#and yeah maybe i do have my head up my ass about this but at the same time...............

[lovecla]

© property of lovecla, nhl masterlist, nico hischier x you.

FAKE IT ‘TILL YOU MAKE IT, phase two:

<last chapter>

➴ chapter warnings: shitty ex boyfriend, mentions of cheating.

➴ word count: 2.5k

💌 from me to you: i just realised i was supposed to post this yesterday im sorry u guys i’m just dumb af. also, did you know it’s almost impossible finding a country music singer who isn’t an awful person or racist? i know zach bryan isn’t exactly a ray of sunshine but it fits the story so i apologise :( i hope u like it either way! ♡

𖧷

NICO OPENED the door for you after the second knock, which was a blessing— it usually took him more than ten knocks to actually hear that someone was on the other side of the door.

“Hey, there, fake girlfriend,” he kisses your cheeks three times, like he used to do in Switzerland, and you smile at the feathery touch on your skin. “Come in, I made soup.”

“I already ate, but thank you.” You place your purse on his couch, sitting down almost immediately. It had been a long day at work. Jeffrey, the section editor, was being a pain in your ass and spent the entire day trying to convince you to go out with him, claiming that he would take you somewhere to participate in a hot dog eating competition.

The issue here wasn’t the hot dog competition but the company. He was annoying and whenever he spoke, the spit coming from his mouth made you feel like you were in the middle of a rainstorm.

“Are you okay?” Nico asks, sitting by your side after grabbing a bowl of what must be soup for himself. “You look…”

You smile tiredly. “Tired, I know. I’m fine, it’s just work.”

“We can reschedule our meeting for another day, I don’t mind. You can also nap in my bed.” He offers, and you almost melt with how sweet he sounds.

“This is not a meeting and I’m fine, I swear,” you cross your legs, cracking your knuckles mindlessly. “So… we have the Zach Bryan concert coming up.”

Nico sighs, like what you just said was the worst thing in the entire world and you chuckle, finding his reaction cute.

“Do we really have to go?” he pouts and you want to coo.

“Usually, I’d tell you no and move on. You know I’m not a country music girl either but… I was thinking,” you run your fingers through your hair, braiding it while you speak. “It would be a great thing for us. There will be a lot of people there and, I mean… one of them has to know you. And one of them has to post something about us online.”

“And you think Nora will see it?” he asks, eyes full of hope, making your heart ache for a second. You wanted Nico to be happy so fucking bad, that the thought of Nora hurting him made you see red.

“I think… I think there’s a high chance of that happening, yeah,” you whisper, hoping that you were at least fifty percent right. “We’ll just be… y’know. A couple. Jack and the other guys are going to be there so we’d have to fake it anyway.”

“Mhm, you’re right,” he swallows a spoonful of carrot soup, licking his lips afterwards. “We’re fine, then. Instagram posting and all?”

You nod. “I’ll do the posting today. Maybe a picture of you with the guys, so it’s not too obvious.”

“Alright, cap,” he mockingly salutes you, and you laugh, throwing a pillow on his hips. “I’ll do my best.”

𖧷

THE ARENA where the concert was going to happen was full of people, and you caught yourself holding Nico’s hand tighter.

“Everything okay, baby?” Nico shouts over the music, and even though you’re surprised at how used he sounds whenever he calls you that, you nod at him, shaking your head up and down. “If you want to leave we can—”

“The hell you can!” Jack emerges from behind you both, shaking his head. “You promised me months ago that you’d come with me.”

You smile at him. “We did, yeah. Don’t worry, we’re not leaving.”

This time, Nico’s the one squeezing your hand and you give him an angry, yet playful look, while he looks absolutely adorable.

Jack convinced you and Nico to buy these tickets months ago, and when you bought them, you didn’t give it much thought— you knew you’d end up creating some random excuse and not going to the concert anyway.

Little did you know that when the concert day came, you’d be fake dating your long-time friend and trying to fool not only his friends, family and fans, but also Nora, a girl you despised.

Life is too confusing for you sometimes.

Fortunately, Jack also forced you all to pay for the VIP ticket, which meant that you didn’t have to be in the pit with people squeezing you and risking getting hurt, or something like that.

The VIP area was, in fact, just a huge room with a balcony view and snacks, all you can drink beer and some other fancy people who were just sitting there and taking pictures of themselves with their big, cowboy hats. Couples, friends, family— it looked like everyone and their mothers decided that it would be great to watch a man sing about love and broken hearts.

You were people watching— something you liked to do whenever you were in a place with too many people— when you felt one large yet gentle hand on your bare waist, making you jump slightly with how cold it was.

“Sorry,” Nico whispers in your ear, and the tiny yet present accent in his voice makes you smile. “You good?”

You had every intention to reply right away, but when you realized Nico had trapped your body between the balcony glass and his body, you froze. You knew you had to get used to being physically close to him, hell, you’d been the one who told him to keep touching you whenever you were in public so why were you feeling like this?

Sure, Nico’s attractive, always has been. But he’s also your friend. And in love with someone else.

You nod your head, grabbing the beer he bought for you and taking a long sip. Thankfully, the singer, Zach, decides that that was a good time to start singing so the lights are almost immediately off and the shouting covers your awkwardness.

Even though you’re not a fan, you have to admit that his songs are good. Swinging your body side to side to the country beat, you enjoy the show in Nico’s arms, laughing as you watch Jack dancing while holding Bastian’s hands and pretending to cry over Zach’s songs.

“D’you think we should do that?” Nico shouts over the music and you smile at him, confused.

“Do what?” you ask, also trying to make yourself heard over thousands of people singing and loud music.

“Dance,” he explains. “I’m the worst dancer ever but all of the couples are doing it.”

You look around for the first time since the concert started and you confirm that Nico’s right. The few couples in the room were animatedly dancing with each other, laughing and kissing like people in love are constantly doing.

You take a deep breath and finish your beer in one go, leaving your now empty cup on the table next to you. You turn your body around, laughing when Nico offers you his hand like a gentleman would, and you grab it, twirling afterwards.

We're havin' an all-night revival

Someone call the women and someone steal the Bible

For the sake of my survival

Baptize me in a bottle of Beam, put Johnny on the vinyl

Nico told the truth when he said he didn’t know how to dance, but his enthusiasm for sure made up for it. You both laughed hard as you danced around each other, laughing even harder when Jack tried to join the two of you just to have Bastian pulling him back like he was a ragdoll.

Well, the Devil can scrap, but the Lord has won

And I'll talk to him on the rising sun

His son rose and mine did too

I was coming down, but now I'm talking to you

“He ‘talking about you!” You shout over the song, and he leans closer to you, holding you in place while his stubble scratches your temple.

“What?” he grins.

“‘The Devil’. He’s talking about you,” you joke, praying he’ll understand the pun.

“Oh, sure, baby, he ‘talking about me.”

Suddenly, he pulls you a little bit too hard and you stumble, putting your hands on his chest, looking for some kind of support while he keeps your feet on the ground with his hands on your waist.

You’re breathing hard, all the dancing exercises are finally catching up on you. You’re staring at his coffee-colored eyes, feeling his chest go up and down underneath your hands, his breathing hitting your forehead with how close you both were.

You’re so… close. And even though your heart is beating frantically inside your chest, you cannot help but feel some sort of rightness in the place you’re at right now. And it’s so wrong.

So, so wrong. So terribly wrong and hideous yet—

The clapping and shouts bring you back to where you’re supposed to be, reminding you of how you’re supposed to act, of what you’re supposed to be doing. And that definitely isn’t having your hands all over Nico’s chest and standing inches away from his mouth.

“Em—”

“I’m thirsty,” you interrupt him, wiping a non-exist drop of sweat from your forehead. “I’m gonna go grab a drink, okay?”

“I can go.” He starts moving, but you’re faster. Placing a light kiss on his cheek you tell him you’ll be right back and start walking towards the bar.

Thankfully, it was almost empty since the majority of the people in the room were enjoying the concert in the area closer to the stage, so when you ask for another beer you get it shortly after paying. You decide to sit on one of the stools before going back to where Nico and the rest of the boys were.

The cold, bitter drink sits perfectly on your tongue before you swallow, and you hum to one of the few songs you knew, taking the opportunity to organize your thoughts inside your head.

You didn’t know what the things you were feeling for Nico Hischier meant.

Well. Actually, you did.

But it couldn’t be it, right? He’s your friend. Also, he’s in love with another woman. Also, he’s Nina’s, your friend’s brother. Isn’t it against the friend's law to hook up with their family? Or anyone related to them in any way?

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my favorite ex.”

You mutter a quiet ‘fuck’ before turning your head around, sighing because of course that, at a twenty thousand people, sold-out concert, you’d end up in the same room as your shitty ex from two years ago.

“Hi, Carl.” You don’t even try to sound nice, because in reality, you don’t want to.

“Hi, Emma. Didn’t expect to see you here,” he leans on the counter, his brown hair falling over his face, long and ugly. “Are you here by yourself?”

“Why is that any of your business?” You roll your eyes at him, getting off the stool and resuming your walk back. Sure, that’s what you would’ve done if Carl hadn’t grabbed your wrist, forcing you to stay in place. “What—”

“Come on, Emma, don’t play difficult,” he smiles widely and it makes you sick. “Look, I know it’s been a couple of years but… I miss you. I miss us.”

You scoff. “You should’ve thought about that before you screwed my fucking boss.”

“Oh, you’re still hurt about that,” he says like you’re someone who keeps talking about the same things over and over again and he’s the friend that has to keep listening to you. “I get it, it was wrong of me. But at least you have a better job now, right? Heard you’re working for the NHL now.”

You don’t try to hide your disgust.

“Where the hell did you ‘hear that’?” you try to remove your arm from his grip, unsuccessful. “Carl, let go of me.”

“Not until you hear me out—”

“Hear you out? You cheated on me—”

“—and understand that I was grieving my grandma’s death—”

“Your grandmother died when you were twelve!” you yell, pulling your wrist. “Carl, let go of my arm—”

“Is everything okay here?” Nico’s voice makes you turn your head around fast, watching as he frowns as he looks to where you and Carl were connected. “Baby?”

“Oh, so he’s why?” Carl hisses, forcing you to look back at him. “You’re his bitch now? That’s why you don’t want me back?”

“Carl—”

“Excuse me?” Nico steps closer to you, putting his hand on top of Carl’s and pulling it away from your arm in seconds, so effortlessly you have to keep the gasp that wants to leave your mouth safe inside. “Get your hands off my girlfriend right fucking now, who the fuck do you think you are?”

“I’m her ex-boyfriend—”

“Then I’ll ask again: who the fuck do you think you are?” Nico gently grabs your hand and moves your body until you stand behind him, his large body blocking almost entirely Carl’s frame. “Don’t fucking piss me off and leave right now.”

“Not until I talk to Emma.”

“Do not fucking say her name, you lost the right to do so. So, how is it going to be? You leave willingly or I punch you in the face?”

“Nico, no—” you whisper, placing your hand on his shoulder.

“Man, you know what? I’m gonna leave. She’s gonna come back crawling to me, and you’ll have to get your dick wet somewhere else.”

You only have time to place your cup on the counter before grabbing Nico’s hand and keeping him away from punching Carl’s face.

“He’s not worth it, baby,” the pet name left your mouth so naturally you don’t even notice it, but Nico definitely does. “Let’s go back, he’s just another asshole.”

Nico turns away and runs his eyes all over you, looking for something. Whatever he is, he doesn’t find it, so he just nods and mutters:

“Du arschloch.”

It makes you laugh, finally feeling all the tension leaving your body. “Yeah. That too.”

𖧷

“ARE YOU sure you’re okay?” Nico asks for the nth time, and you stop walking to look him in the eye.

“I already told you I’m fine. And all thanks to you.”

“I didn’t mean to make a scene,” he pouts, and you smile, cooing at him, wondering how good those lips must feel when—

No.

“You didn’t cause a scene, captain,” you playfully punch his shoulder. “And even if you did, it’s good, okay? Imagine the posts on Twitter: Nico Hischier, the captain of the New Jersey Devils, protects his little, defenseless girlfriend, Emma Roberts.”

“You’re not defenseless.” He laughs.

And I’m also not your girlfriend.

You laugh too.

“It was a fun night,” you sigh, walking towards your apartment door again. He walks by your side, and you hate the way it makes you feel safe. “Not doing it again though.”

“Yeah, me neither. One country music concert is enough for a lifetime.”

“Agreed.”

𖧷

emmaroberts

liked by jackhughes, jesperbratt, _connorbedard and 2,936 others

emmaroberts got to be a cowgirl for one night with these fellas right here

View all 130 comments

elladavis you’re so pretty!! miss the boys!

emmaroberts elladavis luke wasn’t with us tho

elladavis emmaroberts emma.

brooksnatalie you look so cute with your little hat baby :(

emmaroberts brooksnatalie can u move to new jersey already like i promise u it’s better than vancouver

_quinnhughes emmaroberts No. it’s not.

emmaroberts _quinnhughes shut up what are you? the mayor of vancouver city?

user2 YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY SAVE A HORSE RIDE A COWBOY

nicohischier hat looks good on you

emmaroberts nicohischier thanks cap 🩷

jackhughes glad to say i was the best dancer in the arena

emmaroberts jackhughes grandma its okay go back to bed

user5 emma congrats you just caused world war 3 with this post on twt

user6 user5 I DONT HAVE TWITTER WHATS GOING ON

user5 user6 people are going crazy over some photo of emma and nico together at the concert like they’re hugging and shit and now they’ve been analyzing every interaction they’ve ever had to prove they’re together

user8 ARE YOU AND NICO A THING

𖧷

<next chapter>

[beef-brisket]

Angel looked around the room: Me? Uh... I drank Huskers favorite whiskey last week. And I drank it from the bottle.

Husk: What?!

Angel: And I didn't wipe the rim.

Husk: The fuck Angel!?

Angel: It was a rough day at work, okay!?

Charlie: Thank you, Angel. Husk? How about you?

Husk: I ain't part of this shit!

Adam: Says the fucker in the circle.

Husk spins around and glares at Adam: I got pulled in. Ass hat.

Adam smirked: I thought kitties were meant to be sweet and cuddly~?

Angel: Pft. Not this one.

Husk glares at Angel: Fine. One night, you pissed me off, so I used your toothbrush to clean under the bar.

Angel: What!?

Adam snickered. He loved this shit.

Charlie: Okay! We're going good! I'll go next. Dad, I brake onto your room when you're not here.

Lucifer: Huh? Why?

Charlie: I uh... s-sleep on your bed. It makes me feel closer to you, like you're next to me.

Adam eyed Lucifer: See how much you fucked her up?

Lucifer glares at him before looking back at Charlie. He stood awkwardly, not knowing what to do.

Lucifer: Oh- Char, that's-.

He yelled as he was pushed from behind.

Adam: Comfort your daughter, you prick.

Lucifer quickly went over to Charlie and pulled her into a hug. He had no idea Charlie was going into his room, but his heart broke at the visual of her lying on his bed.

Lucifer: I'm here, sweetie, and I'm not going anywhere. You can come to my room whenever you want. Okay, hun?

Charlie says nothing and only nods. Her arms wrapped tightly around her father, and her head buried I to his neck.

After a few minutes, they let go, and Lucifer wiped Charlie's tears.

Lucifer: I love you, sweetheart.

Charlie: I love you to, dad.

She smiled as Lucifer made his way back to the couch: O-Okay! Sorry about that. Who's next? Pentious?

Sir Pentious perked up and smiled: Of corssse! I've made a new group of egg boiz, and I usssed DNA from everyone in this hotel to make them!

Everyone looks disgusted, and stared at him.

Angel: How the fuck did you get my DNA!?

Sir Pentious: Do you really want me to answer that?

Adam watched as everyone started arguing with the snake guy. He had a feeling they guy with two dicks was a freak. He starred laughing when Angel pulled out a hun and pointed at Sir Pentious.

Vaggie: Why the fuck are we fighting!? This was Adam's idea- and he's sitting over there, enjoying this shit!

Asam: Yeah, duh. But don't you all feel closer to eachother~?

Vaggie growled as there was a gunshot. She stormed over to Adam and stood in front of him.

Vaggie: What's your fucking game, huh!?

Adam: No game, bitch. Just enjoying the show~.

Vaggie: Maybe it should be your turn to confess something!

Adam: Oh, I would love to. Expect I'm not working towards redemption, I'm already in Heaven, bitch.

Adam lent back and smiled up at Vaggie.

Adam: What about you? Vagatha. Anything you'd like to confess? I can think of one~.

Adam gestured to his wings and smirked at how pissed off Vaggie looked. It wasn't until she glared at him for a few seconds that she realized it was quiet. She glanced around the room and saw everyone was watching her.

Vaggie: ...I don't know what you're talking about.

Adam: Don't you? That's weird... I could have sworn I knew you from somewhere...

Vaggie: Shut the fuck up, Adam.

Adam: Or what? You're going to pull out your little spear? I'm surprised no one's asked where you got it.

Charlie: Vaggie? What is he talking about?

Adam: And you weren't the best on my team, there's no way your bitch ass could take me on. Isn't that right, Vagina?

Vaggie: I-It's nothing, Charlie!

Lucifer glared at Adam: What are you talking about?

Adam: Ask her, not me.

What about an au where Adam goes to Hell for night trips, wher ehe just parties and fucks. He has a disguise (it's just a slightly different looking helmet).

Lucifer joins his daughter and her friends at a bar, where he sees "Adam". He instantly knows it's him, but he's curious as to what he's doing.

So Lucifer spends hours flitting with him and buying him drinks to get him drunk. But Lucifer actually finds himself having a great time.

Long story short- they fuck, Adam doesn't let Lucifer know he's Adam. He goes back to Heaven and after a few months, he finds out he's pregnant.

Which is fucking weird cause he's definitely a dude, and he's very dead. But Lucifer's the Devil 🤷.

He basically has to play it off as him getting fat. It's working until the next meeting with Lucifer happens during his ninth month, and he's goes into labor right in front of Lucifer.

Lucifer: Why didn't you tell me your were fucking pregnant!?

Adam: Because you didn't know it was me!!

Lucifer: Yes I did! You have the same face!

Adam: ..... Oh..

[lovebillyhargrove]

Billy opens his eyes in September 1985, in Hawkins hospital, and he's not happy to be alive. If you asked him, he would've preferred to stay dead or — unfortunately he never was dead — in a coma. Lying in bed like a withering away vegetable, blissfully unaware of his own existence or non-existence.

Gods have not been that merciful. Hargrove wakes up and doesn't even know his own body anymore. He needs to learn everything anew, starting with walking, or eating usual food — like an 18-year-old baby, for fuck's sake.

He's also bitter at everyone — yeah, for not fucking telling him !!

Except for Neil. Neil gets another kind of bitterness — quieter, darker, drowned in neverending pain.

Max gets a

"Fuck off, Maxine and shut the damn door." Said to the wall.

The gang of monster-hunters aren't even allowed to take a peek at her angry (and "that dude is so badass") brother.

Owens gets a

"Just leave me alone, Doc. I'm clean, and don't give a fuck about conquering the world anymore. Wasn't able to take a piss without a catheter until recently. I've got problems of a different level to deal with now."

When Steve opens the door to Billy's room, he actually gets talked to.

"Billy? .. Can I come in? .. Hey .. Hi."

Hargrove doesn't look like himself. He's too skinny, un-tanned, has some kind of a scanty beard, even longer hair, and looks like Jesus Christ.

Steve still can't believe it's happening. To come back to life after what Billy's been through? Impossible.

Maybe they put a dummy in the hospital bed.

The dummy opens its eyes, reluctantly turns its head towards Harrington, who is still hovering over the threshold, and doesn't say a word.

"How ..?" Steve's clearing his throat, cause sounds suddenly get stuck in it. "How are you .. feeling?"

The mannequin, who is probably Billy after all, blinks sadly and curls his lips

"Awesome, amigo."

Whew, damn, he's talking.

"Does .. does anything hurt?"

The guy looks at him like he's the dumbest idiot

"My ass hurts. I've been lying here for so long, I don't even know anymore if I have one or not."

Harrington wants to giggle, but that would sound extremely impolite.

He bites his lower lip.

"You look good."

Billy grins maliciously, and Steve is still shifting from foot to foot

"You're.." What's wrong with him?

"Listen, you're.."

"Get out."

"Uhm .. what?"

"You think you're so .. nice? Paying a visit to a poor sick guy? Why? To be a good fucking person? Get the fuck out of here."

"A good .. what?!" Steve tries to move closer to the bed but .. that's definitely stupid. He just feels like a ridiculous scarecrow in the field, with his ears burning

"That's not .. Hargrove. I actually .."

"Fuck you. I don't need you to come here."

"Okay, just .."

"Get lost!" Billy raises his voice

"Can I .."

"NURSE !!"

God.

"Alright! Get better!"

Asshole. Steve slams the door.

***

Three days later, he again tries to visit the boy who is definitely a nobody to him, and Billy again refuses to see him.

You know what, this is just too much ..! Silly games in the sandbox.

As if they weren't two reasonable adults. As if Steve hadn't watched Hargrove die horrifically, and as if he hadn't accompanied him to the hospital in the ambulance that night. Well, he himself was pretty beaten up, and needed a ride to the hospital, so it was kinda .. on the way, but still.

He sort of cared.

Was worried sick, to be honest.

And, listen, Steve generally doesn't take rejection well when he cares about something. Someone.

He's also sure of one thing — water wears the stone away.

So Steve shows up at the hospital again. Just to remind Billy of his existence, hang around the hallway, and when the door opens, give him a deliberately friendly smile and a wave of his hand.

Maybe he's here not to see Hargrove at all, he's got other stuff to do. Maybe he was just passing room number eight by accident.

Harrington is amused at Billy's face every time the guy catches a glimpse of Steve in his vicinity.

The patient either switches on complete indifference and sits there with a pompous ass face, as if they don't even know each other, or hisses like a pissed off cat.

Or he conspiratorially whispers something to the nurse when Harrington peers through the half-closed door — most likely asking her not to let Steve into the room under any circumstances.

But the former king didn't fall off the banana truck either. He has his own ways of influencing others — and begs nurse Miller, who seems to him more compassionate than nurse Fieldstone, to pass Hargrove a note

Dude, talk to me.

Steve turns to Max with a request — to collect some tapes from her brother's room, Metallica, Scorpions, Ratt, Mötley Crüe and his other favorite bands,

And asks Mrs. Miller to give them to the moody patient along with an expensive new Sony cassette player, which Harrington bought yesterday on Main Street.

The next day the player is waiting for Steve at the reception — Billy refused to accept the gift, but Harrington does not give in.

"Could you please put it in the drawer of the bedside table, preferably when he is asleep?"

The plan seems to have worked, at least the player is no longer returned. The guy must be climbing walls from hospital boredom.

One day Harrington gets lucky — he's going up to the second floor and bumps into Hargrove, who is being wheeled somewhere in a chair

"Oh, hi! Hello, Mrs. Miller!"

The nurse nods to him. Billy will not make a scene in front of all people, so he reluctantly grits out through his teeth

"Hi."

"How are you?"

"Great."

Steve notices Billy's cheeks turning pink, and the boy is hiding his eyes — he's obviously not very happy that they met like that, when he is in such a helpless state, for Hargrove has always been the machiest macho, hated any manifestation of weakness. And here he is — in a wheelchair.

"Where are you going?"

The guy's patience snaps loose

"Fuck off, will you?"

Well, let's not tempt the fate too hard.

"Have a nice day, Billy!" Steve is impeccably polite, unlike the frowning patient. However, was that not a whole conversation?

Harrington definitely calls it progress.

..

One wonderful autumn day, Steve decides to take an ultimate risk. He is in great mood, and he wants to share it.

Harrington swerves through the streets, listening to the radio while driving, a soft smile playing on his lips. On the way to the hospital, Harrington stops at the "Hawkins Bloom" flower shop and buys a bouquet. Whether it's chrysanthemums or dahlias, he doesn't know.

"What kind of flowers does your girlfriend prefer? Here's a beautiful autumn combination .."

"That's not for a girlfriend. It's uh .. for a friend .. he's in hospital? Something more modest, perhaps? But tasteful. Not cheap."

He feels like he's making excuses

Why the hell ..?

Jesus.

Billy definitely won't like this idea, but Steve's gonna do it anyways.

Cause he feels like it. That's valid enough.

So Steve buys the flowers and brings them to the room. He enters brazenly, without asking permission, puts them on the nightstand and moves it away from the bed — so that Billy cannot reach the bouquet and throw it at the visitor.

Oh, and let Hargrove puff, huff and even chuckle stupidly a couple of times as much as he wants — nothing escapes Steve's attentive eyes — blushing and demanding

"Take away these ugly fucking twigs! Are you out of your fucking mind, Harrington?"

Also, threatening him with physical violence

"I would so whip your ass with it, honestly."

Now that's an interesting offer, now we're talking

Harrington only winks at him, smiles

"Get well, okay?"

And rushes out of the room.

..

Like hardest ice under the persistent heat of the bright spring sun, Hargrove has no choice but to start thawing off, little by little.

One day, Steve arrives at the hospital during reception hours, pokes his head into room number eight

"So how are you? Maybe we should talk?"

Hargrove defiantly rolls his eyes and sighs as though he's so hopelessly tired

"You're such a fucking pain in the ass."

Steve shrugs.

"We are broken up anyway, even though we weren't even together for real, Harrington. Never. For the record. So don't get too carried away."

Billy keeps on grumbling

"You think you brought flowers, gifts, notes, so what? I'm not your chick, for fuck's sake!"

"Well, can we be friends?"

"Nah."

That's fine. He'll come around.

Oh, and did Steve forget to mention they did hook up before all the Mindflayer business went down? Must've slipped his mind in all the commotion.

[awriterinthenight]

Stolen Ring, Part 1-Luke Castellan

words: 900

warnings: swearing, reader threatens Luke a lot, Luke being annoying af and lying to reader, Hades reader, and I think that's it. This is kind of just the set up, so the next one will be longer and more plot.

summary: Luke is the bane of your existence, and keeps stealing your stuff to annoy you, so now you've decided that two can play that game.

Thievery was a common skill amongst Hermes kids and whilst valuable to them, it was the bane of existence for others. Especially for you. Most Hermes kids were smart enough to know not to steal from you, since being a Hades kid apparently made you "scary". Everyone followed this except for Luke Castellan.

Luke made it his mission in life to annoy till you wished you could send an army of skeletons after him till there was no more of him. Sadly Chiron said it was "frowned upon" and Mr. D said it was "too much paperwork", so you had to rule out those options.

Luke would steal everything from you whether it was a piece of jewelry, your book, (your sanity), your sword, which you you almost stabbed him for when he did, one of your daggers, or even your food which was the fucking worst. His usual operation was to distract you by annoying you, attempting to charm you, or send someone else to distract you while he quickly snuck in to take what he wanted. Sometimes you would leave your cabin for a minute to go help someone and come back unable to find your favorite ring.

Which was the predicament you were in now. Yesterday you had taken off your rings when you were getting ready for bed. The next morning you woke up unable to find your favorite ring. It was silver with a skull on it and matched your half brothers ring so you always wore it. Unfortunately the one night you took it off since it was bothering you, was the one night Luke decided to take it.

You always were the 'no fucks to give' type of person, so now here you were in the Hermes cabin, after shadow travelling right behind Luke.

"Give it back," you demanded, your arms crossed, a serious look on your face. Other campers, especially the younger ones, were intimidated by you, but not Luke.

He just turned around, a dumb smile on his face as he faced you, and said, "I don't know what you're talking about, Sunshine," he said, calling you by the name you hated. You were anything but a ray of sunshine being a Hades kid and all, but he called you that to be ironic, and to be an asshole.

"This isn't funny, I know you have it, so just give it back," you said, keeping your composure together to not rip off his head right then and there. Other campers had started to watch the scene unfold, bored with their own lives, so they just had to be nosy about yours.

"I told you Sunshine, I don't have your ring. You probably lost it in that dark cabin of yours," he remarked, turning around to go back to talking to his friends.

You rolled your eyes annoyed at him, "You're such a dumbass, you know that," you stated, as he turned around to face you again.

He had his signature smirk on his face again and you wanted nothing more to rip it off, "Oh yeah Sunshine, and why is that?" he teased playfully, making you want to kick his ass.

"Maybe if you filled all that empty space in your head with a brain, you'd realize I never said it was my ring that was missing, so how would you know that if you supposedly didn't steal it?" you pointed out, as you watched the shock wash over him, but he quickly recovered.

"Actually I noticed it missing on your hand when you came in," he defended, "I can be observant if I want to, or do you really think that lowly of me?"

You let out a frustrated breath, "No, I don't think that lowly of you," you said, catching him off guard before ruining it, "I think even lower of you. Now give it back."

He scoffed, "And here I thought maybe you weren't so horrible, but here we are. I don't have your ring," he said, holding up his hands in surrender.

"Just give it back, or else," you threatened, even though you knew he wouldn't be intimidated by it.

"Or else what? Are you going to threaten to stab me, cause news flash Chiron won't let you," he mocked, making your anger towards him fester even more.

You shrugged, thinking of all the ways you could torture him, "Maybe, or maybe worse, or you can just give me my ring back, and this can be all over," you offered.

"How many times do I have to tell you Sunshine, I-" he started, but you cut him off.

"Stop calling me Sunshine," you demanded, annoyed by the name.

Luke just smirked before continuing, "As I was saying Sunshine," he said, still calling you by the obnoxious name, "I don't have your ring, just get over it already."

You knew he had it, and you were dying on that hill, "Fine, then two can play that game," you said about to leave, "I hope you know one day I'm going to kill you, and I am going to enjoy it," you threatened before disappearing via shadow travel.

Luke just shook his head. He knew you would probably follow through with that promise, but he wanted to see what you would do first. For now he had to make sure you never found the ring he stole from you.

Current Taglist for all fics (ask to be added)

@almost-gabrielle @scarlett-8 @sarahskywalker-amidala @atashiboba @that1deerpersondownstairs @herondale-lightworm

[trevorsturnioloappreciator]

Lost In The Fire

Matt Sturniolo x Fem!reader

—parts 1 and 2

cw: Minors Do Not Interact oral (f!receiving), fingering, p in v, sir kink, pet names, dom!matt, sub!reader, condescension, praise kink, mentions of no condom but they wrap it, slight degradation, Matt is shlangin wood, i think that’s all

a/n: it’s taken me Forever to finish this and i apologize; i’ve been so busy and also super uninspired

❈ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ❈ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∴ ∵ ∴ ∵ ∴ ❈

—“Can’t wait to see how pretty you look while I fuck you stupid.”—

Matt’s salacious words had you instantly thinking about what it’d be like to actually have him. The ride with clothes on was enough to leave you craving more.

You’re still perched on Matt’s lap, his lips trailing a jagged path along your neck, when you pull back, wrapping your arms over his shoulders and look longingly into his eyes.

Holding eye contact, you grind heavily into his hips, he whines lowly as you catch him off guard with your attempt to get him hard again.

“Fuck~”, his voice comes out high-pitched and breathy, still sensitive. “What? We’re here all alone, you don’t wanna know what I’ll look like when you ‘fuck me stupid’? Hm?”, you ask innocently, starting to catch up to Matt in his own game.

“Goddamn, pretty girl, you got a mouth on you…”, his words are slow and drawn out, eyes moving from your lips to your eyes as his hands trail feather-light touches over your waistline.

“So all that ‘please’ n ‘thank you’ business was just you playin’ a part, hm? Or is it just you thinkin’ straight now that I’m not fucking my hips up into you?”

okay he’s way too good at this

A chill runs down your spine and your panties get wetter, suddenly feeling totally out of your depth. Nodding sweetly, keeping up the confidence act, you begin to trail your hands over his shoulders, slowly working your way down. You just barely breach your fingertips into his waistband, before instantly moving up to slip under his sweater and over his lean stomach.

“Guess so… or maybe ‘s just cause you make me wanna act polite….”, your words come out in a breathy whisper as you tip closer to his lips, Matt’s eyes drop to where your hands are teasing him, his own fingers trailing from your hips, down to grip at your ass, using his hands to rock you against him again.

This time you feel his jeans filling out again while his cool hands slip stealthily under your dress, fingers toying with the hem of your underwear. “Hmf…”, you grunt, the damp center of your undies catching on his boner, you wonder absentmindedly if his pants are starting to show proof of your wetness.

“So naughty… Need me to teach you how to act?”, Matt’s voice is like music to your ears, he knows exactly what you want to hear, it makes your skin burn with want. You start to assist his movements by adding your own twist to the way he grinds you down into him, nodding eagerly. Your hands are still exploring all over his abs and chest as you tip forward to suck a small hickey into his collarbone.

“Y-yeah, yes, please~”, your mouth is still pressed against his soft skin as you speak, muffling your voice. “Mm, that so? Need someone to teach you a lesson?”, he’s clearly enjoying the way you’re worshipping him, mouthing over his body, “How about you address me a little better, hm? First lesson, remember your manners, babydoll.” Matt’s voice comes out firm but light, he grabs a fistful of hair at the back of your head, not tugging hard enough to really hurt you, just enough to get you to straighten up and face him.

“Y-yes… sir…”, his tight grip on your hair, disallowing you from moving away, does nothing to stop the way you’re leaking against the crotch of his pants. “That’s a good start, baby, good job~” Matt’s condescending tone has your breath tightening up, lids lowering as his voice lulls you into a more docile headspace.

“Please- ca-can you f-fuck me, sir?…”, your words have Matt erupting into a guttural moan, a deep noise from the pit of his stomach, “Fuck, real sexy, babydoll, how about I take you to my bed ‘n you can show me how good you really are, hm?”, as he smirks down at you, he moves his hand through your hair before coming to rest his thumb in your bottom lip, hand cupping under your chin.

Nodding eagerly in his hold, you make a move to stand up from his lap, “Uh uh, let me~”, Matt whispers out, hands holding tightly to your waist. Before you can decipher what he means, he’s standing upright, lifting you by your hips to carry you.

Unconsciously you let out a squeak at the sudden movement, wrapping your legs tightly around his waist and your arms locked together behind his neck. Matt lets a melodic giggle slip past his lips as he readjusts his grip from your hips to your thighs, “Y’alright? Holdin’ on okay?”

Leaning back you meet his eyes, the toothy grin on his face makes you chuckle and nod.

“Mhm, think I like this position more than the last time you carried me off to bed…”, you lean in to kiss his lips while you lock your ankles together behind his back as he starts walking.

Matt has to pull away first as he’s starting to worry about ramming your back into a wall -not in the way he’d like to- leaving you to tuck into his neck, nipping light pink marks down the side of his throat, his giggle flows through your ear as he noses at your hair, chin hooked over your shoulder to navigate the way to his room.

The second Matt kicks the door open his mouth is all over you, licking up your lips before tilting his head to the side and diving into you, lips engulfing yours while your own tongue tries fruitlessly to dominate his. He comes up to the foot of his neatly made bed, slowly setting you down while popping one knee to hold his weight up next to your thigh.

As Matt stands over you, his left hand next to your head while his right just barely traces down the side of your waist, his lingering touch makes you squirm. You reach out to play with his hair while he leans in to kiss across your neck and shoulders, still caressing across your body, now with the back of his knuckles. “Mmm, look so good, pretty girl… Gonna let me inside you? Huh?”

“Fuck~ please, yes please, sir…”, the way your voice breaks into a whine makes Matt smile against your collarbone, “Hmm…”, he hums out, now trailing kisses up to your face. Matt’s lips are just almost touching yours, brushing against your bottom lip as he speaks, “Why don’t you tell me all about what ya want me to do with you? Tell me how I gotta take care of you, princess…”

Whining out at his words, tossing your head back slightly so his lips brush against your chin, you slide your hands from where they were resting on the sides of Matt’s head, down to squeeze at his biceps. Matt’s request makes your stomach flutter and your face flush hotly, “C’mon, baby, don’t be all shy now, not after you just talked that big game before..” His words come out softly as he moves to whisper into your ear, his tone is so condescending it’s almost cruel, it makes your mask of confidence completely disappear and your panties inexplicably wetter.

“Fuck, don’ know- want you to choke me…make me s-submit to you…”, your breath comes out heavier as you feel the heat of the moment swirling through your head, “S-so hot when you move me how you want, tell me i’m doing good when i follow your orders… Wanna be yours, want you to treat me like you own me, please~”, your admission leaves you a blushing fidgeting mess, grappling at Matt’s back while you turn to hide your face in the blanket below you.

“(Oh), you’re a nasty girl, aren’t you… walkin’ around in your bows and lace, but what you really want is for someone to make a mess of you, huh? Need me to boss ya around, embarrass you, you’re like a little puppy, begging at my heels.” He speaks through a dark chuckle, his lips move from where they had been kissing at the shell of your ear to mouth at your neck, leaving dark hickeys.

The way Matt was able to decode your mumblings, mixed with the way he immediately assumed the role you asked him to portray has you moaning out, the noise filling his room, alongside the soft and wet noises he’s making as he moves lower to kiss over the top of your chest.

“Yes, fuck, yes, sir. Please… Can’t- need you~ Whatever you want…”,

“Whatever I want?”, Matt’s words are demeaning and sickly sweet, his head popping up to crowd closer to your face, bright smile shining onto you. “Yes, yessir please~”, it’s all you want, to have him grab you the way he did on the couch, guide your rhythm, control you. “D-don’t even care if I cum… wanna be your good girl… please~”

The way your shuddering breaths overpower the words your speaking should embarrass you, you know you should show a bit more dignity, but Matt’s heavy body pressing into you, his soft hands floating over your body and the way his words play you like a violin has all inhibitions about looking foolish leaving you faster than you can think. “Oh~ babydoll, don’t gotta worry about that, I’ve got ya, gonna take real good care of ya, m’kay? First I’ll finger you nice ‘n slow, open ya up, get ya all ready for me~ then I’ll eat you out, kiss you, suck on that perfect pussy, have you ridin’ my face til your begging me to let you finish…”

“Mmhmm”, you moan, face flushing as you start to feel a prickle of electric heat flow through you, “Yeah? y’like thinkin’ about me playin’ with you, huh, wanna cum on my cock, pretty girl? Think you can handle it?”, his teasing inflection drives you crazy when mixed with his hand trailing down the middle of your breasts, stopping to rest on your abdomen, right where the waistband of your panties hide beneath your dress.

“I do- want it so bad, sir~ Can’t take it, just need you inside me- fuck, please.”, you roll your hips up lightly, trying to get him to touch more than just your lower stomach, needily scratching down his back. “Alright, babydoll, why don’t you sit up ‘n take your clothes off f’me? Can you do it by yourself?Show me how good you are?”

Nodding eagerly, you sit up once Matt has straightened out to stand in front of you. You start by unbuttoning your sweater, slipping it down your arms and tossing it away, if you weren’t already so fucked out you’d have half the mind to make your strip show a little sexier, but all your mind can focus on is the way Matt towers over you, appraising each new part of your body as it’s revealed to him. Scooting back a bit, you stand up on your knees while you reach for the hem of your dress, bringing it up and over your head.

You’re now left in just your white cotton panties, pink rosette centered on the waist band, your decision to not wear a bra wasn’t deliberate, but now that you’re aware of it again, you can’t help but feel so turned on at how slutty you must look in Matt’s eyes. Plopping down from your knees to sit in the center of his bed in a ‘W’ position, pouting up to Matt, waiting for him to pounce.

“Mmmh, fuckin’ perfect, almost wanna take a picture of you, sweetheart, get painting lessons or some shit, memorialize how sexy you look in my bed…”, his words are spoken quietly as his eyes rake over you. “Y’ready for me now?”, you nod as you tell him how bad you need it- whatever he wants to give you. “Okay… lay down, sweetheart, gonna have you obeyin’ in no time…”

As you lay back against Matt’s pillows, he comes crawling on top of you, stopping as he reaches the wet fabric covering your pussy. “So wet, doll~ and still so eager for it even after you fucked yourself against me earlier, huh? Y’need some serious house training, little girl… S’okay I’ll get ya all sorted out…” he’s lowering to press his lips just above your underwear as he speaks out in his teasing tone, laying small kisses around your stomach.

Before you burst into another fit of whines and begs, he’s pulling your panties down your legs, face positioned right in front of your glistening cunt, both hands prying open your thighs as he seems to be inspecting you. Matt’s scrutinizing gaze has you whimpering out as your pussy leaks like a faucet, he chuckles darkly to himself, “‘M not even doing anything ‘n your dripping, baby… Y’need me that bad?”, this time you can tell he’s really not looking for an answer to his question, only trying to make you blush and squirm harder; it works.

With your face tucked into your hands and your thighs uncontrollably trying to squeeze together, Matt thinks you look like a work of art, finally deciding to take pity on you, he moves closer to blow cold air onto your clit, before diving in open-mouthed to suck on your pussy. Tasting you, savoring your flavor as he takes you apart with first his plush lips, then his tongue. Matt probes at your entrance slightly, before widening his jaw and starting to fuck you with his tongue.

“Fuck! Fuck, so good!!”, you scream out as he works ardently to bring you to your second climax. “God, fuck ‘s so good, gonna cum, please…”, not even two minutes into Matt working you over with his mouth and you can already feel that familiar tightness in your stomach. Just as the words leave your mouth, Matt adds his middle finger to the mix, stealthily replace his tongue for the digit as he moves his focus to suck on your clit, just almost brushing his teeth against the twitching bundle, and you’re a goner.

Distantly, you hear the sound of you scream out as you thrust your hips against his face, riding out your high with Matt’s assistance. It almost feels like an out of body experience as he brings you to release, your hands are tugging harshly at Matt’s silky hair, legs spasming and tightening to lock around his head and the noises slipping from you sound like that of a trapped animal. When you’ve finally gained control of yourself again and Matt pulls off of you, you look down to see a smug smirk on his shiny lips, clearly very impressed with himself. “Good job, babydoll, taste so sweet, love how easy you give in~ Need a minute to catch your breath?”, he speaks lowly as he stands up once more, all you can offer is a stuttering nod as you look to him, his head placed directly in-front of the overhead light, it frames him in such a way that you could almost believe he was an angel sent to you.

“You all worn out, girl? Wanna just cuddle up ‘n take a nap now? You look exhausted, poor thing, y’think two is enough for today?”, all teasing has left his voice as he earnestly suggests you both could just stop here, but there’s no part of you that plans on leaving him high and dry, and anyway, if he’s got you this hooked and you haven’t even had sexy yet? It’d be a shame to give it up now.

Shaking your head, you try and show your conviction through your eyes as you stare him down, “No. Want you to fuck me, like you said… need you to fuck me stupid, don’t wanna be able to think when you’re done w’me.” your voice is meek but your words are true, since Matt entranced you with that first kiss, there’d been a nagging in the back of your head, thinking about being Matt’s fuck toy, laying there and taking it while he has his way with you.

Matt’s face morphs from tender and attentive to an awe-struck stare, his brows furrow and his mouth drops slightly open, “(Fuuuck) such an eager girl… Almost forgot how needy you are~ not satisfied yet?”, quirking his brow, he lowers at the waist to kiss you deeply, pulling back to examine your face. “Just wanna make you feel good, want you to take over… make me yours~”

Matt can’t hide the blush that sparkles over the apples of his cheeks, “Already makin’ me feel good, baby, love the way you scream while you grind against my tongue, how your thighs tighten up around me, ‘m so fuckin’ hard for you, princess…”, through hazy eyes, you watch him lower down onto the bed, now chest to chest with you. “Please fuck me, need you inside me, feels like ‘m gonna explode if you don’t… need to be full, sir~”, the words tumble past your lips as you feel your body temperature rise, his thick cock trapped in his pants is now pressed firmly against your thigh.

“Shh, s’okay, babydoll, gonna fuck you real good, a’right…”, he sits up again, peeling off his sweater and tugging down his jeans and boxers, finally exposing himself to you. Sitting up on your elbows you take in the chiseled edges of his body, his soft stomach and lean arms, the way the subtle line of his waist gives way to dark curls, his hard, leaking cock hanging under a thick patch of hair.

“Sir… fuck~ y’look so good, so big…”, your voice is almost slurred, you feel drunk off desire and you (need) Matt to take you over. Matt lets out a little chuckle as he comes closer, putting his hands under your knees and pushing your legs to your chest. The way he maneuvers your body has you moaning out again, all thoughts leaving your head. “Alright, pretty thing, gotta get the condom…”, before you let him stretch over you to reach at his nightstand, you lock your hand onto his shoulder, “Don’t- don’t need it, please, d-do it inside… cum inside me,sir, please.”

This time it’s Matt that moans out, leaning over you to stare intensely into your eyes, “Babydoll~ I dunno… ‘m not sure if you’re thinkin’ clearly… Don’t wanna do anything you’ll regret later.”, of course even in the heat if the moment Matt is looking out for you, and you know he’s right, “J-just wanna feel you…”, you whisper out the words abashedly.

Matt must notice you’re feeling slightly embarrassed, he kisses at your nose and cheeks, offering a reassuring smile while he pets at your hair. “Got all the time in the world for that, baby, ‘n don’t worry, I’m gonna make sure you feel me~”, he dives forward to suck your lips into a brazen kiss.

You feel his hand move down your body while he continues attacking your mouth with his, placing his right hand onto your hip as he leans slightly back onto his knees, reaching into his drawer with the left to grab a wrapped condom. The second he’s back in your eye-line, he’s tearing open the foil with his teeth and sliding the latex over his hard dick.

“Ready for me, princess, gonna take me like a good girl?”, he slaps his thick cock against your soaked pussy before sliding in between your lips teasingly. “Please, yes- ready, sir, please~”, at this point you’re writhing under him, brain short circuiting and overheating with lust, before you can really start blabbing out your desperation for him, he slips himself inside you.

“Fuck!”, you shout out at just his head entering you, you can feel every twitch and pulse as he slips just that much further in. “Holy shit…”, he breathes out, “So fucking tight- fuck…”, Matt’s face is screwed up in pleasure, eyes shut tightly as he pushes himself in to the hilt. You haven’t caught your breath, your mouth opening and closing like a fish on land as his cock sheaths into you, filling you to your limit.

“M-matt- sir~ s’big… need- a second-“, your broken speech has Matt stilling, opening his eyes to examine your expression, when he determines you’re not in pain; only overwhelmed, he leans in to nuzzle his nose against your cheek, whispering into your ear, “S’alright doll, take your time, you’re okay, just breathe~”

You steady yourself by counting the syllables of Matt’s calming words, finding security in his solidness. Breathing in and out, before once again opening your eyes to meet his, you revel in the way he stares down at you with gentle eyes, steadying yourself before finally speaking, “Okay, m’okay.. you can move now…”

“Yeah? Okay, pretty girl~”, Matt purrs, shifting his weight from both elbows to just the one propped up by your head. Moving his hand down to rest over the side of your neck, tilting his head to the side and capturing you in another kiss. You breathe out as his plush lips meet yours, feeling your body relax further, inviting him to sink even deeper before he’s pulling out an inch and slowly thrusting back in.

“God- so good, Matt, so good at this~”, his lips are still slightly hovering over yours while he continues his leisurely pace, “Hmm… ‘s that what you need, baby, nice ‘n slow? Need to be taken care of all sweet, huh? That’s good~ I’ll give ya the good princess treatment, babydoll~”

The soft words drive you crazy, mixed with his deep, gentle hip movements. Whining out, your head is swimming with heat and your heart feels warm like it’s wrapped tightly in Matt’s hands. “F- mmph… Matt-“, crying out as you feel yourself getting pushed up and down on the bed, Matt’s hips driving deeper into the back of your thighs. He sits up, grabbing at your calves and propping your ankles onto his shoulders.

“C’mon, wanna see you cum again, sweetie, show me how good y’are… Doin’ such a perfect job f’me, takin’ all this dick like a champ, huh? Doin’ it all for me~” This is the final straw, the new position causing Matt to hit your g-spot from the inside, his large hands rubbing up and down your thighs, gripping them to pull you deeper onto him.

“S-sir- g- please, can I cum…so good so- Mmhm…”, you thrash your head back and forth , the pleasure pulling you deeper into your mind, floating through a fuzzy, glowy headspace. “Yeah, g’ahead, doll, lemme see you cum on my cock~”, Matt coos out, leaning down to kiss at your throat.

When you finally hit your third climax, your whole body feels it. Your eyes squeeze tight, fist clenching at Matt’s waist as he fucks you through your orgasm. Distantly, you hear yourself whining and exclaiming. “Shh… S’alright, baby, I got ya…”, is the last thing you hear him say before your eyes roll back and you feel your mind blank for one second. Blinking awake, you realize Matt has now stilled, his right hand cradling your face. “You okay, princess?”, you nod, giving Matt a dopey smile while he rubs at your cheek with his thumb. “Fuck…”, it’s the only thing you can think to say, wincing slightly as he pulls out of you.

“Sorry, doll, can’t stay in ya forever, no matter how much I’d like to~”, his smirk is teasing and his tone is sweeter than honey. Rolling to lay next to you, Matt keeps his hand on your cheek, staring into your eyes, “Thank you…”, his words throw you off a bit, “What’re you thanking me for?”, you rasp out, voice slightly gone. “Just… for trusting me, I guess, ‘s really brave”, his shining smile has you blushing a deep red, nuzzling further into his hand, “Can’t help it… Think you might be the sweetest guy I’ve ever met…”

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tags: @lolastrniolo

[trippiexlove]

Serendipity- Ch.3

story master list

Druitt POV

We were finally in Atlanta! We were currently at our AirBnB that Trinity got for us. I was in my bathroom getting ready for the day, as we are probably going to spend the day shopping. 

There was a knock at my door before it opened revealing Bianca. 

"Girl you almost ready?"

"Yeah, I just have to put my shoes on"

I put on my sneakers, grabbed my purse and headed out the door. 

The girls and I got into the black suv and headed to the mall

*Few Hours Later*

After hitting our favorite stores, we finally made it a restaurant. 

"Walking around the mall takes me out every time" Trinity says as she sat down.

Bianca nodded in agreement "Girl who you telling"

The waiter finally made it to our table to take our order. We gave her our food and drink orders since we knew what we already wanted. 

"So Trin how has it been being the Impact Knockout Champion?" I asked as I sat back into my chair.

"It has been a great run, I am not going to lie I miss being with y'all though. But the girls have been so welcoming and I feel like I am finally free to be me."

Me and Bianca cooed at Trin, "We miss you too girl, but we are so proud and happy for you" Bianca said as we gave her a group hug. 

After a few moments the food and drinks came to the table. 

"So enough about me, Dru what's going on with you and Jey?"

I shook my head at her, "nothing is going on, we are just friends"

"Yeah, friends who have a date tomorrow night" Bianca said as she gave me a look.

"It is not a date, " I rolled my eyes at both the girls smirking at me "it's just two friends hanging out with. each other" 

"Whatever you say Sis-in-Law" Trinity and Bianca bust out laughing as I gave Trin a look. 

"Keep playing with me Trin" I pointed at her , giving her a glare. 

For the rest of lunch we just joked around and had small girl talk until we paid the bill and headed out the restaurant, and back to our AirBnB. 

Jey POV

I was in my home gym, finishing up my set when I heard my phone start ringing.

I put the weights back onto the rack and went over to my phone, noticing it was Jon that was calling me. 

I picked up the phone, answering on the last ring "Yeet, what's up bro" 

"Nothing much twin, what you got going on?" 

"I just got done with a slight work out, bout to go take my ass in the shower"

"I feel you bro, I just got done myself, what you got going on tomorrow?"

"Probably nothing, might go run some drills with Cody, then later on Rhyan and I going out"

"Wait a damn minute, you convinced Rhyan to go on a date with your ass?"

"Here you go, we just going out as friends, just going to hang around the city"

"Now you know damn well you want to be more than friends with that girl, better stop playing uce" I couldn't do nothing but shake my head at him, even though he was right I wasn't going to let him know that.

"whatever uce, I got to go I'll catch up with you later"

"Yeet!" I hung up the phone, quickly going inside the house, taking a quick shower. 

After the shower, I decided I would facetime Rhyan, just to see what she was doing.

The phone rang 3 times before she eventually picked up. 

"Hey Jey what's up?" 

"Hey mama, nothing much just got done working out, what you up to?"

"Just got back in from shopping with Trin and Bianca, now I am about to rest"

"You got something for me?" I smirked as I looked into the camera.

She rolled her eyes and let out a small chuckle, "Not this time, sorry, but I will try next time"

I set the camera up , showing the upper half of my body, while I finished getting dressed. There was silence on her end, so I turned around to see her staring. 

"Like something you see" I couldn't help but smirk, as she rolled her eyes. 

"Please, ain't nobody looking at you" I laughed her trying to play it off. 

"yeah ok, keep telling yourself that"

"Mhmm, so tomorrow for our little hang out, what are the plans?"

"I got an activity lined up for us to do, and maybe grab dinner afterwards, so dress comfortable"

We talked for a little bit more, until we decided to call it a night. 

"I'll pick you up around 8, just send me your location"

"Alright, talk to you tomorrow"

"Night, ma" we both hung up the phone. 

*Skip to the next night*

The time currently was 7:30, I was finishing up getting ready about to head out the door. I decided to send a quick text to Rhyan letting her know I was on my way. 

Miss Rhyan ❤️

"Hey ma, I am on my way, send me your location"

" sent current location "

"See you soon ☺️"

I quickly jumped in my car, and started heading to Rhyan. On the way I just picked up flowers for her, just something nice to do. 

Once I pulled up to the house, I quickly got out and knocked on the door. I waited a few moments and the door finally opened, revealing Bianca.

"Hey Jey, ooh love the flowers"

"Hey Bi, thank just wanted to do something nice for her"

"I think she's going to love it, I'll go get her" she walked away quickly running upstairs.

I wasn't downstairs alone for long, til Rhyan made her way downstairs. 

Even in chill clothes she looked good. 

"Hey Jey, ooh are these for me?"

"Hey ma, yeah they are for you"

"These are beautiful, thank you" She took the flowers with a smile. 

"I can take these for you, and put them in some water til you get back" said Bianca

"Sure, thanks Bi" She handed them to Bianca as we said our goodbyes and left out the door. I opened the door for her as she slid in. She said a quick thank you as I walked around to the driver side. She leaned over and opened the door for me, and I got in and I quickly started the car starting to drive towards our destination. 

"So where are you taking me tonight?"

"I know this bar and arcade place, I figured we can play some games, have some drinks. They also have food there as well" 

"Oooh if they have basketball I am whooping your ass in it"

"Yeah ok, we gon see loser buys a round of drinks"

"Bet" we shook hands, and continued making small conversations til we got there. We got there and I paid for our tokens to play the array of games. We got some drinks while playing the games, until we got to the basketball game. 

Druitt POV

After playing the other games for a while, we ended up on the basketball game. Though I was confident Jey would win, I wasn't going to let him know that. 

We started shooting the balls into the hoops, and of course I was losing as I barely get a single ball to go in. 

By the end of the game, Jey had 45 points to my 15. 

"Now you said you was gon beat who ass in basketball?"

"Oh please you got lucky"

"Just admit that I am the best"

"Fine, you are the best" I rolled my eyes playfully at him, hitting his arm.

"Here I can teach you a few pointers" he added more tokens into my machine, and handing me a ball. 

He stood behind me, putting his hand on my waist, and at that moment my breathe hitched. He grabbed my arm, putting it in a specific form, with his one hand still on my waist. 

"You have to stand like this, and put your arms like this", I could feel his breathe on my neck, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. 

"Ok so like this?" I asked

"Yeah, now shoot"

I shoot the ball and it went in. Due to excitement I jumped up, turning around giving Jey a hug. I quickly realized what I was doing and let go. When I looked at Jey he had a smile on his face, and I smiled back. 

"See there you go, now let's finish this game and we'll get something to eat"

After we finished the game we went over the food court area. We sat down to eat and started having small conversation, just to get to know each other. We found we both have a few things in common. 

After we were done eating, I was feeling tired so we decided to call it a night. Once we got back to the AirBnB, Jey walked me to the door.

"I had a really great time tonight, thank you Jey"

"Me too beautiful, we should definitely do this again sometime"

"I think we should" he leaned in for a hug, which lingered a little longer than it should've. He gave me a kiss on top of my head and let go. 

"I'll see you at work"

"Ok see you then" 

Once I got in, I put my back against the door. Did that really happen?

I can't help but admit that I may be falling for Jey, but I think it is too early to tell.

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[wazzappp]

dandandan au but it's robbie and lisa

Do you have any idea what you've done. I have literally been thinking about this for a week now and you've given me an excuse to talk about it. I am in your walls now you cant get rid of me you did this to yourself.

ANYWAY. LETS GET STARTED.

Lisa is fairly easy to just slot in as Momo tbh. She's popular, stylish and actively looking for a boyfriend that fits a very specific criteria. Also idk WHY but it is INCREDIBLY easy for me to see her being raised by Sekio. She doesn't really have a canon family and I think the most important part of her family life is that she grows up fairly well taken care of and loved, which Sekio does! You know. In her own way.

Sekio raising her also makes it very plausible for her to be the kind of girl who carries a brick in her purse and roundhouse kicks scumbags trying to pressure her into sex in the throat. Just maybe a little nicer than Momo is sometimes lol. Being raised by Sekio also means she keeps the attribute of being well educated about ghosts.

I can see her adapting to her psychokinesis pretty quickly, just like Momo does. I do like her emotions influencing her powers just a little more than they seem to effect Momo in canon. Just because I'm such a sucker for her keeping that mask of a smile on her face while unintentionally making cracks in the wall with her powers.

Lisa is also... mildly jealous I think. We can see that in the comic where Robbie and Ms.Marvel have a crossover hangout. She is VISIBLY relieved when they decide they're 'Crossover Besties for Life' so her being a little possessive of Robbie when Aira comes into the picture also stays making sense (smacking the pink bitch on the head with a pan for daring to make fun of her man my beloved).

I cant talk about Robbie and Gabe without first talking about Eli, unfortunately. Eli sucks ass in every universe so yeah he's still working for the Russian mob. Bad news though, he's been getting too much attention for killing the wrong people. He's been visiting Alejandro and Julianna Reyes (who is very pregnant with Robbie) frequently enough that his enemies are aware of them, which means they're actively in danger. So Ivanov uses this as an excuse to send Eli to Japan so he can oversee some drug deals they've been doing with the Yakuza. He has to give his businessmen some scary dog privileges and all that yk. His caution does not last very long at all and he starts making a habit of taking his victims to an old abandoned tunnel on the edge of town for killing and disposal.

He manages to last a whole 5 years in Japan but it's not really voluntary. Ivanov has realized he has a great way to pawn off this liability and he's milking it to the extreme. Eventually the Yakuza decide 'This guy is actually so fucking shitty its worth it to kill him and potentially jeopardize our relationship with the Russians'. So they kill him, and his family, which leaves Robbie and a very small Gabe in Japan.

Because of all the people he killed in that tunnel, Eli's spirit goes to rest there. Rumors had spread of a Mexican guy, high as balls on coke, killing people in there so he earns the name 'Turbo Tío'. Cause 'Turbo Granny' is a INSANE name and I could not resist the dangling chain of alliteration I mean it's RIGHT THERE.

Robbie and Gabe's story stays mostly the same. Robbie is still working on cars but I think it would be reasonable for him to start looking at apprentice work on Trains once he's out of high school. Eli still had his tantrum and threw Julianna down the stairs while pregnant with Gabe, so he's still working to provide for his brother.

Robbie as Okarun changes a few things but surprisingly not as many as I would expect. Okarun is awkward, insecure, lonely and bullied. It's why he attaches to Momo so quickly. Robbie is ALSO awkward and lonely but he's got a lethal murderface and a 'dont fuck with me' attitude so he doesn't have the same problems with bullies. He DOES have the same problems with friendlessness though.

Gabe. The most specialest boy ever. He is an entirely NEW part of the equation and as a result I'm giving him Specialest Boy powers. Gabe is very spiritually sensitive. He can see things most people cant. He pretty quickly learned to Not Talk About It very much and expresses what he sees by drawing. Robbie just thinks he's very imaginative, and he is but this isn't because of that.

Because of this, Gabe has an interest in aliens and supernatural phenomena (the cryptid 'Ninja Wolf' is an obvious favorite). Robbie likes to check any books out in the library that he might like.

This changes things for Robbie once he's cursed because now he has MULTIPLE reasons for wanting to get rid of it.

The obvious. He would appreciate having his balls back, thank you very much (unsubstantiated, based off my research, but rumors spread that because he was with the Russian mob he castrated people in the tunnel so like it or not its part of his lore now.)

Having this curse is putting a target on his back and therefore putting Gabe in danger.

He REALLY does not have time to be fighting all these ghosts and aliens while holding down a job and going to school.

Please for the love of god he wants to incinerate that little cat Eli is being stored in.

BUT theres also a bit of a conundrum there. Lisa can defend herself 100% but with all the shit getting thrown at them its really helpful to have Robbie around (he would. very much prefer for her to not get hurt). And the really big problem: being spiritually sensitive could put Gabe in danger in the future, and if Robbie cant defend him whats the point of all this anyway?

SO. Considering all of this, Lisa and Robbies first meeting and subsequent dare goes a little different. Heres what I'm thinking.

Lisa is super in her head while walking down the hallway because she broke up with her shithead boyfriend. Robbie doesn't see her because there was a new shipment of books to the library and he's carrying as many as he can that he thinks Gabe will like. Naturally they run into each other.

Lisa is pissed at first, saying he 'needs to watch where he's going'. But feels bad mid stomp off and turns around to help. Comments on the subject material. Something like,

'Aliens, huh? I've seen you around school I didn't take you for the type to be into that. At least you've got a little stuff about ghosts here too, thats more reasonable.'

Robbie takes offense on his brothers behalf, 'What the hell makes ghosts more reasonable than aliens?'

Their fight escalates, Lisa makes him a deal. He goes to the most haunted place she can find, she goes to a place with lots of reports of alien activity. First person to back out owes the other 50 bucks (which is like. 7487 yen. Damn). For Robbie thats an entire meal and he's confident he wont fail. Lisa just thinks he's sorta cute and she likes proving people wrong.

I'm willing to bet you can guess what happens from there.

Also, because it's me, they get some fun physical side effects to their curses. Robbie has a portion of his hair that stays white after his transformation. He tries to dye it at first to stay under the radar but eventually its just to annoying to keep up with. I think he should keep black fingernails too. As a treat.

I!! WANT!! SIDE EFFECTS!! FOR TELEKENESIS!! So fuck it I'm giving Lisa funky green face marks she covers with makeup. They can be funky together.

Alright thank you for coming to my ted talk bye

[befuddled-calico-whump]

Total $hit$how: The Tables Turn

in which Joy sorta gets asked out

cw: adult/crude language, manipulative leader

previous // Masterlist //

×~×~×

Joy was probably driving way too fast.

She couldn't help it. Knowing that Kaius was out there, stuck who-knew-where---and Vic wasn't gonna let them help---really lit a fire under her ass. If the other two noticed the high speeds, they didn't comment on it. Jericho was staring out the window, and Benji was squeezed beside her, chewing on his thumbnail.

“I remember where we turned,” he mumbled as they entered the city limits and the truck began to slow down. “We had to go on foot for a ways, but I should be able to pick out the spot they got him.”

It was dark. Joy didn't even know what day of the week it was at this point, but it didn't look like many of the shops were open, save a bar or two.

“Then what?” she asked. “How do we find him?”

“We…” Benji trailed off, shaking his head.

“We trigger the alarm again,” Jericho answered, eyes still locked on the window. “One of us can act as bait while the other two hang back. Tail whoever comes to take them.”

“And if it's Finley?”

“Then we should've been careful what we wished for,” Joy muttered. An irrational part of her wondered if this was all part of Vic's plan. Get one of them kidnapped to teach the others a lesson about pushing back against his decrees. Well… maybe it wasn't that irrational.

“I'll play the bait,” Benji said.

Joy gave him a sidelong glance. “You sure?”

“Yeah. I mean, they already saw me. Maybe it'll be fun?” He didn't sound convinced.

“Okay,” Jer said. “We'll have our eyes on you. Promise.”

Benji nodded, hands folding in his lap. “Fuck, I hope we find him before Vic catches us.”

Joy'd had similar thoughts the whole ride down. Her optimistic side wanted to believe their handler would be impressed with a successful rescue, but a much bigger part of her doubted it. Was it even possible for them to pull this off without Vic knowing? It'd be real hard to convince him Manak came back on his own, especially if the three of them were cut up from a scuffle. 

And what happened if he did catch them? Would he kick them off the mission? This was probably the best test for pushing boundaries they were gonna get. At least it served the bigger picture. If they could pull this off, maybe there were other rules to be bent. Avenues for doing it their way instead of Vic’s.

“Up ahead,” Benji said, pointing at a brick building. “There's an alley just past there. That's where it is.”

Joy slowed to a roll, eyeing the spot as they passed it. “It's embedded in the wall?”

“Yeah, behind a… a fake brick plating or something.”

Neat. The plating was probably wired into the building itself to get the signal out; either that, or the receiver was pretty close by. Was it inlaid in the building's plans? Or maybe whoever’d built it just snuck out night after night, chipping away a secret compartment. Ballsy of them, if that was the—

“Uh, we might be a bit far?”

“Shit, sorry.” Joy hit the brakes. Probably a little too hard. The other two lurched forward in their seats.

“Okay,” Jericho said, rubbing his neck. “Benji, you can hop out here. We'll swing the truck around and keep a lookout.”

Benji gave several quick nods, but didn't say anything. Or move as Jericho unbuckled and hopped out.

“Hey, you ready?”

He shrugged. “I don't know,” he said, a nervous laugh following the words out. “I guess… easier said than done, playing bait. I mean, I've done it before, but that just means I know it's really fucking scary.”

Joy hit the release on her own seatbelt. “Then I'll do it.”

“Huh? No, you don't have to. I just need to get my nerve up—”

“I'll do it,” she repeated. “Jer, take the wheel.”

“I'm sorry,” Benji said. “I know I'm a coward, I just—”

“Benji.” She clapped his shoulder. “It's cool. Just watch my back, okay?” She was curious about the alarm system anyway.

The truck pulled away as she made her way toward the alley, cursing the dim light and her neglect to ask exactly where on the wall the panel was. Oh well, too late now. She ran her fingers along the bricks, feeling for any difference in structure with her nails. A few areas gave her a false positive, yielding nothing when she tried to pry them backwards. 

When she reached the definitely more obvious panel, she felt a little dumb for trying the others. Joy popped it off, a grin crossing her face as a little green light inside began to flash.

Mission accomplished, now for that side quest. She lined her face up with the compartment, squinting inside. Transmitter, motion sensor… ah, looked like it had light shift detection too, maybe as a backup. The wires disappeared into the wall of the compartment.

Wired into the building itself. First guess. Joy grinned. She almost didn't hear the hum of an engine getting closer.

Right. The other half of the mission. Eh, she was supposed to get grabbed anyway, Joy thought, not bothering to drop her focus from the little hidden setup. The receiver was small, and who she assumed were its creators had gotten here really quick, so their hideout had to be nearby. Either that or the transmitter was running on a mega power source. Though it could also be a combination—

Someone cleared their throat behind her, and Joy turned to see a tall man with a spiky purple faux-hawk, hair shining neon against the headlights of a van.

“Ah. Hi,” she said. Weird. She figured she'd be grabbed by now.

“Whatcha doin’ there then?” the man asked.

“Checking out your system,” Joy said. “The hidey hole is neat, and I was curious.” Mission. “Guy named Vic told me about this spot,” she added, hoping that was enough to get the ball rolling.

“Right.” The man shrugged. “I was afraid of that.” He seized the handle of the van’s sliding door and jerked it open, inclining his head towards it. “Alright. Ah, you can just hop in.”

Joy stared at him. If this was how they fucking got Kaius…

“Ah, shit. Wait, my bad. Manak said you'd be good with it. You're on his team, yeah? Finley just wants to chat.”

Well well. How the tables turned. Joy simply gave the man a shrug and climbed inside.

“Oh, we'll grab your friends too,” he said as he climbed into the passenger seat. “The more the merrier.”

×~×~×

“Thought there was five of you?” The driver, a woman who'd introduced herself as Duckie, said.

“There are.” Jericho had adapted to the sort-of-being-kidnapped thing really quickly. Maybe it was just a skill that you got once you became a parent. “The fifth person… well, it's just us tonight.”

Yeah, because no way would Harbor stick out his neck for this. Joy didn't even want to try to ask after their last proposed rescue.

“Well, Finley will be glad to talk to any of you.”

“Didn't Kaius tell her enough?” Benji asked, still hunched in a nervous pose. He took the kidnapping a lot worse than Jer.

“It isn't about what you know,” the third passenger, a man who hadn't bothered to toss out a name, put in. “It's what we know.”

Ominous, but she liked the sound of that. She was already dying to know more about any of the mission details. If Finley could offer that, willingly, Joy was ready for it. She could only hope the new information was more of a blessing than a curse. But then... Look at their luck so far.

As she'd assumed, it wasn't a long ride before the van was pulling into some oversized garage.

The three of them were ushered out of the van, through an open bay area, and into some side office while Jazz went and got Finley. The place was far from homey, covered in dust, and full of junk. Probably not their usual hideout.

Despite the gentle kidnapping, Joy still let out a sigh of relief when they found an intact Kaius in the other side of the office door, reading a dusty manual for what looked like a hydraulic press, a half-empty plastic water bottle on the desk beside him.

The guy was a bit of an arrogant ass, but it hadn't taken Joy long to accept him as their arrogant ass.

“Thank fuck you're okay!”

Kaius was stiff as a board as Benji’s arms wrapped around him, but under the irritated look, Joy could almost swear she saw the hint of a smile.

“A congratulatory handshake would have sufficed.”

“Ah, right, sorry.”

“So,” Joy said, taking a seat in a rusting foldout chair. “Where are we sitting on a scale from ‘hostage’ to ‘secretly in charge’?”

“A good distance from the latter,” Kaius replied. “But we'll be free to go once Finley gives you her spiel.”

“Oh?”

“Allegedly.”

“Then why are you still here?” Jericho asked, leaning on the desk.

“Wasn't convinced he wouldn't just yap to Vic.”

Joy's head swiveled towards the doorway, where a lean woman with a highlighter-yellow mullet was standing.

Kaius seemed unsurprised by her entrance. "Speak of the devil."

The woman shrugged. "Speak of the yapper."

“What was your plan?” Joy asked, folding her arms to match Finley's stance. “Keep him here forever?”

“He was on the verge of convincing me otherwise when the alarm hit.” She cocked her head. “Now I just have more people to share the good news with.”

In the corner of the room, Benji looked like he was trying to make himself smaller. “So is it actual good news? Because the way you said it…”

“No, you're right. I lied. It's shitty news, but it's the truth, and that's better than anything Vic’s feeding you.”

“What do you want for it?” Joy asked, raising an eyebrow. She'd dealt with this type before; friendly strangers with something slippery about them, always swore they had something you wanted, but it always came with a price. 

“Only your undivided attention.”

Ah yes, the one thing she had a hard time giving. Joy glanced back at Jericho, then Kaius, who gave a single nod. The gesture seemed to be enough of an invitation for Finley.

“I was Vic’s first pick,” she said, stuffing her hands in her pockets and throwing a grin into the room. 

Vic's first… he knew her? Was that why..? Joy bit the inside of her cheek, trying not to let any surprise cross her face. Shock and awe seemed to be exactly what the woman wanted, and Joy didn't want to give her that satisfaction. Not yet.

“I used to work for Rotorworx covertly,” Finley continued. “Ferried supplies back and forth for their batshit science projects. And I guess somewhere along the line, things got a little too batshit. The government took notice and didn't like what they saw. Now,” she swatted her bangs out of her eyes. “That was where it got complicated. See, the DoD has a contract with Rotorworx. Uses them for weapons advancements and aircraft shit. It's not a relationship they wanna fuck up, but they can't let RW keep playing with fire the way they have been. Because it's bigger than a little fire, a little lab disaster. They're…” She snapped her fingers a few times. “well, they're—”

“Fingerfucking reality?” Benji offered, and Finley pointed at him with a smirk.

“They sure are. And as you can imagine, the Department of Energy had something to say about that.”

“Then why didn't they just shut them down?” Jericho asked, shifting in place.

“Oh y’know. Privatized company, partnerships with various three-letter-agencies, high value assets, billionaires,” Finley replied, counting off each on a finger. “It gets really convoluted really fast. The DoE tried to have a chat, but their CEO wasn't having it. So they figured, why ruin a perfectly good relationship when they could just hire someone to break their new toy?”

“So they hired Vic,” Joy finished.

“Bingo. And Vic tried to hire me. He wanted to build a specialized team and needed my expertise, or so he said. I mean, can't blame him. I'm probably the best pick for an op like this.” Finley shrugged. “But I did my own digging. Poked around, listened in on a few closed-door conversations, found out that yeah, they want the Reality Cage destroyed, but they also want someone to pin the crime on.” She leaned into the doorframe, fixing each of them with a look before continuing. “And that's where you come in, sweethearts.”

It took a moment for the words to settle, split-seconds of denials and excuses and justifications flashing through Joy’s head like a firing squad. Vic needed them, they had specialized skills, he'd made a deal that benefited everyone, why trick them like that?

But Finley was right, wasn't she? As much as Joy wanted to tell herself that no, she was inclined to believe this stranger over Vic because she was biased, because Vic was a cold bastard who clearly didn't give a damn about them, it was enough. 

Vic didn't give a shit about them. Finley didn't stand to gain anything from telling them, at least as far as Joy could figure. And worst of all, this was the final puzzle piece to make it all make sense. Why else would Vic hire a bunch of random criminals he had no reason to trust? Why else would he put them through weeks of training to do what he and Sahota could've done in one night?

It was all a con, and she should've known better. Of course they weren't being set loose after the mission. It had seemed legit enough when the offer was first made, but had that just been her desperation talking? At the time, the choices she'd been presented with were to take Vic’s offer or land her happy ass in prison. Guess either option had always ended at the same destination.

“We appreciate the warning,” Jericho said, his expression nothing short of troubled. Jer… he had a lot more stake in this than any of them. All he wanted was to see his kid again, but Vic, that son of a bitch…

“Why did you tell us?” Joy said. “Why not let us take the fall?”

“Good old fashioned chivalry ain’t dead yet,” Finley said. “And I wanted to let you suckers know you're off the hook.”

Benji's eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“I pulled a few strings and got my guys signed on as a contingency team. If Vic fails, the DoE is sending us out. Only difference is, we're not playing scapegoat.”

“And they're letting you?”

“The prison scheme was Vic’s plan,” Finley answered. “Five nobodies with criminal history, caught breaking into Rotorworx with intent to steal and pawn and break things. The poor Reality Cage was caught in the crossfire, bringing a year of sketchy-ass progress to a close. So sad.”

“Then why would he bother with us? He could be in and out without a trace.”

“Does Vic really seem like the type to neglect covering his ass? He's not gonna risk it.”

“And you are?”

“Sweetheart, I am all about risk.” Her teeth flashed in a fresh grin, and Joy forgot her next point. Fuck.

“The sum of it is, we're free to go,” Kaius said.

“Exactly. No guilt, no betrayal from old man Shepard, no cops. Pick up where you left off and don't look back.”

“What about Sahota?”

Finley raised an eyebrow, squinting at Jericho. “Who?”

“Sahota,” Jer repeated. “Vic’s partner?”

She shrugged. “I didn't know Vic had a partner. Everything I dredged up pinned him as a solo operator.”

Joy exchanged a look with the others. “Does… do you know anyone who would know about him? If he's in on this?”

“Vic’s a shadowy bastard. There's a lot about him no one knows. Including what company he keeps.”

Was Sahota in on this? She didn't want to believe he could be, but he was just as secretive as Vic. He'd given them the chance to win a chat with Finley, which could've blown the whole lie wide open, but had he known it was a losing game from the start? Even after Jericho came out on top, Vic hadn't honored the bet. 

Maybe he did know. But maybe he didn't get a say. Vic called the shots in their partnership; in their relationship.

“Is that all then?” Joy asked, slouching in her seat. Free to go or not, there was a big fucking mess in their wake, and she didn't know if they should do something about it. She didn't know if they could.

“That's all. Run away, or go back to Vic. I did my moral duty. It's in your hands now.”

This was it then. They could just leave. Fuck off and slip back into the lives they'd left. Would it be safe? Probably not, but none of them had really been safe from the start. 

“What do you think Vic will do?” Benji asked as Finley left the room, closing the door between them. “If we leave, I mean.”

“We just have to get far enough away that he won't find us,” Joy answered, uncertain even as she said the words. What would Vic do? What would Sahota do?

“What about Harbor?” Jericho said, and Joy cursed under her breath.

“Harbor has a hard-on for Vic,” she muttered. “I'm sure he'll be fine.”

Jericho didn't look convinced. “You want to leave him there?”

Ah fuck, she couldn't handle the disappointed dad look. Jer was a master of it. “I didn't… I mean, no, I don't want Harbor to take the fall or anything. But he's cozy with Vic, isn't he?”

Jericho grimaced. “He… I think there'll be trouble for him if he stays.”

“Because of Sahota?” Honestly, if their trainer wanted to kick his ass again, Harbor had it coming.

“Because of Vic.” Jer sighed, rubbing his face. “It's been a long night. I… I talked to Harbor. Just before Benji came in. Vic was there when he hurt Sahota. I think… I think Vic made him do it.”

Fuck. Joy bit her lip. Fuck. What was one more thing she didn't want to believe? From the start, she'd known their relationship went deeper than business partners. They loved together for fuck's sake. Sahota had been there for twelve years. Why would Vic encourage that?

As much as she didn't want to, it was just one more thing that was easy to believe.

“We need to go back for him," Jer said. "Maybe we can convince Sahota to come too.”

“You think he would?” Kaius piped up, brows creasing.

“I think he should have the option. Look, you all can run. You should run. I'll go back to the compound, talk to them both about this—”

“No,” Kaius said. “They will know we were gone by the time we return. If it's only you, I'm not certain Vic will give you another opportunity to leave. He still needs his scapegoat.”

“He knows it was Finley who got you,” Joy cut him off. “Either way, he'll be suspicious.”

“So we'll lie,” Kaius said, getting to his feet. “Tell him it was Finley, but we don’t believe a word she said.”

“It won't work. He'll see through it.”

“He only needs to buy it for one day,” Kaius said. “Once night falls, we'll be gone. For good. If Harbor has any sense, he'll be with us.”

“And if he doesn't?”

“He's a free man. It's his funeral to plan.”

Jericho stepped in closer, closing the circle they'd unconsciously formed. “It's worth a try, but I'm not the best liar.”

“Ruebin is,” Kaius said, and Benji perked up beside him. “I'm sure he can convince Vic long enough to give us time.”

“One last mission,” Joy said wryly, and Jericho cracked a smile.

“Guess we should hit the road.”

Joy hopped up, pushing the door open. Finley was still outside, slouching against a shipping container like a freckled scarecrow.

“I guess I did tell you you could go back to Vic,” she said, eyes glittering as she fixed them on Joy. “Didn't think you'd reach that conclusion so soon, but props for the heroism.”

Joy raised an eyebrow. “Another closed-door conversation?”

“It's a bad habit.” Her arm swept out, gesturing for the warehouse exit. “I won't stand in your way. Best of luck tricking that sly bastard.”

Joy sighed. “I guess… thanks. You saved our asses.”

“Only for you to jump back into the frying pan, but I did try.” Her smile faded for a moment, eyes holding the tiniest bit of seriousness as she looked at Joy. “Well hey, I can't blame you either. I'd do the same for any of my idiots.” She reached out her hand, pressing a piece of paper against her hand. Joy closed her fingers around it, looking to Finley for an explanation.

“If said sly bastard gives you too much trouble, give me a call," she said in answer. "I'll see what I can do. And if he doesn't, and you wanna get dinner sometime…” She winked. “It's a versatile offer.”

Joy tried to keep herself from flushing as she gave a quick nod, squeezing the paper in her fist. “Yeah. Yup. Uh, thanks. Again.”

Dinner, huh? She hadn't given much thought to after, and they still had a long and bumpy road ahead, but… she could do dinner. Probably. She had questions about that alarm system of theirs anyway.

The hard part was behind them. Now time for the harder part. The Harbor part. The guy was a dickhead, but if Jer’s assumptions were true, he didn't deserve to be left in the dust. They could get him out of Vic’s clutches and part ways, easy peasy. If they could get him out of Vic's clutches.

What if they couldn't convince him? What if he just ran off to snitch the first chance he got? They'd have to be ready for a quick exit. And Sahota…

She didn't know how they'd convince Sahota. It was a dangerous bridge to cross. If he knew, if he'd been lying to them all this time, the game would be up. The end. But if he was in the dark too, didn't he deserve to know? Didn't he deserve the chance to quit a job that would probably get him killed one of these days? To leave behind a partner who would let that happen?

The four of them squeezed into the truck’s cab and Joy started her up. They'd walk that line when they came to it, and damned if she wouldn't give it her all, but right now, they had an hour to get their story straight, an hour to prepare to face Vic. No sleep, plenty of new, exciting, dooming information. 

The shitshow was about to begin. She just hoped they were all ready for it.

×~×~×

tag list:

@theonewithallthefixations , @violets-whumperflies ,

@whump-me , @pirefyrelight , @soheavyaburden , @snakebites-and-ink , @whumpsday ,

@kixngiggles , @echo-goes-aaa , @whumpcateyes , @clickerflight ,

@sodacreampuff , @starfields08000 , @neverthelass , @melpomenelamusa

[eikichi-supremacy]

If nothing else Koenma is a Kuwabara stan and I'm right there with him o7 (I need to write the kuwameshi fic that goes with this fr)

[autistic-katara]

icl i would be at least a little happy with almost any ending for stranger things but one thing that would ruin all of it would be an epilogue (of a decade or more later)

[starlight---starbrights]

Undertale yellow flowey embroidery

This took about 40 hours, give or take a few

[triglycercule]

horror bragging about he's immortal and allat to killer and dust (because he genuinely thinks he is. like he literally came back from the DEAD that is a proud accomplishment!!!! bro probably brags all the time about it like "heh even if you hit me hard i'll just get back up. bitch")

and then killer's like alright bet! let's test that out! and then he starts going on an all out chase for horror's head. and dust just follows along because hey why the fuck not it sounds fun and it would be nice to knock horror down a peg or two :3 frantic running from horror ensues because as much as he'd like to stick by his claim he REALLY cannot be going around risking to see if him being immortal is actually true 💀

[beegswaz]

ON DA FUCKINT GRIND 💪💪💪💪💪💪🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[steelthroat]

Stupid School related vent

Look objectively speaking this has been a good school year.

Good classmates(except when they were indefensible w the teachers)

Good teachers (except when they acted like whiny children. Idc if they were good to me I speak objectively and generally)

Best grades I've ever achieved

But honestly I am not happy, we did too many useless things, we lost many hours to things our teachers were forced to make us do because the program said so...

I am now making notes and studying alone things we didn't do but they're gonna ask me at my exam.

I haven't studied certain artistic movements, artists and important paintings because our art history teacher was... hhhhrn bad.

Some important authors were skipped

Some historical periods of time just barely mentioned or were explained superficially.

Some philosophers skipped or explained badly.

No, it's not a pretty picture and most of it wasn't our or our teachers' fault. I am not blaming anyone but the school system that now more than ever I am convinced is deeply flawed.

I am going to do my final exam and get my final grade that will determine my "worth". 5 years of work but 5 days are gonna determine 60% of my final grade.

I know whatever happens the grade is gonna be good because I already have 80/100 and if I get 20/20 at the final exam it's gonna be 100/100. And frankly it's not that hard.

I don't even care if something happens and I'm gonna guck up, I'm gonna give my best because I care and I want to be proud of myself when I'm gonna look back at this time of my life.

But I am not happy because I feel like whatever I did and I was taught wasn't enough. I don't care if the final grade is gonna be good, I am still not happy about my own level of education.

I mean, I am happy for myself, i did my best and had my kind of fair "reward" for my efforts... I'm simply not satisfied

[ifyourereadingthisblinktwice]

i need to stop forgetting things exist the fucking second they leave my field of vision. why is is impossible for two things to occupy my mind at once especially when im tired. like. i feel like a sim. i feel like actions are being canceled and i just. move on. and completely forget what i was doing moments before. i fucking hate it

[hellfireeddiemunson]

i have bad melted soup brain today and i hate it