#but you sure do tell a lot of fibs

[stillsurfacequietpond]

Four times when Aziraphale is not very honest with Crowley...

And one time when he is

[happy74827]

White Lies

[Spencer Reid x Female!Reader]

Synopsis: You have constantly lied to your mother about your private life, as she was one to disapprove of everything, but those "harmless lies" become a lot more serious when you forget to cancel plans with your closest friend.

WC: 3036

Category: Fluff, Fake Dating, Sassy!Reid {TW: Reader’s mom is Authoritarian}

Another drafted idea that I finally wrote up because Spencer is the definition of pookie, and you cannot change my mind. This is also a dedication to my girl, @yoursacredqueenmother, for matching my crazy delulu fantasies 🫶💖

『••✎••』

Your mom has always been a force of nature—a whirlwind of opinions, expectations, and unsolicited advice that sweeps through your life like a hurricane. She’s the kind of woman who believes she knows what’s best for you, even when you’re pretty sure she doesn’t. Ever since you turned 30 last year, her visits have become more frequent, and her nagging has reached a fever pitch.

"You’re getting old, sweetheart," she’d say, her voice dripping with concern that felt more like judgment. "You need to settle down, find a nice man, start a family. I’m not going to be around forever, you know."

The words were always delivered with a smile, but they stung like a slap. You love her, you really do, but her constant pressure makes you feel like you’re failing at some unspoken test of womanhood.

So, to get her off your back, you’d started lying. Little white lies at first—"I’m seeing someone, Mom, it’s just early stages"—but they quickly snowballed into more and more elaborate fibs. Soon, you were telling her that you were dating a doctor who wanted nothing more than to start a family with you but was waiting for the right time.

It was easier to make up a fictitious doctor than to explain the real reason you were still single.

Because the truth is that the man of your dreams is already in your life, he's been here for years, and he's always been the perfect friend. The problem is that he's a little hard to read. You have no idea how he feels about you or if he sees you as more than a friend.

You'd tried to tell him how you felt about him before, but the words had stuck in your throat. He’d seemed so confused, so shocked by the mere suggestion of romance. Maybe he just didn't see you that way. Maybe you’d ruin your friendship by even mentioning the idea.

This led to where you are now: alone, frustrated, and trying to figure out how to keep your mother from butting into your personal life. You’d thought maybe she’d drop the issue after your birthday, but she’d come by to "surprise you" last night and is now currently sitting at the kitchen table, looking around your apartment with an expression of vague disappointment.

"Honey, you’re an adult now," she says, not looking up from her coffee cup. "You can’t keep living like this."

She gestures at the living room, which is scattered with discarded letters and half-read books. The mess is a symptom of the chaos in your head as you’ve been too preoccupied with thoughts of him to worry about cleaning up after yourself.

"It’s not that bad," you mumble, though you know it is. Even he’d commented on the state of your apartment when he’d last stopped by, and his place is usually worse than yours. Messy, not dirty. He’s a bit of an organized hoarder.

"Well, maybe not for a single girl," she sighs. "But what if Doctor Whoever comes over? Don’t you want to impress him?"

You bite your lip, trying to keep your temper in check. This is the problem with your mother—she has a habit of steamrolling over your feelings, and you've never been able to stand up to her. You’d thought you were done having this argument when you turned 30. Apparently, you’d thought wrong.

"Mom," you begin, your voice firm. "I told you, he doesn't care about stuff like that. He's more concerned with things like—"

The doorbell rings, interrupting you mid-sentence. Thank God. You’re not sure what you would have said, but any excuse is better than none. You figured it was the mailman, late with that package you’d been expecting, but when you just so happen to glance at the calendar (the one your father bought you last Christmas, with pictures of cats wearing hats), your stomach drops.

March 21st, which may not seem important, and it really isn’t, unless you look closer and realize that the cat in the picture is wearing a lab coat and is holding a beaker. Because that, my friends, is not just a picture. It is a reminder.

The one thing you had not wanted to forget.

The one thing, apparently, you had forgotten.

You’d been so busy trying to avoid your mother’s questions about your non-existent boyfriend that you’d completely lost track of time. The calendar sits there, taunting you, and all you can think is:

Oh, no.

Because the person who had rang the doorbell? It was him. He and his adorable grin, hazel-like eyes, and messy brown hair. He probably even brought a bag of those terribly expensive chocolates you love.

You want to cry. Of course, it had to be that day, the day of all days, the day you'd been secretly anticipating for all month.

Chess day. It was a monthly ritual you'd started with him when he'd discovered that you, too, were a fan of the game. You were absolutely terrible at it, and he won every time, but honestly, you didn't care. Chess day was just an excuse for you to spend time with him.

Except today, you have company, and it’s not exactly the kind you want him to meet.

You were supposed to call him, but in your haste to please your mom, you completely forgot.

Your mother’s gaze shifts to the door, and her eyebrows rise as if she can sense his presence on the other side. "Well, aren’t you going to answer that?"

No.

That's what you wanted to say. Instead, you hear yourself saying:

"Yeah, just a sec."

And, like a complete idiot, you open the door.

You open the door, and he’s there, all bright-eyed, smiling, holding a box of chocolates and his perfectly polished travel chess set. You feel like the biggest jerk in the world.

"Uh, hey!" he chirps, his voice making your stomach flip. He doesn’t seem to notice the tension in the air or the fact that your mother is standing right behind you, peering curiously over your shoulder. "I know I’m a little early, but I needed to pick up some things and..."

He trails off as his gaze settles on your mother. She’s eyeing him like a hawk and doing what she does when meeting a new person: leaning forward slightly, squinting her eyes, and tilting her head. You can see the wheels turning in her mind.

"Is this him?" she asks, her eyes wide with excitement.

Before you can stop her, she grabs your wrist and pulls you aside. You stumble into the kitchen, and she takes your place, smiling warmly at him.

"So, you’re the doctor," she says, her voice full of approval. "My daughter has told me so much about you!"

Oh, this is bad. So, so bad.

"Uh," he begins, clearly caught off-guard. His eyes dart to yours, and you were expecting his classic confused puppy look, but this time, it’s different. He looks... honored? No, that can't be right.

"She… talked about me?" he stammers, looking back at your mother.

She nods. "All the time! In fact, I was starting to think she’d made you up. It’s good to know my daughter has such a handsome young man in her life."

You want to die. Right there, on the spot. But, somehow, you manage to force a smile, even as your heart pounds with anxiety.

And your mother? She beams.

"It’s lovely to meet you finally," she gushes. She reaches out and shakes his hand, and he stares at her with a dazed expression. "My daughter has always been a bit shy, and she tends to keep things close to the vest if you know what I mean."

"Mom, please," you cut in, mortified. "Stop."

He still hasn't said a word, and the silence is killing you.

"Well, come on in, then," your mother continues, ignoring your protests. "I insist. After all, I can't wait to learn more about my future son-in-law!"

And this is when the situation goes from bad to worse.

This is when he freezes, and the box of chocolates threatens to slip from his fingers. You watched as he struggled to form a coherent sentence.

"I... Uh, that's not... we’re not..."

"Yes! Yes, we are!" you shout, desperate to cover up his stammering. He looks at you, his expression shifting from confused to shocked, and it’s like a punch in the gut. "That’s right, Mom. This is him. My boyfriend. Doctor Whoever."

"Oh, sweetie, this is so wonderful!" Your mother is so busy clapping her hands with delight that she doesn't notice his reaction.

"Doctor… Whoever?" He looks offended and a bit hurt. "What’s that supposed to mean—?"

"Shush!" You hiss, silently pleading with him to keep quiet. He must have caught your desperation because he shuts his mouth.

It allowed you a moment to process everything. Your mother is smiling widely, her face filled with delight. She doesn't even seem bothered by the fact that he’s currently dressed like a college professor with an evident love for scarves.

Meanwhile, he’s standing there, blinking stupidly, looking as if his entire world has been flipped upside-down. He seems torn between anger and elation, and honestly, it’s confusing as hell. You want to grab him and apologize and explain that this was all a mistake, but you can’t. Not with your mother right there.

So, you knew what you had to do.

"Mom! Say, would you mind doing me a huge favor and just give us like a few minutes? We have some important totally-not-boyfriend stuff to discuss."

"Sure, honey." She grins. "I'll do some unpacking. How about that?"

"Perfect!"

She practically skips into the other room, leaving the two of you alone. There’s a long, uncomfortable silence, broken only by the sound of the bedroom door clicking shut.

The sigh you let out is one of relief, tinged with the faintest hint of dread.

Though, he was the first to break the silence with words.

"I didn’t realize we were dating," he says, his voice low. He's not quite glaring at you, but it's a close thing. "Last time I checked, statistically, dating requires at least two people. Which leads me to the logical conclusion that you are, in fact, a liar. Unless this is some strange, newfangled term for friendship, in which case, I think it would be more appropriate for me to refer to you as the "teller of lies" rather than a—"

"I know, I'm sorry." You blurt out, your cheeks flushing with shame. "I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. She was asking all these questions, and I couldn't tell her the truth, and then she just kept talking, and I couldn't get a word in edgewise, and... I panicked. Okay? That’s all."

"What do you mean, couldn’t tell her the truth?" He narrows his eyes. "Is something wrong? Did you get yourself into trouble?"

"No! No, nothing like that."

"Then, what is it that you can't tell her?"

He steps closer, and the concern in his eyes makes you feel even guiltier.

"Look, don't worry about it, alright? It’s not important." You turn away, refusing to meet his gaze.

"If it isn’t important, then why are you so embarrassed?"

"I’m not embarrassed."

"Your cheeks are flushed," he points out. "And you tend to rub your thumb against your forefinger when you’re feeling nervous or stressed. Which, coincidentally, is also something you do when you’re lying."

Damn it. You should’ve known better than to lie to a profiler.

"You don’t know what it’s like to be interrogated by my mother," you snap, harsher than intended. You soften your voice before continuing. "It’s like she’s constantly see-sawing between disapproval and pity. She means well, but when she’s around, I feel like I'm being crushed under the weight of her expectations."

He opens his mouth, but you cut him off.

"And I know, I know, that’s not an excuse for lying. I just... I’m sorry, okay? It was wrong and selfish and... I didn’t mean to drag you into it."

You brace yourself for the inevitable rejection, the anger, the disappointment. Instead, you hear him let out a sigh, followed by the familiar look of resolve that comes over him when he's faced with a challenging puzzle.

"You know, when we first met, you used to lie all the time." He glances at you, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You would say things like, 'I don't watch rom-coms,' and, 'I have a real job,' and, most infamously, 'there's no such thing as aliens.'"

"Hold on a minute—"

He ignored your protests, his smile growing wider.

"You’re not that bad of a liar. Actually, you’re pretty decent, considering your lack of social skills. So the fact that you’ve managed to fool your mother is pretty impressive."

"Hey—"

"And, honestly, it’s a little flattering."

"I— Wait… what?" You gape at him, trying to figure out what's going on. "Flattering?"

He shrugs, but you can tell he's trying not to blush.

"Liars tend to use people they know well or trust implicitly when they need a cover story because they have more information about them and are therefore more believable. So, by lying about your fake boyfriend, that being me, it suggests that you trust me enough to make a convincing cover story, and the fact that you are embarrassed about the deception implies a certain amount of fondness."

"You can't know all that from a simple lie."

"Can’t I?"

There's something in his tone, the slightest hint of a tease, that makes your heart flutter. He's always been like this, so damn perceptive. You never knew what to make of it.

"It’s actually a well-established behavioral theory," he continues. "Deceivers typically show affection toward the person they are attempting to deceive. In fact, a study in the 1970s—"

"Spencer, please." You hold up a hand. "I get it."

"I'm not so sure that you do."

There's an intensity in his gaze that makes your stomach do backflips.

"Because," he murmurs, moving a little closer, "if you did, I wouldn’t have had to spend the past three years of my life wondering why my best friend keeps avoiding my gaze."

"You noticed that?" You squeak, suddenly finding the floor very interesting.

"I notice everything."

He takes a step toward you, and it’s so quick, so unexpected, that you can't help but glance up. He's actually extremely close, his face mere inches from yours, and you find yourself frozen, unable to speak, unable to think, as his eyes lock with yours.

"I notice that the color of your eyes changes depending on the lighting." He pauses, and his voice grows softer. "And I notice that your pupils dilate when I'm near. I notice the way you breathe, the way you laugh, the way you chew your bottom lip when you’re deep in thought. And I can’t help but notice that the closer I get, the faster your heart rate becomes. That could be a number of things, of course, and not just an indication of arousal, but considering the context, the likelihood that it’s due to anything other than sexual excitement is simply—"

"Spence," you breathe, your pulse pounding in your ears. You’re not sure what to do, so you blurt out the first thing that pops into your mind. "Do you want to be my fake boyfriend?"

There’s a moment of silence, followed by a quiet snort.

"I thought I already was."

You can feel the heat rising in your cheeks, but the tension between you has lessened. Now, he’s simply staring at you with a smug smile, and it's like a dam has burst. The words tumble out of your mouth, spilling out like water from a leaky faucet.

"Well, then, you should know that my boyfriend is absolutely infuriating and has a tendency to ramble about obscure facts at inappropriate moments. And he’s really, really bad at taking a hint."

His smile widens, and his voice takes on a teasing tone.

"Oh, he is, is he? Tell me, is he good at chess?"

"No, he’s terrible at it."

"Then, he sounds like a total loser."

"Yeah," you admit, biting back a smile. "He’s the biggest loser I know."

"In that case, you should know that my girlfriend is incredibly frustrating and a compulsive liar who uses her boyfriend for cover stories. She also tends to cheat her way to victory despite still losing most of the time."

"I do not cheat!" You protest, playfully punching him on the shoulder.

"No, you just make up rules on the spot in order to justify why you lose so badly."

"You’re one to talk. You’re the one who’s been letting me win all this time."

"Perhaps," he grins. "Or maybe I’ve been letting you believe that."

You narrow your eyes.

"Are you admitting to me what I think you're admitting?"

"What is it that you think I’m admitting to?"

"I think you’re admitting to me that you’ve been throwing our chess games all this time."

"That sounds like the ramblings of someone who cheats and is trying to project their own faults onto others."

"Oh, you know what—"

And that's when the bedroom door swings open, and your mother's voice cuts through the air like a knife.

"Ahem."

She's standing there, smiling, and holding a box filled with old pictures and baby toys. Your father had sent it to you last year, hoping that you’d have children soon and use it, but you’d put it in storage, intending to deal with it later. Apparently, your mother had decided now was the perfect time.

The both of you share a look, and it's clear that he’s thinking the same thing as you.

"Not interrupting, am I?" She asks, glancing from him to you and then back again. Her smile was practically glowing, and she had a strange look in her eyes as if she were a cat watching a bird. "I was just looking for a place to put these old things and thought maybe my daughter's boyfriend might be interested in seeing them."

The shared look between the two of you solidified what was going through both of your minds. This was indeed going to be a long, long afternoon.

[athenamikaelson]

Klaus Mikaelson x Soulmate!Reader x Elijah Mikaelson Pt. 11

Word Count- 3.8k

Warnings- Mentions of Suicide(Damon trying to die because of his wolf bite), swearing, death, blood, gun/gun-shot wounds, smaller chapter but big things happening cliffhanger ending

“Yes, Elena. Once again, I’m fine. I have to go run an errand and then I’ll see you guys at the square. OK? Toodles!”

I quickly hung up my phone, just in case Elena decided to ask what errand I was running. How the hell am I supposed to tell her I’m going to try to talk a dying Damon Salvatore off the ledge?

It’s been two days since Demon dropped the bomb that he was dying and then disappeared. He hasn’t answered my calls and whenever I ask Stefan about him he says “I’m working on it.” Not well enough, clearly, because the Bunny Eater called me 30 minutes ago telling me Damon just tried lighting himself on fire and he needs my help talking him down. I’m not sure why I’m the one he called for this since I’ve heard Damon on more than one occasion say he’d rather die than listen to me speak. 

Damon and Stefan have made me keep quiet about this, so no one else but us three knows. Which is why I fibbed a bit on my phone call with Elena. I’m not entirely on board with keeping this a secret. What do the Salvatores think is going to happen when the werewolf bite kills Damon? Just tell everyone Damon went upstate to a farm, just like what parents tell their children when their turtles or dogs die.

Although Damon and I have had our differences, I can admit the thought of him dying doesn’t sit well with me. Especially since he got bit trying to stop the ritual. Even though it didn’t stop it, it did save Tyler and Caroline. Who I guess was replaced by that bitch Jules and some random vampire Klaus had in his back pocket. 

I take a deep breath as I exit my car and walk up to the front door of the Salvatore house. I don’t bother knocking since everyone kind of just lets themselves in when it comes to this place. I’m about to call out for Stefan but within a moment he’s flashed in front of me. 

“Oh good lord,” I clutch my chest in surprise. At this Stefan’s eyes widen and he reaches out to me.

“I’m sorry, Y/n! Is it your heart again? Do you need anything? Here take some of my blood,” Stefan frantically says.

I put both of my hands up and shake them, “Stefan calm down dude, okay? I’m good, you just scared me. I’ve got to start getting you vamps little bells to wear around your necks.”

Stefan slightly laughs but I can still see the weariness in his eyes.

“Really Stefana, I’m good.”

Stefan sighs and nods, “Sorry, I just…with everything going on I’m just…,” Stefan rubs his hand over his face and now I can clearly see the exhaustion and sadness on it. 

I take a step closer and wrap my arms around him in a hug, “It’ll be ok, we’ll figure it out, alright?”

Stefan doesn’t say anything but I feel him nod as he wraps his arms around me tighter as if me hugging him is the only thing keeping him grounded. And after seeing his older brother trying to light himself on fire, it might just be. 

After another moment Stefan releases me and smiles at me but it doesn't reach up all the way. 

“He’s down here,” He says and I follow him down to where Elijah was when he was daggered. 

At the thought of the Original my heart sinks. It’s been three days since I’ve seen or heard from him. Each time I hear my phone ring a small part of me expects it to be him with his stupid posh accent telling me he’s sorry for ghosting me, but every time I answer it’s never him. I’ve tried to distract myself with hanging out with the girls, or Theo, and even the occasional phone call with Jenna who talks to me a lot now about the supernatural since we both learned about it recently. Bonnie and I have also been going through her deceased Gram’s grimoires and things to see if we can find anything on why my chest bled and then magically healed itself, but nothing comes up.  It’s disheartening but Bonnie says she won’t stop searching until she’s found the reason. Our time together has made me realize just how good of a friend Bonnie is. She’s loyal and kind and she’d fight for her friends until her dying breath. Which is sadly something she has already done once. I really like hanging out with her and her teaching me more about her world. I may not understand much about witches but it’s nice to see how excited she gets when she talks about it. 

“Are you going to be good down here by yourself,” Stefan leans down to whisper to me.

“What,” I question now realizing he’s been talking this entire time. 

“I have to go to the square to go speak to Elena but after I’ll be back. Just whatever he says, don’t let him out. Ric should be here soon too. He can take your place when he gets here.”

I do a soldier’s salute and he rolls his eyes as he walks back upstairs. Leaving me and Grumpy down here by ourselves. The door that separates us is big and wooden with a small window that has three metal bars. I look through and frown when I see Damon scrunched up, sitting on the far side of the room. 

“Are you going to eat me if I come in?”

“Drinking your blood would be a fate worse than death,” Damon’s scratchy voice speaks up after a moment. 

I roll my eyes as I unlock the door and push it open, I quickly make my way inside and close it. I lean against the door and cross my arms as I look at the dying vampire in front of me. 

“Stefan really thought you of all people would be the one to talk me off the ledge,” Damon grunts out as he puts his head up to look at me. 

“That’s exactly what I said. I told him you’d be more likely to do it again after hearing me speak,” I laugh out.

Damon’s upper lip twitches for a moment and he lets out a strangled laugh, “You’re not wrong. 

We’re both quiet for a moment before Damon speaks up again, “I’m going to die.”

I take a deep breath and sit down against the door mirroring Damon, “At the moment, yes you are.”

Damon raises an eyebrow at me, “So you’re not going to fill me with fairy tales about some special cure and that by tomorrow I’ll be fresh as a daisy?”

I shrug my shoulders, “Is that what you want me to do?”

Damon stares at me for a moment and then shakes his head, “No, I don’t.”

“Alright then. Works for me. You know, Stefan called me to try to talk you down because he thinks what you did was crazy. But… I understand why you did it.”

This captures Damon’s attention as he stares questioningly at me, “You do?”

I nod as I play with a loose thread on my shirt, “Ya. You’re scared. And in pain. You think this is the only way out, but it isn’t. And I’m not saying that because of some magical cure. I’m saying that because you still have time left to say your goodbyes and to be with those who actually care about you. Even though you’re an actual hellspawn. I know that this is scary, you’ve been alive for over a century and now you’re facing mortality for the first time in years. I would be scared too.”

Damon’s jaw clenches and for a moment I think he’s mad but when I see him turn his head to stare at the wall next to him I realize he’s trying to hide his emotions. 

“Damon you can stare at that wall all you’d like but I meant what I said.”

At the sound of footsteps, I stand up. 

“Ric’s here. Try not to be such an ass to him. You’re kind of like his only friend,” When he doesn’t make any noise about my joke I frown and start to unlatch the door, “I’m glad I met you, Damon. I don’t tell a lot of people that, but it’s true. Thanks for bringing out a fire in me I didn’t know I had.”

Damon says nothing and I quickly wipe a stray tear from my face as I open the door.

“I’m glad I met you too, Y/N. Even though you’re a pain in the ass,” I turn and make eye contact with Damon, and even though the room is dark, I swear I can see small tears building in his blue eyes, “I don’t believe in next lives or whatever…but if they somehow exist, I wouldn’t mind meeting you again in that one, Pukey.”

I let out a small sob as I run over to the seated man and throw my arms over him. He lets out a grunt of surprise and after a moment he wraps his arms around me and I can feel the dampness from his tears on my shirt.

“If you tell anyone about this I’ll kill you,” He tries to threaten but his voice comes out strained so it doesn’t hold much punch.

“Ya whatever, Demon.”

—

It’s night by the time I get to the square for whatever movie night the town’s having. Elena asked me to come earlier since she says everyone needs a break from all the chaos that has happened. I’m not excited to see how she’s going to react to the news about Damon. But for now, I’m grabbing my fluffy blanket and walking towards my friends and watching this stupid movie.

Jenna, Jeremy, Bonnie, and Caroline all sit together talking as I walk up behind them. 

“Hey guys,” I say and they all spin around to look at me. Bonnie and Jenna both send me warm smiles and waves, Caroline hops up and guides me over to the group talking my ear off already, and Jeremy tries to send me a smile but that dude looks like he would rather be anywhere else. 

“What errand took you so long,” Caroline questions.

“Oh, Theo just needed some help bringing back his football gear and stuff. I guess the coach has been bothering him to get it back for weeks since the season ended,” I say which isn’t a total lie since I did do that after leaving the Salvatores.

“How is Theo,” Jeremy asks. 

Ever since the funeral Jeremy and Theo have been gaming together. When I asked Theo about it,  he said he was doing it out of pity and that someone as cool as him wouldn’t hang out with an emo like Jeremy. But after passing by Theo’s room and hearing him and Jeremy laugh and make fun of each other over call, I don’t think Theo is really doing this out of pity anymore. After moving here and with everything that has happened with our parents it’s been hard for Theo to make friends. Even though he says otherwise. I know he has people to hang out with at school, but it’s all brainless jocks who probably don’t even care to know my brother’s favorite color. He needs a good friend like Jeremy in his life. 

“Theo’s good. Even though he was pissy this morning because he says you cheated last night,” I admit to him as I sit down next to Jenna and Caroline. 

Jeremy shoots me a look of disbelief, “I did not cheat! That jerk! He’s the one who cheated,” Jeremy lifts up his phone and starts angrily texting someone. A someone, who I’m guessing is my brother.

I look around noticing the absence of my best friend, “Where’s Elena?”

They all look at each other wearily before Bonnie grabs my hand, “You might want to prepare yourself for this.”

I look at her confused for a moment and whisper, “Is this about the Damon thing?”

“You knew?!’’

“What?”

“Excuse me?”

“Bro!”

They all yell out and I raise my hands in surrender, “Hey! Stefana and Demon made me keep quiet. They didn’t want to stress anyone else out more.”

“How long have you known,” Caroline asks me and I grimace, “Like… since John’s funeral.”

“Y/N!”

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! It just wasn’t my place to say.”

They think about this for a moment before nodding.

“Elena went to go talk to Damon and Stefan is off trying to find a cure,” Bonnie says.

“Let’s hope he finds one in time.”

We all quiet down after a moment and go back to watching the movie, but 5 minutes later I feel a tap on my right shoulder.

I shoot Jenna a questioning look as she leans down to whisper to me, “Anything from Elijah?”

I just send her a small shake of my head and she returns it with a comforting smile and a squeeze to my shoulder, “His loss then.”

Over the past few days of Jenna and I talking about the supernatural, we’ve also been chatting about other things like school and relationships. It took me a while to open up but after I did I brought up Elijah. Talking to Jenna about Elijah, and everything that’s happened with him has actually made me feel somewhat better. Jenna’s been more of a mother figure to me these past three days than my own mother has in almost 18 years. 

Out of the corner of my eye, Jeremy quickly stands up, capturing all of our attention. 

He hangs up the phone and turns back to us with a nervous look, “Damon escaped and Elena wasn’t there yet so Ric thinks he’s coming here to see her. Ric says the bite is making him hallucinate so he’s not himself right now.”

“Fantastic,” I mutter to myself and Jenna slightly elbows me and shoots me a disapproving look. 

“If Damon is off the rails, there is nothing you can do to stop him. Let us take care of it,” Bonnie gestures towards herself, and Caroline and I want to groan at this. It’s really starting to piss me off how the supernaturals keep pushing us humans away every time we want to help. Just because we don’t have super strength or heal within a split second doesn’t mean we’re useless.  

“You keep doing this! You left me behind before, and guess what, Elena was still killed,” Jeremy exclaims to his girlfriend, “I’m going to find my sister. You go ahead and try to stop me. Y/N, Jenna, you with me?” 

Jenna instantly nods and I shoot a look at Bonnie and Caroline before walking towards Jeremy, “Let’s go.”

—

“There he is!” 

I follow behind Jeremy as we see a wounded Damon staring off into space. Jenna left a while ago to go find Ric, leaving Little Gilbert and I to try to find Elena. “Damon,” Jeremy tries catching the attention of the delusional vamp and I watch with caution. 

“Where’s Elena? I need to see Elena now,” He frantically says and I send him a smile as Jeremy walks closer to him.

“Hey, let’s get you out of here first, alright,” Jeremy grabs Damon, who instantly falls into his arms. I go to the vampire’s other side and grab his arms trying to help Jeremy with the deadweight. 

After a bunch of odd stares and murmurs from passersby, we finally get Damon through the crowd and into the empty Grill.

Jeremy drops Damon off at a table and goes to tell Ric where we are. I’m still holding onto Damon's arm as I watch Jere, but turn around when I feel Damon do the same. And I freeze.

“Y/n, move I don’t want to hurt you,” Sheriff Forbes stands in front of us holding her gun and pointing at Damon. 

I go to try to reason to her but Damon flashes away, spooking Liz and all I hear is the sound of a gun and a piercing in my left arm. 

“Oh god,” Liz looks at me for a moment in shock but when she looks behind me her features go straight to fear. 

A strangled sob escapes my mouth as I watch Jeremy fall to the floor, his once-grey shirt turning red, as blood spills from his chest. 

“What the hell did you do,” I scream at Liz as I run over to Jeremy with tears in my eyes.

 I strip off my sweatshirt and place it over his bleeding chest.

“Come on Jeremy, you’re going to be alright,” I sob, “You’re going to be alright Jere,”

Another sob comes from my mouth as Jeremy’s shaking hand grabs mine for comfort. 

“I know this hurts but I have to keep pressure on it, okay. You’re going to be just fine.”

I can hear Liz call for paramedics as she tries to move my hands so she can hold down the sweatshirt.

“Don’t you dare,” I snarl at her and she sits back.

“Jeremy…Hey! Jere,” I shake my head as he closes his eyes. 

Bonnie and Caroline rush up to us and Caroline gently sets me back so she can try to help Jeremy. I sit there with silent sobs as I watch Bonnie tell Caroline that Jeremy’s ring won't bring him back since the sheriff is human. 

Caroline bites into her wrist and places it onto Jeremy’s mouth, “Go on, Jeremy. Drink.”

“What are you doing,” The sheriff questions her daughter even though she is not the one who should be speaking at all right now. 

“I’m helping him.”

I sit there with tears in my eyes as Jeremy doesn’t wake up and I know it’s because he’s dead. The others must realize this too because they all sit back with sobs of their own. The sound of a door opening captures my attention and I look up to see Ric and Jenna staring over at us.

“Bonnie what’s wrong,” Ric asks as he and Jenna run over to us. As soon as they see Jeremy though they halt. Jenna instantly falls to her knees crying and I crawl over to her ignoring the shooting pain in my arm. I grab her into my arms and she instantly latches to me and sobs into my shoulder. 

“I know what I need to do,” Bonnie says aloud as she stands, “I need you to grab him. T-Take him with us.”

“No, no, no, no. You can’t move him. This is a crime scene,” Liz tries denying which has me wanting to smack her. Jeremy’s dead all because of a prejudice she has.

“Mom, just let them go,” Caroline tells her mother and Liz stands up so Ric can grab Jeremy’s body.

“Okay. Alright, come here, buddy. I got you,” Ric says and I hug Jenna tighter.

—-

Bonnie sits in front of us chanting over Jeremy’s body. Candles around us burn hotter as Bonnie shakes her head, “No.”

“What? What is it,” Ric asks.

“They’re angry at me for coming back here. They don’t wanna help.”

I shake my head in denial.

  “Well, they have to.”

Bonnie looks at Jeremy with tears in her eyes, “They said there’ll be consequences.”

“Well, he’s just a kid. Tell’em to shut up.”

Bonnie continues chanting and the witch house starts to shake.

“Emily! I know you’re there. Please help me. I love him.”

Jenna, Ric, and I watch in silent horror as everything stops and Jeremy is still lifeless. Bonnie cries holding him and Jenna crawls over to her dead nephew. 

I look down at Jeremy and let out a sob of relief as I see him flutter his eyes open. 

I sigh deeply as I watch Jenna and Bonnie hug Jeremy. 

“Y/N?”

I turn to Ric who is staring at my arm, I watch as he slowly lifts his fingers and touches my shirt. I fight the urge to groan in annoyance as I look at the fresh blood on his fingers. 

“Anyone want to take me to the hospital?”

—

“OK, so it appears you’ve lost quite a bit of blood,” The doctor tells me as he tapes gauze over the gunshot wound on my shoulder. I have a gunshot wound. I was shot. What the hell?! Somehow the bullet that killed Jeremy went right through the upper part of my shoulder. 

Ric and Jenna had dropped me off about an hour ago. They insisted on staying, but I told them my mother would be here soon and they should get back to Jeremy. 

“We’re going to have to give you some blood. Do you happen to know what you’re blood type is? It appears that on your medical records, your mother and father’s blood types are listed but yours isn’t.”

I shake my head, “I’ve never had to get blood drawn before so I don’t know.” 

The doctor nods, “That’s fine. We would give you the universal donor blood but for some reason, we’ve had a shortage in blood lately,” I nod along as if I don’t know exactly why that is, “But we’ll take some of your blood and do a test then find out what your type is.”

I nod and thank him.

“We called your mother but it seems she can’t get out of work and your father didn’t answer. Is there anyone else you’d like to call to be with you?”

My heart hurts as I think about how both my parents couldn’t bother to come to see their own daughter in the hospital, “Um...no thank you. I’m alright.”

The doctor sends me a smile, but he looks almost as hurt about my parents not being here as I am. Tell me about it man. I watch silently as he takes a vial of my blood, tells me he’ll have my results soon, and then leaves. 

Great who the hell is going to drive me home?

—

I’m awoken by a small shake to my uninjured shoulder. I squint my eyes to see the doctor from before looking down at me wearily. 

At this, I try to sit up but waves of pain stop me.

“Don’t move sweetheart it’ll just rip open your stitches,” The doctor gently pushes me back down. But the look on his face makes me nervous.

“Is everything ok,” I question. 

The doctor is silent before he shows me a blood bag, “I was able to find a match for you, but… your blood type is Type B,” His tone and words confuse me. Wouldn’t he be relieved he was able to find me blood?

“I don’t understand,” I shake my head in confusion.

“I don’t know if I should be telling you this without a parent present. I could be fired,” He says to himself as if he’s fighting some internal battle. 

“Please… what are you talking about?”

The doctor places a hand on my shoulder and frowns at me, “Your mother’s blood type is Type A, and your father’s is Type O,” At the confusion still clearly on my face he sighs, “Genetically those two blood types combinations can only produce Type A and O children. So…”

My entire world seems to come down crashing on top of me as he finishes his sentence.

“You can’t be related, biologically, to your father.”

[fushiguruuzzzz]

PLAYIN’ IT COOL — A.ARLERT

There is only one thing Armin Alert will ever lie to you about.

He tells you his honest opinion of how you look that day (which is always breathtaking, but that’s a story for another time), and never has your lover ever deceived you. Every plan, idea, every thought that flickers in his mind is yours just as much. Not only is he an honest person, but he simply didn’t see a point in lying. What is love if not transparency?

But when you’d stare at him sheepishly and ask, “did I keep you up?” he simply couldn’t bring himself to tell you the truth. Because in all honesty, you absolutely did. You snored too loud and moved too much, the definition of an erratic sleeper. He spent the night with one of your legs thrown over him, and he’s pretty sure you elbowed him in the nose once or twice. He could feel his eye twitch, whether it was exhaustion or his body’s reaction to the unfamiliarity of lying to you, he’s not entirely sure himself.

He almost told you, almost uttered a simple “yeah, sort of…” but the words died on his tongue. He remembered that you were in bed with him, and that was more than he could ask for. Yes, maybe his eyes were stinging with fatigue and maybe he winced when your fingers brushed over his tender skin, but the possibility of you leaving him in cold sheets was what willed him to throw away the key to his locked lips. Maybe he wasn’t fond of sleepless nights, but he despised loneliness far more.

So he looked at you, lips wobbling as he let out a squeaky “no!” before he avoided your gaze entirely. All you could do was sigh and chuckle, because this must have meant a whole lot if it was enough to make him (attempt to) fib about it.

Armin never lied to you, but when he did, he sucked at it.

a/n — dawned on me that I’ve written absolutely nothing for the loml so I flopped down and wrote this in 10 minutes instead of doing my math project

Gen. tags: @sh0ot1ngst4r @azinniyaa @kashee-h

[hgfictionwriter]

Long Distance Call

Jessie Fleming x Reader

Summary: Jessie and you are doing the long distance thing. What's she to do when you surprise her with a fun photo?

Warning: Smut. Phone sex. Explicit language!

A/N: Based on this request.

“Alright, everyone. Settle in. We have a big game this Friday and we’ve got lots to go through to prepare. Let’s look at some footage.”

Jessie was honed in on the analysis until she felt her phone buzz in her back pocket. Coach was addressing the defenders, so Jessie took the opportunity to check.

Jessie had to stifle a gasp, nearly choking in the process as she shot straight up in her chair so aggressively that it caused the chair to scrape loudly against the floor. The noise immediately drew curious looks from the team.

“Sorry,” she offered quietly as a deep blush began to radiate off her cheeks.

It wasn’t the “Morning, baby 🥰” message that’d caught her so off guard. It was the accompanying picture of your mostly naked body that had her shook.

She’d alluded to wanting photos like this, you know, for some added inspiration while you were apart, but you’d never followed through - until now.

Jessie subconsciously cleared her throat as she settled back into her seat. It took valiant effort to not fidget and squirm as heat was now pooling in a totally different area than her face.

She chewed the inside of her cheek as she tried desperately to refocus on game day tactics, but she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t thinking of how she was going to get you back for messing with her. Mostly though, she thought of how she wanted to fuck you ragged until you could barely think and the only words coming from your mouth would be her name.

But she couldn’t. Not a while anyway. She swallowed her irritation and frustration. Long distance sucked.

“What was that all about?”

Janine’s overly intrigued query caught Jessie’s attention as the blonde fell into step with her as they were all leaving the meeting. Of course Janine had to inquire.

“Nothing really. A reminder came through on my phone and I thought I’d missed something, but it’s all good,” Jessie fibbed.

“Uh huh,” Janine responded, clearly not buying it, but benevolently let it go. “So, what are you up to tonight?”

“Dreaming of fucking my girlfriend silly,” Jessie thought.

“Not much. Maybe a bit more prep for the game, but I’m pretty tired, so it’ll be a low key evening,” she said instead. “You?”

“It’s date night,” Janine said with a bright smile. A moment later she offered an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I know it’s hard with Y/N so far away. How many weeks until you see her again?”

“5,” Jessie responded without missing a beat. She could even tell Janine the exact number of days if she’d asked, and there was a countdown on Jessie’s lock screen to prove it.

“It’ll go by quickly,” Janine said with dogged positivity. Jessie nodded and gave her a half smile.

“I know.”

Laughter suddenly erupted from a group of their teammates, drawing Janine’s attention away and leaving Jessie to fall back enough to find some privacy. When she was sure she was alone, she opened your text once more.

She inhaled deeply as she took in the image and a smirk tugged at her lips. She replied.

“Best text ever. Well, surprising - I opened it during analysis, btw! You look so fucking sexy. I miss you so much. I can’t express it. I wish I was coming home to you.”

She locked her screen and was about to leave when her phone buzzed again.

“That would be too much fun 😘. I wish I was waiting at home for you.”

Jessie expelled a slow, shaky breath. It was going to be a long afternoon.

By the time Jessie got home, the heat between her legs had only gotten worse. The image of you was burned in her mind and she kept replaying past times you made love and kept envisioning what she’d do to you if you were around.

She dropped her bag by the front door and immediately opened up the picture you sent.

“Fuck,” she breathed as she took you in.

She walked over to the couch and sat down heavily on it and immediately tucked a hand underneath the waistband of her shorts and into her underwear.

“Jesus,” she muttered when she felt how wet she was just from picturing you. She ran her fingers through her folds and dipped them briefly inside. The wet sounds each motion made would’ve made her blush on some occasions, but not today. She drew her fingers back and began circling her clit as she looked at your naked body.

She was releasing a heavy breath when her phone suddenly vibrated and a notification came up startling her. She drew her hand out of her shorts immediately and her heart raced until her mind caught up, realizing it was you calling.

She took a few deep breaths before she answered.

“Hey babe,” she said, still feeling hot and flustered in a couple of ways.

“Hi baby,” you greeted cheerfully. “How was training?”

“Uh, good,” Jessie said, a bit stilted in her reply as she tried to refocus. “Yeah, it was a long day, but good. How was yours?”

“The day was fine,” you answered easily. “I missed you. In case you couldn’t tell.”

“Jesus Christ,” Jessie breathed as she was brought right back to what she was doing a moment ago. “That was,” she struggled to find the words, “so hot. I was not expecting that at all. But holy shit - you are so sexy.”

“Yeah? Well, I have to make sure you miss me, too,” you joked.

“No challenge there.” Jessie breathed heavy into the phone.

“Well, if I can’t be there in person, the least I can do is give you some inspiration.” You told her in a flirtatious tone. Jessie gave a breathy chuckle.

“Mission accomplished.”

“Mmm, is that so?” You asked, a lilt in your voice. “Tell me more.”

“Um,” Jessie felt her cheeks start to warm. “You’re just super sexy.” She paused momentarily before relenting, lowering her voice unnecessarily to a near-whisper. “And I was definitely wet.”

You didn’t skip a beat. “Mm, baby. Tell me more. Did you think you were wet or did you confirm?”

Jessie blushed further. “Confirmed,” she nearly mumbled.

“God. I wish I was between your legs right now. I’d love to taste you and see for myself just how wet you are.”

“Jesus Christ.” Jessie’s voice was raspy and she fidgeted in place as the need between her legs was reignited and began to pulse once more. She cleared her throat quietly and added, “Pretty fucking wet.”

“Right now?” You asked. Jessie hummed a bit before replying.

“Maybe.”

“Ugh, baby, don’t tease me,” you told her and she responded with a short laugh.

“Excuse me? Who’s teasing who here?”

“You know, for someone who wanted nudes and finally got one, you seem to be complaining,” you joked, knowing she’d offer an immediate rebuttal.

“I’m not! I fucking loved it. And yes, I’m wet right now,” Jessie countered. She fidgeted again and went on in a hushed voice. “In fact, I was…you know, doing stuff, when you called.”

“Jesus,” you said with a sharp inhale. “Now that is the sexiest thing. Oh my god, Jess.” She could hear the satisfied grin in your voice. “Don’t let me stop you,” you went on in a soft voice. “Maybe I can even help you.”

“Yeah?” Jessie asked, shifting her jaw subconsciously and very intrigued now. “How so, baby?”

“Imagine it’s my hand between your legs. Lower the phone and let me hear how wet I make you,” you instructed.

Jessie grit her teeth, eyes rolling into the back of her head already at the events that were unfolding. She gave you want you wanted; lowering the phone and dipping her fingers back through her slick folds. Her arousal was obvious right away.

She held the phone back up, but began to circle her clit.

“Holy fuck, Jessie. That was so incredibly sexy. I’m aching for you - I need you so bad.”

“Fuck, baby,” Jessie breathed, a lazy smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She rubbed her clit with a firmer touch and rocking her hips up in slow gyrations. “I was so wet at training too just thinking about what I’d do to you if you were here.”

“Baby, please, tell me,” you pleaded. You heard her chuckle softly, but you detected how her breathing grew heavier in your ear.

“Only if you’re a good girl,” Jessie smirked. “Touch yourself for me. Two fingers - tracing around your clit and between your lips. Dip them down until you can tell me how wet you are for me.”

“Oh my God.” You nearly panted. Jessie often took control in the bedroom, but you hadn’t explored this facet of it before. Hearing her speak like this was unexpected, but so sexy. You did as you were told and moaned softly into the phone. “Baby, I’m dripping wet,” you told her as you drew your fingers back up and the tips were covered in your juices.

Jessie groaned into the phone and bit her lip.

“Just what I like to hear,” she affirmed as she continued to rub circles around her swollen clit. “God, I miss fucking you.”

You groaned in need and agreement as you continued to run your fingers through your lips and grazing your clit. “Me too, baby. My fingers and toys just aren’t the same.”

Jessie breathed heavy as a satisfied grin crossed her face. “Damn right they’re not.” She moaned faintly as her hips bucked against her hand. “If you were here, I’d have you on your back, legs on my shoulders as I pin you down, and I’d be knuckle deep in you.” She dipped her fingers inside of herself and her eyes fluttered shut. “God, I can feel your cum all over my fingers. And you know I love the way you start to pool around my knuckles and in my palm.”

“Jess,” you panted. “Oh my god. Keep going. I love the way you fill me up. The way you fit perfectly inside of me, stretching me just right.”

“Fuck, baby,” Jessie breathed as she went back to rocking her hips against her fingers on her clit. “You’re perfect for me. I’d be stroking you hard and deep. I’d be pumping my whole body against yours I’d be fucking you so hard. The bed would bang against the wall every time I bottom out inside of you, pushing you deeper into the mattress.”

“Oh god, Jessie, you fuck me so good,” you praised. You could vividly picture the prideful and smug look on her face and it turned you on even more.

People loved talking about how humble Jessie was. But when it came to fucking and pleasing you, there was nothing humble about her. And frankly, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love when you say my name,” Jessie said, her voice growing strained as her breathing continued to pick up. She grinned once more. “But I love it even more when you scream it.”

You moaned loudly into the phone, letting your head fall back as you rubbed your clit harder and faster.

“So make me,” you challenged her.

Jessie groaned, biting her lip again, her back arching off the couch. “I love you so much,” she breathed with a laugh of appreciation. “Baby, you know I’d be hitting your sweet spot with every stroke. I’d be making sure that every time I fill you to the hilt I’m sending a wave of pleasure through your whole body. My thumb’s on your clit, circling and rubbing it. And after I kiss you deeply, my lips hard on yours, I’ll kiss your neck.

“I won’t mean to suck on your skin too hard, but feeling you buck and writhe beneath me, moaning in my ear as I pump in and out of you makes me fucking feral for you. Like I can’t get close enough or love you hard enough. I mark you, but I don’t feel so bad about it because that’s how much I want you, to the point where I can’t control myself.

“When you moan as I latch down on your neck, I push a third finger inside of you. You wrap around me tightly, but you’re so fucking wet I just slip in. Feeling your walls grip me and pulse around me as I move nearly sends me into a frenzy.”

“Jesus Christ, Jess. I’m so close,” you warn her, your voice high and faint.

“I can feel your body start to tense up. Your legs start to shake and your breath quickens as I continue. I curl my fingers inside of you, relishing each punctuated moan you release each time I make contact. Your arousal is pooling on the sheets now as I’m driving my hips into you. I’m absolutely soaked because of how sexy and beautiful you are beneath me.”

“Holy shit. Jessie.” Your eyes screwed shut and her name was loud and strained as your climax hit. “I’m cumming.”

“Umph,” Jessie moaned as she bit her lip. “Baby girl. So fucking hot,” she said as she bucked her hips against her fingers which desperately rubbed her sensitive clit. The tightening sensation deep in her core built rapidly as she heard you cumming in her ear and she envisioned your body against hers.

A tight groan worked its way up Jessie’s throat as her core began to pulsate. Her hips jerked against her fingers as she brought herself over the edge.

You both whimpered and breathed heavy into the phone as you rode out your joint orgasms. Jessie’s chest heaved up and down and she slumped into the couch, her underwear thoroughly soaked through and too lazy to remove her hand from them. She could barely hold up the phone and had yet to open her eyes. Eventually, you spoke.

“Babe. That was insane. And totally incredible,” you relayed in pure appreciation and admiration. “You’re amazing.”

Jessie chuckled languidly, slowly opening her eyes.

“Amazing what one can do with a great muse.”

You laughed. “Well, I have to say, long distance may not be quite so unbearable if we have repeats like this.”

“I’ll take care of you, baby,” Jessie assured you. “You send me fun photos, and I promise I’ll take good care of you. Deal?”

“Deal.” You agreed with a breathy laugh.

“For real though,” Jessie started, “I really miss you. I love you, you know that, right?”

Again, you chuckled. Of course you knew. And you knew how lucky you were too.

“I know, baby. I love you, too. And I miss you more than you know.”

[ronearoundblindly]

Kind of an angsty question: how do they deal with missing/being away from you?

Ooooo, okay, yeah...Kinda angsty but still super sweet. I can do that! I'm not writing this *exclusively* about being apart ON VALENTINE'S DAY, but that could certainly apply.

Warnings for language and vague sexual references only.

Steve Rogers

Absolutely does not realize how grumpy and on edge he gets if you two are separated for a long time. Steve may enjoy that technology has come so far in the last century, but hell if he's ever gotten the hang of texting. He will call or videochat, and he wildly prefers videochatting because he knows that sometimes you lie (fib, really) about feeling okay. Steve's great at reading micro expressions; time apart also equal time he isn't understanding the full lives of the people he cares about.

Bucky Barnes

Buck mostly blames himself for how much time apart he has from you. He, like Steve, doesn't deal with it very well. He mostly becomes more brooding and snippy the longer it is. Bucky is better at texting than his pal but not better about the contents, so no deep convos happening over the phone (partly because he's rarely alone, partly because he doesn't particularly like being on the phone).

James Mace

He's trained for this. I mean, quite a few of them are, and for very long stretches, distances where realtime conversations are impossible, but Mace is diligent about sending messages. He holds on to very tiny, specific memories of you, stories you tell, and places you've been. Your laugh is the best one, the thing that keeps him going. He does keep a file, notes of funny stuff to tell you when he's back.

Curtis Everett

Is not good at reaching out. Internalizes everything. It's...an ongoing problem.

Jimmy Dobyne

Suffers. Messes with his nails and cuticles a lot. If he's home and you're not, Jimmy obsessively works on one of his many Garage Projects to pass the time. He doesn't enjoy feeling needy, so he won't text more than his regular amount. He will, however, admit to how much he missed you after you return.

Johnny Storm

Uh, he's mostly fine. Hits him at the oddest moments--missing you--and when it does, Johnny can't word his feelings in any meaningful way. He gets antsy to do things, but he doesn't know what. The adrenaline just builds until he finally gets to see you. Basically, he mistakes longing for boredom, so he ends up treating the wrong emotion.

Jake Jensen

Leans a little stalker-y but not on purpose; he's so slick with the tech and using IPN, wifi, and GPS to track your devices. It's soothing when he's away to figure out where you are and what you're up to, especially if he knows you can't pick up the phone (or he can't actually talk anyway).

Lloyd Hansen

I don't know if I'm going soft in my old age or whether @ellethespaceunicorn has whittled down my hatred for him, but my gut is telling me Lloyd constantly checks in if he's "missing" you. (Sure, that's probably more of a sexting thing, and he probably would not answer if you were trying to check in.)

Ari Levinson

Torn. He is also trained to be away and go dark for long periods, but Ari really itches to talk to you, especially just before big moments like missions or presentations. You always help him relax and focus. He can't pinpoint exactly when he became so dependent on you, but he's a touch embarrassed.

Ransom Drysdale

Sends a stupid number of texts about absolutely nothing until you respond. The man has no shame.

Andy Barber

Distracts himself in work, go figure, but hey! that usually means he has wracked up overtime and earned a little vacation once you come back home. A nice long weekend together goes a long way.

Since Andy is very practical and won't put much emotion into text (tell him stuff like that face to face, he prefers it), mostly all he communicates while you are away are reminders of to-dos. He is, however, very diligent about saying he loves you everyday you aren't right beside him...and when you are right beside him

Thank you for asking!

[Main Masterlist; Who Would... Masterlist; Ko-Fi]

a/n: omg is 'IPN' correct? why can't i frickin think of the thingy, the unique address thingymabobber. gerdermit!!!

[nomoreusername]

Smile

Newt x gender neutral reader

Summary:When Newt notices you hiding your smile he quickly makes everything better again.

I looked into the little piece of broken glass as I thought about what they said. It was only meant to be a joke. I wasn't supposed to actually believe them.

But I did. I've been looking at my reflection and seeing what it looks like when I smile. Despite not caring about their words at first it seemed to be nothing short of true now.

My smile was ugly. It was far too toothy, too wide, too much. I've been trying to find a way to fix it, trying to change it, but nothing was working. It was still so hateable.

That left me with one desperate option. Avoid smiling as much as possible. If I do I try to hide it behind my hand. It looks ridiculous, but apparently so do I when I grin.

"Hey,"Newt said, walking in. I shoved the piece of glass under my bed.

"Don't you know how to knock?"I snapped, feeling my face flush with embarrassment.

"Not with you,"He pointed out. That was true, but right now I can't stand anyone seeing me. Practicing how to smile is a hard thing to explain. Especially, to him.

"Out,"I instructed, pointing at the door. He was visibly confused as he left. I guess I would be too.

"I wish I could fix this,"I sighed, pulling out the broken glass one last time. If only.

♡ - - - ♡

I nodded my head as Minho kept telling his story. It was admittedly kind of funny. I felt myself start to smile but managed to stop it just in time. I covered my mouth with my hand just in case it happened again.

"Are you alright, love?"Newt whispered in my ear.

"Yeah,"I shrugged, leaning back. He didn't look convinced. If anything he looked more concerned. He can't be though, right? I technically haven't done anything bad or wrong.

"Hey. Follow me real quick,"He whispered again, standing up. We slipped away from everyone without a word. Nobody seemed to notice.

"Where exactly are we going?"I asked as we walked away from the others.

"Just trust me. It'll only take a minute,"He promised. I wasn't sure if I believed him but didn't stop walking.

Eventually, he turned by the cliff and sat. He looked back at me expectantly. I joined him.

"It's pretty, isn't it?"He asked, looking at the sunset.

"Extremely,"I agreed.

"It's enough to make anyone smile,"He added. I didn't say anything this time.

"It always made you smile. How come you aren't?"He questioned. I fixated on the ocean below me to avoid looking at him.

"Y/N, how come you don't smile anymore?

"I do,"I mumbled.

"Barely, and anytime you do it's not yours. I want to see you smile from ear to ear."

"Why?"I asked before I could stop myself. I cringed at my words and wished I could take the back.

"Why? What do you mean why?"

"Why do you want to see me smile?"I whispered.

"Because I like seeing you happy, and I know you're happy when you wear that bright, perfect grin."

The only sound for a while was the crashing of waves against rocks. What was there to say?

"You don't think your smile is perfect, do you?"He asked quietly. I didn't say anything which was an answer in itself.

"Y/N, do you remember how we met?"He asked out of the blue.

"Of course I do. You were the third person up in the Glade. I helped you out of the box and showed you around,"I reminessed.

"And do you remember how scared I was at first?"

"Yeah. Alby and I were worried you were never going to leave the box."

"And I might not have. There was one thing though, that told me everything was going to be okay,"He stated, pausing so I was left with a burning curiosity.

"What was it?"I wondered.

"You. You held out your hand and flashed me that brilliant smile. Suddenly, everything was okay because you were there. I didn't even know my name, but that if someone could have such a genuine smile I would be okay,"He admitted.

I looked at him and searched his face for any sign of a fib. Then, I realized who I was sitting with. Newt's a lot of things, practically all of them incredible, but a liar is not on the list.

"See? There's that contagious smile,"He remarked, making me recognize that I was practically beaming. It's so hard not to when I'm around him.

"Now don't you ever hide that amazing smile again. Good that?"He checked.

"As long as I have you then yeah. Good that,"I agreed.

"Good. Do you want to go back to everyone else?"He offered.

I didn't say anything as I placed my head on his shoulder which was another silent answer.

Right there I was perfectly content in that one simple moment. It was just the sunset, me, and the one person who never fails to make me smile.

[enchantedtomeethyun]

Jay Bf Alphabet

A = Attractive

So what does he like about you ….

CONFIDENCE!! Jay is the kind of guy that will fall for someone who believes in themselves and knows exactly what they want ( especially when he’s what they want hehe)

Physically: I don’t think he has anything he specifically looks for with looks. Just beauty in your own way. Maybe someone unique..

Mentally: Mature and Smart. Someone who isn’t a know it all but is well informed and holds themselves well. Someone who can still have fun but know the right time and place.

B = Baby

Yes. Of course in the future but right now he is so focused on Enhypen. Maybe in his 30’s .. he would see himself with two kids or as many or little his wife wants. He’s all about what you want !

C = Cuddle

He is big on wrapping an arm around your back and walking with you like that so you know he’s with you ksjdbdbdjfh. If you get anxious in public around all the people he does that to keep you grounded 😾🥲. He wouldn’t initiate a lot of skinship but will do anything you want.

D = Dreams

Bro doesn’t care he just wants you… wants to settle down for sure… like. Imagine him teaching your kids guitar 😭 but he dreams of a time where you can share your life together and have peace.

E = Everything

You’re his LADY. He treats you like the queen you are. Duh. Likeeeee not just spoiling you ( cus you’re not a sugar baby) he respects you and considers you as an equal. Supports you in every way possible.

F = Feelings

When he knows he can lean on you for support.. you’re his deepest breath then he knows he’s in love. Jay is a reluctant guy when it comes to love. He is so motivated by his career. When you came along though he thought you were cool but after a while he was like wait … maybe I should ask her how I should handle this ? I miss her… wait. Do I like her … and yeah. It went on from there hehe

G = Gratitude

He’s aware of everything you sacrifice to be with him. He feels a bit guilty because he’s so busy but you stay by his side and wait for him and cheer him on. One of the reasons why he fell for you to be honest 🥹

H = Honesty

He likes to be honest but doesn’t ever want you to be hurt or sad. He always tells you what’s going on but if he is tired or doesn’t feel well .. he might fib a litttttle so you don’t worry hehe

I = Intimacy

Doesn’t get freaky until he knows you’re both In this for the right reasons. Definitely is a gentleman about it… will elaborate more in the future maybe …

J = Jealousy

Hahaha so he like doesn’t get jealous. He’s more like … oh you think you’re better than me ? Nah. That’s my girl .. lol nice try. So cocky. He trusts you completely but like he knows other men are gross so he watches out for ya.

K = Kiss

Kisses you gently.. doesn’t deepen it until he knows you want that. He will take it further .. you have to show him you want that though girl ✨

L = Love

Who says I love you first …. He says it accidentally but means it. But will be like oh I’m joking heheh.. cause he doesn’t want to scare you off.

M = Memory

His favorite memories with you …

When you met Jungwon 😍

Jk jk. Ummm well there was this one time when you locked yourself out of your apartment because you left your phone in your car .. he thought it was funny but let you stay in the dorm until he could give you the spare key 🥲

N = Nice boy

A lot of people say Jay is rich so he will buy you everything… I guess that’s true but like not in a gross way. He thinks of you a lot so he sees something and thinks you know … she would look pretty in that. He gets his mom something and then he gets you something everywhere he goes!

O = On Cloud Nine

He’s so sweet when he’s in love .. only he doesn’t realize how in love he is with you until the members are commenting on it. He looks at you with his big brown eyes and sees the world

P = Pet names

First and last name if you aren’t listening to him or zoned out. Calls you honey usually but sometimes says it like an old ajumma when he’s cranky

R = Relationship

He’s definitely not looking for anything at all. So when he realizes he likes you it’s the shock of the century to him. Very slow when he wants to initiate a relationship with you because of all the things that would put you thought because of his job.

S = secrets

He gets bumps and stuff from dancing so he tries to hide his pain so you don’t worry .. even though you can tell he hurt his knee again he just insists it’s ok 🫶🏻😍 and it’s not …

T = Talk

Talks about you .. but keeps it low key .. some of those people where he believes your relationship shouldn’t be hidden but it’s still special and doesn’t keeps things private.

V = Virgin?

Eh. Maybe. Most likely. Probably kissed a girl but got so busy with music and then went for training and never looked back.

Y = Yearning

A secret yearner fr.

Z = Zzzz

Snores in his sleep and maybe kicks … sleeps through everything but will wake up early to make you breakfast 🫶🏻 lol

A/N: this took a while because … I forgot heh. Will post more soon. Something Jake probably since he’s my man . Lemme know what you think !!

[sunsets12]

My Spoiler Review of SOTR

Okay, let's start out with the stuff I like, in no particular order:

Maysilee:

She is very much so the standout character of this novel, and I really appreciate her. Haymitch is the one who comes from "rebels" but Maysilee is rebellious in her own right. I also think her character functions as a call-out for middle class Americans -- you won't be spared.

The Katniss/Haymitch parallels and foil:

Ok, I have a lot of thoughts on this, and at a surface level, I think we're supposed to come away from this novel thinking about how similar Katniss and Haymitch are, but I came away thinking the opposite. Because in a lot of the ways that matter, they're pretty different.

For example, Haymitch 100% considers himself a rebel, whereas Katniss definitely does not. One of my favorite examples of this is when they both discuss the importance of the jabberjays. They're pretty much saying this same thing with one important difference:

Katniss: "After the birds gathered words, they’d fly back to centers to be recorded. It took people awhile to realize what was going on in the districts, how private conversations were being transmitted. Then, of course, the rebels fed the Capitol endless lies, and the joke was on it."

Haymitch: "During the Dark Days, the Capitol spied on us with jabberjays, mutts that looked like regular birds but could record the rebels’ conversations and play them back word for word. We figured this out and fed them false information.”

Also, Katniss spends so much of her time worrying about her family, whereas Haymitch assumes they'll be fine (as long as they don't explicitly rebel like Lenore Dove). An example of this is Haymitch assuming that he'll die in the arena and his family will be spared from any consequences meanwhile after Katniss shoots at the Gamemakers, she has a breakdown thinking they'll come after her family.

And then there is of course the fact that most Katniss's rebellions (especially in the first book) were not thought of as acts of rebellion. Meanwhile, Haymitch is like, "yeah, I'm gonna blow up the arena!"

Effie:

Ok, disclaimer that I thought her appearance didn't make much sense timeline wise (I would never have imagined she was working as an escort of 12 ever since the 51st games, and honestly, I think Collins kind of fibbed this a little bit to have her make a cameo, but more on my thoughts on forced cameos later...) BUT with that being said:

I love how her character functions as a foil to Drusilla, who is explicitly cruel and views District people as animals. I think this worked really well, especially because after spending a good chunk of the book being like "wow Effie is great" she tells Haymitch that the games are important and necessary and you're like "oh..."

Good stuff

The flint striker:

I love a good metaphor.

The rebellion didn't start with Katniss, she was just the actual push it needed:

Love this

Things I didn't like:

It is dumbed down:

My biggest critique. It feels like Collins was upset that people walked away from TBOSAS thinking Snow is hot and wanted to make sure nothing like that happened again. But as a consequence some of the characters just become dumb/out-of-character to get her point across. I have two smoking gun examples of this:

First, Plutarch has a conversation with Haymitch (in the training center, I believe) where he's like, "Hey so why didn't you all just rebel in the square back there. You totally outnumbered the peace keepers and could have done it." Like ok, let's put aside how easily this conversation could've been overheard. It's silly. It feels like Collins was repeatedly hitting me over the head with the point of this book, and I'm just like... you don't need to do this

Second, Beetee. Beetee's son was reaped as punishment for Beetee, and we, as the readers, know this because Beetee explicitly tells Haymitch it, which was just so wildly out-of-character. And it, again, feels dumbed down. Like she didn't trust we could put two-and-two together. It's okay, Suzanne Collins, you don't need to hold our hand the whole time

Haymitch as a narrator:

He lacks a personality. It's like Suzanne used Katniss as a guide and then removed everything interesting about her. This is especially frustrating because Haymitch is one of my favorite characters in the original series.

Other characters:

In general the characters are underdeveloped and flat, even characters we met before largely feel like empty shells of themselves (Mags and Wiress). Don't get me started on how little I cared about Louella/Lou Lou. I was out there sobbing my eyes out when Rue died, and I rolled my eyes at Lou Lou's death (partially because Haymitch is not stupid enough to let her shove her whole face in some flowers after he learned all the water and food on the island is poisonous. And I don't want to hear that he recognized the flowers as not being poisonous because apples aren't poisonous either and the ones in the arena were so...) I liked the concept behind Louella and Lou Lou, but the execution was not it.

Maysilee and Effie were the only characters I thought were well developed.

The singing:

I mentioned this in my non-spoiler review, but the singing was too much. I genuinely think 80% of the characters sing at some point. I really appreciate the role music plays in the Hunger Games but this was so overdone it become pointless, and frankly, irritating.

Random comments:

We finally learn what Panem thinks of Homosexuality! Doesn't necessarily mean it'll be in my fic, but it was interesting to read nonetheless.

The fact that they don't pay the miners real money was a nice touch.

The sweetheart nickname 🥲

I would've much preferred to see a new Victor character as Haymitch's mentor, especially because Mags and Wiress added basically nothing to the plot (there were too many cameos in general. I had to suspend my disbelief slightly more than I could...)

The dramatic irony of Haymitch not worrying about his family...

I like that he worked for a bootlegger

His attitude towards alcohol in general is *so* interesting. "But from where I'm sitting, hope seems a lot like white liquor. It can fool you in the short run, but like as not, you'll end up paying for it twice."

The way he fails to beat the Capitol and thinks about how a sixteen year old from the trashiest district could never beat the capitol.... the dramatic irony, I love it

Overall thoughts:

I'm pretty disappointed. I get what she was going for, but I don't think the execution is that well done. In my initial review, I called this a money grab, but I don't think that's true. I think Collins is worried about the political climate and wanted to get this book out ASAP and it's rushed as a consequence.

This would've benefited greatly from another round of rewrites. That's my final thought.

[j-eryewrites]

Stressed Out

MAIN MASTER LIST

Word Count: 1.k <

Warnings: Not really any, kind of ooc Sherlock (but who cares)

Author's Note: Finally feeling like I have time to write and that the writing gods have been in my favor. This was a fun little one-shot to write. While I'm still trying to get back into my writing groove, this one shot definitely helped get some of the dust off my creative writing brain. So, thank you @my-dear-sweet-melody for requesting this one. I hope you enjoy it!

You weren’t sure how you’d been doing it: managing the day-to-day lives of two people who also happened to be good friends of yours, assisting Sherlock with cases, seeing things you’d never thought you’d see in your lifetime (both good and bad), juggling relationships, your own well-being and health, and time to relax. Although it seemed like you had less and less time to do the things concerning yourself. You knew it wasn’t healthy, but when you were thrust into the world of Sherlock Holmes, more important things came into play.

Sherlock was the first to notice how the stress was weighing on you. It was a total shock when he casually announced your current state to John. The moment the words of concern were uttered from Sherlock’s lips, the puzzle in John’s mind had been completed. With the help of Mrs. Hudson, the two men began to conspire to make life easier for their dear friend.

At first, Sherlock’s conscious decision to wash his dishes and put them away in the correct cabinets struck you as odd. Sherlock’s mind was usually too busy for such arbitrary tasks, and such magnificent brain power couldn’t be wasted on such a thing. Then came the tidiness of his experiments. You could swear you hadn’t seen a stray finger or eyeball dissolving in vinegar for quite some time.

When you had asked Sherlock about his new behavior, he shrugged it off with some wildly strange research idea he had come up with. You tried to follow along, but your brain began to hurt after a moment, so you opted to believe him instead.

Meanwhile, John took extra care to charge his and Sherlock’s devices. He knew no matter how brilliant Sherlock was, the man seemingly ceased to forget that computers, phones, and the lot needed to be charged via a charging cord and port. On the other hand, Mrs. Hudson made the note to prepare extra tea and biscuits to save yourself the trouble of doing that for Sherlock and John.

Now, you felt no need to question John and Mrs.Hudson’s new behavior. It was in character for them to do small things like that. However, you continued to question Sherlock; he grew tired of it. Why couldn’t you see that he cared for you, too? That maybe he cared a bit more for you than he should. He was growing weary of the excuses he made to your insistent questions when all he wanted to do was throw them up and tell you the truth. Truthfully, the truth was something he insisted upon. Sherlock always found it one way or another. Yet, he could only fib when you had a new query about his altered behavior. Was it hard for you to understand that Sherlock could care? That he, too, could be human?

“Sherlock,” you called as you sat on the couch, pouring over the current case. It was usually your job to organize each thing into its Sherlockian category to save Sherlock his brain power. However, when you opened the file, it had already been done. “Did I happen to organize this in my sleep?” You raised the file and peered at him. Sherlock felt his mind conjure up the latest lie. Just before it left his mouth, he paused. He got up and marched to the window, where he began to gaze out onto the street below. He couldn’t lie anymore. He had to tell you the truth.

“I organized it,” Sherlock said.

You froze. Something was seriously wrong with the man if he was now organizing his own cases. “Sherlock, you never orga–”

“Why can’t I?” Sherlock’s voice grew tense. His eyes clenched shut, all while his back was still towards you. He wouldn’t dare look at you. He knew if he saw your eyes, he’d crumble and tell you everything, but everything was what you needed to hear. Everything was what he needed to say.

“I never said you couldn’t. It’s just,” you faltered, “…strange.”

Within a moment, Sherlock whirled around. His icy blue eyes began to thaw under your gaze. “I observed you have stressed: Your trousers falling to your hips instead of hanging snuggly on your waist, the dark circles under your eyes that only grew prominent by the day, the growing urge to sleep instead of join Mrs. Hudson for the weekly watch party of the latest soap opera,” Sherlock shut his mouth. He had said too much already; he shouldn’t say more, but his lips moved again. “I wasn’t the only one who noticed, John and Mrs. Hudson, too. We devised a plan to lessen the blow of our–my constant mess.”

As Sherlock spoke, you realized his words were only the truth. You had noticed you suddenly had more time to eat a meal, spend time with your favorite landlady, who was more like a mother, go on walks in the park with John, listen to Sherlock compose his latest piece, sleep, and live life as it should be lived. Amidst Sherlock’s rambling, you whispered, “Why?”

“Because we–because I care you for,” Sherlock choked.

Slowly, you remove yourself from the comfort of the couch cushions and find a place in front of Sherlock. You watch as Sherlock shudders from the touch of your hand on his cheek. “Thank you,” you said as a smile grew. “Thank you for caring when I forgot to take care of myself. Although…”

Sherlock frowned.

“…while I appreciate the sentiment of you organizing your own cases, John charging the computers, and Mrs. Hudson always preparing tea, I’d still like to be able to do my job. After all, the great Sherlock Holmes still needs to use his brain power to solve cases and save the day.”

Sherlock could only smile at that response for he'd give you anything you'd ask. "Of course. Of course, Y/N."

____

Comment below if you would like to be added to the tag list! Please comment or reblog if you can; I want to hear from you.

Tag list:

@bartokthealbinobat

@astudyinlaura

@sherlockstrangewolf

@yourleastfavoriteguyinthechair

@biggerthancalli13

@themartiansdaughter

@sunsumonner 

@silversword7000

@starlightaurorab

@my-dear-sweet-melody

@neroarrow83

@khaleesihavilliard

@agentxx92

@myszur-blog

@halestorm0707

_____

[lillaydee]

Head Over Heels Part 10

Jackson!Joel / Reader

Special Guest Appearance by a Certain FBI Agent who may or may not look a lot like Joel.

You left the loneliness of your home and headed to Jackson with Joel and the teenage girl he was with, hoping your new life would be less lonely. You should've stayed alone.

WARNING:

Non-canon Compliant, Pining, Fluff and Angst, Hurt Joel (The Last of Us), Joel is Bad at Feelings (The Last of Us), Joel Needs a Hug (The Last of Us), Joel Lives (The Last of Us), Protective Joel (The Last of Us), Soft Joel (The Last of Us), Jealousy, Loneliness, Trauma.

MEGA WARNING: Descriptions of Attempted Sexual Assault.

@copperhalfcent @joelalorian @vickie5446 @peelieblue @nandan11 @liciafonseca @senoratess @denisanoemi @lovefreylove @heartpatch

SERIES MASTER LIST

Part 9

---

You stood outside that door for a while, even had time to sit down and rest between knocks. No one answered the door. You felt like you’d been knocking for hours when the door finally opened, a bewildered looking Joel frowning at the sight of you.

“Ellie asked me to meet her here. I knocked, but…”

“Door wasn’t locked. Why didn’t you just come in?”

“Erm, I don’t know about you, Joel, but I was taught that it was rude to barge into people’s homes without knocking.”

He smiled.

And for the first time since knowing him, you realized it.

He was actually smiling.

He tilted his head inwards, silently asking you to come in. You did. “You don’t ever have to knock when coming here, Elena. This will always be your home. Even if you are not living in it,” he said, shutting the door behind him.

“After what I saw at Liv and Diana’s, I won’t be barging in without knocking anywhere ever again, thank you very much. No more accidental bare asses for me. Nu’uh. That one time was enough.”

His smile got wider, his dimple showing.

You didn’t know what came over you, but you took a step towards him and placed your left pinkie in the dip of his dimple. His eyes closed involuntarily, his head tilting for more contact than you were offering. You opened your hand, palming his cheek, and his hand came up to cover yours, his head moving like a cat’s, nudging his face into your palm.

“You shaved,” you whispered, hardly able to keep your eyes opened yourself. You had no idea why it came out as a whisper. But it did. You found yourself fighting the urge to just place your other hand on his other cheek and pull his lips down to your own.

“I thought you liked clean shaven men,” he whispered back, his eyes still closed.

“I liked you with the scruff. Always wondered what they would feel like against my face,” you heard yourself say.

Shit. Where did that come from?

His eyes snapped open. But they were not the usual sharp, angry Joel Miller eyes, they were soft, albeit shocked, curiously searching your own for answers.

“You did?”

You pulled your hand off his face, but he wouldn’t let go of your hand. Fuck. Why did you say that out loud? Sure, this was a thought you couldn't stop thinking about since your crush developed, but he didn't need to know that.

Fuck. You'd spoiled this new, good thing you two had been having now.

You took a step back, your entire body feeling like they had taken a darker shade of red. But he took a step towards you instead. You couldn’t even lift your head up, your eyes focused on his knees for whatever reason.

“Elena,” his voice was so soft, almost pleading.

You looked up to him, your lips trembling from how embarrassed and nervous you were. Were you really gonna do this? Were you really gonna tell Joel Miller you’d had a helpless crush on him all this while?

He took both of your hands in his.

“Elena, did you mean what you said?”

You nodded, bracing yourself for his rejection, his mocking, anything.

“Since when?”

Your heart was thundering so hard you were surprised he couldn’t hear it.

“Maybe the third or fourth time we met.”

He stared at you, trying to find out if you were fibbing, but took a chance and told you, "I have you beat, then."

“What do you mean?”

“I fell for you the moment I saw you. I literally fell head over heels for you, Elena.”

What?

You couldn’t believe it. All this while?

“But… you never acknowledged me. You never spoke to me.”

“Neither did you.”

Okay, he’s got you there.

“I couldn’t. Tess. She’s my friend,” you said, touching the necklace she gave you. “Why had you never said anything?”

He smiled a little, “Tess… I was with her, I couldn't do that... and Bill... He didn’t want me anywhere near you. Watched me like a hawk and warned me to stay away from you.”

You could only smile sadly back at him.

Well, there was no use being mad at Bill now.

“You really prefer the scruff?”

You nodded, laughing a little.

“Then no razor shall touch my face from now on. I only shaved because…” he stopped, looking a bit flustered. He scrunched his face a little, awkwardly telling you, "I thought you preferred clean shaven men… like Marcus."

You laughed out loud, his face turning redder by the second. “Marcus is my friend, Joel. I don’t see him like that.”

He looked genuinely relieved, laughing at himself over his own insecurity. He placed his hand on your cheek, so happy you didn’t swat it away.

“Can we have a do-over?” you asked him, hope filling your heart. “Maybe, get to know each other again?”

“Maybe I can take you out, or something?” he asked, his eyes fixed on your yours. It was strange, but very much welcomed.

“Like a date?”

He blushed so hard it was hard not to tease him. Give me a break, he said. He hadn’t asked anyone out in 25 years. Your smile faltered a little bit, "Not even Vanessa or Esther?"

“I have never been interested in them. As far as I'm concerned, Vanessa’s just someone in my patrol team. Esther’s just someone I fixed something for once. She came to me at the Bison asking me if I could fix her cabinet. I asked her some questions, went over the next day and when I was leaving, she tried to kiss me. I said no. I told her I’m not interested. Many, many times.”

You took his hand off your face, sitting down on the couch. “You walked Vanessa to the greenhouse, Joel, and you took Esther to Betty’s birthday.”

He sat next to you, telling you he had never actually walked Vanessa to the greenhouse. She misunderstood. He was always on his way to pick you up, and she happened to be on her way out of her house. She thought he was walking her, but really, he was just trying to make an effort with you.

And Esther, he just wanted to shut Tommy up. And, in his defence, he made sure he was the least presentable he could be that night, not that he was a presentable man in the first place. So the fact that he went on 'the date' in sweaty, muddy clothes fresh out of patrol with his hair looking like a bird's nest and his pits stinking said a lot. She just didn’t get the hint at first.

Okay, that’s a bit better then. But...

"If you really do feel that way about me, why did you ignore me? Why didn't you tell me when we were literally living under the same roof? I thought you didn't want me here," you whispered, your eyes filling with tears, the hurt he caused coming back to your mind.

He hung his head in shame, "I was terrified you didn't feel the same way, and that morning you made us breakfast... I just kept thinking... what if i got used to this and something happened to you? For real? How would I survive? I can't..." his lips quiverred, his eyes moistened, and he swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions at bay.

"I'm sorry I made you feel like that, Elena. Trust me, it's not you. It's me. I have a problem, but I'm trying to be better, I'll do better... please... give me a chance, Elena, I won’t hide from you anymore. I'll answer any questions you have, I promise. Do-over?”

You nodded. “Do-over.”

His hand was back on your face, and this time, it was you who couldn’t help but close your eyes at the sensation. You leaned into his hand, putting your own hand over his. You could feel him move closer to you, his breath blowing softly on your face.

“SORRY! Sorry, I was babysitting Jake and… oh shit,” the sound of the door wrenching open and Ellie’s shout made you and Joel jump away from each other as if someone threw ice cold water on you. You looked at the teenager, the most disappointed look on her face. “Fuck... did I just interrupt a first kiss attempt? I’ll go back out, pretend I was never here,” she yelled, her voice fading as she ran out, slamming the door behind her.

You and Joel stared at each other for a while before bursting out laughing. You stood up, telling him you should go after her. She actually needed help with her homework, so you should get to it. He nodded, standing up to open the door for you. See you around, you told him. See you at dinner, he said, opening the door.

**********

You went out into the hall from the kitchen carrying a tray of mashed potatoes to pass on to Hank, the man in charge of the mess hall. People were already milling around, waiting for his say so to begin getting dinner. You saw Marcus standing with Will and Tommy somewhere near the entrance, talking animatedly to each other. You went back inside, getting the green beans and came back out and this time, Esther had joined the little group, standing next to Marcus, batting her eyelashes at him. You tilted your head towards them when Diana came out to pass the baskets of apples to you, her face morphing into one of annoyance, giving you a ‘what do you expect from her?’ kinda look. You just raised your eyebrows at her, shaking your head a little.

“Hey, Elena!” Esther’s voice rang out. You turned to see her marching towards you, her nostrils flaring. “What the fuck is your problem with me?”

What?

“I don’t know how you’ve managed to keep Joel away from me, but now you turned Marcus against me? You can’t have them both, Elena. Your witchcraft doesn’t fool me. How is it that you had both the hottest men in Jackson wrapped around your little finger? You’re not even dating either of them! What, you don’t want them but no one else can have them? What a greedy bitch!”

“Esther, stop,” Maria coming over to pull her back from being in your face.

“Oh, here comes your Mayor friend. Must be nice to have friends in high places, huh Elena? Of course she’s on your side!” she was positively screaming by now. The whole hall had gone quiet, everyone just watching this woman lose her head at you.

“Esther,” Maria sounded exasperated by now, “Stop. If men are not interested to go out with you, Elena has nothing to do with it.”

Esther huffed, “She said something to them. I’m sure of it. No men has ever resisted me before those two. It’s her, I know it.”

Some of the men in the hall snorted, some just started snickering outright.

“What are you all laughing at? You know I’m right. None of you said no to me,” she snarled.

“Yeah, that’s because you gave it out for free, Esther. Notice that none of us went back for seconds,” a man’s voice said.

The whole hall turned to see who it was.

Pete. Vanessa’s husband. According to what you’d heard, he was basically the male version of Esther, except he’s married.

Esther was seething. You could see her chest heaving. She picked up the bread knife from the serving table and started towards you. You didn’t even flinch, striking her in the face with the lower palm of your hand as hard as you could.

She fell back, the knife clattering to the ground, her hand on her nose. Blood was pouring out of her nostrils, very quickly staining her exposed cleavage and dress.

“You broke my nose! You bitch!” she got back up and picked up the knife, Will and Marcus stopped her, Will disarming her with his knee. She screamed, telling everyone he dislocated her shoulder. Maria rolled her eyes, telling them to take her to the doctor, and then to the quarantine house. They took her out, her screaming profanities at you and Maria, spitting on anyone who was in her way.

Maria turned to check if you were okay, her face switching into panic as she saw your arm. You looked down to see a gash on your left forearm. Esther must’ve managed to slash you. Blood was dripping down your fingers, and you placed your other hand on the gash to stop the bleeding.

The crowd parted, and Joel rushed towards you, his face scrunched up with worry. He tore a strip off his flannel, pulling you gently to sit on a chair nearby.

“Take your hand away, darling,” he said, quickly wrapping the strip on your gash as soon as you did, tying it as tightly as he could. Despite the sharp pain from your injury, you could still feel the blush creep on your face at his term of endearment for you. He looked at Maria, anger clearly written all over his face, “Esther did this?”

Maria didn’t answer. Joel got up and began to stride out the door, but Tommy stopped him. Joel fought his brother, telling him to step aside, unrelenting until you called his name. He stopped, quickly turning around to get to you.

“Don’t lose it, Joel. I’m fine, a few stitches at most,” you told him.

“She cut you.”

“And I broke her nose.”

“You did?” he couldn’t help but look impressed, looking at Maria, who proudly nodded. She told him to take you to the clinic and proceeded to tell the hall that the show was over.

As Joel helped you up and guided you out of the hall, his arm around you, Vanessa watched from her table with a sad, longing look on her face. Joel had stayed completely away from her, even during patrol, spending more time with other riders, deliberately so.

Pete noticed, following her line of sight, before angrily telling her that he was right there. She coldly responded that so was she, and yet, he still went galivanting around town fucking every women who would have him.

Pete watched as you stopped to get your keys from Diana, who gave you a big hug. He had always watched you, he thought you were beautiful, but you were not that… interesting… for his taste. Bit too old for his liking. But tonight, seeing how feisty you were, and how much Joel Miller, the man he knew his wife was losing her mind over cared about you, he had a new mission in mind.

**********

Esther was sitting on the chair in the middle of the makeshift courtroom, a disbelieving look on her face. Sewage management, or patrol. Those were her choices as punishment for her actions in the hall last night.

She didn’t want to be on sewage duty. It stunk. Gross.

And being on patrol was scary. She could die.

She wanted to stay at the saloon, where she was safe and could spend all her time getting pretty.

She asked the committee what your punishment was. Nothing, Maria said.

“She broke my nose!”

“Because you lunged at her with a knife.”

“She humiliated me!”

“You humiliated yourself.”

“She called me a whore!”

“All of us were there, even we can testify she did no such thing.”

“Oh, come on Maria. You’re just defending her because she’s your friend.”

“Am I? You attacked a resident of Jackson for no reason at all, Esther. You must face the consequences. If she had done the same to you, she would’ve faced consequences too.”

Esther opened her mouth to retaliate, but Hank reminded her to choose her words very, very carefully. She shut her mouth after that, thinking about the choice she had to make.

“Will I at least be on Joel’s team for patrol?”

“I wouldn’t count on it. He’s furious at you right now.”

“Marcus’s?”

“What is wrong with you Esther?” Maria snapped. “Even now, all you could think of is getting it on with these men who clearly said no to you?”

Esther slumped on her chair, defeated.

“I just don’t get why they are so crazy for her.”

Ike finally spoke up, sitting straight on his chair.

“Maybe they like her because she’s nice? Because she actually talks to them? Be friends with them?”

Esther rolled her eyes, conceding to sewage management instead.

**********

“What the heck are you doing here?” Joel’s voice boomed in the kitchen as you cracked the God knows however many eggs you were cracking into the pot.

“Working?”

He took a deep, frustrated breath, walking towards you.

“Stay right there, Mister, you haven’t got a hair net on. This is a kitchen, I don’t need people finding hair in their scrambled eggs.”

He put his hands up, staying put. “You were supposed to be home resting,” he said, his voice softening.

“I told her that, it’ll be easier to just pick her up and carry her home,” Diana said, aggressively chopping the potatoes.

Joel made a contemplative face, and you raised a hand at him, telling him you would scramble him in the pot too if he so much as tried to pick you up.

“Just let the man take you home, Elena,” Marcus’s tired voice came chiming in, Will and Benny standing with him, shaking their heads at you. They’d been out on patrol all night, stopping at the hall for some breakfast before going home to sleep their weariness away.

“Go, Elena, please,” Benny pleaded.

“It’s just a cut, guys, I’m fine…” you sighed.

“Elena…” Will warned with a tone you had heard since birth, the one he only used when he was too tired to deal with your excuses whenever he tried to get a very stubborn you to go to bed, the one that meant he was about to lose it, and like a Pavlovian dog you wiped your hands on your apron and took it off. He wouldn’t have a problem with your threats. So you hung your apron on the hook and walked out meekly, Will telling you that face wasn’t going to work on him, ever, so don’t even try it. He winked at Joel, telling him they’ll talk. He needed to learn your tricks, he said. Joel started laughing, following you out of the kitchen, before stopping abruptly when you turned to give him a stern look, giving you a cheeky smile, turning you around by the shoulder to walk you home.

It was as if he was a whole new man. Light, happy, smiley, cheery, especially around you. He was so worried that night when he brought you to the clinic, not taking his arm away from you for a second. Will and Marcus could only laugh quietly when you shot them warning glares at their sly smiles that night, knowing you would give them a hard time if they dared tease you their hunches about Joel being right all along. He stayed with you that night, sleeping on your couch, but not before sitting by your bedside until you fell asleep.

And this time, you knew you were not dreaming about the caresses you felt on your face and hair as you drifted off.

**********

“Joel?” Vanessa called out as you and Joel walked out of the hall, his arm around your shoulder. “See you at patrol in a bit?” she asked, her eyes latching on his arm on your shoulder.

“Actually, Tommy’s taking my place today. I asked for the day off,” he said.

“But…” she said, before stopping, eyeing you.

Joel whispered to you to wait for him in front of the clinic. He needed to talk to Vanessa. As soon as you were gone, he turned to face her.

“Vanessa, maybe you should be reassigned. I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be in the same team anymore.”

“No, please, Joel. I want to be with you. I like you. I feel safe with you.”

“That’s the problem, Vanessa. You can’t like me like that, telling people I walk you to the greenhouse, cooking for me, it’s not right. People talk, Vanessa. I don’t see you like that, you’re married.”

“I’ll leave him for you, Joel. Please. I love you,” she pleaded.

“Sorry, Vanessa, but I don’t feel like that about you. I never have. I never will. I’ll talk to Tommy and Maria soon, this has to stop,” he said, his voice gentle, trying hard not to dismiss her. As deluded as she was, she had never crossed the line with him. She didn’t deserve any harshness from him.

As Vanessa pleaded for Joel to reconsider, tears brimming her eyes, you were joined on the bench in front of the clinic by none other than Pete.

“You know they’re fucking, right?” he asked you.

You ignored him. Even you knew that was not true.

“We should get together, get back at them,” he cooed. “Maybe you should try a younger man for a change. I’ll show you a good time, doll.”

“Leave me alone, Pete.”

“Oh, come on, don’t be like that. I am as good as they say, you know. Come on…” he coaxed, stroking your uninjured arm with his fingers. You pulled your hand away, standing up to get away from him.

“Hey!” Joel shouted.

“Relax Miller, we were just chatting, weren’t we?” Pete said, eyes on you. “Miller won’t always be around to keep you satisfied, sweetheart. The sooner you realize that the better off you’ll be,” he said in a low voice, his lips curving into a leering smile before turning around and joining his wife, grabbing her harshly by the arm and pulling her into the hall.

“You okay? Did he touch you?” Joel asked. You shook your head, not wanting to set him off. Not wanting to separate from him at all, for that matter.

But something was telling you that that won’t be your final encounter with Pete. And you didn’t like it.

---

Part 11

[stormblessed95]

Okay so I’m on my fourth watch of the travel show

It gets better the more you watch, they are just so much fun

They have me smiling from ear to ear the whole way through

I know there is a lot of conversation about the car conversation but seriously, apart from Jungkooks beautiful ‘finally’ (and I’m glad that is in English so we hear it without mistranslation), what struck me upon this watch, is that he could actually mean them being in content together. 

Hear me out, but the kid spent the better part of the first half, and even to a degree still asking in the later half, of 2023 begging to go live with Jimin, inviting him over on lives. Including the bed begging live days after this filming, and now I’m framing it that he was probably thinking they have filmed this show, why can’t they have a live? I know that the show wasn’t going to be aired straight away but I can totally see him going with that thought. 

But it just struck me, he’d been asking and probably denied so many times, whereas Jimin had gone live with Yoongi and Hobi etc during work promotions, but denied JK. This was his olive branch, his two birds one stone, a trip for them to spend time together when free, but also for them to be alone in content (albeit airing a year later atp). If we remember too that they could not leave SK without work and a permit, the chicken and egg, hence the show. Jimin had the time at that point to plan it with the company, it makes sense he pushed it, though I’m sure Jungkook was involved too. 

People are moaning about Jungkooks attitude and they are so wrong and miserable, not to mention they misunderstand him. They guy is glowing with his Jimin, he’s being cheeky and kids around and it’s so beautiful to see it. To see their dynamic, as they are. 

Seeing them say they hasn’t planned another trip in NY, and the Forbes article said this too, they must have thought it a success enough to plan jeju and so on. I think a post from another blogger here also helped frame this for me, bc at the end of the day they talked about and proposed the show, just the two of them, to the company and needed a deliverable product. This involved planning to a degree, scouting locations and a vague idea of activities. They definitely had more freedom than Bv, and they had to rely on their natural chemistry, which is there in spades, but they still had to deliver/ this is where Jimins panic comes in when he is sick, bc he has to power through to make the show work, hence the are you sure? It’s so logical when I think about it all in that framed way. 

And mainly I think this also because they do not present as people who had had a falling out, or massive distance, or had issues, or something more ridiculous people are proposing. I mean logically do we really think Jimin (sensible Jimin) would even think it a good idea to do this if there was bad blood or feelings. Exactly, he would not.  There was no tension there, not that I saw anyway. They just vibe with each other. They present as pretty domestic, in tune and loveable goofballs. 

Also when you think about MS application being a month after this, they had to have seen and spoken to each other, it’s a complete reach to think they didn’t. Also, it’s their habit, Jimin literally said the same sentence in the very brief restaurant scene, that JK says to him in the doc and we know that was a complete fib. Also I feel the way JK looks at the camera in that scene and in the hand holding scene is very telling about how he felt around the cameras at first, especially when Jimin touches his throat, like he hesitated. 

I also hold in mind that at the end of the day we got about 5/10% of their time on screen, the rest is on the cutting room floor, and also probably not even filmed (esp given Jimins condition). Leaving them plenty of time for them. 

Just my thoughts. 

.

[mjrtaurus]

Have you considered the comedy potential? Of Dragon and Robin teaming up to pull on of the biggest pranks in history?

And by that I mean they pretend to be father daughter

Cause like the theory is awesome but it’s so much funnier if the whole thing is just them lying

Dragon (known homosexual) - ah yes this is my daughter who I got from a woman I was in a sexual relationship with

Robin (known shitdisturber) - yes it is I his daughter who was produced through sexual intercourse with my female mother.

The whole thing gets way too out of hand during the two year arc and results in one very angry ex warlord kicking down Dragons door.

You’re right, this is so much funnier.

And people believe it because not only do they look similar enough to pull it off, but Robin’s weirdgirl energy and Dragon’s commit to any and all bits energy just. Click. Right into place. No gaps. Seamless.

I’m on Zou Arc right now and Robin is fucking with everyone like “my god, they’re cannibals”. Meanwhile, if he were there, Dragon- 100% running with her shit-stirring because it’s the funniest thing ever- would have gone “can they really be called cannibals since they’re Mink? Or does the term apply to all sapient humanoid species?” Cut to Usopp screaming because if the leader of the Revs (who’s there for whatever reason) is saying that, then it MUST be true!

Except everyone knows he’s bullshitting because everyone knows- including him- that Robin is bullshitting.

And it just kind of happens one day at the end of a discussion, back in her two year stay on Baltigo. Dragon’s been talking with her a lot, getting to know her, making sure she knows that she’s as welcome and accepted among the RA as she is with the Strawhats. The standard practice of “feed the stray cat so they know you’re a nice human and can be trusted”. You know the one.

Just.

A sip from the drink in her hand, like she’s already concocting more schemes.

“I hope you’ll forgive me, but some have been asking me- indirectly at least- if I’m your daughter. And I’ve been telling a few fibs here and there because of it.”

A twitch at the corner of his mouth, like he’s fighting a grin.

“Interesting… What sort of fibs, for the sake of keeping the story straight?”

Full shit-stirrer to shit-stirrer communication. Except it goes a little too well when Robin has reunited with the Strawhats for a while, and Dragon gets a very livid call from his dear and beloved nicotine addicted reptile. Accusing him of… sleeping with a woman? How rude! How unoriginal!

And that’s how Dragon learns that Robin’s been using her talents for fucking with people in a “good and friendly” manner to routinely put Crocodile through the wringer. Untraceable calls in the middle of the night that have the man feeling like he needs to be locked in a padded cell. Seastone muzzle and straitjacket optional.

The sudden shock of that revelation makes Dragon break, and then he’s cackling and wheezing like a madman until even the snail is concerned for his health.

“Wani, are you really that surprised that she would gaslight you for fun?”

“… Fair point…”

Oh, if Robin wasn’t going to get adopted into his dysfunctional garbage fire of a family before, she definitely is now.

[iamagod51]

CHERUB ROCK 🪽🦇

Chapter three: reptile boy pt. 2

<<prev. Masterlist. Next>>

⚠️none that I can think of xo angel 💕

The next day at school you catch up with Willow in the lounge. She tells you all about the dream she had about Xander. Buffy comes in and tells you about Cordy not being able to go to the zeta kappa party if she doesn’t go.

“You’re going to the fraternity party?” Willow asks.

“What made you change your mind?” You question.

“Angel.” Buffy says bluntly.

Xander walks in and plops down on the couch next to Buffy. Adjusting the backpack on his shoulder.

“He’s going with you?!” You ask.

“She’s got a date with Angel!” Willow says to Xander. “Isn’t that exciting?!”

“I’m elated.” He says flatly getting up off the couch. We all get up and follow him.

“I-I’m not going with Angel. I’m going with-ee gods… Cordelia.” Buffy says as she hurries out the lounge.

“Cordelia?!” Willow gasps as she turns to the both of us. “Did I sound a bit jealous just then, because I’m not really.” She runs after Buffy and you follow her down the hallway.

“What happened with Angel?” You urge.

“Nothing, as per usual. A whole lotta nothing with Angel.” She huffs

“I don’t understand. I mean he likes you. More than likes.” Willow tries to comfort.

“Angel barely says 2 words to me.” Buffy complains.

“Don’t you hate that?” Xander butts in.

“And when he does, he treats me like a child.” She continues

“That bastard!” He instigates again. You lean into his side laughing at his dramatics. He reaches over and tickles your side a bit and you gently push off him dying of laughter, and grabbing a hold on willows arm.

All of this goes unnoticed by Buffy as she continues. “You know at least Tom can carry a conversation!”

“Yeah!” Xanders smile gets wiped clean off his face. “Tom? Who’s tom?”

“The frat guy” you tell him.

“Oh buffy, I don’t think so. Frying pan, fire? You know what I’m sayin’?” Xander objects as we open the door to the library. Giles I swiping down with a sword as he jumps at the sight of us.

“I didn’t see you four… creeping about.” He says embarrassed. He tosses the sword through the open cage door and kicks it shut. “Um, how did it go last night?”

Buffy gives him half of a bracelet that spells “ENT”. She tells Giles that Angel smelled blood on.Willow has seen it before but she’s not sure where. Giles tries to make Buffy go protroling tonight to see who it belongs to but she objects and fibs about her and her mom being sick and homework.

You and Willow give each other a look. As Giles says that she should stay home with her mother. The bell rings and the gang walks out to the hallway. Buffy looks guilty as we slowly walk through the crowd.

“Well say it.” She says knowing she was in the wrong.

“I’m not going to say it” Xander says with a shrug.

“You lied to Giles!” You and Willow blurt out.

“Cause they will.” Xander says

Buffy sighs. “Look, I wasn't lying. I was just... protecting him from information that he wouldn't be able to... digest properly.”

Xander laughs. “Like a corn dog.”

“Like you don't have a sick mother, but you'd rather go to a frat party where there's gonna be drinking and older guys and probably an orgy.” Willow crosses her arms over her chest.

“Whoa! Whoa-ho-ho, rewind. Since when do they have orgies, and why aren't I on the mailing list?” Xander asks, astonished.

“There’s no orgies!” Buffy yelled softly.

“I heard a lot of wild things go on at frat parties.” You joke

“Okay, you know what? Look, seven days a week I am busy saving the world. Once in a great while I wanna have some fun. And that's what I'm gonna have tonight. Fun!” Buffy snaps running off to go meet Cordelia.

You, Xander and Willow sit in the lounge sharing snacks and talk about how Buffy lied to Giles.

“Well there’s nothing we can do about it.” Willow shrugs. “We’ll help Giles.”

“I’m going to that party.” Xander says with determination. “I gotta keep an eye on Buffy.”

“You want to protect her.” You say and he nods.

“And prove that you’re just as good as those rich, snotty guys.” Willow adds and you see the gears turning in Xanders head.

“Maybe catch an orgy?” You joke

He laughs. “If it’s on early.”

“Ok.” You say. “Well I’m coming with you.” They both turn their heads at you. “I’m going to watch out for Cordy. My gut says something’s off with Richard and I don’t want to be right about it.”

“Don’t know why you care about her but sure the more the merrier. Plus gives me a ride.” He smiles getting up from his chair. “ Tonight, 7, wear something sexy!” He winks with a click of his tongue and runs off. You and Willow share another look and shake your head.

“Boys.” You both say in tandem.

[lemoncrushh]

Kiss Me Kiss Me

Summary: Samantha and Harry's story of young romance and a first kiss.

Warnings: None (see note below)

Word Count: 2795

A/N: This is a cute, sweet one shot from my 2017 collection. It's written from two points of view. Please note, this is purely innocent, nothing sexual, just kissing. But if reading about teenage Harry gives you the ick, please pass on this one. Title is taken from the 5SOS song.

here's to teenage memories...

Samantha's POV

Harry was my first. No, not that first. And not my first love either. Not even my first boyfriend really, because whatever it was we were doing, I wouldn't constitute as dating. I don't really know what we were. Just...friends? Hanging out? Whatever you'd wanna call it.

Okay, okay so I had a terrible crush on him. But my point is, he was the first boy I'd ever kissed.

And what a kiss it was... To this day I can still remember it, still remember what it felt like. I even remember what I was wearing, as silly as that sounds.

I was chatting on the phone with my friend Carolyn one night and somehow the subject of kissing came up. Truthfully, that was no surprise since most of our conversations ended up circling back to boys. I just always got nervous when this particular topic arose, since I had yet to kiss a boy. Carolyn claimed she'd kissed four, but I always felt like she was lying about at least two. I just never called her on it. That's just not what friends do, and because I knew she was telling the truth about Ron since I'd seen them kiss with my own eyes, I let the little fib slide.

This particular night, I allowed Carolyn to describe what it felt like. She said it really depended on the guy and how he kissed, how soft his lips were, how much he used his tongue...things like that. I only half listened, though I was curious. I just felt left out.

"You should get Harry to kiss you," she finally proclaimed.

"Um..." I nervously chuckled. "Why?"

"So you'll know what it's like," she replied.

Carolyn was the only person who knew I fancied Harry, at least to my knowledge. But like the good friend she was, she never mocked me or embarrassed me when he was around.

"But why Harry?" I asked, picking at the blanket that covered my bed. "He doesn't like me...in that way."

"But you like him. And besides, who says he doesn't like you?"

"Who says he does?"

I heard Carolyn sigh through the phone, an indication that she was annoyed. The truth was, I was dying for Harry to kiss me. But I had a feeling he'd kissed a lot of girls. And I would just pale in comparison.

"Sam," she said, "have you even given him any clue?"

"No," I muttered softly.

"Then how's he gonna know?"

She had a point.

Harry's POV

Samantha and I had become friends. We hung out a lot, so much in fact that if I was to knock on her door at any given time, I could hear her mum calling her up the stairs telling her Harry's here before she even greeted me.

One Friday evening I stopped by unannounced as usual, Mrs. Cooper inviting me into the kitchen to test some scones she'd just finished baking. I was halfway biting through the pastry when I heard Sam descending the stairs.

"Hey," she grinned when she saw me. Then she turned to her mum. "You know, just because he works in a bakery doesn't mean he knows everything about baking."

I shook my head as I swallowed. "'s fine. I still have the ability to taste."

She gave me a look as she reached for a scone. "Well, so do I."

Mrs. Cooper paid Samantha no mind as she set a cup of tea in front of me. I smiled and told her thank you as Sam took a seat across from me. We ate in silence until I took the last sip of tea and wiped my hands on a napkin.

"Wanna go for a walk?" I asked her.

"Sure," she nodded, rising from her chair.

I heard her mum tell her not to be too late, it was getting dark as we walked to the front door and Sam grabbed her jacket. I told Mrs. Cooper thank you once more before shutting the door behind us.

We walked side by side, our hands in our pockets until we came to the end of the street and turned right, heading toward my house. I saw Sam take her phone out of her pocket once and type something on it in haste before shoving it back.

I wanted to say something. Anything. It seemed lately that our conversations had become little more than "what's up" and "do you have to work tomorrow?" I wasn't exactly sure why. It used to be that I could bring up any topic and we could have an hour long discussion about it. Perhaps we had run out of things to talk about. Or maybe...the vibe had shifted.

We came upon the park that acted as the halfway point between her house and mine. We strolled through, stopping at the swings, each of us taking one.

"You okay?" I finally asked her, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

She looked at me, her big eyes wide. "Yeah, why?"

I shrugged, kicking the dirt underneath my feet. "You just seem...different."

"How so?"

"Quiet."

She bit her lip. "Sorry. Don't mean to be."

"Did something happen?" I inquired.

She shook her head. "No." Then she smiled at me. "I'm fine. Really."

I nodded as she began to kick her legs up to swing. I watched her for a minute or two, her hair flying behind her as she swung forward, then blowing in her face as she came back. I suddenly felt butterflies in my stomach, though I wasn't sure why.

I'd always thought Samantha was pretty. And if it hadn't been for the fact that we'd become close and I considered her one of my best mates, I probably would have asked her out by now. Hell, I probably would've even kissed her. But I got the feeling the opportunity had passed. We were in the friend zone.

Sam slowed down, her Converse sliding across the ground to stop herself. She ran her fingers through her hair to fix what the wind had messed up, though if I was being honest, it looked perfect.

"So do you have to work tomorrow?" she asked me.

I laughed out loud. I couldn't help it.

"What's so funny?" she glared at me.

"Nothing," I shook my head though I was still laughing.

"Liar." Samantha hopped up out of her swing and started to walk away. I caught up to her at the pavement.

"Sam, I'm sorry," I said. "I'm not laughing at you."

"Then what are you laughing at?" Her expression was serious, her mouth in a straight line.

"Why are you being weird?"

"Why are you?"

"'m not!" I exclaimed.

"Sure, Harry," she shoved her hands in her pockets again. "I'm going home."

I groaned as I began to follow her, unsure whether she actually wanted me to or not. We walked in silence for a while until she stopped and I almost ran into her.

"Why are you following me?" she asked.

"Because I get the feeling you don't want me walking beside you."

She rolled her eyes. "I mean, why are you still here? Your house is that way."

I felt like she'd just punched me in the gut. There were a million things I wanted to say then, and part of me felt like just turning around and walking to my house. Instead I took a step towards her.

"Because it's getting dark," I muttered. "So I'm walking you home."

Her face softened as she took a hand out of her pocket to run through her hair again.

"Okay," she said with a sigh. "Thanks."

I lifted my own hand to brush back the strand of hair that had stuck to her cheek. She flinched slightly, but didn't back away.

"You know, if there's something on your mind," I said softly, "you can tell me. We're friends, yeah?"

She blinked, her eyelashes fluttering against her pink cheeks.

"Yeah," she breathed.

Somehow, I knew...in that moment...that I could have kissed her. I wanted to kiss her. But I didn't.

Samantha's POV

I'd almost thought he was gonna kiss me then. Maybe if I'd stood there a few more seconds, he would have. But I was chicken and turned around and kept walking.

This time, however, Harry didn't walk behind me. In fact, he took my hand which I took as a good sign. We'd never held hands before, and it felt nice.

I was relieved when we fell into an actual conversation. He asked what my weekend plans were, and I confessed that other than a trip to my Gram's for Sunday dinner, I had nothing going on. He said he did have to work the next day, early in fact, which I kind of already knew.

When we reached my house, he walked me up the steps but shook his head when I asked if he was coming in.

"Gotta get up early," he reminded me.

I smiled as he squeezed my hand, then backed away, almost tripping over himself. I giggled as he turned and ran down the steps, giving me one last wave.

"Tell your mum the scones were delicious, but I liked the biscuits the best."

I grinned as I shut the door, but stayed by the window to watch him walk down the street. When he'd disappeared, I ran upstairs and quickly called Carolyn back to tell her what happened. She declared that she wasn't sure which of us what the bigger idiot.

I'd had a dream that night. It felt so real, which didn't make sense given that I'd never kissed a boy before. But in my dream Harry was kissing me. And not only could I feel his soft lips against mine, but I could also feel his breath against my skin, his hands on my waist.

I woke up earlier than I ever had in my life, except for maybe when I was little, and Mum and I were going on holiday and had to catch the train. I took a hot shower and brushed my teeth, carefully choosing a dark red jumper and black jeans. After tying my Converse, I brushed my hair until it shined, the locks flowing across my shoulders. I felt pretty.

Mum wasn't awake yet, so I left her a note, telling her I'd return with breakfast. Then I grabbed my keys and locked the door behind me.

I was only a little more than halfway to the bakery when I could already smell the aroma. I smiled to myself as I came around the corner, the cheerful sign greeting me. As I walked in, the scent of freshly baked bread hit me in the face, and I took in a deep breath.

The woman behind the counter beamed at me, quickly asking if she could help me. I felt my cheeks flush as I wrung my hands.

"Um...is...um...Harry here?" I stammered. Yep, I was an idiot.

"Harry!" she called out in singsong, not bothering to peel her gaze from me.

Just then, the door next to her swung open and out stepped Harry, an apron tied around himself. He immediately smiled when he saw me, his dimples dipping in his cheeks.

"Hey!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

I shrugged. "Getting breakfast."

Harry shifted his eyes back and forth, a smirk on his face. "Alright then. That's a first."

"It's not unusual," I remarked.

"It is for you. It's Saturday. And barely six a.m."

"I woke up hungry."

Harry continued to stare at me incredulously until my mouth broke into a smile. It seemed I had rendered him speechless, and for once I felt proud, and a little brave. He cleared his throat and looked at the older woman whom with a shooing motion told him to take a break.

Wiping his hands on his apron, Harry followed me outside and around the side of the building. When I stopped, I turned around and leant against the wall. It was barely sunrise, the sky still overcast, making it seem even darker. But I could see perfectly clearly.

"Hi," I grinned.

"Hi," he smiled back, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

"How are you?"

"I'm...okay. Sam...what..."

"Sorry," I shook my head nervously. "I'm probably weirding you out."

"No...I just..."

"Do you like me?" I blurted. There. I said it.

Harry's eyes opened wide like saucers. If I wasn't so focused on what I was trying to do, I would have burst out laughing. As it was, I let out a slight giggle when he stumbled over his next words.

"Do...do I...of course...I-"

"I mean..." I stepped closer to him, taking his hand. "I mean like me."

Harry licked his lips and smiled at the ground. "Well...Samantha, you're my friend."

My heart plummeted down by chest. I leant back against the wall again, dropping his hand and picking at my nail polish.

"I see," I muttered. That was it then. He'd answered my question. Not with the answer I was hoping for, but an answer nonetheless.

"But yeah," I heard him say.

"What?" I lifted my head just in time to see his face coming toward mine, his hands at my waist.

It was just like in my dream. His lips brushed mine softly just before I closed my eyes. I was grateful that he knew what he was doing, because I probably would have just been a mess, knocking noses and teeth and whatnot. But he lifted his hand to touch my cheek, his thumb grazing my jaw as his mouth pressed harder, taking first my top lip, then my bottom between his.

I didn't know what to do with my hands so I merely placed them on his chest. With his body against mine, my back against the wall, I knew he had to hear how fast my heart was beating. The air was permeated with the scent of wheat and sugar, and I felt like I was intoxicated. Harry separated the kiss momentarily, his green eyes gazing into mine.

"I do like you," he declared. For a moment my head was spinning until I understood he was finishing his response to my question.

"Oh," I barely breathed.

The corners of his mouth curved up into a tiny grin before he tilted his head and kissed me again.

Harry's POV

She tasted like mint and smelled like strawberries. It was a wonder I noticed through the heavy aroma coming from the bakery, but I reckon I was immune to it by that point. She was all I could concentrate on, and I couldn't get enough.

Though I wasn't a hundred percent certain, I got the feeling Samantha hadn't been kissed before. Not that she was a bad kisser by any means. Or awkward even. Just the way she was stood against the wall, her body tense, her jaw tight. She didn't seem to know what to do with her hands either, but when she put them on my chest I was fine with that. It wasn't until I let her take a breath and assured her that I liked her that I felt her relax. I slipped my tongue inside then, and I felt her jolt a bit, but she soon seemed to enjoy the sensation, even letting her tongue poke into my mouth.

I released my hand from her waist then, taking her face in both of my hands. She seemed to like that, even make a cute little sound and allowed her own arms to wrap around my back.

We continued to kiss for several minutes. Alright, maybe not that long, but it seemed like it. When I lifted my head that time, I studied her face, her kiss-swollen lips slightly parted. God, she was pretty.

I actually saw her chest fall then as she let out a deep breath. I took that as a good sign. Trying my best not to be cocky, I smiled at her.

"I gotta get back to work," I said, my voice coming out raspy.

Samantha nodded a few times before whispering, "Okay." Then she blinked, stood up straight and released her arms from me. "Um...I told my mum I'd bring breakfast. So...I better buy something."

She gave a cute little nervous giggle that probably embarrassed her more than she'd have liked it to. I grinned as she cleared her throat and ran her fingers through her hair, then tugged at the hem of her jumper.

"C'mon," I held out my hand for her. "Our scones aren't as good as hers, but we have some Danishes that are out of this world."

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[sexandthecapitol]

| Sex & The Capitol | Written by Soarynn Nightingale | The Capitol Gazette | Published March 27th. |

Walking down the street one sunny afternoon, it seemed as if fate had finally found me. I was no stranger to being a single woman in her early twenties, the world at my feet. Still, there were certain things that were expected of me.

Capital ventures were welcomed, bedroom ventures were kept secret in fears of a scandal. My good friends Clemensia, Livia, & Persephone kept their private lives private and their private lives even privater.

I figured it was best to do the same.

I was finally wearing my brand new high heels when I passed by a tall, handsome stranger with blonde hair. Being a blonde myself, I was glad to see another comrade amongst the dark-haired troops.

I thought nothing of it until I heard him calling out to me. “Miss? You dropped this.” Worried my purse had opened, I turned around to see what he had retrieved for me. I usually didn’t give strange men this sort of attention, but his good looks swayed me & my judgement.

I found that nothing had fallen onto the ground but that he was even more good looking when he was standing still. Tall, blonde, a chiseled jawline.

What more could a girl ask for?

In his hand was a small card, white & crisp like his button-up shirt. “Oh, what is it?” I asked, curious as to what was written on the small card. He had grinned, confident as they come, shameless too.

“It’s my number, I couldn’t let you walk by without having it.”

He was a natural flirt, too good to be single or to be true but I accepted the card which turned out to be his business card. I suspected him to be in his mid-twenties, which made the fact that he had a business card even more impressive.

I had my own banking card but those two were not the same.

I flipped over the card, surprised that I recognized the name printed in gold letters.

‘Coriolanus Snow’

“Oh, I know you,” I told him, “I’ve seen your name in the Capitol Gazette.” He didn’t seem impressed, but rather pleased that he was being treated like a celebrity in regard to the paper. “Yes, I’m a rather up and coming business man, lots of articles have been written about me. Although I’m surprised a lady like yourself reads the paper. Are you a writer?”

I don’t know why, but I lied. Maybe it was because he was so handsome, so charming and irresistible. If we were in a different setting, like a gala then maybe I would’ve been honest but standing on the street gave me some grace.

He was after all, a complete stranger & I, a single woman didn’t feel comfortable giving him my personal information. Especially not information that would lead to me telling him that I was a columnist who wrote articles about sex.

“Sometimes,” I had fibbed, looking into his bright blue eyes. They sparkled like sapphires.

“Well, if you’re not too busy with work, I would love to buy you a drink sometime, Miss…”

I realized I had yet to give him my name, which was the least I could give him after he reunited me with his business card.

“Nightingale,” I had answered, “Soarynn Nightingale.”

He grinned, boyish & full of confidence, “Soarynn Nightingale. My father knew your father once upon time.”

Being the daughter of a man who was considered to be one of the pillars of Captiol society came with its perks, which included a small bit of fame to my name.

“I’m sure he did,” I agreed, “he was very well connected. As was yours, Coriolanus Snow.”

He glanced down at his watch, it looked so very expensive but it was in good taste. “I hate to cut this conversation short, but I have a meeting in twenty minutes. Give me a call & we’ll set up a date.”

I watched him go, already imagining a future with this man. He had seemed so sure of himself, sure enough to ask me out on a date. Well, it was more like getting drinks but he used the word so that’s what I would call it, & more importantly, tell my friends.

I started walking with a pep in my step. It was as if the universe was sending me a sign, telling me that there was still hope for a young girl in a big city. It had been less than two minutes & I was already thinking about that handsome stranger, & how even if this didn’t work out, I’d have a new character to write about in my column.

Dressed in a blood red suit with his golden curls & sparkling eyes. Mr. Snow.

But I couldn’t help but wonder, if this was the street we met on due to fate, & we kept walking, where would it take us?