#and yet all of that said Lizzy is still like ‘and I have to hear you say this about my family why?’ Tumblr posts

[loggiepj]

lizzie

Summary: just an angsty one shot story 😂✌🏳️‍🌈

"TOM SAID she had been using Rooney to gain more credits to her work, always insisting to come along Rooney when she's in film productions, pretending she was only supporting her then girlfriend just so she could give her scripts to producers. And she did this while cheating on her behind her back."

You bit your lip to stop yourself from bursting into tears, hand on your chest, slipping to your collarbone then up to your neck as you willed yourself to breathe.

"That's awful," you heard Lizzie's beautiful voice slurring through the confines of the comfort room, through the door of the cubicle you were trapped in. "I can't believe she could do such a thing. She was so sweet and all, I thought . . . I thought—"

"Oh, we thought so too, Liz," another person chimed in, "but don't be easily fooled. I heard Rooney's lawyer will be filing a case against her sometime soon."

Your other hand went to embrace yourself, clutching against the side of your sweater as you might lose it.

"It was a risk on the producer's part to still include her in this film," said another, "knowing her reputation."

In the following silence, you could hear Elizabeth's sigh. "God, I wouldn't have known."

It was complete torture, having to listen through it all, having to witness how someone you had grown close to in the past few weeks could crush you down in an instant. Five minutes and thirty seven seconds, to be exact.

As if the gods above had acknowledged you had suffered enough, they eventually left the comfort room and began discussing about the next scenes as they walked through the door.

When you heard the door shut close, you broke down. The kind of cry where you seemed to be running out of air to breathe, as if you had been clawing your insides until there's nothing left. You didn't think it was possible to cry for someone like this. You felt like a kid, but you couldn't wail louder since anyone could just walk into the toilet.

The gossips you had endured during highschool, about you being gay, had nothing in comparison to what just happened. Especially the one who was involved was someone special to you. And it felt worse coming from her. To think that Lizzie would actually believe them, believe the rumors circulating about you. To think that she could be different from others. But you'd thought wrong.

It all started with Rooney. She was an actress you fell in love with when you got to work with her and Tom in Carol movie. You had been together with Rooney for almost six years. And yet for one simple action, a drunk crewmate kissing you on the lips inside the producer's room, mistaking you as his girlfriend, Rooney threw everything.

It was all one big misunderstanding. One night, you were just making love. The next, you weren't allowed to enter the penthouse you were both staying, considering Rooney owned that unit and you gave up yours when you moved in with her.

Her sister, Kate, the ever merciful one, contacted you afterwards the sudden eviction, saying that she would try to persuade Rooney to be at least forgiving to let you stay for the meantime while you were looking for another place to live.

But that didn't happen. After that incident, rumors of you cheating started to spread around in the industry, some were exaggerated to give that appeal. And no one trusted you anymore, that you would only use people to your own benefit.

If you weren't only friends with the director of the current film you were working with, you wouldn't have any project.

And then you met Elizabeth Olsen.

You can call me Lizzie, by the way, was what she said when the two of you first talked.

Lizzie had a very distinctive and elegant appearance. She had fair skin, light brown hair, and expressive eyes that were usually a striking green. She was almost an inch taller than you, but if she wore heels, you'd always look up to her whenever the two of you were talking.

You knew her from her massive role as Wanda Maximoff in Marvel Universe films, and you even used to idolize her as someone who's good in everything, no matter what genre the film she was in.

And you both just instantly clicked, like you were made for each other. You could talk to her for hours and hours through the production days, either before the filming would start, during breaks or at the end of the day. She would also share everything to you, with enthusiasm to your mutual interests, as if you were long-time friends. She looked at you without judgment, making you wonder if she knew about the rumors, the one thing that could destroy this newfound promising relationship. Knowing Lizzie wasn't into social media and stuff was what kept you asleep most nights.

You had even asked her to a date that weekend and you both enjoyed it to the fact that she almost invited you inside her nearby apartment when you gave her a ride home. There was this kind of feeling you feel whenever she was around, sometimes butterflies, sometimes longing.

But everything crumbled down when a newcomer saw the two of you flirting with each other.

YOU SPLASHED some cold water into your face as you prepared yourself to face the outside world, hoping it wasn't that obvious that you were just crying seconds ago.

When you went back to the studio to get some work done, you saw Lizzie on one corner practicing some lines with her co-star.

Maybe you were only overthinking it. Maybe she would see you through, talk to you about it, listen to your side of the story. But when you approached them, they only went silent.

"Hey," you greeted, trying to diminish any awkwardness.

"Hi Y/n," Lizzie replied with a smile, "we're just quickly rehearsing for the next scene."

"Oh, okay, sorry to bother you both," you said, "I'll just talk to you later then."

She only smiled back as she went back to her script. You would have just let it go if it weren't for the fact that she would always choose to talk to you.

LATER was no different as you went to knock against the door of her trailer upon hearing Lizzie's laughter inside. Abruptly, the laughters died, and you swore you could hear shushing. When her friend opened the door the second time you knocked, said friend only told you Lizzie wasn't in there even when you knew she was.

THROUGH the days that followed, it was slowly sinking in that maybe they got her too. That Lizzie believed them too.

You tried to give Lizzie the benefit of the doubt. That maybe she was only busy, knowing the most critical scenes were being shot. But you had probably sent her a lot of messages to which Lizzie had only replied words fewer and bland as compared to the older ones she had sent you.

WHEN you tried to approach Lizzie during one of the breaks, surprising her with your favorite cheesecake she said she liked, she thanked you rather hurriedly.

"Thanks, Y/n," she said. "You shouldn't have."

"It's fine," you said back, brushing her off as she tried to return the box to you. "I was in the area earlier when I passed by the store, and I remembered you wanting to eat another slice of it."

What was redness that you used to see adorned on Lizzie's cheeks, was inexistent as she hesitantly accepted the gift. You could tell she was sporting a smile you had seen her do whenever she was uncomfortable during interviews.

It gave you the kick to stop whatever this was you were doing. You then decided not to torture her anymore with how forward you were. It was clear she didn't want anything to do with you. That you were just mere friends in passing. That that date was only that. Nothing more.

"Lizzie!" someone called her from afar, apparently saving her from this awkward interaction. Saving you both.

"Shoot, sorry, Y/n," she said with an apologetic smile. "I have to leave, but thank you again for this. You're too sweet for this world."

You forced a huge smile her way. "Yeah, no worries. See you later."

BUT YOU had avoided her later. You had avoided them. And through the days that followed, you began distancing yourself from the cast and crew, knowing now what they had been talking behind your back. You just went to the studio to help work with the script then went back straight home. No more small talks in the hallway as you passed by them, occasionally wearing a hoodie over your face, wishing it was Harry Potter's cloak of invisibility.

At nights, you stared at the photos of the two of you together during production and even that one dinner date you had at a private restaurant, wondering how two individuals went from these to complete strangers.

You couldn't help but wonder if Lizzie has missed you at all. But when you glanced at her from a distance whenever you couldn't avoid not coming to the studio, laughing and making vlog with her co-stars and makeup artists, you could feel she was glad she dodged a bullet that was you. That she almost went out with someone like you, someone who couldn't be trusted.

You had even stopped eating your favorite cheesecake, knowing it would only remind you of her. Lesson learned. Never suggest your favorites to anyone.

THAT was when you started hanging out with Emma Watson, whom you had gotten closer as you were part of her writing crew in another film you were working for.

She had well defined cheekbones and chocolate brown eyes. But what stood out the most was her English accent. Sometimes, you just wanted to listen to her talk all day.

Emma already knew the rumors about you, and called them bullshit. Maybe it was the British in her, but she told you she didn't care about anyone's past other than first impressions. Besides, if she weren't a fan of your works, she wouldn't have given a chance to know you.

When she revealed to you she liked girls too, you grew more comfortable around her.

You also started to make friends with the other film's crew, and maybe that was what you needed, what you were missing. You no longer felt sad or lonely whenever you were around them. And having to fit two jobs in a day, it felt different having something to look forward to whenever you finished working for Lizzie's film. Good kind of different.

"WAIT, you're already leaving? Are you not going with us?" your director friend asked the moment he saw you packing things up, preparing to leave.

"What do you mean?"

"Liz invited the whole cast and crew for a housewarming party at her new house," he replied.

You had no idea but who were you to receive first invitation from her in the first place. You were a nobody.

"Oh I . . . I actually am needed to get this edit reviewed," you said, easily making up an excuse. Although technically, it wasn't a lie.

"That's a bummer. I was pretty sure Liz said to invite you too." He sighed. "Well, don't work yourself too hard, Y/n."

You only smiled back as you left, staying out of sight from others, keeping distance away from the lobby where you could see the whole cast chatting as they waited for the car service to get to Lizzie's house. And for a brief moment, you caught sight of the woman who once captured your heart, broke it and left to rot. Elizabeth looked so beautiful and fresh even after a day's production, and she was wearing that jacket she stole from you that very first day.

"HAVE you ever loved someone?"

You had been staring at your notifications, watching for what seemed like hours at Lizzie's messages asking where you were and why you weren't at her housewarming party.

You didn't even noticed Emma had asked you a question until she nudged your shoulder.

"Sorry, what?" you asked, slipping your phone into your pocket.

"I asked if you've ever loved someone? Any lovers? Girlfriends? Boyfriend? Flings?" she asked teasingly, "It's just I haven't seen you around with anyone."

"I mean, you've heard the rumors—"

"Fuck all the rumors, I'm not blind, Y/n," Emma interrupted. "You're actually gorgeous. It could cause a scandal."

Avoiding the girl's gaze, you laughed at her. "What are you suggesting?"

There was complete silence, making you look back at Emma deep in thoughts.

"What do you say about you becoming my girlfriend?"

"What?"

"It's just for PR stuff and all," she reasoned. "And for promoting this movie."

"Promoting? They'd hate you. They'd hate me more."

"At least, it would be a distraction from the public. I haven't actually come out as gay but I've provided signs, yet people just turn a blind eye. And this will help confirm my sexuality. If they hated me for dating the rumored you, they'd hate me less for being gay."

You fell silent as you thought about it.

"My PR manager will pay you, of course. You're saving up for a house, right? I want to help you."

Then she looked at her hands on her lap, nervous. "Besides, you're the only one I felt comfortable doing this with." She then glanced back at you. "So . . . Are you with me?"

WHEN you started going out with Emma publicly, the photos of you together holding hands in public immediately spread through the news and gossip channels. You started to become famous, more on the bad side though, of how you were only using Emma again for your selfish reasons and how stupid Emma was for dating you.

At least, there were only a few articles about how disappointed they were Emma turned out to be gay. People were more disappointed she was dating a parasite.

IT WAS almost a month after when you received a missed call from your ex girlfriend Rooney. And she had called you multiple times until you blocked her number. And when she figured out you blocked her, she sent you numerous emails.

Emma was with you as you anxiously worked through the next scene's script.

"You okay?" Emma asked, her hand on your shoulder made you jump on your seat. "Sorry."

"It's okay," you managed to reply.

"What are you worrying about?"

You hesitated, frown growing deeper. "It's just . . . I think my ex girlfriend will finally end my career."

"How?"

"She's going to file a case against me," you said, almost in tears.

"Is that what you think she's going to do?" She chuckled softly.

"What are you giggling about? It's not funny."

"Sorry," she went on still laughing, "but you have to see this."

Apparently, Rooney had posted a public apology addressed to you, clearing you out, redeeming your image, and admitting it was her jealousy that ended your relationship, that she was willing to destroy her career in exchange for yours. And that she wanted so badly to talk to you if you'd only let her.

It felt like a relief as you saw the ones who reposted the post, as you read the comments from people defending you and supporting you, that Emma was a better choice than Rooney. It felt like the weight of the world was taken off your shoulder.

Emma then wrapped her arms around you as you sobbed into her chest. And she only let you.

Some weeks later, Emma asked you out on a date. A real date, saying she was willing to try. Maybe it was Rooney's post that made her trust you. Maybe she was just scared. But you also wanted to try it with her.

Rooney eventually stopped contacting you. The damage has already been done. One day, you may be able to forgive her. But never to forget.

MAYBE the public apology was what made Lizzie finally approached you during the last few days in the production. She brought you a gift, the cheesecake that used to be your favorite. Now, you didn't like how too sweet it was, wanting nothing more than to savor Cornish pasty introduced by your girlfriend Emma.

"Hey, Y/n," she greeted. "I . . . I brought you this."

"Thank you, Lizzie," you said, accepting with haste.

There was awkward silence as she placed her hands inside the pockets of her jeans. "Last day, huh? You want to go for sushi later? My treat."

And maybe it really was the public post Rooney made that made her finally talk to you, as if she was still the same person she was the first time you met. And as if you were still interested in her as you were months ago.

"Sorry, I have to meet Em for dinner tonight," you said, smiling apologetically.

"It's fine, it's fine," she said, brushing you off with a forced chuckle. "So, it's true you two are dating, huh?"

You nodded, avoiding the brunette's gaze. "Yeah, it is."

"She doesn't know how lucky she is."

You paused, wondering why you were no longer feeling any butterflies in your stomach whenever she was around. "I'm the lucky one, actually. Goodnight, Elizabeth."

"G-Goodnight, Y/n."

Like you said, the damage was already done.

[suckerforlovesblog]

Pretty little thing

Pretty little thing Masterlist

Series summary: All Mr. Shelby wanted was to remarry. He had to find himself another wife after the death of Grace, not just to take care of his son Charlie but also to grant him access to the finer society of Birmingham. All he wanted the girl to be was a pretty little thing on his arm who simply submitted, obeyed and followed his orders.

And he did find the perfect girl - young, very good looking, of a good upbringing, smart but little did he expect her to have such a strong mind of her own…

All he wanted to do was break her in, like a horse had to be, and his new wife put up a good fight but eventually he is sure, he will break her and make her his completely.

Series warning: Dark!Tommy, toxic relationship, abuse, rape, non consensual intercourse, rough sex, age gap, Sir kink, choking - all the things that come with rough smut

Chapter 1: The perfect girl

Summary: Thomas Shelby is out searching for a wife. Most young women in Birmingham throw themselves at him but he doesn’t like that and goes out further to search for the perfect girl to be on his arm whilst hanging on his lips.

Chapter Warning: age gap, swearing, mentions of sex

Word count: 1.5k

~ tag list: @ncoleys , @amberpanda99 , @priyajoyy @tommyshelbywhore @swordofawriter @goth-cowgirl-03 @thenattitude @sheun-555 @meetmeatyourworst @bruher @frazie99 @blvebanisters @jessimay89 ~

I‘m very intrigued to hear your thoughts!

Also: please let me know what you would like to read! My requests are OPEN!

End of 1925:

Thomas Shelby was still grieving the death of his beloved wife Grace, even after an entire year, and everyone around him knew. He did blame himself for her death because he gave her the bewitched jewel to wear and even put it onto her himself. And she wore it that night, like a target painted on her forehead. But business had to keep going and Charlie desperately needed a mother figure in his life. Frances, the maid, was doing her best and Ada and Polly came to help out from time the time but it just wasn’t the same. He had even hired a governess, a very pretty thing, blonde and petite and at least fifteen years younger then him, to attend to his son’s needs because he couldn’t always be there for him. Thomas who was now nearing forty, also really enjoyed the governess presence, at least when he bend her over a table, fucked her from behind and she didn’t talk. Other than that he avoided her most of the time and let her do her work.

She fulfilled his needs but it didn’t help him with business.

So, Thomas Shelby called a family meeting at Arrow House and now everyone was sitting in front of him in the drawing room: Arthur and Linda, John and Esme, Polly and Michael, Ada, Finn, Charlie, Curly, Jeremia and his son, and Lizzie, of course. Sometimes he still slept with her but she would never be good enough to be his wife. He did like her but Lizzie’s social standing was beneath his new position as a business man.

“Thank you everyone for coming, eh!”, Tommy’s voice boomed: “I have an important announcement to make and I think I need everyone’s help.” All the people in the small room looked at him. He cleared his throat, took a deep breath and then said: “I decided that it’s time for me to remarry. It will be good for business.” Lizzie looked at him with wide sad eyes, knowing he would never share the feelings she had for him. Arthur stood up, smiling and went up to give Thomas a small hug, “Proud of you, Tom. Linda will help for sure.” Everyone else looked reassuring and Curly started babbling something no one was able to make out. “May I ask what kind of business you think of concluding?”, Polly said. “Yes but I will not tell just yet ‘eh.”, Tommy says, wetting his lip, “I just think a wife will open up new branches for us and make the company more respectable.” He then puts a cigarette between his lips, after fishing it out of the gold case from the pocket of his coat: “Anyways today is a day to celebrate and I invite you all to dinner. Now, Michael, John and Arthur stay, everyone else I see at dinner.” Thomas lights his cigarette whilst everyone leaves the room except for his brothers and Michael. He sits back down and explains the guys what he’s looking for in his future wife, mostly talking to Michael because the girl should be around his age, a very desirable age in his opinion. The four men make a plan to start the search for his wife tomorrow, starting with all the respectable families in Birmingham and then toast to their success with Irish whiskey, of course.

Early spring of 1926:

Thomas and Michael looked at all the young women in Birmingham, from a respectable upbringing at least. John joked that the two of them fucked their way through Birmingham and that was true to some extent. None of the girls satisfied Thomas’ needs however and Michael was growing tired. “If you keep going like that Tom, we will never find a girl for you. One is not tall enough, the next one doesn’t have enough tits, another one is too stupid, then she is pretty but not gorgeous. This is exhausting.”, Michael says looking at him from the drivers seat of the new Bentley Thomas got. The car was extremely luxurious and expensive.

“Well Michael, we gotta find the perfect girl for me, eh.”, he answered, taking a puff of his cigarette, “She needs to be smart and eloquent for me to be able to bring her around business partners. But she ought to be gorgeous as well because then negotiations will be even easier because men are dumbstruck if they’re accompanied by beautiful women.” Michael also lights a cigarette: “I get that Tom but if we keep going at that speed my dick won’t work anymore with the girl I may marry in the future because I emptied everything I have into some girls” They both laughed and kept driving to meet Alfie Solomons in Camden Town for business.

After driving past the first couple of buildings, he barks at Michael to stop the car and Thomas basically jumps out. He brushes his coat down, fishes a cigarette out of its case and puts it into it mouth leaving Michael more than puzzled. Thomas started walking towards a building, lighting the cigarette with a match and then enters a shop, a tailoring shop it appears. Michael still sits in the car, smoking a cigarette as well and waiting for him to come back.

Thomas looks around the shop, searching for the woman he just saw. He only saw her side profile but Tommy knew she was the one, now on his way to make her his, willing to do whatever it might take and hoping she wasn’t already married. Fuck, even if she was, he were to make her his for sure.

He was so occupied with his thoughts that he didn’t even hear the little bell ring as he entered through the door and then the people inside the shop turning to him. The pretty woman he searched for was sitting behind a desk to his right and he made his way towards her but was stopped abruptly in his step by the owner of the shop. “Sir”, the small man called out, “how may I help you?” “Aye, I need a new suit please and may I have a word with the young lady at the desk?”, Thomas answers. “For sure”, the man says in a low purr, scarred of the dominance in his voice, “we will leave you to it, Sir.” Tommy nods and the man leaves the shop through the back door, pulling a women behind him.

Thomas approaches the woman. She was already looking at him through her Y/E/C eyes, smiling lightly. “Hello miss, my name is Thomas Shelby, owner of the Shelby Company Limited. I saw you out in the street and you caught my eye”, he said and smiled an earnest smile. “My name is Y/N, my farther is the owner of the shop.”, the girl answered. He looked at her thoroughly and she got even more prettier the longer he looked at her. Although Thomas didn’t feel any affection towards her but she was very pretty for sure and he knew that she would be the perfect wife: young, a pretty face and fine features, nice hair, a slim figure. Her voice was very calm and had a pretty sound to it. He knew she would be the perfect little thing on his arm. He looks at her with his icy blue eyes, “Tell me sweetheart, how old are you?” “I just turned 18, Sir”, she said. The obedience and innocence in her voice made him hard, without help anyways, for the first time since Grace died. His heart ached for his lost love but he needed this to work and pushed the face of his dead wife out of his thoughts. “You’re not married, eh?”, he asked the girl more nearly twenty years younger then him. She shook his head, seemingly submitting him to, scarred of his booming figure. He really liked that and smiled: “Please get your farther to me, I need to speak with him. In private. And take the measurements for the suit I ordered, will you sweetheart?” She got up, nodding and getting her farther at first, afterwards measuring him and writing all the details down for his order. She was sent out shortly after, leaving her farther with the unknown man with the pretty blue eyes.

“Tell me Sir, is everything to your liking so far”, the old man asked Thomas. “Yes, indeed”, he answered with his thick Birmingham accent, “I would like to marry your daughter. I know this sounds rushed but she immediately caught my eye and I can provide for her very well.” The older man, the girls farther, looked at him reserved and averse. Thomas looked at him with his blue piercing eyes, radiating pride and dominance and the older man submitted. “Listen, eh, I give you a great deal for her and promise to provide and care for the girl.”, Thomas says, putting another cigarette between his lips, letting it dangle for a little while before lightning it with a match.

He pursued the conversation for a little while longer, settling everything important, like the wedding date and the money the family will receive. After it was all settled Thomas went outside of the shop, calling Michael to set up and then seal the document.

The girl came back into the shop, Thomas walked over to her and put his hand on her waist. She looked up at him confused but he just smiled at Michael: “Meet my darling fiancé, Y/N. We will be married in two weeks time and she will be Mrs. Shelby.”

[russellsppttemplates]

My girls (Lance Stroll)

Lance gave Juno one job: to make sure his girls were looked after while he was away at a triple header

Note: english is not my first language. My baby fever has been through the roof lately, and while I was working on this, another blurb came through for dad!Lance, so I joined them.

Thank you so much to everyone who likes and reblogs, your feedback is appreciated 🤍 and I'm taking requests so if you have any ideas or concepts you want to share, feel free to do so as I'll try to get to them the best I can!

my masterlist

Tw: reader is pregnant

Tag list: @myloverjk-blog @hiireadstuff @c-losur3

"Have you seen Juno?", Margot asked her older sister while she did her homework, "where's mummy? She usually is where mummy is", Addalynn smiled, "I just need to finish this question and then I can go downstairs with you, wait a bit for me, please", she asked.

Margot waited for her, standing by her desk and watching curiously as her older sister wrote on her notebook until she finished, tidying her desk and storing the notebook back in her backpack, "we can go downstairs now", she smiled, holding Margot's hand and going down the stairs with her, the patter from Luna's paws and nails on the floor telling them you were in the kitchen.

You had only read about it in books, and since Luna had only been in your family for a little over a year, you never experienced being pregnant while having a dog. So far, besides your two daughters, you also had a four-pawed shadow following you around, "Luna, you can't get all tangled between my ankles, okay? Mummy can't see you that well anymore, only your tail every now and again", you giggled as you looked for her snout, hearing the girls approaching you.

"I knew she'd be here", Addy whispered to Margot as she called the dog, sitting on the floor to play with the dog.

"Are you hungry, girls? I can make you something before we sit down for dinner", you offered, figuring that dinner would still take a while to be ready.

"No, we just wanted to play with Juno", Margot said, pulling on the rope material so Juno could pull back.

"I finished my homework, too, and we knew Juno would be where you were", Addalynn added as you blushed slightly, "she's following daddy's request to look after you!", both girls giggled.

"She's looking after all of us - but I think she does come to stay with me whenever she wants a rest", you winked, "she knows I won't go too far too quickly", you offered.

When you finished dinner and tidying up with the girls' help, they were quick to go to the living room, turning on the TV and finding the channel.

"Is daddy on track yet?", you asked, ushering Juno to her spot on the sofa by your left before you sat down next to the girls on your right.

"Lizzie was saying they're going to start soon", Addy added as she unfolded the blanket on top of her and Margot's legs, "do you want some of the blanket too?", she asked.

"I have mine here, love, thank you, though", you smiled, arranging it under your bump carefully as you stretched your legs on the footstool, "Oh, forgot my pillow", you mumbled, changing your position.

"I'll get it, mummy!", Margot offered, getting the pillow you needed and placing it under your feet, "is it good?", she checked.

"It is, sweetheart, thank you", you smiled at her attentiveness as she climbed back on the sofa.

"Daddy is going really fast!", Margot pointed out, "is this the one where he could win?".

"This is practice still, the one where he can go for the pole position is much later and you will be asleep by then", you stated, not wanting to bend their bedtime routine even more than you were already doing.

"Okay", they said in unison, respecting your orders. Overall, they were pretty good at following what you asked them to do, usually only throwing tantrums when they were really tired and understanding what could and couldn't be negotiated pretty well. Of course they were still kids and had their developmental needs and challenges, but you also had an inkling that Lance had spoken to them about how they needed to behave extra well since he wouldn't be coming home for three weeks.

.

You rolled to Lance's side of the bed, finding Luna already looking at you, "the girls are not up yet?", you mused, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes.

Getting up gently, allowing your back and hips to stretch properly and readying yourself to go back to spending most of the day in a standing position, "Good morning, baby girl, you're up too, at least, you can keep me and Juno company", you smiled, rubbing your bump softly as you felt her movements, little feet kicking your ribs gently for now.

The silence didn't last for too long as when you were getting yourself dressed, Juno's ears popped when she heard noise, leaving you briefly to go to the girls' bedrooms. Putting on your lounge wear set and making sure it would be stretchy enough around your bump you stepped into the corridor to find your two curly haired girls petting Juno.

"Good morning, mummy! Did you sleep well?", Addalynn asked, coming close to give you a hug.

"Good morning, my loves. I did, did you?", you kissed the top of her head before kissing Margot's as well, hugging her too, "I'm going to let Juno out in the garden so she can do her business, are you coming down now?", you wondered as you picked out comfy clothes for them.

"I'll go in a bit - I need to pee!", Margot let you know before speeding to the bathroom.

You opened the back door for Juno first and then started making breakfast.

The doorbell rang, making Juno go up to the door with you, and once you opened it, she barked loudly at the man holding a box, "Juno, it's okay!", you assured her as she took a protective stance in front of you, "she's harmless, really, but she will bark at anyone she doesn't know, I'm sorry if she scared you", you told him.

"It's fine, no worries, I used to have one just like her when my children were younger", the delivery man, "Y/N Stroll, right? These two boxes are for you, may I?", he asked, wanting to help you by at least putting the package on top of the table near the door.

"Sure, thank you! Juno, come here!", you called the brown labrador so she wouldn't get in the way.

"There you go", he said, "I hope you have a good day!", he waved as he walked back to the car.

"Thank you, you too!", you waved back before closing the door.

The girls walked down the stairs, Addalynn in the outfit you picked out and Margot holding her clothes on her hand, "who was that, mummy?".

"A delivery man - we got two packages. Do you need help getting dressed, love?", you asked Margot, who nodded as she looked at the smaller box.

"Can we see what's inside?", Addalynn quesioned.

"Sure, you girls do that one while I do this one", you encouraged, ripping the tape on the box on the table to see a beautiful bunch of flowers along with a card.

I can't wait to be back home, I miss you girls so much!

There are some flowers for you and the girls and a little treat for Juno, too - figured she wouldn't be the most gentle with a plant!

I love you!

- Lance

"Mummy, this one has flowers, too!", Margot showed you two smaller bunches of flowers and a bag with some dog treats.

"These are from daddy! This one is for me, each of those is for you and then some treats for Juno", you explained, showing them the card so Addalynn could read it out loud as you carried the flowers to the kitchen so you could put them in water.

"Let's take a photo and send it to daddy, okay? Smile big, my loves!", you cheered, snapping a cute photo of the girls, Juno and the flowers and sending it to Lance.

Even though it was late where he was, your husband still sent you a text with many heart emojis and then another one reading "these are three of my favourite girls, and I would like to see the other two 👀".

Taking a selfie in the mirrow on the hallway, perfectly showing your baby bump, you sent it back to Lance, earning the same reaction to the first one you sent.

After having breakfast, you sat on the sofa to watch the qualifying session, the girls laying out their Lego sets, "daddy didn't tell you in which position he was starting?", Addy mused.

"No, I told him we would watch it today and I stayed away from the news, too, so I have no idea what's going to happen", you offered, pressing play on the remote to start the program.

Juno was quick to recognise Lance, getting up from her spot where she rested her head on your legs, tail wagging, "yes, Juno, that's daddy!", Margot squealed.

"Does that mean daddy got P3?", Addalynn asked as the voice over as they filmed the paddock spoke about a penalty, "yes, he goes up a place", you smiled.

Later on the night, your baby girl couldn't seem to settle so sleep wasn't coming by easily, "if your sisters find out that you're keeping me up so we can watch daddy's race, we're going to be in trouble", you spoke, fluffing the pillows as Juno looked up at you, "you can't tell anyone either, okay?", you warned the dog as you set up you iPad on your bedside table.

Lance ended up in second place, the podium celebrations showing his happiness as he sprayed the champagne on the other drivers, "mummy's tired, baby girl, and daddy is flying back soon", you tried to soothe her by rubbing your bump, hoping she would slow down enough for you to sleep once you turned off the streaming channel.

.

Lance couldn't wait to be back home, getting his luggage from the plane as soon as he could before he walked to his car, putting all his belongings inside and driving home to his family. Triple headers were hard as it was, but now that he had his family waiting back home, they were even harder.

He closed the garage door and parked the car, taking his luggage to the laundry room before expecting to meet the girls at the corridor but finding the whole floor empty.

Lance found you napping on his side of the bed, the girls napping on your side and Juno by the feet of the bed.

Smiling at the view, he walked up gently to you, Juno alert as she sensed someone else in the room and barking before noticing it was Lance, stepping closer to him to rub her snout on his legs, "hey, Juno, you did a good job here from what I can see!", he scratched her ears.

The girls stirred in their sleep, blinking their eyes a couple of times before looking at him, "hey, girls", he whispered.

"Daddy!", they yelled, making him kneel on the floor so he could hug them closely, "I missed you princesses so so so much", he said, inhaling their scent and squeezing their bodies closer to his.

"We missed you too, daddy", Margot said, kissing his cheek while Addalynn nodded, snuggling herself closer to Lance.

You turned on your side, opening your eyes to see Lance and the girls, "you're home already?", you croaked out, a sleepy smile on your lips.

Lance climbed up on the bed so he could hug you close, "I am, love", he greeted as his arms wrapped around your body.

"Hello, my love", you whispered against his lips before kissing him, feeling his hands rub your bump

"Hey, darling", he said once he let go of the kiss, "baby girl has grown so much these past weeks, hm?", he smiled, pecking your lips, "you're so beautiful, Y/N - isn't it true, girls? Mummy looks so beautiful", he added as they nodded, "I have all of my beautiful girls with me", he pulled them into the hug, squeezing you together for a family cuddle.

[anghraine]

It's obvious that I'm adamantly opposed to the idea that Darcy does not deserve Elizabeth's good opinion/love, doesn't deserve his happy ending with her, is generally inferior to her, whatever.

I will say, however, that there is someone who has a good opinion of him that he does very little to earn. I think you could make a much better argument in that case that he doesn't really deserve it. And yet it's so endearing:

[Mrs Bennet:] “Mrs Long told me last night that he [Darcy] sat close to her for half an hour without once opening his lips.” “Are you quite sure, ma’am? Is not there a little mistake?” said Jane. “I certainly saw Mr Darcy speaking to her.” “Ay, because she asked him at last how he liked Netherfield, and he could not help answering her; but she said he seemed very angry at being spoke to.” “Miss Bingley told me,” said Jane, “that he never speaks much unless among his intimate acquaintance. With them he is remarkably agreeable.”

-

Jane's reaction to Wickham's story:

“Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion. My dearest Lizzy, do but consider in what a disgraceful light it places Mr Darcy, to be treating his father’s favourite in such a manner,—one whom his father had promised to provide for. It is impossible. No man of common humanity, no man who had any value for his character, could be capable of it."

Jane passing on Bingley's account:

"I am sorry to say that by his account, as well as his sister’s, Mr Wickham is by no means a respectable young man. I am afraid he has been very imprudent, and has deserved to lose Mr Darcy’s regard."

Jane after Wickham's story becomes common "knowledge":

Miss Bennet was the only creature who could suppose there might be any extenuating circumstances in the case unknown to the society of Hertfordshire: her mild and steady candour always pleaded for allowances, and urged the possibility of mistakes; but by everybody else Mr Darcy was condemned as the worst of men.

Jane after Elizabeth tells her about the Hunsford proposal:

She [Jane] was sorry that Mr Darcy should have delivered his sentiments in a manner so little suited to recommend them; but still more was she grieved for the unhappiness which her sister’s refusal must have given him.

Jane is so sad about how sad Darcy must be!

“His being so sure of succeeding was wrong,” said she [Jane], “and certainly ought not to have appeared; but consider how much it must increase his disappointment.”

Jane's response to hearing the truth about Wickham:

What a stroke was this for poor Jane, who would willingly have gone through the world without believing that so much wickedness existed in the whole race of mankind as was here collected in one individual! Nor was Darcy’s vindication, though grateful to her feelings, capable of consoling her for such discovery.

Jane still vicariously suffering for Darcy:

“Wickham so very bad! It is almost past belief. And poor Mr Darcy! dear Lizzy, only consider what he must have suffered. Such a disappointment! and with the knowledge of your ill opinion too! and having to relate such a thing of his sister! It is really too distressing, I am sure you must feel it so.”

Jane even points out that Darcy's general behavior and demeanor never struck her as all that bad:

[Elizabeth]: “There certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of those two young men. One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.” [Jane]: “I never thought Mr Darcy so deficient in the appearance of it as you used to do.”

Elizabeth keeps so much of her relationship with Darcy hidden through the later novel that Jane doesn't have reason to say much about him, but after their engagement, Elizabeth worries about her family's response:

she anticipated what would be felt in the family when her situation became known: she was aware that no one liked him but Jane

When Elizabeth tells Jane about the engagement, Jane is shocked and baffled. Elizabeth assures her of her change in feeling, and adds:

"But are you pleased, Jane? Shall you like to have such a brother?” “Very, very much."

Jane continues to be worried that Elizabeth doesn't really love Darcy and wants details that she eventually does receive.

“Now I am quite happy,” said she, “for you will be as happy as myself. I always had a value for him. Were it for nothing but his love of you, I must always have esteemed him; but now, as Bingley’s friend and your husband, there can be only Bingley and yourself more dear to me."

Yes: Darcy is more dear to Jane than her father, mother, other three sisters, friends, and four uncles and aunts.

As for Darcy, he certainly likes and respects her. He describes her in the letter as amiable, cheerful, engaging, and explicitly excludes her from his criticisms of the Bennets. Back at Netherfield, he's noted as ignoring Miss Bingley to be polite towards Jane, and after his own engagement, he points out Elizabeth's care for Jane as early proof of her own goodness. Jane is one of only three characters he refers to by their first name alone by the end of the book (the others are Elizabeth and Georgiana).

So it's not that he doesn't appreciate her in his own way. I actually think the quiet rapport between them is really cute even though Jane is the person who suffers the most for Darcy's mistakes. But damn, Jane.

[babybluebex]

rememories | tommy shelby x fem!reader

summary: the lee family trashed your betting room, including your most prized possessions, and tommy does everything in his power to soothe you and right the wrongs that the rival gang caused. pairing: tommy shelby (peaky blinders) x fem!reader tags: s1!tommy, tommy being a sweetheart, your daughter's name is thomasine (thanks @lost-in-sokovia for that one), no real warnings for this other than like angst? brief emotional distress? idk author's note: it's come to this lol. i'll be fixing my cillian masterlist later and reblogging it, so y'all can read all of my old tommy fics (and a few other cillian characters lmao) but i hope you enjoy this one!

The backroom was in total disrepair. Chairs were tipped over, things were thrown from tables, coins scattered everywhere and marks of bludgeonings on the walls. The poor little room was merely a shell of itself, its personality and life battered away. You could still hear your husband’s jaded laughter as he made fun of John for wanting to marry Lizzie Stark, but mere minutes ago now seemed like a lifetime away.

Scudboat sat as Arthur poured him whisky, and he explained how the Lees, “the whole lot of ‘em”, came in and destroyed the betting backroom. He was ambushed, he said, or he would have done a better job defending it. You held Tommy’s hands as fear made your own shake, and your husband sighed. “Find what can be salvaged,” he said, narrowly missing John’s angry fit as he kicked a box over. “Anything is better than nothing.”

“This is terrible,” you sniffled, and Tommy extracted his handkerchief for you. It was one that you had bought for him right after you had gotten married and just before he went to war, and you were always amazed that the silky cloth made it as far as it did. You dabbed at your eyes, scowling at your dark makeup that came off, and your heart beat fiercely against your ribcage for a moment. “The children. Was Finn here for this, Scudboat? Or Thomasine?”

“Nah,” he said. “Finn was off in town; Thomasine ain’t come home from school yet.”

“Oh, Tommy, they can’t see the house like this!” you whimpered and clutched your husband’s arm. “It’ll upset Thomasine too much. I’ll fetch her from school and keep her away from the house for a while until this is mostly fixed.”

Tommy nodded wordlessly in agreement, and he began to take off his cap, but he quickly stopped. He was fixated on something on the floor at his feet, and you looked down to match his gaze, only to be greeted with the big leather book that held your most prized possessions: your photographs. You kept the album in the betting room because it was always filled with people, witnesses in case something happened, and, really, who would want to ruin Tommy Shelby’s wife’s photographs?

Your knees crunched on glass as you lowered yourself to the album, and you took it in your shaking hands. The dark green leather was stained black with spilled ink and oil, obscuring your gold-foiled name on the spine, and you opened the book with a creak of the old pages. You didn’t want to have to assess the damage, but the first page already had you weeping pathetically again. The first photograph, the first one ever taken of you and Tommy, sitting and laughing together as Ada tried out her new camera, years and years ago at fifteen and thirteen. It was gone. The page was yellowed all around where the photograph should be, but the picture itself was gone. You wanted to throw the book across the room and scream; you weren’t concerned with material things, many girls from Small Heath were the same way, but those photographs were your pride and joy. The next page was a formal picture taken of Tommy wearing his Army uniform, his lanky seventeen-year-old build a little too small for the uniform that he would grow into. The corner of the photograph was torn but, thankfully, mostly intact.

The third page made you press the book to your chest. Your wedding photographs. You and Tommy had gotten married quickly, two days before he had to go to France, and, in your haste, you hadn’t been able to afford much. You could only afford a single copy of each photograph: one of you in your Sunday best that was your wedding dress, one of Tommy in his uniform, and one of you together. All three photographs were torn to shreds, settled in the spine of the book, waiting for you to find them. Those wedding photographs were the most important thing in the world to you, and now they were gone. Not even pasting glue could fix it. “Tom!” you sobbed, pressing the back of your wrist to your mouth. “O-Our wedding photographs! Th-They’re all ripped up!”

Your husband’s attention went from Scudboat to you, and he walked over to you and knelt down next to you. He took the small bits of photographs in his fingers, examining them intently, and he sighed heavily. “Fuck, love,” he whispered, and your sobs grew heavy. If Tommy was resigned to fate, then there was no chance of them being fixed. “I’m sorry.”

“We-We don’t have any extras, do we?” you stuttered. Your mouth felt dry as your fingers tried to match the ripped edges of photographs up, but they were too far gone. “Tom, d-do we have any others? Th-These aren’t the only ones we have, right?”

Tommy sat down next to you and put an arm around you, and he watched you frantically sob for just a second more before he used his strength to pull you into his chest. The photo album fell out of your hands, and you clutched your husband as you wailed in sorrow. Your wedding photos were gone.

“Mummy?” you heard a little voice call from the doorway, and you turned to see your wee daughter, Miss Thomasine Sophia Shelby, standing at the door. She was holding her school books in her arms, the pink ribbon in her hair coming loose. Thomasine was born just after Tommy come home from France, five years ago, and she looked like a Shelby, dark hair and bright eyes, but she had her father’s smile. “Mummy, why’re you crying?”

You sniffled and wiped at your eyes, not caring that you streaked your makeup to hell and back, and you mumbled, “People came into the house, did us over. I-I’m just sad, that’s all.” You didn’t want to worry your daughter with the real reason why you were so upset, because, truly, you felt silly for being so distraught at fucking photographs. It felt ridiculous for you, as a grown woman, a mother, to be crying over photographs.

Thomasine ran to you and sat her small body in your lap, and she wrapped her small arms around you. “Don’t be sad,” Thomasine told you, and you laughed humorlessly. “It’s okay, Mummy.”

You sniffled and soothed your hand down Thomasine’s hair— the ends of her long hair were turning a little ginger, just the same as her father’s tended to do in the sun— and you kissed her forehead. “Thank you, love,” you whispered. “Hug your father, he’s sad too.”

Thomasine crawled out of your lap and into Tommy’s, and Thomasine started to suck her thumb as Tommy stood up and settled his daughter firmly on his hip. He offered you a hand to stand up, and you sniffled as you gathered the soiled photo album up in your grip and stood up on your own. “If you find any of ‘em,” Tommy called to the room, and he gestured to the album in your arms. “Bring ‘em to her, don’t waste time. Yeah?”

You hardly slept that night. After securing the house and making sure that there wasn’t any other part of it that the Lees had touched, you had tried to go about your life normally, but it was difficult to pretend like you didn’t know that, at any time, rivals could enter your home and slaughter every last one of you. You put Thomasine to bed after dinner, and your girl fell asleep quickly, but you yourself were awake for hours. Tommy had taken your photo album and put it away in his wardrobe; “If you keep it, you’ll fret over it forever.” He was right, of course, because, when the sun came up, you had tugged it out and was trying to sort through the scraps of photographs on your bedroom floor. The room was cold and part of you wished that you could be in bed, holding your husband close, but you needed to do it for yourself. You had managed to salvage a single photograph by the time Tommy was blinking himself awake, and you sniffled as you beckoned him over. “Tommy, look!” you exclaimed. “I-It’s Thomasine!”

“Jesus, woman,” Tommy sighed groggily. “Have you been at this all night?”

“Yes!” you exclaimed. “Her baby picture, look!”

Tommy reached down for you and he took your hand, and he helped you stand up, his hands going to hold your cheeks. “I know you’re having a hard time with this,” he whispered. “But obsessing over it is only going to make it worse. They’re as good as gone, darling.”

“B-But—” you sniffled, and Tommy shook his head.

“You have to let it go,” He told you firmly. “Come back to bed, you don’t have to be awake for hours.”

“Oh, Tommy,” you sighed, shuffling back up to bed. Your joints hurt from sitting on the floor practically all night, and your vision watered up as you watched Tommy gather up the album and photograph scraps and set them back in his wardrobe. “What am I going to do? All of my favorite memories are lost.”

“You still have the memories in your head, love,” Tommy told you, sitting next to you. You leaned into him and pressed your cheek to his warm chest, and you sniffled as you squeezed your eyes shut.

“I just…” you mumbled. “Our wedding pictures is the thing I’m most upset about. We were so young, and that was before everything went to shit, and we were so happy…”

“We’re still happy,” Tommy assured you. “We’re happier now, because we have Thomasine. We’re a complete family now.”

“You know what I mean,” you said. “We were poor kids, and-and looking at those pictures gave me hope that you’d come home when you were in France. They were my lifeline for a long time, and to have them ruined like this…”

Tommy’s lips formed into a thin line, and he rubbed your back comfortingly as you finally laid down and tried to settle into sleep. Your sleep was thin, hardly even deep enough to call proper sleep, but you finally woke up and got out of bed when you heard shouting down in the bottom of the house. You were used to that, but you still felt like you ought to make sure everything was alright, so you pulled yourself from bed and went about groggily getting ready for the day, slipping on a dress and spraying on perfume before descending the stairs.

The noise seemed to be coming from the back room, the ruined betting room, and you carefully pushed back the plush curtains and opened the doors to see a sight. Your eyes first landed on your husband, dressed in his old uniform. It certainly looked too small for him, tugging a little at his chest, but you clenched your teeth together at the sight. How long has it been since you saw him in the pea-soup-green uniform? Five years, at least. “Tommy,” you said softly. You couldn’t help yourself from stepping closer to him as his head snapped to look at you, and his hard gaze softened in the way it always did when he saw you. He never subjected you to his steely gaze, and, whenever you saw it, it always reminded you of what a feared man he was.

“Fuck, love, what’re you doing down here?” Tommy asked. “You’re supposed to be asleep still.”

“Heard shouting,” you said softly. The other men were bustling around the room as you smoothed your hands up Tommy’s chest, and your eyes went all watery again. “This isn’t happening, please, no.”

“What’s wrong?” Tommy asked. “Talk to me, darling, what’s the matter?”

“How long have you known?” you asked, sniffling. “Leaving us like this, how could you?”

“What?”

“The uniform, Tommy!” you cried. “You’re being called to the war again, why else would you have this shit on?”

Tommy grabbed your cheeks and kissed your forehead, and he angled your head to the side. Arthur stood there, behind a massive camera, angled at a blank space on the wall, and your breath caught in your throat. “What is this?” you asked.

“I’m not being called back,” Tommy explained. “I got to thinking about our wedding pictures, and I went to see the photographer who made them. He said the film was too old and that they couldn’t make you new copies, so the next best thing was to retake them.”

“Oh?” you asked. You sniffled and wiped your nose, and you gently reached out to touch the camera. “We… We’re retaking our wedding pictures?”

“With a few adjustments,” Tommy said. “Back then, I couldn’t afford to even get you so much as a bouquet, but now… Well, I took your measurements to a dress shop, and even though the dress was pre-made and only adjusted to you…”

“Tommy?” you whimpered.

“I got you a wedding dress, love,” Tommy told you. “Better than the flour-bag Sunday best that you had on.”

You gasped, covering your mouth with your hands, and you sobbed once before flying to your husband and crushing him in a hug. “Oh, Tommy!” you cried. “Thank you! Can I see it?”

“Pol’s got it in the kitchen,” Tommy told you. “Go put it on, why don’t you let me see it?”

The dress was beautiful. Eggshell-colored silk that fell below your knees with long sleeves and deep neckline, very fashionable and pretty, and it fit you like a glove as Polly helped you into it. She primped you a little, fixing your hair and patting red rouge onto your lips, and she upturned a vase next to the stove and handed you the bouquet of wildflowers that Thomasine had picked a few days earlier. You felt timid and almost nervous as Polly escorted you back to the betting room, and you cleared your throat once you passed the threshold, afraid that, if you spoke, your voice would give up on you.

Tommy looked to you in an instant, and he gave you a small smile as he stepped towards you. “Aren’t you a sight?” he said in his rumbling timbre, putting his hands on your hips, and he kissed your lips for a moment before he added, “Thomasine might get a brother before the day’s over, if you keep looking that beautiful.”

“Oh, shut up,” you giggled, and he steered you in front of the camera as you smoothed down your dress. You were suddenly nervous, and you clutched Tommy’s hand as Arthur cranked the camera, preparing it to go off. “Tom?”

“M’right here, pet,” Tommy said, squeezing your hand. “Just smile; everything will be fine.”

By the time night fell, you had a whole slew of new film, new pictures to replace the ruined ones. Recreations of your wedding pictures, an updated picture of a smiling Thomasine, even one of Tommy kissing you when the camera went off on accident. Thomasine was tangled in your skirts then, gazing up at her daddy, and you looked at the film as you sat by the fire that night, smiling and admiring it. That was your favorite memory; you, your husband, and your daughter, smiling, laughing, loving. It was perfect.

[justagalwhowrites]

Wonderland

You and Joel get away for your first wedding anniversary.

A canon Lavender No Outbreak AU one shot inspired by a request for a fic based on the song "Your Body is a Wonderland." Can be read as a stand alone fic with the understanding that Joel and Reader have been together for years and are married with a daughter. You can find the original Lavender here.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader from the Lavender No Outbreak AU (AKA Joel and Doc)

Length: 6.9k

Warnings: Smut :D! Oral sex; unprotected P in V sex; reader is described as being post-pregnancy and having a different body as a result but no broader description of her body beyond the fact that she has hair; age gap (reader is late 20s, Joel is late 30s.) No use of Y/N. Minors DNI, 18+ only.

January 2005

“Baby.” 

Joel’s hand found the small of your back but you didn’t look back at him. You stayed focused on the child in your arms, on her brown eyes and dark curls and skin so soft all you wanted to do was nuzzle into her and breathe in her sweet, baby scent. 

“It’s gonna be fine,” your husband pressed a kiss - gentle and slow - to your temple. “We’re only gonna be a few hours away…” 

“I know,” you said softly. Evie made a breathy little baby sound and you smiled. Couldn’t help it. 

“Tommy’s watched a baby before,” Joel continued as you swayed with your daughter. His hand shifted so it was below your shirt and on the bare skin of your lower back. “And Sarah will be here, too. And it’s just for two nights.” 

“But she’s never been apart from me,” you said softly, tears pinching at the back of your throat as you brushed her hair away from her little forehead. “What if she’s afraid? She’s going to look for me, she always looks for me right when she wakes up and I won’t be here and what if she can’t calm down and she doesn’t keep food down when she isn’t calm and…” 

“Hey,” he said, taking your chin delicately in his fingers and turned your head to face him. He smiled gently, his brown eyes soft and crinkling at the edges. “I promise, it’s gonna be OK. We can be back here real quick if something goes wrong and she’s with family. It’s OK.” 

You looked back at your baby girl. She wasn’t even a year old yet, it seemed too soon to be going away for a weekend, no matter how much you really wanted to. 

One of the downsides to getting married just a few months before having a baby was that you didn’t get much time to enjoy married life before it became all about the new life you’d brought into the world. 

Of course, Sarah had always been top priority for both you and Joel but, since she was a teenager, you could rely on her to look out for herself some so the two of you could get quality time. Before Evie was born, you and Joel regularly went out just the two of you. You could leave Sarah at home with cash for a pizza or she’d go to sleep over at her friend Lizzie’s place and you and your husband could go and make out at the back of a movie theater like teenagers.

A baby was a whole other story. 

You’d always loved children, loved spending time with them and seeing how they experienced everything, all of it brand new in their eyes. It was a joy to watch them discover themselves and the world and you adored hearing their thoughts as they puzzled through everything from basic societal rules to trying to figure out if there was a meaning to life. But you hadn’t been prepared for just how attached you’d be to your own child, who was both so much larger than she’d been when you’d given birth to her but still so impossibly small and fragile that even having her in another room made you anxious. It took months longer than it really should have for her to consistently sleep through the night because you kept checking on her, ensuring that she was still breathing and lying in the position that was supposed to be safest and that she didn’t seem bothered by dreams or colic. 

Being a few hours away was terrifying. 

But it was your first wedding anniversary with Joel and you really wanted it to be special. Wanted time just the two of you that you hadn’t had in the months since your daughter had been born. You missed being able to spend hours and hours with nothing in the world besides you and your husband. 

You just needed space from the baby to get that. 

So Joel had booked the hotel you went to for your wedding night the weekend of your anniversary and gotten Tommy to agree to stay at the house with Evie and Sarah for the two nights you’d be gone. You’d overheard him talking with his brother about it a month earlier, when Tommy was over for dinner and you’d gotten up to change Evie. 

“I’ll leave good instructions but you can’t be callin’ all the time,” Joel was saying as you made it to the living room, Evie squirming in your arms. “She’s gonna be a nervous wreck, rather just stay here if…” 

“Joel,” Tommy said, voice soothing. “I got your girls, it’s alright. Handled Sarah when she was that age, right?” 

“You’re why I can’t do exponents,” Sarah said dryly. “Dropped me on my head a few too many times…” 

“Someone needed to reel you in,” Tommy replied and you could hear the teasing wink in his voice. “Can’t have you being too smart now.”

“Mean it,” Joel said, tone serious. “Need you to actually do this…” 

“Joel,” he replied. “I got her. It’s alright.” 

It wasn’t that you didn’t trust Tommy. You did. You just didn’t know how to be this far away from your daughter, knowing how vulnerable she was and how much she needed you for everything. 

But you needed time for you and your husband, too. You were so dangerously close to getting lost in your identity as a mother, already struggling to remember just what you were before Evie existed. You needed a weekend away. Some distance would be good, for the both of you. 

“Come on, Mama,” Tommy smiled, holding his arms out. “Gimme that one and you two love birds get on the road. I promise if something goes wrong, I’ll call.” 

“But you won’t need to,” Joel said, raising his eyebrows at his brother. “Right?” 

“Course not,” Tommy waved him off. “We’re gonna have the best time, Uncle Tommy is going to be her favorite person, just you wait.” 

You sighed and nodded, pressing your lips to Evie’s soft little forehead and breathing in her sweet baby smell before passing her off to Tommy’s waiting arms. He pulled her into his chest and smiled, wide and open mouthed, making a happy coo. She cooed back, reaching her tiny hands up toward his face. 

“I know,” he said, voice high and childish. “I’m so much better lookin’ than your daddy! Yes I am! And so are you!” 

“Be a good girl,” you said as Evie totally ignored you in favor of her uncle. “Love you so much, big sister will be home soon and…” 

“Kid,” Tommy looked up from your daughter in his arms to meet your eyes. “I’ve got this. Go have fun.”

“Thanks again, Tommy,” Joel said. 

“But…” you began but Joel just shook his head and looped an arm around your waist, tugging you to his side and guiding you to his waiting truck. 

“You grabbed the bags?” You looked up at Joel and he smiled a little.

“Sure did.”

“And Tommy has the number for the hotel in case we don’t have signal?” 

“The hotel and the restaurant we have reservations at tomorrow and even the diner next door with the good waffles since I figure we’ll end up there at least once.”

“And…” 

“Baby,” he cut you off, opening the passenger door of the truck for you. “It’s going to be fine. There’s a stash of your favorite snacks in the truck and if you just get in the truck, we can go.”

You looked back at the house, biting your lower lip and twisting your fingers around on themselves. 

“OK,” you said, climbing in the front seat. Joel smiled, leaning in to kiss you before jogging around to the driver’s side door. 

The drive felt longer than it was, you seemingly hyper aware of every mile you were further away from your baby. But there was something invigorating about it, too. You had your husband all to yourself for the first time in almost a year. You’d had a few date nights, of course, and the two of you made a conscious effort to spend quality time together, even if it was just watching late night TV in Joel’s arms while Evie slept in her bassinet a few feet away. 

But this? Two nights with no obligation to anyone but each other? It seemed like the purest form of indulgence. 

“How we doin’ over there?” Joel asked about halfway into the drive. 

“Good,” you smiled. “The snacks have helped.” 

“I know my wife,” he smiled back. “Lookin’ forward to getting to know her a bit better the next few days…” 

Your cheeks got hot as Joel’s hand found your knee, gently trailing his fingers over your inner thigh. 

“Is there anything you want to do when we’re in Galveston?” You asked, suddenly feeling oddly self conscious. It had been so long since you’d last had this much time just you and Joel, what if things were different now? 

“Mostly?” He asked, brow cockily raised. “Spend time with you where no one else can get to ya. If there’s something you want to do we can but if it’s up to me, we’re stayin’ in that room.” 

“Joel!” You gaped at him, trying not to laugh. 

“What?” He glanced over at you, smiling a little. “I’m selfish. Don’t wanna share the best thing that’s ever happened to me with anyone else on our anniversary.” 

Joel pulled up to the hotel and parked under the overhang by the door, squeezing your knee as he turned off the truck. 

“You stay put just a second.” 

“OK,” you laughed, watching as he got out of the truck and jogged around the front of it to open the door for you, offering you his hand to help you down. You laughed again. “My my, so attentive.” 

“Least I can do,” he winked, giving your fingers a squeeze as you got out of the truck. 

He wouldn’t let you carry any bags besides your purse, either. When you tried to go with him to the front desk, he put a hand on your lower back and nodded to the lounge across the lobby. 

“Why don’t you go there,” he said. “Get yourself one of those flowery cocktails you like so much.” 

He steered you in that direction before you really had a chance to argue, so you went and took a seat at the bar and ordered a drink you’d never heard of but there was honey and lavender syrup in it so you figured it’d be good. You sat there sipping your cocktail, listening to the pianist in the corner and watching your husband in line at the check in counter, just admiring the shape of him. He was so tall and broad, his shoulders pulling a bit at his flannel shirt, and he was probably three weeks past when he usually liked having his hair trimmed but you’d been so busy with Evie’s first Christmas and everything that came after you hadn’t had a chance to cut it. 

But you liked him a little on the shaggy side. You smiled a little at the thought of running your fingers through his curls while kissing him and feeling him deep inside of you. 

The pianist changed to a new song and you fished your phone out of your bag, flipping it open and texting Sarah. 

Made it! How’s it going? 

Mercifully, Sarah responded quickly. 

Good! Tommy hasn’t dropped her yet.

You laughed a little. 

I’ll take it. She eating? How was school today?

Yup! Some baby food chicken and peaches. Tummy time now. And school was fine. All is OK Mom.

“In town for business or pleasure?” 

You looked up from your phone and flipped it shut to find a man in khakis and a button down leaning against the bar next to you. 

“Oh,” you almost jumped at his proximity as he looked you up and down. “Hi.” 

“Hi,” he smiled. His hair was blond and his eyes were blue and he looked a little bit like a Ken doll. Definitely not your type. “Can’t remember the last time I saw someone as pretty as you drinking alone at a hotel bar.” 

“Oh,” you said again. “Um…” 

“So I think you must be in town on business,” the man continued as though you hadn’t said anything. You tried to peer around him to see where Joel was in line but he followed you, cutting off your view. “No way you’d be here by yourself otherwise.” 

“Well, I’m here on vacation,” you said, fidgeting in your plush high top chair. “And my…” 

“Must be here with friends then,” he smiled. “Girls’ weekend?” 

“Well, no,” you laughed a little. “Actually…” 

“I know you can’t be here with a boyfriend,” he said. “If you were my girl, I’d never let you out of my sight…” 

“She’s here with her husband, actually,” Joel said from behind the man, who stood up straighter and turned, slowly, to find your husband at his back. Joel smiled. “Hi. Appreciate you keepin’ my wife company while I got us all checked in but, if you’ll excuse me, you’re in my way.” 

“Sorry, man,” he shoved himself up off the bar. “Didn’t know she was spoken for.” 

He trudged off to the other side of the lounge and you watched him go, making sure you didn’t audibly laugh until he was out of ear shot. 

“Oh my God,” you half laughed, half whispered to Joel. 

“I know,” he kissed your temple and laughed into your hair. “Leave you unattended for half a minute and got guys tryin’ to steal you out from under me.” 

“No accounting for taste in hotel bars, apparently,” you teased, going to polish off your cocktail but Joel put one of his large hands on your arm. 

“Take your time,” he said, taking the seat next to you. “Wouldn’t mind a beer after that drive. They’re gonna put the bags in the room, anyhow.” 

“Oh,” you gasped in faux shock. “So fancy!” 

“Only the fanciest for Mrs. Miller,” he kissed your cheek as you giggled. 

The two of you had some drinks and you were pleasantly tipsy for the first time in almost two years, only a glass of wine here and there since Evie was born and you were nursing. She’d only weaned about a month ago but you’d been too busy to indulge. Joel put an arm around your waist and guided you to the elevator and you draped yourself over him, giddily kissing him as you held yourself against him. 

“So,” he said between kisses. “Been thinkin’.” 

“Have you now?” You smiled against his lips. 

“There is something we could do to keep random men from tryin’ to pick you up the second you’re out of my sight,” he smiled back as the elevator dinged. 

“Really?” 

He turned you around and pointed you at the doors and kissed the side of your head before nudging you forward. 

“Room 1023,” he said. “And yeah, think there’s somethin’ that’s pretty easy to arrange.” 

“And what’s that?” You asked as he steered you down the hall toward the end of the building that faced the gulf. He pulled a room key card out of his pocket and swiped it at the door, opening it for you. 

“Well,” he said, nudging you into the room. “Bet they’d leave you alone If you had ring.” 

“I have my wedding band,” you frowned down at your hand and the simple white gold ring that matched Joel’s. “I like my wedding band.” 

“I know,” he said, closing the door behind him. “But thought you could use something with a little shine.” 

You made it all the way into the room and gasped, a bottle of champagne on ice, chocolate covered strawberries and a bouquet of roses waiting for you near the door leading to the balcony. 

“Joel!” You gasped, your hands flying to cover your mouth. “What….” 

You looked back over your shoulder to see him down on one knee, a little box open in his hand. 

“Joel!” You yelped it this time. 

“Never did ask you properly,” he smiled a little. “Figured I was overdue. Especially since you’ve given me the entire world, only fair that I get on my knees to ask you to do me the honor of continuing to be my wife for as long as we both shall live.” 

“Of course I will!” You dropped to your knees next to him and kissed him, pressing yourself against him. 

He more beamed than smiled against your lips and pulled the ring - a diamond-encrusted band  with no center stone, the gems making an almost floral pattern all around your finger as he slid it into place. 

“If you don’t like it, we can pick somethin’ else,” he said as you gaped at the ring. “Thought this was more your style and would be out of the way with the girls and then medical school…”

“It’s perfect,” you whispered, the stones reminding you of the flowering vines you painted on picture frames and table legs. You sat down fully in the floor and tore your eyes away from the ring to look at Joel. “But… I mean, can we afford this? I love it, I really really do, but…” 

“I had some money set aside for it,” he sat down next to you. “Wasn’t joking when I said I should’ve asked you years ago. I’d been saving up for a ring for a bit but then…” 

You looked back at your hand and just nodded, not wanting to think about the few weeks the two of you had broken up because Joel thought he was holding you back. 

Then your eyes went wide, looking back at Joel. 

“But I didn’t get you anything! We said the trip was our gift to ourselves and…” 

He laughed. 

“Didn’t want you stressin’ about it, Baby,” he said. “Now, why don’t we go get some dinner without worrying about the kids waiting for us at home?” 

You got changed into a dress that had been a little big before Evie and now was a little snug and hoped that it didn’t look too noticeable once you put a cardigan over it. But Joel didn’t seem to mind, looking at you with warm, soft eyes as he sat across from you at the restaurant. He put his hand on the table, fingers reaching for you, and you put yours in his. He smiled bigger when you did and gave your hand a squeeze. 

By the time you headed back to the room, you were having a hard time not ripping his clothes off in the elevator, his arms around you, holding you tight against his front as you kissed him deeply, his cock hardening against your stomach. 

When you got to the room, you dropped your purse on the dresser and tugged off the cardigan before going to turn out the lights but Joel caught your wrist, running his thumb over your pulse point. You frowned. 

“Joel…” 

“Was thinkin’,” he said, tugging you close to him. “If you wanted to give me something…” 

“I do,” you said, a little breathless as he trailed kisses over your forehead. 

“You don’t have to,” he said, his lips still against your skin. “I don’t want to make you feel obligated or uncomfortable but…” 

He trailed off, working his way down your jaw to your throat, your shoulder, until he lifted your wrist to his lips and kissed you there, too. 

“I’d like it if we left the lights on.” 

You frowned a little, looking up at him. 

“Really?” You asked. “That… I don’t know…” 

“Miss seeing you,” he said quietly, kissing your wrist again. 

“It’s different now,” you said, chewing on your lower lip. “I don’t look how I used to look…” 

Before becoming a mom, you’d never really been shy about your body with Joel. He made it very clear that he thought you were the most beautiful, most sexy woman on the planet. You might have questioned his judgement but you never doubted that he felt that way. But things were different after having a baby. There was just more of you now. You were hyper-aware of it, the fact that - even almost a year after giving birth - you weren’t anywhere near wearing your pre-pregnancy jeans and that, the more of you there was wasn’t exactly sculpted and smooth. You weren’t stupid, you saw the kind of woman who was on magazine covers and in movies, the kind of woman men liked. You’d never been further from that kind of woman than you had been in the last year. 

The last time you remembered being naked in front of Joel where he could actually see you was just after Evie was born, when he helped you in the shower while you recovered. It wasn’t like you’d been trying to turn him on then and that had felt strange enough, your husband’s hands on a body you didn’t fully recognize as your own. 

Ever since, you always put on a robe as soon as you were out of the shower. You’d stopped styling your hair and doing your makeup naked, even at the height of summer. And, while you and Joel had found a good groove with your sex life even with a baby at home, you always turned off the lights before you started undressing. 

“I know,” he shrugged. “I don’t, either. Didn’t have quite this much of a belly when I first conned you into bed with me…” 

You scoffed but smiled a little. 

“I like your belly.” 

“And I like your whole body,” he said, his hand going from your wrist to trace over your arm to the curve of your breast, down to your waist. “Love it, actually. Every damn inch of it.” 

You crinkled your nose at that. 

“But I have stretch marks,” you said. “And…” 

“Baby,” he smiled gently. “You’re my wife. Most beautiful damn woman on Earth. I love lookin’ at you. Loved it when we first got together, love it now. Hell, if I had my way, all I’d do would be look at you and our girls.” 

“Really?” You asked, brows raised. “Even right now?” 

“Especially right now,” he nuzzled against you before kissing you gently. “I know you don’t look like you did when you were 21 but I fuckin’ love that. Your body got you through college and helped raise Sarah and grew our baby girl. I want nothing more than to be able to really look at you, especially while I’m inside you.” 

“And that’s what you want for our anniversary?” You asked. “Just… me with the lights on?” 

“More than anything.” 

You took a deep, shaky breath. 

“Well, let’s pop that champagne because I think I need some liquid courage,” you said. “But OK.” 

Joel kissed you, gentle and deep, before opening the wine and pouring you each a glass. 

“To the most amazing wife anyone could ask for,” he said, tipping his flute to you. You touched the edge of yours to his with a quiet clink. 

“And to the most perfect husband.” 

You drank two glasses of champagne and ate a strawberry before you put your glass down on the table and took a deep breath, standing in front of your husband and feeling almost like you did the first time you got undressed in front of him. 

“Promise if I’m not what you want, it’s lights out?” You asked, stomach tight and heart pounding. 

“Oh, Baby,” he gently brushed your hair back before cupping your cheek in his large hand. “There’s no world where you’re not what I want. You’re exactly what I want. Promise.”

You swallowed hard and nodded, holding  his gaze as you reached for the zipper at the side of your dress, tugging it down slowly. 

Joel’s hand traced down your throat to the strap of your dress, slipping it down your arm until it hung near your elbow. He did the same with the other side before delicately tilting your chin to kiss you. His lips were soft and gentle, not desperate for you so much as savoring you. You moaned into his mouth and his lips grew firmer against you as he nudged you back toward the bed. You shrugged out of the straps entirely, your dress only held up by the fact that you were pressed tightly against Joel. He pulled his lips from yours just enough that you could look in his eyes. 

“I’ve got you, Baby,” he said softly. “Promise.” 

*** 

Where the hell you’d gotten it in your head that he wouldn’t want to see you, Joel had no idea. 

He couldn’t imagine something more ludicrous. All he wanted to do was look at you. If he could buy a ticket to sit and just look at you all day, he would. 

But you hadn’t let him in months and fuck, he missed seeing your body. 

It took Joel weeks to even figure out what was happening. Immediately after Evie was born, everything was exhausting and hectic. You needed rest, Evie needed constant care, Sarah needed to keep on top of her school work and extra curriculars, Joel could only take so much time off work. Sex hadn’t been on his mind at all, he only wanted to take care of his daughters and the woman who has given him everything he could ever need. He didn’t notice the small changes that happened alongside the huge ones. 

But as the two of you started to come back into yourselves as individuals and a couple - instead of just Mom and Dad - Joel started to notice a difference. 

You never got changed in the bedroom anymore. At least, not when Joel was there. You always went into the closet or the bathroom. The closest you’d come was tugging on your pants under your robe and putting on your shirt with your back to him. You always put at least one of his shirts on after sex, never sleeping naked in his arms anymore. 

And then he started noticing that you always turned out the lights before sex. 

You did such a good job of making it seem romantic or flirty, he was worried, for a moment, that it was because of him. If you weren’t really attracted to him anymore. But he caught you watching him with a hungry look in your eyes as he looked for a clean pair of boxers when he got out of the shower one day after work. Evie had been napping and Sarah was out with a friend and Joel practically pounced you. 

“You just got all cleaned up!” You laughed as he kissed along your throat. “You’ll get all sweaty…” 

“Sounds great to me,” he growled before nipping at your neck. 

“Here,” you pulled back from him. “Got a better idea.” 

You nudged him down onto his back and you took him into your mouth, licking and sucking him until he came down your throat with a desperate groan. 

“See?” You panted, wiping your chin clean. “Better.” 

While it certainly wasn’t bad, it definitely wasn’t better. Joel didn’t want to just get off. He wanted you. He wanted the rest of the world to fall away, to feel you everywhere, to watch you come apart while he was deep inside of you. You sucking him off was fun but it wasn’t what he craved, what he really needed. 

Once he pieced it together, he wasn’t even sure how to bring it up. What was he supposed to do, look at you and go “Hey, Baby, I’ve noticed you haven’t let me gawk at you like some stupid fucking teenager lately. Think we can make that happen?” 

He hadn’t even intended to bring it up this weekend. He’d kind of hoped that if he could make you feel special, that if he could give you some evidence of how much he adored you, you’d just… forget to turn off the lights one night. 

But then he was a few beers deep and looking at you from across the table, your dress tight across your breasts and eyes all but glowing in the candlelight and he couldn’t help himself. He needed you. He needed you to overwhelm all his senses, he needed to be able to worship at the altar of your sex. He needed to see you. 

But you looked so nervous - as though there was a snowball’s chance in hell that he’d look at you and not want you - it made his heart ache. 

“I’ve got you, Baby. Promise.”

You just nodded and Joel took the sides of your dress and pulled back enough from you that it fell away from your breasts, the soft flesh pressed high in your strapless bra. He tugged the dress over your stomach and hips until it fluttered to the floor around your feet and you looked at him through your eyelashes, your breaths coming quick and shallow. 

You were so much more beautiful than he remembered. 

The swell of your breasts, the soft curve of your stomach, the plushness of your thighs. He wanted to touch and taste and sink into all of you, every inch. 

“Oh, Baby,” he breathed, not able to take his eyes off you. “You are fucking gorgeous.” 

“Really?” Your voice was quiet, doubtful. He managed to pull his gaze from your body to look in your eyes. 

“Really,” he said. “Most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen.” 

You still looked uncertain. 

“Here,” he said, nudging you down onto the bed. “Let me show you.” 

He unhooked your bra and delicately removed it before pressing gently on your shoulders so you were lying back. He unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt before he pulled it over his head and cast it aside. He desperately wanted to feel your skin, fabric was just going to be in the way. You watched as he crawled up the bed beside you, his hand skimming over the softness of your stomach to your chest. He cupped your breast, cradling the warm, plush weight in his large palm before he thumbed gently at your nipple, the flesh peaking and pebbling under his touch. You groaned and squirmed a little, your thighs pressing tight together as your eyes closed, face sharply focused and he smiled a little. Fuck, he’d missed this. 

“Love how full you are here after nursing our baby,” he said, taking that firm little nipple in his mouth and sucking you gently as he held your breast, making your back arch. “So damn sexy, knowing I can make you feel good like this…” 

He moved to the other side, giving you the same treatment there, too, looking up at your face as you whimpered and moaned beneath him. 

After a while, he reluctantly moved down your body, trailing his lips over your breastbone to your stomach, his hands at your waist. 

“Love how soft you are here,” he said. “Love that you’ve grown and changed with me and our family.” 

He kissed slowly down your stomach, pausing at the top of your panties to tug them down, you lifting your hips from the bed to help. He dropped them to the floor and traced a finger over your glistening slit, making you gasp. 

“Love how warm and wet you are for me,” he said, thumb circling your clit. “That it seems like you want me almost as much as I want you…” 

“I do,” you were panting below him. “I want you, I want you so bad…” 

“Good,” he said, leaning down and giving your slit a gentle, almost teasing lick. “Because I’m gonna make you come for me. Gonna make you feel so good, Baby. Gonna make you see just how much I want you.” 

He sucked your clit into his mouth and you gasped, your back arching and your fingers knotting in the bedspread and he couldn’t help but smile against you as he looked over your body to how your head was pressing back into the mattress. 

Joel released you and ran is nose over your slit, pressing between your lower lips to nestle against your clit as his tongue dipped ever so slightly into your dripping core. 

“Joel,” you whimpered, trembling, body tense. “Fuck, Joel, I…” 

He slipped his tongue into your tight, wet heat and you gasped, back arching as you ground your hips down against his face. He couldn’t take his eyes off you as he ate at your sweet, tight little pussy. One hand stretched up to your stomach, spreading wide over your impossibly soft skin, the other sinking into the flesh of your thigh to pull the supple warmth of you against his cheek. 

Joel could feel you starting to tighten and tense around his tongue, your wetness dripping down his chin, and he was so fucking hard in his pants that he was rutting down against the bed. The taste of you, the heat, the musky sweet smell, the sight of you as you arched into him. He released your leg and thrust a finger into you alongside his tongue, pressing into the tender, deep parts of you he knew so well and you came with a choking little sob, your channel fluttering over him. He worked you through it, his touch easing as your orgasm did, until he slid himself from you as you lay, limp and gasping below him. He quickly removed his pants and underwear before kissing up your body, leaving a trail of your slick on your skin. When he reached your lips, he kissed you there, too, desperate and deep and you moaned into his mouth as his tongue slipped into yours. 

“See?” He said softly as he gently traced your hairline at your forehead, your eyes wide and pupils blown. “You even taste fuckin’ amazing, Baby. Not a damn thing about you I’d change. Except maybe that you could see yourself how I see you.” 

“Joel,” you whispered in that way you did when you were blissed out and couldn’t remember much outside of his name. He smiled a little and gently kissed your lips. 

“It OK if I keep makin’ you feel good, Baby?” He asked, pressing slow, deep kisses to your cheeks and jaw between the words. “You have no idea how bad I need to be inside you.” 

“Please,” you breathed. “I need you, I need you so bad…” 

He slowly reached between your bodies and traced your sex, making you gasp, and dipped two fingers just inside your entrance, gathering your slick and bringing it to his cock. He spread his precome and your wetness over himself, moaning a little at the feel of both of you together on his skin. 

“Here,” he said, pushing back from you so there was enough space between your bodies that you could look down and see where he was working his length. “Look, Baby.” You lifted your head just enough to obey and he looked down your body, too, as he brushed his thick head against your clit before he started to sink into you. “Look how good you take me with this gorgeous fucking body of yours. It’s like you were made for me, just to drive me wild…” 

“I was,” you whimpered, still looking down where he was entering you. “I was made for you, nothing feels as good as you, nothing…” 

“Love seeing how you take me,” he said as he stopped half inside you, thrusting shallowly in and out of you, the ridges inside your tight channel catching on his head. “Love seeing you like this, all bare and hot and wet for me.” 

He sank all the way into you then and you moaned at the feeling of him stretching you, your pussy holding him so close and tight. 

As he looked down at you, he couldn’t understand how anyone - even yourself - could look at you and see anything but perfection. Your body was paradise, wonderland, heaven incarnate. He longed to hold and kiss and memorize every inch, wanted to spend the rest of his life doing nothing but worship you and everything you’d given him. 

Joel thrust slow and deep and hard a few times that way, where he could see him disappearing into you, your fingers digging into his biceps as you moaned and panted below him. But he wanted to see your face and feel your skin even more than he wanted to drink in your body. He pressed himself deep and lowered himself onto you so he could feel your skin everywhere on his. Your eyes latched onto his, your gaze looking almost as desperate as he felt and he worked his cock impossibly deeper into you, making your back arch up into him. You rocked your hips against him as you pulled him closer, your pussy already getting tight over him. You were so beautiful like this, all needy and so full of pleasure it looked like you might burst with it. 

“Fuck, Baby, think you can give me another one?” He asked, breathless, as he set an aching rhythm inside of you. “Want to feel you come while I’m inside you, want to make you come.” 

You just nodded, a little frantic, your hips working back against his, your channel getting even tighter around him, making him moan. 

“Fuck, don’t think I’m gonna last,” he dropped his lips to your throat, kissing and sucking the soft skin there. “You feel too good, Baby, not gonna make it inside you…”

“Joel,” you whimpered. “Please…” 

“Together,” he said, lacing his fingers with yours and pinning your hand to the mattress over your head. “Want to come together, Baby, love you so much, want to come with you. You just tell me when you’re gonna come and then let go for me, just let go for me.” 

He adjusted his angle ever so slightly, his cock harder than he could remember it being anytime in the recent past, and he ground himself down inside of you, his hips pressed against your clit as he worked you from the inside. His head barely left the place deep within you that made your toes curl and your back arch, just giving enough room when he pulled back for each stroke to feel more intense than the last. Just when he felt like your channel couldn’t get any tighter, your fingers gripped his skin so hard he knew it would leave marks but he couldn’t bring himself to care. 

“I’m gonna come, Joel,” you sounded so desperate. “I’m gonna come, I’m gonna…” 

Your orgasm took hold and your pussy throbbed and pulled around him, pulling his own release from him in hard, thick ropes as he emptied himself into your dripping heat. 

“Fuck, Baby,” he pressed his mouth into your shoulder to muffle his moans as he held his cock so deep inside you it almost hurt with the intensity of it. “Fuck, you’re doing so good, Baby. Let it all go for me, just keep… keep milking my cock, just like that, doing so fucking good…” 

You moaned, clinging to him as you came undone, this orgasm stronger than Joel remembered feeling from you in months. Eventually, you went limp below him and he collapsed, half on top of you, half beside you. You trailed your fingers through his hair and down his back and he could feel the thick, heavy thrum of your pulse from inside of you. 

He wasn’t sure quite how long the two of you lay like that before he adjusted, bringing you with him so his softening cock was still held within you, making it so you were facing each other on your sides. 

“Missed seeing you like this so much,” he said softly, brushing your hair back from your face. 

“I missed it, too,” you whispered back, biting your lip for a moment. He frowned. 

“You OK Baby?” 

“Oh I’m great,” you smiled gently. “I guess I just… I feel a little silly for worrying about that now.” 

He tugged you closer to kiss your forehead, breathing in the lavender scent of you as he did. 

“We’re going to be together forever,” he said. “Forever’s a long time. There’s gonna be a lot that we see change but you better believe that I will always be crazy about you and this beautiful body of yours. Hell, every time you look at me I feel like the luckiest man alive because you’ll even breathe in my direction, never mind be with me. I’m always gonna want you, Baby. Can’t be helped.” 

You smiled a little. 

“Don’t think it’s silly for us to come all this way just to never leave the hotel room, do you?” You asked. “Because I’m not sure I want to go anywhere tomorrow.” 

He smiled back. 

“Sounds like the perfect day to me, Baby. Any day is a perfect day if I get to spend it with you.” 

A/N: Thank you for reading and for still being here for Joel and Doc months after their main story wrapped.

Love you!

[bluginkgo]

Another Nuzi rant. Don't mind me

Spoilers, duh

Since I've already done a quick character study/nuzi rant from N's side. Here's one from Uzi's side!

This is probably gonna be just me repeating things people have already said... again. But I love Uzi. (Just like every other character in Murder Drones, honestly.) But Liam did a wonderful job of making an angsty, emo girl, borderline maniac that we know as Uzi. Her character, to me at least, never became the annoying overdramatized and overused stereotype that follows her style. She has real reasons for being the way she is.

A loner, whose dad loves nothing but doors. School is not different, as her classmates pretty much forget about her existence on a day to day basis. No one to talk to, no one to connect with, gives her the angsty side that I absolutely adore. Because underneath all of that toughness is just a lonely little drone who was left by herself since early age. But guess who comes in and busts down those walls (literally and figuratively)?

Our good boi N! Despite their rough start, N never really gave Uzi a reason not to trust him. Their chance encounter, and a broken sensor, allowed them to have the talk that might have never happened. Their beginning might have been a lucky accident, but for the rest of the season, we can see how both sides had to work to make well... Nuzi work!

For Uzi, asking for help is like asking for a death sentence probably. After being on her own for so long, she doesn't expect anyone to help. With that information in mind, the first time she let's that wall crumble was episode 2, Heartbeat.

"Uzi, shoot! Or give it to me!"

Granted, we all know that was not our N. But in that moment, when Uzi was in an enough distressed state, she sought help in N. We all know how that ended, though. Absolute Solver took advantage of that and almost killed her, before N once again sweeped in to save her. The one and only notorious Nuzi misunderstanding was, for better or for worse, cleared up pretty quickly. Seeing as glitchproduction only has so much money at their disposal, they can't really drag this ordeal out. Personally, I'm glad that it didn't. The long drama that is just a misunderstanding after misunderstanding gets quite tedious to follow.

So, moving forward in The Promening, Uzi once again seeks out N when she's in distress. When she sees and hears about what Doll and Lizzy were gonna do, she books it to the only person she knows can help her.

N! Now don't get me wrong. Uzi, by herself is plenty strong. She's shown off her fighting and capabilities, and would have probably been able to take V on. She's taken J down before, aaaand Uzi does technically also take V down in Cabin Fever. But she still went out of her way to go find N. So they could work together and get this mess sorted out.

And then there's this. God I love Cabin Fever, and surprisingly no, not for the Falling.... for you? scene. No, I loved the entire Uzi going on murder spree because she can! The music was such a banger too. But back to Uzi. She recognizes V and briefly snaps back to her usual self. Curious isn't it? N and Uzi both tried reaching out to V, but because V is so untrusting (and we all understand why from ep 5, Home). Here Uzi tried to ask V for help... in form of N.

I find it interesting how ever since Uzi met N and V, she's been getting better at asking for help. Sure, V shot her down because, once again, V was scared. Uzi was turning into the monster that only Cyn has been capable of creating. This soon leads to N yeeting Uzi into the f*cking stratosphere and the two have a chat.

I love how the animators included Uzi hiding behind her bat wings.

Her metaphorical walls were back up. And guess who broke them yet again.

The bestest boi N! And ever since this moment, N and Uzi are way more open.

Episode 5 was taking place in N's memories. But episode 6 is where their trust and care shines. Yeah, sure, there was the hand holding. And it was a big moment! But I enjoyed the little things more. Uzi checking in on N, nodding at his little comments and jokes.

Summary: I love Nuzi. Send help they're on my mind 24/7.

[onthewaytosomewhere]

okay kiddies it seems to be a slow wednesday (or i've just not seen everything yet - either is likely really) so i'm putting this out here now ... so i don't forget

thanks so much for the tag @firstprincehornyramblings

so today's wip wednesday is a Work-Is-Published cuz well the other thing i've been putting most my work into is for a secret thing and/or it's already been put up on ao3 this week for my firstprince week fics

so today's words are from what i've been affectionately calling star wars firstprince soulmates but is actually now titled soulmates, star wars, and insufferable aresholes (and has some surprise southern philanthropy lolz - tho really is that a surprise in my stuff anymore?)

“Eh, it could have been worse. At least it’s not boring.” The ravishing man holds his hand out to Henry. “I’m Alex, by the way. What can I call you besides blonde hottie?” He chuckles as if he only just realizes what he said. “Sorry, that’s what I’ve been calling you in my head. Well, besides, dude, I’m gonna marry.” Alex runs a hand through his hair and then clamps the other over his mouth as if he can stop any more words from coming out and Henry—he’s falling so hard, and he’s lucky his legs are still holding him upright. Henry finds the wherewithal to answer, even though all his brainpower seems to focus on how his hand feels in Alex’s, how his fingers wrap around his, and how they might feel wrapped around something else. “Henry.” He doesn’t get much else out as he slams his mouth shut after that, afraid his mouth will let any of the slew of horny thoughts pass into the space between them for the stragglers in the theater to hear as they pass them. “Well, Henry, has anyone ever told you that accent of yours should be illegal? It’s fucking lethal.”

OPEN TAG FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO PLAY ALONG (tag me plz) AND SOME OTHERS BENEATH THE CUT

a very gentle tag ur it!!! @adreamareads @anincompletelist @blueeyedgrlwrites @catdadacd @caterpills

@cha-melodius @cricketnationrise @dragonflylady77 @duchessdepolignaca03 @emmalostinwonderland

@england-would-fall @everwitch-magiks @firenati0n @firstsprinces @suseagull04

@forever-fixating @getmehighonmagic @henryspearl @heysweetheart-writes @hgejfmw-hgejhsf

@inell @inexplicablymine @jmagnabo92 @judasofsuburbia @kiwiana-writes

@littlemisskittentoes @lizzie-bennetdarcy @mikibwrites @myheartalivewrites @ninzied

@orchidscript @piratefalls @porcelainmortal @priincebutt @softboynick

@sophie1973 @sparklepocalypse @stellarmeadow @tailsbeth-writes

@taste-thewaste @theprinceandagcd @thesleepyskipper @thighzp @thinkof-england

@tinyarmedtrex @typicalopposite @zwiazdziarka @indestructibleheart @eusuntgratie

@stratocumulusperlucidus @basil-bird @strwbrryagcd @thedramasummer @cactusdragon517

[themidnightcrimson]

Birthday—e. olsen

summary: in which it is lizzie's birthday!

warnings: some making out, lots of cuteness, me being desperate to be lizzie olsen's gf, short and sweet

masterlist.

It was one of the only times you had ever been up before Lizzie in the morning.

Lizzie was naturally a light sleeper, so it took every effort and concentration to make absolutely no noise as you creeped out of bed and went into the kitchen to make her one of her favorite breakfasts and a coffee. The sun was barely creeping through the windows as you silently stood over the stove, enjoying the smell of the food cooking and her coffee brewing.

You didn’t even hear her feet scuffling into the kitchen until you heard a hoarse, sleepy voice. “Baby?”

Whipping around in shock, you saw Lizzie standing there in her pajamas, rubbing her eyes, her hair all messed up from sleep. She looked almost like a confused child, and while it was so dearly cute, she was not supposed to be up yet. “No!” you exclaimed, dropping your spatula on the counter and rushing over to her. “You’re still asleep!”

“Huh?” Lizzie said in confusion as you put your hands on her waist and gently ushered her back to the bedroom.

“You’re sleepwalking, you’re still asleep,” you whispered as you guided her to the bed. She plopped down and squinted at you in sleepy confusion as you softly pushed her back to lay down, grabbing the blankets and tucking her back in.

“What are you talking about?” she murmured, your behavior causing her to awaken more as a smile curled on her face in realization.

“Hush, hush, baby,” you whispered, taking her sleep eye mask and messily putting it back over her eyes. With the mask on crooked and the blankets tucked up to her chin, Lizzie started to giggle when you kissed her forehead and told her to go back to sleep. She pulled the mask up to peek at you, but you gently pushed it back down and patted her cheek before scampering away back to the kitchen to make sure her breakfast wasn’t burning.

Although Lizzie was now restless, she laid under the blankets and pretended to be asleep for the next ten minutes before you finally came back in, holding a bamboo bed tray with a plate of breakfast and a cup of coffee sitting atop it.

“Good morning, baby,” you spoke, and Lizzie stretched her arms out from under the blankets, pretending to yawn as she took her mask off as if she was just now waking up. “Happy birthday!” you exclaimed as you came closer to the bed, carefully holding the tray so as to not spill anything.

Sitting up, Lizzie gasped in feigned surprise as you carefully sat the tray down on the bed in front of her, looking up at you with a grin. “Baby, thank you so much. You’re so so sweet.” She reached her hands up for a kiss, and you leaned down, giving her a chaste kiss before sitting down on the bed next to her.

“I would have sang you happy birthday, but I didn’t want to ruin your morning with my screeching voice,” you joked.

Wrapping her arm around you and pulling you closer, Lizzie smirked and remarked, “Oh no, please, I wanna hear you sing for me.”

“No!” you exclaimed, and Lizzie started tickling you until you finally gave in, singing a very shrill and shy rendition of happy birthday that made Lizzie laugh until she spilled her coffee.

Lizzie’s birthday was scheduled with a little party at lunch where all your friends came over with food and drink. It was so nice seeing Lizzie so happy, surrounded by the people she loved most on her birthday. You had to partake in singing yet again when everyone gathered around a birthday cake and sang her happy birthday, so many videos going on Instagram from the gathering.

Usually, you would’ve had a party at night, but Lizzie had specifically requested to have a dinner with you at her favorite restaurant called Il Buco. You both dolled up and headed out as the sun started to set, getting immediate seating due to your reservations and the fact that the staff knew Lizzie personally.

After the meal, you both shared a huge slice of chocolate cake with two scoops of vanilla ice cream. The restaurant’s lights were dim, and a few candles lit on the table provided a warm aura around your private table in the corner of the room.

“This is fucking amazing,” Lizzie remarked as took a forkful of the cake and ice cream. “I could eat cake everyday.”

“Everyone knows about your fixation on cake,” you joked as you took a forkful from the other side of the dessert.

Lizzie giggled and took a drink from her wine, leaning back in her chair and looking at you from over the glass. She had put on a black jumpsuit for the occasion and paired it with a smokey eye that, aided with the sensual lighting, made her green eyes dazzle you. She set her wine glass down and licked her lips, eyes fixated on you as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.

“Thank you, darling—for everything today. All my best birthdays are the ones I’ve spent with you.” Her voice was quiet and assured as she spoke, and she reached across the table and took your hand in hers, squeezing it.

Leaning closer to her, you smiled before quietly whispering, “Your birthday’s not over yet, my love.”

When your foot reached under the table and grazed up Lizzie’s calf, her eyes seemed to turn two shades darker as her lips twitched.

Smirking, Lizzie reached for the wine bottle sitting in a bowl of ice and uncorked it, filling your emptied glass up with more wine.

“Trying to get me drunk on your birthday?” you remarked as she put the bottle back and you took the glass and sipped from it.

“Well,” Lizzie spoke, clearing her throat and leaning back in her chair, eyes burning into you. “You do get slutty on wine, but really I just want to ease you up so you’ll tell me what my real present is besides the wrapped box sitting on the kitchen table.”

You had nearly choked on your wine from the first half of her sentence, setting your glass down and wiping your lips as Lizzie looked rather smugly at you from across the table. You recuperated and challenged, “Guess.”

Tilting her head, Lizzie stared at you as she thought for a moment. “Give me a hint.”

Now it was your turn to smirk. Of course, Lizzie had sniffed out your extra surprise for her. “It involves lace.”

“Is it skimpy?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go home.”

You had barely gotten through the door before Lizzie was on you, grabbing you by the waist and yanking you towards her as her lips crashed with yours. You’d both drank too much wine, tasting it on each other’s lips as they devoured each other.

Lizzie hungrily kissed you as she started backing you up towards the bedroom, but you averted her away from it, instead leading her towards the kitchen. She tried to tug you back towards the bedroom, but when you resisted, she instead tucked her hands under your ass and lifted you, throwing you onto the table that sat against the wall in the hallway. You could hear the decorations on the table crash to the floor, but when your back slammed against the wall, you couldn’t sense anything but Lizzie’s hands grabbing at your thighs.

Finally, she let you breathe, moving her lips away from your mouth and instead sloppily kissing and nipping at your neck. You panted, grabbing at her shoulders as she pressed you hard against the wall, your thighs wrapping around her frame.

“Lizzie,” you panted as she started to suck hard on your neck, her hand grabbing your hair and pulling your head to the side so she could bite marks into your neck. Your legs wrapped tighter around her as warmth pulsed through you, but you remembered her original present. “Lizzie, wait.”

As hard as it was, she pulled herself off you, taking a step away but keeping her hands on your waist as she looked at you with glazed eyes, her lips open as she breathed heavily. “Yes?”

“Your present,” you reminded her, ignoring the wet feeling on your neck.

“My present,” she sultrily echoed, leaning back in until you kept her at a distance with your hands on her shoulders.

“Nooo, your actual present,” you chuckled, and she finally understood, smiling a bit and straightening up.

“Yes, my actual present.” She helped you off the table and picked up the things that had fallen from it before you took her hand and led her into the kitchen where a wrapped box was sitting on the counter.

You grabbed it and handed it to her, and she took it with a smile that formed dimples in her cheeks. She held it up to her ear and shook it, looking thoughtful as she tried to guess what it was. “That doesn’t sound like lingerie.”

Rolling your eyes, you poked her side. “Open it, silly.”

Sighing, Lizzie graciously unwrapped the box, turning it around to see that it was a set of several garden tools with every kind of tool she regularly used, along with the ones she had been needing for a while.

Gasping, Lizzie grinned wide and looked at all the tools pictured on the front of the box. “Oh my gosh, babe, this is so great!” she said with genuine excitement.

You smiled upon seeing that she truly was happy with the gift. “I got tired of being worried you would get tetanus from all those rusty clippers you use.”

Chuckling, Lizzie turned the box over and looked at the back. “Baby, thank you so much. This is perfect.” Using one hand to pull you closer, she gave you a lingering kiss on the mouth, still smiling all the time.

When she had pulled away from the kiss, she looked at the box one last time before tossing it rather carelessly onto the counter. “Right, now my next present, please.” Smirking, she grabbed you and picked you up, your legs hooking around her as you shrieked and giggled.

“Hey, those tools were expensive!” you exclaimed as she carried you out of the kitchen and into the bedroom.

[pollymorgan]

Ex-Husband Negan Part 7

Warnings: Negan is Negan, a few hot words, a woman who doesn't learn.

Shame on me! 🙈 For some reason, I thought Lizzie was 7 years old when writing, but she's actually 11 years old ... so, if she comes across as "immature," that's the explanation .... Sorry ...

Present

I was just preparing the salad for dinner with Lizzie. Or rather, my youngest daughter was cutting the tomatoes, while I stood next to her in a panic, struggling not to snatch the sharp knife from her little hands, when Gracie came into the kitchen talking on the phone.

"Yes, Dad, I know, but you have to understand ..." she spoke calmly into the receiver.

Typical, if I had pulled a stunt like Negan did this morning, she wouldn't have talked to me for at least a month, but with her father, everything was immediately forgiven and forgotten.

As she said goodbye to him, Lizzie immediately turned around frantically. "I wanted to talk to Daddy too ...".

I immediately took the knife from her hand and held her arm because she was wobbling uncontrollably on the step.

"Dad didn't have time anyway, because he's on his way to go eat with Sherry!" my eldest replied.

Somewhat shocked, I asked, "Sherry?!?"

Just hearing another woman's name in connection with Negan stabbed me in the heart, but the fact that it seemed completely normal for my children shocked me even more.

"Well, Daddy's girlfriend ..." Lizzie said meekly.

I tried to compose myself and not show anything to my children.

"So, his girlfriend then ..." I replied softly.

Gracie stood between us and stole a piece of bell pepper from the cutting board, "Yeah, she's really cool ...".

"Do you know her?" I asked, as unimpressed as possible.

"Of course, we even went shopping together ..." she said and then poured the chopped vegetables into a large bowl.

I had definitely lost my appetite at dinner. Thoughtfully, I poked at my plate. That bastard. Negan was clearly the one who had seduced me again last night, and then he didn't even bother to mention his girlfriend with a single word.

The anger and disappointment boiled inside me, but worse yet, even though I didn't want to admit it, I was also insanely jealous.

Last night had shown me that my feelings for him were still so incredibly strong, but it all seemed meaningless to him. Why does he still have such power over me, even though he has caused me so much pain?

Even in the evening, when I lay in my bed, the voices in my head did not stop. How could he whisper such sweet things to me yesterday while bringing me to climax over and over again and then spend a nice evening with the next woman - his girlfriend???

In a feeble attempt to distract myself, I scrolled through my phone. Opened apps only to close them again immediately. Eventually, I went to my photo gallery and came across a selfie I had taken a few days ago, in front of my bed.

I didn't know exactly what I wanted to achieve with it, or what I hoped to achieve, but after applying a few filters, I posted it on my status and made it visible only to Negan.

Annoyed with myself, I placed the phone on my nightstand and buried myself under the covers. I lay there for a few minutes, struggling with whether I should just delete the post, when I heard a vibration. I quickly threw the covers off and grabbed my phone.

"Damn, you're hot, Mom 🔥😍"

I couldn't help but smile, and the devil on my shoulder thought that Sherry might not be so interesting after all, if my ex-husband could find the time to react to my photo.

"And damn lonely, all alone in bed ... 🥺...everything still smells like you, Daddy ..." I replied, and it wasn't even a lie. I hadn't changed the sheets yet, and his scent had been clouding my senses the whole time.

I felt my cheeks flush at the thought of what he might write, and I didn't have to wait long for a response.

"Oh, my poor baby... Do you miss me so much? Be good and touch yourself for me, okay? And then tell me if you still feel where my tongue was yesterday, all over you and inside you ... Fuck, I still have your heavenly taste on my lips ..."

Instantly, every part of me tingled. My whole body seemed to be buzzing with electricity. Just his written words and the thought of last night sent me into ecstasy.

But I didn't want to settle for this chat while he was probably sitting nonchalantly next to his new girlfriend, enjoying the evening to the fullest.

"No, that's not enough for me ... My fingers are running over my body, to all my sensitive spots, but it doesn't feel the same as you ... Nothing feels even close to as good as you! I need you here with me, Negan. Now!" I nervously sent the message.

Agonizingly, I watched as he typed, but no new message appeared. Then he suddenly went offline. Fuck! I had probably lost this little game.

Just as I was about to disappointedly put my phone away, a response finally came.

"Put on something sexy. I'll be there in 20 minutes! 😉"

Oh man, my heart leaped. He was actually going to show up here! He had chosen me. At least for tonight.

Excited like a teenager, I jumped out of bed and, no, I ran to my dresser. I quickly pulled out some lingerie that I constantly bought but never wore.

After choosing one, I went to the bathroom to freshen up. I kept glancing at the clock.

After just 15 minutes, the doorbell rang. I grabbed my robe and put it on, then hurriedly ran down the stairs.

As I opened the door and he stood there in front of me, my heart pounded even harder in my chest. He looked incredibly good in his dark clothing and black-rimmed glasses.

Smiling confidently, he was about to lean in to kiss me when I pushed him back with a flat hand on his chest.

"Was Sherry very sad that you had to leave?" I asked innocently.

His grin widened instantly. He leaned his upper body back and let his eyes roam over my body.

"You little minx, so the kids told you about her ... but I have to say, your jealousy is incredibly sexy..." His gaze lingered on my belt, which I had quickly tied around my waist. He casually undid the knot with a quick hand movement, and my robe fell open. The cool air immediately caused goosebumps to form on my bare skin.

"Fuck.." Negan whispered as he caught sight of my white lace underwear.

We were still standing at the open front door, but I didn't care in that moment.

"So, why did you come here?" I provocatively asked him.

"Shit, what kind of question is that? ... Isn't it more than obvious ...?" he replied and then bit his lip.

"I want to hear it from you..." I still pressed.

Negan confidently approached me, but I took a few steps back so we were in the middle of the hallway. He let the door slam shut behind him, maintaining eye contact with me.

"Because I want you ... only you..." he answered, then he grabbed me firmly and pulled me into a long, passionate kiss, his fingers wandering under my robe. When his large hands touched my butt, I couldn't help but let out a soft moan.

"Wow, wow, let's go to the bedroom before the girls wake up..." Negan laughed.

As soon as we arrived there, I let my robe slip completely off my body. Just his reaction to me made my lower abdomen clench with desire.

"Show me..." he commanded with a firm, deep voice. I looked at him questioningly, then he added. "Show me how you touched yourself when you missed me ... I can't stop thinking about your message ... I want to see it..."

Without breaking eye contact with him, I fell back onto the bed. Negan stood there watching every move I made. There was so much tension in the room that it was palpable.

Slowly, I began running my fingers over my chest and gently stroked my sensitive nipples, which were only covered by a thin fabric and immediately stiffened.

I enjoyed his gaze on me. I could see how much he was turned on by all of this. His green-brown eyes seemed darker than usual and gleamed with lust. His Adam's apple moved up and down noticeably, and his tongue lightly moistened his perfectly shaped lips.

Just as I was about to continue moving my hand down my body, the bedroom door unexpectedly opened. Startled, I pulled the blanket over my body and looked at the shocked face of my partner Steve, who suddenly stood before us.

"What's going on here?" he asked, pale as a sheet.

Negan turned to him first and then amusedly back to me, grinning from ear to ear. "Wow, the evening is going to be even more exciting than I expected...!"

[tubbytarchia]

want to hear your thoughts on jimmy and joel. all your thoughts. all of them. across universes.

You ask you shall receive. I love them a lot

I can see them as a ship (and no Joel white knight can come at me when those two frequently engage in questionable exchanges) but mostly I see them as best friends with a brotherly bond. Joel is kinda similar to Martyn to me when thinking of Jimmy, where he's always been there and taken him for who he is and just fucked around, carefree. He's a mean bean but his banter doesn't give off maliciousness, to me he hasn't ever seemed as overstepping and making Jimmy genuinely upset

Unfortunately ESMP2 happened and it really pains me how much Joel drove the "toy Jimmy" bit into the ground, resulting in all the seriousness that Jimmy wasn't ever offered. Maybe Jimmy wouldn't have become as much of a joke as he was were it not for Joel. Maybe it would have all hurt a bit less if Joel hadn't built massive walls around Tumble Town. This does pain me always, but you know what, at least "bullying Jimmy" is not his shtick that he needs to rely on throughout various SMPs as much as it feels like certain other people do. He decided to lean into it this once wirh some thought that wasn't just "haha Jimmy sux!!" but unfortunately it devolved and absolutely everyone went along with his bit. But as far as Joel goes, from a brotherly sort of friendship perspective especially, this kind of teasing and banter is more excusable than it would be within a romantic ship etc, but regardless it still pains me lol

Aside from that though, they're buds... Joel I don't think could ever comfort Jimmy in any decent way just because of being the rabid creature that he is, even if he were to know of and understand Jimmy's horrors (to the best of his ability). But what matters is that he cares... He doesn't ever express this outwardly but he cares and that makes me happy and enjoy them as a duo. Things like how in Limited Life he really wanted to help Jimmy get some time to stay in the game longer and his downward red life spiral pretty much beginning with Jimmy's death. How in Secret Life he expresses confidence in Jimmy having his back, and how in spite of his anguish after Lizzie's death, he doesn't say anything to ruin Jimmy's fun upon him not being the first one out. Even when Jimmy's not there, all he says is "Jimmy's gloating about it, which is a weird thing to gloat about? But we have to give him every little win, don't we"

Also in 3rd Life, Jimmy kind of jokingly (I guess??) left a sign on Joel's property that just said "I miss you - Love from Solidarity" and I never stop thinking about it. It pains me a lot, especially when that came before the FH ordeal kicked into proper gear. It honestly reads like one last effort to get away from something awful that he's anticipating, for someone to help? Something something canary, he's sensing the danger. But Joel is stupid lol and I can't blame him for not paying that sign any mind. Anyway this is a stretch I just. I never stop thinking about it.........this reads like a cry for help..........

It genuinely surprises me when I think back to the traffic series' and realize how little Joel has made fun of Jimmy. Sure he laughs, with him it's more excusable because of their friendship, and yet somehow he doesn't make a fool of or comment on Jimmy's reputation as much as some others do. He doesn't seem to think Jimmy to be notably incompetent like some of the others do. Can't say too much on other SMPs because I've seen very little of them but the vibes seem to be more or less same. I love them a lot anon, I love them a lot... Joel, for a change, is someone Jimmy deserves (because he deserves someone who cares) and is fortunate to have, if only it weren't for all the unrelenting horrors that Joel can't really help with in any case. Pensive

[d1xonss]

Desert Rose

Chapter 47 ~ Infected

✧ Pairing : Daryl Dixon x Rose

✧ Era : Season 4

✧ Word Count : 5k

In this chapter ~ All was well in the early morning, until the group discovers chaos breaking out in one of the cellblocks, leading to many deaths that none of them were prepared for. They soon discover an illness is beginning to spread, needing to act on it fast before it only got worse.

I woke up the next morning with Daryl's arms still wrapped protectively around my waist whilst my head rested against his chest. I easily could've let myself laugh at how hard he was sleeping, he was practically knocked out cold. It wasn't too early in the morning, I could tell, but I knew nobody else would be up yet at this hour. The sun was just barely beginning to rise.

After slowly allowing myself to wake, I tried to cautiously worm my way out of his hold so I could shower before everyone else started to get up for the day. It was never a fun thing when the bathroom was constantly crowded. But right as I was sitting on the edge of the bed and about to stand, familiar arms wrapped around me again and pulled me back into him with ease. I laughed quietly at his movements, my back was now pressed against his chest.

"No." he muttered into my neck.

"We have to get ready eventually." I pointed out, knowing the long day we had planned ahead of us.

He left a few light kisses on my neck before saying, "Yeah, eventually meanin...eventually." he spoke in a slow, teasing manner.

I smiled, "Well, I wanted to take a shower this morning before anyone else woke up."

That caused him to perk up quite quickly, and I could feel him pull away so he was sat up on his elbows. I turned to look at him over my shoulder and gave him an innocent smile.

He raised his eyebrows, "I'll meet cha there." he said with a wink.

That made my eyes sparkle as I eagerly nodded my head before getting up and heading towards the showers. I was lost in my own little world as I walked past a few cell clocks, the echoing of my footsteps being the only thing I could hear in the odd silence. I began going over in my head about what I had to get done that day, also hoping to catch a glimpse Michonne at least once more before she was most likely going to head out again. Knowing she wouldn't be staying long. But what I was really focused on is how I wouldn't be showering alone this morning, and that brought a smirk to my face.

Though my thoughts then cut short suddenly when I heard a weird sound coming from down the hallway I walked past, making me stop for a moment and backtrack a few steps as I paused to listen. The darkened hallway led to a separate cellblock, and I could've sworn the noise sounded just like a walker, but I didn't want to freak out if it was nothing as I remained calm. I slowly took out the knife I always had on me and followed slowly to where the distant sound was coming from. 

But then my heart stopped beating completely. There were screams.

I quickly broke into a sprint, my feet not being able to carry me there fast enough, and when I saw what it looked like in the cellblock, I could've sworn my heart fell clean out of my chest. There were walkers everywhere surrounding the space, hearing others screaming at the top of their lungs while a few kids held onto each other for dear life.

I recognized Lizzy and Mika standing the closest to me, a walker was about to attack them as they screamed and gripped onto each other tightly. I quickly threw my knife into the walker's skull and it fell down in an instant, their heads whipping toward me the second they saw it go down.

My arm reached out as I pulled the two of them aside, "Are you bit?" I asked as my eyes scanned them.

They both shook their heads frantically and I had to act fast, "Go get anyone you can find, okay? Tell them what's happening. Hurry!" I yelled, pushing them to safety and they were off faster than I had ever seen them run.

I turned my attention back to the chaos in front of me and took down as many walkers as I could. Trying my best to get the kids around me to safety, telling them to stick together and run out the second they saw an opportunity. I couldn't believe the disaster that unfolded in just a matter of minutes it seemed like. So much death, so much destruction. And so, so much blood. A scene straight out of a horror movie.

My feet rushed up the stairs to the remaining cells and instantly spotted another walker trying to grab ahold of an older man, causing me to throw my knife at it in record speed before it got the chance. As it fell, he looked at me gratefully and I nodded at him in return, telling him frantically to get somewhere safe as I ushered him down the steps.

I looked back to my right to see a few kids crying in the cell, and I shut the door with a slam so they would have a little more protection from the walkers that still lingered in the area. I killed two more of them that were coming at me in the narrow walkway, and it was then and only then I heard heavy footsteps stomping inside the cellblock, my name being called out only seconds later.

Daryl and Rick both simultaneously yelled for me as they had barely passed through the entrance, "I'm here! Protect the others, I'm okay!" I yelled back as I stabbed another walker, the blood splattering all over the wall in front of me.

The screams never stopped, and the dead bodies only seemed to triple in the few minutes that passed by. I helped a few more kids down the stairs so they could make it out safely, and I double checked the cells around me to make sure there were no more dead ones that I had missed on the top floor. 

And while I didn't come across another, I found one of our people laying there lifeless in his bed, his stomach torn open to shreds. It was devastating, but I knew I couldn't let him turn, taking in a breath before leaning down to stab him in the head with a heavy heart. The noise outside only seemed to die down and all you could hear now was people catching their breaths as the remaining dead seemed to finally be taken care of.

My pace picked up again as I heard my name being called once more, rushing down the steps before I was instantly pulled aside by Daryl. "Ya okay? Are ya bit?" he asked frantically.

I took in a breath as I nodded, "I'm okay." I confirmed as he brought me into a tight hug.

I held onto him for a few moments, regaining my composure as I tried to steady my racing heart. Thinking back to how fast it all seemed to happen. My eyes then traveled towards Rick who approached the two of us, silently nodding to him to show him I was fine. He visibly sighed in relief and placed a hand on my shoulder as we looked around at all the dead bodies that filled cellblock D.

There was blood everywhere, coating the floors, the walls, similar to when we first had to clean this place up. People were crying from every corner of the room as they saw the amount of people we just lost, somehow the disaster only getting worse as they saw some of their family members get ripped apart right in front of them.

Eventually we managed to clear the entire place, making sure that all the people we found...didn't come back. It was hard looking at all the dead bodies that surrounded the floors and I felt myself frown when we found Patrick, the familiar face that I talked to only yesterday. I didn't know the kid that well, but it never ceased to amaze me how quickly someone can be taken away like its nothing.

It seemed as though the incident at the Big Spot only caused everything else to snowball into something much bigger.

Rick's voice then echoed around the space, calling the rest of us to the top floor as he was down on his knees, inspecting a body on the floor. We all gathered around the tight space quickly, looking down to see it was someone unrecognizable to me with blood coming out of their mouth and eyes. I cringed at the sight as Dr. S took a closer look at the body, getting down to its level to see what might've caused it.

"No bites, no wounds, I think he just died." Rick voiced out loud as he glanced over it for the final time.

"Horribly too," Dr. S stated, "Pleurisy aspiration."

I blinked a few times in confusion, "English please."

"Choked to death on his own blood." Hershel clarified from next to me.

I grimaced, "Jesus." 

"I've seen them before on a walker outside," Rick stated, "A few of them had the same thing when they were lined up along the fences."

"We saw 'em on Patrick too." Daryl said.

Dr. S sighed to himself as he sat up, "They're from the internal lung pressure building up...like if you shake a soda can and pop the top. Only imagine your eyes, ears, nose, and throat are the top."

"Is it a sickness from the walkers?" I asked.

He shook his head, "No, these things happened before they were around. Could be pneumococcal, most likely an aggressive flu strain."

"Someone locked him in just in time." Hershel said.

Daryl shook his head, "Nah man, Charlie used to sleepwalk, locked himself in. Hell, he was eatin barbecue yesterday. How can somebody die in a day just from a cold?"

"I had a sick pig, it died quick. Saw a sick boar in the woods." Rick said.

"Pigs and birds, that's how these things spread in the past. We need to do something about those hogs." Hershel said.

"Maybe we got lucky. Maybe these two cases are it." Dr. S spoke hopefully.

I tried not to roll my eyes, "Yeah, I wouldn't hold my breath." I muttered sarcastically.

"All of us in here, we've all been exposed." Hershel said sadly, slowly looking back towards me as if he could feel the worry already radiating off of me.

I cursed under my breath and had to step out of the cell, pulling my hair to the side as I began to do the one thing I shouldn't: Think. I wasn't worried about myself at all, that's not the reason I was suddenly overwhelmed. It was the fact that some of the people I cared about the absolute most had now been exposed to this. Were now at risk of catching it. I couldn't even fathom the idea of losing any of them right now.

"We should set up a council meeting to talk about this." Rick suggested, coming out with the others, "I'm gonna go talk to Carl first." he announced, and we all seemed to wordlessly nod in return.

Only about an hour passed as the news about what happened had spread fast, a couple of council members gathered around in the library, talking about the sudden new outbreak. What we planned to do next was still completely unknown to us, and the unknown was a terrifying place.

We didn't know anything. How fast the illness can spread, what would be the cure, how we could stop it from reaching anyone else, we truly didn't know a damn thing. Though something we were well aware of was how dangerous it could be, risking all of our lives in the process of trying to figure everything out.

My leg bounced anxiously under the table as I was sat between Daryl and Glenn, my mind racing as I thought about the potential outcome of this.

"Patrick was fine yesterday, and he died overnight. Two people died that quick? We'll have to separate everyone that's been exposed." Carol said.

"That's everyone in that cell block," Daryl stated, "That's all of us...maybe more."

Hershel took a breath, "We know that this sickness can be lethal, we don't know how easy it spreads. Is anyone else showing symptoms that we know of?"

Daryl's eyes glanced over at me, how easily he could tell I was spacing off with millions of thoughts running through my head. I then felt the warmth of his hand on my knee that was bouncing moments ago, stopping my movements before giving it a reassuring squeeze. This made me look up at him and all I saw was a small smile on his face, but it seemed forced, and I knew he was worried just as much as I was.

"We can't just wait and see, there's children. It isn't just the illness, people die, they become a threat." Carol with clear urgency.

The older man thought for a minute before saying, "We need a place for them to go, they can't stay in D. We can't risk going in there to clean it up."

I spoke up for the first time, "We can use cellblock A." I suggested.

"Death row? I'm not sure that's much of an upgrade." Glenn muttered.

"It's clean. That's an upgrade." Daryl defended, "Do ya think that'll work for Dr, S?" he asked Hershel.

He nodded, "I'll help Caleb get it set up there."

He looked like he was about to say more, but we all were stunned to silence when we heard some rough coughing coming from the hallway. Everyone's ears perked up and soon we all stood in the doorway with our heads poking out to see who it was. My face fell a little when I saw Ty and Karen making their way down the hall, Karen holding a tissue to her face as she continued to cough, not being able to catch her breath easily.

I heard Ty whisper, "You okay?" and she only nodded her head in response, before letting out another raspy cough.

I then stepped out with furrowed brows, "Are you sure? That doesn't sound too good."

Ty gave me a reassuring smile, "I'm just taking her back to my cell so she can rest, it's okay Rose."

"Tyreese, I don't think that's a good idea." Hershel spoke.

"Why, what's going on now?" Karen asked.

There was a beat of silence and no one really knew how to approach it. And at this point we were all standing in the hallway with them, our worried expressions now on full display. It was clear none of us wanted to be blunt, but we kind of had to for them to know how serious this was.

Glenn eventually bit the bullet, "We think it's a flu or something, it's how Patrick died." 

"Judith is in that cellblock, she's vulnerable. Anyone that may be sick, or even exposed should stay away." Hershel advised.

My heart dropped when I heard him say her name. I couldn't even think about her getting sick let alone losing her forever, the thought alone nearly killed me.

"It killed Patrick?" Karen asked worriedly.

"Hey, hey, it's going to be okay." Tyreese was quick to reassure her before turning back to us, "Now that we know what Patrick died from, we can treat it right?" 

"Don't panic, we're going to figure this out. But we should keep you separated in the meantime. We'll have Caleb take a look at you and I'll see what we have in the way of medications." Hershel said with a nod.

Karen thought for a moment before saying, "David from the Decatur group; he's been coughing too."

"I'll get him." Glenn offered before turning towards me, "There's some empty clean cells in the tunnels, right?" he asked.

"Yeah, there should be." I said absentmindedly.

He nodded, giving my arm a squeeze before walking down the hall to track David down and break the news to him. Sasha then got her brother's attention, offering to lead them into a cell where Karen could be looked at and they seemed to follow her there without hesitation.

"We'll have to call another meeting later like Rick wanted." Hershel said to the ones who remained.

I nodded at him, "Okay." I muttered.

He looked at me for a moment longer than usual before placing a comforting hand on my shoulder, "It'll be alright, dear." he whispered.

I sighed before placing my hand on top of his as I nodded, mustering the best smile I could right now before watching him walk away, leaving the three of us.

My eyes panned back up to notice Carol spacing off, "You okay?" I asked to get her attention.

"I'm worried about Lizzy and Mika...they were around Patrick." she said.

"We all were." Daryl stated, "But it'll be fine...Karen and David are gonna be separated till they feel better."

She nodded, "You're right. I'm gonna head out to check on them now." she said with a small smile before walking away just like the rest.

I leaned up against the wall across from him and sighed as my eyes fluttered closed. It seemed like we were finally getting our lives together, and now this illness was killing multiple people at a time in just a few hours. It practically tore everything down that we tried so hard to rebuild.

"Aye," Daryl's voice cut in, "What's goin on in that pretty head of yours?" he asked while stepping up to come closer to me.

I rolled my eyes slightly at the question, "You know what I'm thinking about, you can read me like a book...it's annoying."

He chuckled a little, "Yeah, I know...tell me anyway."

My hand reached up to pinch the bridge of my nose, "I'm just worried about everyone. All the people in that cellblock, the rest of us, the kids, Judith...you. I- I don't want to lose anyone else." I said sadly.

His expression morphed into concern as he walked closer to me and placed a hand on the side of my face, "Hey, it's gonna be alright. We're gonna get through this, we always do."

I nodded, "I know... it just sucks right now. You know, when we don't know shit about something and then some people have to die for us to eventually figure it out." He nodded in understanding. "Just...don't leave me, okay?" I said barely above a whisper.

I knew it sounded pathetic, and hell, maybe it was. But the last thing I wanted was to be alone right now. And the haunting feeling of losing him still lingered in the back of my mind.

He shook his head quickly, "Never." he promised before leaning in to kiss me gently.

I felt myself practically melt at the gesture as I allowed myself to have somewhat of a peaceful moment with him. A part of me felt bad that I needed his reassurance most of the time, but at the same time, I don't think he minded in the slightest. Clearly, he was in it for the long haul.

When we broke apart, he leaned down to rest his forehead against mine, "M' gonna start buryin our people."

I nodded slowly, "Okay. But where a mask, gloves...please stay safe."

"I will." he said as he rubbed his thumb along my bottom lip before kissing me briefly once more, then pulling away fully to head out and take care of everything.

I stood in that eerie hallway longer than I would ever like to admit, lost in my own thoughts with my arms wrapped around my middle. At this point, overthinking should become another one of my hobbies. I knew it was okay to worry, but I was going to start going bald soon if I kept my mind running constantly. At least that thought was enough to bring a small laugh out of me.

Eventually, I slowly made my way out of the hall and towards the cells where I knew Glenn was headed to. I stopped by and helped him clean out as many of them as possible just in case more people came in feeling sick suddenly. He accepted my help gratefully as he was nearly finished with the first one, both of us just needing something to do as somewhat of a distraction.

Though I noticed something small when the silence overcame us. We were changing some sheets on one of the mattresses when I noticed how he seemed to be breathing a bit heavier than before, trying to subtly wipe the sweat off of his forehead. No. No way.

"Hey, you okay?" I asked.

He looked up at me in slight surprise, like a deer in headlights almost. "Yeah?" he breathed, "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, all we're doing is changing some sheets, and you're acting as if you just ran a marathon." I pointed out.

He huffed out a small laugh, "I'm okay Ro, really." he said with a wave of his hand, turning his gaze back down to tuck in his end of the bedding.

Though I kept staring at him in concern, I wasn't convinced in the slightest and he noticed, "Seriously...I'm okay." he tried again.

Eventually, I gave in and nodded my head as we continued on. Maybe I was just reading too much into everyone's moves right now since the situation was so severe, but I didn't want to take any chances. However, I never missed out of the corner of my eye, I would catch him wiping more sweat off of his face and glance over to see if I noticed. I always did, but he never seemed to catch on.

Once the two of us finally finished cleaning up the cells, I informed him I was going to go outside and get some air. We had been in the stuffy small rooms for far too long and it felt like I couldn't breathe, especially now with all the sick people air floating around.

The moment I stepped outside, the sun shined brightly down on my face and a relieved smile crossed my features. My eyes automatically closed as I tried to focus on the vitamin D I was receiving, but when I opened them again, I looked around and saw everyone's depressed faces. It was so much quieter today than it has been in a very long time, leaving everyone's spirits a little more crushed. My smile faded once again, and I noticed some were crying at the loss of their loved ones this morning. Shit this was heartbreaking.

My gaze then traveled out onto the field to see Rick and Daryl having a seemingly serious conversation. Ricks hands being firmly planted on his hips were a dead giveaway. But I wanted to check on him, having not seen him since this morning and I knew he was on edge just like everyone else. Even though he was no longer the so called "leader" anymore, I knew a part of him still felt responsible for this sort of thing.

As I got closer and further into the grass, I still couldn't make out what they were saying, but once Rick heard my footsteps, he turned around to face me. I gave him a small smile as I opened my mouth to say something, but then stopped short once I saw Daryl had his bandana dropped below his chin as he continued to dig.

"Hey," I called out to him, watching as he turned to face me the moment he heard my voice. I made a motion like I was pulling the mask up and he got the hint, pulling the cloth back over his face. Annoyance was still brewing in me however as I felt I hadn't gotten my point across yet, walking closer to smack him on the back of the head.

"Ow," he muttered, "What was that for?" I could hear him ask, although it was muffled by the material in front of his mouth.

"You told me you were going to be safe, and I find you out here with the mask down as you're burying the bodies." I spoke

He rubbed the spot where I hit him, "I was talkin to Rick, woman." he said defensively.

I raised an eyebrow and gave him a pointed look, "Sorry." he muttered quickly as he ducked his head, turning back to continue digging.

"Mhm." I hummed before turning back to Rick, seeing his lips pressed together as he tried not to laugh at the two of us, to which I rolled my eyes. "How're you doing?"

"Worried." he said simply, his brow creasing as he spoke, "And...I don't know. I don't think I should have a call on making this decision." 

"Rick, you've earned it." 

Daryl suddenly whipped around and pointed towards me, "That's what I said." he spoke excitedly.

"Ah, great minds think alike." I smiled before looking back towards Rick, "But seriously, you have. I'm not saying you should take all that responsibility back on your own, but at least be a part of it. We still need you; you know?" I said, gently nudging his arm with mine.

He smiled small at my reassurance, though he still looked to be on the fence about everything as a whole. But he didn't have the chance to respond even if he wanted to, as the next thing that was heard was a panicked yell that belonged to Maggie.

"Guys!" she screamed to get our attention, pointing back to one of the fences that the walkers were piling up on. We all saw how it was about to fall over with the amount of them pushing on it, bending it over as they practically crawled on top of each other to try and make it on the other side.

"Son of a bitch." I cursed and wasted no time running towards the fence, the other two hot on my heels.

As we ran closer and closer, I grabbed one of the crowbars that were lined up with the other weapons for killing them, in case things went south. Maggie frantically told us that the various noise recently only drew them closer and now this part of the fence was going to give out in a matter of seconds. Glenn, Sasha, and Ty came running quickly after us the moment they saw what was going down, and we all together tried to pick them off.

I stabbed through their heads harshly, watching one by one as they fell to the ground, everyone else scattering around as they did the same. Daryl stood back slightly as he shot bolts through their heads, but it hardly looked like any of us were making any progress. There was too many of them for us to even begin to make a dent through.

All of a sudden Sasha called out, "Are you seeing this?" causing us all to stop momentarily to see what she was talking about.

I stood on one side of her, and my mouth fell open at the amount of dead rats that were left by part of the fence. They all were missing heads as the rest of their bodies were still intact which confused me yet made me sick at the same time. That alone explained how the walker build-up happened all at once and so fast, the hunger they felt overtaking them as they smelled the fresh blood.

"Is someone feeding these things?" she asked.

"I don't know." I muttered with widened eyes.

The fence then suddenly started squeaking more as they shoved their way though, "Heads up!" Daryl yelled as he watched from a distance.

We all quickly went back to our spots to take each of them out once more, but far too many of them began using all their weight on it as it was leaning further into us. At this rate it was going to give out with the number of dead ones surrounding it. We stopped trying to kill them once the realization hit all of us, beginning to push the fence back all together so it wouldn't completely collapse. We weren't successful however, and they were still too strong.

"Back up, back up! It's coming down!" Daryl yelled as he quickly yanked me back to where he was standing, the rest jumping back in shock.

"The fence keeps bending in like that, those walkers are coming over it." Sasha said frantically.

Rick's eyes darted around as his mind continued to spiral, though suddenly, a lightbulb appeared on top of his head. He called for Daryl, nodding for him to follow as he rushed back towards the entrance as I hoped he had some kind of plan. The rest of us were left to fight them off until the last possible second. 

Sweat pooled on my skin and my muscles ached as I held up a part of the fence while Maggie killed the ones off right next to my head. I felt my arms begin to shake as my body grew far more tired than I wanted it to, gritting my teeth together as I planted my feet down in attempts to steady myself. But the weight suddenly seemed to subside a bit, looking over to see Tyreese on my right, helping me hold up my end as he clearly saw me struggling. He gave me a small smile in the process, causing me to look over at him with nothing but gratitude.

My head then lifted as I watched a familiar truck peel out of the front gates, Rick sitting in the bed of it while Daryl drove like a bat out of hell towards us. The vehicle then came to a sudden stop a good distance away from the fence, watching closely as Rick visibly hesitated as the walkers began to take notice of them from just behind their heads. The man then snapped out of it and took one of the pigs in his hold, slicing part of its leg so it couldn't run before dropping it down on the grass for the walkers.

I cringed at the squealing sounds that the animal was making, but we all knew that it had to be done, and it looked to be working. He repeated this motion until the many walkers made their way further and further from the fence, watching as it slowly rose back up once their attention was diverted away from us.

We were now able to put back the wooden planks to prop the fence back up to a level height, leaving it almost completely bent it half after the damage the dead ones did. I stopped to take a breath once I saw we had moved it up enough, my eyes panning back over to see Rick cutting the last pig he had before dropping it, and even I could tell from this far away, it hurt him just as much as the rest of us.

Stepping slightly away from the whole scene, I saw Maggie staring at the squealing animal with sadness behind her eyes, nearly crying as the sounds intensified. 

"Come on." I spoke to grab her attention, gesturing for her to follow me.

She nodded and wrapped an arm around my shoulders so we could walk back up to the prison together, trying to just get through the rest of this long day.

~ Thanks for reading!

Taglist - @justareader95 @hayley1998 @ryoujoking @sipsthecoffee @winterassassin1804 @marsmallow433 @catlalice @writingstreetspirit

[fandom-imagines-stories]

Letters Part Three

John Mitchell x Reader

Words: 3196

Summary: Mitchell and the reader try to create some normalcy living in the same house for the first time in eighty years. 

Notes: I’m not going to lie, this series is also a place where I get to hate Lucy as much as I want because I despise that woman. 

Part One; Part Two

-

Y/N: Do you know where the towels are?

J.M.: Who is this?

Y/N: Right, sorry, it’s me.

Y./N: I mean it’s Y/N. Annie gave me your number.

J.M.: I didn’t give you my number? I thought I did.

Y/N: No, you must have forgotten before you left. 

J.M.: Right. Sorry. Good that you have it now. 

…

…

Y/N: So towels?

-

Mitchell shot you a text explaining that they were in the cupboard in the bathroom, though he didn’t know why Annie couldn’t have just told you that. He tucked his phone back in his pocket and returned to cleaning out his cleaning bucket, which always felt counterproductive to him, but whatever. 

He could still see you standing in that doorway, so different yet so much the same. Even speaking with that new doctor, Lucy, all he could think about was the fact that you were waiting at the house, worrying about Lizzy Kain and God knows what else and he was in the hospital mopping up shite. 

He still didn’t understand it all. Lizzy being a vengeful, psychotic bitch, he could understand. In his brief acquaintance with Herrick’s reluctant Irish aly, he recognized both her and her disgusting husband’s brutality, even for vampires. How you got mixed up with them…

Mitchell gritted his teeth. 

He knew how, of course. 

Because he let you get away. 

“Right, so George tells me we have a new house guest?” Nina appeared in front of him, hands on her hips, and eyes holding her usual contempt for him. “Were you planning on asking the rest of us?”

“Where did you even come from?” He peered over her shoulder at the long hallway. 

“Don’t avoid my question, Mitchell.”

“It wasn’t my idea, okay?” He snapped. Mitchell ran a hand down his face and sighed. “It was Annie’s.” He chuckled humorlessly. “Sometimes she forgets the complicated nature of having relationships when you’ve lived over a century.”

Nina leaned in and lowered her voice. “So it’s true then? She’s your… your wife?”

Mitchell turned away. 

“Wow,” she scoffed. She shook her head, surprise clear on her features. 

“What?” Mitchell was getting tired of this conversation. 

“Nothing,” Nina shrugged. “I just wouldn’t have thought you the type.”

“I did have a life, you know.” He crossed his arms. “A very long one, actually.”

“Right.” She exhaled deeply. “I forget that sometimes, I guess.” Her tone softened from interrogation to just regular curiosity. He couldn't tell which was more frustrating. “So are you two, still, you know, together?”

“If by that you mean are we still legally married?”

Nina nodded. 

Mitchell let the tension in his shoulders relax. “Yeah. Yeah, we are.” He noticed her lingering surprise and elaborated. “Things like divorce get a little trivial when you-”

“Live as long as you do, I get it.” Nina bit her lip, trying to decide whether or not to keep walking or say something else. She chose the latter. “Listen, I’m not trying to be that flatmate, I just…” She looked up at him without disdain. “After everything that happened, we have to be careful.” 

Mitchell gave her a small smile. “Thanks, Nina.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” She started to back away, raising a brow. “I can’t wait to hear all about you in your younger days from Mrs. Mitchell.” She held up crossed fingers. “I’m hoping for a photograph and a bad haircut.”

Mitchell rolled his eyes but laughed anyway. 

“I’ll see you later,” he said. 

She took a deep breath and pushed through a set of doors into a different hallway. 

After another hour, Mitchell finished work for the day, though a part of him wanted to stay there forever. The hospital was far from a palace, but there he could be something else. He could be invisible. 

You could see him. Better than anyone else, you could see him. 

He walked slower than usual down to his locker. 

“Mitchell!” A woman called after him. Lucy hurried towards him. “Sorry, I know you’re about to head off, but could you do me a favor?” 

He stopped walking and waited, but she just kinda… looked at him. 

“What is it?” He asked, a little more impatient than he intended. 

“Right, sorry.” That look in her eye didn’t go away but he couldn't quite tell what it was. “Could you show me where room 303 is? You would expect it to be next to 302, but no, finding anywhere in this bloody place is impossible.” 

His confusion must have shown on his face because she continued. 

“I just figured they make you clean up all round, so…”

“Um, sure,” he said. “It’s up this way.” 

He couldn't help but feel her watching him as they walked. She looked away every time he glanced at her, but he could still sense her eyes every time he turned his head back. 

“Alright, what?” He said. “Have I got something on my face? Why are you looking at me like that?” 

Lucy sighed. “It’s nothing, I just-” She shook her head. “God this is stupid. I just feel awful about how I was earlier and I wanted to say sorry.”

Mitchell shrugged. “It’s okay. Really.”

“This transfer hasn’t exactly been what I expected and I took it out on the first bloke I saw.” She fixed a loose strand of hair. “So, yeah, I’m sorry.”

“Really, Lucy, it’s fine. I’ve dealt with worse from some of the white coats around here.”

“Can I make it up to you?” She blurted. She cleared her throat. “Buy you a drink or something?”

“Oh, I…” Mitchell grimaced. “You know, I just had a lot come up in my life and-”

“Okay,” she cut him off. “Forget I said anything.”

She walked away before he could say anything else. 

Mitchell stood in the middle of the hall, looking utterly flabbergasted. “Well, that was weird.” He ran his fingers through his hair and headed back toward the locker room. Shift change had already happened, so the place was empty. One of the lights was out, flickering overhead. It set him on edge. He opened his locker. 

And a rose fell out. 

-

You didn’t know how long you’d stood with the fridge door open, staring at the light while the cold air seeped out around you. 

“You…okay?”

The sudden voice made you jump, slamming the fridge door shut. 

Mitchell stood in the doorway to the kitchen. He held out his hands. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Christ, well you did,” you exclaimed. “If I could, I’d have a heart attack.” 

He snickered. “I said I was sorry.”

You turned to him, trying to look angry, but you just couldn’t. Not when he was smiling at you like that. Even with everything that had happened that day, you couldn’t keep yourself from laughing with him.

“Hand me a beer?” He asked. 

You opened the fridge again and grabbed two, popping the top off of your own. You took a long, slow drink. 

Mitchell took a long, slow drink. 

Then the two of you exchanged a long, slow look. 

It was enough to drive both of you mad. 

“How was your day?” Mitchell wondered, unable to keep the awkwardness from his voice. 

“It was fine,” you said tightly. You could still feel the heat of Daisy’s stare and the chill of Ivan’s indifference. “You?”

Mitchell thought of the rose he’d thrown away on the way here. He thought of the only person who would have sent it. 

He shrugged. “Fine.” 

“Great.” You took another drink. 

So did he. “Great.” 

“I found the towels,” you said. 

“That’s good.” The image of you in the shower popped into your head and just made him all the more awkward. “Does Annie’s room suit you okay?”

“Oh yeah, it’ll be fine while I’m here.” You leaned against the counter. “I really appreciate her letting me stay there.”

“She doesn’t really sleep, so,” he shrugged. 

“Still,” you said, “it’s nice of her.”

“Yeah.”

You both finished your beers. 

Was this how it was going to be? Sitting in silence, walking on eggshells, never knowing what to say? It used to be so natural. You could tell him anything and he you. He was your best friend. Now, were you anything more than strangers?

You finally both spoke, words overlapping each other.

“I was wondering if you’d like to get dinner.”

“Do you want another drink?” 

You blinked, processing his question after yours. 

Mitchell looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s just, I don’t cook much and Nina and George are working tonight, so I thought…” He stood, picking up the empty bottles and tossing them. “Never mind, it was a stupid idea.”

“No,” you said, following him. “I think that sounds kinda nice.” 

After the day you had with Mr. and Mrs. Crazy, you wouldn’t mind a nice meal. And eighty years left a lot of catching up to do. 

“Really?” Mitchell asked, brows raised in surprise. 

You nodded. “Maybe you can show me around Bristol. I haven’t been in ages.” 

He smiled and your knees felt weak.

“Great.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m just going to take a shower and then we can go?”

“Alright,” you said, turning away to keep from melting entirely. 

So that answered that then. Even after all this time, you could never be strangers. Not really.

-

It was a quiet night. The pub had few other patrons, which let you and Mitchell eat in peace. Though, without the bustle, it left room for the awkward silence that plagued the two of you still. 

“Good chips,” you noted. 

He shrugged. “It isn’t the nicest place, but it’s George and I’s favorite.”

“It reminds me of the place my father used to take me to,” you said. “Do you remember?”

“How could I forget? I’d see you in there when you were just a girl, waiting to help walk him home.” He shook his head. “Drunk prick.” 

It wasn’t a pleasant memory, but for some reason, the frustration in his tone comforted you. 

He still cared. 

“Not all of my nights at that pub were bad,” you said softly, looking at him over the top of your beer. “We first danced there.”

Mitchell chuckled. “Dancing is a generous word for you stomping all over my feet.”

“Maybe I was just giving you a reason to give me more lessons.” You smirked back. 

You looked at each other for a long while, his soft hazel eyes staring into yours and making time stop. For that moment, it felt like you were back in that pub and he was asking you to dance. 

Mitchell looked away first and cleared his throat. “So how long were you with the Kains?” 

You set your stein aside. “I met Lizzy around the turn of the century and she took a liking to me. When she asked me to stay with them, well-” You took a deep breath. “She isn’t exactly the type you say no to.” 

“I remember her being,” he tried to think of the right word, “intense.” 

You snorted, bitterness lacing your tone. “She’s a right crazy bitch.” Taking a long swig of your beer, you shrugged. “But having her for a friend for the better part of ten years had its perked. I mean, no one messed with us. It was like we were untouchable.”

“Yeah, I know the feeling.”

Another uncomfortable tension filled the air. 

Mitchell couldn’t help the frustration burning in his chest. All those years ago, you left him behind. You left him with the power you both feared more than any other. And you left only to stumble into another situation that was just the same. 

You felt his demeanor change and anger bubbled up your throat. 

He had the audacity to judge? After everything he’d abandoned you to be a part of? After everything he’d let Herrick get away with?

You shook your head. 

In his defense, he didn’t know everything.

“Maybe we should be getting back,” you said, keeping your eyes trained at the table. 

Mitchell leaned back in the booth. “I’ll get the check when she gets back.”

“You don’t have to-”

“It’s not a problem.”

Christ, it was worse than a bad first date. 

Daisy’s mocking words from earlier rang through your head. 

“You’ve been apart longer than you’ve been together.” Her blue eyes sparkled wickedly at you. “I’m surprised he even remembers you.”

Was it possible? Had he blocked out your past together while you’d spent every day for nearly a century thinking of his smile? 

“Oh, um-” Mitchell scratched the back of his neck, his awkwardness turning less irritated. “There’s a sweets place on the way back. They’ve got those old-style chocolates you like if you want to stop by.”

“Are you buying those too?” 

A small smile returned to his lips. “I’m a hospital porter, Y/N, and I don’t mop up money.”

“We could always swipe it like we did that bottle from McQuinn’s place,” you snickered. 

“He almost shot us.”

You waved your hand. “He was half blind. The man couldn’t hit the side of a barn.” 

Mitchell stood and held out his arm. “Let’s just go, alright?” 

“Alright, John.” You took his arm and let him lead you out. 

Things may have changed, but he hadn’t forgotten. 

-

Y/N

I would like to see you again. I know it might be complicated because of your father. We can meet by the river at the spot where you hid the whiskey. Meet me there tomorrow night when your family falls asleep. If you don’t want to, I won’t bother you anymore. But I’d really like to hear more about your story. 

Yours,

John

-

Back at the house, Annie greeted you with a cup of tea and a big question.

“Were you two on a date?” 

You nearly choked on the tea. “What? No!”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Mitchell sputtered. “We went out to the pub, that’s all.”

Annie simply raised a brow and took your hand, leading you into the living room. “Well, I think he has hogged you long enough.” 

Mitchell scoffed arms out at his sides. “We were gone for two hours.” 

“But Y/N was gone all day,” Annie said, confused.

Mitchell turned to you with brows furrowed. 

“Annie, why don’t you show me some of your favorite channels?” You hurriedly picked up the remote and let the sound of the TV take over the growing tension. 

Mitchell narrowed his eyes, but decided not to push it, heading upstairs to take a shower and wash the memories out of his head. Being sentimental now wouldn’t help anyone. Even if your laugh reminded him so much of how it felt to be young. To be human. 

“So.” Annie’s curious, bright eyes found yours. “Where’d you disappear this afternoon if it wasn’t with your husband?” 

Daisy’s piercing eyes and Ivan’s smirk popped into your head.

“I just wandered around,” you shrugged. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Bristol. A lot has changed.” 

“I know!” She exclaimed. “Just last week they finished building this awful shopping mall and I don’t think I’ve ever seen an uglier building.”

You laughed, reminding yourself that even though the two of you weren’t exactly amongst the living, she was still so new.

“Sounds awful,” you agreed, though not without a teasing tone.

Annie nudged you with her shoulder. “Just wait til you see it.” Her mouth fell open and her face lit up. “Oh my god, we should have a girls' trip and get you some new clothes!” She clapped her hands excitedly. “It’ll be so fun. And you didn’t come here with much in the way of outfits.”

“What’s wrong with this one?” You looked down at your ratty jeans and jumper. 

“It’s… fine,” she said. “A little too ‘on the run from my crazy vampire coven’ don’t you think?” 

You gasped in mock offense.

“This is my favorite shirt.”

“Maybe we can get you a new one?” She snickered.

“You’re terrible,” you exclaimed, letting the laughter take over. 

She was right, of course.

It was a fucking hideous jumper.

-

Summer 1909 

You couldn’t take it anymore. 

He threw the bottle.

You raised an arm to keep the glass from hitting your face as it shattered against the wall. You ran.

“Get back here ya ungrateful-”

The slamming door cut off your father’s shouts. 

You couldn’t take it anymore. 

Thunder rumbled over your head but you didn’t care. The sound cleared away the stinging words in your mind, washing everything away like the rain that was sure to follow. You hoped it was a tempest. You hoped lightning struck that house and burned everything to the ground. You hoped it took you up in the wind and carried you far from here. 

You don’t know where you’re going by the time you get there, finding yourself at a crossroads down the lane from your cottage. A wheel with a broken wheel sat abandoned on the side of the road, providing a good specimen to focus your unfiltered anger on. 

Wood splintered and metal creaked with every kick you landed against the vehicle. Screams of frustration mixed with the sound of the destruction. You tore off pieces of the seat with your hands and threw them into the field. 

You attacked the object until you were out of breath and sweat stuck your hair to the back of your neck. 

“That’s an interesting tactic to fix a wheel.” A voice said behind you, making you jump. A boy your age stood with his hands in his pockets, watching you with an amused smirk. “I could help you if you like.”

“I don’t need anyone’s help,” you snapped, tucking your shaking hands under your arms. 

“Is that why you’re attacking a poor, defenseless wagon?” He stepped towards you. “Because I think there might be an underlying issue here.”

“I know you.” You glared. “You’re that Mitchell boy who used to chase me around with frogs. John.”

He laughed. “In my defense, we were six.”

“I hold grudges.”

“Is that what happened with the wagon?” 

You let out a growling yell and threw another piece of broken wood at him, which he aptly dodged. 

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry.” John held up his hands in surrender. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He raised a brow, ready to make another comment about the splinters you’d kicked in. 

You looked away. 

John took another step towards you, his tone sweet and gentle “Can I walk you home?”

“No,” you answered a little too quickly. You cleared your throat and shook your head. “I don’t want to go home.” 

“Can I walk you somewhere else then?” He smiled. 

You scoffed. “If my father saw you alone with me, he’d shoot you.”

John glanced around, holding out his arms. He shrugged. “I don’t see him anywhere.” He held out his arm. “McQuinn’s’ll serve us so long as we don’t tell him how old we are.”

You smiled, feeling a small weight lift off your shoulders. 

He was rather cute, you supposed. 

“Okay, John.”

[madamecalypso]

So I decided to make this a series named "The deer 🦌 and the Crow 🐦‍⬛"

I already have a plot in mind to be honest but most will just be memories with Alastor versus the present for now.

So without further ado here's part 2....

Vulnerability

You hated this time of the year. You could even say you despise it to be honest. Being a sinner with wings has its disadvantages.

And one of them is...molting. But you thank Lucifer for its clockwork arrival, always weeks before the annual extermination. Due to this, you always hide by yourself to ensure that everything will go well and your co-residents will not worry. You hate making them worry as this usually brings unwanted memories to the surface.

You gently spread out your ebony wings as you made a nest in the middle of the grand room. The lights outside shinning on you. You sigh sadly as you motion for your right wing closer to you and start plucking the old and detached feathers.

This marks the first year that he went and left you. The first year that the Radio Demon vanished from Pentagram city without a trace. The first year when he was not here to help you.

You remembered the first time he helped you, you were so shy to let Alastor touch your wings. Yet he insisted after berating you for not sharing this need after the years of your friendship.

"A service worthy to ensure your perfection mon corbeau....you really should let me service you sometimes"

As he worked on your wings he would often tell what he was when alive but never the cause of his death. He oftentimes would share the story Rosie spoke to him, how nifty is doing nowadays or how Husk got irritated with one of his demands.

You would listen to his stories with no distractions. Absorbing everything like a sponge. You love hearing him speak and you never tire hearing it. His voice was really made for radio. Without the usual filter he uses, you can hear the raw and true voice of Alastor. The one he reserved just for you.

You also remembered that this may also be the day that you realized that you are falling in love with the Radio Demon.

His touch was always soft when it comes to your wings, quite different on how he handled other sinners or Overlords whenever he brought carnage. You would always smile whenever he meticulously checked each feather to ensure their integrity. There are times that he would also slap your hand away whenever you try to help.

"You are so good with this Al....I hope you will always do this for me every year"

You whispered one day thinking he would not hear. But he did as his smile widened.

"Mon corbeau...this is nothing I would be willing to do to keep you beside me"

You also remember the kiss. The kiss on your forehead he always leaves when he's done. The same kiss that evokes emotions and longing for him. The same kiss that you often wish he would leave on your lips instead. The gentle gesture he would leave after everything was said and done.

But everything is just a memory now. He's no longer here. He left you alone. His promises are broken. His words are now merely an echo.

You are starting to understand that you became dependent with him from the years you were together. The pain of him leaving is still fresh on you. He was the one who saved you after all, the one who guided you for all those years. The one who you thought would never leave.

You still have the note he left. The note has become a symbol of your broken devotion. You clutch the note every time your heart aches. Every time you miss Alastor’s presence. Every time you miss his voice, his teasing, his playful words, the gentle kindness he offers but has hidden it's lies and deceit.

As your tears start to fall, your mind starts to wander once more why he left you. Till now everyone was surprised by his disappearance.

"Querida por qué lloras? You know I hate tears in those beautiful eyes"

You immediately wiped your tears as you looked behind you. It was Valentino with a worried expression on his face, one that you don't often see. His sleek masculine form dressed in an overflowing red coat started walking towards you after seeing the fallen feathers.

"Val..I told you to not come here" you muttered annoyed but the moth demon only walked closer and sat beside you.

"Vox and Velvette are worried about you birdie...and they know that you would only hide from them." Valentino lit his cigarette catching a drag, red smoke blows from his mouth before offering it to you, which you gently took.

"It's time for my feathers to shed and I needed space to think as well" You answered as your tears fell again, annoyance with him gone.

Pink eyes started to narrow on your form as he wrapped his arms around you. "You should know that you're no longer alone amorcita, we are here. Vox would lose a circuit if he found you like this"

"I'm glad that Vox cared for me after he left, I thought he was just enduring my presence before. And Velvette's addition still brings happiness to me but sometimes I think I'm just slowing you guys" You sadly spoke as you looked at Valentino.

"That's where you're wrong dearest..how many times must I prove it to you?" A third and familiar voice spoke behind you. Vox having entered the room walked closer to also sit on your other side.

"You may have lost that pompous ass but you gained us..someone far superior, someone who would never leave you" he boasted which caused you and Valentino to roll your eyes. "You don't slow us dearest...you empower us. We just need to build the confidence that you had before"

"But Voxxy is right amor, so dry your eyes...a gem like you should never cry"

You gently smiled and you nodded before Valentino kissed your left cheek and started to move behind you to look at your wings. "From now on we will be the one to care for you"

Vox on the other hand touches your face as he leans for a kiss. Each kiss he brings is always a new sensation to you. He's soft and sensual which makes your heart flutter. He gently broke the kiss for a quick second as a wide grin stretches on his face before he leans in again. His talon-like fingers gently slide down the side of your face to your neck.

You don't know what kind of relationship you all have, but they are willing to provide the care that you yearn for. The affection that you once wished was given by Alastor.

Valentino on the other hand was busy attending to your wings with a mischievous smile on his face.

The Vees will build an empire that's for sure. They will spread their power and authority and change the status quo. They will do all of that and more since that's what you deserve.

He anticipates how you would grow with them beside you. You are already an enigma while still under the servitude for the Radio Demon. Now that you're a free bird, you'll transform. He couldn't wait to see you flourish, their dearest gem... a valuable creature tossed away by her master.

And whoever will try to take you away will die by their hands.

Can't wait to expand this story. Gosh, I don't even know how to use Tumblr.

But I'll learn one step at a time.

Will post what the reader looks like soon...

Kisses darling!..

[mykelneedssleep]

I had the realization today that I dont think I’ve ever spoken about my son on here and since a lot of you know me for podcast content this needs to be rectified immediately so I present to you my first born son: Nureyev

Yes, as in Peter Nureyev. Hilariously this is the most accurate name I have ever chosen for anything because this little bitch has such Peter Nureyev vibes it’s actually crazy. I present a list of random facts about him that I can think of off the top of my head:

1. Literally the first day I had him one of the first things we found out about this tiny little baby was that if there’s a dead cricket in his tank you bet your ass he’s not eating it. This bougie ass bitch only eats live prey. You physically don’t understand how often I have to buy him food because god forbid it dies before he kill it, he’d actually rather starve than eat a dead bug. I can attest to that because one time there was a cricket shortage in my area because it was so cold that all the crickets were dying in transport and this little bitch actually went days without eating because he wouldn’t eat the dead crickets (I finally got him to eat by pushing them around with a clear plastic spoon to make it look like they were moving- lying to your kids works folks)

2. He makes regular attempts to escape from his tank by climbing up the glass. Despite 4 years of trying it still hasn’t worked once but he’s determined he’s going to do it one of these times

3. My mother who typically lovingly refers to him as Nev (“his name is longer than he is, I’m giving him a nickname” -my mother approximately 10 minutes after his name was chosen, took her 3 more days to come up with Nev) will often refer to him as Pete if he’s doing something bad (see above escape attempt). This is particularly funny in the presence of people who are unaware of this nickname but aware enough to know the names of all the animals in our home because they become very confused

4. “The thief is on the prowl” is a very common phrase in our home, this typically means someone has to feed the boy because he’s stalking around the tank looking for living creatures to torment and finding none

5. He regularly sticks his entire head into his water bowl and just leaves it there for a little bit until I become quite convinced that he’s going to drown and then he will just get up and walk away like he didn’t just give me a heart attack

6. If you’re holding him he will climb all over you and somehow find a place to randomly jump off from (again, heart attack every time). Hearing “Nureyev!” said loudly in a concerned but sort of exasperated way is very common

7. If one of his water bowls is empty he will lay in it to get you to pay attention to the fact that it has no water in it but will then refuse to move when you go to put water in it and will become very upset when you eventually give up and just pour water onto him (the above photo was taken directly after I deep cleaned his tank and before I put the water back in, shockingly he looked quite cute instead of seriously pissed off like usual)

8. He likes to have the high ground (he likes to climb on top of people’s heads and just sit there and watch the world as you walk around and continue what you were previously doing. Luckily he has never attempted to jump off someone’s head before)

9. Very dramatic sleeper. I’m talking will sleep in the weirdest positions but like you do you king, if that’s comfy I endorse it

10. He regularly hides in any available nook and/or cranny in the tank. This is yet another cause of great stress for me when I cannot find him

Bonus fact: This bougie bitch was approximately half of the inspiration behind how I play Lizzie (shoutout O!ASKAP enjoyers, this one’s for you). If you’re wondering the other half is simply my penchant for playing the least helpful character I can possibly get away with

[yoursweetestnightmarelover]

The Dance

“Have you heard? They're having a big party, apparently it's to celebrate a new year or something like that” J asked “Yea Lizzy even invited me” V responded, “Are you going to go?” J asked “Yea I am even Tessa and N are going are you not?” V said. “No, I have work” J said, “work?” V asked with doubt, “Yes work, are your audio receptors having problems?” J asked sarcastically, V rolled her eyes, then V smirked to herself coming up with an idea. “You know If your 'work' clears up I hear a certain someone doesn't have anyone to accompany her~” V said a mischievous grin on her face, J glared at her knowing exactly who V was talking about. “Aww come on, I'm just pulling your leg” V said, her grin growing to be Cheshire like “Ugh hate when you do that” J said pushing V away, a bell flashing on her visor. “Oh all ready well I'm going out to have fun see ya~” V said before flying off J sitting on some scrap annoyed.

Uzi, sitting in her room tinkering with various machines, Uzi hearing a knock on the door “Come In” Uzi said the room being illuminated by the pale light coming from the hallway Khan coming in saying ”You know the new year's celebration is going to be starting here soon have you picked out an outfit yet?” Uzi pointing to her bed the black dress she wore on prom set there neatly,” Uzi you don't have to go if you don't want to, Khan said ”I do it's just…” khan cutting in saying you're nervous?” ”What me nervous, I've dealt with way worse, I'm not nervous at all.” Uzi said ”well if you say so” khan said in a sad tone, knowing that she was lying or not telling him the full picture. It wasn't a lie, just she wasn't nervous. It's just a reminder that she well by herself of course she has N and V But that not what she means well N loves her as a sister and V well… Her processor quickly flashed the image of J a blush appearing on her visor. She was the LAST drone she would ask but maybe-Uzi cutting herself off, NOPE she would just suck it up and go by herself… just then she heard the doorbell ring.

Was she really doing this, J thought to herself, standing in front of the door saying Doorman resident's she could just go back no one would know or even care, so why is she here? Did she just want to get back at V? Khan slowly opening the door, his eyes hollowing out staring at the drone in front of him, he never felt comfortable around them but THIS ONE especially. Uzi coming to the front door after putting on her prom dress, she saw J? She's wearing a yellow thigh dress along with a black coat with an open front and what looked to be fur along the cuff and trim Uzi staring at J her visor playing a sparkle effect and a blush. J looking at her, seeing her in a black dress It fit her perfectly it was alright Khan interrupting J staring at Uzi saying “A-Are you here for the new year's party?” Khan said his visor showing beads of sweat going down it “As a matter of fact I am, and I'm here to pick up your daughter. Isn't that right Uzi~” J said Uzi, still lost in J eyes hearing her name, she responded with a “yea” only for Uzi to snap out of it realizing what she just agreed to. Khan still in shock “O-Oh okay” Khan stuttered out slowly handing Uzi over J extending her hand out for Uzi to grab who just slapped away “let's just go” Uzi grumbled out walking off with J.

J and Uzi entering the gymnasium, feeling the beat of the music N Tessa Thad and V came over Lizzy tagging along. “Uzi, so glad you could make it hey J” Thad said doing a double take upon seeing J glaring at him “hey Uzi? What is she doing here?” Thad whispered “I can hear you AND for your consideration I'm accompanying Uzi tonight” J responded in a snarky tone. Everyone But V looked shocked, Thad speaking up “Uzi blink twice if you're being force to do this” Thad whispered “No I'm not being force to do this” Uzi said J rolling her eyes. N piping up “Well I think it's nice to see you two together and not fighting” Tessa nodding “You're taking my advice about getting out more and doing less work.” Tessa said “Yep” J responded forcing a smile then a random drone called out. “HEY THAD TESSA, WE GOT THE JERRY CANS ALL SET UP COME ON DON'T CHICKEN OUT ON US NOW” cutting the awkward silence Thad and Tessa running over. “Thad challenged her to a drinking contest and well you know her, I'm going to make sure she doesn't over do it.” N said walking off waving to J and Uzi Lizzy following him, “so I'm guessing your 'work' wasn't that big of a deal? And I also see that you took my advice about 'accompanying' someone” V said, a smug grin on her face, “Advice?” Uzi asked, “Oh just that a little birdy told me that you were going to come to this event alone, and I may have let that slip out” V answered her question, “Let me guess this little birdy happened to be Lizzy?” Uzi scoffed, “even now she still wants all the detes of drama” she added, Uzi heading over to the table severing cheap ethanol “I'm going to need a drink for tonight” Uzi grumbled to herself. J following behind her grabbing Uzi's drink “For me why thank you” J said in a smug tone, Uzi glaring at her getting herself another drink as J walked off.

Uzi and J have been avoiding each other for the most part, occasionally meeting up. Uzi, mainly been hanging out with N and V, all three of them watching Thad and Tessa drinking challenge. ”Okay Tessa, you beat me I surrender,” He said Tessa letting out a hearty laugh, ”shouldn't have challenged me little man I will always win” Tessa said having a bold stance. ”Uh wow she drank like three bottles of alcohol, is she going to be okay? Isn't alcohol poisonous to humans” Lizzy asked, ”In significantly large amounts yes, but she's just going to wake up in the morning with a killer headache and regretting this” J said, ”Hey I don't regret, nothing” Tessa said, slightly sluggish N Rushing to her side ”lets just take it easy for now” N said kindly ”maybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea” Tessa said leaning in to N giggling a little. V snicking to herself, V was about to say something, but the DJ making an announcement.

”SLOW DANCE STARTING IN T MINUS ONE MINUTE” Lizzy eyes lighting up ”OH come, come on V we gotta do this” Lizzy said grabbing V's hand dragging her along, V chuckling to herself ”The romantic as ever.” Tessa looking at N a blush on her face, ”Would you like to dance with me?” she asked ”sure” N responding a warm smile on his face, his tail gently wagging. As N and Tessa walked off, leaving J and Uzi with just each other, ”Sooo…” Uzi said, not really sure how to ask her god her thoughts felt fuzzy J already knowing what she was going to ask and was going to say no but looking a Tessa N and V she felt Jealous? She was fine, she was fine, she lied to herself J's eyes glancing over to Uzi, but maybe it would be okay. ”Sure” J said offing her hand, Uzi was shocked, but she took her hand, as they both walked to the dance floor Uzi looking up at J saw that she's blushing on her visor. J looking down at Uzi, saw her eyes quickly dart away looking to her left blushing, J chuckling to herself she was so cut- J cutting off that thought as they both reached the dance floor. She realized she was boxed in she couldn't get out now, J felt her core rhythm increase J slowly starting a Tango with Uzi, but she was messing up she felt sluggish no they both are sluggish ”Wow you are not good at this” Uzi whispered a smirk on her face ”Yea because you keep messing me up what did they build you with two left feet?” J whispered back Uzi glaring at her, J was starting one of her speeches about how she should count herself lucky that she would even do this with her and blah, blah, blah. GOD COULD'NT SHE JUST SHUT UP FOR ONE NIGHT, Uzi thought to herself, J face getting closer to hers. God, she just wanted her to shut up Uzi got an idea the ethanol in her systems clouding her judgment, without thinking she shot forwards and kissed her J panicking she needed to pull away, so why wasn't she? J hands pulling her in closer and Uzi left hand grabbing her head and her right hand holding her waist Uzi and J sinking into each other embrace, Uzi felt weak. After what felt like an eternity, she never wanted to end they both pulled away both of them letting out light pant's staring at each other slightly shaking Tessa interrupting their moment with a ”AWW MY BABY'S IN LOVE” both of them snapping out of the haze both of them realized what they both had just done. Looking around, everyone was staring at them, Uzi ran and J flew off breaking the roof, both of them leaving with one thought WHY DID I ENJOY IT.