience. It was late, she was tired and her hormones weren't being very cooperative.

She tried to tone down her aggravation, (she still seemed to be glowering at him) and spoke- "What were you trying to say, Lockwood?"

He swallowed and continued in a wary manner, as if he were scared of her biting his head off at the next opportunity. "I was just wondering, are you feeling okay?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Is it your time of the month?"

"Just because I'm annoyed that doesn't mean I'm on my period. It could also imply that I'm just in a bad mood or someone has done something to piss me off."

"Okay. Noted."

A pause. And then-

"But, yes. I am on my periods."

"Ah."

Silence.

"My condolences." He cleared his throat, very evidently in the excuse of doing something."Oh look, there's the cab." He said in obvious relief.

‐------------------------------------------

Who the bloody hell says "my condolences" in response to "I've got my period"? Was he absolutely mental? He too had apparently thought it was an incredibly daft thing to say to someone, because he'd kept up an imperceptibly long stream of chatter throughout the cab ride. In the one year that she'd worked at Lockwood and Co, Lucy had never heard him to be as loquacious as he was that night.

What did Lucy think of the company? (it was good) Were she and George getting along? (yes) What were her thoughts on the Kuriashi Turn? (it sucked) Did she think that Karina from Tendy's and Hussain from Bunchurch were shagging? (no comments). He wanted all the answers tonight!

"Ah, we're here." said Lockwood, with an air of forced positivity, as the cab screeched to a halt outside Portland Row.

Lockwood paid the driver and they got out of the car. They shuffled into the house quietly. The air was palpable with tension. The kind of tension brought on by two people who don't know who to bridge the chasm between them.

"Listen Luce," he said, catching her arm and gently pulling her towards him. They had reached the landing outside Lockwood's room. "I'm sorry for acting like a knob. I don't want you to feel as if you can't talk about your periods. I know it's a slightly awkward topic but they're natural. I want you to feel safe enough to talk about whatever you want because this is your house too, Luce."

Lucy gave him a slow, hesitant smile. "It's all right," she reassured him. "I wasn't exactly being very nice either. I'm sorry about that. I'll work on it."

Lockwood smiled at her, and she felt it shoot straight to her heart, warming up her insides and making her forgot all about her menstrual cramps. Of course, it had nothing to do with Lockwood though. Her body was probably happy about being home. Definitely nothing to ponder over later.

"Is there anything I can do?" He said, in an earnest manner.

"Yes," she said, surprising them both. "You can tell me more about Hussain and Karina's supposed antics over a cup of hot cocoa."

"Deal," laughed Lockwood, "there's much to share with regards to that particular subject."

------------‐---------------------------------------------------‐---------------

They stayed down in the library chatting for ages. Lucy had changed into clean clothes, worn a tampon and downed a painkiller with her cocoa, but what really made her feel better was laughing with Lockwood. He made her happy. And George, of course. And her job. And Portland Row. And London.

Lucy smiled. Whatever it was, she wasn't going to dwell on it much. For now, she was just going to take comfort in his company. For now, she was just going to chuckle at Barnes' love life with a floppy haired boy. For now, that was enough.

This was supposed to be a funny, slightly awkward story. But somehow, it turned into one laced with poignancy. Especially towards the end. It just sort of ran away from me and took shape on its own.

Anyway, hope you guys liked it! Let me know if you guys did:)

[crimsonizedangel]

After A Show

Pairing: Kevin Atwater x OC

Rating: nsfw

It had been a late night for me. I was an actress and performed at local theaters throughout Chicago. We had just finished a late night Saturday show for Six the musical and we were on our way to a local club to celebrate with a few drinks. All of us had changed out of our costumes and into club attire of heels and mini dresses.

"Alicia come on." My friend Sarah said as she grabbed my hand and pulled me into the club and up to the bar.

"What are you two having?" The bartender asked us.

Before I could answer Sarah reply with "can we a round of tequila shots. There's six of us and the others are at a table back there." She motioned to somewhere behind her and the bartender nodded and rung it up on her card before preparing the shots.

We brought them over to our friends "you got tequila shots." Anne said followed by Sarah passing them out and saying "ok on the count of three everyone takes one. Here's to a great show tonight ladies."

We all took a shot and I told them I would go and get the next round of drinks. I ordered everyone a vodka cranberry so we had something to sip on instead.

"Can I buy you a drink?" I heard a rough voice ask me.

I turned around and gave him a smile "I actually just bought a round for my friends and I." I told him and motioned to where they were sitting. "Thank you though. You can join us if you'd like. We're just having a few drinks together."

"Yeah let me get a drink and I'll follow you over there. I'm Kevin by the way." He stuck out his hand introducing himself.

"Alicia." I replied shaking his hand. I waited for him to get his drink as I grabbed the tray with the cocktails.

"So are you guys here celebrating something?" He asked.

I nodded and let out a soft laugh "yeah actually we are. We are all actresses and just got through a good performance of Six the musical."

"Oh my niece wants to see that. Who did you play?" He inquired.

"I play Catherine of Aragon." I told him as we walked over to where my friends were. I set the tray down and they all grabbed a glass and looked at Kevin waiting for me to introduce him.

"Guys this is Kevin. I just met him up at the bar. He told me his niece wants to see our show so maybe we can convince him to buy some tickets and take her." I told them before taking a sip of my own drink and saw Kevin give a small wave and hello before taking a sip of his beer.

"Hey Kevin I'm finally found you." A male voice said before we saw him pop his head up from behind Kevin's tall frame. "Ooh who are these ladies?" He asked us.

"Ladies this is my friend and partner Adam." Kevin introduced the man.

I raised an eyebrow at both of them "partner? Like police partner or?" I asked and was cut off by Adam and Kevin both laughing.

"No no we are cops not gay." Adam replied laughing.

I just nodded and smiled up at Kevin. I heard the song switch and recognized it as Low by Flo Rida. I grabbed Kevin's hand and nodded to the dance floor. "Come on let's dance." I told him as I dragged him out there with my drink in my other hand.

I started lip syncing the words to the song as I started shaking my ass in front of sinking lower with the song with each low said.

When I came back up I felt Kevin grab my hips pulling me closer to him as I continued to dance making me grind my ass against him. I took sips of my drink as I danced with him trying to be careful to not spill any.

We continued to dance for a few songs each one I could feel the attraction growing along with the bulge in his pants and the wet spot on my thong.

Eventually it was late enough that I told my friends I was going to head out originally planning on going home alone but Kevin caught me outside and without saying a word just pulled me in for a kiss.

I was a little surprised but not really with how much sexual tension was out on that dance floor.

"Do you want to come back to my place?" I asked him as my Uber arrived. He just nodded and opened the door for me and got around to the other side.

We tried to make small talk with the driver so we could remain in our respective seats until we got to my apartment. I fished my keys out of my purse and Kevin followed me inside. As soon as the door was shut I put my purse down and took my heels off. The second my heels were off the height difference was noticeable but that didn't matter cause Kevin put his hands on my ass and picked me up like it was nothing. I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist which made the skirt of my dress ride up. I attached my lips to his in a hungry kiss. I slipped my tongue into his mouth letting them fight for dominance as I moved a hand to start undoing the buttons on his shirt.

He broke the kiss to whisper in my ear "tell me how bad you want me."

His breath in my ear  made me wetter as my breath hitched and my words got stuck in my throat.

"How about I show you." I finally got out and grabbing one of his hands off my ass I moved it up my skirt so he could feel how wet I was.

"Oh dear lord." He muttered under his breath and moved his hand back to my ass as he carried me through my apartment and tossed me onto my bed. I watched as he shrugged his shirt off revealing all of his toned muscles. I grabbed his belt loops on his jeans and pulled him down on top of me. His hands instantly going to the back of my dress to undo the zipper and pull it off my shoulders revealing I had no bra on. His lips went to my neck as he started kissing and sucking his way down my body being careful not to leave marks.

"Lift your hips baby girl." He muttered into my skin and when I complied he slid my dress off over my hips and onto the floor. He continued kissing his way down my body and kissed my cunt through my soaked thong. I felt him move it to the side as he licked my slick folds making me moan but it didn't last long before he stopped briefly to pull my thong off. His mouth went back to continue his mutilations on my clit as he inserted one of his thick fingers into my cunt. I let out a moan as my head pushed deeper into the mattress as I tried arching my back to push and grind into Kevin even more. He put his other hand across my lower abdomen to hold me down not letting up once except to add another finger.

"Kev, I'm going to come." I moaned out when I felt the familiar sensation building up and as he just continued what he was doing I felt it snap as I came all over his fingers and face.

He helped me ride out my orgasm before he came up for air and brought his fingers up to my mouth.

"Open." He instructed and I knew what he wanted me to do. I opened my mouth and gripped his wrist as I brought his fingers into my mouth and started licking them clean. I looked him in the eyes as I did so and heard him let out a moan followed by "oh that's so hot baby."

He removed his hand and I watched as he undid his jeans letting them fall to the floor along with his boxers releasing his thick cock from its restraints. He picked up his jeans to fish a condom out of the pocket that he proceeded to open and roll over his length. I watched as he walked back up to the bed and hooked his arms around my thighs pulling me to the edge.

He was surprisingly gentle as he inserted his erection into my dripping cunt.

"Kev you're not going to break me, I promise." I moaned out which spurred him on to start moving faster and harder.

My eyes rolled back as I let out a moan finally getting what I wanted. He was big but manageable and the way he stretched me and hit all the right spots felt amazing. The coil was building again and before I could say anything I closed my eyes and screamed as it burst and I was clenching around his cock as I came.

"Fuck Alicia." He muttered as he was barely able to move. After my orgasm subsided he picked up the pace again and the overstimulation made the coil build again. It didn't last long until his movements started to stutter as he got closer to his own orgasm and eventually he stopped as I felt him pulsating in me as he came. Both of us were breathing heavily as he pulled out to dispose of the used condom.

"It's late. You can stay if you want." I offered as I pulled an old tshirt on before climbing under my blankets. He smiled at me as he pulled his boxers back on and joined me. Both of us exhausted and drunk it wasn't long before we were asleep.

[fruit-teeth]

A Letting Go (chapter 4: The Pipe)

Miss Pauling finally stepped into the break room, in desperate need of a sip of water after talking for so long. She felt good about helping a young mother figure out housing alternatives, but she hadn't been ready to talk for so long.

As she was filling a paper cup with water, someone in the office called out to her, “Hey, Flo! Someone’s asking for you on the phone!”

"Oh, all right," Flo felt a bit of worry since she thought it must have been Helen, but she told herself that it might not be anything serious.

After tossing away the paper cup, Flo picked up the phone’s receiver as Theresa passed it to her. “Yes?”

“Hey, Miss P!” A familiar voice greeted her, “What’ s up?”

“Jeremy!” Flo instantly perked up upon the realization, feeling herself smile. “Oh, my gosh, how are you? It’s been so long since we’ve talked!”

Jeremy laughed. “You’re tellin’ me! You ain’t busy?”

“I’m at work, but…” Flo leaned against the wall, shrugging. “I’m just taking a little break.”

“I know you’re at work, that’s why I called your office,” Jeremy pointed out playfully.

“Oh…right,” Flo laughed a little at that. “Makes sense. Anyway, how’s it going? How are the kids?”

“They’re real good! We were just at the library, there was a reading event going on today,” Jeremy replied. Flo felt that there was something strange about the tone of his voice, as if he had phoned her for a reason besides discussing his children.

Before Flo could ask what it was, Jeremy spoke again, “But, uh…is everything okay?”

Flo paused, caught off guard by the question. “Huh? What do you mean?”

"Because I just got a phone call from someone who sounded a lot like, uh...the Administrator," Jeremy went on. “I mean, it obviously wasn’t her right? I'm not sure if it was a prank call or not, but I was wondering if you knew anything about the person asking for you. They said, ‘Miss Pauling needs to come home because the sink is melting,’ which sounds like a prank call to me, but I could be wrong! I just wanna know who would do a prank call like that, and why — you know anything about that?”

This information took a moment to process, and once it did, Flo realized what happened.

“Damn it, she must’ve misdialed!” Flo muttered, forgetting that Jeremy could hear her.

“What? Who?” Jeremy wanted to know, sounding very concerned.

Flo shook herself, clearing her throat to sound more nonchalant. “Oh, don’t worry Jeremy! So sorry for the inconvenience. I know what’s going on, I’m gonna have to go take care of it. I’ll talk to you later. Just please don’t worry about it! Tell the kids I said hi!” With that, she hung up and rushed to gather her belongings.

Flo headed right home, hoping whatever had occurred hadn’t damaged the house too badly. When she arrived at the house and opened the front door, she could see from the foyer that there was a lot of water on the kitchen floor.

Flo kept her boots on, rushing into the kitchen and doing her best not to slip. Sure enough, the sink was leaking like crazy, likely from a burst pipe. Helen sat on top of the kitchen counter, legs folded up to try and avoid touching the wet floor. She looked incredibly panicked and confused, clearly not understanding what was happening.

“Okay, okay!” Flo stepped carefully over to the sink, opening up the bottom and glancing in. Just as expected the, pipe was leaking. “Shit! I gotta call that plumber—!” she glanced back towards Helen, and then went to the stairs, grabbing another pair of shoes.

“Here, I don’t think we’re the same shoe size, but it’ll have to do!” Flo helped Helen get the shoes on, before carefully assisting her off the counter. “Let’s step outside, I’ll call someone to fix this!”

Despite the harsh cold outside, Flo managed to alert the local plumber to what was going on. He promised to come and mend the pipe and drain the remaining water as best he could, but Flo couldn't help but worry about how much it would all cost.

“Okay…thanks,” Flo sighed, just before hanging up the payphone.

She walked back to the front porch of her house, where Helen sat on the front step. She was clutching her arms and staring at the snow on the ground with terrified eyes, but it was then she noticed Flo.

Before Flo could say anything, Helen began blurting out apologies. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She shrank in on herself, looking much smaller than usual as she repeated the words.

After a moment of not knowing what to say, Flo stopped her, “Why? Why are you apologizing? You didn’t break the pipe, it just happened! Why are you saying sorry for something you didn’t do?”

Helen trailed off, going quiet. “I don’t…I don’t know,” she admitted, brow knitting in confusion.

Flo sighed, and she soon joined Helen on the steps, patting her shoulder reassuringly. “It was no one’s fault, it just happens.”

Helen clutched her hands together, going quiet for a bit. She then said, “I tried to call, like you said. A…man answered, he said I was…pranking him…”

“Yeah…I think you called the wrong number,” Flo explained. “I’m gonna have to put my work number down on its own page, so you don’t get confused next time. Okay?”

Helen just nodded, looking back down at her hands. “Okay.”

The plumber arrived shortly after, along with a few other maintenance workers, to repair the pipe. The process of repair was mercifully short, but draining out the water would be a whole other process.

“Why don’t you ladies step out of here for a while?” The plumber suggested to Flo. “It’s awful cold outside, you don’t wanna catch a chill sitting out there all night!”

Flo stuffed her hands in her pockets, taking in a breath. "It's okay, we can wait in the car." As she looked over, she saw Helen moving uneasily from foot to foot in the snow. The shoes were clearly bothering her, and being cooped up in the car for a while wouldn’t fix that.

“Actually,” Flo looked back at the plumber. “We’ll go shopping at the plaza downtown. Will that be enough time to fix this?”

The plumber nodded. “Sure thing! Go have fun, we’ll get this all good for you when you get back,”

“Awesome, thank you,” Flo replied, heading for the car and gesturing for Helen to follow her. “Come on, let’s get you some shoes that fit you!”

Flo got Helen into the car and soon drove off down the road to the nearby shopping plaza. The sun had begun to go down at this point, but wasn’t quite dark yet. Even though Flo was worried about the total expense of the plumbing process, she ignored it and focused only on making sure Helen had shoes that fit. Having worked at the shelter, she was aware of the importance of having access to comfortable shoes and clothing.

As soon as they found a parking spot in the plaza, Flo led Helen to one of the discount shoe stores that was nearby. There weren't many people in the store as they walked in, but it was enough to make Flo a little nervous as she thought someone might recognize Helen. Thankfully, nobody seemed to, and she figured that maybe she was just being paranoid. After all, no one from their past had ever spent any time in this neighborhood, so it seemed unlikely they'd run into them at a budget shoe store of all places.

Flo headed down one of the shoe aisles, attempting to figure out which shoe would fit best, when a thought struck her.

“You know…wait a minute: Helen, I don’t really know what your shoe size is. We should get your feet measured!”

Helen didn’t answer, as she was distracted by a mirror in the corner. Flo got her attention again, and then called over a sales person.

“Excuse me,” she said. “Can you measure her feet for her? We don’t know her shoe size.”

The salesperson looked Helen up and down for a moment, before replying, “You don’t know what your shoe size is? Unusual, but…all right, that’s fine.”

He motioned Helen to sit in a neighboring chair, and then pulled out a Brannock device. "Okay, ma'am, please take your shoe off!"

Helen nervously studied him, then the device, but she removed the ill-fitting shoe and presented her foot anyhow. He measured her with the device for a few seconds, before pulling it away.

“Women’s size 9,” the salesman announced. “You’ll find that size right down there!” he pointed to an aisle to their left.

“Okay, thank you!” Flo replied, helping Helen up off the chair.

After finding the correct shoe size, Flo got Helen to try on a few pairs. They soon picked out some black boots, a pair of slides, and another pair of boots designed for snow, as well as a few pairs of socks and stockings.

Following their purchases, the two women left the store, and Flo asked Helen to sit on a bench so she could give her the snow boots and socks to put on.

“This will be much better for you than the ones you were wearing earlier!” Flo remarked, feeling a sense of relief as Helen stood up again without any issues. “I know my shoes are pretty small, my feet are smaller than yours…” she paused, thinking for a moment. “I think you said something about me having small feet once — what was it?”

Helen blinked in confusion. “What?”

“Oh…” Flo shook herself. “Nevermind,” she checked her watch. “It’s getting pretty late, you want something to eat?”

“Yes,” Helen agreed, clutching onto the shopping bags. “Are we going back to the house?”

Flo considered the prospect. “I don’t know if the guys are done yet…but, you know, I have a better idea,”

Luckily, the shopping plaza was home to a diner known by locals in the area as The Corner. Flo, having frequented the location, considered it a good choice due to its pleasant and reasonably priced food.

The two women soon located a table inside, and because Helen didn't appear to know what she wanted to eat, Flo ordered sandwiches for the two of them. The diner was calm that evening, with only a few other patrons and music playing above them on the radio.

“That man over there is eating ice,” Helen stated, pointing out a man sitting a few tables away from there.

“Yes, I know,” Flo gestured for Helen to stop pointing at the stranger. “Sometimes people like to chew on ice, it’s not really that weird,”

“Oh…really?” Helen glanced into her own glass, and after a moment, she fished out a bit of ice with her straw and put it into her mouth.

Flo tried to protest, but stopped herself. “Uh…okay…you can do that, I guess.”

As she watched Helen suck on bits of ice, Flo had an idea: Helen was becoming more interactive, so this could be a good time to start asking questions. “Hey, what do you remember about…you know, where you were before you got here?”

Helen paused her ice-eating to think about it for a few seconds. Finally, she said, “I was in the woods, and I was cold.”

Flo took this in for a moment, wondering what this could possibly mean.

“Which part of the woods?” she asked, hoping to get more information.

Helen squinted and thought for another long moment, before she shook her head. “I don’t…remember. I felt freezing, I had a dress on. There were some men in a car, there were lots of bright lights, but...I don't know where they came from. I don’t know…” She sounded upset. It sounded like the remorse she’d expressed after the pipe burst, as if she felt had done something wrong.

Feeling in a pang of worry, Flo reached across the table and took Helen’s hand in her own, giving her a squeeze. “Hey, it’s okay. You don’t need to remember anything right now, you know. I…just want you to be comfortable, all right?”

Helen watched her face for a few seconds, and she soon nodded in understanding. “Okay…”

Another pause password between them, and Helen spoke again. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Flo replied gently.

She wondered if she should tell Helen who she really was, what had happened, and everything that had happened in the many decades she had once been alive, but it was then the waitress brought over their dinner. Perhaps the memories would come on their own, Flo reasoned as she watched Helen study the sandwich placed in front of her. If they did, though…what then? The possibility of losing this version of Helen, who was so charming and innocent thus far, saddened Flo.

“Was that a good thing to order?” Flo asked, trying to push those thoughts of her mind. “A lot of people like the club sandwiches here, but I can get you something else if you’re not a fan,”

Helen took a timid mouthful of the sandwich, nodded, and then took another bite. Flo couldn’t help but smile, picking up her own sandwich. “Okay, good.”

[teaandransacking]

I'm a fan of yours on ao3 and I binged your The Devil All the Time series this week - so good OMFG - and your soft smut is immaculate.

Would you bless us with some Lucy/Lockwood first time smut including the Lockwood Pajamas (tm)?

First of all YOU HAVE READ THAT FIC? I feel like only about 10 people in the world read that, and I loved writing it. Thankyou.

Just for you, please enjoy some 5-ply soft, non explicit smut.

Let's pretend these characters are 18 or older, OK? OK.

except when we went from friends to this

Words: 2500 ~ Pairing: Anthony Lockwood x Lucy Carlyle ~ Content: super soft non explicit, dreamy first-time sex.

It all begins with a present from Flo.

Lockwood is confused at first. A hotel? He hasn’t been inside a hotel - the ones that are unhaunted, anyway - since he was a small boy in a boy size suit, eating afternoon tea with his parents on his birthday. The memory makes him feel funny, and he rubs his hand over his chest as he looks down at the shiny voucher, out of place against the cheap formica of the cafe tabletop.

Flo frowns. “I hope I didn’t overstep, Locky. It’s your birthday, after all, and I thought - well, you could take Lucy with you-”

He looks up at that, and a different sort of emotion makes his chest tight. Fantasy snapshots flit through his mind. Lucy, walking down the grand staircase of a fancy hotel, a cocktail dress flaring out from her hips. Lucy, covered up to her neck in bubbles in a fancy hotel bathtub.

He could give her that.

He traces his finger along the edge of the card. “How did you get this?”

“Bartered for it, didn’t I. Amazing what you can get when you’ve got an… eclectic skill set like mine.”

Lockwood thinks it’s best he doesn’t ask any more questions about that.

“What about George?” he blurts out, wondering if the other young man will feel left out.

Flo smiles slowly. “You know I’ve never been entirely altruistic, Locky. If you and Lucy are out, well, I’ll have George and his ghormeh sabzi all to myself, won’t I?”

Oh. Lockwood looks down into his cup of tea, feeling a flush creep up his neck. “Right. And he’s…. Okay with it?”

“Would I have asked if he wasn’t?” She grins. 

Thinking about the implications of her smile and her words too long makes Lockwood think of the time with the yoga, so he blinks the image away, sipping tea. “Thankyou,” he says eventually. “This is really kind. I appreciate it.”

Flo grins that cheshire cat grin again. “No, you don’t. But you will.”

He doesn’t rise to the bait, but tucks the gold-edged voucher away safely inside his coat.

He knows what Flo thinks is going to happen if he takes Lucy to the hotel. Maybe it will, and maybe it won’t, but what Lockwood wants most is just to be with her, uninterrupted time, where they can talk and cuddle and laugh and relax, without the threat of Visitors - or any other kind of unwanted guests.

Perhaps he’ll get the Do Not Disturb sign and hang it on the door as soon as they arrive.

If Lucy agrees to go, that is.

#### 

“The Connaught?” Lucy exclaims, almost knocking over her mug of tea. She grabs it just in time, so that only a few drops spill over the edge. Her eyes are wide with excitement, and Lockwood could just drown in them, wade into those clear depths and never look back, not for anything. “That’s the poshest hotel in England!”

“So you want to go, then?” He asks, nerves cramping his stomach. “With me, I mean.”

She gives him a funny look. “Who else would I want to go with?”

He reaches across the table, from his position opposite her, runs his index finger over the back of her hand. “I wanted to be sure.”

Lucy turns her hand over, palm upwards, and tangles their fingers together. “You are a bit of an idiot sometimes, you know that?”

Relief makes his shoulders slump, and he feels the grin spread across his face. “I am well aware.”

#### 

Dinner’s at eight, the desk clerk informs them, but it’s not included in their room rate.

“Not to worry,” Lucy murmurs as they head off towards the stairs with their room key, “I packed a picnic we can eat on the carpet.”

He loves her. If he wasn’t entirely sure of it before, he is now.

The room somehow manages to be cavernous but cosy. How that’s achieved, he has no idea, and right now, he can’t bring himself to care as he watches Lucy run for the huge bed and launch herself on to it. She bounces, laughing, and it’s been so long since he’s heard her laugh like that, carefree, and when she lands, her gaze finds him.

“Come on, then! You can’t come all the way here and not bounce on this bed.”

“It’s only Mayfair,” he points out, but the smile on his face is completely irrepressible. He feels like he has to add, “at least take off your shoes.”

Lucy laughs, but wiggles to the end of the bed and shucks off her boots. “Come on, Lockwood. Remove the stick from up your arse for once.”

She says it so fondly that he can’t be annoyed, even a little bit. Truth be told, he was a bit of a stick in the mud before her, before George.

He toes off his trainers and shoves them aside before walking to the bed. For a second he falters, wondering what to do. He would have known, once, before his entire family was taken from him, before-

Lucy grabs his hand and tugs him, and he falls on top of her, their bodies flush, and she looks up at him in surprise, her lips parted slightly, and it’s an invitation he simply can’t refuse. He settles his forearms either side of her head and then he touches his mouth to hers.

It starts off soft and sweet, like many of their kisses, mostly chaste, and then she slides a hand up into his hair and sighs into his mouth, and suddenly everything inside him is on fire.

“Lucy,” he groans, drawing back to look at her. Her lips are kiss-swollen and her titian hair is spread out over the crisp, snow-white bedsheets. He’s seen some of the finest art in the known world, and none of it, not a single painting, compares to having Lucy Carlyle warm and willing under him, her gaze lust-soft and her cheeks flushed.

She smooths his hair back from where it falls over his forehead. “I did really want to see you jump on the bed, but I think this is better.”

It’s very difficult to think when their bodies are so perfectly lined up, especially since he’s never been this close to her without interruption, but he concentrates and makes himself form a reply. “I’ll do a cartwheel over the bed later if it’ll make you laugh, but for now - wild horses couldn’t pull me away from this moment.”

“You can do a cartwheel?” she asks, her brows arching up, but his expression must be a reply all in itself, because she presses her lips closed and then frames his face between her hands. “I love it here, too. I’ve, er, been thinking for a while that it’d be nice to have some time together. Hard to relax when anyone might overhear.”

“Yeah. That’s not really my thing,” Lockwood agrees.

Mischief flits across Lucy’s beautiful face. “I’d like to find out what is your thing.” And she lets her body go soft under his, spreading her legs so he’s cradled right there and his brain completely short circuits at the sensation, even through their layers of clothes.

“Have mercy,” he manages to whisper.

“On the great Anthony bloody Lockwood? Never,” she whispers, but there’s gentleness in her voice. “How about a bath, first?”

That makes him immediately imagine her naked, and for another second he can’t form a single coherent thought.

Lucy shakes her head, laughs softly, but it’s a sweet laugh, a kind, warm one. He doesn’t protest when she rolls their bodies and then hops off him, standing and holding out her hand. “Come on. A proper bath, in a proper big bath tub, with fancy bubbles! I have never had fancy bubbles!”

Lockwood has to blink again to get the cogs in his brain to turn, and then he lets himself be led into what turns out to be a palatial bathroom. It’s all sleek marble floor tiles and travertine walls, and the claw foot tub rises from the floor, a porcelain leviathan, waiting to be filled, and all he can do is stand there and imagine Lucy in it, the water fanning out her hair, and her eyes closed, long lashes resting on her cheeks.

She turns on the taps, fits the plug in the circular hole, and then eyes him. “Clothes.”

He blinks at her. “Yes. I packed them.”

Lucy rolls her eyes. “We can’t get in the bath with clothes on, Lockwood.” She grins at him, and there she is, sarcastic as ever, and suddenly he feels at home again. “I’ll turn around if you like.”

Heat floods his face, and he starts to acquiesce, and then he realises, he doesn’t want her to turn around. He wants to feel her gaze on him as he undresses, and then he wants to see her peel her own layers away, and he wants to sink into the hot water with her, feel the silk of her skin and slide soapy hands over her-

And then he’s obviously dawdled too long, because Lucy crosses the space between them and starts unwinding his tie. He gazes down at her, at the overhead lights glinting off her gorgeous, silky red hair, and he drops a kiss on her forehead.

She looks up, a small smile on her lips, and continues with her ministrations until his tie lies limp around his neck, either side of the collar of his white shirt.

“I can do the rest,” he says softly.

She steps back, grinning, her eyes eating him up, and in that moment, he feels like he could take on the world, if only he could carry the light in her gaze with him always.

He discards the tie, unbuttons the shirt. He’s been shirtless in front of her before, for short periods - one memorable time when she couldn’t sleep and came to talk to him at midnight when he was already undressed - but never like this, with this superheated air between their bodies.

Lockwood shrugs the shirt off and it falls to the floor in a whisper of cotton. He doesn’t look at what he’s doing, only at her, and the naked want in her eyes could sustain him for days.

The metal buckle of his belt clinks loudly as he unbuckles it, stepping out of his trousers and pulling off his socks, and then he’s barefoot in the fancy, high-ceiling bathroom, wearing only black boxers, and for a moment, nerves shred his stomach, but then Lucy hooks a finger in the waistband of his underwear and pulls him close to kiss him, and his fears unravel into warm yearning. His arms go around her and he holds her as their mouths whisper over each other. 

Then she draws back, smiling a little, and moves to turn off the taps. “Nice and full. Water’s going to get cold. Can’t waste it.”

He glances over at the veritable lake. No bubbles, but they’ve got all night. They can always have another bath later. He opens his mouth to tell her that it’s her turn to take off her clothes, but instead hears himself say, “Might I - can I - undress you?”

Her eyes spark. “Since you ask so nicely. Come here, then.”

Lockwood joins her by the rolltop side of the bath, his hands going to the hem of her jumper, fingers curling in the softness of it, and then she lifts her arms obligingly, and he gently tugs it off. It goes the way of his clothes, unmissed, and her tank top and jeans and socks follow, and then she stands, pale and perfect in her underwear, and the shape of her blows every one of his fantasies out of the water.

Lucy whispers, “I think we’re still wearing too many clothes for a bath,” and he grins at her, and they help each other with the last of their garments, and then climb into the tub, gazing at each other.

The bottle of body wash is glass, and scented with citrus and bergamot, and it’s silky-smooth when they wash each other with it, learning the angles and curves and lines and soft spaces of each other’s bodies. There’s no words, but there’s no need for any, not when they’re cocooned here together, warm and wet and safe and together.

The water is tepid, almost cold, when they leave the bath, and Lockwood wraps Lucy in a huge, soft bath towel, and then himself, and she laughs when they run to the bed together, snuggling under the covers until they’re warm again.

Lockwood isn’t sure who makes the first move - he’s pretty sure it’s Lucy, of course it is - but one moment they’re cuddling, talking softly, and then next moment, she’s straddling his hips, looking down at him with large, soft eyes, and being under her is bliss unlike any he’s ever experienced.

“I haven’t ever - that is…” he begins, settling his hands on her hips, wanting something, wanting everything, except to disappoint her. He couldn’t bear it.

She drops a kiss on his mouth. “I haven’t either, but I’m almost certain we’ll figure it out together.”

And they do, for the first time, and the pleasure is intense and overwhelming and so much more than he could ever have expected.

He learns what to do to make Lucy sigh his name, how to make her hands fist in the bedsheets, and he does it several more times, before they eventually remember that picnic, and they eat it wearing their pajamas, sat on the carpet, looking through the big picture window up at the stars.

“I wanted to give you something special,” Lockwood begins as they lie together, after midnight, curled up sleepily in the enormous bed. “I thought about you in a pretty dress, on the big grand staircase… having a fancy dinner…”

Lucy chuckles. “Is that what you think I want? Fancy dinners? Do I need to remind you about my feelings on horseradish?”

He grins into the dark room. “No, you don’t.” He sighs, kissing her hair. “I wanted it to be perfect.”

“Anthony Lockwood, you never know when to bloody shut up, do you? It is perfect.” She snuggles into it, slides a leg over his. “And if you really want to make up for the lack of fancy dinner, you can order breakfast in bed tomorrow.”

[bm571158]

Free Now LN4 (Part 14)

Lottie would be the first to admit that it had hurt more than it probably should have done when the days dragged on with very little communication from Lando. She shouldn't have been surprised, and in a way she wasn't, but it led her brain to wander with thoughts of what he might be doing and who he might be with.

His absence had somewhat taken the shine off of the fact that she'd finally been released from hospital. A part of her still quietly hoping that he'd show up with Flo and Cisca when they arrived to finally take her home, but he was nowhere to be seen, and neither his mum nor his sister made any real mention of him as they chatted away to fill the silence on the way back to Flo's house.

Lottie just rested her head against the window in the car, allowing her eyes to droop closed. It was easier to pretend to be asleep than put in the effort to try and join in the conversation. That and the fact that she was just so, so tired.

She didn't realise that she'd fallen asleep until Flo was shaking her awake, holding the car door open and waiting for her to get out of the car, crutches in hand ready for her.

"Sorry." Lottie mumbled. "I'm really tired."

"Let's get you inside and you can have a lie down and get some rest." Cisca suggested. "I'll go and get the door. You take your time."

"You alright?" Flo asked as Lottie began to slowly try and manoeuvre herself out of the car. "Can I do anything to help?"

"No, I'll be alright. Thanks." Lottie reassured her. "Just give me a minute."

Flo watched on nervously as Lottie slowly but surely climbed out of the car and got to her feet, using the door to hold herself steady.

"You okay?" Flo asked. "You're definitely getting better at that."

"Yeah. I'll be running a marathon this time next week." Lottie joked, sliding her arms into the crutches so she could start heading for the door.

It was about ten steps from where the car was parked to the front door, but it felt like its own form of marathon as she slowly made her way over there. Flo was hovering nervously behind her, arms outstretched as though she was ready to catch Lottie at any second if she wobbled.

It wasn't needed though, as Lottie slowly but surely made her way through the door and headed for the sofa.

When she finally made it there and sat down, the little cheer from Flo and Cisca had a couple of unexpected tears escaping her eyes, the relief of being home suddenly overtaking her. She knew from the outside that it was hardly an achievement to be shouting about, but it was a big improvement on the last time when Lando had been forced to carry her inside because she couldn't even make it to the door.

She just wished Lando had been there to celebrate with them.

She tried not to dwell on it for too long, but as she sat on the sofa drifting in and out of sleep, occasionally being woken by Cisca trying to feed her or offering her a drink, she found her mind wandering back to him without her permission. She couldn't help but wonder where he was, what he was doing, if he was okay...

It was stupid really, because she hadn't heard from him for a few days, and she was starting to realise that their whole friendship had clearly meant a lot more to her than it had to him.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Cisca asked, sitting down on the other end of the sofa and jolting Lottie out of her own thoughts for a moment.

"Sorry, what were you saying?" Lottie apologised, figuring from the way Cisca was looking at her she'd probably been talking to Lottie and expecting an answer, and Lottie hadn't heard a word that she said.

"Just talking a load of rubbish as always." Cisca joked, taking a sip of her tea. "Are you okay? You've been very quiet since we've been back."

"Oh yeah, I'm fine." Lottie reassured her. "Glad to be back."

"You look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders." Cisca raised an eyebrow.

"It's fine, really." Lottie tried to force a smile.

Cisca hesitated for a moment, before nodding uncertainly. "Okay, I'll get up and put some dinner on in a bit. I promised Flo I would cook you both some dinner before I leave you to it for the night. I think it's probably the only reason that she invited me over to be honest."

Lottie let out a quiet laugh. "Sounds about right, she's pretty crafty with things like that."

"Isn't she just!" Cisca agreed.

There was a long pause before Lottie spoke again. "Cisca?"

"Yes?"

"Is Lando okay?" Lottie asked quietly, holding her breath as she waited for the answer. She wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know the answer, not if it was simply that he'd moved on with his life and decided that he didn't need her friendship anymore. The thought was too painful.

Cisca pulled an uncertain face as she considered her words for a moment. "I'm worried about him." She admitted. "He says he's fine, but he's not been the same since the end of last year. Then there was that whole thing with that girl in Miami... I said he should come back home for the weekend but he's gone away with some friends I think, god knows what they're up to. Mind you I suppose we won't be wondering for long, it'll be on the internet for the world to see at some point won't it."

"I uh... I haven't heard from him in a while." Lottie admitted, looking down at her hands as she said the words. "I get that you know... I'm not the best company I just... I don't know. Forget I said anything."

"Don't give up on him." Cisca said softly. "He really likes you, and you've been so good for him. But he's not that great at telling us when he's struggling. I know he's not doing okay, but sometimes you just have to let him figure it out on his own and once he does, he comes back. It's taken me a long time to learn that sometimes he needs that space. Don't take it personally."

"I'm not." Lottie protested weakly, even though she knew it was a lie. "I just... I hope he's okay."

"Yeah, you and me both." Cisca nodded in agreement. "He's turning me completely grey with all the stress at the minute."

"I'm sure he doesn't mean to." Lottie offered.

"No, he doesn't." Cisca agreed. "But he does have a tendency to go down a bit of rabbit hole when he's stressed or he thinks he messed up. He doesn't always stop to think about what it's like for the rest of us. He just gets lost in the fact he's really cross with himself."

"I thought he'd be happy, after his win in Miami." Lottie confessed. "I thought that was what he wanted."

"Me too." Cisca nodded. "But I spoke to him the morning after all that drama with that girl and I don't know... he just didn't seem himself. He's been avoiding me ever since to be honest. I did ask Flo to call him but he didn't call her back either."

"I'll text him." Lottie suggested, although part of her didn't want to in case she then had to face the rejection of him not wanting to talk to her either.

"I think he'd like that." Cisca smiled. "He always asks after you when I speak to him."

"Okay." Lottie agreed, picking up her phone and typing out a message to send him. "We'll see if he answers."

"Right." Cisca announced getting to her feet. "I'm going to go and get started on dinner. If he answers you, tell him I love him and we are all worried about him?"

"I will." Lottie agreed, fingers still hovering over the keyboard on her phone as she tried to work out what to say.

The conversation that used to flow back forth between them so easily, the endless stream of memes and TikTok videos being shared, she was second guessing all of it now. Even with Cisca's explanation for Lando's sudden disappearance, an entire plausible suggestion that maybe he just had a lot going on, Lottie couldn't help the doubts that crept into her mind that perhaps he just didn't want to talk to her anymore and that's all there was to it.

It took her far longer than it should have done to decide on what to send him. She'd typed out about one hundred different variations of messages and deleted them all before she finally hit send, her stomach flipping as she watched it pop up to say that it had been delivered.

She stared at the screen for a moment, waiting hopefully to see if he'd maybe open it, whether he would start typing. But nothing happened, the message stayed sat where it was on the screen, the delivered notification just below it, looking at her like it was taunting her.

She had to fight the urge to delete the message, to try and take it back. The idea that she'd spent the last couple of weeks in hospital waiting and hoping for him to show up, or at the very least call her, and that actually maybe he hadn't even thought of her at all... it made her feel sick.

****

The club in Ibiza was absolutely packed with people, even in the VIP area Lando was barely able to move for the sheer volume of people packed in to such a small space. He'd long since lost sight of his friends, and all he really wanted was to be back at home and in his own bed. He'd spent the entire trip trying to convince himself that he wanted to be there, that all the late nights, alcohol and a loud music were going to be the distraction he needed to get himself out of his own head.

It took him another minute or two to decide that he'd had enough. A quick glance around the club revealed that he still had absolutely no idea where his friends had gone, or the girl he'd come there with. He wondered briefly if it made him a bad person if he left without her, but the sudden urge to just not be in that noisy club won out over any ideas of trying to find her before he left.

He quickly patted down his pocket, checking he still had his phone and his wallet, then put his head down to hopefully avoid being recognised and began pushing his way through the crowd to get to the door. It was slow progress, and by the time he finally made it to the door so many people had knocked into him and spilled drinks on him he was even more tense than he had been before he had decided to join his friends in Ibiza.

As far as distractions and making himself feel better went, it hadn't been an overly successful trip. He was still just as miserable as he had been when he arrived, only now he had to try and pretend he was okay in front of his friends so they'd stop asking him about it.

He wasn't sure why he'd brought the girl from Miami with him. They'd struck up what he supposed could very loosely be termed friends with benefits type situation. Except, he wasn't even sure you could call them friends. He barely knew anything about her, it had taken him an embarrassingly long time to even remember her name when he'd gone to introduce her to his friends when they arrived. She didn't seem to mind though, and never tried to ask him for anything more than what it was.

He suspected, and he would be surprised if he was wrong, that she was just in it for the publicity. She'd made some comment the other day about how her social media had blown up since she'd been spotted with him a couple of times and how she'd had so many more modelling jobs offered to her than usual. The smile on her face had said it all.

So, while she was perhaps fun to have around for a little while, a distraction to take his mind off things... she'd also become a constant reminder of the thing he was hiding from in the first place. After all, everybody always seemed to want something from him.

He managed to make his way out of the club without anyone spotting him, and he was beyond relieved. He was a little bit too drunk to be trying to force a smile and take photos with fans. He just wanted to be left alone. So instead of heading immediately back to the hotel, he headed in the other direction and slowly wandered along the street, looking at the lights dotted around the harbour.

He found a spot on the sea wall at the end, looking down at the boats as they bobbed around in the harbour below, the lights of a couple of cruise ships further off in the distance, before the light faded and it was just the darkness of the night. For the first time in as long as he could remember, it was just him on his own and it was finally quiet. The only real noise was his breathing and the lapping of the waves agains the sea wall, the muffled sound of partygoers outside the clubs further back down the street, the sound of their laughter carrying down the street.

He sat there for a while, probably a lot longer than he should have done, just staring out into the darkness of the ocean as he tried to get his head straight. A mixture of absolute exhaustion, because he couldn't remember the last night he'd actually had a decent nights sleep, and a few too many shots had left his brain feeling rather scrambled, but almost in a good way. He couldn't focus on anything for long enough to pull himself back into that same anxious spiral about how the rest of the year was going to go that had been haunting him since Miami.

He should've been happy with the win, and he was as to an existent. But instead of being the same elation and celebration as it had been for his maiden win the previous year, this win felt like it came with a much bigger weight of everyone's expectations.

The win had served to close up the small points gap that had already opened up between him and Max, putting him back within a couple of points of his championship rival from the year before. And with that, came all the headlines and endless questions about whether this year he could what he'd failed to do the year before- make himself world champion.

It was a prospect he'd been trying to ignore, a subject that he'd changed every time anyone in the team had tried to bring up. He didn't want to think about it. He didn't want to be reminded of the soul crushing disappointment of last year, to remember how he'd been so very close, and then lost it at the final hurdle because he'd made one too many stupid mistakes over the course of the year. He didn't want to think about the fact that there was a very real possibility that this year was going to end in exactly the same way.

He didn't want to think about any of it, and yet it continued to consume his every waking moment. On the off chance he actually managed to switch his brain off for long enough to get some sleep, which was rare, the same recurrent nightmare then haunted him while he was asleep.

There was just no escape from it. His brain seemed to be refusing to let it go, even if he was very close to driving himself completely crazy if it carried on.

He'd thought joining his friends for the weekend would help. They'd just get drunk and go clubbing and the loud music and alcohol would be enough to help erase that constant feeling of anxiety he'd thought, but it was still there, gnawing away in the pit of his stomach.

It felt like he'd never escape it.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket to check the time, having lost all real concept of how long they'd actually been in the club for. That was when he saw the message from Lottie, sitting on the screen from hours ago unread, and a wave of guilt hit him.

He'd been so wrapped up in his own self pity he'd all but abandoned her, hadn't even thought to check in to see how she was getting on. To add to the ever growing list of his flaws, he was a terrible friend.

He hit the dial button to call her with very little regard for the time, and it wasn't until she picked up the phone and he could hear in her voice that he'd just woken her up that it dawned on him it was nearly 3am in Ibiza and would only be an hour to two earlier where she was.

"Lando?" Lottie yawned down the phone. "It's the middle of the night? Are you okay?"

"Yeah I uh... sorry. I didn't think." He admitted. "I've been out with some friends and I just saw your message. I didn't really think about the time. I can call you back in the morning."

"It's alright, I'm awake now." She shrugged, sitting herself up a little in bed. "I thought maybe you were hiding from me and were just going to ignore me."

"Never." He answered immediately and without hesitation. "I've not been avoiding you I've just been..."

"Busy with your new girlfriend?" Lottie suggested quietly, her voice wavering slightly as she said it.

"Huh?" It took Lando's mind a minute to catch up to what she was saying. "Oh no... it's not like that she's just... I uh... I'm pretty sure she's just using me for the Instagram followers to be honest."

"Oh." Lottie didn't really know what to say to that. "I'm sorry?" She offered.

"Yeah." Lando mumbled. "Me too.... But anyway, how are you doing?"

"I'm home." Lottie told him. "Well, at Flo's. Her and your mum picked me up this morning. It feels so good to be back in a proper bed and your mum made some proper food."

Lando was quiet for a moment, the realisation hitting him that he'd missed a really important day while he'd been wallowing in his self pity. Perhaps that was why his mum and Flo had been so insistently trying to call him over the last few days.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there." He said quietly. "I wanted to be there, I just... it doesn't matter. I should've been there."

"You're busy. I get it." Lottie reassured to try and make him feel better. She couldn't see his face, but there was something about his tone on the other end of the phone that just sounded so sad.

"It's not that." Lando shook his head. He'd hardly call all the time he'd spent hidden away in his apartment in Monaco endlessly playing video games to occupy himself when he couldn't sleep busy. "I just..."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Lottie asked quietly, although she already knew the answer.

"No." He admitted quietly, and she almost had to strain her ears to hear him. "I'm not."

"Why don't you come back to Flo's for a bit?" Lottie suggested. "We can catch up properly? I'd say I'd come to Monaco but I might be better on my crutches but I don't think I'm good enough to navigate an airport."

"I'm not in Monaco." He told her. "I came to Ibiza to meet some friends. Thought it might take my mind off everything for a bit."

"And did it?" Lottie asked curiously.

"No." Lando sighed. "It didn't. I'm still stressed about driving, I still miss you and now I can't even go and get back in my own bed and wallow."

"So come back here?" Lottie suggested softly, trying to ignore the way her heart was hammering at the confession that had just slipped from his lips.

"I could come and pick you up and you could come back to Monaco with me?" He suggested. "Give you a break from Flo and then I won't have to keep trying to hide from my mum while I'm there?"

"You don't need to hide from your mum. She's great, she's just worried about you." Lottie told him. "But if you think you can get me to Monaco for a few days, then I could use a break. Not from your sister, just in general."

"Done." Lando agreed quickly. "I'll sort it all out and be there in the morning to pick you up."

"Lando it's like three in the morning already." Lottie pointed out with a chuckle.

"I know." He shrugged. "But I'll be there. See you soon."

"Okay, see you soon." Lottie agreed as he ended the call.

[videocircus]

I've been playing through the entire collection of Nancy Drew PC p&c Mystery Adventure games, developed by HeR Interactive, on and off for the past few months. The subject of today's conversation is 2005's 'Nancy Drew: Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon,' the story of a supposedly haunted train ride to Copper Gorge and the multi-generational search for a missing mine hidden by the train's original owner. The train finally arrives at Copper Gorge, and the search for a descendent of the original conductor leads side character Frank Hardy to briefly work as a Short-Order Cook, flipping burgers for information. Which brings us to Order 120363, from table 14, served by Flo.

The Hayashi Burger.

A simple beef & bun affair, which includes avocado, tomato, cheese, and inexplicably mayo, pineapple, and fruit jelly (hereupon referred to as fruit jam as to not pander to 260,033,939 adult babies).

For this recipe I need:

an untoasted bun sliced horizontally,

a beef burger patty,

two slices of fresh avocado,

a slice of fresh beef tomato,

a slice of dubiously fresh grape jam (stolen from a motel in MA),

a slice of fresh pineapple,

a slice of fresh american plastic cheese,

and finally, a slice of fresh mayonaise.

Please ignore the tin foil, it's just my reusable tin foil sheet collection.

With my accoutrement prepared and not needed to be cooked, the only thing we need to fry up is the beef.

Whilst that cooks, I'd like to take the opportunity to talk a little about my research into where a "Hayashi" burger actually comes from. The most coherrent definition of Hayashi I could find was the Japanese "Hayashi Beef" which is supposedly a derivative of the English "Hash" as in a beef hash. All recipes I found, however, use a demi-glace sauce containing onions, tomato and mushrooms to make more of a stew-style beef dish.

A YouTube recipe for "Burger Steak in Hayashi Sauce" appeared in my search results so I figured maybe watching would shine some light on this recipe. Perhaps it has been modernised to include Avocado, Fruit Jam, Pineapple, Cheese, and Mayo.

The video opens on a plate of pre-made pattys which are picked up by our protagonist, a person who wears their ring whilst handling raw meat (a level of dedication to a relationship I may never achieve). The pattys themselves clearly have chunks of diced onion incorporated into the meat; I would never claim to have the objective idea of the perfect burger, but as a bit of a burger snob myself I am adiment that pattys should be pure meat with salt and pepper, and that every other accoutrement be added after cooking. In the buns, not in the burger. Anyway, I'm critiquing the wrong things here. The burger pattys are fried and then set aside, and the residual beef grease is used to caramelise the onions and mushrooms...

Oh no, it's just onions and mushrooms again. My hopes for modernisation have been dashed once again. I was hoping the video's publishing date of October 2019 would be recent enough to overcome the sting of tradition.

Another option explored was the restaurant "Hayashi" located in Leamington Spa, coincidentally the same postcode area where I grew up. The Restaurant's connection to Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon (2005) is a longshot considering the restaurant opened coincidentally in July of 2019, the same year as our previous Hayashi Burger Steaks recipe, and also coincidentally their website's indentity certificate expired two days ago (two Hardy boys).

You know, all these coincidences are starting to add up. Perhaps something more sinister is at play here, some supernatural force calling me to this burger. I'm not one to claim "Demon" after a meager three coincidences, but I started to feel like completing this burger would summon a demon. I decided to cast a protection spell just incase.

For this recipe I need:

a candle,

a piece of dusty, antique jewlery,

an essential oil,

and a protective crystal.

For the purposes of this spell, watches count as jewlery.

They will watch over the following preceedings.

After that everything should be a-ok, but be on the look out for apocalyptic indications, maybe someone push the doomsday clock forward a couple of minutes.

After a bad luck streak on the general web I took myself to the HeR Interactive website to check the FAQs, figuring this question is probably asked all the time.

Nothing, huh. Well, if you get nothing from the creators the next best place is the fans. However, after perusing the various forum posts still I came up empty handed.

So, I suppose we may never know the origin story of the Hayashi burger. Well, unless some intrepid explorer were to send some sort of email to HeR Interactive, politely requesting some background information on the development of Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon…

Couldn't be me.

Our beef burgers ended up a little underercooked but we'll just say medium rare is part of the recipe. Our burger lays on the bottom of the bun, which usually I would be firmly against as the rising heat will wilt all of our accoutrement, but this time whatever Nancy wants, Nancy gets. The avocado is next which creates an unstable balancing platform for the rest of our heavy ingredients which will in time smush the avocado down. Next, our slice of tomato which becomes a surface on which to spread our grape jam. The viscosity of the jam comes in handy to secure the pineapple slice in place, which for absolutely no reason is the recipient of the unmelted cheese slice. Finally, perhaps the biggest crime, mayonaise. Now, I would consider myself a huge fan of mayoniase, a 'stan' even. When I refer to mayonaise in this recipe as "criminal" I am mostly hung up on the combination of creamy mayo with sweet jam and sour pineapple.

It is complete.

As with all happy memories, this needs to be captured on an analogue medium. Today we're using the Polaroid OneStep Express in Silver, using Polaroid Colour 600 film.

#polaroidmoment #filmisnotdead

And, the moment of truth. It tastes…

Horrendous.

It mostly just tastes of the pineapple which makes sense seems it's the most overpowering flavour in the whole burger. Damn you Australians. The grape jam adds about as much as a pinch of sugar would, which combined with the eggy, oily mayonnaise is a nightmarish pallet nauseator. The tomato and the avocado both bring nothing to the table, and need I even mention the unmelted cheese? Bleugh...

So, if you ever find yourself at a diner in the middle of the Colorado desert, do yourself a favour and just order the regular cheese burger. You may think you can trust the sweet waitress with the quaint name, but the short-order cook is completely new to this job and the burger might just have been thought up in a fever dream of jam sweats.

[mrsbsmooth]

I was wondering your thoughts on the upcoming Snog, Marry, Pie Challenge. I wish we could Pie more than one person because there are 3 people that the MC would like to Pie 😂. I know it's just guesses at this point, but what are your guesses for each character? I'm not sure about Snog or Marry, but when it comes to Pie - my MC will have to choose between Amelia, Grace, and Marshall. What are your thoughts? Thanks 😊.

Oh I'm SO EXCITED for SMP. I REALLY hope we get the option to pie more than one person.

Last season, EVERYONE PIED US which personally I found so freaking rude and annoying, like I was nothing but nice to everyone and they all pied me, the fuck?? 😂 I'm really hoping they pie each other this time

So here are my predictions:

The girls are much harder than the boys. I feel like we know so little about the other girls it's insane.

Note: I was trying to do this as [Former partner] [Amelia's former partner] etc, but it got too hard, so I'm instead going to use my own playthrough as an example.

I stuck with Elliot, so he is still there. I'm in an unofficial couple with Lewie. I'm also on a WLW playthrough, so Bella & Flo have been flirting with me. Amelia was partnered with Roberto. Andy, Francis, Jamal, Ryan, and Chloe have all gone home.

Interchange the names/characters as needed.

Girls:

Amelia: Depends. If Toby arrives before the challenge: Snog Toby, Marry Lewie, Pie Marshall. If Toby arrives after the challenge, she might forgive Marshall for now: Snog Marshall, Marry Lewie, Pie Roberto. She might marry Marshall as well who knows.

Bella: Snog Flo, Marry MC, Pie... ?? If you're on a WLW route: Snog Flo, Marry MC, Pie... Marshall? If you're not on a WLW route: Snog Flo, Marry Lewie, Pie... Amelia? Bella was coupled with Lewie in mine, and they're friends so she wouldn't pie him. Marshall or Amelia maybe? Could also be Roberto.

Flo: Depends If you're on a WLW route: Snog Bella, Marry MC, Pie Roberto If you're not on a WLW route: Snog Bella, Marry Roberto, pie Lewie No reason for it, I just think it'd be funny for her to pie Lewie.

Grace: Depends This could go two ways. If she's done with Ozzy, she'll: Snog Marshall (to piss off Ozzy), Marry Elliot, Pie Ozzy If she decides she wants one more chance to pursue Ozzy, she'll: Snog Elliot, Marry Ozzy, and Pie MC.

Boys:

Elliot: Snog Grace, Marry MC, Pie Lewie He wants Lewie to back off. If you're with Andy or Francis, I think this will be the same. Andy/Francis might decide to both snog and marry MC. They'll pie your former LI.

Lewie [or JR/R]: Snog MC, Marry MC, Pie Elliot He wants Elliot to back off. If you told him you only wanted to be friends he might marry Bella and pie MC which would be fucking hilarious.

Roberto: Snog MC, Marry Flo, Pie Amelia He's throwing his hat back in our ring lol. Could snog Amelia and pie Flo if we're on a WLW route and Flo just wants to be friends with him- who knows?

Ozzy: Snog Grace, Marry MC, Pie Marshall This is one of the few that I'm pretty sure about lol.

Marshall: Snog Amelia, Marry Grace or MC (to piss off Ozzy), Pie Ozzy Again, pretty sure about this one. He's gonna snog and marry some combination of us, Amelia, and Grace. Pieing Ozzy FOR SURE.

[currentlyfckingurmom]

Her Song part 36

The dress is short. It ends just below my ass and hugs every curve. It's black with a low neckline and a lace back. It's a little slutty, but that's exactly what I wanted. Scarlett and Lizzie are meeting us at the club in half an hour, so I put the finishing touches on my look. Flo's favorite deep red lipstick and a necklace that teases my cleavage. I'm confident; I know I look hot. But for a moment, insecurity and nerves tie my stomach in a knot. My fingers dust over my lower stomach, my eyes locked on the bulge of fat. My legs could certainly look better. This dress shows a lot. Is it too much? Am I trying too hard?

Is that why she doesn't want me?

"Y/N, darling, are you almost ready to go? We'll have to leave shortly," Flo calls through the bathroom door.

"Um, yeah. Yeah, I'm just about ready to go." I nod to myself in the mirror, trying to bring back the confident woman who stood there just moments before.

Flo is silent for a few seconds. "Is everything okay, love? You don't sound like yourself."

Love. I take a deep breath and hold my head high. What am I doing? I'm fucking hot. Who cares if I have stomach fat? There's this thing called a uterus, and it gave me my own little Satanist. And thighs are hot as hell.

I open the door and smile at Florence. "I'm ready."

Her face falls slack as her eyes fall up and down my body, indiscreetly pausing to gawk at my cleavage. She's dressed up in a lacy black two-piece jumpsuit with gold accents and jewelry. She looks incredible.

"You look amazing, Flo," I whisper.

"I...You- you look..." Flo trails off. I raise an eyebrow slightly and smirk at her lack of words. "You look gorgeous, Y/N," she finally finishes. I grab her waist and pull her into a kiss, which soon breaks apart due to our wide smiles.

"The car is here. Shall we?" she whispers.

"We shall."

We slide into the backseat of the car and I sit directly next to Florence, placing my hand just above her knee. She smiles and kisses the side of my head. As the minutes pass by, I slide my hand higher until my fingers are resting just inches from her center. I hear her take a shaky breath and I mentally pat myself on the back. I pull my hand away for the rest of the ride.

When we arrive at the club, the bouncer lets us in and Flo calls Scar to ask where we should meet up. Scar tells her they already found a table, so that's where we head. And 'table' was a bit of an understatement; it's velvet sofas arranged in a small area with a glass coffee table in the middle.

"Holy shit, you guys are hot!" Lizzie yells. My face contorts in shock, only to internally nod in understanding when I notice the empty glass in her hand.

"Says you, Olsen," Florence answers.

"Hm, you clean up nice, Y/N. Should've kept you for myself," Scarlett winks.

"Maybe you should have," I flirt back.

"You know, I disagree," Florence says, knowing we were only joking. But she still wraps an arm around my waist.

"I'll go grab us some drinks. What do you want, baby?" I ask Florence, playing with her short hair.

"A vodka martini, please."

"Shots!" Lizzie yells while Scarlett nods in agreement.

"Yeah, yeah, okay. One vodka martini and plenty of shots," I say.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Florence asks, rubbing my lower back.

"I'll be fine. Don't party too hard without me," I whisper before grabbing the back of her neck and kissing her softly. A loud whistle breaks us apart and I glare at the culprit, Scarlett, before leaving to order the drinks.

At the bar, I tell the bartender what I want, then sit on a stool as I wait.

I hear a woman next to me order an old fashioned, and I look up to see a very familiar blonde woman.

"Dr. Robbins?"

She turns to look at me before smiling wide with recognition. "Y/N, hey! How are you? How's Syd?"

"I'm good. Syd's doing great, actually. It's crazy seeing you here. Are you here with anyone?"

"Um, no. No, I'm not," she answers with a smile.

"Oh my god, you have to come sit with us. At least for a few minutes," I say as bartender hands us our respective drinks.

She hesitates, but ultimately agrees. "Yeah, okay. Why not?"

"Yes! But fair warning, Lizzie's already tipsy."

"Oh, this'll be fun."

When Arizona and I get to the table, we receive mixed reactions. Scarlett looks confused for a second before realizing who is with me. Lizzie just looks happy to be there. Flo, however...well I can't really tell what she's thinking. She smiles and greets us, but it's not sincere. I take my place next to Flo and Arizona sits across from us, next to Lizzie.

As the hours float by and our brains get foggier with the alcohol, it feels like everything begins moving faster. Arizona seems to be Lizzie's new best friend—both of them are seriously intoxicated and laughing at God knows what. Scarlett is flirting more and more with each passing second. And Florence keeps tossing back drinks, her hand never leaving my knee. She isn't saying much but I know what she's thinking. She doesn't like this—Scar's flirting, Arizona's presence, all of it.

"C'mon, let's dance," Lizzie slurs, grabbing Arizona's hand and dragging her to the dance floor.

"You coming?" I ask Flo. She shakes her head no and says she's alright, so Scarlett grabs my hand and we follow the other two girls.

At some point, I end up sandwiched between Scarlett and Arizona. Scarlett's hands are running down my sides from behind while Arizona is grinding on my front. I go along with it, laughing as Lizzie pretends to throw money at us. I meet Flo's cold eyes from across the room and toss her a wink.

"Holy shit, there's a stripper pole. Y/N, get your ass up there right now," Lizzie yells. I can't tell if she's joking or not, but pretty soon I'm being pulled toward the small stage, so I guess she was pretty serious.

Throwing back a quick shot of clear liquid courage, I step onto the stage. No one is paying attention except for our group of girls. A slowed version of "Earned It" with heavy reverb starts playing and I walk around the pole, mentally preparing myself for what I'm about to do. I might regret this in the morning but right now there's enough alcohol flowing through my veins to blind me from any kind of sanity.

I grab the pole with one hand and swing my hips toward it, sliding down it and back up again. I wrap one leg around the pole and swing my body around the cold metal, smiling when Lizzie whoops. Holding onto the pole with just my legs, I run my hands down my chest and lean backwards, arching my back. I grab the pole with one hand and pull down the strap of my dress with the other.

Still in the air, I slowly move my hips against the pole, earning a low whistle from Scarlett. I drop my feet to the ground and my high heels make a small thump, then I drop it down and arch my back. I meet Arizona's eyes and wink as she swallows thickly.

I slowly saunter off the stage and lean over Arizona, placing my hands on her chair on either side of her head. I stare into her eyes as hers glide down my body, her hands moving toward my hips.

"Uh uh, no touching," I gravel. Her hands drop back down and I straddle her waist. I pull down my other dress strap. My hips begin moving more and more as I simultaneously run one hand down my body and the other hand down Arizona's. I grind down hard once—enough to make her gasp—then I turn around so my back is to her front. I grind my ass hard into her lap and she moans in my ear.

"Alright that's enough," Flo says from behind us. I don't even know when she came over.

"Oh come on, Flo, it's just a bit of fun," I whine, stopping my movements on Arizona's lap.

"Come with me now, Y/N," she says. She's clearly pissed so I stand up. She grabs my hand and drags me across the club, shoving me into a bathroom and locking the door.

"What the fuck was that, Y/N?" she yells.

"They wanted to see me do my thing, so I did my thing," I say as if it's obvious.

"Oh, okay, so you just flirt with Scarlett all night, then practically fuck the woman you know has the hots for you. Is that it? No big deal huh? Just a bit of fun? I am your girlfriend, and if that's how you think a relationship works, fuck you!"

"You know what, Florence, I have tried to communicate but you will not listen to me! All I wanted was to have a little bit of fun for one night. And yeah I got carried away. But maybe that wouldn't have happened if you would just fuck me already!" I yell back.

Suddenly she shoves me backwards into the door, pushing her lips against mine. She grips my waist tightly and I run my fingers in her hair, trying desperately to pull her closer. Her tongue invades my mouth and I moan. She picks me up and I wrap my legs around her waist, pushing my pulsating center against her stomach. She carries me over to the sink and puts me on the edge of the counter, fondling my breast with one hand as the other ventures between my legs, shoving my thong aside and teasing the outside of my entrance.

"Fuck, Flo, please," I whimper.

"You sure? Wouldn't you rather have Arizona in here?"

"No, Flo, please, I love you. I only want you, baby, please."

She crushes her lips back into mine while plunging two fingers into me, her thumb lightly circling my clit. She continues her motions while pulling my dress down and brining her lips to my nipple, sucking and swirling her tongue around the hard peak. Her fingers continuously rub against my G-spot and within a couple of minutes, my mouth drops open in silent screams and my legs twitch around Flo's waist.

I pant heavily as she pulls out her fingers, sucking off the remnants of my orgasm before kissing me, allowing me to taste myself on her tongue.

"I love you so much, Flo," I whisper. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I should've just talked to you."

"It's okay, love. Just, please, remember that I love you and we're in a relationship. If we're gonna work, then we need to communicate."

"I know. I wanna spend forever with you, Flo."

"Are you guys fucking in there?" Lizzie yells through the door. "Because margaritas just went 2 for $4 so hurry up!"

[now-we-say-c0ral]

June 20, 2023

Woke up at around 6am. I initially tried to wake up at 5am because I wanted to go to the gym today considering that after today's shift, I'll be going to Flo's surprise birthday party, but I failed because I was just too tired from yesterday. I kid you not, standing with a lead gown all day really is tiresome. Arrived at work around 7:45am considering that I woke up late, took a shower late, got to the station late, everything was late but me arriving 15 minutes early at work. My guardian angel, you're really working overtime. Homie's got me.

I was with Ate Soucel, Shaunie, Marta, and ate Mel today in Spines. We had one patient which was for a spinal fusion but I wasn't able to scrub because Shaunie was already backscrubbing with Mel. Oh well, I'll just take my time with this one. I'm not really in a rush to start scrubbing again after like a month and a half of hiatus but I'm not complaining really. They'll let me when they want to and to be really honest that's fine with me. Surgery finished around 2pm and we really had nothing else to do. We just prepared the set for tomorrow and the day after.

Went home at around 5:40pm and went to UCLH to meet with Eddie because we were going to Flo's together. We went to Lidle first to get some snacks and drinks then we took the Hammersmith and City line to get to Flo's near Shepherd's Bush. We passed by a burger house before infiltrating Flo's crib and the burger was actually good.

We got to Flo's and saw Ben's Switch. He had like more than 20 games in his console and it's quite impressive actually. We met some of Ben's friends and Cyneil, Raiza, and Harry came as well. Had a few conversations here and there and it's actually quite draining me to talk to people I don't really talk to on a daily basis. It's like an anxiety thing but Ed said I did great especially with the English lads.

Flo finally came and we surprised her because she had no idea that her friends would be coming over to greet her. It was quite a nice gesture orchestrated by Ed and Ben. Flo really is lucky to have such nice friends. I wish I had friends like that. I'm working on it. Jan and Laura came as well at around 10pm.

We went home at around 10:30pm and arrived home after an hour. Showered and played Diablo 4 then slept. Eddie called me 'his home' and there was nothing sweeter that he ever said to me before than this. I love this guy so much.