#and we were in a weird remote part of the airport so i was just wandering around lost and ended up having to go so far

[gotyouanyway]

just had an airport experience so evil that i literally openly cried from like 10min after deplaning all the way through customs etc until halfway through the train ride back to the city 👍

[o-uncle-newt]

Cabin Pressure Advent Day 2: Boston

This is a funny one, because I started it, was laughing a lot, and was like "why don't I listen to this more often?" And then Hamilton Leeman showed up and I was like "ohhh that's why."

It is really funny- a lot of the rhythms that were slightly off in Abu Dhabi feel a lot more set in place, though I think the one who seemed most off kilter was, for some reason, Arthur. He was mostly a plot/comedy device in this one and maybe that's why- he was very funny but his actions and insights didn't always feel consistent. I wonder if it would have been better if Douglas had been the one to note that Leeman was likely to smoke again- though I do love the "taking a course on understanding people in Ipswich" thing.

Or... maybe it's because he commits manslaughter in this episode?

It's never NOT jarring to see (or rather hear) this happening, and honestly, that's my first major issue with the episode- the stakes are WAY too high. Not even specifically for the second episode- in general I just don't think they ever are remotely at the level of life or death again. Any risk or danger is to MJN as a company, and that ends up being an acceptable level of risk- especially since, as Arthur notes, Douglas will always end up sorting it out. But having a character have a heart attack in the episode, and the conflict being about the best way to deal with the situation... it was too high stakes for a show with this kind of sitcom tone. They should be debating whether to shove the piano to the pub in Devon, not which airport is better for saving Leeman's life (and, incidentally, other people's personal convenience).

The other major issue? The freaking Americans. I'm sorry, as an American I can say that I have never met an American in a British sitcom who I have liked (or if I have, I don't recall). In this episode, they just don't work at all- the performers are funny but don't sound right, and everything is just super over the top. I don't like Nancy what's her name in Qikiqtarjuaq either for similar reasons- maybe I'm just a grinch but just... not super fun. (Incidentally, on that note, I'm always surprised that so many British people love Frasier considering how dodgy the British character portrayals can be- except that, like Cabin Pressure, Frasier is brilliant so I can see why they stick around despite the issues lol.)

Some more early installment weirdness- do we ever see Martin openly looking for another job again before S3? I don't think we do, which is surprising because later on we know he's not getting paid here, and right now in Boston we don't know anything of the kind- so honestly I was surprised it was an open secret. Maybe it's normal to be open about interviewing in the airline world? IDK.

So yeah, the above is why I'm not so surprised that this hasn't been on my rotation in a while- but as it happens, there were some REALLY funny bits. While Arthur felt a bit hodge-podgey, the bits and pieces that he DID do were very funny, especially Leeman's eulogy, and there were a lot of VERY funny lines. I was laughing a lot- in between the parts where I was like "what the hell."

Probably will skip through Boston every now and then, but I don't think I'm going to prioritize a full relisten any time soon. Cremona is the next one, and I don't have great memories of that either, but then comes Douz and we have a nice period of VERY clear sailing ahead! (I fucking love Douz.)

[thedaveandkimmershow]

We flew home today.

I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it because, since we essentially arrived in Seattle a coupla hours after we left Amsterdam on a ten hour flight...

Today is literally packed with more hours in it than the usual 24.

It's a weird experience thinking major parts of today actually happened yesterday...

When it was all.

The same.

Day.

We didn't get to bed the previous night in anything remotely resembling a timely manner, by the way. After Kimmer's packing extravaganza—a feat in which she seemingly fit more than should fit our luggage into our luggage—after that it was 1:30AM. Setting a wake-up alarm for 5AM, then, left us three-and-a-half hours for, you know, actual sleep. Only I didn't get (or I didn't take) the full three-and-a-half. I got maybe two hours and then lay awake in bed, eyes closed, relaxed under the covers. Not sure what that was all about but, as my friend Ann likes to say, there you go and there you are. 🙂

Regardless of the monumental lack of sleep, I got up a few minutes after five seemingly without penalty. I didn't feel groggy or sleep-deprived. I just got up, readied the hot water for tea and coffee, woke Kimmer up, jumped in the shower and, by the time I was done, she's up and we're doing our final step of packing the last of our belongings into our luggage before zipping them closed, moving them to the door while we stream "Cunk on Earth" on Netflix and take a few moments to eat some of our food for breakfast that's part of the food we can't take home with us 'cause there's no room.

Coupla minutes to 630, my cousin texts me a "Goodmorning!!!!!" and we're on our way down to the hotel lobby where, surprise surprise, not only is my cousin waiting for us but also her daughter, my niece, both lounging on the couch. It's a surprise because my niece was supposed to be overnight in another town to the east of her hometown, with friends celebrating their new home. Instead, she cut that night short and showed up to see us away.

Which was very very very very very very VERY sweet of her. ☺️

After we squared things with our hotel, we found my cousin's husband waiting outside, car backed up to the ramp in front of the entrance. So we throw our bags in the back, jump in the car, and off we go.

I should mention here that I'm pretty proud of us 'cause this one time at the start of our marriage when we did this 'lil exercise, departing Holland a touch over thirty years ago, it was a comedy of errors. We were staying with my aunt and uncle outside of Amsterdam and we were still packing the very morning our flight was to leave. So it was a messy morning, rushed. I think my uncle might've slightly dinged a car behind and opposite his as he backed out of his parking spot in a hurry to get us to the airport on time. He was pretty classy about the whole affair, only casually remarking how my parents were always packed 'n ready a coupla days before leaving.

This time around, Kimmer packed us at the tail end of the previous day—technically the first hours of our departure day—then we slept a little, got up when we were supposed to, and were out the hotel right on time.

630AM.

Our plan's to arrive at Schiphol Airport three hours prior to our flight. Which is what happened.

So HUZZAH!!!!

😁

The night before, my niece gifted Kimmer with a candy-filled Harry Potter mug. So in the car this morning they're comparing Harry Potter merch when Kimmer asks my niece if she has any of the stickers.

No, I wish! comes the reply.

Now it so happens I have Harry Potter stickers in my rucksack 'cause I was gonna take some time on the flight to Holland placing them on my new water bottle. Never got around to it, though. So I pull them from my bag and hand them over to the back seat.

My first moment of gift-giving as an uncle. 😊

Later on the road, I recognize a bookend experience:

It's daylight again, the late morning of our first day in Holland. Monday. January 1. Six days before. We're traveling across the countryside to our hotel. The sun's out. It's been raining so the trees and grass and highway are painted with a lovely sheen. There are moist reflections in every color, on every texture, in everything we see. Which makes for a beautiful, classic Dutch pastoral scene.

On the radio, it's Depeche Mode, The Cure, and later, "Babe" by Styx. The inside of the car's basically filled with an 80s vibe. I'm talking music with my cousin's husband who's driving the car. We talk 80s music. Popular music. And, of course, music as it relates to my daughter's career as a professional musician. ☺️

Now it's six days after. It's today, this very moment, on the way to Schiphol Airport in the morning while it remains dark outside. It's nighttime for all intents and purposes even though we're navigating the space between 630 and 730 in the morning. In the front seats of the car we're talking about vacations, about traveling by car from Seattle to southern California, about driving that same distance from Holland to southern Italy. My cousin's husband describes yearly vacations ("holiday" as he refers to them) that are the equivalent of piling everyone in the car and hitting the road. In this case, he talks about arriving in Tuscany. He talks about arriving in Genoa. He talks about avoiding hard-case luggage in favor of duffle bags. He talks about traveling through Switzerland, driving the never-ending Gotthard Tunnel, traveling over the mountains when the tunnel's backed up. He describes one vacation they showed up on an Italian beach and no one was there. He describes various strategies for doing this holiday including splitting the 16-hour drive in two with a stayover in Switzerland, allowing for a 10AM casual departure on the first day of their travels. Returning home, the driving strategy becomes a single, mostly overnight, drive to avoid traffic.

It's fun to compare the way we take family vacations, family holiday. It's fun to compare all the things about them that are the same and the very few things that are different.

We also talk about traffic leading into Amsterdam, traffic cams on the outskirts of Amsterdam that serve the same purpose as the traffic cams in school zones in our neck of the woods. We talk about apps he uses to spot and report speed traps and, because we hit a bird just then, we share our own personal stories of hitting birds and other animals on the road. I relate stories I heard about deer leaping right into the sides of trucks or RVs. He wins for a personal story because one time on the way home with friends, a pretty large bird impacted the front windshield, smashing it inward. He's in the back seat of the car at the time looking up something on his phone when the impact occurs. So it's a violently sudden, catastrophic experience for him.

At the same time we're talking about all these things, the back seat of the car is engaged in more relational fare. Boyfriends and girlfriends. Parenting. And school.

At one point we're talking about another one of my cousins. We're talking about their kids when my niece leans forward into the front seat space to fill us in on a few things including shared family vacations with that cousin's family and that time one of the sons was in a TikTok video with his teacher. He was pretty embarrassed by it... but the video did get a lotta views. 😁

And with these competing, complementary, and mostly overlapping conversations in play, we pull into a parking lot at the airport, pull our bags from the back of the car, and walk into the terminal, the five of us.

It's 742AM.

In case you've never been, Schiphol Airport is huge. Schilphol Airport is MASSIVE. And while SeaTac has every airline represented in the main terminal as you enter, at Schiphol there's nothing central like that. You basically figure out in which direction your terminal is then you walk a bunch until you're closer to that terminal from which your flight leaves. It's only there that you finally arrive at the self check-in kiosks and the self baggage drop.

A lotta selfs going on in this airport, I gotta say.

It's definitely a good thing our family's with us because paying for our one big piece of luggage turns into at least a ten minute ordeal. The scanner can't (or won't) read my card. Can't. Can't. Can't. Until finally, with family standing all around me, pitching me suggestions, the scanner humors me and decides to work.

So family, as it turns out, is the essential ingredient to successfully paying baggage fees at Schiphol Airport. 😉

Once that's done, I realize we're living our parent's experience because, once upon a time, my parents, too, left with a lot of family food gifts in their luggage. Once upon a time, too, they had to buy extra luggage, like my cousin did for us the previous day, to hold all those food gifts. Once upon a time, too, my aunts and uncles walked my parents through the airport, helped them with their bags. Once upon a time, too, my aunts and uncles bade my parents farewell in this very airport with embraces and kisses on the cheek.

What was true then, it turns out, remains true today. I think the only difference is that we're more huggers these days.

Another difference, I think, is that we're more likely to draw this moment out because we don't want it to end. We can always think of more conversations to have, more pictures to take.

In the end, we say the things we need to say to each other, the things we want to say. And I'm sure after one round of hugs and a subsequent impromptu conversation, we indulged another round of hugs as if the first one never happened.

For me, my regret is leaving this family. This one and the larger one with whom we navigated the week. I'm also caught by the realization that it would've been a pretty cool thing to have known my cousin's husband earlier in both our lives. And I'm profoundly struck by the fact that, while we live a pretty good and fulfilling life in the states, our lives would've been better, our lives would definitely have been better, with my cousin in it.

Because she really is all that.

☺️☺️☺️

With our extended goodbyes out the way, and after one last round of family photographs—all of us in one image—my cousin and her family start making their way back to their car as we turn to get in line for the self baggage drop.

As we take our place in line, I remember to look back for my family. I immediately spot them walking away. They've been keeping track of us in line as well. And in that moment in which we catch each other's attention for the last time, we reach our hands high into the air to wave goodbye.

And finally.

Finally...

Go our separate ways.

❤️❤️❤️

[staygoldwriting]

Cousin Buckley

Summary: You’re Robin’s cousin, and two very eager boys join her at the airport to pick you up.

Warnings: none, just fluff :)

Word count: 837

Part 2!

“For the record, I think you two being here is super weird.”

Upon hearing that Robin had a beautiful cousin--you--Steve and Eddie decided to accompany her to the airport to pick you up. She was standing at the baggage claim, Steve on her right and Eddie on her left, both fidgeting excitedly.

“You’re not gonna think it’s weird when she falls in love with me,” Steve argued. 

“Or me,” Eddie added. “You can’t win every battle, Harrington. That movie star smile’s got to be a dud on some women. I just hope one of them is Y/N.” He said your name dreamily.

“You guys don’t even know anything about her,” Robin snorted, crossing her arms.

“That’s what the ride back to Hawkins is for,” Eddie said. “We get in the car, we offer to let her choose the music--”

“We let her choose who to sit by in the car--” Steve continued.

“She’s sitting in the front with me. You losers are in the back.”

“Aw, come on--”

“Robin!”

You were waving wildly to your cousin as she spied you and ran to you, hugging you tightly. You laughed a bit as you swayed back and forth. Robin was always your favorite cousin; she was the only one remotely near your age. You decided to visit her at the start of your summer break, then you’d get home… eventually.

“Gosh, it’s so great to see you, Rob!” you exclaimed, breaking the hug. “You look amazing, I love what you’ve done with your hair!”

“She likes hair, you hear that, Munson?” Steve whispered, nudging Eddie’s side.

“You really think your hair is better than mine?” Eddie whispered back.

“It’s great to see you too!” Robin replied, speaking loudly to mask her friends’ banter. “How was your flight?”

“It was okay, a little cramped, so I’m glad to be off it! How long is the car ride home?”

“Less than an hour, but it’s going to feel longer,” Robin groaned. “You can thank the two weirdos behind me for that.”

You peered behind Robin to see the two boys suddenly stop fidgeting and smile goofily at you.

“Steve Harrington,” he extended his hand. “It’s Y/N, right?”

“Yep,” you said, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you Steve, I’ve heard lots about you from Robin.”

“So you have,” Steve smirked, looking back at Eddie, who scoffed. “I’m hoping it’s all been good.”

“Oh sure, but you’re much better-looking in person.”

Steve blushed madly, laughing a bit.

“Robin told me you’re a fan of flattery,” you smiled, making Steve a little nervous. “Don’t worry, I meant what I said! And I also want to say thanks for taking care of my little Rob. She needs it!”

“Anytime.” Steve met your eyes and smiled, making you blush a bit. 

“I’m Eddie Munson,” he stepped in, breaking your eye contact with Steve, “it is an absolute pleasure to meet a beauty such as yourself.”

“Oh wow,” you chuckled, shaking his hand. “I haven’t heard about you before Eddie, but now I feel like I should have!”

“I have that effect on people,” he winked. “I’m a new friend of Robin’s, so I’m not surprised you haven’t heard of me, but I hope we can get to know one another this trip.”

“Absolutely, I’d love that, Eddie,” you smiled, then glanced down at his shirt. “Oh my gosh, are you a Metallica fan?”

Eddie’s eyes went wide and his mouth dropped open a bit. 

“Are you?”

“Oh dear,” Robin sighed as she looked at Steve. “Sorry, bud, I forgot to mention. She’s a bit of a metalhead.” 

Steve looked at your excited face in horror.

“Of course I am, they’re amazing! I’m staying here until their concert in Fort Wayne!” you exclaimed, smiling widely.

“Oh man, you’re so lucky, I couldn’t get a ticket in time!” Eddie said.

“Come with me!” you said, grabbing his arms. “I had an extra ticket, but it turns out Robin hates them, so it’s yours if you want it!”

“Are you serious?” Eddie grabbed on to your arms too. “That would be awesome, I’d love to go with you, thank you!” 

You pulled Eddie into your arms and hugged him tightly, bouncing a bit. Steve felt absolutely devastated as he saw your smile. Robin, noticing, called out to you both.

“Alright, let’s get moving you guys!” she called.

“Right, sorry!” you said, grabbing your bags, but Steve grabbed them before you.

“I got it, no worries,” he smiled.

“Aw, are you sure you’ve got it, Steve? I don’t mind,” you said, but he shook his head.

“I don’t mind at all, really.”

“Well, thank you, Steve, you’re very sweet,” you smiled, rubbing his arm, then turned to Eddie.

“Dude, I think you’re already my best friend,” you said, then started telling him the details of your seats.

“What are you smiling about, goofy?” Robin snorted at Steve.

“Friend. She called him her friend,” he smirked, his posture perking up as you all left the airport.

To be continued... 

[herherteartear]

blanket kick

précis— Peter's not the suave man he would hope to be in front of his crush. instead, he's a blushing mess that haunts his memories and causes him to take out his frustrations on his blanket. luckily, you prefer cherry cheeks over smooth lines any day.

pairing— Peter Parker x enhanced!maximoff!reader

a/n— this is my first standalone written story and my first time writing for marvel! i hope you guys enjoy thisss<3 i'm also open to creating drabbles to continue this if anyone's interested????! pls enjoy and pls comment and let me know ur thoughts!!!

there are many ways to describe Peter Parker, but none could ever wholly capture the true essence of the boy

besides the obvious stuff,, his intelligence , his insanely good looks , his teenage awkwardness,,

it was a hard feat to string along words to describe the way he carries himself , the way he is with others , the way his heart loves with the same ability a sponge soaks up water and soap

Peter's had crushes before

perhaps more than he'd like to admit

(can't blame the boy, who gave Ty Lee the right be that cute!?)

but when he sees her, his heart begins to swell and suddenly, he forgets how to breathe..

or how to think... talk. y'know normal human stuff

in all honesty, Peter has tried his absolute hardest to block out their first meeting from his memories

he doesn't regret meeting her, of course not! never would he even repent that embarrassingly wonderful day

he only wishes it would've gone a little differently

let's set the scene, shall we?

the sun was shining brightly, the sky was a Carolina blue, the clouds were the prettiest porcelain color, rimmed with lace

Peter was riding in an awfully silent car that Happy was driving to the airport. despite being terrified of what's to come,, the fight Mr. Stark had recruited him for,, the boy was thoroughly enjoying this adventure.

the car came to a stop, which did little for Peter's nerves. he gathered his courage before stepping out, eyes squinting at the brightness of the yellow sun. once his eyes adjusted, they landed on the prettiest head of hair he had ever seen

(although he did think the same for Hermione Granger)

Peter had never been on a plane before that day. but even then, his sparkling eyes stayed trained on her,, completely ignoring the brilliant private jet behind her

"oh? Happy, i thought it was just us?" her voice made Peter's ears burn. he swallowed thickly. you blinked at Peter, curious but also intrigued , you smiled.

to which Peter choked. on air. your eyebrows furrowed in worry.

"a-are you okay?"

"god, kid, get ahold of yourself."

"i-i'm okay! it's– i'm– i'm fine!" Peter quickly stuttered out.

"well, Yn, this is– uh,, what's your name again?" Happy turned towards the boy who's cheeks were now redder than a firetruck.

"oh! i'm Peter– Peter Parker. it's nice to meet you- not that i don't know you. well i don't, y'know not personally. but like from the news.. not that i believe the news! they're awful to you, but i mean i guess i do sometimes– but never about what they say about you–"

"i'm Yn Maximoff. it's nice to meet you too, Peter." you cut him off before Happy strangled the cute boy. you had an amused smile

he was cute

finally getting on the plane, Peter had hoped he would be able to sit far away from you and wallow in his embarrassment,

maybe sneak a glance or two.. imagine a couple of scenarios where he wasn't a doofus,

but that's not quite what happened.

after witnessing just how much the new kids was able to ramble,, Happy was not about to spend a whole ass plane ride remotely close to him

so he took it upon himself to make the kiddies sit together.. much to Peter's dismay.

like!!? did Happy not see how Peter crashed and burned in font of you?!

you, on the other hand,, had the opposite reaction.

being the youngest avenger, you don't get to be around people your age too much,, which isn't something you're complaining about!!

you totally made the decision to be an avenger and you happily welcomed the consequences..

that didn't mean you didn't get lonely at times. especially now with the accords and the team breaking up., things got a whole lot more lonely

your sister, Wanda, had made her choice to leave the compound. you completely understood why, but a part of you had hoped she would've taken you with her

although, staying at the compound did ensure your safety.

it was a weird time for the avenger's , it felt wrong for you to say some of your teammates were criminals

it left a sour taste in your mouth

you glanced from the window seat to see Peter nervously wringing his fingers. you frowned.

"are you okay?" you asked, gently. Peter's eyes widened and his heart jumped to his throat. he wanted to say something, something cool or aloof, something that would make up for his ranting earlier

"i've never been on a plane before." Peter squeaked out. he dropped his shoulders, rolling his eyes at himself. that was the highest pitch he had ever heard his voice. you took in his clearly anxious posture.

"lets switch seats? maybe looking out the window will help you." you stated. before Peter could quickly shake his head, because how rude would it be of him to take your seat?, you were already stood up.

"oh god!" Peter breathed. he quickly shifted over to the seat you once occupied. he wanted to put up more of a fight, but the way you were swaying due to the turbulence, made his palms sweat in fear for your safety.

"you, like, swing from buildings and stuff, right?" you asked. he turned to you with a nod. "are you afraid of heights? or do you just not like planes?"

oh god. oh. no. you thought– you thought he was scared of being on the plane. Peter wanted to shrink in a hole and hide. you probably thought he was such a baby! that he could handle swinging from hundreds of feet in the air, but a plane is where he drew the line?

but what else is he supposed to say? 'oh, no! it's not the plane I'm scared of. it's just your beautiful smile and the way you smell like cocoa that gets me sweating'

wtf.

that was so wrong in so many ways.

"um, no, no. i'm okay, just– just a little nervous, is all." Peter tried to force out a chuckle. but it come out more like a cough. you mouth formed an 'o.'

"ohh, okay." you paused before your eyes lit up. "how about we play a game? to distract you?"

"o– okay.."

"can you talk with spiders?" Peter lifted his eyes from looking at his hands hovering above yours,; he let out a much more relaxed laugh than earlier.

you took advantage of his distraction to swiftly bring your palm from underneath his and slap the top of Peter's hand. he jumped.

"ouch!" he playfully pouted. you eyes glanced down at his lips. you giggled nervously. your hand went to hover over his, him now being the one to do the slapping. "of course i can't talk to spiders! i– i feel like i should probably be able to shape-shift into a spider in order for that to happen, y'know?"

you nodded thoughtfully. "that's true.. you didn't hear this from me, but i heard there's an Ant-Man going around." Peter looked at you with wide eyes.

"no way! that's crazy! does he like turn into an ant?" you bumped his hand with yours in order to get his attention back to the game. his hand burned at the feeling

"i don't know-" you said in a singsong tone. "it's just what's being said around the compound." you quickly slid your hands to avoid Peter's attack. he huffed.

"how are you so good at this?" he knitted his eyebrows to focus on how to attack quickly without hurting you.

"it's a game i used to play with my brother and sister." you answered. Peter finally took his chance to slap your hands, to which you squealed excitedly as you had tried to move in time. Peter and you fell into a fit of giggles.

you both leaned against your seats, still facing each other. your hands fell on top of Peter's.

the brown haired boy quickly slid his hand out from under yours, not because he didn't enjoy the contact, but because he was worried you'd feel how clammy his hands were

you frowned slightly at the loss of contact.

"a– are we really fighting your sister?" Peter wondered out loud, without a second thought.

you shifted uncomfortably. Peter quickly noticed; his heart sped up and he mentally scolded himself for being so inconsiderate.

"not because i think she's evil! i mean,, i know that's what the news says.. but they also think Spider-Man's like thirty. and i'm not thirty! its just everything's crazy right now.. with the accords., i can't even imagine how you're feeling! probably terrible.. oh, g od wait, not terrible, i'm s–"

you had been watching with an endearing look in your eye. you had come to find that you enjoy watching Peter ramble.

his eyes would become unsettled and shaky, his body would begin to become more and more animated, but his voice

gosh, his voice was something you wanted to listen to for the rest of your life

but you could tell he was getting more and more skittish. so you put him out of his misery

"terrible probably wouldn't be my go-to word, it's up there though.. at least i got to meet you." you smiled softly.

Peter's eyes ran over your soft features. night had fallen, so the windows of the plan displayed an almost picturesque display of the moon and stars. the light hue of color the moon provided painted your face in a way that clouded Peter's thoughts.

with your comment of being grateful to have met him, Peter wasn't in control of his mouth for much longer.

"so pretty." he breathed. both of you guys froze.

Peter's face quickly morphed from love-sick to mortified. you blushed violently.

deciding you didn't want Peter to fall into another rant-like apology (because if you got to listen to him talk for that long in this setting, you might just drop the 'L' word) , you said,

"let's watch a movie?"

the two of you sat, shoulder to shoulder, watching Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, but being too hyper aware of their thighs pressed together and brushing hands to actually pay attention

upon arrival, both teenagers walked off the plane, sleep deprived , but with thumping hearts and dazed grins.

Peter threw himself on his hotel bed that night,, hiding under the covers

his thoughts replayed your interaction over and over (and over and over) in his head

the boy shoved his head, face first, into the stiff hotel pillow and let out a muffled groan

Peter flipped himself over, stared at the ceiling, before remembering his spouts of unnecessarily long explanations

he thrashed his body, kicking his poor blanket in frustration but most of all, out of embarrassment

he calmed himself down once his memories refreshed themselves over your gentle giggles and how soft your hands were

Peter fell asleep with cherry red cheeks and a blissful grin.

because despite those small mess ups, despite the futile way he beat his covers in humiliation, Peter treasures that day like no other.

[imkylotrash]

Hidden Truths

Pairing: Hardin Scott x reader (Platonic)

Summary: Can you write something where the reader learns she was kidnapped at birth and Hardin helps her through the trauma? Anonymous

Warnings: Angst, kidnapping, trauma, mentions of miscarriage. Let me know if there are more. 

A/N For this one Hardin stayed in England with his mom. Also one of the hardest concepts I’ve ever tried writing. 

It starts out as a joke. You just want to know more about your ancestors and there’s this trend going around that you send in your DNA and it tells you all about where you come from. The 5% Ireland doesn’t surprise you. Frankly, you expected that part. It’s the 80% Canadian that surprises you. Your family hasn’t left England for centuries. You did a family tree as a school project in 3rd grade and you know your roots are English and somewhat Irish. Why would the test tell you that you’re from Canada? 

“Mom? Do we have any family in Canada?” Her hesitation last only a moment but you notice it all the same. 

“No, honey. We’ve never even been to Canada.” Your mom has a tell. She always lift her right eyebrow slightly whenever she’s lying to you. It’s something you picked up along the way when you watched her lie to her clients. Over the next few days you can’t shake the feeling that there’s something about Canada you need to discover. 

“Maybe you’re adopted?” Hardin speculates. You’re lying on his bed while he’s placed himself in his desk chair. 

“Don’t say that. My parents are my parents.” 

“It’s possible. You said your mom had a weird reaction.” You hate that he’s making sense. You don’t want to believe that you’re adopted. This family is all you have and to find out it may be based on a lie would destroy you. 

“But if they won’t tell me anything, I’ll never know.”

“So quick to give up?” Hardin asks with a smirk turning his laptop on. You can hear his mom rummaging downstairs and you wonder if she knows something. If maybe your mom told her something over a cup of coffee while 10-year-old you and Hardin played out in the yard. 

“We could always look it up. Maybe you can access your file. If you have one.” He starts searching google for adoption agencies in Canada and even though you’re not remotely ready to consider you might be adopted, you still peek over his shoulder to see what he finds. 

“If there is a file, it’s probably closed. I mean, all the shows always say those kind of cases are closed.” 

“You mean TV-shows?” he chuckles not even looking up, “what the hell?” In an instance, you’re right next to him. 

“What? What is it?” It’s an old article of a baby that was kidnapped. You look at the date only to realise that it’s your birthday. The baby was kidnapped the same day you were born. But that’s not the weirdest part. It’s the photo of what the baby would approximately look like now. It’s the spitting image of you. The article mentions a birthmark on the hip. The exact same place as your birthmark. 

“This is seriously freaky,” Hardin comments. You tell him to close the article and pretend you didn’t find it. It’s too much information and you need to talk to your parents. But when it comes down to it, you’re too scared. It takes you weeks before you feel ready to do something. You’re terrified of the truth, of realising that your parents not only weren’t your biological parents, but that they kidnapped you as a baby. Who even does that? 

“I think I need to find out,” you tell Hardin one day. He buys plain tickets to Canada within an hour. You lie to your parents as you’re packing your bag hoping that the universe forgives you. It’s not that you want to lie to them, but they’re not being truthful and you don’t trust them to tell you. In less than 24 hours you’re standing at the Canadian airport trying to catch a taxi. You don’t even know what you’re going to tell these people but all too soon you’re standing at the address mentioned in the article. 

“I’m right here next to you. Just say the word and we’ll get out of here.” You’re so thankful for his support even if you don’t have the words to tell him right now. You knock on the door and your possible birth mom opens up. Her reaction is instant. Tears fill her eyes. 

“Oh God,” she whispers almost reaching out to touch you. 

“I found an article online of a baby that was kidnapped.” You hold up the picture with shaking hands. This may be nothing but you need to know. You need to know if you were robbed of this childhood. She invites you in for tea and you accept. Hardin is right behind you the entire time making you feel safe despite everything that’s happening. You’re pretty sure if he hadn’t come with you, your sanity would jump out the window. You try to keep the conversation with Diana light because you’re not ready to dive into the serious stuff just yet. At some point, her husband Joseph comes home from work. They’re nice people. At the end of the day, you have to return to England but you get their information to stay in touch. You want to stay longer but you’re also itching to return and confront the people who took you. Anger fills you when you think of the childhood taken. You agree to leave them a strand of hair for a DNA test so you all can get the answers you so desperately crave. It isn’t until Heathrow airport that you break down. It comes sudden and overwhelms you. Hardin holds you tight as you break apart. He keeps shushing you as he leads the two of you to the taxi outside. 

“I’m sorry,” you hiccup through the sobs but he just shakes his head. There’s zero judgement in his eyes and it isn’t until you’re parked in front of your house that you realise he still hasn’t let go of you. How did your life turn into an episode of Criminal Minds? 

“Do you want me to come in with you?” he asks. Maybe you should be scared to go confront them but the need for answers overshadow all the other feelings. You have to know and for some reason, you feel sure they won’t harm you. 

“I think I have to do this alone.” So you hug him one last time before entering the house on your own. 

“Where have you been? We’ve been worried sick!” So apparently the lie didn’t last that long. 

“I went to visit Diana and Joseph. My birth parents.” You could hear a pin drop. They both stand still in utter shock. 

“Anyone want to tell me why I was kidnapped?” You’re angry and hurt and terrified but you need to have this conversation in an attempt to find some peace. What you don’t expect is your mother to sit down with tears streaming down her face while your father places a hand on her shoulder. 

“I had three miscarriages. It was horrible. After the third one, I couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t go through the pain of losing a baby again. Instead we started looking at adoption agencies but it was expensive. There was no way we could afford it.” Shame dominates her features as she tells the story. You try to hold on to your anger but you’re looking at a broken woman. She’s unable to continue so your dad takes over. 

“We finally found an agency that offered their services to a price we could afford. It was very discreet and we received no information. We didn’t know until after we got you. We never would’ve accepted it if we knew. You have to believe that. But when we heard about the missing baby, we’d had you for almost two months. And we couldn’t give you up. So we closed eyes and ears to everything on the news. In the end, we managed to convince ourselves that it wasn’t you.” It’s too much. You want them to be the villains who stole you away from your real life but you just feel sorry for them. Everything they went through. There’s no arguing that what they did was wrong and awful but they just look so sad and small standing before you. 

“I need some air.” You don’t even look back but instead head straight out where you find Hardin. 

“I know you said you wanted to do this alone but I figured you’d might need company.” There’s no hesitation as you walk into his arms. You have no idea what the future will bring. You want to know your birth parents. And you have no idea what to do with the people who raised you. It’s all just too much for you to comprehend right now. But you do know that Hardin will be right there through everything. In the chaos, he’s your constant and you’re forever thankful. 

[allthingsfangirl101]

Camping Surprises–Zac Efron

Wattpad Request by ru_ruva

Work lately has been crazy. I've been working as an assistant for a top editor at a fashion magazine in Beverly Hills for three years. My boss has promised me that once I've worked for her for five years, I'll be promoted to an editing job. Plus, it kind of helps that I'm dating the famous actor, Zac Efron.

Zac and I had been dating for two years under the radar before our secret got out. He had wanted at least one part of his life to be for just him and me. My boss and his fans only found out about us after our anniversary dinner was interrupted by the paparazzi.

When my boss found out, she completely changed her attitude towards me. The next year, she started listening to me in meetings, agreeing with my suggestions, and treating me like a human being. She acted like this new found attitude towards me wasn't because I was on magazine covers with Zac, but she and I both knew she was lying.

Since Zac and I went public with our relationship, we haven't had much time to ourselves. It's been a year since our secret got out and things have only begun to pick up. We can't go out without getting recognized which means we can't even have a meal without being bombarded by fans, reporters, or paparazzi. Sometimes all three.

I walked into our apartment, my shoulders, back, and feet killing me. I tossed my keys into the bowl on the table by the door, dropped my bag onto the floor, kicked off my shoes, and hung up my jacket. I ran my fingers through my hair as I walking into the other room. I plopped onto the couch, the long day weighing me down.

I hadn't noticed I had fallen asleep on the couch until I felt someone tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. I let out a sleepy moan as my eyes fluttered open. I smiled when I saw Zac sitting on the ground in front of me, his face inches from mine.

"Morning," he whispered. I hummed as he continued to run his fingers through my hair. "What time did you get home?"

"A little after 7," I mumbled.

"Seven?" He repeated. "That's later than normal."

"Well," I sighed, "next month's issue is due to the printer by Thursday instead of Friday because of the holiday. Which means this is going to be a late week."

"I'm sorry," he said under his breath. "I hate how hard she works you."

I just shrugged and closed my eyes as I focused on the feeling of Zac playing with my hair.

"What about you?" I mumbled sleepily. "You're home later than usual."

"Yeah," he sighed.

The sound of exhaustion in his voice made me open my eyes. My heart sank when I saw the bags under his eyes. I sat up and pulled him so he was next to me. I smiled as he immediately laid his head on my thigh.

I started playing with his hair, feeling his breathing slow. I grabbed the remote and turned on a random show. We sat like that, not saying anything, and just enjoyed each other's company.

"Do you ever wish our lives were normal?" He asked, breaking the silence. I looked down to see his eyes still closed.

"Actually, no."

He turned his head up towards me and opened his eyes. "Really?" He asked. "You never wish we were different?"

"No," I smiled down at him as I moved some hair out of his face. "Because if we were normal, we wouldn't be who we are. We might not have met and I hate even the idea of that."

Zac reached up and cupped my cheek, pulling me down to him. I smiled as I pressed my lips to his and immediately started moving them in sync. He broke the kiss and sighed.

"I love you," he whispered. "And I'm sorry that things are crazy. I wish I could tell you they were going to slow down, but we both know that isn't going to happen."

                         * * * * *

A couple of days later, I came home to Zac already on the couch. He looked up from his computer when he saw me come in.

"You're home early," I teased as I hung up my keys. He put his laptop on the ottoman and stood up. He walked over to me, grabbed my hand, and led me back to the couch.

"Zac," I said under my breath. "What's going on, babe?"

He didn't say anything as he let go of my hand and grabbed his laptop. I nervously played with my fingers as he pulled something up.

"Babe?" I said, my breath getting caught in my throat. "You're scaring me."

Zac put his laptop on my lap and pointed to the screen. I hesitated before looking at it.

"Beverly Hills Glamp Ground?" I read. "You want to go camping?"

"We need a break," he said, looking down as he grabbed my hand and intertwined our fingers.

"A break?" I stuttered.

"From this world, baby," he sighed, looking back up at me. "I come home every day, exhausted. And I know you do too. I feel like we haven't had any time to ourselves, any time to be alone. So, I want to do something. Something fun. Something just us two."

"And you're idea is camping?" I teased.

"We'd be completely alone out there," he explained. "No bosses, no cell service, no cameras. Just you and me."

"That does sound amazing," I sighed. He grabbed his computer and put it back on the coffee table before reaching over and grabbing my hands, turning me towards him.

"Then let's do it," he said eagerly. "It's a long weekend so neither of us work Monday. You sent in next month's issue today, so your boss won't need you over the weekend. She might not even need you tomorrow. My director is spending the weekend with his family and is even taking tomorrow off."

"I haven't used any of my sick days this year," I mumbled.

"Wait," he said slowly. "Are you saying. . ."

"I can call and get tomorrow off. Then with Monday being a holiday. . ."

I giggled when Zac excitedly leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine. I smiled as I grabbed his face and kissed him back. He broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against mine.

"Let's go pack."

                         * * * * *

As we pulled up to the camping ground, I noticed another car waiting for us in front of our assigned tent. I looked over at Zac as his brother got out of the other car.

"Dylan's here too?" I asked, trying not to sound disappointed.

"Yeah," Zac said as he got our suitcases out of the back. "He needed a break too and wanted to come."

He looked over at me, his eyes soft. He walked over and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"I'm sorry, baby," he sighed. "But he's in his own tent and promised to do his own thing."

"It's okay," I smiled as I rubbed his chest. I stood on my toes and pressed my lips to his.

"You two lovebirds ready?"

Zac broke the kiss and glared at his brother. I laughed as I grabbed his chin and turned him back to me. "Easy," I whispered.

"I'm sorry," he sighed. "He promised. . ."

"As long as his tent is far away from ours, I don't mind."

The three of us spent the next hour setting up our camping ground. I went to gather firewood as Zac and Dylan got dinner ready. When I got back they were whispering to each other. They jumped when they heard me.

"You guys okay?" I chuckled.

"Yep," Zac said, jumping up and walking over to me. He grabbed the wood from me and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

Dylan and I were cooking dinner when I noticed it was just us two. I looked around, trying to find Zac.

"Where's Zac?"

"He went for a walk," Dylan said, sounding kind of weird.

"It's getting kind of late," I said, not hiding my nerves. "Should we go look for him?"

Dylan checked his watch and bit his bottom lip; something he only did when he was overthinking.

"Let's give him a few more minutes," he decided. "Then we'll go look for him."

I stared at him as he turned back to the fire, trying to hide the look on his face. A few minutes later, I couldn't take it anymore. I stood up, wiping my hands on my jeans.

"That's it," I sighed. "I'm going to go look for him. It's getting dark and I don't think he has his flashlight."

"Wait," he said quickly as he grabbed my hand and stopped me. He cleared his throat, instantly letting go of me.

"Zac's a big boy, Y/N. He knows not to go too far from the campsite and to come back before it gets dark."

"But. . ." I stuttered.

"Y/N," he whispered, "Zac and I went camping all the time as kids. He's fine."

I tried to finish getting dinner ready, but I found myself constantly looking towards the path. A few minutes later, I started nervously chewing on my thumbnail.

"Actually," Dylan said, clearing his throat as he checked his watch. "Let's go look for him."

I let out a sigh of relief as Dylan handed me my jacket and grabbed the flashlights. We had only gone maybe half a mile before we could see some lights through the trees. I started to go around the campsite, but Dylan stopped me.

"What are you. . ." I stuttered as he looked over his shoulder at me with a smirk on his face.

I sighed before following him. My breath got stuck in my throat when we got to the clearing. Zac was standing there, in the middle of the meadow, surrounded by lights and flowers. My eyes filled with tears when I noticed the pictures of us scattered around.

I turned to look at Dylan, but he had slipped back through the trees. When I turned back towards Zac, he was right in front of me. He grabbed my hand and led me to the middle of the meadow.

"How did you. . . When did you. . . Why did you. . ."

Zac laughed as I stuttered. "I needed to bring all of this, but I didn't want you to see it. So Dylan brought it in his car and agreed to distract you while I set it up."

"I just. . . Why?" I finally got out, tears beginning to fall. Zac smiled as he reached forward and caught a tear with his thumb.

"This is why," he whispered.

I covered my mouth as he knelt down on one knee. He had tears in his eyes as he pulled a small black box out of his pocket.

"Y/N," he started, his voice gentle. "I love you so much, darling. And I can't imagine spending my life with anyone other than you. I know our jobs keep us busy and they can kind of be frustrating at times, but it's all worth it as long as I get to come home to you. I love waking up to you typing on your computer and coming home to you asleep on the couch. I love that you are always willing to run lines with me, go to premieres and parties with me, drive me to the airport at 2 in the morning. I love that you are on my team. I love you."

Zac took a shaky breath as he opened the box. My eyes widened, tears streaming down my face as I saw the ring he got for me.

"Will you marry me?"

It took me a second to find my voice, but once I did, I giggled out my answer.

"Yes," I said through my tears. "Of course I'll marry you."

Zac smiled as he slipped the ring on my finger and stood up. I wrapped my arms around his neck and he instantly wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me close to his chest. I felt him laugh as he tightened his arms around me.

"I love you," I whispered, not breaking our embrace. "And I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else either."

Zac laughed as he pulled me back into his chest and pressed his lips to mine. We quickly got caught lost in the kiss as we held each other. We broke apart when we heard someone clapping and laughing. We turned around to see Dylan jogging towards us.

I laughed as he pulled me away from Zac, lifted me up, and spun me.

"Dylan," Zac sighed. "Will you please put my fiancé down?"

"Sorry," Dylan chuckled as he put me down. He walked over to his brother and gave him a hug.

"Congratulations," Dylan whispered. He pulled out of the hug and looked over at me. "You got quite the girl."

"Thanks," Zac laughed. "I got lucky."

I walked over and Zac instantly wrapped his arms around me. He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine.

"I'll umm. . . I'll let you two. . . Celebrate," Dylan laughed awkwardly. He was about to walk away but stopped. "I'll send you the pictures I took but you probably won't be able to post them until. . ."

Dylan stopped talking when we broke the kiss and Zac glared at him. "Right. Sorry. Congratulations, you two."

We laughed as he turned on his heel and jogged back to the campsite. I looked back at Zac, biting my bottom lip.

"How long have you planned this?" I asked under my breath.

"Well," he sighed, tightening his arms around my waist. "I've been wanting to propose for the last year but things got so crazy. I realized that this weekend would be the first and only quiet weekend we had together for the next little while. And I couldn't wait any longer. I had to be engaged to you."

I stood on my toes and pressed my lips to his. I felt him smirk as he kissed me back. I broke the kiss and leaned my forehead against his.

"Is Dylan staying the rest of the weekend?" I asked under my breath.

"No," Zac said simply. "He's heading back tonight. Why?"

He saw the knowing look on my face and laughed. I smirked as he tightened his arms around my waist. I sighed before standing on my toes. I didn't press my lips to his yet, teasing him instead.

"Let's head back to camp and celebrate."

[jokertrap-ran]

(未定事件簿) EVENT!「异乡行歌·上篇」 [Tears of Themis] EVENT: Romantic Rail Getaway- First Half Translations (Lu Jinghe’s Route)

Day 1: Xiangya City― Rainforest Invitation (象雅城: 雨林的邀约)

*Tears of Themis Masterlist / Mobile Masterlist *Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *The tracking tag for ALL Event Stories will go under: #Tears of an Event

Location: Railway Tour's Starting Station

I'd once heard of the saying, that Tanbuyani's Railway Tour was equivalent to a silken string of pearls.

Guided by this silken thread, one will be able to experience and relish in the charm of the very country itself.

Lu Jinghe: I've looked at the train route, and it looks like the first stop's at Xiangya City.

Lu Jinghe: How about we head on down to their resort and have a look around later? Let's not wear ourselves out too much on our first day here, save some energy, and take our time to slowly enjoy everything after!

MC: Okay! I saw on the guide that there was a very big folk custom workshop down at the resort; do you want to try your hand at wood carving?

Lu Jinghe: I'll accompany you if you want to.

We happily carried on, discussing our trip arrangements.

The rest of the guests, in front of the train platform, were also anticipating what was to come in the wonderful journey up ahead, just like us.

Speaking of this trip, Lu Jinghe was actually the one who brought it up first.

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Location: Home

Lu Jinghe: Heya, sis. You're on a long vacation as of late, yes? Have you got any travel plans?

MC: Hm… I haven't really thought of it. Come hit me up again after I get a couple of snoozes!

Lu Jinghe: How about considering going on Tanbuyani's Railway Tour with me after you've caught enough z's?

Lu Jinghe: It's a boutique, luxurious, high-end, independent tour; with a travel itinerary planned and presented to you by PAX's Chairman himself!

MC: Tanbuyani? Why do you suddenly want to go there out of the blue?

This name, one that I'd only seen in geography books, filled me with utter confusion.

Tanbuyani was a small country located near the equator, but although it boasted stunningly breath-taking sceneries, it's economy was well underdeveloped.

No matter how I thought about it, going to this sort of remote location wouldn't be his first choice at all.

Lu Jinghe: For work, of course. PAX has invested in a rainforest development project over there, so I'm preparing to head down and have a look at it for myself.

Lu Jinghe: And while I'm at it… I can bring you along for you to have fun, kick back and relax for a few days.

MC: I see. Maybe I'll think about it...

Lu Jinghe: Nope, stop thinking about it and just go pack your luggage. I'll come pick you up to the airport tomorrow, bye!

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Lu Jinghe's actions were swift, and we were already aboard a private plane bound for Tanbuyani on the second day.

Upon landing, we were immediately transferred to the starting station of the Railway Tour; he'd arranged everything to perfection.

It was just as he said. This was a relaxing, yet intriguing trip, where anticipation ran high.

MC: Right, didn't you say back in the phone call we had before that you're here because of a… Rainforest project?

Lu Jinghe: Yup. PAX plans on establishing a nature reserve in the Imana Rainforest and study the "Parrot Tail Flower”.

MC: Parrot Tail Flower?

Lu Jinghe: A rare flower of medicinal value that one of our people coincidentally discovered back when they came down here to talk about the conservation project.

MC: ...That sounds like the sort of miraculous life-saving celestial grass you hear about in myths and legends.

Lu Jinghe: Perhaps; but I'm not too sure about the specifics either.

Lu Jinghe: The person in charge of the project will be picking us up when we reach Xiangya City, so you can ask him more about it then.

MC: ...There's PAX personnel in Xiangya City?

Lu Jinghe: He's there on business today, so I called him up for a chat, and so that I can have a grasp on how the project's progressing while I'm at it. It's called being prepared for anything and everything.

The sides of his lips curled upwards, a clear smile flashing across his eyes.

Lu Jinghe: Okay, enough about this. Let's think about how we're going to have a happy and delightful lunch aboard the train first.

Lu Jinghe: The train's restaurant serves Tanbuyani's local delicacies, as well as  a delicious, mouth-watering buffet of western food; what do you want to eat?

MC: Mm…

Since I'm already here and all, it's only logical to try out their local delicacies…

But then, I remembered just what those "local delicacies" are, from back when I was checking out the guide.

Things like grilled rainforest ants, stuffed cicada pupae, roasted scorpions… If it just so happens that those atop the plate that the waiter brings up later were...

Do I really want to challenge myself with them?

▷Choice: Western food buffet

MC: I’m getting the western food buffet.

Lu Jinghe: Sure thing. I'll go book us a luxurious buffet then; we'll be able to partake in it once we board the train later.

Lu Jinghe: But… Are you sure you don’t want to try Tanbuyani’s local delicacies?

Lu Jinghe: I heard that there's a type of Black bean-orange Fried Rice that's really delicious; one of the 10 special delicacies that's an absolute must have for tourists!

MC: I do want to, actually… But it'd be a tragedy if something… weird's in the food...

Lu Jinghe: You do have a point. We're not in a hurry, so we can take it slow and observe the tables of the other guests who've ordered it.

Lu Jinghe: And then, we can still make it in time for the order if you want to eat them afterwards.

MC: Okay, let's just happily leave it as that for now!

▷Choice: Local delicacies

MC: Oh, I've decided! I want to try Tanbuyani's local delicacies!

MC: The guide on the internet said that the Black bean-orange Fried Rice available on the train's menu is an absolute must have! And everyone who ate it all said that it's good!

MC: Want to order one together with me?

Lu Jinghe: Let me tell you a secret. Actually… I was about to recommend you the same, but I never thought you'd be the one to take the words out of my mouth.

Lu Jinghe: I guess our hearts really are connected!

His brows were quirked in a smile, and he appeared "quite proud" of himself.

I couldn't resist teasing him a little.

MC: Are you absolutely sure about your decision? There'll be no going back if it doesn't taste all that nice.

Lu Jinghe: Come on, have more confidence in yourself! We have to believe that our choice is the right one!

His eyebrows crooked along with a smile, and I could almost smell the fragrance of the sweet and aromatic orange rice just by looking into his eyes.

MC: I can't wait to try it out for myself already!

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

"Chooo…", went the long whistle of the train's horn as it slowly drew up to the platform.

Lu Jinghe stood up, dragging both of our big luggage in tow with a wink.

Lu Jinghe: Come on then. Our rainforest adventure is going to begin!

MC: Yeah! Here we go!!

☆⋅⋆…⋅───── ⋆⋅ Romantic Rail Getaway⋅⋆ ────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Next Part: (Day 1: Xiangya City― Resort Entertainment Area)

[rextasywrites]

Little Darling Ending 2 - a Lady Dimitrescu x Mia Winters fanfiction

"Mia lowered the gun with a tremble in her hands, slowly taking in what she had just done. Ethan had covered Rosy’s eyes so she wouldn’t have to see what her Mommy was doing, but once she uncovered them, Rosy tugged on her Mommy’s shirt with a smile, “He was a bad man Mommy. He said you are dead and now he is dead! He deserves this!”"

Ending 2 - The Lady Dimitrescu Ending

so...that's it folks! Thank you for reading this fanfiction! it's been a pleasure to write and I hope you enjoy reading as much as i enjoyed writing it! make it a good one! <3 <3 <3  everything is kept under the ‘read more’ to avoid spoilers for the fanfic!

Warnings: death, violence, blood taking, needles

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 The Chris Ending The Lady Dimitrescu Ending

“I am sorry. I am so so sorry.”, Mia breathed out, nobody knew who’d be on the receiving end of her decisions. But she had made up her mind. She had made it up a long time ago.

Mia grabbed the gun Lady Dimitrescu had given her and fired right at Chris’ head, brain and blood splattering against the wall behind him. Not a lot of his head was left due to the powerful gun Mia had, her hands shaking as she looked at the mess she had left. Lady Dimitrescu gave her shoulder a tight squeeze, such a devilish smile on her lips. “You have done the right thing, my dearest. No one should get away with trying to kill you.”

Mia lowered the gun with a tremble in her hands, slowly taking in what she had just done. Ethan had covered Rosy’s eyes so she wouldn’t have to see what her Mommy was doing, but once she uncovered them, Rosy tugged on her Mommy’s shirt with a smile, “He was a bad man Mommy. He said you are dead and now he is dead! He deserves this!”

Rosy smiled, and in this moment, loud screams of terror and fear echoed through the labs. The mold around them pulsated and slowly, the remains of Chris were soaked up by it. It was probably doing the same thing to the scientists and soldiers still alive, being eaten by the mold created by Rosy. “And now we can finally be a happy family! Alcina, you and I!”

*

“You cannot stay here Ethan. This time for real.”, Mia sighed, the two of them sitting in a remote part of the castle, drinking a weird beverage brought to them by Cassandra. While the two went out to talk, Lady Dimitrescu kept an eye on little Rosy - it’s been so long since a little kid was in the castle, Lady Dimitrescu felt at least a hundred years younger!

Ethan took a sip and shook his head, “Why? Mia, that’d mean...I’d lose you for the third time! I cannot do this.”

“Ethan.”, Mia placed her hands on Ethan’s shoulders, making him look at her, “Can’t you see? I am the reason for all the things going wrong with your life. If...If I hadn’t worked for them...if I hadn’t accepted the job with Eveline...then we wouldn’t be here. Please. Just leave and never ever look back.”, more tears welled up in her eyes with every word she spoke, threatening to spill over. “Find a new girlfriend, marry her and have kids with her, a dog and maybe some guinea pigs. But please...let Rosy and me stay here. With us, you’d never be safe. Never ever again.”

*

Rosy and Mia watched as Ethan was guided out of the castle by the daughters. For once they dressed normally to blend in with the people around them. They’d bring him to the airport in Bucharest and then return, making sure no male thing would ever put a foot into their holy castle. Where they got the car from and if one of the daughters could actually drive? That wasn’t their concern anymore.

Lady Dimitrescu smiled at them once they returned inside of the warm castle, patting on her lap and little Rosy jumped straight onto it, cuddling up to Lady Dimitrescu. She had quickly taken a liking in the tall vampire lady just like her Mommy did. Was it the mold inside of them speaking?

*

“Higher! Higher!”, Rosy squealed as Cassandra pushed the swing, laughing with the little girl as she nearly made a barrel roll on the playground. Her happy sounds were audible all the way into the village, even a calming sound for the people down there. They knew, as long as Lady Dimitrescu was happy, they’d be happy and kept safe too.

Bela pushed Cassandra away, giving Rosy more thrusts as Cassandra was too weak in her eyes. “Hey! She is my sister too you fuckface!”, Cassandra groaned, to which Lady Dimitrescu disappointedly shook her head.

“Languages, my girls.”, she said, one arm wrapped around Mia next to her.

Spring had come around, even in the mountains the castle was located in. While both of them had been terribly homesick at first, Mia and Rosy started to enjoy life in the castle sooner than they had previously anticipated. Bela, Cassandra and Daniela had become something like ‘big sisters’ to Rosy, and turned out to be very happy with her new little sister. Even the human food the three made tasted good. But soon enough, Mia and Rosy would feast on blood too.

“She has learnt so many new swear words since she started playing with the girls.”, Mia laughed as she cradled her belly. She was roughly seven months along and the pregnancy couldn’t go smoother. Mia barely had any problems, the daughters took her to her appointments in disguise, the little baby was healthy and had no problems apart from the D- and E-series inside of her small body.

*

Mia gave birth to a healthy little girl in the early days of summer, naming her Enola. She clearly had her daddy’s eyes. The whole Dimitrescu family was doting on her, and the daughters fought over who could spend more time with the new addition to the family when Mia was tired and needed sleep. They even fought over who would help Mia with hurting boobs and sore nipples - but this place went to Lady Dimitrescu.

But today, they had the whole day for themselves with the newborn baby. Lady Dimitrescu brought the syringe with the virus into the chambers they shared, Mia nervously sitting on the bed, playing with her fingers as she waited for what was about to come.

Lady Dimitrescu sat next to her and asked her to pull up her sleeve, exposing her left arm to her. “Is it gonna hurt a lot, Alcina?”, Mia asked with a worried face. 

“It will. It will feel like you are burning alive, but the feeling as you rise out of the ashes like a Phoenix...you will never feel such glory in your life again. It will be worth it.”, Lady Dimitrescu told her. She didn’t waste any more time and put the needle into Mia’s arm, slowly pressing its content into her bloodstream.

And Lady Dimitrescu was right. Mere minutes later, Mia started to feel hot, taking off her shirt and pants as she sat on her lover’s lap, panting and yelling in pain as the mold started to take over her bloodstream.

“And now, Mia, we did it. Your daughters will get the syringe once they are old enough. And then nothing can stop us anymore.”, Lady Dimitrescu said and cupped Mia’s hot cheeks. Her hair was sticking to her head, drops of sweat falling down her temples. 

“I love you, Mia Dimitrescu.”

[miss-choco-chips]

YJ College au: Zatara

Zachary Zatara is both a myth and their housemate.

In which Bart has a cryptic-buddy, Tim is stressed because cute boy insists on being annoying, and everyone else just rolls with it.

Tagging @animemangasoul and @marudny-robot cause I know you guys like this au

--.--.--.--

As usual after pulling an all-week-er (he had left the ‘nighters well behind at this point), Tim was up late that saturday. The window had been left open last night, so a soft streak of sunlight wamed his bed, waking him up slowly and peacefully. Yeah, he would have liked a few more hours, but sunbathing in his sheets for a while wasn’t all that bad either. What would make this half-awake-half-dreaming experience would be some chill music.

Muddled mind made, he rolled in his bed, hand patting the mattress for his phone, squinting his eyes open when he hit something different instead.

He found himself to be almost nose to nose with a dark haired, grey eyed boy.

Tim started that fine morning screaming himself hoarse.

-.-.-.-.-

Sitting at the kitchen’s table, getting everything ready for a late sunday breakfast, Kon raised his head when he heard the strong sound of a scream, followed by… yeah, that was a body hitting the ground. It was unmistakable, in this house. 

“Oh, hey guys”, he called to the attention of the rest of his housemates, all in equals states of zombie-ness, with not as good hearing as his. “Zachary is here.”

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

“The fuck, Zach? My bed? Did you HAVE to crash on my bed? Why are you even here?”

Tim, four coffee cups after his pseudo heart attack half an hour ago, was ready to face the day and their intruder.

“Dude I live here as well, you know. Also your bed is literally the softest thing I ever slept on, you rich bastard. Learn to share.”

“I’ll buy you your own fucking mattress if you swear to never crawl on my bed uninvited again.”

The boy’s eyebrows rose, suggestively. “What was that about an invitation?”

Distressed and not feeling awake enough (he was still two cups away from that) to deal with bi thoughts this early in the morning, he turned his most helpless look to Conner.

Because he was the best friend ever, he threw a pillow to Zachary. And because he was a suck up to anyone who brought him food, Bart intercepted the hit and gratefully accepted the candy bag he got in thanks.

“But actually, Zat, what are you doing here? I thought you were in Berlin?” interjected Cassie, her own tea (the heathen) cup warming her hands as she cuddled with Cissie and Greta on the couch, legs in each other’s laps and generally being the cutest shit ever.

Anita, not very keen on that kind of sweet love, had been wrestling with Slobo for control over the remote for the last fifteen minutes. Miguel was keeping count on their hits for them, though it was mostly assured he would rig the whole thing up to whoever had bribed him better before the fight.

Tim just wanted to go back to sleep in his sun-warmed bed.

“C’mon guys, keep up”, moaned Bart, candy bag half empty already, “he was there two weeks ago. He had an exam yesterday so he came back last monday.”

“...come again?”

“I’ve been room-hopping ever since, though none of you seemed to mind. Until I disturbed sleeping beauty over here, at least.”

Miguel’s eyes left the fight to squint suspiciously at them. “We weren’t aware you were doing that. Where did you sleep? How didn’t we notice?”

“I'ma mystery. I also move around a lot when sleeping so I probably ended up under someone’s bed after crashing from studying. Oh, Anita, if you were wondering, your purple bra is under Cissie’s bed.”

Anita slowly let go of the grip she had on Slobo’s neck. Her eyes shone something dangerous. Cissie, the one who was apparently hosting the boy all along, also stood up and frowned.

“How do you even know that bra is mine!!”

“What the fuck were you doing under my bed, you bastard!”

Tim sipped his coffee, bitterly. “At least he was under it, and not sharing it.”

Kon patted his back.

-.-.-.-.-..- 

“I swear, Jay, he thrives on making me lose my shit. He just… comes and goes whenever, leaving no proof he was ever there, or acting like he was always around. Drives me nuts. I’m not sure he even attends classes, and I only know he actually has a right to enter our house because his rent money always appears on the kitchen table a day before its due. He doesn’t even have a room, why does he even pay? To have an excuse to scare the shit out of the rest of us. Except Bart. The little shit lives for our suffering.”

Jason arches an eyebrow, sipping his beer as he carefully examines his brother. Tim looked less tired than the last time they saw each other, and the modifications done by his psychiatrist had done wonders to the shadows in his eyes. But he seemed somehow… frazzled.

“And he was just there when you woke up?”

“His nose was touching mine.”

“I bet your little bi heart couldn't take that, huh? Is he cute? Maybe you invited him to share your bed the night before and just don’t remember. You know how you get after a week of disregarding your general wellbeing.”

“Oh, shush you. I take care of myself. When was the last time you went to your check in with Patricia?”

Jason scratched the back of his neck, averting his eyes. “I missed one session, because I have exams too you know? But I’m up to date with Silvio, and we are working on slowly easing me off the medication.” He noticed the way Tim looked at his drink, expression screaming bullshit, and he scowled in response. “Fuck off, it’s alcohol-free. Kori and Artemis would have my head if they caught me mixing my dosage with anything stronger than tea, and I can’t deal with Biz and Roy’s disappointed eyes.” 

Tim thought of the last time he refused to see his therapist, and the look in everyone’s  (specially Kon’s) eyes, and had to agree. Having friends sucked when one wanted to wallow in self destructive conducts.

“Whatever, all I’m saying is, he’s not cute enough for me to forgive his weirdness. You know the people I roll with, so this is saying a lot. And I would remember inviting him to my bed, if anything for the mortification of it. I’m also…”

The ring of the doorbell distracted them both of whatever Tim was gonna say next. Waving his brother off, Jason got up to pay for their pizza.

When he returned to his living room, Tim was no longer alone.

“Who the fuck are you?” He exclaimed, eyes going back to the hallway at his back, then again at the black haired, grey eyed kid sitting next to Tim. “And how did you get in? We are on the sixth floor and I was just at the only door I have.”

Tim raised his eyes at him, and he seemed equal parts resigned and frazzled. ‘Told ya’, he seemed to say.

“Yo, the food’s finally here. I’m starving. The name’s Zachary Zatarra, by the way. Tim’s friend and housemate.”

“Allegedly” mumbled the other under his breath, earning himself a smile and pat on the back. “Don’t question it, Jay. He’ll be gone after a while when none of us are paying attention. Just let it be.”

“But while I’m here”, the other boy continued, grinning devilishly as he looked at Tim and then Jason, “instead of questioning how did I get in, what about I tell you all about your lil bro’s crush? It 's adorable.”

Tim raised an eyebrow “I don’t have a crush on anyone.”

“Like I said, adorable. He’s so oblivious, it’s precious.”

Decision made, Jason left the pizzas at the coffee table and went to fetch a soda for their guest. Gossip, especially about his siblings, was the best way to gain his immediate cooperation. And he could always force the answers about Zatara out of Bart; the brat was terrified of him.

-.-.-.-.-.-

“Hey, who has to cook tonight? Because I’m craving chicken nuggets.”

Cassie raised her eyes from her magazine, tapping a finger against her chin.

“Uhm… Zach, I think?”

Miguel nodded. “Okay, thanks, where can I find him to suggest my dinner idea?”

Cissie, legs on Cassie’s lap, dropped her head over the couch’s armrest. “Ask Tim? Wasn’t he crashing with him this week?”

That same moment, said boy entered the room, shaking his head. “No, he was sharing with Anita and Cassie.”

“No, he wasn’t… Slobo?”

“Not with us either”, denied Miguel, sharing a look with his roommate to confirm just in case.

“Conner?”

“Didn’t Bart say yesterday he was driving him to the airport?”

“Wait, he left the country again?”

“More importantly, can Bart drive?”

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

When Tim came back home from class, Damian was in his living room. Using a laptop. Sitting side by side with Zatarra.

This couldn't be good.

“Hey, Timbo, welcome back.”

“Drake.”

Not uttering a single word, Tim turned around and walked out of there. Sleeping on a park bench seemed like a preferable choice, compared to finding out exactly why the two banes of his life were sitting together. It was healthier, good for his peace of mind.

Something something self care? His therapist would be so proud.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

“Hey dude.”

“Zatara. Your presence here disrupts my room’s feng shui. Please remove yourself from the premises.”

“This disaster zone is the farthest thing from armonious. If anything, I’m improving it.”

Tim raised his eyes from the computer screen. He could always kick the other man out, but that would require leaving the nest he made out of blankets and snacks on his bed. Perhaps a more civilized option would be better. Besides, as boundary-less as the dude was, he didn’t step into the room, just remaining on the doorstep, so whatever he was here for, he most likely needed Tim’s willful compliance.

“If I listen to what you have to say, will you leave?”

Zatara smiled angelically, like butter wouldn’t melt on his mouth, but the look behind his eyes was nothing short of devious. “That’s actually what I came to speak with you about. I have a show…”

“I’m sorry, what?” 

“A magic show. Dude, you do know I’m a magician, right?”

Tim didn’t, in fact, know that, besides baseless suppositions about his disappearing-and-appearing abilities. But he had an all knowing facade to maintain, so he grunted in acknowledgement.

“Right, so, I have a show scheduled for tomorrow, but I took Bart out to dinner yesterday so I’m all dried up, and I need to buy a plane ticket asap.”

“Are you asking me for a loan?” he inquired, incredulous. As a general rule, all their housemates refrained from that. Something about not wanting to take advantage of their billionaire friend…

“No, no. I’m offering you a…. service.”

“Look, Zach, no offense? But you ain’t cute enough for me to stoop that low and pay for the… pleasure of your company. I can just give you the money and you pay me back whenever, dude.”

“No! I didn’t mean it like that! You wish I was offering something  of the sort” he laughed, arms crossed and side leaning against the doorframe, chest and arm muscles perfectly visible. Tim kept his eyes carefully above neck-level. No need to give any weakness away.

“Then?”

“I know you love me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t make you miserable, right?”

“That is correct, yes.”

“Are you familiar with the ‘Buy my silence, $8.000 a month’ meme? Then get ready for a ‘pay for my absence’, my good bitch. I thought maybe you’d like...”

“Sold. I buy it. Take my credit card and go, be free, roam the world. Just get out of my room and fucking text once in a while so I know you’re alive.”

[tiramisiyu]

【未定事件簿】 Tears of Themis: “Romantic Rail Getaway” Lu Jinghe Route, Day 1

Translation Masterlist | Event Masterlist

Lu Jinghe Route: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5

Videos, where applicable, are hyperlinked on the headings in the post.

See under cut!

Part 1: The Rainforest’s Invitation

Circulating Trip Train Start Station

I’ve heard of something along these lines before – Tambuyani’s trip train is a thread that links together pearls.

Only with the guidance of this thread can you experience this country’s charm.

Lu Jinghe: I looked at the train route. The first station is located at Xiangya City.

Lu Jinghe: How about we wander around Xiangya City’s resort area in a moment? We shouldn’t tire ourselves out on the first day too much – might as well save some strength and have our fun slowly later.

MC: Mhmm, I saw that on the guide, it said that the resort has a massive local customs experience workshop. Do you want to experience wood carving?

Lu Jinghe: If you want to go, then I’ll accompany you.

We excitedly discussed our upcoming ride plans.

In front of the trip train’s station, other visitors were just like us, looking forward to the fantastical trip that was soon to start.

About this trip – it had started with Lu Jinghe.

--

[Flashback]

Lu Jinghe: Hey, jiejie, you’re taking a long break these days, right? Got any trip plans?

MC: Hmm… I haven’t thought about it for now. Let me sleep in first a few times, then I’ll figure it out!

Lu Jinghe: After you’ve slept enough, want to consider participating with me on the Tambuyani circulating trip train journey?

Lu Jinghe: A premium luxury high-end self-directed travel, and Pax’s CEO will personally design the trip route for you.

MC: Tambuyani? Why’d you suddenly want to go there?

This name, which I’d only seen in geography books, left me filled with surprise.

Tambuyani was a little tropical country located near the equator. Though its sceneries were magnificent, their economy was undeveloped.

No matter how you thought about it, a place as remote as this wouldn’t be Lu Jinghe’s first choice.

Lu Jinghe: For work. Pax invested in a rainforest over there and opened up an event. I’m planning to go there myself to see.

Lu Jinghe: On the way… I can take you to have fun for a few days and relieve boredom.

MC: So that’s how it was – then I’ll think about it…

Lu Jinghe: Stop considering it – might as well hurry and pack your suitcase. I’ll pick you up tomorrow to go to the airport. Hanging up now.

[Flashback end]

--

Lu Jinghe moved rapidly. On the second day, we boarded the private plain headed towards Tambuyani.

We were sent straight to the start station of the circulating trip train when we got off the plane – he’d arranged for everything neatly and tidily.

Precisely as he said, this was a trip that could let one relax, as well as look forward to greatly.

MC: Right, you said on the phone with me before… you came here for a rainforest project?

Lu Jinghe: Mhmm, Pax is preparing to build a nature reserve at Imana Rainforest and analyze the “parrot-tail fairy flower” project in the meantime.

MC: Parrot-tail fairy flower?

Lu Jinghe: When our people came to the rainforest to discuss the reserve project, they noticed a kind of rare plant with medicinal value, by chance.

MC: Hmm… it sounds like those legendary medicinal herbs that can cure illnesses and save lives?

Lu Jinghe: It might be, though I’m not too clear on the exact situation.

Lu Jinghe: When we get to Xiangya City in a moment, the person in charge of this project will pick us up. When time comes, you can ask him in detail.

MC: … There are Pax’s people in Xiangya City too?

Lu Jinghe: He came to Xiangya City on business today, so I called him over to chat. It’s perfect for getting an understanding of the project’s development – this is called “preparedness averts peril”.

The corners of Lu Jinghe’s mouth pulled up, his eyes full of smiles.

Lu Jinghe: Alright, let’s talk about this later. Let’s think first about how we’ll enjoy a happy lunchtime on the train.

Lu Jinghe: In the train’s dining room, there are Tambuyani’s characteristic culinary delicacies, and decent-tasting Western meals that you can help yourself to. What do you want to eat?

MC: Hmm…

Since we’re here, logically, we should try the delicacies of this place.

But I remembered, when I was looking up the guides, I saw those “characteristic delicacies”.

Stuff like roasted ants, stuffed cicada pupae, roasted scorpions… what if later, the stuff in the food platter brought over by the server was…

Should I challenge myself?

>Self-serve Western meal >This place’s characteristic delicacies

MC: I’ll go with the self-serve Western meal.

Lu Jinghe: Sure, I’ll go book a sumptuous self-serve feast, and we’ll be able to eat it after we get on the train.

Lu Jinghe: Although… you sure you don’t want to try Tambuyani’s characteristic delicacies?

Lu Jinghe: I’ve heard that there’s a kind of black bean orange rice that tastes delicious – it’s one of the visitors’ must-try Top Ten Characteristic Delicacies.

MC: I do want to try… but what if I run into some particularly weird ingredients… that would be tragic…

Lu Jinghe: Makes sense. We can take it slow and check out the tables of the guests who’ve ordered those delicacies.

Lu Jinghe: If there’s anything you want to eat, there’s still time to order them next time.

MC: Okay, so it’s decided!

 >Self-serve Western meal >This place’s characteristic delicacies

MC: Whew, I’ve thought it through! I’m going to eat Tambuyani’s characteristic delicacies!

MC: The guides online say that the black bean orange rice on the train is one of a kind. Those who’ve eaten it all say it’s good.

MC: Want to order one serving with me?

Lu Jinghe: I’ll lowkey let you in on a secret. Actually… I had just wanted to recommend the black bean orange rice to you; didn’t think you’d bring it up first.

Lu Jinghe: Sure enough, the two of us have tacit understanding!

Lu Jinghe smiled, his expression looking “quite proud”.

I was unable to resist teasing him once.

MC: Have you really decided? If it doesn’t taste good, then you won’t be able to regret it.

Lu Jinghe: Have some trust in yourself – believe that our choice will definitely be right!

Lu Jinghe smiled, his eyebrows curving. Looking at his eyes, it seemed like I could smell the sweet scent of the orange rice.

MC: I already can’t wait to try it.

--

“Toot…” accompanying the sound the whistle’s long toot, the circulating trip train entered the station gradually.

Lu Jinghe stood up, dragging his and my two large suitcases, and winked at me.

Lu Jinghe: Let’s go – our rainforest trip is about to start.

MC: Mhmm, coming!

 Part 2: Vacation Entertainment Area – “First Time Hearing about the Rainforest Project”

After the circulating trip train arrived at Xiangya City, I followed Lu Jinghe to tour around Xiangya City’s vacation resort area.

We’d just arrived near the vacation entertainment area when we saw a young person far from us, wearing traditional Tambuyani clothing, waving at us.

???: Hello, CEO Lu and Lawyer MC. You two finally came as expected. Was the trip here smooth?

The young man greeted us very warmly.

???: I’m called Akka, the person in charge of the rainforest project. Welcome to Tambuyani.

MC: Hello.

Lu Jinghe: Akka is the rainforest expert that Pax specially hired. He knows about everything in the rainforest the best.

Lu Jinghe: Weren’t you just talking about how you wanted to know about the rainforest project? You can straight-up ask him.

Akka: CEO Lu, you’re being too courteous. It’s all thanks to the support of Pax that I have the opportunity to take charge over this project that I’ve thought so long over.

Akka: Feel free to ask whatever questions you have. I’ll definitely do my very best to answer them in detail.

--

[INTERROGATION START]

Rainforest Project

MC: Could you tell me what the “Rainforest Project” is?

Akka: It’s like this. The Pax Group and the related departments of Tambuyani’s government reached an agreement to build a rainforest nature reserve.

Akka: The main goal is to develop the rainforest economy, as well as to search for and protect rare rainforest plants.

Akka: The construction plans of the whole reserve was named the “Rainforest Project” by us.

Parrot-tail Fairy Flower

MC: Hm… what’s the “parrot-tail fairy flower” project? Does it have to do with the “Rainforest Project”?

Akka: The parrot-tail fairy flower was a rare plant we noticed by accident.

Akka: In its rhizome, there is a special sort of alkaloid in it that has significant curative effects to many kinds of severe diseases. It’s got very high medicinal value.

Akka: It was just that, due to ecological damage in the rainforest a few years ago with factors like the exacerbation of resource plundering, we thought before that this species of flower had already gone extinct.

Akka: Everyone is very happy about the discovery of the continued existence of the parrot-tail fairy flower.

Akka: I truly hope that we can get a grasp on its properties early on, so we can advance in science-based planting and protection of these.

MC: I really want to see a parrot-tail fairy flower myself.

Lu Jinghe: You can. I’ll take you to see them in a few days.

Reserve Plan

MC: What plan have you prepared for your reserve? Could you let me in on it?

Akka: As of now, there are two large chunks of the plan – the ecological entertainment area and the biological reserve.

Akka: The main hit of the ecological entertainment area is the environmental protection tour, which has attracted more visitors to experience the charm of our Tambuyani rainforest.

Akka: On the biological reserve side, we’re protecting the rare plants in the rainforest. We’ve developed a limited-time sightseeing tour to increase everyone’s protective concern towards the environment.

Akka: Although, these are still in the planning stage. In upcoming days, we might adjust the plan at any given time.

MC: Still, it really does make me excited, listening to it.

MC: After it’s built, I feel like this place will become a trip hotspot.

 Rainforest Economy

MC: When you’re talking about the rainforest’s economy, you mean…?

Akka: We’re mainly developing the rainforest trip project and investing in the rainforest economy.

Akka: Only when the economy has developed will the local residents have the energy to work with us and finish the upcoming collaborative plan.

MC: (Feels like Pax is doing a big project here in Tambuyani.)

INTERROGATION COMPLETE

Lu Jinghe: Alright, let’s end this simple intro here. Shouldn’t we start touring around?

True… I’d gotten too absorbed in the conversation and almost forgot that the trip was the ultimate goal.

MC: Mhmm, let’s go! Let’s sign in at the vacation entertainment area.

Lu Jinghe: Exactly. The trip is what’s important!

 Part 3:  Vacation Relaxation Area

[Gameplay]

Part 4: Indigenous Arts Area – “Pleasures of the Resort”

Leisure Recreational Beach

Under Akka’s company, Lu Jinghe and I followed Xiangya City’s commerce main road, idly strolling near the leisure beach.

The warm sunlight paired with the sounds of the waves, making me absentmindedly think that I was vacationing at a seaside city.

MC: I didn’t think that Xiangya City had such a pretty beach.

Akka: This artificial beach is a specifically-built attraction by the trip planning department, to guide visitor flow.

Akka: A little farther down is Xiangya City’s most well-known vacation resort. As it’s your first times coming to Tambuyani, I recommend that you two must go check it out.

Akka gave us a warm introduction to the popular attractions in Xiangya City, looking just like a tour guide.

--

INTERROGATION START

Popular Attractions

MC: Akka, how about you recommend some of the popular attractions in the vacation resort for us?

Akka: I personally would recommend the two of you see the rainforest ecology park, and the indigenous art museum.

Akka: I feel like… these two places embody natural style and cultural environment of Tambuyani the best.

Rainforest Ecology Park

MC: If we go to the rainforest ecology park, we’ll probably experience the charm of the rainforest in advance, right?

Akka: Yes, the entire rainforest ecology park is designed to reproduce Tambuyani’s most famous Imana Rainforest.

Akka: Over two hundred types of rainforest plans are planted in the ecology park, and we also have explanatory guidepeople to expound on the characteristics of the rainforest plants.

Akka: I feel like this is a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the rainforest.

MC: Mhmm, we’ll go see the ecology park in a moment.

MC: I already can’t wait to experience the atmosphere of the rainforest.

Indigenous Art Museum

MC: The indigenous art museum… is it a place to display the artwork of the indigenous people?

Akka: Yes, this art museum was recently just completed and opened to the public.

Akka: There are lots of modern handmade artworks made by the indigenous people, as well as some ancient art relics dug up by archaeologists.

Akka: Trust me, you’ll definitely feel like it was worth it if you go see!

MC: (Art-related things… Lu Jinghe probably is very interested.)

MC: How about we go check out the art museum in a while?

Lu Jinghe: I was thinking this too. Sure enough, we’ve got tacit understanding.

 Rainforest Delicacies

MC: I remember that… the online guides say that there’s a rainforest delicacy street in the resort area!

MC: Are there any special delicacies you can recommend?

Akka: Haha, there are lots of delicious delicacies in the resort. As for special ones… hmm…

Akka: I’d recommend the two of you try the palmito salad and black bean coconut milk fried shrimp.

Palmito Salad

MC: Palmito salad?

Akka: Yes, it uses the tree core of a special palm tree, which gets grouped with olive oil and fresh fish to make a salad.

Akka: This kind of palmito tastes sweet and refreshing, is rich in nutrition, and it has diet therapy uses.

Akka: I guarantee that you two will praise it to high heavens after eating it.

MC: Sounds pretty good. Lu Jinghe, how about we try it later?

Lu Jinghe: Sure, it’s noted on our delicacy checklist.

 Black Bean Coconut Milk Fried Shrimp

MC: Black bean coconut milk fried shrimp? Hmm… the sound of it kind of feels like dark cuisine.

Akka: It’s not dark at all! The fragrant black beans, sweet coconut milk, and the fresh, sweet shrimp are a perfect combination!

Akka: It’s covered in breadcrumbs and fried until golden – it’ll definitely shock your tastebuds.

MC: (Why does it sound like he’s reciting it off an advertisement? Could this be a delicacy Akka likes?)

MC: Sure, I’ll try it when I get the chance.

INTERROGATION END

--

Akka patiently introduced us to the various vacation events in the resort area. The hype I was feeling was already at its highest level.

MC: It feels like there are lots of places in the resort area.

Lu Jinghe: Mhmm, we’ve got an entire day’s worth of time, and we can check them out slowly.

Just as we were chatting, Akka’s phone suddenly vibrated.

He turned around and picked up a call. A few minutes later, he hung up, looking at an utter loss as he faced us.

Akka: CEO Lu, Lawyer MC, my apologies. I’ve got some things to deal with and I’ve got to return to the research lab…

Lu Jinghe: No worries, go ahead.

MC: Thanks for introducing us to so much stuff. We’ll check everything out ourselves for the next while.

Akka: Right, this is our Tambuyani travel map, and the popular attractions have been indicated on it.

Akka: If the two of you are interested, you might as well reference the travel route on the map.

MC: This map is really useful, thank you.

Akka: No problem. Then, I hope that you have fun at Tambuyani. Goodbye.

 Part 5: Rainforest Delicacies Area

[Gameplay]

 Part 6: Rainforest Ecology Park

[Gameplay]

 Part 7: Lively Intent

Xiangya Resort Area

After bidding farewell to the person in charge of the project, Lu Jinghe and I went to wander at the resort area.

We walked as we viewed the resort area’s rainforest ecology park, experiencing the charm of the rainforest in advance.

MC: The real forest must be even more beautiful.

Lu Jinghe: Mhmm, Imana Rainforest is known as the Green Pearl of Tambuyani, the most beautiful location in Tambuyani.

Lu Jinghe: In two days, we’ll be able to witness its charm ourselves.

MC: There’s a question I’ve wanted to ask the whole time… is Pax SciTech’s collaboration with Tambuyani for the rainforest reserve very important?

Lu Jinghe: Huh, why do you ask?

MC: You’re pretty busy usually. If it’s not important, you wouldn’t come out to inspect this yourself.

Lu Jinghe: Projects like this don’t need me to head out personally to begin with, but, well…

MC: (So, you simply just wanted to come out with me and have fun?)

Lu Jinghe: I took you out to have fun to have some more days off.

Guessed right – not even the slightest bit off.

MC: Oh you… watch out, you’ll probably be scolded again by your Board of Directors members again after getting back.

Lu Jinghe: Jiejie, are you worrying about me?

Lu Jinghe’s voice was full of joy, hints of mischief showing through his eyes that were full of smiles.

Based on what I understood of him, he was waiting for me to deny it to seize the opportunity and tease me.

Hmph, I’m not letting him lead me by my nose!

MC: Yeah, I’m “worried” that that group of old people will give you a good spank when you get back.

MC: When time comes, don’t come jumping into my arms, crying.

Lu Jinghe: Ah?!

Lu Jinghe widened his eyes and opened his mouth, wanting to speak, yet speechless.

After freezing for two to three seconds, he tactically coughed twice, clearing his throat.

Lu Jinghe: Uh… tomorrow, we’re going to check in at the Mangrove Forest Park. How about we head back to the train earlier and rest?

It truly was rare to force Lu Jinghe into surrender. If there was time, I really wanted to see this for a few more minutes.

But he was right – it really wasn’t that early anymore.

Thinking about the itinerary tomorrow, I decided to let him go for now.

MC: Sure, I’ll listen to you. Let’s head back.

Hearing me say this, Lu Jinghe released a very conspicuous sigh, displaying the lively smile that was just like in the past.

[idkthisisjustforfanfic]

U N P L A N N E D, part five

An unexpected phone call from Harry while he was out of town certainly wasn’t what your rising level of hormones needed. You were seven weeks pregnant, nauseous at random times in the day, and still incredibly tight lipped about the tiny pea-sized human inside of you. 

But the phone call wasn’t really what had you in tears--it was his request for a FaceTime call so you could meet his mum and his sister. He promised that they were shocked but excited nonetheless, happy that you weren’t a complete stranger and certainly not just a random hook up. 

Okay, so I guess he’s a liar, Lexi laughed, unintentionally dredging up the embarrassment that slept in the pit of your stomach. 

But he swore they were excited, especially once he promised you that he didn’t make it sound like you were a longtime friend or a girlfriend. Don’t lie to them about how we know each other, Harry, don’t make it sound like this wasn’t an accident. 

So when the call came across your phone, you swallowed the panic and the nausea and hoped for the best. Lexi and Glenne sipped margaritas at the counter and pretended they weren’t there. They wrote notes on paper and slid suggestions your way. Ask about what they’ve done as a family while he’s home. Say you can’t wait to meet them in person!

It was fine enough--they wished you well and promised to meet face to face soon. His mother cried a bit and said she was happy--shocked, I’m not going to lie, but happy nonetheless. 

So you didn’t expect to hear from him for a few days. He’d be home on Sunday--he’d mentioned it in passing on the FaceTime call--so you were sure you’d have time to settle and prepare for whatever was upcoming.

But when your phone rang on the counter Thursday night, Lexi was eating a bowl of cereal in her underwear in front of an SVU marathon. You slid your thumb across the screen to answer it.

“Hello?”

His voice was quiet, you tried to do the math of what time it was there. “Hi--s’me.”

“Hi,” you paused to stand over the sink, your back to Lexi for whatever sliver of privacy your apartment could afford. 

“What are you up to?”

“Just got home from work, actually. We’re just gonna hang out tonight, kind of tired, honestly.”

He hummed in response, you could hear the sleep in his voice. You wondered where he was. In bed? About to brush his teeth? You didn’t ask why he called.

“Do you feel alright?”

“Yeah,” you reassured. “I’m fine. Kind of nauseous and just more tired than usual--but I think that’s normal.”

“Right. I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“I know,” you laughed. “It’s been a minute. What have you been up to?”

“A lot of meetings, honestly. Spent a few nights in London for a photoshoot for the album cover, merch stuff. Nothing too exciting.”

You held the phone in place with your shoulder, shifting over to the fridge to find an appetizing snack. “That sounds cool--better than getting angry emails about your font choice.”

“Yeah I can’t say I’ve experienced that. But look, I, uh, I’m glad you got to talk to my family the other night.”

You paused, a swell of emotion in your eyes. It might not have been your most cherished social interaction to date, but he hadn’t said anything to make you think it had crashed and burned. “Me too, it was almost sort of fun--aside from all the crying I’m doing.”

Lexi’s ears perked up at that, she made a face from the living room. If she didn’t know who was on the phone, she did now.

“Right,” he laughed. “S’the hormones, I guess, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

A pause. “When do you think I could, you know, see you again?”

“Dunno,” You sighed, a rush of heat on your cheeks. “You’re back Sunday and it’s a busy week at work, next week. So, maybe next weekend or something?”

“Yeah--okay, I just, miss you, is all.”

“Oh--uh, yeah, it’s been forever,” you looked over at Lexi, still pretending like she was watching TV and not eavesdropping. You didn’t know if you should say it back. Did you miss him? Sure--maybe you felt a little weird not knowing what he was up to or not wanting to text him about new symptoms, but--you didn’t know if that counted as missing him. In all honesty, you were kind of surprised he said it. 

So you settled on something in between. “Yeah--I can’t wait for you to come home. Or, back to LA, I guess.”

“I can stop by, when I land, if you’re around Sunday.”

“Yeah--I should be here, if you want.”

“Okay.”

“What time is it?”

“One in the morning,” he stifled a laugh. “I saw my dad for dinner tonight--hung out with my sister. Just getting to sleep now and wanted to see how you were.”

You licked at your lips, trying to ignore the spark in your veins when you realized that he was thinking about you. You were out of sight, but not out of mind. You expected to be out of both.

“Alright--well, I’m fine. You can sleep, you sound tired.”

“I am.”

“Okay.”

“Okay--so I’ll see you Sunday?”

“Yeah, I’ll see you then, Harry. Night.”

You hung up and set it down on the counter, surprised at the smile on your face.

Lexi looked up from the bowl of cereal she had on her lap. Eyes wide, she held your gaze for a second. “You are so catching feelings, homegirl.”

You made a face, a scoff before you retorted. “I am not.”

“Yes, you are!” She put the bowl on the coffee table and crawled over on the cushions to get a better view of you in the kitchen. “I had fun too, that sounds so cool, it’s been forever since I’ve seen you!”

You rolled your eyes--her impression of you wasn’t too far off, but she managed to raise the octave of your voice when she twirled a piece of her hair around a finger. 

“I’m being nice to him, he’s the father of my unborn child, is that okay?”

“More than fine,” she laughed, waving a hand at you. “That’s the most romantic shit I’ve ever heard.”

You settled on a spoonful of peanut butter to hold you over until dinner. You uncapped the lid of the jar. “It’s nothing, okay? We’re friends. Don’t you think we need to be friends if we’re having a baby?”

“Y/N, look--” she stood from the couch and came over to the island, watching as you dipped a spoon inside. “I love you, with all my heart. I love the little lump of cells in your uterus--and I would regret it if I didn’t say that you and Harry falling in love would just about make my 2019 altogether.”

You shoved it in your mouth and spoke around it. “Alright, well, don’t hold your breath.”

She narrowed her eyes at you, dismissing your comment before she turned to go back to the couch. “You’re obnoxious.”

“I’m reasonable and rational. Just because I got over my whole hating him phase doesn’t mean I’m in love with him.”

“Okay, first off, you never hated him. So I don’t even know who you’re trying to play.”

“Well I didn’t really like him at first. And I definitely didn’t like the idea of being pregnant with a stranger’s baby, okay? This has been a weird two months.”

“Exactly. You’re two months pregnant with a popstar’s baby--one who happens to be cute and rich and charming as fuck! And you’re saying you’re not gonna catch any feelings.”

You shook your head. It wasn’t like that. “I’m co-existing with the father of my child and being friendly. We’ve hung out, what? Maybe like, seven times? And two of which were to sign paperwork about how I won’t sue him or blackmail him and another two were for doctors appointments? That’s not exactly for fun, Lexi.”

You didn’t mean to sound so defensive--but maybe you were saying it for your good as well as hers. No one needed to get their hopes up, especially not you. 

She laughed, reached for the remote to unmute her show. “Okay--well, when you wake up one day and realize you’ve got it bad for him, don’t say I didn’t call it.”

“Okay,” you promised sarcastically, “I’ll be sure to tell you when that happens.”

**

He didn’t stop by after the airport like he’d said. His flight was delayed and by the time he landed you were fast asleep, though you did wake up to a few messages. 

Harry (11:56pm): I just landed, took so long, I’m sorry. Are you up?

Harry (12:02am): I’d still love to stop by if you are. 

Harry (12:04am): I’ll see you soon xx

You replied the next morning, promising that it was fine and you were asleep and you’d definitely, certainly see him soon. You didn’t tell Lexi that you really wanted to. 

So you had to make an excuse when she asked if you wanted to meet her for dinner on Melrose, and then you had to dodge Simone on your way out of the office on Monday. 

“You were such a help today,” she said, catching up with you when you flicked off the lights in your office and shut the door. “I never thought Carson would admit that he made a mistake, but, there’s a first for everything.”

You had your work bag over your shoulder, sunglasses on your head when you laughed. “I’m glad he took me seriously, for once.”

“You’ve been busy lately--I feel like you’re never here.”

Her comment wasn’t loaded, Simone was always encouraging everyone to have a better work-life balance. 

“I know--I’ve had a lot going on, but I’m all good.”

“You sure? Do you need help with anything?”

“No--I finalized that ad today for the new line of home tech, so--we should be fine.”

“Okay,” she smiled, a sliver of skepticism in her eyes. “Where are you off to now?”

“A friend’s,” you said casually. Not a lie. “Haven’t seen him in forever, so--just catching up.” Not completely a lie. 

She raised her eyebrows a bit. “A male friend? That’s exciting.”

You rolled your eyes. “It’s not, I swear. But I should go--the 405 is already a shit show, so.”

“Yeah, okay,” she fell into step beside you, pulling off at her office door that was only a few steps down the hall. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The parking lot was full and the Southern California sun beat down on the pavement--you called your mom on your way to Harry’s and asked if hot flashes came along with being pregnant. She was glad you got to FaceTime with his family, but jealous, she admitted. I’ll come to town when they do, she promised. We’ll all go out to brunch!

The drive up through the hills was nice, windows down, radio hummed and made you feel as if all was normal. The butterflies didn’t kick in until you parked and walked up the front steps. 

He greeted you at the door, hair coiffed in the afternoon sun. He squinted, lips turned up at the corners when he let his eyes sweep over your figure. “Hi,” an outstretched arm to offer you a platonic side-hug. “How was work?”

“Fine,” you said, stepping inside the air conditioned walls. You let your work bag fall onto the floor beside you. “My coworkers definitely know that something is up.”

You were surprised when a look of panic didn’t cross his face. He laughed, headed over past the stairs and into the kitchen. “Yeah--why’s that?”

“Cause I’ve had to work from home a fair amount and I don’t tell them why.”

His forehead creased, worry on his face as if something was wrong.

“Just when I have a doctor’s appointment or something,” you reassured. “But normally I’d tell them why and I haven’t and then today when I was leaving, Simone--she’s on my team--asked why I was in a hurry to leave.”

“And?” He grabbed a glass from a sleek black cupboard, placed it beneath the faucet. 

“I just said I was seeing a friend.”

He handed the glass over, now filled three-quarters of the way with water. He raised his eyebrows in a triumphant smirk. 

“What?”

“You called me your friend.”

You didn’t miss a beat. “I didn’t think that baby daddy would be appropriate.”

“Fair,” he leaned his head to the side and watched as you sipped the water. After a second, he turned his back, stopped to look over a piece of paper on the counter. “Well, I’m gonna make us some dinner. Figured you might be sick of In N’ Out and seeing as take away is the only low key option, prepare yourself for a culinary masterpiece.”

You swallowed the water quickly, trying to hide the shock on your face. “Do you cook, like, ever?”

He turned around, offended. “What? Y/N are you kidding? Of course I cook.”

“Well I didn’t know if you have someone do that sort of thing for you.”

He made another face, blinked a few times as if he couldn’t believe what you were saying. “Take a seat,” he said finally, motioning to a stool on the other side of his island. “Watch.”

He diced onion, chopped up carrots. What is this? You teased. Chicken soup? 

But you were close--a roast chicken dish that his grandmother had passed down to his mom. My specialty, he promised. So you sat there for a while, you told him about Carson and the rude emails, about the possible promotion and your nervousness about what would happen when--you know--there was someone else involved. 

“Someone else?”

“A child,” you said. “You know, that thing in my uterus that we saw the other week. It’s gonna be super different when it’s here. He or she or they or whoever. I don’t know how I’m supposed to be Team Lead if I have a baby on my nipple.”

Another smirk, then a shrug. “We can get a nanny.”

“No--I don’t--we don’t need that.”

“Well--if I’m going to be on tour at some point next year and you’re getting promoted, we might need some help.”

You hadn’t ever thought that far ahead. Not past the possibility of being pregnant at work and eventually having to tell everyone that you were, in fact, pregnant. “We have friends and family, though. I don’t want my baby raised by a stranger.”

“Wouldn’t be a stranger, love,” he picked up a pair of tongs, stirred the contents inside the pan. “It’d be a nanny.”

“Well, I think it’s too soon to go there.”

He let the tongs rest on the counter. A moment of silence passed between you. 

That’s when you looked around, looked over your shoulder at the living room behind you. The arm of the couch you sat on in a tight dress--the coffee table you’d left your drink on that night when he showed you the bedroom upstairs. 

“I haven’t actually been in here since that night,” you said, your words floated towards the ceiling, large windows overlooked the backyard, a pool, sleek white chairs to lay in the sun. 

“You stood in the foyer when you told me.”

You laughed, looked over your shoulder at him. He was leaned against the counter, sunlight giving you a good look at the ink on his arms. “I kind of wiped that day from my memory.”

“I can show you--upstairs--if you want.”

“The scene of the crime?”

“The conception of our child,” he said, pointed a finger in the air to correct you. He motioned with his chin towards the stairs, started walking before you agreed. “Come on.”

So you hopped off the stool, followed him up the large staircase that twisted around itself, bringing you up to a hardwood landing and a long hall. The master ensuite was at the end, apparently, he pointed out guest rooms and a home office before he opened a set of double doors.

“Wow,” you said, almost more to yourself than to him. 

He snickered, “you’ve seen it before, remember?”

“Yeah, but, I was drunk and it was dark.”

You didn’t remember the view--but you did remember him pressing a button on a remote somewhere to draw the curtains. He laughed and fell onto the bed that night, insisting that you must have been a real trooper to put up with Lexi running lines at all hours of the night prior to big auditions. 

“Yeah--well this is it,” he said, a few steps forward towards the end of the king sized bed. “Bathroom’s over there, good tub.”

“It’s beautiful,” you said, feeling a bit uncomfortable, like somehow you were both back in that night, ghosts of your past selves tangled in the sheets.

“Yeah--definitely quite a romantic spot, so, I don’t blame us that night.”

You laughed at that, rolled your eyes when he walked over to the floor to ceiling windows, crossed his arms and took in the view of Los Angeles. You shrugged. “I mean--we could have done a few things better.”

“Hey,” he chastised, turning around with a smirk on his face. “It was a magical night!”

“Right--if you count the drunken fumbling and then, you know, the whole conceiving a child thing.”

“We were drunk but it was still--good.”

An awkward beat, pink on your cheeks before you turned around to look at the white duvet. He had to say that, right? He definitely couldn’t say it was bad or he didn’t remember or something.

“I remember almost falling off the bed at one point.”

“Right after I took your bra off--you tried to make sure it wasn’t improperly folded,” he choked back a laugh, a knowing look on his face about how you tended to be with neatness. “But in full transparency, Y/N, I wasn’t really worried about how it was folded. I was more just trying to kiss you.”

You ignored the look on his face, one that made you feel like he was flirting with you. “Then I remember you putting on a condom--like you should.”

“Right, grabbed it from the bedside table,” he went over and opened the drawer, pulling out a black and gold box, tiny foil squares inside. 

You sighed at the sight of them--the tiny devices that should have kept this from happening. A few steps forward, an extended hand to look at the box. “99% effective my ass.”

You flipped it over in your hands, he let out a sigh. 

“Harry, hold on--is this, it says expires 2018. It’s 2019.”

“What?” He reached for the box and took it out of your hands quickly, holding it closer to his face this time to look at the tiny, black numbers on the side. “Fuck.”

“Are you kidding?” You stepped back from him. “You had expired condoms and we had sex with an expired condom and that’s why this happened?”

You weren’t as angry as you sounded, mostly shocked and annoyed and honestly, sort of nauseous from all of the scents that followed you up from the kitchen.

“I didn’t know--I obviously wouldn’t have used them if I knew--I just, I hadn’t been here in a while before then!”

You let out a sigh and squeezed your eyes shut, pinched at the bridge of your nose.

He stepped towards you, his voice filled with concern. “Is something wrong? Are you sick?” 

You opened your eyes quickly, offered him a death glare. “No--I just can’t believe you’re that stupid!”

He rolled his eyes at that, tossed the box on the bed and let his hands fall against his sides. “Well, my apologies, then. It’s all my fault.”

“No--I’m not, I’m sorry, it’s just,” you opened your eyes now, rubbed at them a few times before letting him come back into focus. “That explains it. Now we know. It’s no one’s fault.”

He sat on the bed, a tiny laugh from between his lips. “I mean, it’s sort of mine.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at that, dimples on his cheeks when he looked up at you. You sat beside him on the bed and let your back hit the mattress. “Glad we’re on the same page.”

You stared at the ceiling, hoping that deep breaths would quell the nausea inside of you. In, out, in, out. Another plane was visible out the window, taking off this time, nose pointed towards the sky, bringing the people inside far away from a busy Los Angeles.

“You know,” he turned around, pulled a knee up onto the duvet when he stared down at you. His voice was quiet and the sun that seeped through the windows gave him a bit of a glow. “I have a feeling that one day we won’t regret it as much as we do right now.”

The word already left a bad taste in your mouth--regret. It was that stupid tracking app--as soon as you started seeing fruit sizes, you were done for. You could regret it or wish it hadn’t happened but the truth was that you were here and it was real and you already felt a growing love for the lump of cells that had attached to your uterine lining. 

“I know,” you said quietly. 

More silence. He watched you for a second until you stood up, heading back to the kitchen, suddenly hungry for dinner and desperate for more water. 

“This is bullshit,” you said later that night, feet up on the coffee table when he flipped through channels on TV. “Haven’t you seen those things where the guy doesn’t drink throughout the pregnancy either, cause he’s a good partner?” You caught the word as soon as it slipped out. “Not that--you know--just that most people are married in this situation.”

“I know what you mean,” he didn’t even look over at you, settled on Jeopardy before he put down the remote and picked up the glass of wine that he’d nursed through dinner. “That’s a big ask, Y/N.”

“Having your child because you used an expired condom is a big ask, Harry.”

He raised his glass of wine towards you, as if to cheers. “You’re not wrong. But I thought it was no one’s fault?”

“Well--it’s your fault I can’t have a glass of cabernet.”

He leaned over, let a hand rest on your thigh and looked you in the eyes. “When she’s here and you can drink, I’ll buy you all the wine you want.”

A thump in your chest--you’d kept yourself from taking a guess. “She’s a she?”

“Don’t you think?” He let go now, moved back to his seat and picked up his wine casually before he reached to check his phone. 

“I hadn’t thought at all, really, about it. One way or another.”

“I think it’s a girl.”

“Do you want it to be a girl?”

He pushed his lips out in thought. “No preference. Just a feeling.”

A pause--the daily double logo flashed on the screen. “Do you want to find out at some point?”

“I don’t know,” you shrugged. I don’t know when they can tell, so.”

“Me neither. We don’t have to.”

He changed the subject, then. Asked about Lexi and promised you that Jeff wasn’t upset. He had another glass of wine and showed you pictures from his trip home. One of him and his sister on a hike--another with his mom and her cat, socked feet on their couch one night after dinner. 

His world was a strange one--far away from yours but somehow it had already fully collided. At 9:30pm you decided it was best to head home. Traffic would be light if you were lucky, but a 7am wake up call was waiting on the other side of sleep. He handed you the work bag you’d dropped on the floor and offered a closed lip smile. “Can I see you again soon?”

You hesitated, slung the strap over your shoulder and tried to come up with the right response. “Yeah--I mean, if you want. I know you’re busy, you don’t--like--have to hang out with me, remember?”

He shook his head, his tone a bit harsh when he searched your eyes for an answer. “I want to--why is that so impossible for you to swallow?”

“It’s not impossible--I just, I don’t know. We don’t really know each other and we don’t have to pretend like this is anything other than what it is.”

“I want to know you. You’re the mother of my child, Y/N.”

“Fine.”

“I mean it.”

“Okay,” you said, defeated. You didn’t know if you believed him. You wanted to. But the hormones in your system were likely untrustworthy. Getting to know him meant you could like it, like him. It meant you could get attached and getting attached meant you could get hurt. You pushed the thought out of your head. You were thinking about it too much already. “I’ll see you in a few days.”

**

Jeff watched as you sat in the chair, a rubber band tied tight around your arm. “He’ll be here,” he said. “He’s just running late, I guess.”

You nodded, hoping the nurse with blue gloves wouldn’t get excited when she saw who Jeff was referring to. 

They’d decided the paternity test would be done by a third-party lab. Another doctor’s office, this time in Burbank. Jeff watched as the needle slid into your vein, a vial in the nurse’s hand soon filled. 

A knock on the door, another nurse with Harry in tow once the first vial had been replaced with a second. “Hi,” he said, a bit out of breath. “Sorry--I was doing some stuff with Emma at the house.”

You waved awkwardly, left arm still held in the hands of the nurse. She smiled in his direction, you’d watched her sign the NDA that Jeff had brought, a letter from Dave’s office, a watermark made it official. 

How awkward, you thought. Various people here and there now knew. Dr. Weston’s office. These nurses. You wondered when there’d be the inevitable meeting about coming out with it. What would be said when something finally leaked? How would you keep your privacy or your sanity when people wanted more information from you? 

“Okay,” the nurse smiled, a wad of gauze over the crook of your elbow. “All set.”

“Am I up?” Harry took a step forward, ready to climb into the chair. 

“Just a cheek swab, from you,” she replied, setting the second vial in a stand beside the first. She stuck a label on to each of them, reached for a long q-tip and then turned around. Harry opened his mouth, looked around awkwardly when she held his chin and then rubbed at the inside of his cheek. 

You crossed your arms, “everything the man has to do is easier with this stuff, isn’t it?”

Jeff laughed at that, shrugged a bit before the nurse let go of Harry’s face. He moved his tongue around a bit, smacking his lips together as if the swab had a bad taste.

It was awkward, the whole thing. Apparently Dave had decided that Jeff should chaperone, watch you get poked and prodded to ensure that the results were accurate. Nothing had changed in Harry’s demeanor, and if you took his words at face value, he trusted you. Believed you. So why, of all people, was Jeff not?

Pam--that’s what the nametag on her scrubs said--set the swab in a tube. “So we’ll send this off now and the results will be mailed to the address you listed in 5-10 business days.”

“It’s going to Dave’s office,” Jeff informed the two of you. “He’ll call you both with the results.”

You grabbed your purse and you were all on your way to the parking lot to find your separate cars in the warm sun. You wanted to ask them if they really thought you were lying, ask if you were allowed to say I told you so when the results came back. Glenne promised it was just a legal requirement. Nothing to do with you, she said. They’d make anyone do it. 

“I’m supposed to meet Glenne for lunch,” Jeff said, a hand over his eyes when he turned around. “If you guys want to join.”

You looked over at Harry, were they your friends or his? If you’d been worried about people having to choose sides, now was the moment it came to fruition. Harry stood in the parking lot, sunglasses on his face when he seemed to wait for your response. Could you both go? 

“Oh--I don’t--you can go, Harry. I should go home anyway. Lexi and I said we’d clean today.”

“I think Lexi’s coming,” Jeff pulled his phone out of his pocket to check a text. “Yeah--Glenne said we’re meeting at Fin’s for brunch.”

“You can ride with me, Y/N,” Harry stepped forward now, still waiting for you to make a call. Hesitation, a nervousness in your stomach about what Jeff thought of it all. Would he allow you to go in the same car? Or was that somehow against something you’d signed? 

But the nervousness felt like nausea and the nausea sometimes felt like hunger. So you went.

Not because your apartment wasn’t a mess, but mostly because you knew Lexi’d give you shit if you bailed. You promised yourself you’d give her shit for roping you into a group outing. She knew what she was doing. When she agreed to tag along she knew she’d signed you up for it, too. 

“If she’s not then I’m not,” Harry smiled up at the waiter, shut his menu in front of him before smiling over at you.

“You can get a mimosa,” you rolled your eyes in response. Lexi’s manicured hands clapped together when Glenne ordered a pitcher for the table.

“M’fine, water’s fine.”

The waiter disappeared and you ignored the smirk on Lexi’s face. 

“I’ve been thinking about what you said,” he turned to you again, voice quieter as if the rest of the table wasn’t listening. “I can definitely go nine months.”

“Without alcohol? Yeah, right,” Glenne laughed. “You’ll make it two weeks before you want a glass of Merlot.”

“I’ll be fine,” he scoffed, sunglasses still on his face beneath the terraced patio. “I don’t even like Merlot.”

Glenne made a face and Jeff leaned forward. “You really think you can go nine months without drinking?”

Harry set his elbows on the table, narrowed his eyes. “Care to make it interesting?”

“Place your bets, everyone,” Glenne let out a laugh and reached for the water that had already been delivered. 

“Two weeks,” you said quickly. Another shocked look from Harry when turned to see you. 

“Two weeks?! You think I’m spineless, don’t you?”

“I watched you house two glasses of wine the other night after dinner.”

Jeff raised his eyebrows at that--Glenne seemed to give Lexi a look. You tried to backtrack, suddenly worried that maybe they weren’t supposed to know you and Harry had spent some time together outside of meetings and doctors appointments. 

“Whatever, how long do you think you can go?” You pushed the attention back to Harry, he shifted in his seat beside you.

“Nine months,” He nodded. “I think I can do it.”

“I give you two months,” Jeff sighed. “Tops.”

“I vote eight months,” Lexi said, leaning forward and resting her chin in her hand. “I think your downfall will be Christmas and New Years.”

“That counts as nine months if it’s New Years,” Harry said. “She’s due in January!”

“I vote halfway. Four or five months,” Glenne leaned back and watched him. 

You sipped at your water, a bit resentful about all of it. Here they were, all talking as if everything was normal. As if Harry’s lawyer hadn’t painted you to be a liar. As if the problem here was your negligence or greed, not the expired condoms in Harry’s bedside table. As if you didn’t feel out of place at a fancy restaurant in North Hollywood, likely the only person at the table who couldn’t afford an early retirement. 

Harry het a land rest on your knee beneath the table. “I’ll do my best, and whoever’s closest, I’ll buy you a nice dinner.”

“That’s all?” Jeff teased. “No yacht or car?”

“I’ll take you to Nobu,” he raised his eyebrows, giving Jeff a look he apparently couldn’t resist. 

“So I have a question, then,” Glenne changed the subject, her voice quieter than it was before. “Have you thought about any names?”

“No,” you said quickly, hands folded in your lap. Harry fumbled with his napkin but watched as you spoke. “We don’t even--we don’t have the results yet.” You motioned back to the street--back towards the chair and the tiny room with fluorescent lights--as if you couldn’t do any sort of planning until it was settled. The parentage, as Dave had said. 

Glenne nodded, lips pursed in a line. She knew where you stood with it--she thought it was just as shitty as unfair as you did, but she was stuck in the middle. “Sweetie--we know you wouldn’t lie about it, it’s just--”

You looked at Jeff quickly, pulled your eyes back to Glenne. The waiter appeared with three glasses, placed them right in front of Lexi as if she’d drink all three. She rubbed her hands together when they were poured. 

Jeff shrugged and offered you an apologetic smile. “I know it’s shitty and awkward,” he said. “But just think about what a shit show it could be if we didn’t test it. I mean--it’s you, I get that. You’re not just some random person or something, but--we’d be stupid to not just make sure.”

“I know,” you said. “I get it.”

“Once the results are back next week Dave will lighten up,” Jeff nodded. “I’ll talk to him.”

Harry was quiet, watched as Lexi handed the last mimosa over to Jeff. After a second, he shrugged. “I like Vienna.”

You turned to look at him quickly. “Vienna? As a name?”

He nodded.

“No,” you said. “I don’t like it.”

“Or Jane. Simple, pretty.”

Lexi looked at him like he had three heads. “You already decided it’ll be a girl?”

He nodded, shifted to look at you as if he couldn’t be any more serious. “She knows I’m right.”

“No I don’t,” you laughed. “He’s crazy. If you’re worried about one of us being a nut job, it’s him,” you looked directly at Jeff. 

Harry held up his glass of water, pushed it towards the center of the table. Glenne raised her mimosa, she laughed when Lexi took a gulp before clinking hers into the circle. 

“Here’s to me being a nut job, then,” Harry laughed. “Even though I’m right.”

table of contents | talk to me + join the tag list

author’s note: HELLO AGAIN! I’m posting off schedule right now cause I know folks are home and looking for some positivity. So if you’ve got nothing else to do, read some fanfic!! Stay the fuck home, y’all. I’m a nurse. I mean it. 

tag list: @stepping-into-the-light @thurhomish @afterstylesmadeit @iconicharry @stylesfics-xx @harryspirate @mellamolayla @harryinsweatersandbandanas @stylesfantasy @clorenafila @mell-love @anssu-amry @yelllowgrass @littlesoldierelleora @styles217 @rachkon @c-h-e-r-r-y-y @myhat  @rosegoldbel @passionate-dreamerr @grammyforstyles @haute-romance-quotidienne@dontgiveupthedayjob @ursamajor603 @craic-head-horan @heavenspidey @talk-british-2-me-britbritharry @blackxxmagicc @winter-soldier-007 @ssllbb @wanderlustiing @jdcharliewhiskey  @caritocp @kaybee87 @wildbeee @hsunflowervol @harrys-medicines @tobe-sogolden @theresnooneheretosave @1d-tommo5 @soullikestyles @mrsfstyles  @you-youneverdo @fstopsteph @cock-a-doodely-doo 

[secretsniper2]

Holiday Hell: Part 1

“Where are you taking me April?” Hazel said while being led to the bedroom by April.

“Just trust me and pack your bags! your going to love it!” April said as she started throwing clothes into bags.

Following her lovers advice she began packing 3 bags and caught April 3 times sneaking toys into her bags, the occasional dildo and buttplug, even the wand made it into a bag, April though she was so subtle.. Giving Hazel a deep kiss April began loading the car and headed to the airport and parked.

“you always said you wanted to see a new country so i got us 2 tickets to Australia!” April said with a big smile on her face as they both walked to the front doors making Hazel gasp with excitement, she always did want to pet a kangaroo.

The 2 enthusiastic women went into the terminal and placed their bags to be checked, passing through the X-ray, April watched the guards face change as the contents might as well be clearly labelled as ”sex toys”, but what really got her to laugh was when the guard went a deep red as bag after bag full of toys went through. Collecting their bags they boarded the plane and flew south to Australia for some fun. Landing at Sydney airport the 2 women walked through baggage claim and out the front doors the first thing the 2 women do is take a deep breath, taking in the sights and hailing a cab to go to their hotel to unpack and make plans.

Deciding the beach would be fantastic they put their bikinis on and skirts and shirts over them, Hazel turned to April and her jaw dropped as she was handed a vibrator and told to put it inside her pussy. Instant arousal make Hazel’s face burn red as she calmly took the toy and inserted it deep inside her.

“I'm going to have some fun with you.” April said with a smile.

“Yes, thank you Mistress” Hazel said with a smile matching hers

Walking out of the hotel they 2 women walk around the corner with Hazel wincing occasionally as her lover played with the remote. Being stopped by a man with long hair and a beard he asked if Hazel was ok as her face was a little red, Seizing the opportunity to have more fun April turned the toy up a few notches as Hazel tried to explain that she just has natural rosy cheeks, stumbling over her words abit as her loving mistress maxed the toy out, almost intent on making Hazel cum in front of this man but is stopped right at the edge as April laughs.

Face still burning hotter as they walked away to the beach, Hazel is edged another 5 times, her mistress clearly knowing the cues to her body perfectly. Reaching the beach the 2 women lay their towels down and took their shirts and skirts off, always making Hazel stare at her mistresses chest. Sporting a shiny blue bikini that seems to squeeze her G cup breasts its almost as if its made of latex making them all the more seductive, her shoulder length hair blowing lightly in the breeze clearly chilling her abit too much as her nipples begin to poke through slightly, sweat already visible from the heat as she lays on her back and relaxes.

Hazel herself was wearing a black bikini hiding her own B cup breasts, as small as they are her mistress always said “best things come in small packages” which made her feel better, her long brown hair blowing beautifully in the wind as a hand touches her back, looking down at April she's smiling up at her as her hand caresses her back. Her smile growing bigger as Hazel tenses up as her pussy begins to buzz once again and harder than before.

“Careful sweetie, were in public so don't make it obvious.”  April says as she puts the remote between her breasts.

Hazel shaking all over as a man approaches them, long hair and beard, its the same man as earlier. Hazel forced to bite her lip as April clearly doesn't intend to reach between her breasts in front of the man to ease her stimulation.

“weird bumping into you 2 ladies here huh.” he says with a chuckle. “you 2 lovely ladies got much planned for today?”

“No, not really,” April says. “We were just checking out the beach before we go back to the hotel and relax and.. play” she says with a glance at the trembling Hazel at the end.

Offering to show the women the Opera House the women accept and they begin walking away with the man between them. Hazel squeaking occasionally as April is still keeping her on a higher speed she can feel a orgasm getting closer and closer with every step until it hits, a strong shiver trailing down her spine and deep into her pussy she cums hard, the man still talking as April nods her head Hazel knows she has to keep standing straight, she cant let even a slip of her situation escape but wearing a skirt there's not much to stop her orgasm from dripping through her bikini and hitting the floor.

Walking around further Hazel couldn't pay attention so all she could really see was a big fancy building while April took in the beauty of the opera house while her dear Hazel was cumming next to her, the 2 women take a picture with the opera house behind them as the man takes it for them, April with a smile on her face and Hazel with ruby red cheeks and a wet patch forming between her legs as she does her best to hide her debilitating orgasm. Taking a quick chance to ease her friends fun, April turns and dives into her cleavage, and clicks the toy off and turns again to the man who's smiling at the 2 women, offering to take them back to their hotel.

Returning to the hotel April and Hazel thank the man and return to their room to relax and play, the second the elevator door closes the stimulation returns as Hazel looks at April who has her hand under her shirt and clearly between her breasts clutching the remote, she leans over and whispers in Hazels ear.

“when we get to the room I'm going to fuck the shit out of you and your going to love me for it!” cupping her face as she said it.

Walking through the door of their room and locking it behind her April pushes Hazel forward and onto the bed, tearing her clothes off as she walks over, her breasts swaying unhindered as she does. Hazel begging to remove her clothes but is stopped by her mistress who clearly wants to do that job herself, slowly sliding her shirt off and untying her bikini top it falls away revealing Hazels perky B cup breasts and pointy nipples, pushing her onto her back her wrists are bound to the bedpost while Aprils breasts sway in Hazels face the whole time.

Sliding down her body April begging to reach up her skirt and pulls her panties down, gliding down her legs her bare pussy covered only by a simple skirt, her legs are tied to the corners completing her restraints. With a smile April goes into 1 of the bags and pulls a ballgag and blindfold out, followed by a strap on dildo, the latter is placed beside Hazel before she is gagged and blindfolded.

“were going to have so much fun here!” April says as she feels the head of the dildo part her lips and her mistress sinks deep inside her pussy.

Pulling a gasp of ecstasy from around the gag Hazel grinds her hips against her mistresses cock matching the rhythm of her thrusts, breathing deep she suddenly realizes she can barely breathe at all, all she can smell is sweat, and flesh. Realizing she is being smothered by her mistresses breasts she nuzzles in deeper as April moans, pulling back allowing Hazel a few breaths before she resumes smothering her lover in her tits, fucking her pussy at the same time like a piston she lets her breathe as she shudders in orgasmic bliss.

Continuing to push harder and harder into Hazels pussy April puts her hands on Hazels breasts and grinds her hips against her as she feels she squirt on her cock as she's assaulted by another mind-numbing orgasm as April finally pulls her cock out and admires her squirming lover. Taking a step back to breathe in the smell of her sex and sweat April reaches down and picks up her wand.

“Brace yourself sweetie” she says with a slight giggle as the wand buzzes to life forcing a shiver to rock Hazels mind and body. “the fun has just begun”

[anti-the-glitch-bitch]

Into the Void

Chapter 3

Word Count: 4,907

A flash of light and then a cold, wet nose is in my face waking me up. The first thing I see is Chica's face staring me down. I smile at her and go to sit up, forgetting where I am. I yelp as I bash my head against the underside of Mark's bed. I rub my forehead as I put my head down. A chill goes down my spine as I remember what happened last night.

Mark would have told me if his house was haunted. He knows how I am about spooky things. That's why I can't play horror games by myself. I'm trying to convince myself that it was all just a dream when a face pops over the side. "Bri? What are you doing under my bed?"

"Haha. Yeah about that," I scoot out from underneath the bed until I can sit up properly. I'm not really sure how to explain, so I hesitate before facing him. "Um, I either had an absolutely terrible nightmare, or your house is haunted as fuck."

Mark just stares me down as I pick up the pillow and blanket. He is trying very hard to remain calm, but I can tell something is wrong. "Are you telling me this place is haunted? If it is, I'm sleeping under your bed every night while I'm here. You know I can't deal with the spooky." I try to make a joke about the whole thing, but his reaction is freaking me out.

He gives me a forced laugh." I think I would know if this place is haunted. I've lived here for how long? Nothing weird has ever happened to me. It must have been an awful dream. Come on, let's get breakfast." He chuckles and starts getting up.

I head back to the guest room and throw the pillow and blanket on the bed. I close the door and start getting dressed. Well, that was strange. Mark must be trying to freak me out. Must be another prank of his. I shake my head and go to the bathroom, bumping into Sean along the way.

"Something smells amazing," I say as I walk into the kitchen. The entire kitchen smells like bacon, and I see Mark making pancakes. I look over at the spot where I left my cup of milk, but it's gone. Maybe it was just a dream after all?

"Ha. I figured I should step up my game. Otherwise, Amy might kill me for being such a bad host." Mark turns to look at me briefly before turning back to the stove. Sean laughs at that. He pulls out a chair from the island for me.

"I can't wait to tell her that ye left Bri hanging at the airport. She'll do more than murder you." Sean smiles at me with a glint in his eyes.

"Hey, I said I was sorry. I really did get caught up in recording." Mark pouts as he starts putting pancakes onto plates. I grab mine and start drowning them in syrup. "I believe you, Mark. If I didn't, you would be dead by now." All three of us laugh at that.

We all joke and tease each other throughout breakfast. Eventually, the talk turns into what we'll be doing for the next couple of weeks. Mark and Sean prerecorded enough videos that we'll be able to just hang out for several days, but they still want to do a few collab videos. They try their hardest to talk me into doing it with them, but I'm not sure if it's something I really want to do.

After breakfast is done and the kitchen is cleaned, we head into the living room to watch a movie. We decide to watch Avengers and make ourselves comfortable. Mark and Sean are cracking jokes about Fury when I decide to look at the comments from the stream yesterday. I'm curious as to what people are saying about my surprise appearance.

I'm scrolling through comments and see that a lot of them seem to find me funny. People are giving timestamps of when I start my karate chop freak out, but not for the reason I'm expecting. Most people are screaming about a Darkiplier appearance and theorizing that I have something to do with it. I go to the time people are talking about and play the video.

I see myself walking towards the door when all the color in the video turns grayish. Mark and Sean are oblivious to what's happening behind them. One second, I'm alone at the door the next, a figure is behind me. The figure is taller than me and wearing a black suit. You can't tell what exactly is happening since we are so far away from the camera. There is a faint red and blue layer over the figure as if the camera was picking up echoes of them that are out of sync. All of a sudden, I spin around, karate chopping the place that the figure should have been.

The video goes back to normal, and Sean looks back at me, laughing. I pause the video and just stare at my phone. I rewatch that part again in shock. I look up at Mark and Sean. "Guys, pause the movie a sec."

"What's up?" Sean asks as Mark pauses the movie.

"Did you do anything to the stream after it ended?" I hold up my phone as though that should be enough of an answer.

Mark just takes my phone and watches the part that I'm talking about. Sean is watching over his shoulder and the look at each other. Sean goes back to his seat and starts doing something on his phone. "Yeah, you were asleep when I got done with it, so I didn't have a chance to mention it to you. The fans have been clamoring for another appearance and it just seemed to fit in with your actions." He shrugs and hands me back my phone.

"Oh, um, ok." Something was definitely up with both of them but Mark's explanation made sense. Mark continued the movie but neither of them seemed as interested in it now. They kept looking at each other. Mark caught me staring at him a few times and every time would give me a goofy smile.

When the movie ends, both of them get up. Mark hands me the remote, looking at me weirdly. "Hey, Sean and I have to do a few videos, so you're welcome to whatever. It'll probably be a few hours before we're done so feel free to do whatever you want. I have some consoles hooked up if you want to play games." They quickly leave before I can say anything.

Something is very wrong and I was going to find out exactly what it is. I've been friends with Mark long enough to know when something is upsetting him. With all the weird things happening in this house, I was not going to be left in the dark.

I wait about 10 minutes before I put on a random movie and start sneaking upstairs. I can hear Mark and Sean arguing about something as I get to the door, but not what they are saying. Very carefully I open the door a crack and their voices flood the hallway.

"Ye need ta tell her the truth. Ye're puttin her in more danger by not sayin anything!" Sean's accent is getting thicker with every word.

"I can keep her safe! I'll make a deal with him if I have to! Besides, you don't have any room to talk. You told me you had Anti under control, but now you're saying she saw him in the mirror?"

"He's been fighting me more the past couple a weeks. I don't know what she saw bit if ye had seen her face. It was like she was waiting for something ta jump outta the mirror. I can make up an excuse and go home, but it'll be harder to explain if ye send her back when she just got here." Sean's voice softens as worry thickens his voice.

Mark sighs, "How am I supposed to explain this, Sean? Oh, hey Bri? That weird shit that you've been seeing is really Dark and Anti. Oh, you know, our alter egos, that are actually real. Not sure what they want with you, but you need to leave now.

Upon hearing this absolutely terrifying conversation, I quietly close the door. I'm damn near hyperventilating as I run through the house and out the back door. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck What do I do with this? They be hot, but if the videos are anything to go by, they also be outrageously dangerous and not worth it.

My breathing is erratic as I panic. I start walking around a tree, counting my steps, to calm myself. It won't do any good if all of us are freaking out.

If this is actually real, then what could Dark want with me? I haven't seen Mark in person in so long. I don't live close by. There was no real advantage to going after me.

I must have done something absolutely terrible in my past life for me to get this much bad luck in one lifetime. Couldn't even make it one day without something shitty coming up. My panic is gone but I'm far from calm. I put my back to the tree and sit down.

I can hear an occasional shout from the boys but for the most part the house is silent. I sigh and think about my options. If I run now, I will always be looking over my shoulders. Not to mention I'll never forgive myself for taking the coward's way out.

I feel something caress my arm, but when I look, there is nothing near me. I decide to trust my gut and start talking. Either he is there or I'm crazy and I'll just be talking to myself. I lean my head back against the tree and try to look as nonchalant as possible.

"Are they still arguing about how to deal with you two, or are they actually recording now?" Silence fills the air and seems to last for eternity. I stare at the ground for a few moments. "It's rude to ignore someone when they're talking to you. I thought you had better manners than that, Darkiplier?" A cold breeze rushes by, and the world starts to take on a gray tinge.

I look up at the sound of slow clapping. "Well, well, well. Look who has found her courage. I wonder what could have changed that?" Dark puts his arms behind his back and smirks. He looks exactly as he'd in all of Mark's videos, down to the slight echoes, that spasm at odd times. He cracks his neck and looks down at me, only a few steps away.

"I thought it was a ghost haunting Mark's house. I tend to be a chicken when it comes to things like that. You, on the other hand, don't terrify me. I know who you are and that takes away the fear factor." I stare him down as I stand up and lean against the tree. "Now, are you going to answer my question?"

"If that's what you were planning, you would have done it already. Instead, you're being a dramatic bitch and trying to scare me. Now knock it off and answer the question or I'm going inside." I poke him in the chest to show I'm not afraid of him.

Dark stares at me for a moment and then takes a few steps back. "They are indeed recording. I expect they won't be done for some time." I sigh in relief. I really didn't want them to come looking for me while Dark is still here. Who knows what would happen?

"So, why are you harassing me? Is it because I'm here and you like freaking out Mark?" I cross my arms and try to ignore the shadows that are gently tugging at my clothes in different places.

"Oh Bri. I've been watching you for quite some time. You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this moment. For you to finally make an appearance here. I have such big plans for you." He smiles and there is so much malicious intent in it.

It enrages me that he stands in front of me, acting so high and mighty. Trying to intimidate and threaten me, like I'm just a pawn in his stupid games. I don't even think as I step forward and slap Dark as hard as I can. "I will not be a pawn in whatever game you're playing! All I wanted was to get away from my shitty life and spend some time with my best friend, AND YOU ARE RUINING IT! Now run back to whatever hole you crawled out of and stay there!" My breathing is heavy and I stand my ground.

I am entirely unprepared when Dark quickly strikes, wrapping his hand around my neck and lifts me into the air. His hand squeezes my neck and I claw at his hand, struggling to breath.

"You have no say in what happens, little girl." Dark glares at me. I think I might have pissed him off. Oops. "I will do as I please! The more you fight me, the more pain you will incur. I applaud you for attempting to stand your ground, but I wouldn't tempt fate, if I were you." He throws me to the ground, where I stay, trying to relearn how to breath. I feel a foot on my back, pushing me into the ground, on my stomach. I struggle to get up, but Dark is far stronger than the average man.

"Two days!" I struggle to get even those words out. The pressure on my back disappears and I roll over, to find him crouched next to me. His hands are clasped together and he is looking at me with a question on his face. "Give me two days of uninterrupted hang out time with Mark and Sean, before you do anything else. I'm supposed to stay for a few weeks. That still gives you plenty of time to do your spooky act. That also includes Anti. Tell him to stop fighting Sean until the two days are up."

That dick had the nerve to laugh. A full throated, throw your head back, kind of laugh. "Trying to make a deal are we? You can't make a deal if you hold none of the cards."

"I can just leave. Pack up all my things up and leave before the guys are done. What would happen to your precious plans if I did that? You said it yourself. You were waiting for this moment, when I came to visit Mark. Mark would understand if I left." I slowly stand up, rubbing at my sore throat.

Dark stands and looks at me as if I'm a dog that just learned a new trick. "It would appear you hold a few cards after all. If I do this, I want a few things in return. You won't tell either of them about this conversation. You won't leave before the second day is up. Last but not least, you won't fight me when the time comes."

The first two I expected but not the last. If I do this, I am essentially giving up. Sure, I can try to outsmart him, but will I be able to? I don't even know what Dark has planned. I think about it for a few minutes, but I had my choice the moment Dark had stopped talking.

"Fine. Starting tomorrow I get two days with the guys with no interference from Anti or you. After that, I'm yours." I sigh as Dark gives me one of his smiles. A smile I've only seen in a Darkiplier video. Charm oozes from him as he takes one of my hands and kisses the back of it.

"I look forward to our next encounter, Bri." He walks behind me and when I turn around, he's not there. The world is full color again and the only trace of Dark, is the pain in my throat. I take one last look around the yard and then go inside.

I head to the bathroom to make sure there's no bruising on my neck. There's no discoloration, for which I'm thankful for. I may have made a terrible decision but I've bought myself two days before the shit hits the fan. I put on a smile and head towards the recording room. I don't hear any yelling coming from the other side, so I just barge in.

I run smack dab into a chest as soon as I open the door. Quickly backing up, I see I ran into Sean. "Ope. Sorry about that. I didn't know anyone was standing next to the door." I rub my poor nose.

"Ha. That's ok. We just finished up and I was about to head downstairs. Did you need something?" Sean asks as he backs up.

"Well, I figured it's about lunchtime and was wondering if you guys like pizza? My treat." I see Mark's head swiftly turn at the sound of pizza. Sean follows me as I walk over to Mark. "That sounds like a great idea! I'll order if you buy. We can go swimming after we eat."

"Sounds like a great plan. I was ogling your pool while you guys were up here." This will also give me the chance to appreciate the fine artwork that is Sean McLoughlin. Mark is nice too, but he is like my brother. Would feel really weird to ogle him.

I run to my room to get my wallet. I find it quickly enough and rush back. Mark is already on the phone, so I just hand my card over to him. Sean is sitting on the couch in the back of the room, so I go over to him. "Hey, I'm going to go set up the living room so we can play some games while we wait. Care to join me or do you need to finish up in here?" Sean gets up and looks at his buddy for a minute. "I'm finished with my stuff. I think we're going to edit the videos tomorrow, since we already have material we can upload today. So, lead the way m'lady."

Chuckling, I make my way out to the living room. Sean gets us drinks while I hook up the ps4 and start browsing games. "Ooo. We can play Jackbox! I play it with Mark occasionally, when he does a live stream."

"I'm game. That's always a fun game to play." He sets the drinks on the table. He seems much more relaxed than before. That subtle sense of tension is gone. Dark must have been able to talk to Anti. Good, that means Dark might actually stick to the deal. Mark joins us about 5 minutes later. "Jackbox huh? Always a great pick." He flops down on top of me while Sean sits in the chair. "Geez, Mark! Haven't you heard of personal space?" I laugh and push him on to the floor. Sean starts cracking up and Mark just pouts.

"Well, yeah, but you're just so comfy." He sits on the far end of the couch and spreads out. We get the game going and play until the pizza gets here. We continue playing while we ear, all of winning a fair amount.

After lunch, we clean up and then go change into our swimsuits. After I get my swimsuit on, I put my hair into a ponytail, so my hair doesn't get in the way. As I make my way into the kitchen, I hear shouting outside. Mark and Sean are already jumping into the pool while Chica is laying under a tree in the shade.

I take a running leap towards the pool. "CANNONBALL!" I scream just before I jump in. I land in between them, causing a tidal wave to hit them both. I start laughing the moment I break the surface.

"The look on both your faces was hysterical. Just sheer terror. Did you think I was going to jump on one of you?" They are still wiping their faces. "Well, that's what it looked like from our angle!" Mark starts laughing and splashes me. The antics don't stop for a few hours. By the time we go back inside, it's 5 in the afternoon. I'm looking through the cabinets and fridge for something to fix, when a towel is placed over my head. I'm laughing and take the towel off to find Sean behind me.

"Watcha lookin for?"

"I was thinking about making tacos. I'm just checking if I have all the ingredients. Looks like someone needs to make a grocery run. Go get changed and see if Mark will go with you to the store." I start winding up the wet towel as Sean slowly backs away. He yelps and takes off running as I crack the towel in his direction. I hear him laughing as he gets farther away. I find enough beef in the fridge to make enough for the three of us. Thankfully, Mark has taco seasoning, so I don't have to wait to get the meat started. All we really need is stuff for toppings. By the time I find a pen and paper, and write down everything down we need, Sean and Mark are back.

"You don't have to cook Bri. We can always order something." Mark grabs the list from my hands and skims over it. "Oh no! I'm not eating takeout everyday while I'm here I want real food too." I waggle my finger at him. "Okay. It was just a suggestion." He chuckles.

"Are you coming with us?"

"Na. I'm going to get started on the meat. It should be done by the time you get back."

"We won't take long." They head out the door and I go upstairs to change into actual clothes.

When I get back in the kitchen, the lights start to lightly flicker. I sigh as I get skillet out and turn on the stove. "I would say it's rude to come over unannounced, but I guess this is you announcing yourself." I continue prepping everything before turning around. As I expected, Darkiplier is standing on the side of the island. The world is lightly tinged gray again. Dark is smiling and gently leaning against the island.

"How homely. Cooking dinner as if you've always lived here." His tone is slightly condescending.

"Like I said before, I'm not eating takeout for every meal that I'm here. Are you hungry? Do you even eat?" I'd never thought about it before, but it doesn't hurt to be polite.

"I can eat but I don't need it as a sustenance." My question seems to have thrown him off. I chuckle to myself as I get something out of the freezer and throw it at him. "Yeah, well, eat a Snickers anyway. It might make you something other than a condescending bastard." Dark avoids the candy and slams his hand down.

"Do you think this is a game!! That I won't hurt you now, just because of our deal? Well, I'll let you in on a secret. Our deal doesn't start until tomorrow. I still have until midnight to do what I want with you." An echo of him screams briefly as he walks towards me. I know I should be terrified, but I just can't Instead, I focus on getting the meat into the skillet. The skillet is hot enough that the meat immediately starts sizzling. I can feel Dark glaring at me and the tension is rising.

I'm 99.99% sure he is waiting for me to break the silence. I have no idea what to say, though. He pretty much just threatened my life. How do you even respond to that? I'm going to do what I do best, and pretend he isn't even there. I get my phone out, get on YouTube, and put on my Darkiplier/Antisepticeye song playlist.

I put the volume on full blast and pro my phone against the wall, where I can watch the video. Singing along to the fan edited versions of different songs, I continue to cook. After a few songs the atmosphere seems calmer. If it wasn't for that weird, gray tinge, I would say it's because Dark has left.

I continue to sing and ignore him. The boys should, hopefully, be back soon. I'm not sure how far the store is, so they could be gone for another 30 minutes. The meat is almost done, so I turn to start looking for a strainer, and bump into Dark. My breath hitches and my heart starts racing as I look up at him. His face is neutral as he steps asides. When he's like this, you can almost forget what giant douchebag he is. I start blushing and quickly grab the stuff I need. I put a bowl in the sink and put the strainer on top.

Just ignore him. Pretend he doesn't exist and everything will go back to normal. I take a deep breath and go to grab the skillet off the stove. A mitten appears in front of my face, just as I'm about to grab the skillet. I look up at Dark but he doesn't say anything, just holds the mitt in front of me. Watching him is like watching a predator hunt its prey.

Focused.

Patient.

Entirely unnerving.

"Uh, thanks." I hurriedly put the mitten on and take the skillet over to the sink. I dump the meat in the strainer and wait for the grease to drain, before putting it back in the skillet. Once on the stove, I dump in the taco seasoning and stir it up a bit. I turn the stove down so it keeps the meat warm but doesn't keep cooking it. I take a quick peak at Dark, who is still watching me, and then grab my phone. I turned my playlist off and switched it to a more classical playlist. Sure, I can't sing to these songs but he seemed to be a Mozart kinda guy.

I refuse to see what his reaction is as I put my phone on the counter. I grab a sheet tray, put the hard tacos on it, then put them in the oven, and turn the oven on. There's nothing else for me to do until the guys get back, so I go sit on a stool that's on the opposite side. Checking my phone, I see that Mark texted me saying they were on the way.

Oh, thank you so much, sweet baby jebus. I'm not sure how much more of this I can take. Two visits in one day, from a guy I didn't even know existed, has been exhausting.

"The guys will be here soon. Are you sticking around for the show or you gonna pull a disappearing act?" I stare him down and really hopes he leaves. The less time around him, the better.

"Remember the deal, Bri." Dark stares at me for a moment with his hand out. I'm about to question him, when a Snickers appears in his hand. Without another word he walks off into.... Nothingness. He just disappears.

I just give a sigh of relief as the grey tinge leaks away. "Dark, you may be hot as hell but you are so damn dramatic." I mumble to myself as I look towards the spot where the Snickers landed. Sure enough, it's gone. "Dramatic." I chuckle.

As I'm pulling out the taco shells, I hear the door open. "We're backkkk!" Sean yells out.

"Took you long enough! Thought I was gonna have to eat by myself!" I walk into the living room and see Sean and Mark struggling to get into the house.

"We did some actual shopping. Not just what was on the list." Mark huffs as a bag gets stuck on the coffee table. I squeeze past them both so I can shut the door.

"Good! Means I don't have to rely on takeout for food." I laugh as I take some of the bags from Mark. "Are there any more groceries that need brought in?"

"We are men! We bring everything in, in one trip." He huffs as though he is offended.

"Multiple trips are for pansy's!" Sean chimes in from the kitchen.

I'm laughing as I close the front door. "Okay. I got it. I'm sorry I asked. I won't do it again."

I start pulling out the stuff for toppings and get it ready as the boys put everything else away. When we are done, we start making our plates. Dinner passes relatively quickly with our joking and seems to be over before we know it. After dinner and we clean up, I decided to say goodnight to the guys and head to bed. Yeah, it was only 8:00 by the time I got in bed, but I had an exhausting day. After taking a shower I jump into bed and turn off the light.

I'm super excited for these next two days.

[perseusjackson-jasongrace]

Empires on the Horizon VI

Jason is a CEO: Part VI

Here’s my masterlist for the next part and my other stuff

TW: not really overt but there is mention of NSFW activities. 

every story has a

beginning

middle

and end

not necessarily in that order

-Tim Burton

“Annabeth Chase, my favourite impulse-controller,” Jason smirked, pulling his friend into his chest for a hug.

Her grey eyes sparked with mirth, “What do you want you troublemaker?”

“I find it offensive that you think I’m a troublemaker. We all know it’s your boyfriend that gets us into a mess.”

“Lies and propaganda,” She raised a brow, “You two are in a committed relationship with hullabaloo.”

He gave her a wide-eyed look, “Hullabaloo?”

“I’ve been spending way too much time with Percy,” She sighed.

He burst out laughing, “Who in this day and age says ‘hullabaloo?’”

“Percy discovered the word when we were in high school and thought it was the most hilarious thing he’s ever heard. He used to say it all the time.”

Jason shook his head amusement dancing on his lips, “So why did you want to meet me? I thought you’d be with Leo today since you’ve been out of state all week.”

They collapsed onto his couch. Annabeth tucked her feet underneath her and he propped his on the ottoman. When they settled down, she finally looked at him.

“Yea,” She pinched the bridge of her nose, “He had to go into work today because the part-time lecturer couldn’t make it for classes.”

“What’s going on? Why do you look so…” He had never been good at finding the words that matched the emotion, “So frustrated?”

“I’m not,” She gave him a weak smile, “I’m not. I just miss him.”

“You saw each other last night, didn’t you? He picked you up for the airport?”

“Yea but we haven’t gotten the chance to talk. I don’t know how to–, I just miss him.”

“Hey,” He grabbed her hands, “Take a deep breath. We have all the time in the world.”

Neither of them had quite figured out how to handle emotions, how to express them. It was an ongoing frustration when he and Luke were dating. Annabeth and Leo had learned how to read each other after all these years; four years of friendship and three years of dating had cemented that bond, had it running core deep. But him and her still couldn’t quite get the words out on their own.

“I miss his presence,” She breathed, “We saw each other last night but I was exhausted, and it was late. He practically had to carry me from the car to our bed and then he left early this morning. We just haven’t had the chance to catch up, to exist together yet.”

He held her close, let her head fall onto his shoulder.

“Being away from him is like losing a limb or being thrown into the deep end of the pool when you don’t know how to swim, like walking through darkness. You know what all of those have in common?” She looked up at him, grey eyes lined with tears.

“What?”

“Emptiness, the absence of something vital.”

“I think,” He tilted her chin up, caught the storm in her gaze, “I think you are lucky to have someone who makes saying goodbye so hard.”

“Did you just quote Winnie the Pooh at me?”

He winced, “Yes?”

She dissolved into laughter, “Really Jason? Winnie the Pooh?”

“What?” He gave her an indignant look, “It’s a good quote, and better than anything I could have come up with.”

“You are something else.” She managed to rein in her amusement, “What’s been up with you?”

“Nothing exciting,” He shrugged.

“Nah uh Mister,” His friend gave him a look, “Leo tells me you met a lady? What happened to my cousin? And how did you meet her? Do you have a picture?”

“Alright,” He chuckled, “Slow down. I don’t have a lady; we’ve been on one date. Next one is tomorrow. Your cousin and I didn’t get to exchange numbers at the dinner and I’m sure you know he’s now seeing Reyna. Thalia introduced Zoe and I, she’s a vet at the Conservatory and no I do not have a picture.”

“I hope you know all that information gave me a ton more questions.”

He rolled his eyes, shoving her shoulder lightly, “Let’s get some coffee going and maybe bring out the choc chips and then you can harass me with your endless curiosity.”

“Hey, this curiosity is what made us friends.” Her voice followed him as they walked to kitchen, where she promptly hoisted herself onto the countertop and plucked a cookie from the jar.

“As far as I understand it was Leo’s dumbassery that made us friends.”

“Yea, but without my curiosity I wouldn’t have bothered to check why a skinny, curly-haired, Latino was cursing a blue streak underneath the table.”

“I still think we should be crediting Leo because if he hadn’t gotten his foot stuck in my backpack and tripped thereby falling underneath our table it wouldn’t have been me and you who helped him.”

“Oh gods,” She giggled, “We really were a chaotic bunch weren’t we?”

“Nothing has changed Chase,” He handed her a steaming mug of coffee, “We just have less opportunities to be chaotic now.”

“I used to be so excited to grow up, but all my years have escaped me, have sped by me faster than bullets and I’m not yet grown.”

He leaned across the counter, bringing his cappuccino to his cheek, “I don’t think we ever really are. We’re just an accumulation of all our years before now. I am still one and two and ten and twenty.”

Annabeth looked at him then, caught his gaze in her grey eyes, “When did you get so wise?”

“Guess I’m spending too much time with you.” He winked, “Now please help me find something to wear for tomorrow. Zoe is taking me somewhere in nature and she says I should be prepared for a little exercise.”

“Are we talking a walk in the park or a hike up Blood Hill?”

“I don’t know she said it was a surprise and I don’t get any more information than wear clothes you can move in a little.”

His friend smirked at him, “Sounds steamy?”

“I’m pretty sure sex requires clothes off, not on, t least to some degree.” He rolled his eyes.

“Mhmm, okay. All i’m saying is make sure you pack a condom, or multiple.”

“We are not having- we will get arrested for public indecency.” He grumbled, pushing her shoulder, “So get your mind out of the gutter Chase.”

Her laugh was bells and beauty. “Come on then Mr Grace, let’s go raid your closet.” She held out her hand for him to help her off the counter, and the two blondes disappeared into his room.

***

Jason took a deep breath, letting his nerves find their space in his chest, stomach, lungs. He didn’t like walking into things when he didn’t have all the information; ergo surprises were avoided as much as possible.

A knock at his window pulled him from his mind.

“Are you going to come out? Or do you want to have a car date?” Sparkling dark eyes and a bright smile peered at him through the glass.

“I’m coming,” He laughed, grabbing his wallet and keys before opening the door.

“Hello Jason,” She stood on her toes and looped her arms around his neck. He folded his arms around her waist, catching the soft hints of juniper berry and clove that was purely her.

“How are you?” They pulled away.

“I am nervous,” He admitted, “I don’t like surprises.”

“Yes I did imagine so, I am not fond of them either, but this one was a necessity as it needs an explanation.”

“Well I hope I dressed okay?” He gestured towards his jeans and loose white tee.

“It’s perfect.” She looked him up and down, her eyes flashing, “Now come on, we only have the place for a couple hours.”

“Hold on,” He moved to his trunk, “These are for you,”

“Oh Jason,” She gasped softly, taking the flowers from him, “These are­– Who is your florist because these bouquets are unbelievable?”

He ducked his head, attempting to hide his reddening cheeks, “I choose them myself.”

“Well, your taste is exquisite,” She smiled up at him and he knew he had picked perfectly. Sunflowers because the dress she wore on their first date was liquid sunlight. And red roses because she was beautiful, poised, regal, just as they were.

While she admired the bouquet, he took the time to note their surroundings. They seemed to be on some sort of field, school or farm he didn’t know. A small wooden marquee sat a few meters away, but it was unoccupied which meant they were alone out here.

“Okay,” Zoe started, “So I don’t know how weird this is going to be to you, but I figured I’d get all my secrets out before you’re in too deep.”

“I’m starting to get mildly suspicious,” He raised a brow quizzically.

“Don’t worry I don’t plan on murdering you. I could probably take you in hand to hand combat but for someone of your size, drugs or poison would be the better method.”

He blinked at her, “You spend a lot of your time wondering what the best method for murder is?”

“This is not going well,” She giggled, “I don’t plan on killing you. I brought you here so we could practice some archery.”

“That does not make me feel even remotely better.”

She slugged his shoulder, mirth bouncing in her eyes, “I’ve been doing archery since my first year at varsity and I thought it’d be cool to share it with you.”

“Oh,” Was his eloquent reply, and then, “Well I’m honoured, thank you.”

“Don’t get too sappy on me, I’m only willing to go easy on you in the practice trials.”

“This implies a competition of some sort?”

“Of course. One question answered to whoever gets bullseye or as close to it.”

“I feel like I’m at a serious disadvantage here,” He pouted at her.

“I wouldn’t say that. I’ve only been doing it for nine years,” She smirked.

He groaned, waving his hands, “Oh gods, I see I’m going to be bared to the bone after this.”

“Don’t worry Grace you get to torture me on our next date.”

“Be prepared Nightshade because after this set-up I am not going easy on you.”

“I certainly hope not,” Fire danced in her eyes.

He narrowed his gaze, taking a single step towards her, “Is that a challenge Miss Nightshade?”

“Aren’t scared of a little heat, are you?” She mirrored him, closing the distance.

“Bring it on,” His words were nothing but exhales and anticipation.

Their noses brushed, eyes of midnight and electric storms pinning each other to the world.

“Ready to learn?” She breathed.

“Ready to be taught.”

“Okay,” She stepped away, taking a deep breath before moving to the table that he now noticed had two metal bows and various arrows.

“You’ll get the thirty-pound bow and large arrows to start. Hopefully you don’t need anything heavier because I did not ask for the thirty-four.” She frowned, “Okay some rules. Never have your arrow nocked until you’re on the firing line. Don’t collect arrows until everyone is done shooting. Don’t hold your bow sideways, you will hit someone. Do not under any circumstances pull the string back while there’s no arrow.”

“Got it.” He nodded.

“Cool, you’re gonna do great!” She clapped her hands, excitement radiating from her every movement. “Let’s get you equipped so you don’t end up with string-snapped wrists or a raw thumb.”

And then she was handing him all sorts of equipment, guiding him so everything fit where it was supposed to. Her hands, calloused and small, brushed over his as she adjusted the arm guard and made sure the thumb flap was correct. She explained how to stand, moving his feet and angling his shoulders until she deemed it good enough.

“Okay, let’s do some shooting.”

“I’m ready!” He smiled at her, hoping his own excitement was evident.

“Don’t worry about hitting bullseye, just choose a spot on the target and try to get all your arrows to land in the same place.”

He nodded, rolling his shoulders and moving to stand in position.

“Since it’s just us I’m going to forego formalities, so began shooting Grace.”

He had a clumsy start, arrows falling short of the target, or flying far over it, but Zoe was patient, adjusting and helping him each time.

“This is…” He stared in wonder at the arrow he had managed to bed inches away from the center. ‘I can understand why you enjoy it.”

“Great because now it’s time for Question and Arrow.”

“Fun,” He chortled, “You come up with that?”

“Yes, I thought it was rather clever.”

“Oh it is, I never expected anything less doctor.”

She snorted at him, “Ready to see the queen take her throne?”

“Please Your Majesty,” He bowed low, gesturing to the field.

She laughed and took her stand at the line, adjusting herself and making sure the sight on her bow was at the right level. She took an arrow from the stand in front of her feet, placed it on the string with trained casualness and looked over her shoulder at him. Her smiled was wicked.

She lifted the bow, pulled the string taut and fired the arrow. Before he had time to see where it had landed, she was already nocking her second one, and moments later her third.

He blinked, stared between her bright eyes and the three silver arrows now embedded in the small red circle fifteen meters away, and adjusted his pants.

She smirked, “How was that?”

“Possibly the hottest thing I’ve ever seen,” He breathed.

“Ready to answer some burning questions?”

“If I say no will you keep shooting?”

She raised a brow, “Hot and bothered, are you?”

“No thanks to you,” He growled.

She pulled him to the line, “I’m glad you’re taking to it so nicely.”

“I think I’m taking to you,” He grabbed her wrist, pulling her flush to him.

“You don’t even know me?”

“After that little display I’m half willing to marry you on the spot.”

She laughed and shoved away from him, “You’re a special breed Mr Grace. Men do not usually fall into marriage ideas after seeing a woman shoot arrows.”

“Then they are not men.” He frowned, “And besides, anyone with aim as accurate as yours has many, many advantages.”

“Questions Grace,” She took a step back, amusement and… something else passing over her face.

“Right okay,”

So they stood to the line and fired. Her a question him an answer. Then an arrow. A curse as she hit the center and he missed the target completely. Another question, answer, arrow. Question, answer, arrow.

Until two hours had blurred by and Jason had confessed to three college pranks, horrible braces in high school, and the weirdest fear of bricks. She had taken pity on him and answered her own questions after he kept losing their little battle. He knew she regretted her college days because she had wasted them studying, knew she was as gorgeous in high school as she is now, and her weird fear was thunder.

“This was great Zoe, thank you.”

“Thank you,” She beamed at him, “For not thinking I’m weird, or for dismissing this.”

He wrapped his arms around her, speaking into her neck, “I think this may be the coolest second date I’ve ever been on.”

“Really?”  She lifted his head, tugging at his hair until they were staring at each other.

“Really.” He smiled softly, “I did not know archery could be so…”

“Grounding?” She offered.

“Yes, and exhilarating.”

“I don’t know if I can put into words how much it means to me to hear you say that.”

“I was thinking,” He stroked his fingers down her side gently, “Since you didn’t get to do the typical college things maybe I can plan the next date?”

“Sounds like a dream, what are you thinking?”

“Drive-in theatre? I’m fairly sure ‘When the Stars Burn Out’ is playing.”

She nodded, eyes wide with excitement, “I’ve always wanted to go to a drive in! When?”

“Give me a couple days to plan but how does Wednesday sound?”

“Perfect.”

He cupped her cheek, memorising the constellations in her eyes, the soft lines around her mouth  that told you she smiled often, and the lines between her forehead that told you she frowned often too.

“You are divine.” He exhaled.

“Are you going to kiss me?” Was her reply.

He grinned, wild and undaunted, “Happy to.”

And then their lips were meeting, soft and steady. The world fell away, became swirls of colour and sound, became the background of a Monet, became life. And oh gods, Zoe’s hands may be rough with the proof of living, but her lips were softer than petals, than clouds. He held back a groan at her nails scraping his neck gently.

Reluctantly they pulled apart, resting their foreheads against each other.

“Wow,” She whispered.

“Indeed,” He chuckled.

It was that kiss, lingering spice and the smell of beginnings that followed him into his apartment later. Rolled down his skin as he took a shower. Fluttered behind his eyelids as he finally collapsed into bed. That kiss that marked the beginning.

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

HOW MUCH DO WE LOVE ZOE? Very much because Ciara just projects onto her??!?!????!!??!! oops.

Tags (if you want to be added to/ taken off the tag list just let me know, all my channels of communication are open):

@lesbian-peanuts​

@queen-of-demons-and-hell​

@msdrpreist​​

@sparkythunderstorm​​

@nishlicious-01​​

@lucyisblue​​

@leydiangelo​​​

[faefictions]

Lonely People | Ch 6

Pairing: Harrison Osterfield x Reader

Word Count: 5.7k

Warnings: some angst 

Friday night parties had become a sacred ritual in the apartment. It went without saying that all 3 of them would be out and drunk by 8 pm. Getting out of a Friday night party was about as hard as getting out of work. If you didn’t have a doctors note, you were out of luck. 

Fridays before breaks were different. Usually, all three of them were packed up and on a flight out of town before dinner, but of course, this Friday had one difference. 

“Are you sure you don’t want to tag along? I’m all for you staying, but I get it if you changed your mind,” Jace called as he set his stuff by the front door. Sierra was still frantically packing in her room, so she had no say in the conversation. 

“I’m sure, Butthead. Tell your mom I said hi,” y/n called from the couch, turning to give him a teasing smile. 

“Ok, well I’m ready to go whenever. Are we waiting for Sierra?”

“Her and Tom. It might be a while,” y/n rolled her eyes. 

On any other holiday, the three would get an Uber to the airport, but since y/n was staying home for the break she promised she would drive them all to the airport. 

“If you need anything while we’re gone, promise you’ll call?”

“I’m a big girl Jace, you don’t have to worry about leaving me home alone,” she teased, but when his stern expression didn’t let up, she sighed and nodded her head. 

She didn’t anticipate needing them much over the week. It was just one week of being alone. And sure, she hated being in the apartment on her own, but that wasn’t something they needed to know. She just knew that if she did need anything, calling someone who was halfway across the country wouldn’t be of much help. 

“And if it is an emergency, remember Harrison is still in town. You have his number right?”

“I’ll be fine Jace, stop worrying,” she chuckled at him, just as Sierra came tripping through her doorway with two suitcases in tow. 

“You’re going to be gone for one week, what could you possibly need that would fill two suitcases,” Jace asked. 

“Shut up, I am not the ridiculous one here,” she growled, pointing to his half empty duffle bag.

The two continued to playfully bicker, and y/n sat and soaked in the last few moments she would have with her roommates before silence would fill their shared space for the week. 

Tom showed up less than 10 minutes later, and they all dragged their luggage down the steps and out to the car. It was a game of tetris getting the bags to fit in the small trunk, but they managed to get it shut and began their trip to the airport. 

Y/n helped the 3 unload and walked them through the doors, but before they reached security, Sierra had to give her the same talk that Jace had back at the apartment. 

“Si, I swear to god, you two better get out of here before I throat punch you.”

“Promise you’ll call first!”

“Fine, if anything goes wrong, which it won’t, I will call you. Although there will be nothing you can do because you will be 5 states away. Now, go.”

Sierra wrapped her up in one last hug before taking Tom’s hand and leading him to the security line. 

Jace lingered for one more moment, asking y/n one more time if she was sure she didn’t want to go home with him. 

A small part of her wanted to give in. It wanted to say fuck it and just get on the flight without any luggage. But she knew that being there was never her idea of a good time, and going anywhere without at least a change of clothes was a bad idea. So she shook her head and gave him one last reassuring hug before shooing him in the same direction as Sierra. He looked over his shoulder only one time before joining the other two in line, giving her a small, sad wave. 

Y/n wasn’t in a rush to go back to the apartment. Thinking back, she hadn’t spent a single night alone since moving in. Every once in a while, one of the roommates would have a one night stand, but the other one was always just a room away. It was a little too nerve-wracking for her to rush back to, so instead, she decided to go get something to eat. 

Her bank account didn’t have much in it. The small amount of freelance work she did had been slowing down even more, something she didn’t know was possible, and it was making it hard to survive. There was no way she was about to tell Jace and Sierra about that though. She knew that they would both be willing to empty their own bank accounts if it meant helping her, and while that meant the world to her, she could never let that happen. 

She walked onto one of the few places to eat on campus, a large mural of their mascot greeting her on the adjacent wall as she walked in. She hated that painting. The idiotic smile on the mascots face was enough to make anyone uncomfortable. 

She walked quickly past it so it didn’t occupy her thoughts for too long, and made her way over to the register. She wanted to eat there, but the amount of people in there made her nervous. Being anywhere alone was already nerve-wracking for her, but somewhere that full didn’t give her a chance. There was no delaying the inevitable anymore. She had to go back to the apartment. 

As she was turning to leave, food in hand, she almost ran into the person behind her in line. Her grip on her food tightened as she apologized. 

“It’s alright,” they spoke back, and y/n knew who it was before she could even glance up. Harrison’s accent would give him away in any situation. 

“Oh, hey,” she greeted awkwardly. She hadn’t seen him since she had taken their first photos for the project, and the atmosphere was just as awkward as before.

“Hey… I see you got out of going home with anyone for the holiday.”

“Oh, yeah,” she stated simply. 

“Eating alone tonight?” 

“Yeah, I’m just going back to my apartment.”

“Well, would you maybe mind some company?”

Her eyes shot up in surprise, trying to decipher if he was joking.

“I don’t mean to intrude, feel free to say no. I just hate being at my place alone. It feels eerie without Tom yelling across the place.”

“Uh, yeah, of course you can come over. I was actually kind of feeling the same way about my place,” she smiled shyly. Avoiding Harrison could wait until she had someone else to keep her company. 

She waited for Harrison to get his order and drove them back to her apartment. She was thankful that she had driven there. The music in the car filled what would have been the awkward silence. 

The silence followed them into the apartment, and y/n began to think that him being there was almost worst than being alone. Not only was it quiet, there was another sense of unease stacked on top of it and it was tiring. 

Harrison was running around his mind, trying to think of something to fill the silence, but he was preoccupied with the question “Why?”. He still had no idea what he had done to make her turn so suddenly. They clicked the moment they met, there was never a weird silence between them, it was all filled with some kind of sarcastic quip. He knew that it only happened after he had the conversation with Jace, but he was in denial. There was no way that Jace would say something to her, right?

“You ever watched I Love You, Man?” he finally said between bites. 

“Yeah, it’s probably one of my favorite movies,” she replied, covering her mouth as she chewed. 

“Wanna watch it? It’s on Netflix.”

“Sure,” y/n replied and grabbed the remote. It took a minute to find the movie, but once she hit play, everything felt better between them. The silence was filled with laughter, and it all felt so comfortable. 

The two would each sneak looks at the other during the slower scenes, when they weren’t busy laughing. Harrison loved the way she gave her full attention to the screen, mouth slightly agape. Her eyes weren’t quite as wide as a child, but her demeanor was like one. 

Y/n would sneak her glances as quickly as she could. There was no way in hell she was about to let herself get caught. But each millisecond of a glance made her feel something she told herself she wouldn’t, so halfway through the movie, she stopped looking. She stopped laughing as much, and Harrison saw it in her expression. Something was wrong, and he hated it. 

When the credits started to roll, Harrison was the one to grab the remote and stop it. 

“You wanna go out and do something? I’m sure you know of multiple parties happening tonight.”

After a moment of quiet deliberation, she nodded her head with a smile. She could use the distraction. 

An hour later, y/n and Harrison found themselves in the middle of a sweaty crowd, drinks in hand. They were dancing along to the shitty music, a song neither of them would listen to in their spare time, but the alcohol coursing through their veins was giving them a strong buzz. Strong enough to make them enjoy a song they would otherwise be making fun of. 

When the song ended, y/n stumbled as someone pushed past her. Harrison’s caught her arm as she giggled at her misstep. 

“Wanna play beer pong?” Harrison asked loudly, overestimating the ambient sound in the room. 

She happily nodded her head, and let him lead her to the empty table. Two people had just ended their game, just in time for them to arrive. 

Y/n grabbed the ball and began to arrange the cups in to triangles on both sides of the table as Harrison refilled both of their drinks. When he approached the table, y/n traded the ball for her drink. 

“I’ll let you go first,” she winked. 

“That’s not how this works.”

“You should take what I give you, kiddo. You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into.”

“Oh, talking trash are we? Fine, I’ll take it, but not because I need it. I’ll just win faster.”

He crossed to the other side of the table and took a deep breath to focus. He took his shot, and sure enough, it landed in the back right corner cup. 

“Told you,” he smirked again, only making his opponent narrow her eyes.

“That was a lucky shot,” she bit back.

“We’ll see about that.”

15 minutes later, there were only two cups left. Harrison had missed only one shot, but y/n had missed none. If she made this, she won the game. She was intensely staring at the cup, the ball and her hand in the air. She wouldn’t have admitted it to anyone there, but the alcohol was starting to mess with her senses. She took a deep breath and shot, watching as the ball went straight for the cup, but instead of falling straight in, it hit the rim and bounced off onto the table. She dramatically grabbed her head before slamming her palms down on the table, loudly expressing her disappointment. 

Harrison’s smirk only grew as she watching in horror, hoping and praying that he wouldn’t make it. He had had a lot less to drink though, so his ball glided into her cup effortlessly, and she nearly fell to her knees in frustration as he ran around the table to rub it in her face. 

“I hate you,” she said, trying to hide her amusement at his excited nature. 

“Tell me something I don’t know,” he chuckled, following her as she went to get another drink. One more before she called it a night. 

But one turned into three, and y/n found herself walking back to her apartment with Harrison leading the way. She had insisted that she was fine to walk alone, and after some fighting over it, he convinced her that he just wanted to stay on her couch so he didn’t have to sleep at his place alone.

He wasn’t completely lying. He was starting to feel a little homesick, and with Tom gone and alcohol coursing through his system, it was being amplified. Having company muffled it, even if the closest person was a couple rooms away. Sure he could have lived without her that night, but it was just an added bonus to making sure she got home safe. 

The walk home was almost silent, but halfway there, y/n got bored of the silence and started to poorly hum a song. Harrison tried to make out what she was trying to hum, but it had sounded nothing like the original. She realized this and began to giggle every few seconds, making it even more unrecognizable. 

Y/n let them into the apartment, struggling with her keys for a good thirty seconds. Harrison tried to offer help, but she refused it. When she finally got the door open, she kicked her shoes off and hung her keys. She knew that drinking a glass of water would have been a good idea, but her bedroom was closer than the kitchen, so she poorly decided against it. 

“Are you sure you wanna stay on the couch, we have 3 bedrooms here, it’s not like they’ll know,” she offered, stumbling a bit as she tried to take her coat off. 

“The couch is fine.”

“You could sleep on my bed if you’re worried about being polite. I could sleep on the couch. I would fit better anyway.”

“Goodnight, y/n,” he laughed, trying to push her towards her room. 

“I’m being serious, we could switch,” she insisted, but he just kept pushing. 

When she was just about comfortable in bed, she heard her door creak a little, being pushed open just a little further. She peeked over the covers to see Harrison quickly placing a glass of water on her nightstand before making his way back out to the couch without a word. 

The gesture was something she had done for Jace and Sierra countless times, but she couldn’t recall anyone ever returning the favor. That familiar feeling crept back into her chest, making her feel a little nauseous, but she drifted off to sleep before she could tell herself to stop feeling it.  

 *****

When y/n woke up the next morning, Harrison had left already. She expected to find him fast asleep on the couch, seeing as she was up before 8, but he hadn’t left a trace of his stay. The blanket that he had used was neatly folded over the back of the couch, just as it always was, and the glass he had used was washed and placed back in the cupboard. 

Y/n would be lying if she didn’t say she was at least a little disappointed. She hadn’t had the greatest night of sleep, and she would have loved the company, even if he was passed out on the couch. So instead of human interaction, she settled for wrapping herself up in the blanket he had used, only her face poking out, and put on a feel good movie. The single movie turned into a marathon, and soon enough it was time for dinner, and she realized that she hadn’t eaten all day. So after the sixth movie of the day she decided to make herself something to eat. There wasn’t much left in their fridge or pantry, so she had to settle for some old cereal.

As the night got darker, she had to fight the urge to text Harrison. As much as she would hate to admit it, his company the night before was nice. It relieved the anxiety of being alone in the apartment, and it was nice having someone care for her while she was tipsy, even if it was just getting her a glass of water. But she didn’t want to get used to him. She didn’t want to get attached. After her roommates came back, she would have to go back to being cold. 

Around 8, she heard her phone go off. It was a text from Harrison. 

“You eaten yet?” was all it read, but she smiled at the screen nonetheless. 

“Does cereal count as a dinner??”

“Absolutely not”

“Then no”

He opened the message almost immediately, but he left her on read. It would have stung, if her doorbell hadn’t rung 30 seconds later. Sure enough, when she looked through the peephole, Harrison was waiting on the other side. 

“So you were here anyway, why send a text?” she asked as she opened the door. 

“Nice to see you too.”

“What would you have done if I had said I had eaten?”

“You didn’t, so I don’t have to worry about it, do I?”

“You stress me out.”

“Get a jacket, it’s cold out there,” he replied, starting to make his way back down the hall. 

“I’m not going anywhere,” she laughed, watching as he turned back towards her. 

“And why not?”

“Well, for one, I don’t have shoes on.”

“Good point. So put some on.”

“I also don’t exactly have the money to go out to eat twice in a week. Some of us are poor, asshole.”

“I’m paying, go get your shoes.”

“And why would you do that?”

“That’s what friends do.”

“Oh, so we’re friends now?”

“I slept on your couch last night, we’re friends. Now get your shoes, or I’ll carry you out there.”

“Aggressive,” she laughed at his cheeky smile, “Fine, you’re just lucky I’m goddamn hungry.”

She disappeared into her apartment for a few moments, quickly slipping on some tennis shoes and grabbing her jacket and keys before catching up with him in the hallway. 

“Ok, you gotta be honest with me, I’m curious,” she broke the comfortable silence as they hit the sidewalk outside. 

“Ok?”

“Is Sierra making you check up on me while she’s gone?”

“What? No, why would she do that?” he chuckled, giving her confidence that he was telling the truth. 

“She doesn’t think I can survive a week alone,” y/n blushed, realizing that fact was a bit embarrassing. 

To be fair, Sierra was right. Y/n didn’t like to leave the apartment alone unless it was completely necessary, and since classes were out for the week, she probably would have spent the whole week inside. Sierra knew her better than y/n would have liked to admit. 

Harrison kept to his promise and paid for her dinner. They took their food back to her apartment, and just like the night before, they put on a movie and ate on her couch. Each night that they spent together felt more comfortable than the last. They giggled through 2 movies that night, and when they were over, y/n invited him to stay on her couch again. 

The next morning, Harrison was still there when she woke up. He was fast asleep on the couch, and she could’t help but admire him for just a moment. But fear that he would wake up and catch her looking made her peel her eyes away and make her way to the kitchen. 

The pattern continued for 4 more nights. Harrison would leave in the morning, but by sundown, he would be back to keep her company, always with food in hand. Y/n would never admit how much she enjoyed the little ritual. She almost wished Jace and Sierra would leave town more often. Harrison was good company. He didn’t bring any drama or uncomfortable situations. They did the exact same thing every single night, but there was nothing boring about it. He made it feel like it wasn’t just a routine. It was the most fun she had had outside of partying since she had moved to this town. 

On that Thursday night, Harrison fell asleep on the couch before their movie had even ended. The movie he had put on was chosen with only her in mind. He had had a long day, but he didn’t want to waste a night being away from her. So he had brought over the meal that he had heard Sierra mention she loved so much (for the 2nd time that week) and almost immediately fell asleep. The soft snores leaving his lips were too distracting for y/n to pay much attention to the resolution in the movie. She just stared at him.

If anyone else had been there, if anyone had happened to look through her window, they would have thought one of two things. They could have seen the way she looked at him and thought she was a being incredibly creepy, watching intently as her prey slept. Or they could have thought she was in love. 

She studied the light freckles on his face, unevenly spread out across his cheeks. She liked to imagine that he didn’t have them as a child, that he acquired them through plenty of happy days in the sun. She caught herself as she began to think about what he could have been doing in those days. This wasn’t something you thought about with your friends. She was letting her brain go further than she wanted to allow, so in an effort to backtrack, she got off the couch and brought the styrofoam dishes from their dinner with her. She threw the empty containers away and decided to pour herself a drink while she was up. 

For having such an empty fridge, the apartments array of alcohol was impressive. Most of their bottles were a good 3/4 of the way gone, but each one held another dumb memory with her roommates, or just herself. She was no stranger to drinking alone at 3 am on a Saturday night. 

She decided to just take a swig of a flavored vodka, one that Jace had drunkenly stole, unopened, from a party. She smiled at the memory, and let it distract her as she downed the liquid. She barely flinched at the undiluted taste. 

By the time she made it back to the couch, Harrison was awake. His eyes were still droopy and he was still resting his head on the arm rest, but he sat up a little to meet y/n’s eyes. 

“You missed the ending,” he nodded to the TV, which was rolling the credits slowly across the screen. 

“Oh, darn,” she replied sarcastically. 

“Didn’t like it?”

“It was ok. Would have been better if someone was awake to make fun of it with me.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. Long day.”

“It’s fine. Wouldn’t be me if I didn’t make fun of you somehow though. Speaking of, did you know you snore?”

“I do not.”

She let out a mocking snore, much louder than anything that had come from him, and he threw the blanket from the floor at her. 

“Well now that you’re so well rested, I’m going to bed. Listening to you snore is just exhausting.”

“You’re the worst,” he narrowed his eyes at her. 

“Fell free to crash on the couch again if you want. I’ll see you later,” she smiled at him, and began to make her way to her room, letting out one more snore on her way there. 

The swig she had taken had done nothing to calm her brain or her heart. Once the door to her bedroom was closed, she just stared at the shaking in her hands. She hated being this way, feeling this way, but there seemed to be no way around it. She knew that once break was over, she had to find a way to set things back to normal, but she had no idea how to do that. She couldn’t just suddenly and inexplicably revoke their friendship. 

She had to find a way.

Harrison didn’t come over the next night. She was almost tempted to text him and ask if he was planning on it, but she thought better of it. That didn’t stop her from waiting around in the living room all night. For a text. For a call. For a knock on the door. Hell, she would have taken him barging in with food or a semi-threatening invitation to go out. Hours passed, and nothing came. There was no sign that Harrison had even thought of her. She took it as a bittersweet win, and decided to go to bed earlier than usual. There was no reason to stay up. 

When she woke up, she had a text from him. “Sorry I didn’t come over last night. Had something going on, but I’ll see you tonight for the last one before everyone comes home. Promise I won’t fall asleep this time xx”

She smiled at the text and tried to forget about it until nightfall, but man was that hard when she had nothing to do all day. All of the things she had to do ended up bringing her thoughts back to him. She tried tidying her closet, but the clothes for their project were the only things she could think of. She tried watching a movie, but she couldn’t help imagining his commentary. Editing the photos for the project was an obvious no, since staring directly at his face did nothing to help. 

Harrison finally showed up around 8 pm. Usually he brought some kind of dinner, but this time, he had several bags filled with junk food, along with a brown paper bag.

“Wow, you… really came prepared.”

“Last night of break, we gotta celebrate.”

“Celebrate going back to classes?”

“Ok, maybe not celebrate, but we should get drunk.”

“Yeah, I can get behind that,” she laughed, inviting him inside. 

An hour later, the living room was littered with wrappers and empty mini liquor bottles. The Bluetooth speaker in the corner of the room was softly playing a Spotify playlist that Harrison had insisted on showing her, although neither of them were paying much attention to it. 

Their heads were laying on opposite headrests, staring up at the ceiling as they talked for hours about nothing that would be important the next day, but was important enough to start another heated discussion every few minutes. 

Harrison could tell that she was getting progressively more tipsy, and he tried to match her drinking pace. He loved seeing her all giggly like this, and he wanted to feel just as happy as she seemed. 

Suddenly, she sat up with a gasp, looking towards the speaker in the corner. 

“Is this The 1975?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I love this song,” she exclaimed, falling back onto the armrest.

He propped himself up on his elbows to get better look at her. She was singing loudly, flailing her arms around dramatically with the music. He couldn’t help but stare as she really got into it. He was trying to hold in his laughter and adoration, but it was hard. He didn’t think he had ever seen her like this. She always seemed a little more carefree than her usual self at parties, but never like this. It was nice. 

She caught him looking at her, causing her to stop her little show. She propped herself up, mirroring his position on the opposite end of the couch. 

“What are you looking at Osterfield?” she teased. 

“Just you,” he blushed, breaking eye contact to sit up, “You’re really beautiful, you know that?”

She hated the way that comment made her stomach churn with anxiety. She rolled her eyes at him without realizing, and it made his heart break just a little. 

“Harrison-“ she began, but with that tone, he knew which direction this conversation was going. 

“No, y/n, please. I know you don’t really date anyone, and I know that’s like a thing with you. Jace already warned me against this, but… we’ve had a really great week, and I’ve had a lot of fun with you, I feel like you’ve been enjoying it too. I just figured I could shoot my shot.”

“Well you should have fucking listened to Jace,” she spat, getting up from the couch to grab some of the wrappers from the ground to go throw them away. The buzz she had going had dispersed, sobering her up just enough to start to panic inside. Cleaning was one of her ways to help with that feeling. 

He watched her make her way to the kitchen, hands full of trash. He sighed and grabbed the remaining litter to follow her. 

“Y/n, please, I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable or anything.”

“Well it’s too fucking late for that.”

“Y/n-“

“No, Harrison. You knew it was a bad idea to say something like that, Jace warned you for a fucking reason, and you did it anyway. How fucking stupid do you have to be?”

“I’m not stupid.”

“Well clearly you are. You knew what would happen and you did it anyway… So I think it’s time for you to leave.”

“Are you being serious? All I said was-“

“I don’t fucking care. I want you to leave.”

“Y/n-“

“GET THE FUCK OUT.”

He wasn’t expecting her to scream at him like that. He wanted to be mad at her, and deep down he was, but a surge of pity took over him when he saw the flash of fear behind her eyes as she yelled. That didn’t make him any happier about the situation. 

He let out a heavy sigh and stormed off to grab his jacket and keys before he left, slamming the door on his way out. 

The music on the speaker was still playing, but it slowly crackled and disconnected as he got further away. Finally, the music fully stopped, and y/n was left in silence. Left to accept the reality of what she had just done, again. 

A/N: it is midnight, this is already a day late, and I haven't slept in almost 2 weeks, so i may not have edited this. But happy late birthday to Harrison, I hope y’all like this chapter!! Lmk what you think about it :)

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