#can any of those bums watching tv get up and help my man like enough playing around we're ganking now 😢

[gojuo]

if gojo dies ... that means yuuta is up next

[echo-of-sounds]

hates/scared of loud noises

How Aizawa, Toshi, Hizashi, and Gang Orca would help their s/o who is scared of and jumps at loud/sudden noises. These are shorter than my usual headcanons. I just wanted to write these because there have been so many thunderstorms lately and five houses around me were using fireworks all damn weekend. It’s exhausting getting startled that badly every thirty minutes. 

Aizawa Shouta

He’s a quiet guy. His footsteps are near silent. He doesn’t make much noise when working and walking around the apartment. And he has a rather flat affect. In battle, he may yell. To get his student’s attention, his voice might raise oh-so-slightly. In disagreements or arguments, his voice firms up and deepens but it very rarely goes beyond that. It’s pretty nice to live with, except when you yelp because someone’s suddenly talking right behind you. He’ll start to make a little more noise so you don’t get scared.

He understands being afraid of yelling and other such noises but he doesn’t really understand the fear of thunder and fireworks. It’s only noise. It can’t hurt you. Nevertheless, he is a good boyfriend who will comfort you through the storms.

He’s actually glad you don’t like fireworks because it gives him another reason to stay home (though he doesn’t like how scared you get). During thunderstorms and firework shows he’ll lay in bed and hold you tight to his chest. Any loud booms that make you tense up, he’ll stroke your back and whisper that it can’t hurt you and you’re safe.

If there’s one person at the end of the hallway who always slams their door and startles you, he’d encourage you to talk to them. He wants you to stand up for yourself and never wants you to sit back and just accept things that make you uncomfortable. It’s completely possible that they would change their behavior or may not even know they’re doing it. If you truly can’t do it for whatever reason, he will. Besides, he would also like people to not constantly slam things. It’s just annoying.

Yagi Toshinori

He isn’t particularly loud or quiet in the home. After everything he’s gone through, he’s come to be a gentle man and his movements and sounds reflect that. He’ll change simple behaviors to help you. When you’re engrossed in something, he’ll make some noise so you aren’t startled by him. He keeps the TV volume low so no explosions or yelling scares you. If he’s going to drop something heavy, he warns you in advance.

The accommodations are simple but that doesn’t stop feelings of being needy or high-maintenance from rising. You should be able to handle a door closing or a dog barking without your heart skipping. He’ll notice your worry very quickly. Once you talk about it, he’ll assure you everything he does is so easy he barely notices that he does it anymore. He just wants you to feel comfortable.

At the end of an anxiety-ridden day, hearing a cell phone ring can be shocking enough that you cry. He’s immediately beside you, helping you through any grounding or self-soothing techniques. He knows them well since he’s found them useful for his own anxieties.

Toshi enjoys festivals and fireworks. He likes the community, the colors, the food, and the fun. When he learns you don’t like them, he will be disappointed that he can’t experience all of that with you. If you ever want to go and leave before the fireworks start, he’d be grateful. If you don’t, he understands and hides his disappointment so you don’t feel bad. And if you encourage him to go with his friends, he won’t. He wouldn’t be able to enjoy himself, worrying about you being alone and scared. The only way he could go and actually have fun is if you’re with a friend or family member. 

Yamada Hizashi

His shouting and yelling can be intimidating. Sometimes it’s on purpose. Sometimes his voice booms on accident, notably when he’s emotional. But he hates seeing you flinch/recoil so he pays extra attention to his quirk whenever you’re around. 

He’d be a little bummed out if you don’t want to go to any concerts or live music because he loves sharing his interests with you. Don’t worry though. He gets it and would never push you. To make up for it, he’ll want to watch recordings of concerts with you. Even if you don’t like the band or music, sitting through the hour long video is the least you could do. He loves it so much and his smile is worth it.

He becomes very aware of your sensitivities in the environment. Every time a balloon pops or some kid screeches he checks in with you. Different days allow different tolerances. If you’re okay, he’ll be attentive to you from there on out, holding your hand for reassurance. If he turns and sees you’re clearly upset, he guides you to safety.

Those times when something thuds loudly in the next apartment and you can’t calm down even though there’s no real threat, he’s right there to soothe you. It’s the same through thunderstorms. If he’s not home, he’ll call you to talk you through it. If he is home, he’ll give you noise-canceling headphones and curl up with you under a soft blanket (totally not unlike that Ouran High School Host Club moment).

Gang Orca

He makes a lot of noise unintentionally. This guy’s footsteps can be surprisingly heavy and startling. His strength gets away from him every now and then, leading to something getting broken. And, while he’s not clumsy, having such a hulking figure has led his head and arms to get knocked against a wall or machine in a small space. Whenever he makes a sudden and/or loud noise, he apologizes immediately and comforts you. Sometimes you get more worried about his scuffed forehead than the sound. At least it diverts your attention away from any anxiety.

After getting startled, it’s hard to refocus because you’re so on edge, fearing another noise or something worse will come soon. He may not know how to help the first few times it happens. He just knows you’re scared and will comfort you to the best of his ability. Later, he’ll ask if there’s anything you use to self-soothe or what he can do to help you better.

He’s always willing to listen if you need to vent or want to open up about why you get scared. Sometimes there’s a physical or mental cause (hyperacusis, past trauma, high anxiety) and sometimes there isn’t. If it becomes debilitating and interrupts your life, he will encourage you to visit a doctor to see if there’s something out there that would help you. 

He loves thunderstorms. The rain, sounds, and smells are all comforting to him. He’s fairly shocked that some people don’t like them. During unusually intense thunderstorms, he’ll prepare a nice hot bath with your favorite candles and music. He’ll join if you ask and it’s possible it’ll lead to more intimate, distracting things.

[wiypt-writes]

Riding High

Ch8: Adler vs Adler

Chapter Summary: The gloves are off in court as Frank faces off against his mother.

Chapter Warnings: Bad Language words. Talk of suicide.

Chapter Pairings:  Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher

A/N: Contains SPOILERS for the film!!!!! If you haven’t seen it please be aware of that before you read on. Also, those of you who do know this film well will see that I’ve changed the dates referenced in the court case, that’s because I brought the timeline of Gifted forward from 2015 (when it was filmed) to 2017 (when it was released). This was mainly to suit Fliss’ backstory of the Olympics. 2015 is too close to 2012 for me to make it work. Also Frank’s middle name is an absolute H/C too as I couldn’t find it anywhere so, sorry if this annoys any of you but, to quote @icanfeelastormbrewing- “my coffee, my fic, my rules…”

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Fliss Gallagher and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Riding High Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 7

“And love, if your wings are broken, borrow mine so yours can open too…’cause I’m gonna stand by you”

 The first bit of evidence the next morning was the findings of the Welfare Department’s investigation. It had thrown nothing out of the ordinary up. The house was clean enough, Mary was fed, but they did point out that their current living arrangements wouldn’t be suitable for much longer as Mary would need her own room as she grew older, something which Frank’s attorney accepted on behalf of Frank, stating to the court that Frank had already considered this. Which in fairness he had. The Welfare Department continued then, stating that Mary’s interview the previous day hadn’t thrown up anything of concern, even if there were some questionable TV viewing habits, namely Ultimate Fighting on a Saturday night, but they were satisfied that overall Mary was suffering no ill effects, mentally or physically from being with Frank.

This took them just under an hour, as they were factual reports. Both Attorney’s requested clarification on certain points but there were no questions or cross examinations to be done. As such they had concluded just after eleven am and there was then a small ten minute break to allow a quick consultation between clients and attorney’s before Evelyn was to take to the stand. As people moved around, passing papers and files to one another, Frank turned in his seat and just as he glanced round, someone left the courtroom and through the open door Fliss walked in, dressed in a smart pair of black jeans and a light blue strappy top. He flashed her a smile and she gave a small wave, settling onto a seat next to Roberta who gave her a hug. She’d missed the early session due to having to sort the horses out but she’d cleared her diary and brought in cover for the rest of the day so she could be there to lend him support.

And even though the morning had, all in all, been favourable to him, Frank felt his spirits raise even more at the sight of her there in his corner so to speak. Tearing his eyes away from her, Frankturned back to Greg who was watching him, eyebrow raised.

“Well that’s a mighty big smile Frank.”

“I just spotted some additional back up, that’s all.” Greg turned to see the woman who was now talking to Roberta and he grinned, spinning back to Frank “Let me guess, Fliss?”

Frank nodded “Yeah, I’ll introduce you later.”

Greg raised his eyebrow, smiling a little. “I look forward to it. Anyway, back to business. That opening report from the Welfare Department was good, well as good as it’s gonna get. But dude, Ultimate Fighting? Really?”

“It’s harmless fun.” Frank shrugged

Greg shook his head “Whatever. This next bit ain’t gonna be as easy.” “No shit.” Frank mumbled, looking at his mother as she said something to Highsmith, her attorney. “She’s going to rip me to pieces, and no doubt enjoy doing it too.” “Yep.” Greg nodded “But just keep doing what you’re doing. No outbursts, stay quiet, focussed and listen. If she says something that isn’t accurate, or you think of anything we can use, note it down and I’ll use it in my cross examination, okay?” Frank nodded as Judge Nicholls banged his gavel down and issued instructions for everyone to reconvene. He called Evelyn to the stand where she was sworn in and Highsmith stood up and began firing questions at her, a well-practiced dance, Frank could tell.

From the gallery Fliss watched intently. She’d been missed the first session but Roberta had hastily filled her in, telling her it had gone well. She shot Frank another encouraging smile, just as the judge called them back to order, and couldn’t help but notice how good he looked in his suit. A far cry from his dirty jeans and ratty work t-shirts. Which, if she was honest, she preferred…

Evelyn took to the stand and Fliss felt herself bristling as she proceeded to utterly character assassinate Frank, depicting him as nothing more than an irresponsible bum, floating around with no purpose to life, a man who didn’t care about Mary’s welfare, preferring to simply fly by the seat of his pants instead of giving her any decent roots or thoughts to her needs. At one point, they started to question his motivations towards taking Mary being more about punishing Evelyn that actually caring about the girl. To this Frank’s attorney objected and as the two lawyers began to argue, Fliss found her nails cutting into her palms as she clenched her fists. Roberta gently reached out and squeezed her arm and she turned to the woman next to her and gave her a tight smile.

“Frank’s attorney, Greg Cullen, he’s good…” Roberta whispered, “He’ll go at her when he gets his chance, you’ll see.”

The objection was overruled, the judge telling Cullen he would get his chance to challenge that statement in his cross examination, and Cullen sat down, leaning over to whisper something to Frank who nodded, his eyes not once leaving his mother. Cullen jotted something down as Evelyn continued.

By the time she finished it was almost one pm so they broke for lunch, Judge Nicholls instructing everyone to be back in an hour. Fliss and Roberta headed outside to wait for Frank who met them shortly after.

“Hey.” Fliss gave him a gentle hug. “How you holding up?”

“About as well as I can for someone whose own mother just tore them to shreds under oath.” Fliss’ eyes narrowed “I hope your guy is gonna give her as much of a shredding as she gave you.” “I’ll do my best.” A voice spoke from behind them. Fliss spun round to be greeted by Frank’s attorney.

“Fliss, this is Greg Cullen, Greg, Fliss Gallagher.” Frank introduced them to one another. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” Greg smiled at her, shaking her hand. Fliss looked up at Frank and was surprised to find a faint flush of red on his cheeks.

“All good I hope?” she grimaced and Cullen nodded.

“Oh, very good indeed. I’ve been dying to meet the woman who’s made such an impression on him.” “Greg, piss off.” Frank groaned in a tired voice before he nodded over the road to the café “Shall we grab some lunch?”

They ate together, making small talk, before Greg requested Frank join him alone for fifteen minutes to go over their plan for the rest of the afternoon. Frank stood, and without even thinking about it gave Fliss a quick peck on the cheek. He winced as soon as he had, noticing that Cullen and Roberta were watching him and, knowing Fliss was going to get an absolute drilling from Roberta, he shot her an apologetic look as he walked away. She simply smiled through her blush and shook her head, turning to Roberta who nudged her arm.

“Okay, what was that?” Greg asked as they walked back over the road. “Are you two erm…”

“It’s complicated.” Frank shrugged after a little pause. “We both, well we both like each other but with everything that’s going on we’re just kind of waiting, I suppose. I’m focussing on getting through whatever it is that happens with Mary and then hopefully...what?” he trailed off as Greg was smirking at him.

“Frank Adler. Finally found a girl he likes that much he ain’t simply trying to get her into bed. Wait till I tell the guys.”

Frank rolled his eyes and pointed to the courtroom “How about you concentrate on what’s gonna go on in there instead of what is or isn’t going on in my bedroom?”

Greg gave out a chuckle and patted his friend on the shoulder as they made their way in and headed into the side room they had reserved.

****

“Mrs. Adler, in your earlier testimony here today, you painted a pretty dim picture of your own son don't you think?” Cullen asked, tapping his pen on his note pad. Frank remained stony faced, watching his mother.

“I'm under oath, I take no pleasure in it.” She said with a glance at Frank before she looked down, almost convincingly.

Frank just about managed to refrain from rolling his eyes.

“So, your son is a failure in life, your daughter took her life, you know, you're oh for two.”

Fliss winced and glanced at Roberta as Highsmith said “Objection” in an almost bored voice

“Withdrawn.” Cullen’s voice took on an amused edge but as Fliss watched as Evelyn simply eyed him, completely un-phased.

“If I go one for three, I'm in the Hall of Fame.” she shot back.

“You know baseball.” Cullen pushed his chair back. “Fenway Park.”

At that something flickered in Evelyn’s eye as she glanced at Frank. Fliss followed her gaze and watched, just able to see the side of Frank’s face. His eyes were locked onto her, his expression never faltering.

“You know, I'd like to go there sometime.” Cullen stood up, pushing his glasses up onto his head as Evelyn turned back to him “How often in a year did you take Diane to the baseball game?”

“Diane wasn't interested in sports.” Evelyn replied

“She never wanted to go to a game? Ever?”

“I don't recall her ever asking.”

Cullen moved forwards a step and Fliss saw Frank’s eyes flick to him as he continued to question his mother.

“Just out of curiosity, Fenway, that's a tough ticket. Where do you get yours?”

“My husband has season tickets.”

“And how long has he had them?” Cullen enquired

“Thirty years. But I've only been married to him for twenty.” Evelyn informed him.

“And Diane never went to one game?”

Evelyn didn’t reply, simply raised her eyebrows slightly as if she was failing to see the point. Fliss’ eyes once again flicked to Frank who still hadn’t moved an inch.

“What colour was the dress Diane wore to prom?” Cullen changed his line of questions.

“Diane didn't attend the prom, because she didn't attend the high school.” Evelyn replied calmly

“No prom.” Cullen mused before he asked suddenly.“What sports did she play?”

“As I told you earlier, she wasn't interested in sports.”

“She’s calm.” Roberta whispered to Fliss as Cullen continued to question Evelyn about Diane’s lack of interaction with other children her age.

“Too calm.” Fliss nodded. “But I can see what he’s doing, trying to paint a picture of how she isolated Diane to imply that she’d do the same to Mary. You’re right, he’s good.”

As they tuned back into the examination again, Cullen took a deep breath and glanced to his left

“Mrs. Adler,” he looked back at her, “who's Paul Riva?”

At that Evelyn glanced at Frank, her calm mask slipping ever so slightly but still Frank didn’t move. Fliss could see his expression now carried a faint, and every so sad, smile.

Evelyn gave a silent huff before she looked back at Cullen “He was a boy from the neighbourhood.”

Her tone was clipped and Fliss noticed the judge sit forward slightly at her shift in attitude, narrowing his eyes a little as he watched her curiously.

“Oh, come on. He was much more than just a boy from the neighbourhood.  Paul was Diane's first love. Wasn't he?” Cullen asked.

Fliss and Roberta exchanged a glance.

“I wouldn't characterize it that way, no.” Evelyn shook her head.

“And how would Diane characterize it?”

“Diane was seventeen years old at the time. She didn't know anything about love.”

At that Fliss caught the first movement Frank had made since his mother had started talking. He took a deep breath and looked to his left before turning back, his shoulders moving slightly in frustration as he shook his head slightly, his eyes locking back onto his mother who was carefully avoiding his gaze.

“Mrs. Adler, in January 2000 didn't Diane and young Mr. Riva run away together?” Cullen looked at her.

“He coerced her.” Evelyn corrected with the air of someone picking her words carefully.

“And where did they go?”

“Vermont.”

“And you called the police, didn't you?” Cullen stated rather than asked.

“Yes.”

“Because he kidnapped her?”

“Yes”

“And where did the police find young Mr. Riva and Diane?” Cullen looked at Evelyn

“I told you, Vermont.” Evelyn looked at Cullen, her voice suddenly taking on an icy edge which made Fliss lean forward slightly.

“Stowe, Vermont. Wasn't it? A resort town.” Cullen looked round the court room as Evelyn shifted uncomfortably. “Stowe Mountain. He took her skiing. You see, kidnappers don't usually take their victims skiing.” Cullen paused from his explanation. When he spoke again his voice was calm, and slow, stressing the point perfectly “But this is what Paul did because he and Diane were in love.”

“No.” Evelyn refuted firmly

“And when they returned, you pressed kidnapping charges.” Cullen’s voice rose in volume and speed as he spoke. “You filed a lawsuit against his parents, until Paul stopped calling Diane. Didn't you?”

“Yes.”

“And Diane never heard of or saw Paul Riva again. Did she?” Cullen’s tone was harsh, accusatory as he stared at Evelyn.

“Poor girl.” Roberta mumbled besides her and Fliss shook her head, in utter shock at how a mother could be so damned cruel and out of touch with her own daughter. It made her feel a pang of sympathy for Mary’s mother despite never having known her. Fliss couldn’t imagine what she would do without either of her parents being as supportive as they were.

Evelyn must have answered as by the time Fliss turned her attention fully to what she was saying, as Cullen had asked another question.

“And how did she take it?”

“She was upset for a while. She lost focus.”

“She lost focus.” Cullen turned back to the desk and picked up a small file. “Mrs. Adler,” he turned back, file in hand, “in March of 2001 didn't Diane Adler attempt to take her own life?”

“This episode was minor. It was nothing.” Evelyn replied, her tone harsh.

“Nothing?” Fliss drew in a breath, shaking her head. For a moment she almost lost herself in another memory, of one rainy afternoon in Boston in October 2015, but she took a deep breath and focussed on where she was, as Cullen flashed the file at Evelyn.

“I have the hospital report in my hand.” he informed her

“It was nothing.” Evelyn said again, and now Fliss could see she was rattled. “Diane was not like regular people. She was extraordinary. And extraordinary people come with singular issues and needs.”

Fliss watched as Evelyn leant forward, her face creased in anger as she hissed “You have no idea of the capability she possessed. One in a billion. And you would say fine, let's throw that away, so the boy who cuts our yard can make a sexual conquest? Well maybe before you make that decision, you stand in my shoes. I had responsibilities, which went beyond the mother-daughter relationship.”

She took a deep breath and spoke again, her voice louder this time “The greatest discoveries, which have proved life on this planet have come from minds rarer than radium. Without them, we'd still be crawling in mud. And for your information, counsellor, a year after this incident with this boy Diane thanked me for my intervention. She realized she'd made a mistake and she thanked me. You see, Diane understood. She was accountable for the gift she'd been given. And she didn't shy from it.”

Every inch of Evelyn’s face was contorted with a mixture of pain and anger, and she radiated absolute fury across the courtroom as her rant built to its climax

“And I think, if she were here today, Mr. Attorney, she would refute your baseless insinuations, that she would give up her brilliant future and take her own life just because mummy didn't get her a little red wagon

There was a pause as she took a breath and sat back.

“No more questions.” Cullen said simply, turning back to his seat.

Fliss watched Frank who shifted, rubbing his chin with his left hand, his fingers curling round his jaw in an L shape as he stared at this mother, his face completely unreadable to anyone who didn’t know him, but to her she could see the pain in his eyes.

And from the look Evelyn gave him, it was obvious she’d seen it too.

***** When Mary returned home on the school bus that afternoon, Frank did his best to remain positive and keep his broodings to himself, and was thankful when Fliss suggested they head out for dinner with Roberta. The four of them went to the same restaurant he had met his mother at not long before where he ate, not really tasting his food, or listening as Fliss and Roberta chatted away. Instead his attention was completely on Mary who was stood with one of the waitresses at another table, pouring sand out of one of the bottles that was used to keep the tablecloths from blowing away. The thought that she could be without such simple pleasure of looking through sand for shells, and lost to a world of pressure and solitude like Diane had been, was breaking his heart.

He felt someone squeeze his hand at the same time Mary held up a shell and showed it to him. He took a deep breath and tried to rearrange his face into a smile as he turned to face Fliss.

“It’s going to be okay, Frank.” She looked at him and he swallowed, unable to form his words. Instead his fingers tightened around hers and she simply held his hand whilst they finished up their drinks.

Later that evening, once Mary was asleep inside the apartment, Frank and Fliss sat outside the kitchen door, shoulder to shoulder along the top step.

“You know, until I met you I thought sitting on a porch drinking beer was something only red necked hillbillies did.” Fliss teased him.

“Well, according to my mother that’s what I am.” he scoffed.

“And according to me your mother is a callous, cold hearted bitch.” Fliss spat, with such venom it made Frank look at her, his eyebrow raising a little. She took a deep breath, her voice softening “How can anyone dismiss a suicide attempt as nothing.”

Frank looked away, taking a pull from his beer. They sat in silence for a moment before Fliss broke it.

“You know back in 2015, about five months after I’d gotten married, I almost did it you know? Killed myself.”

Frank’s head turned to face her. She wasn’t looking at him, instead she remained focussed on a spot in the distance as she stared straight ahead. “My life was out of my control, and it was the only way I could think of getting some of that control back. So I took a shit load of buproprion and washed it down with half a litre of vodka.”

“Shit, Lissy I’m sorry, I had-” She waved his sympathy off and continued “After that I was offered all this help and support and-” she snorted bitterly, “I still went back to him. He convinced everyone, including me that the issue was the fact that I was still brooding over my career being cut so short, and then told me that having a kid would fix the issue. In reality there was no issue to fix. I wasn’t depressed as such, I was abused. And that was simply another way of him taking control.”

After a moment she turned to look at him, “I’m not saying your mother abused Diane, not as such but she isolated her for her own, selfish reasons, no matter how she tries to dress them up or convince herself that it was for Diane’s own good. That first suicide attempt your sister would have made a normal, loving parent sit up and pay attention to what was going on. I know it did mine, as Bill never trusted John’s explanation, not one word.” “I should have done more too.” Frank’s voice was choked as he looked down at his feet. “But I was so busy, wrapped up in my finals and…”

“Frank, Diane wasn’t your responsibility, you’re not her parent.”

“No but when Dad died, I promised I’d take care of her, always be there for her. I should have done more, and I should have known, when she turned up that day at mine with Mary…”

“Frankie.” Fliss cut him off, her hand taking his. “Take it from me, my mum and dad and brother went through all of this in their head. Did Diane give you any warnings at all because I know I didn’t?  Look at the lies and the world of fantasy I let John build up round me and detract from what was going on. I told nobody I was gonna do it Frank. And I told no body why I did it either.”

Frank sniffed and wiped at his nose slightly with his free hand.

“So you can either carry on beating yourself up over something that isn’t your fault or you can concentrate on getting the best outcome here for Mary.”

He reached for his beer which was on the step below him between his legs and nodded. She was right, he knew she was, but there would always be that part of him that wondered if he could have done more, it he should have done more.

“Are you planning on coming tomorrow?” he asked, looking at Fliss.

“Yeah, Joanne is covering again.”

“I don’t want to put you out.” he said gently, but she shook her head.

“It’s sorted.” Fliss smiled. “She wants the week of Thanksgiving off so she’s racking up the favours.”

“Well, from a purely selfish standpoint I’m glad.” He flexed his fingers against hers, looking down at where they were entwined.

“I’m not missing your testimony, if only for the sole reason of discovering what your full name is.” she teased as he looked at her. Frank gave a huff of a laugh “Francis Preston Adler, nice to meet you.” He tipped his bottle in her direction. “Preston?” She snorted “Get out of town! There’s a place in England called Preston, it’s like thirty miles away from my home!”

Frank smiled, before he sighed.

“Last day tomorrow isn’t it?” Fliss looked at him as he stared straight ahead.

He let out a breath “Yeah, well last day of evidence. Then we have to wait for however long it takes the judge to read all the reports and make a ruling.”

“Well then, I suggest you get some sleep, or as much as you can.” Fliss kissed his cheek, and with that she released his hand and stood up. Frank followed her lead, rising to her feet. “Oh, and FYI I got an absolute interrogation off Roberta before when you did that to me. Felt like it was me in the dock, not Evelyn.” For the first time all evening Frank laughed.

******

The gloomy, rainy morning matched Frank’s mood perfectly.

He sat in the dock dressed in his suit, feeling as out of place as anyone could. Greg went through the questions he had coached Frank on, questions designed not to paint him as a saint but to simply be real and portray him as a normal person, doing the best he could for his niece in line with his sister’s wishes. Frank answered them honestly. Was he perfect? No. Had he done things correctly? No. Did he wish he had spotted Diane was struggling? Yes. Did he love Mary and want the best for her? With every breath he had.

The questions continued along those lines until they broke for lunch. And then came the cross examination, and Frank knew he was in for a beating.

“Mr. Adler where are you currently employed?” Highsmith asked sitting on the desk to the left of Evelyn.

“I repair boats.” Frank answered clearly

“Oh, really? At which marina?”

“I don't work at a marina. I freelance.”

“So, safe to say, no health insurance.”

“No.” Frank shook his head

“About a week before your sister took her life what were you doing for a living then?”

“I was a teacher.” Frank replied.

“You're being modest, aren't you?” Highsmith said, standing up and walking towards the dock “You were a professor at Boston University Isn't that right?

“Yes, well, assistant professor.”

“And what'd you teach?”

“Philosophy.”

“Truth and logic. That sort of thing.” Highsmith gestured with his hands and Frank simply smiled as the man continued. “Your attorney said that the primary reason that you took Mary is because it was what your sister would've wanted you to do. Is that a truth?”

“Yes.” Frank implored

“So Diane had visited Pinellas County before?”

“No.” Frank said with almost an air of amusement on his face as he looked at his mother for a second before he glanced down and joined his hands in front of him in his lap.

“She indicated she wanted her daughter uprooted and moved here?”

Frank shook his head, closing his eyes. “No”

“No.” Highsmith repeated “So you decided to bring Mary here, didn't you?”

Frank licked his lips and drew in a deep breath as he simply stared as his mother. He was pleased so see her shift in her seat

“Did Diane had a problem with your health plan at Boston University?” Highsmith pressed.

Frank wanted to laugh. The guy was doing exactly what Greg had warned him he would do, attack his lack of healthcare, insinuate he wasn’t able or fit to provide for Mary. When he spoke his voice was calm, and he fought to keep his face as amicable as possible.

“Not to my knowledge.”

“Do you think she would want her daughter to have access to healthcare?”

Dumbass question

“Of course.” Frank nodded.

“So what do you do, when little Mary gets sick? You repair a doctor's boat?”

Frank scoffed a laugh as Cullen objected.

“Sustained.” Judge Nicholls shot Highsmith a look and Frank stole a glance at Fliss. If the situation wasn’t so serious he would have laughed at the identical look she wore to Roberta, both glaring at Highsmith like they were plotting his very painful death.

The rain outside continued to drive down as did Highsmith’s questions, the air punctuated every so often by a low rumble of thunder from the outside storm echoing what Frank was feeling inside.

“Prior to Mrs. Adler giving her one. Did Mary have a computer?”

“She used mine.”

“Mr. Adler, does Diane's daughter have her own bedroom?”

“No.”

“Does she sleep in a bed that you bought in a second hand shop?”

“Yes.” Frank looked ahead, focussing on keeping calm as Highsmith walked towards the dock, gesturing now with his hands, his tone winding up

“So, the truth is, Mr. Adler, that you didn't come down here because your sister wanted it to and you certainly didn't come here because it was good for Mary.”

Frank swallowed slightly and shifted a little, avoiding looking at the man as he tapped his hand on the side of the dock.

“No, it was personal. Diane was a star. You weren't. Diane got the attention. You didn't.”

Frank scoffed silently, oh please, and turned to look in the opposite direction.

“..and over the years You got angry. And here comes Mary. What a great way to get even.”

At that he audibly sighed. He had known this was coming, that his mother’s attorney would try and paint him as petty and vindictive but it still hurt to hear it. Hurt that his own mother would have someone attack him in such a way. He’d defend Mary to the hilt if someone was doing this to her…

“You've uprooted that little girl and brought her here for one reason only. To do harm to your mother. You blamed her for your sister.”

“No, I don't.” Frank broke his silence.

“And Mary to you is just a pawn in all this.”

And that did it, Mary wasn’t a pawn. She was a little girl, a little girl who he was doing is best by.

“Diane wanted Mary, to be a kid” Frank’s voice betrayed his desperation and emotion, and he knew that, but now he was past caring, this was the truth, it was how he felt, and he was nothing if not honest. He locked eyes with his mother as he spoke, driving his words home “.She wanted her to have a life. She wanted her to have friends and to play…”

At that his mother looked away, her eyes glistening but Frank kept his on hers as she turned back to him, his final words were almost whispered

“…and to be happy.”

“You realize the consequences of boredom for a gifted child, Mr. Adler? They become resentful and sullen.”

“Mary's not an angry kid.” Frank’s voice was calm once more.

“Really? Did she not attack a child on the school bus?”

Shit.

“A twelve year old tripped a seven year old and she came to his defense.” Frank shrugged slightly

“Did she break the boy's nose?”

“Yes.”

“On October 16th last year, were you arrested for assault?”

“Oh, my God.” Frank groaned, and he looked down before he glanced back up, momentarily locking eyes with Fliss who he noticed had taken a deep breath. He looked back down, shaking his head

“You have to answer the question Mr. Adler.” Judge Nicholls reminded him

Frank swallowed and focussed on a spot on the varnished surface of the wood in front of him, just by the microphone. “A drunk idiot attacked me and I defended myself. What does that have to do…”

“Did you spend the night in jail?” Highsmith cut him off.

“Yeah.” Frank nodded.

“You are in way over your head here. You're depriving that girl…”

Frank stayed still, shaking his head and glaring at his mother, all the while Highsmith continued ranting on at him

“…you're gambling with her future and now you’re being presented with an opportunity to do right by her.”

“Does council have a question for my client?” Cullen asked loudly

“Take the high road, Mr. Adler before she's rapidly damaged.”

“Does council have a question for my client or not?” Cullen repeated, this time standing up.

“Yes, sir. I do have a question.” Highsmith said. “Tell us. Is your continued guardianship really in the best interest of this little girl?”

“You do your best, Frank. And that’s all any of us can do…” Fliss’s voice rattled in his head, and he took a deep breath. No he wasn’t perfect. Yes, Evelyn could provide for her better than he could but could she love Mary like he did. No, no she couldn’t

He stared at his mother, as he lifted his chin and spoke loudly and clearly.

“Yes.Yes, it is.”

“I have no further questions.” Highsmith spoke.

Frank scratched at his head and left the dock.

***** Following the summing up, they were all dismissed. Frank shook Greg’s hand who told him he would be in touch and Frank left the courtroom with Roberta, Fliss nowhere to be seen. He took a deep breath, realising she was probably going to run a mile after hearing about the assault. That wasn’t how he wanted her to find out. However, to his amazement and joy she was waiting for him by his truck. Roberta nodded to him and made an excuse to nip over the road to the store for a water leaving them to talk alone.

“Thought you’d gone?” he said gently.

“No, I had to take a call from Joanne about a lesson. Why would I leave without saying goodbye?” she frowned

“The assault”

Fliss sighed “Okay, I admit it was a shock to hear but…”

“At least let me explain.”

“There’s really no need. You said you were defending yourself and I believe you.”

“He was a drunk idiot.” Frank continued anyway. “I was actually out with a friend, Jacob and his fiancée, Lisa. Jake had gone to the bathroom and this guy bumped into us and sent Lisa flying into the table, knocking a load of glasses over. When I told him to be careful he took a swing at me only he missed and, well I didn’t.”

“You’re a regular knight in shining armour, Sailor.” Fliss smiled before she looked at him softly. “I know that was hard today. I was so angry and the things he was saying to you but it’s done now. Try not to think on it because you can’t change the outcome. Whatever it is, you did your best.”

“You know I remembered you saying that to me.” he smiled, “Right as he was telling me what a lousy life I give Mary.” “It’s not lousy.”  Fliss shook her head. “She’s loved Frank. And she’s happy.”

He smiled again as she took a deep breath.

“Look, I have to go, I have a lesson in an hour now this rain has let up, but what are you doing tomorrow night?”

“Working.” he said, chuckling as she raised her eyebrow. “Yeah I know, second Friday night in a row but, well I’m behind thanks to this case and whilst Roberta has Mary I can get a good few hours in during the night and then get my head down for a few hours before she comes back.”

“How about I keep you company?” Fliss offered. “Only if that’s ok?”

Frank smiled “As long as you don’t distract me too much.” “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

**** The next evening, Frank and Fliss were in the workshop at the Marina, Frank explaining to Fliss the different components of the oil filter he was stripping down. She gave a loud, exaggerated yawn and he nudged her playfully. She grinned at him, and he didn’t miss the flash in her eyes as she looked him quickly up and down, taking in his dirty jeans, hands covered in oil and his long sleeved thin blue sweater which he knew fit him pretty well. Part of the reason he had worn it.

“Hey.” a familiar voice said, and they both looked up to see Cullen as he stood in the entrance.

“Hey.” Frank frowned “What’s…” “I got some news, and I wanted to give it to you in person.”

“I’ll er, give you a moment.” Fliss offered, and she went to leave but Frank caught her elbow gently.

“No, stay, please.”

She looked at him for a second and nodded as Frank turned his attention to Cullen.

“What is it Greg.”

“Highsmith called. They want to cut a deal.”

“What kind of deal?”

Cullen took a breath. “A foster family.”

“No way.” Frank dismissed the notion straight up and Greg continued to try and win him round, informing him that they could cherry pick and that it would be mutually approved and he’d already found a family in Tampa, which was what he had been working on all day.

“She’ll attend the Oaks, you and Evelyn will get visitation right, and then, when she’s twelve, you can go back into court and Mary can decide where, and with who, she wants to live.”

“You’re supposed to be on my team.” Frank cut his friend off, glaring at him “Why are you bringing me this deal?

“Other than I'm required to by law?” Greg looked back at him, and then suddenly Frank understood.

“You like this deal.” he stated and Greg nodded.

“I love this deal.”

“They think they're gonna lose.” Frank leaned on the work-desk in front of him, looking at Cullen.

“Yeah. They do.”

“You think we're gonna lose.”

“Yes.” Greg replied honestly. “I do, Frank.”

Frank looked down, swallowing before he turned to his friend who sighed.

“I gotta go put my kids to bed. I'll do whatever you want me to do. But, if we leave this up to the judge, Nicholls, he's old school, Frank. Does he like your mother? No. Does he like her income? Does he like her health plan? Does he like her home? You better believe it.”

Frank looked down again, shaking his head, unable to do anything else.

“I've been in his courtroom. A hundred times. And if it's a coin toss...Look at me.”

Frank turned to Greg, his arms still leaning on the top, muscles straining as he grasped at a wrench in front of him in frustration.

“If it's a coin toss, that old boy is going to side with the money.” Greg said gently “So, do me a favour, Frank. Just meet the family. See how it feels. It's all I ask.” With that he took a deep breath. “I gotta go, I’ll see you later. Goodnight Fliss.”

“Night.” she replied, watching him leave.

There was a pause before Frank picked up the wrench in his hand and threw it hard against the wall at the opposite side of the garage, before he stood up tall and turned to Fliss who was watching him, her face contorted in sympathy and sadness.

“I don’t know what to do.” He looked at her, and every single emotion he had been holding back cascaded over him in a wave as he felt utterly and hopelessly overwhelmed. He couldn’t stop the tears brimming in his eyes and he bowed his head, once more leaning on the desk. He felt a warm pair of hands gently on his arm, nudging him to turn slightly and he did so to look at Fliss as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down into a hug. He pressed his face into the crook of her shoulder, his tears falling onto her soft skin as she smoothed a hand through his hair, gently soothing him.

“Sorry.” he mumbled after a moment pulling back.

She placed her hands on his face, wiping his tears with her thumbs, her own filling her eyes. “Don’t ever apologise to me for being upset, Frankie.”

He let out a soft, watery laugh as he dropped his forehead to hers, his eyes closing as he took a deep breath, composing himself.

“You now no one’s called me Frankie since I was a little kid” he smiled.

“Well it suits you.” she pulled away slightly. “You good?” He nodded, moving back out of her arms. “Do you think I should go?” he asked “Meet this family?”

“Frank, I can’t answer that.” “What would you do?”

“I honestly don’t know.” she shook her head. “I suppose there’s no harm in meeting them. But you have to be sure this is what is right for Mary. I do know one thing though, whatever you decide to do, I’ll be there all the way. I told you, I was here for the road trip, no matter how bumpy it gets.”

He nodded, taking a deep breath. He gently took her hand and raised it to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles. “Thankyou.”

**** Chapter 9

[ciggylungz]

Summer bummer- Chapter.3

word count- 1.9k

Summer bummer- pt.3

Pairing- Harry x reader

(a reality tv au)

  ______________________________________________________

The confessional room was hot when Y/n stepped in, she had a few things to get off her chest. Some personal feelings, the finger banging session with Harry from two nights ago and a phone call she had gotten that was really dampening her mood.

She closed the door and turned the camera on, sitting herself in front of the green screen taking a deep breath before starting. “So, these last few days have been kinda crazy…me and Harry have been getting closer and fooled around some. I feel a bit nervous because I think I might actually like him and I know with how dating goes in situations like this it can end horribly especially if he only sees me as a hookup. I also got a call from my sister and she was telling me how she went to my apartment and saw my ex had trashed it after finding out I’m on the show. He even stole my locket with a picture of me and my best friend in it which had nothing to do with him!...” she didn’t want to cry. The asshole didn’t deserve her tears, but it was a shitty feeling and he violated her home so she was really upset.

“It just…god it sucks. We’ve been here for 2 months so we only have one left, and part of me doesn’t want it to be over…I don’t want to have to fuckin’ deal with the shit back home and I wanna see Harry…but we don’t always get what we want I guess so I’m fucked I guess.”

She turned the camera off, exiting the room to make her way to the kitchen to get a snack before sulking outside to have a smoke and mull things over in her head, she couldn’t decide if she was happy or more anxious when she saw Harry sitting on the patio nursing his hangover cure beverage since he’d gone out the night before but Y/n was too upset to.

“Hey love” he settled into the outdoor sofa scooting to make room for the younger girl, patting the cushion for her to sit. “Look a bit down there girlfriend, penny for your thoughts?”

Y/n shook her head slightly lighting her cigarette, “don’t wanna be a Debby downer, seems like you already got a headache” Harry gave her a ‘tsk’ before scooting closer to her. “Nonsense, tell me. been fingers deep in you before, don’t gotta feel vulnerable talkin’ to me.” Y/n lightly smacked his shoulder looking at one of the cameras pointed at the pair getting a little pink tinge to her cheeks. “shush, fine…I’m sad. My sister called and told me my piece of shit ex broke into my apartment and trashed it since he found out I was here. He’s insane, he spray painted ‘whore’ and other shit all over the walls and stole some of my jewelry. And I’m just really conflicted, and I-“ she rubbed her eyes lightly “-I’m sad because we don’t have much time left here, and I like you and don’t want to go home and never see you again…”

Harry smiled at her, bringing her closer to him so her head rested on his chest while her body laid on the couch. “Hey, first and foremost I don’t plan to never see ya’ again. I like ya’ too. Second, want me to deal with that shit head? I’ll go back with you when filming wraps and I’ll beat his ass and help you clean everything up, yea?” she simply nodded and hugged herself closer to him. One of her worries now fading, but she still had a lot on her plate.

__

While the rest of the house was grooming themselves to go out to another club tonight, Y/n was just finishing her shower changing into some comfy clothes and toweled off her hair opting to stay home tonight not exactly in the party mood.

she had thought she was home alone, but Harry soon made his presence known by knocking on her bedroom door clad in some sweatpants but missing a shirt. “You didn’t go out with them?” Y/n questioned while sitting up in bed, letting Harry enter her shared room.

“Nah, decided to stay in with ya’. What kind of man would I be if I let you stay home all alone when you’re sad? Like you too much to do that poppet cmon scoot over.”

She complied, shuffling over to the right side of the twin sized mattress letting the tall man squeeze himself in her sheets. “C’mere give me a cuddle sweetheart.” His arms opened and his warm chest drew her in, her fingers tracing the butterfly tattoo on his upper stomach as they talked.

“Bout’ what you said earlier, how would you feel about goin’ out with me y/n? think we could give it a shot hmm?” He got exactly the response he hoped for, her head tilted up to look at him, happy eyes and a shy nod. “Yea! Really? You’re not pullin’ m’ leg right?” “course not, think I want ya’ to be my girl.”

Y/n was ecstatic, the sadness seeming to go into hiding for the time being while she kissed the man. Her fingers weaving into his hair as she let him drag her body on top of his, pulling her duvet over the two of them so the cameras didn’t get a proper eye full of their private moment. The most he was willing to ket those cameras pick up was the clicking noises of their kisses.

When Y/n pulled away from the kiss momentarily she used the time to make a request,

“Can you finally fuck me now? Please? I’ll be a good girl I promise” her words were whispered but they still had the same affect, a smirk growing on Harry’s face and a stirring of his cock in the sweats. “Yea? Want me to fuck you now that you’re my girl? You’re going to be good and take it all right?” Y/n nodded her head quickly while tugging her shirt off quickly tossing it over the bed, not caring about the fact she was basically about to have a sex tape from the cameras littered in the room about to capture her fucking Harry.

They were frantic, tired of waiting and so they made quick work of their clothes, Y/ now in only her panties and Harry in his now painfully tight boxer briefs, “Take me out pet, go ahead.” His voice was deep, gravelly, and his accent was thick as tar at this point, letting the younger get tug his cock from his underwear watching it spring to his stomach, and to say she was a bit shocked would fit her current expression. “I…I don’t know if I can take it all…why didn’t you tell me you were so big?” Harry only chuckled, wrapping his fist around himself and giving a few strong tugs to his cock, “didn’’t I tell ya’ the first day that if we had fucked you would know? Kinda hinted that I wasn’t small dove”

“jesus…biggest I had was 7 inches” Harry smirked at her bringing her face forward to kiss her again, “First time for everything, including taking your first 9 inch cock huh?” Harry wasn’t shy, he was quite sure of himself and happy with his package, and Y/n was too far gone to even think about backing out now, she didn’t want to. “Take your panties off, you got any condoms in here?” the girl nodded pointing to the night stand next to her bed while she dragged her underwear off her body leaving her completely bare under the blankets. Harry fished the rubber out and brought his hands back under the blankets to rip it open flipping so she was laying under him allowing her to put the condom on for him, smiling slightly watching her use both of her small hands to roll it down his cock. It was a snug fit, he decided next time he’d supply the condom so it fits a bit more comfortably but for now it would do.

Before he started Harry made sure the comforter was covering them as he judged the side of his tip between her folds smiling when he saw how huge the crown looked even before he entered her, yet he looked up when her small hand rested on his lower stomach, “Go slow at first please? It’s been a while and you’re really big.” Harry cooed slightly, nodding as he pushed his tip in slowly. He slowly got about 5 inches in before he felt her muscles tense, causing a great deal of resistance halting his actions noticing her pinched up a bit, “You alright baby?” “Y-yea, just burns a little from the stretch…” “it’s alright yea? Gotta relax so I don’t hurt you…there you go ah shit” he tried to keep his mumbling quiet while he got the majority of himself in her, the tightness almost painful yet he fucking loved it.

Soon enough they found themselves in a rhythm, his hips snapping into hers while she dug her heels into his bum while rolling her clit between her fingers in quick tight circles. Their moans weren’t so quiet anymore, but they didn’t care they felt too good to keep the noise minimal.

“feel’s good now huh? Tell me how I’m makin’ ya’ feel pet.” His breathing was rapid and labored while he tucked his face into her neck, Y/n let out another moan before replying “Good, so fuckin’ good. Feel full can feel you in my tummy…ah daddy.” She couldn’t help the dirty name slipping through her lips, her head was swimming and her body was vibrating. Her orgasm approaching sooner than later, and Harry couldn’t help but eat that shit up.

“Daddy huh? Fuck that’s hot, got daddies cock in ya’ don’t you doll?” Y/n nodded quickly her toes pointing as she came. She couldn’t hold it back anymore, she didn’t want to anyway. Her cunt clamped down on him making him choke on his moans while she had a rather intense orgasm, thanks to him.

“There you go, that’s a good girl…Daddies good girl cummin’ hard aren’t ya? Christ I’m gonna fuckin’ bust doll face.” Harry was in heaven, his balls pulling back into his body while he emptied himself into the condom going stiff while he finished. His muscles going to stone with the overwhelming pleasure causing Y/n to writhe beneath him.

Once he gained composure, he noticed Y/n’s droopy eyes and quivering body, pushing on his stomach slightly telling him ‘it’s too much’ finally taking a deep breath as he removed himself from inside her slipping the condom off and tying it before tossing it in the trash.

“Did a good job dove. Proud of ya’, took my whole cock.” The girl nodded, sleepy flutters of her lashes giving him the hint she was near falling asleep. “gonna be sore tomorrow aren’t i?” Harry chuckled a little tugging her into his side, “Probably, but don’t worry daddy will carry you around if ya need me too.”

 (I hate this chapter, I’m not proud of it. It’s somewhat of a filler chapter to give some body to the piece while setting some updates to help the story flow better after this chapter. They boned so be happy with that sluts. Love ya xx h)

[harrys-reverie]

DOG YEARS // Harry Styles O.U.

Part 2: The Bar Cart

a/n: hey and welcome to part 2! this is kind of short but I felt that it  needed to be it’s own chapter (in my head it makes sense.) aw harry and colette are v sweet in this one (i love them already). also there is colette’s face claim in the collage/mood board above including real pics from the soho farmhouse. :) comments, likes and REBLOGS are v much appreciated happy reading! 

STORY PAGE // PART 1

What I had concluded throughout the night was that this small group of Harry and his friends were just so normal. It was so easy to watch him on a phone clip or on the screen of a TV for an award show and have a false preconception of who he was. After all, he was a huge celebrity -- it’s hard not to imagine him being a certain way. I never could have dreamed he would be the way he is though, I suppose that’s the beauty of first getting to know somebody. As the hours weened late and the clock neared 12 AM, I realized Harry Styles was as normal as any man in a baby chick sweater could be. 

I had never been a massive Harry Styles fan, sure if his song came on the radio I bopped along. If I saw him on my Snapchat Daily Mail snippets, I’d read them every so often — but other than that I had no true preconception of who he was and what he was about. I guess that came in my favor because I had no high expectations from him and therefore he could only go up from there. Throughout the night the five of us took an abundant amount of shots and played a few childish ‘Truth or Dare’ games. I found myself taking a shot of maple syrup and pickle juice MIXED — Harry’’s idea of a dare.

This was the most fun I had since moving over here to England, and in the presence of all these ‘misfit’ like personas, I felt at home. There was no awkward beats, shame or egos. The whole atmosphere was completely judgement free and as light as a feather. I talked to everyone, chatting away about California, good food spots, sports and more. I found it so refreshing to be able to relate to other people’s stories about my home state, a place I was starting to long for.

It was fair to say that we were all peak drunk around 12, dancing along to old 70’s hits as well as current ones. Jamie tried to teach us all  ‘TikTok’ dances she had learnt from her children back home. Of course the 5 of us tried our best to be choreographed and in sync, but failed miserably. Little did they all know I spent most of my free time perfecting these stupid dances. Of course any videos we took, were never posted publicly...but some did make the cut as a private post to a whopping 0 followers. Watching Harry Styles sing the words “I'm a savage. Classy, bougie, ratchet, sassy, moody, nasty” with a bunch of hip pops was an award winning scene.

So as it reached 1 am, I was near my max of what I could handle for the night. My head which was once spinning was now beginning to pound and that gross dry feeling in my mouth was taking over. I hated this part. I didn’t feel sick to my stomach yet but I knew if I didn’t get sleep soon I’d be regretting it.

“Hey, so do ya need a ride back home?” Harry’s raspy voice asked, reading the room very well. He had taken a sudden seat next to me on the couch, spreading his legs apart and laying his head back fully — complete relaxation.

“You drank tonight,” I reprimanded him jokingly. But I meant it, he was the most plastered of all of us. “You can’t drive, even if it’s just down the hill.”

“Can’t argue with that,” He hummed. “’M pretty trashed still.”

I turned my head towards him, he was still looking up as if he was admiring the wood paneled ceilings, taking every detail in. But when I looked closer, his eyes were shut. His face structure was flawless if I’d say so myself. His jaw looked like it could cut someone, his eyebrows full enough to make any girl jealous, and those floppy, thick waves — it was hard to admit that he wasn’t handsome. I blinked my eyes hard, trying to get out of the small trance I was under. I was drunk after all.

“Well…” I began, “I need to start heading down to my casa.”

“Well…” Harry chirped, directing his attention towards me. “If I can’t drive you back down, the least I could do is walk you there.”

“No, please,” I scoffed. 

“Yeah, yeah. Shaddup and grab your coat, it’s about to get chilly out there.”

I knew I’d manage doing the walk by myself well enough alone. The premises of Soho Farmhouse were protected with heavy security and gates. I knew I had no reasons to worry about a swift 5 minute trudge down a hill.

“No Harry, seriously. I’ll be fine!” I argued back, forming a tight lip smile to reassure him.

“Who knows?  A bloody chicken could be loose and start chasing you, ya? Plus, it’s my duty to make sure you get back safe. Now, up!” He instructed. “’M a gentleman.”

I knew there was no point in fighting back, he was adamant about it. Plus the look on his face when I obliged was well worth it. 

The two of us said our quick fair wells to everyone  who was still gathered round the kitchen island talking amongst each other. It might have been the alcohol, but I felt oddly emotional saying goodbye to all of them. For the first time in a month I made what felt like real connections with a group of people and all I wanted was to hang out with them forever. I was bummed knowing Jamie and Jeff would only be here for another week or so.

“Shall we take the wagon, bar cart contraption thing?” Harry offered, pointing to the blue wagon filled with alcohol. 

“I don’t even have the keys.”

“Fair enough, walking it is.”

“Thanks for having me tonight,” I spoke tiredly.

“Don’t even worry about it. Glad to be of assistance in the ‘lit’ department,” He laughed, using quotations around the word lit.

“You’re very Americanized,” I noted. He turned his head to me, raising his eyebrow as if he had just been accused of something terrible.

“That’s why I’m back here in the English countryside. Trying to ween away from all that LA bullshit…” He admitted, running a hand through his hair nervously.

“LA bullshit?” I asked, appalled...maybe even a little offended. Although I had lived in Northern California, an insult to one city of my state was an insult to all.

“Yeah, erm, spent too much time there ‘s all...” Harry mumbled. I was almost sure by his tone he was not giving off the complete truth but I didn’t want to push. Harry started to fiddle with his bottom lips, hit teeth constantly biting it over and over. Most likely a nervous habit. 

We continued walking along the cobblestone in silence, the click-clack of our shoes echoing through the emptiness of the night. Despite the quietness of it all, it felt pretty comfortable.

“I love LA,” I offered sheepishly. “I mean, as long as you surround yourself with the right people, I think LA’s one of the best places you could be.”

“Well you’re just saying that,” He countered. “You’re from California, you’re supposed to say that.”

“False!”

“I loved LA too,” Harry admitted, focusing his attention back to the cobblestone ground ahead of him.

“Loved?” I asked inquisitively.

He turned his gaze to me and laughed, “It’s complicated.”

“LA can have that effect,” I said back, trying not to delve any deeper. I had just met him today after all, there was no reason for him to trust me with any of his problems. 

“I think you staying here will definitely be a big change. It’s about as simple as it gets.” I didn’t want to delve any deeper and invade his privacy so I took his explanation as it was. I couldn’t help but think there may have been a direct correlation with his quick mood change yesterday and his reasoning for disliking California. 

“Looking forward to it,” He smiled. “‘S kinda just like, the perfect situation for me. No press, no distractions, just focusing on myself...the music.”

“Mmm, exciting.”

Harry caught my gaze, “You’ve got no idea.”

We began to approach my cottage, the smallest one on the property. The lights on in the kitchen we’re still on from when I left. They were now shining through the windows giving a angelic glow to the darkness of the night.

“No rush to get up early tomorrow.” Harry insisted as we approached the large wooden door. I looked at him excitedly, all I wanted to do was sleep in after tonight and he had just granted me his permission to do so.

“Really?” I questioned.

He nodded his head, “I’ll be sleeping in late too. Bloody tired.”

“Alright I’ll just wait for a text from Jeff..”

Harry cut me off swiftly, “Or myself.” He pointed a finger to his chest playfully.

“Or yourself,” I agreed.

“But don’t worry, like I said, sleep in and uh I’ll see you tomorrow maybe.”

For some unknown reason the air between us felt extremely awkward. I was still a little tipsy, but coming down quickly. I thought to myself that if this was any other guy, I’d probably be on my tippy toes and ready to kiss him, because why not? But it was Harry Styles. He was like my boss, I guess, and he’d have no interest in me. If anything he’d file a restraining order if I tried to pull something like that. I pulled my jacket closer to my body as the air swirled around us.

“Alright well goodnight!” I exclaimed bringing him in for a quick side hug. Harry quickly turned it into a full on hug, giving me a tight squeeze. He smelled divine. How badly I wanted to arch my head up and meet his lips, which were probably freezing. The alcohol just does something to me and makes me want to kiss almost anybody to be fair. Making out with friends whilst drunk was one of my famous traits. It was like he had handed his warmth over to me because being embraced in him I instantly felt warmer, any shivers I once had were gone.

He let go of me and awkwardly stood there, his hands flying into his pockets. “Just want to make sure you get in safe,” He noted, bringing his lips into an awkward smile, shooting his gaze towards the door.

“Oh yeah, of course,” I laughed nervously. I emphasized the key in my hand, giving him a big smile as I twisted it and unlocked the heavy door.

“Right,” He muttered.

“Get back safe!” I chirped, allowing myself to fully walk in the warmth of my cottage and turning to face him.

“I’ll text you.”

“Oh?” I arched my eyebrow at him jokingly.

“Goodnight, Colette.” And with that he turned on his feet, slowly waking back up the treacherous hill and to his abode.

I slammed the door fast, the thunderous noise vibrating through my whole cottage. I rested my back against it in a state of relief and confusion of the encounter I had just endured. Pulling myself back together and avoiding any intrusive thoughts I may begin to think, i decided to start up a hot shower and brew myself tea.

HARRYS POV

I felt weird. I hadn’t felt this way since the night I had met Camille, years ago at a friends party. It was a feeling I longed for, but also was scared of. The creative side of me wanted to embrace the feeling, the broken side of me wanted to steer clear. I knew the girl I had just waved goodbye to depended on this job, I couldn’t just ask for a replacement — plus, I was intrigued. I felt like I was at tug of war with myself over a girl I had just met earlier today. It was a tad ridiculous.

I figured the best thing for me to do was to only call her around when trulynecessary. It wasn’t like me to be this unwelcoming, but the feeling in my stomach that was creeping up to my mind was telling me to be this way. I wasn’t going to text her tomorrow for anything. Colette, right? Yep, that was her name — how could I forget it. A face as pretty as the name. I didn’t say much when I came back into my temporary home, instead I insisted I needed sleep and get a propers nice rest of what was left of it anyways. It was the most polite way to let my dear pals know to fuck off for the night. I loved them all, but I needed to get situated and I wanted space. Time to myself is what I cherished most.

I rushed up to my bedroom, shutting the door and entering the attached bathroom. I neatly undressed myself, taking a deep stare in the mirror. I looked at myself hard, the alcohol was still in my system so I appeared a little fuzzy. I felt older, my hairline was not what it used to be in the 1D days, it didn’t bother me but I had seen some tweets about it. My facial hair was growing in kind of unevenly, this is what I get for wanting to be independent and not have a stylish take care of how I look. I preferred it that way though, that’s how it should be.

Sighing, I went for the toothbrush and started on my nightly routine. I wanted to create a new set of routine now that I was becoming accustomed into this place I’d be calling ‘home’ for the next four months.

After freshening up, I let my body get underneath the cool covers, pulling them up high up to my neck to keep me warm. I stared at my phone that was sitting on the wooden table side. I always kept my phone on Do Not Disturb when I was taking time off for myself. Seeing a bunch of missed calls and emails stressed me out, and I wanted to detach from all that. I let out a puff of air, knowing what I’d be seeing if I decided to take a look at my phone. But the alcohol that was left in me couldn’t hold back so I reached for it anyways.

I quickly opened up the safari tab and typed my own name, something I was never keen on doing. I hadn’t done it for weeks actually, but I knew there was a part of me that needed to see what was being said. Just like that, a bunch of highlights of new articles and my name as well as hers were everywhere.

“Fuck..” I sighed, closing my eyes shut for a second. “Why..”

Camille Rowe, model and famed ex girlfriend of musician and heartthrob Harry Styles releases tell all book — including steamy details of  her former romance with the star!

Click. I waited for the page to load, nervously biting my lower lip.

There’s a lot of things we should thank Camille Rowe for — her Vogue tips on how to achieve the perfect Parisian makeup look, inspiring the fabulous Harry Styles Fine Line album and now releasing a book telling us ALL about her old relationship with the man himself!

Details in the book delve deep into her once what seemed great, but now known doomed relationship with the singer. She mentions details of cheating, jealously and what Harry’s really like in the bed. Thanks Camille — you’ve answered all of our questions. Turns out, Harry is just as packed as we thought he would be!

I couldn’t read it anymore, I felt humiliated and invaded of my privacy. Privacy. The one thing I valued most in my life, the one thing I hold onto like it is the most precious jewel in the world. Privacy — the one thing Camille knew was the most important aspect of my life. I grew up in the spotlight, placed under a huge amount of pressure and scrutiny. I felt as if I was made from a testing tube so specially to fit into a mold of a person I wasn’t.

For so long in my life I had felt as if people knew everything about me, even more than I did — and that’s a harsh feeling. I regained that privacy back after leaving the band and learned how to maintain a healthy balance of showcasing who I was to the world but holding back at the same time. It was what made my albums, my art, so special. Making my songs and putting them out there was  my own personal invitation to those who listened, to get a glimpse into my life.

I felt sick and the alcohol in my stomach stirred the more I thought about that damn book.I was getting older, and alcohol didn’t clique with my body the way it used to. I opened my messages up, seeing Camille’s name at almost the top of my list of new messages, probably trying to apologize.  What she should have done was ask if I was comfortable with her releasing a book that almost solely focused on our past relationship. A relationship that was well done with for almost 3 years now. For fucks sake, I’d always have love for the lady, but she never knew when she took things too far. I finally felt at peace and fully over her, and here she was ambushing my life and swiping away my beloved privacy.

I swiped left on the unopened messages, deleting them before even reading. I had to focus on the positive, that’s why I was here in the countryside after all. I hadn’t answered my publicist since the damn book came out last week, I didn’t even know where to start or what to stay. I wanted to keep silent, MIA.

Tonight with Colette though, I forgot about it all. She was stunning, there was no denying that. Funny too, and a little shy. She didn’t come off star struck by my presence, she treated me like any bloke off the street. Normal. Dropping her off at her cottage tonight, after spending the past few hours with her bloody gorgeous face, I wanted to snog her face off. Was I getting too old to be acting that way? I didn’t want to scare her off though, and that wasn’t really my style anymore.

Hookups and shit. The amount of one night stands from my days in the band were shameful. Thinking back to having security bring girls we thought were hot to our hotel rooms for a quick fuck, was so common back then, it was insane.  It was a part of my life that I felt deep regret for, and sickened me to think about. I was young, horny, and willing to give my body up to any girl. Most of the time, I felt awkward. I’d see a girl at the bar in a fancy hotel we were at, I wouldn’t even say a word to her, 20 minutes later I was back in my room, waiting for my security to drop her off for an hour or so. No phones, sign an NDA, show ID of proof of legal age, be my type and bam, she got to be fucked by Harry Styles.

Things were so much different now, I focused more on making those connections, I found it built more of an attraction. The lead up to the sex or the relationship, was now my favorite thing. After years of getting instant sex, waiting for it had now become the best part.

I shook my head, brushing away these invasive thoughts I wanted to avoid and memories I wanted to forget. Switching off the lamp beside me and placing my phone on charge, I dozed off.

[bts-fic-mania]

DAZED DAMSELS

PAIRING : BTS × Female OC

GENRE : Fluff | Romance | Comedy | Husband AU!

RATING : 13+

WORD COUNT : 11.4 K

SUMMARY :

Balancing between work and home has been quite a tiresome task, but still Min Ji has been managing and juggling through all of those responsibilities thanks to her lovely husband who's always been by her side as her backbone. Will this Wedding, Bachelorette party and a simple shopping trip add in a bit of spice to her life...?? Help her reminisce her past...??

Having the most important responsibility of all time can be nerve wrecking but Soo Jung is determined give her best friend the best wedding a person can ever wish for. But how is she gonna react to the fiasco and the most astonishing revelation of eternity...??

It's the biggest day of Ji Na’s life -'Her Wedding Day'. She never even dreamt that she'll marry the man who ruled the entire world's hearts. Her family and friends didn’t leave any stone unturned to make her wedding more memorable. She wouldn’t have had this much fun in a million years. Little did she knew that the universe had another special thing in store for her...

"Where are the Keys ?" He inquired, looking for them in his pockets.

"Tae, Open the door already !! I'm soo tired... My feet are gonna give out..." Min Ji whined as she slumped down on the floor, her back against the door.

"Yahh! Where did i keep them. " He said, still struggling to find the item.

"Yep. Gotcha." He jiggled the keys, then inserted the key inside the lock to open the door.

Both of them entered their home, tired and exhausted.

Min Ji plonked herself on the couch, face first while Tae went inside to place the packs with their clothings in their bed room, getting himself a bottle of water on his way back.

His phone began ringing the moment he sat down beside his wife.

"Hey Jungkook-Ah !" He let out, rather chirpily.

Min Ji wondered how he could be soo lively after their wearying shopping trip and soon she observed an elated expression plastered on his face.

He disconnected the call, a soft smile on his face.

"What ? What did Jungkook tell you that's making you smile so bad?" Min Ji asked teasingly, her head propped on her elbow.

"Jungkook invited me to his Bachelor's party which is gonna be held in a week. I'm soo excited to meet all my hyungs after such a long time." He sinked back into the sofa, his expressions were enough to reveal how happy he was at that moment.

"That's nice." She grinned, too elated to see her husband so riant.

"Ohh i completely forgot." He remembered. "Jungkook mentioned that his wife wanted you to attend her Bachelorette party too."

"Huh... But... I don’t even know her or anyone there, what will I do alone. I'll stay at home with my bed, my soulmate." Min Ji stated, casually.

"Ohh... So your bed is your soulmate then who am i ?" Tae asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Uhmm... You're my lovely, adorable and handsome husband." She complimented him.

"Yahh... Min Ji-Ah You need and have to go okay. Get out of this house and just enjoy your life, jagi. There's an entire world outside these four walls." He tried to convince his wife.

"You know how i feel in a crowd full of people I don't know. Even you won't be there. I'd be really bored." She retaliated. "Secondly, I've got nothing to wear and I'm no mood to go for a shopping trip anytime soon."

"I'd accompany you and we'd buy a gorgeous dress for my beautiful wife. Please Min Ji." He pouted.

'His puppy eyes were too hard to resist. Damn, he knows my weak points.' She thought to herself.

"Okay. FINE." She gave up.

'It was easy for him to make her agree with everything he wanted.' She thought, looking at his satisfied smile.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

Works been keeping Min Ji and Taehyung pretty busy lately.

Who says a Teacher's Job is easy...? For a teacher like them, who literally put in their whole and soul into their work, it's never been facile. Sadly, being a teacher is the most under appreciated job despite the burnout they go through, every single day.

Min Ji and Tae lazed around after being drained of all the zing.

They worked their asses off, the entire week, since they had to take a few days leave on the occasion Jungkook's marriage.

Min Ji flipped open her journal just to discern that she still needed to go and buy a dress that she'd wear for Jungkook's Wife's Bachelorette party.

' It's Sunday tomorrow and the Bachelorette's gonna be on Monday... So I'm gonna go shop tomorrow and drag Tae along too... YES!! It's Sorted then. ' She planned in her mind.

"Tae, We need to go look for a dress I'd wear to the Bachelorette's. So you need to accompany me tomorrow." She said, unaware that her husband who was sitting on the couch, besides her, his eyes fixated on the TV screen as he played 'Over Watch' did not acknowledge a single thing she said.

No response made her look at him and call him out again.

"Tae..."

"Tae..."

"Tae..."

"Taehyung..."

"Mr. Kim..." Min Ji spoke again, touching his shoulder to shake him, but he shrugged it off.

In spite of Min Ji's repeated attempts of trying to gather his attention, the boy didn't budge.

"YAHH!! KIM TAEHYUNG!!" She shouted, annoyed that her husband ignored her entire existence, completely focused on the game.

Taehyung jumped from the couch, stumbled down to the ground, puzzled and scared out of his guts. The controller dropped on the carpet by his side with a 'thud'.

Min Ji was trying hard to suppress a loud laughter as she saw her husband's pallid appearance.

"Bahahahahaha..." She laughed, hysterically.

Taehyung stood confused, trying to figure out what just happened.

"Min Ji-Ah..." He whined, putting his headphones down at the coffee table, picking up the controller, placing it on it's proper place.

Min Ji cackled while Taehyung smiled lightly, listening to her melodious haa-hee.

"Stop It... It was not that funny." He turned to her.

"I-hh It wah-hh was..." She held her stomach and tried to calm her breathing down.

"It was sooo funny. You should've seen the look on you face... Haha..." She beamed.

"Okay Okay... Fine... Now speak up, What's the matter ? What did you want to tell me ?" Tae inquired.

"I just wanted to inform you that we're going shopping tomorrow and you're coming with me." She let out, straight.

"Oh... Okay... But that's all?" He asked and she nodded.

"Yah!! You disrupted my game because of such a mere thing." He said, crossing his arms over his chest and frowning.

"Tae... Okay... I'm sorry." Min Ji pouted as Tae turned his head to his side, away from her.

"I was thinking that I'd order Japchae for dinner today. But since you're soo annoyed with me..... " Min Ji continued.

"Japchae!!" His eyes twinkled as he drooled, visibly.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

"Tae... Get Ready..." Min Ji whined, her husband still lying down, occupied on his phone, unaffected by what she told him.

"Kim Taehyung, I swear that I'm gonna burn your phone to ashes if you're not ready by next five minutes." Min Ji warned.

She giggled as she saw Tae immediately standing up, dropping his phone at the nightstand, stumbling on his way to the bathroom.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

Tae locked the main door as they stepped out of their home.

"T-" Min Ji was cut off by the ringing of Taehyung's phone.

"Hello Bogum." He said, signalling Min Ji to wait for a minute as he went a bit away to talk with his friend.

A few minutes later, Tae returned, apologetic in guise.

"Look... I know that I promised you that I'd help you with the dress but Bogum's father is in the hospital and he needs my help so i need to go. I've got no other option Mini... " He was sad.

Taehyung was really a genuine friend that everyone deserved to have. He was always up for it when his friends needed him.

"It's okay, Jagiya. I'll manage everything, here. Bogum needs you right now so you should go. Don't worry about me." She assured him as she placed her hands in his.

"I owe you one for this, cupcake." He spoke.

"What's up with these nicknames? Huh?" She teased. " And you don't owe me anything." She pecked his cheek.

"What did i do to have you in my life.?" He hugged her and her cheeks flamed up.

" Taehyung-ah, Bogum might be waiting for you... Goooo...."

"Bye. I Love You." He shouted, running towards his car.

"Yahh!!! This Boy!! " Min Ji smiled to herself and shook her head in disbelief.

'Seems like I gotta do this all by myself' She thought as she mentally face-palmed.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

Min Ji wandered from store to store looking for a suitable dress she could wear to the Bachelorette but in vain.

She was strolling through the hallway when a beautiful, metal black, bodycon, dress caught her eye.

She immediately entered the outlet, looked for her size in the dress and bolted towards the trial area.

As she was about to enter the corridor, her phone went off. She opened her handbag, looking for it and then,

"Ope!!" Min Ji squealed as she stumbled backwards but managed to retain her balance and save herself from the embarrassment of falling straight on her bum.

Min Ji bumped into another women who was storming out of the corridor, busy taking over her phone and both failed to realise the other's presence.

"Sorry!" The lady said as she bowed and dashed towards the exit.

"It's.... fine..." Min Ji said, which came out as a whisper since the woman was already out of the store by the time she uttered those words.

She shook her head and headed to the trial room.

"Yah!! Soo Jung-Ah!!!" A voice called out, behind a closed door, Min Ji just went past.

"Aye!! Come here and Help me." The voice spoke again.

Min Ji's motherly instincts rose after listening to the word "Help" so before she realized, she knocked on the door.

"Hey! There's no one outside here since you're calling out for them..." Min Ji continued "Are you alright ?? I can help you if you want me to."

There was absolute silence for good few minutes until the voice spoke up again, "Hey!! Could you please help me fix the zipper of my dress..? Since you can see my friend's already bailed out..."

Min Ji stifled a chuckle, "Yep...Sure."

The door opened which revealed the silhouette of a woman dressed in a wedding gown.

Min Ji couldn't help but remember the day of her marriage and smiled to herself.

"Here... It's Stuck!! " Her voice snapped Min Ji out of her daze.

She moved towards the woman, trying to pull it up but it didn't move.

She took a step away and stood there, analysing it, thinking of something that could be used repair it.

An idea struck her mind almost instantly as she reached out for some Vaseline from her handbag and applied it to both the edges of the zipper before pulling it up with a 'ZIG' and *VOILÀ*, it was fixed.

"Thank you so much." The woman smiled.

That's when Min Ji looked up at the woman's face but she couldn't help but feel that it look familiar.

"Do I know you? Have we met before? I think I've seen you somewhere." She inquired and let out a string of words before she could stop them from rolling off her tongue.

The look on her face turned sceptical as she could practically see the wheels turning inside woman's head.

"N-No... I don't think so." She immediately grabbed her shades before putting them on.

"Oh-Okay then... I should leave." Min Ji bowed and made her way out.

'Weird' she thought to herself.

Min Ji couldn't help but feel that she knew the women she just met.

But the thought subsided as soon as she tried her dress on. And she knew what she was gonna have on for the party.

She rushed towards the cash counter, bought the dress and made her way back home, happy to finally relax after an entire day full of exertion.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

Min Ji stepped out of the lift, trudging towards their apartment.

She was about to open the door when she noticed a hamper with a card by it.

She picked it up, trying to figure out who could sent it to them and walked in, shutting the door behind her.

She slouched on the couch and started unboxing it.

It contained Two Exclusive Perfumes: One Chanel and One Jo Malone with an Invite to Jungkook's Wife's whose name as mentioned on the card was KANG JI NA.

It stated that Min Ji had to be ready really early tomorrow (which meant waking up even before that,,,URGHHH....) since it wasn't just the party but a trip filled with activities including all of them staying there.

"OHH GOD... I NEED TO PACK UP EVERYTHING..." Min Ji bolted towards her room, ready to complete another task so she could lay down on her bed at the earliest.

❖ ── ✦ ── ✧ ─ ◈ ─ ✧ ── ✦ ── ❖

Here she was stressed the heck out of her life waiting for what these next few weeks hold.This was it. This was the day Kim Soo Jung, Head stylist of JK's company and wife of the famous actor Kim Seok Jin, was gonna be held at the helm of being THE BEST MAID OF HONOUR. Knowing her best friend Kang Ji Na was gonna get married to the love of her life after a period of creepy stalking and one sided administration (Really pretty adjectives used by Soo Jung to make Ji Na flustered Infront of Jungkook).

She was more than happy and overwhelmed at the fact that her friend's one sided endeavours bore into fruitition and before she knew those two were marrying each other. She has to say this is one of the most happiest moments of her life. She states dramatically to her husband, right after she enters the house with cake samples and seating herself on the couch, not wasting a second to search up her contacts for best wedding dress maker.

"I thought discovering cookies and cream flavour was your happiest moment." Jin retorts while sitting beside her on the couch, with a mischievous smirk on his lips.

"You know me so well Jinnie!!" She says smiling fondly and leaning in to give him a cheek kiss.

"Did you like to rush home from work and Wow... did you bring me some cake!!" Jin says while taking the package placed on the tea table.

"Those are cake samples for Ji Na's wedding" she says while Jin opens the box and gorges over one of the sample.

"Don't knock yourself out with those cakes I too have to try and decide the best one. How do you like that one, though ?" She asks.

"Oh it's soo good I was starving" Jin says with stuffed mouth and reaches in for another sample.

"No!!! Jinnie it's not for you to eat. I have to do the taste test and find the best." She whines poutyly while snatching away the box

Jin's face dulls down with disappointment.

"Okay you can eat those but you will have to tell how each one is and help me find the best." She says.

Jin's face lightens up. "You are the best Soo Jung-Ah!!" He exclaims while taking away the box.

And like that with just a mere snap of finger, Soo Jung's one of her many jobs was done. she pats herself internally while smirking at the victory of having her strategic plan work. She hands him over the taste quality rating list with names of each flavour.

Jin does whine about work given but feels it's worth the delicious cakes he tries.

She calls in the best of all wedding planners who is also Jin's childhood friend, wedding designer whom she worked with for a huge actress's wedding having advantage of discounts and instant work.

Now the biggest deal of all, The Best Bachelorette party.

Soo Jung had planned everything before a week of wedding rolled around. She went in with Ji Na and other bridesmaids for dress fitting, approved and checked up all the wedding arrangements made by Hoseok her wedding planner, mailed all the invitations. Everything was going according to her plan until she couldn't think of a good idea for bachelorette's, which she needed to sent invite for too.

Soo Jung racked her brain while tapping her pen continuously on the edge of her planner. She took few days off and was working continuously towards her maid of honour duties

Being frustrated she thought of going out meeting other friend as she was feeling coerced and needed air to breath.

She went in and waited in the café while ordering a sweet Caramel Frappuccino.

"You know I recognised it was you just by seeing that overly creamy drink on the table without even looking at your face." Yoongi teases her while settling himself before her in the small cabin.

"I don't know what you are talking about." Soo Jung says while enjoying her drink and humming in contentment.

Yoongi just chuckles and gets himself a simple Iced Americano.

"So how is your Best Maid of Honour campaign going? " Yoongi asks.

That's when she starts to worry again about something she came here to avoid.

"I am facing an idea block for the bacherollete party." Soo Jung sulks while worrying maybe her coming to this café only wasting the precious time she has.

"Just do as we boys are doing." Yoongi remarks while looking at his phone.

"Oh yaa I forgot to ask Jinnie. What are you guys doing?" Soo Jung asks expectantly.

"Las Vegas baby!!! We always teased our youngest about taking him to Las Vegas and getting him wasted before his wedding. We know he likes Hangover movie too much. So we had to fulfill his fantasy." Yoongi lets out with excitement.

Soo Jung deflates and starts to rack brain again for ideas.

"You don't seem to like that idea..?" Yoongi claims after lifting his gaze from to the phone and meeting Soo Jung's disappointed face.

"Nah that's too typical and so unlike Ji Na she hates clubbing and getting wasted. I want to do something she loves and something she can relax with as it's gonna be her big day." Soo Jung says while sipping her coffee.

Yoongi smiles at her thinking how she cares so much about the ones she love.

"I am sure you will find something." Yoongi says while patting her head.

"I hope so." She returns him a smile.

"Oh why don't you ask Namjoon as he is Ji Na's best friend and knows her for long time too." Yoongi suggests.

"Yahh! I am Ji Na's best friend, can't you see who is the maid of honour. I don't see Namjoon picking out dresses and bouquets for her." She remarks offended.

"He is the best man.....but I thought I was your best friend." Now it's Yoongi's turn to be offended.

"Whatever he is managing Jungkook's side so he doesn't count as her best friend right now... It's complicated Yoongi. But you will always be my little meow meow." Soo Jung teases him.

"Yahh how many times I have to tell you not call me that." Yoongi spits with mild anger yet internally feeling pleased.

"Come on... I know you love it." Soo Jung teases him with mischievous grin.

Yoongi answers her only with a slurping noise of his coffee.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

When Soo Jung reaches home she contemplates what Yoongi said. Namjoon really did know Ji Na way long than she did and having no other choice she had to step down her pride just a little bit and ask him for a few pointers regarding Ji Na's likes and dislikes.

Soo Jung waits until two telephonic bleeps and hears a hello from the other side.

" Hey Namjoon, this is Soo Jung." she introduces.

" Oh Soo Jung it's been long since we conversed.. How are your maid of honour duties going?" Namjoon asks.

" It's been great actually. You know I won't let my best friend down ever." Soo Jung remarks while emphasizing a little bit more than necessary.

Namjoon just gets amused at her kiddish saltiness towards him.

" Hmmmm..." He states after a period of awkward pause " So what did you call for...."

Soo Jung clears her throat "About that.... I was thinking of few bachelorette ideas and I did find many, like many great ideas that she may love but still do you have any suggestions about what she might enjoy." Soo Jung adds in the unwanted whipped cream to save herself after remarking herself as best friend cause clearly she doesn't have any great ideas.

"So much for being Ji Na's best friend...Huh?" Namjoon teases but doesn't give her time to retort. "She did say she loves hiking and camping." he says without giving much of a thought.

Suddenly a light bulb lightens above Soo Jung's head.

"Thank you very much Namjoon, I agree you win this time. Bye! " before Namjoon can tease her for her slip up she cuts the call.

She swiftly opens her system and looks for the hiking resort just near the venue.

She can't believe how perfect the whole deal is. Being a full day trip she wants it to be a surprise.

Soon she orders in to design and send her the invites in two days with complimentary perfumes.

Now that everything is sorted she thought she could relax but still she was a little stressed about how whole plan will turn out.

Next day she shopped secretly for everything she needed for the party and came back home, exhausted.

Having taken off she gave all her responsibilities to her assistant who was great at her work but still Soo Jung preferred to not risk it and checked before finalizing everything.

She started to work on her real job while settling herself comfortably on bed.

"Soo Jung-Ah! finally I caught in your natural habitat otherwise you were out as a light by the time I returned." He says while settling himself beside her and cuddling her up.

"Aww Jinnie I missed you too" Soo Jung said while keeping her work aside and started playing with Jin's hair while looking at beautiful black-brown orbs.

"You are doing great my wife. I can say you are The Best Maid Of Honour." Jin states while intertwining their fingers together, pressing a fond kiss on her hand that he held in his.

" Do you think this will earn you browny points and I will let you off the hook for whatever mischief you have planned for." Soo Jung remarks sceptically.

"Noo... Jagiya I mean it." Jin states with sincerity. "You have been working so hard I am proud of you." Jin looks at her with a smile.

Soo Jung has nothing to say to her husbands's soft demeanour so just smiles with cheeks tinted in a shade of pink.

"But yaa it was so evil of you to manipulate me into helping you to select a cake for you. Now my trainer wants me to work half an hour extra otherwise I might look like a dumpling on screen." Jin whines poutyly.

Soo Jung can't help but laugh out loud at the prospect of being caught and also feeling fuzzy over the fact that Jin caught on to her plan.

"It's okay Jinnie your fans will still coo over you saying how you look like a cute dumpling, All puffy." Soo Jung mocks his crazy fan following.

"Somebody seems to be jealous." Jin remarks with a mischievous grin.

"Why would I when I have the real deal and besides you aren't my favourite actor either." Soo Jung states while leaving the room to prepare dinner.

Jin falters at her sudden motion and starts whining about what she just said.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

The days roll by and soon the day of the trip comes around. She wakes up way earlier than anyone to pick up everything she needs and order the van to reach the venue.

Now all she has to do is pick up the bride.

Soo Jung gives Ji Na a heads-up and is glad to see she received her call.

Ji Na having a good life style habits unlike Soo Jung is way more in a better condition in the mornings.

Soo Jung is far from being a morning person but she has to push herself for her best friend.

She rushes her to the venue and see's most of the girls have arrived. Soo Jung invited all of the girl group members Ji Na trained and debuted with before starting her solo career. Even after going solo she tend to be in good connection with most of them.

Soo Jung see's a really pretty woman approach whom she kind of recognise from some where but can't put the finger on.

°°°°°°YESTERDAY; IN THE SAME STORE°°°°°°

Ji Na was assessing her gown when she heard a knock on the door of her trial room followed by her best friend calling her out.

Ji Na opened the door only to reveal a stunned Soo Jung who eyed her up and down, examing Ji na's dress.

Soo Jung was mesmerized to see her friend in a princess wedding gown.

"Whoa... You look FANTABULOUS!! " She exclaimed.

"Thank You" Ji na blushed at the compliment. "But Where did you disappear?" She asked strictly. "If it would've been for that lady I would've still been holding up the dress and standing lonesome, calling your name out like a fanatic in the empty area. But thanks to no one other than you, that lady was about to recognise me and my identity was just a bit away from being revealed." Ji na blabbered.

"JI... Calm down. PLEASE. My assistant called me to inform about a sudden fiasco regarding your Bachelorette party so I went out to sort them up a bit. I'm thankful that the women was at the right place at right time and happy that she wasn't one of your crazy fangirls." Soo Jung says, grateful.

Ji na passed her a mix of an annoyed and a 'yeah-yeah' look.

"I feel kinda Guilty tho..." Soo Jung continued seeing a big 'WHY ?' written on her best friend's face. "Actually, on my way out, I bumped into a woman and if she would'nt have had balanced herself, she could've fallen down. And i was in such a hurry that i didn't even apologize properly."

"It's okay, hun... Rhe next time you meet her, if it be, then you can repent over this." Ji na patted her shoulder. "But for now.... We need to look for dresses we'd wear to the Bachelorette now that my wedding gown has been finalized." Ji na reminded.

Both the women went out and started looking out for a dress as per their preference.

°°°°°°°° PRESENT; BACK TO THE TRIP °°°°°°°°

When she realised where she recognised the women from, she immediately looked away away, her back facing the woman approaching her, now.

Ji na saw Soo Jung standing awkwardly, so she approached her.

"What's wrong??" She asked.

"That woman from the shop, she's a guest at your party." Soo Jung confessed, embarrassed.

Ji Na looked over her friend's shoulder, "Ohh Shit!!", her eyes turned wide as she rotated in her stance too.

"You know her too?" Soo Jung asks a bit muddled.

"She was the one who helped me with my zipper the other day and then things were left on an itchy note." Ji Na clears it.

"So she was the one who you bumped into." Ji na says and Soo Jung nods her head as an answer.

The best friends stood there uneasily for a good amount of time until Ji na felt a hand tap at her shoulder which forced her to look at the bearer of the hand, but she whirls Soo Jung along with herself, both smothering a guilty look.

The woman's expressions falter a bit but transform into a smile soon. "Hey! I am Kim Min Ji, Taehyung's wife " She states chirpily.

The faces of both Soo Jung and Ji Na retorts into confused expressions.

"Hi... Sorry for yester-" Soo Jung gets cut in between.

"Sorry about what.....oh about the incident where we bumped into each other yesterday." Min Ji states calmly.

"Yup I was the one who suddenly left Ji Na alone. It's just I had learnt my assistant did this huge blunder....." Soo Jung starts to explain herself.

"It's completely fine... You don't have have to give me any explanation and no need to be awkward. You are Maid of Honour for lords sake... I can understand the pressure you have. The time's have passed by soo let's start anew, shan't we ?" Min Ji said as she put her hand forward in front of Soo Jung.

Soo Jung looked puzzled at Ji Na who was too shocked herself.

"Yeah... Yeah, for sure... You're right! Nice to meet you Min Ji... I'm Soo Jung by the way, Jin's Wife." Soo Jung smiled, taking Min Ji's hand for a hand-shake.

"Ms. Kang Ji Na or should i say soon-to-be Mrs Jeon Ji Na, the idol and bride-to-be. You looked soo familiar." Min Ji states with a warm smile.

"Hello Min Ji! I'm sorry, I'm just not used to be in public that way..." Ji Na confessed.

"It's completely fine..." Min Ji says as she leans in for a hug.

"I am glad you made it. It's really good to meet after so long. Jungkook tells a lot about you and Taehyung." Ji na states.

"I'm happy to meet you in person too Ji na..." Min Ji let's out.

AND THAT WAS ENOUGH TO BREAK THE ICE BETWEEN THEM.

"It's bizarre about how we never met even after the boys being such good friends..." Soo Jung turns to her for an excited hug.

"So what are we gonna do today..??" Ji na inquired.

"Let me present the amazing plans you have today, as this is your last day before you forget us for ethereal fiance of yours." Soo Jung teases and Ji Na can't help but start blushing.

The trip starts off with you guys changing into hiking attires to enjoy the mini hiking trip Soo Jung planned.

Ji Na seemed to be thrilled and very much after knowing the day Soo Jung planned.

All of the girls start excited for the perfect view the top most peak holds.

Hiking enthusiastically Soo Jung seemed to enjoy the trip. Being not much of active person herself the idea of hiking wouldn't much of a liking for her personally but when it comes to Ji Na she seems to be the opposite.

Soo Jung starts to breathe in the fresh crisp air and loved how the birds chirped pretty while she was surrounded by the lushious green trees with healthy sunshine peaked through the canopy when she looked up.

Everything seemed fine until..... halfway she suddenly remembered why she despised hiking.

Breathing heavy she tried to catch up with others but she can't permit it herself. She was just thankful Min Ji didn't leave her side purely through concern. Suddenly Soo Jung felt a cramp on her side.

She still tried to walk in failing a little by twisted her ankle. She just stood there cursing the person who mentioned to her that hiking was an amazing plan. 'Who was that Satan... Obviously it was Namjoon!!' she face palmed herself.

Min Ji faltered in her steps seeing Soo Jung was left behind. She approached her tired face.

"Are you okay, we can wait in the café which is just a minute away. Will you able to hang in till then?" Min Ji bent down to look at Soo Jung like a person would speak to a child hurt.

"I am fine....ouch..." Soo Jung moaned while trying to walk.

"Oh you seemed to have bent your ankle. It's fine let's just settle ourselves there." She says and guides Soo Jung to nearby artificial tree trunk fashioned bench.

"I can't believe I chose hiking of all activities. I know Ji Na loves it but I should I have known it would have been a bummer to me.....so much for asking Namjoon for advice." Soo Jung snorts.

Min Ji laughs at Soo Jung's childish bitterness.

"It's okay you can see Ji Na is having fun. So you did a great job. Don't be too hard on yourself." Min Ji comforts.

" Do you like hiking ???" Soo Jung asks for the sake of having conversation flow.

"I am neutral towards it. But I do love camping. I am looking forward to that." Min Ji remarks.

"Ohh I love camping too since I was a child. It used be the only reason I went camping. For amazing s'mores and playing funny yet memorable games with my friends. Those were some good days." Soo Just states while reminiscing her past camping memories which she can't forget about.

According to her those were the best of the summers she ever had.

"Same. I loved camping as a child too. It used to be the best part my summer. I used to love treasure hunting and all the team work we used to put in. It used to be so exhilarating as a kid." Min Ji states with admiration.

Soo Jung makes a agreeable noise.

"Which camp did y-" Soo Jung got cut off by Ji Na coming there way.

"Are you okay Soo Jung-Ah ?? I noticed you weren't with us in the café so I came back searching, did you hurt yourself?? " Ji Na asks concerned.

"No I am fine just sprained my ankle a little. Everything is good and dandy other than that." Soo Jung tries to cheer up to not worry Ji Na.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

Soon with her friend's assistance, Soo Jung finally reached the peak. When she takes in the beauty all her anger towards hiking washes away.

Now after having comforting spa treatments all of them get ready for the bon fire party arranged in the camping site.

Soo Jung brought in the most comfy sweaters with pjs to wear and she created a unique one with bride to be embroidery for Ji Na.

Then all of the girls gathered around the bon fire to enjoy marshmallows with some booze.

All of it brought back soo many memories and Soo Jung couldn't help but feel warm that she is feeling the same endearment she felt when she was a little girl. With all the girls camping huddled up and cozied in one blanket, all of them enjoyed some amazing barbeque with delicious s'mores.

S'mores aroma and sticky yet amazing texture always brought back her childhood.

At the end all the girls played some random games like never have I ever and chatted about random things while being tipsy.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

Next day they woke up, the sun peering through tent they crashed in and heard the most pleasing birds chirping.

Soo Jung exited the tent to see Min Ji and Ji Na already awake yet groggy sitting on the grass while sitting curled up by bringing their arms towards chest as if to protect themselves from the chill yet soothing spring early morning.

Soo Jung joined in while settling herself on the prickly yet fresh dewy grass.

She started to look at the beautiful butterflies which were on for their honey hunt. At the moment she felt the most peaceful in days.

"Last night was so amazing. I loved every second of the camping Soo Jung-Ah. Thank you for such an amazing surprise, Chingu-Ah." Ji Na said while hugging her Maid Of Honour lovingly.

"Anything for you..." Soo Jung returned a smile filled with warmth.

"How long do you guys know each other?" Min Ji asks curious.

"For five years or so right after she started her solo career I became her stylist and now her best friend. But it seems like I know her forever" Soo Jung remarks clearly admiring her friendship.

"Oh I was meaning to say this, I am a fan of your work and it completely reflects how creative you are, in the way you planned this trip. I enjoyed myself alot. It was just so.." Min Ji's fond ordeal is continued by Ji Na.

"Nostalgic... Right ?" Ji Na said.

"Yeahh.... Exactly..." MinJi let out.

"I felt that too" Soo Jung affirmed.

All of them start to giggle at the similarity and sat in comfortable silence remembering their childhood.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

The same evening the party kicks in the resort with loads of champagne. All the girls dress in their fanciest out fits looking all glamorous. Soo Jung gets ready along with Ji Na and Min Ji.

Ji Na's Dress :

Soo Jung's Dress :

Min Ji's Dress :

Soo Jung feel pleased to see everyone having fun and sips her drink in the corner.

All the start usher Soo Jung to make a toast. Soo Jung getting a little embarrassed just states how much she loves Ji Na and jokes about she might be the only fan who actually got to marry her idol.

Music started to create an amazing vibe for everyone to enjoy themselves. Ji Na's fellow idol friends performed one of their hit songs as a girl group and she herself joined in.

Soo Jung did plan few drinking game to get Ji Na wasted.

"Drink if you are married." Hwasa proposed which let to some of you take in the shot except for Ji Na who was forced into drinking any way as she was bride-to- be.

"Take a shot if you texted some one four hours straight." Irene remarks.

Soo Jung glares at Ji Na who seems to avoid taking a shot.

"Does it even count if you don't get a reply." Ji Na whines with defense.

"It sure does honey..." Hwasa states who is a little drunk herself and forces her to chug the drink. Everyone fall into a giggling fit even though things did not seem to be as funny. It's just every body seems to be tipsy.

"Take a shot if you met a movie star." Ji Na remarks with ulterior motive of revenge.

"Jin is not a movie star he is just an actor." Soo Jung remarks catching on her motives but fails as she is forced to take two more for denying.

By the time clock hits one all of the guests blacked out drunk chatting nonsense and some of them just moving to the beat.

Soo Jung cares for the safety of all the girls and ushers to their rooms to sober them up cause she really can't afford to ruin the wedding tomorrow.

After having a lovely day, Soo Jung feels a rush of relief wash over her. She relaxed for a while looking at her planner for further activities then realised she didn't check up on the boys.

She scrambles in for her phone on the nightstand.

Jungkook:What are... 2:55am

Ddeokdinnie:we are... Wednesday

Soo Jung opens in Jin's text first.

Ddeokdinnie[9:04am]: We are half way to Las Vegas

[ Photo sent]

Ddeokdinnie[11:01]:We just checked in to our rooms. We sure gonna show a nice time to Jungkook-Ah, but that kid seems to have his brain elsewhere. So much for bringing him up to be a fool he is now🤦🏻‍♂️.

Ddeokdinnie [1:55pm]: You seem to be busy.Enjoy!

Ddeokdinnie [2:05am]: i m gld u ennjoying.i miss u....

Soo Jung can't help but smile at the small miss you which seems to be written after having right shots of soju.

Soo Jung replies Jin that they are safe and adds in a miss you and love you.

Now she goes to the attend Jungkook's text as the lover boy seems to be really brought up by Jinnie. Soo Jung chuckles reminiscing Jin's hypocrisy and opens the text with no intend to reply just to exhilarate him. Clearly in non positive ways.

Tsundure turned lover boy[1:05am] : I know Soo Jung you might have taken her phone away give it back to my Ji Na.

Tsundure turned lover boy[2:55am]:What are guys doing. I just wanted to check in if Ji Na was having fun......Let me know how she is.

Soo Jung coo's over Jungkook's adorable concern and feels tempted to message him back. But she doesn't, wanting to tease him a little and knowing he would pester Jin or Tae for the information anyway.

Soo Jung soon forces herself to sleep as she still has a lot of responsibility as a maid of honour and reminds her that this is not the end.

Next day she wakes up to the harsh ringtone of her phone.

"Hello..." She answers with scratchy voice.

"Hey...Soo Jung, This is Hobi. You seem to be still asleep. Seems like yesterday was wild. I have arrived to the venue...."

Soo Jung glances her watch too see she is late.

"Oh God I overslept I should have not participated in those drinking games.....I will be there soo just give me five. You are already aware of plans please follow through." Soo Jung states while hurriedly rushing to her closet and hanging up before Hobi finishes his okay.

❖ ── ✦ ── ✧ ─ ◈ ─ ✧ ── ✦ ── ❖

The D-day came when the heart throb of millions of women round the globe Mr. Jeon Jungkook,kpop idol turned camera director was going to be someone's man and the luckiest girl who had been chosen for him by the gods above was none other than Ms. Kang Ji Na, kpop idol who is not as much as famous as jungkook but still made a little space in the hearts of netizens with her charm, dignity and hard work which never let downs her fans.

They both were more like a couple made in heaven. It was like as if a committee was setup in the ethereal heaven with various gods, goddesses and angels discussing over who should marry jungkook and how to make his wedding one of the best ones the universe had ever experienced.

There was golden silence in the room until the alarm popped out of no where and kept roaring like a wild cat.

Ji na gave it a few hits as if it were her own fiendish child weeping to get his things done and she trying to keep his mouth shut.

"Ji na, get up!!!" yelled her mom.

"Eomma...five more minutes..." moaned Ji na,trying hard to overcome the state she was in.

"You can't still be asking for five more minutes like you always do pabo...its your wedding day and you have loads to do." told her mom in one go.

On hearing that she gets up at the speed of light.

"AHHH!!! It's my important day. How did I forget?? Eomma, I still cant believe I'm getting married. Its happening..OMG I'm soo nervous." she says exhilaratingly.

Her mom is rather a calm lady unlike Ji na who couldn't hold up her emotions that well and state to tear up for no reason.

Her mom plants a kiss on Ji na's forehead as a sign to make her calm down.

"Eomma, can you pinch me...cause I cant believe I'm actually getting hitched up with Jungkook." says Ji na frantically.

Her mom considers it to be her one and only best and the last chance to take revenge from her daughter for troubling and teasing her from the day she was born.

She pinches Ji na so hard that her entire body suffers from redness and make her look like a cherry.

"AHHHHH!!!!!! Eomma not that hard..You shouldn't be taking your grudge on your young, beautiful daughter like this.." tells Ji na rubbing the spot where her mom gave her a mark that's probably gonna last till she dies.

"It was a pay back Ji na..its nothing when compared to how you made me suffer by living in LA and leaving me alone in korea.." exclaims her mom.

Ji na gives her mom a tight hug and a peck on her cheek..

The door which was kept ajar opens in the blink of an eye and there stands a 5 '11" tall, young man with black hair which doubtlessly looks like a dense enchanted forest.

Ji na looses her grip on her mom and jumps onto the man like a tigress coming for her prey and he catches her softly in his arms and Pat's her back.

"NAMJOONAH!! You arent supposed to be here." lies ji na who missed him a lot and wanted to see him very badly.

"What is Jungkook doing?" inquired Ji na letting loose of namjoon.

"He panicked when you didn't pick up his call..he called you numerous times and he ended up sending me here to check on you" complained namjoon.

"Oh shit!! I didn't check my phone from last night... SooJung and MinJi made me drink FIVE FULL SHOTS of soju at the bachelorette's. You know that I get drunk with just one shot ..it took me time to sober up" she exclaimed.

"Umm I see...I guess you guys had a lot of fun at the party while we kept wondering what you guys were doing and just wasted our precious time at ours." Namjoon complained rubbing his finger on his chin.

"Don't lie joonie!! You guys went to Las Vegas for your bachelor's while we stayed back at here. That explains how you guys enjoyed a lot more than we did." Whined Ji na holding both her hands firmly to her waist.

"I wish what you said was true. We indeed went to Las Vegas, but the party got messed up and Kookie ended up drinking like a monster, chanting your name and crying like a baby and we were thrown out of the bar for his behaviour..." Namjoon sighed.

Ji na couldn't control her cackle and laughed out loud, " I wish I could see him like that".

"Namjoon, I think you should leave now and help your brother. It's an important day for him, TODAY." interrupted Ji na's mom.

She quickly yeeted Ji na into her bath room asking her to get herself a shower. Namjoon smiled and made his way out of the room.

But before Namjoon left the room Ji na shouted, "OPPA!! Tell jungkook that I love him and I love you too oppa....BYE!!!"

Namjoon quickly peeked through the door and gave her a big smile showing off his cute dimples.

Ji na took off her clothes in the bath room and made her way into the shower. She drenched her whole goddess figure with water. After 5 minutes of standing like a statue in the shower, she grabbed the shampoo and manipulated it on her hair until her hair oozed out with foam.

She tried to style her hair with foam and acted like the character she was in and also tried to add up karaoke to her performance.

She finished her so called bathroom concert and dabbed her damp, trickling body with a fluffy towel and came out of her bathroom with a thick bathrobe.

As soon as she came out she was yeeted onto her bed by two beautiful women who were indeed her best friends.

"SOOJUNG , MIN JI ....you scared me to death... GOSH..." she stuttered.

The maid of honour, Mrs. Kim Soo Jung and The bride's entourage, Mrs. Kim Min Ji are twinning in a beige sheath silhouette and the hemline reaching their ankle.

"Here!! Ji na take off that robe" SooJung said plainly.

"YAHHH!!! What are your intentions??? I'm gonna complain about you two to my husband" Ji na joked.

The three of them kept laughing for a while.

"We came here to help you with your make up,hair and your dress Ji na" MinJi exhaled.

"Oh!!that's great, So we'll start now" smiled Ji na switching her mood.

Soojung helped Ji na style her dress . The wedding gown was a ball silhouette which had a transparent fabric at the back with a zipper and her bust being a bit revealing in the front . The gown was extremely long with beautiful embroidery sewn on the hemline.

The fabric at her back was see-through and glittery which made Ji na's beautiful back on display for everyone to watch.

Min ji helped Ji na with her bridal make up and fixed her long locks.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

The bride's family arrived at the hotel where the ceremony was about to take place. They were greeted into the hotel by the hotel staff.

Simultaneously, the groom's family also arrives.

Min ji and Soo jung swiftly grabbed Ji na's hand and they ran to their hotel room.

"YAHH! Leave my hand...it hurts" Ji na complains.

" I'm sorry Ji na, But you know it's considered bad luck for you both to see each other before marriage " explain MinJi.

Ji na keeps dreaming of her past about how jungkook hated her like hell and later falling hard for her after coming to know the real her.

A sudden beep of her phone breaks her reverie. Before Ji na could check her phone Soo jung yanks it from her hand.

..........................................................................................

25 Oct,2020

4.00 pm

          I want you to meet me in room no.275 in 15. Come soon sweet heart. I'll be waiting for you.

                                                         Love- Jungkook

..........................................................................................

" Umm...so you guys are planning to meet before the wedding huh!! You very clearly know that we are never letting that happen" bawls Soo jung.

"But......I want to see him very badly." Pouts Ji na.

" Soo jung, let's prank Jungkook by sending Tae instead of Ji na" says MinJi enthusiastically ignoring Ji na.

"That's a great idea!! I'll message Jungkook telling him to put a blind fold so that he won't know its Tae.." grins Soo jung while texting Jungkook.

The both ladies end up dressing Taehyung into Ji na's spare wedding gown and decorating his head with a large wig. They lock Ji na in the hotel room and follow Taehyung .

Taehyung quickly knocks the door twice where Jungkook was waiting in and enters the room valorously while the two young ladies tip toe into the room and hide behind the couch for a better view of the drama they were gonna encounter.

Jungkook yanks Taehyung into his arms and holds him tightly not giving him enough space to breathe.

" Bae!! You've turned a lot more muscular than the last time I saw you. Don’t you think you've been gyming a lot these days?" Said the blind folded man, vigorously kissing Taehyung's neck.

Taehyung couldn't stop his guffaw .Jungkook takes off his blindfold on hearing a manly sound. To his damn, God for saken surprise, he found three familiar personalities rolling on the floor and laughing their heart out.

He feels extremely abashed and his cheeks turn red as an apple from the embarrassment he faced then.

" You really thought it was easy for you to meet Ji na before your wedding. Didn't you ?" Laughed Min ji holding her painful stomach .

Jungkook was completely speechless at that point and he couldn't utter a word to defend himself. The three of them kept teasing him and enjoyed themselves laughing at the awkward Jungkook.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

Now, the actual deal of the day was to come about. Jungkook and Ji na were just 30 minutes away from starting their new lives together and annexing their names with each other.

The wedding hall was pervaded with a horde of dignified guests seated on their respective tables on the either side of the aisle.

Jungkook's parents positioned themselves on the left side of the aisle on the stage while Ji na's parents installed themselves onto the right side of the aisle. Both the elderly couples were dressed in their traditional hanbok while the other family members and the guests designed themselves with modern western style.

The wedding hall was beautifully decorated with flowers and so the hall was filled with fragrance of those beautiful flowers. There were daisies, calla lilies, ranunculus, tulips, roses of different shades etc. There were wedding curtains here and there which camouflaged with the tint of those beautiful flowers. And not to forget about the sweet strains of classical music that drifted through the crowd.

Jungkook was stunning in a single-breasted charcoal tuxedo with a white wing collar shirt and a cute black bow tied around his neck line with some artificial white calla lily along with it's buds worn on the lapel of the tuxedo. He situated himself on the dais afore the aisle.

The guest tables were crammed with few costly goodies of dryfruits, champagne bottles, distilled water bottles and few pre wedding photo cards of Jungkook and Ji na.

The bride's maids accompanied Ji na to the aisle helping her hold her long gown. Ji na stood idle for a while at one end of the aisle meeting her eyes with Jungkook's who stood at the other end. All the heads turned to face the far end of the walk. The music stopped and the opening to the bridal chorus began to play.

Jungkook couldn't help but stare and grin at his gorgeous wife-to-be.

*****Jungkook's P.O.V*****

I couldn't believe my eyes. I know, Ji na is beautiful but I never thought she'd look absolutely stunning in a wedding dress. If I knew it before then I'd asked her to wear it every time we met. My eyes stopped listening to my brain and started to tear up in happiness .It was obvious cause it is the first time that my eyes encountered the most beautiful thing in the world,my dearest Ji na-Ssi. But I still managed to roll back few droplets just to ensure nobody would make fun of me after.

The dress perfectly fitted onto her. I couldn't help but notice her flawless love handles. I even cursed and swallowed harshly when Ji na stood before me like that.

She wore a Cinderella ball gown with embroidery on her bodice. Rhine stones and Pearls were sewn on her gown that matched her crystal head piece. She held a French rose silk bouquet. When she began to walk towards me my heart beat matched with her pace. It started beating so fast that I thought it'll probably gonna tear up my chest.

The way she looked at me when she started to walk towards me had sent an arrow that pierced through my heart.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

Ji na positioned herself beside Jungkook a feet away from him, but he managed to pull her towards him by her waist. She gave a warming look at him with a big smile on her face. And jungkook grabbed a chance to give a peck on her cheek.

"Cherished family members and honoured guests, I would like to thank each of you for coming out this evening", the preacher on the podium spoke.

" Let us begin by offering thanks to the lord on this wonderful day", all of them bowed their heads and he prayed.

The preacher led them through their vows and it was time for the exchange of rings. Both of them slipped their rings on each others fingers.

" By the power vested on me, I now proclaim you both husband and wife. Now, You may kiss the bride." the preacher ordered.

Jungkook leaned forward onto Ji na and kissed her plump lips placing his hands on her shoulder.

The emcee of the ceremony was elected to be Mr. Kim Seokjin, actor and best friend of Jungkook. He performed his duties very well from guiding the guests to introducing the cake cutting and bouquet throwing activities at the end of the wedding by cracking jokes in between that kept the guests entertained.

Jin announced the dinner and the hotel staff placed the delicious food before the guests guided by jimin who took the charge of catering .

Mean while Ji na and Jungkook left the hall to change their outfit into a comfortable one. The Best Man and Maid of Honour trailed behind them to help them.

Jungkook followed Ji na to her room but the bridesmaid's successfully shoo-ed him away.

They returned to the hall and sat beside each other on the podium. Jin handed over his mic to his beloved wife to give a speech and so the entertainment continued as each of their friends started singing,dancing and giving speeches for them. Jungkook even managed to pull Ji na to dance with him.

After the commencement of their evening, the guests were offered dessert and the couple went back again to change their outfits into traditional korean hanbok.

They returned the hall holding each others hand and greeted each and every guest at their respective tables. The guests stood up at their places pausing for hugs and kisses congratulating the young couple and giving them beautiful gifts.

Jungkook managed to invite south korean president and the first lady who just arrived at the time the newly weds were greeting their guests. The older couple congratulated the younger ones and handed over a venus flower basket which has a great reason to it's own. In Japan it symbolizes " till death do us part". They helped them reach out safely, greeted them once again for accepting their invitation and returned back into the hall.

Ji na then turned around throwing her bouquet behind her. The women collided with each other as they tried to catch it.

Jungkook and Ji na ran to the decorated Ferrari that waited for them. Taehyung and Jin tried to stop both of them from escaping, just to tease them.

Taehyung tried hard not to step on Ji na's long trail that brushed the ground as they ran. They were so quick to get away. Jungkook jumped in the driver's seat helping Ji na settle herself in the passenger seat. Jungkook took off as if it were a race. The ribbons, twisted coils whisked in the wind behind them.

The happily married couple left the hotel all by themselves to get few dates and chest nuts for the pybaek ceremony held at Ji na's in-laws place.

"I'm not gonna speak to you, Ji na . You hurted me...", said jungkook seriously steering .

"What did I do kookie?" Ji na cried out.

"Firstly, you didn't show up when I texted you. And worst of all you sent Taehyung instead. You know how they made fun of me", complained Jungkook.

" I sent you a sorry text later sweet heart", Ji na defended herself.

Jungkook gave Ji na a staid glare.

" And secondly, you've distracted me during the entire wedding with that sexy dress of yours and ofcourse your seductive figure. My mom caught me eyeing your provocative figure and she gave me a death glare...", pouted Jungkook.

Ji na chuckled and leaned forward to give Jungkook a quick kiss and settled herself to where she was before.

" Are you tryna give me a ROADHEAD baby girl. I'm ready for it . Go on", Jungkook laughed.

"STOP KOOKIE!!! You're so shameless. There are people here", shouted Ji na cutting her eye contact with Jungkook's and blushing all herself.

Jungkook halts his car at the parking of the store and both of them entered the store merrily.

Ji na let goes jungkook's hand in the store helping herself to find a small pack of nuts. After 15 minutes of struggling, she eventually finds the perfect sized pack.

She turns to face her husband to show him what she got. To her surprise she finds him standing at the bill counter with a large pack which is half of his height.

Ji na quickly grabs Jungkook out of the queue .

" What are you doing Ji na? You cant see I'm paying up there!! " Jungkook yells.

" Is this whole packet for the entire family? Pybaek's only for us bae. We dont need a larger pack." Ji na explains while throwing the large one to where it was before.

" I want you to collect as many nuts as possible with your skirt at pybaek so that we'll have many kids." Jungkook says in a matter of fact tone.

" This man's probably gonna kill me with those looks some day and he never forgets to embarrass me everywhere " she thought to her self hitting her palm on her forehead .

She grabs Jungkook by his hand,paying off at the counter for the packet and yeeting him into their car.

Jungkook trails behind her silently and gives her a soft kiss and they're off to their destination.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

Both the couple arrive at Jungkook's lavish house and his parents greeted the young couple into their house. Ji na handed over the packet to her mother in law .

Both of them entered the hall way which was crowded with their friends and family members.

" You were fast kid. Both of you ran as if you were eloping." said Jin bursting out his wind shielded laugh.

" I realized that if we both stayed there you and your wife were never going to let us breathe. So we had to do that." replied Jungkook with a poker face.

" Let us begin the ceremony. " called out jungkook's mom.

Ji na and jungkook sit facing eachother beside the table decorated with chestnuts and dates.

Ji na and jungkook hold a white apron from both it's ends and his parents threw them towards the newly weds. Jungkook gives his 100% , catching everything without missing a single seed. Ji na couldn't stop but give jungkook a kiss on his cheek for his extraordinary performance .

The number caught signifies the no. of girls (dates) and boys (chestnuts) they would bear in future.

Later Jungkook lifts Ji na on his back and gives her a ride to denote his strength which is a part of ceremony.

Jungkook places a chestnut between his lips and its Ji na's turn now to take a bite from his mouth.

All of their friends and family members cheer them and enjoy themselves with the drinks and so the wedding day ended on a happy note.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

The next day Jungkook wakes up first yet late after their first official first night from a state where Jungkook back hugged Ji na tightly, protecting her from the cold breeze and their duvet being tangled up between their legs.

He quickly gives Ji na a cute sleep peck on her forehead and goes out into their new kitchen to make her breakfast.

After a while, he comes back with two cups of caffé latte along with croissants and wakes his wifey up.

" WOW!!! I'm quite impressed. " exclaims Ji na giving him a kiss to appreciate his efforts.

" I did this only to get a kiss from you and now my mission is successful." he says joyfully plonking on the bed beside Ji na.

»»-—————--✧✦✧--—————-««

A sharp door bell breaks Ji na and Jungkook apart who were probably enjoying their best quality time watching a movie while cuddling each other. Jungkook curses even without knowing who showed up at their home, gets up angrily to attend the door.

As he opened the door he hears a loud thud followed by metallic sheet pieces, ribbons falling straight on his head.

When he recovers from the unexpected blast he sees his's and Ji na's friends standing with balloons, party supplies and beverages.

They hug Jungkook and run into his house without his permission. He stands there for a while with a poker face and ofcourse crying internally for the interruption they caused.

He closes the door and returns to where ji na is.

" Jungkook-ah, sorry for the intervention. It's been a long time since our last meet so we just came here to see you both. ", explains Taehyung.

'It was yesterday we last met . This bastard is getting on my nerves' Jungkook thought to himself giving him a fake smile and crying internally.

Ji na senses Jungkook's annoyance and tries to calm him down, simultaneously, greeting the guests trying hard not to show them how they actually feel.

" It's been so long we all sat together like this. So I thought it would be a great around every one and come to breach our lovely weds time." Namjoon wiggled his eyebrows teasingly while Jungkook got more pissed.

"Oh my God I just asked Jungkook to watch it with me. I myself was really looking forward to it. It's gonna be amazing view from our balcony.I am glad you brought in all of us together." Ji Na states excited but yet feels the longing gaze Jungkook gives.

" This was gonna be our thing, You spoiled it hyung." Jungkook whined poutyly but Ji Na pulled him closer to comfort the giant man child.

Soon every body gathered in the balcony. With some Chinese take out brought in by the considerate Jimin.

Namjoon started to adjust the telescope to view the shower more precisely to be able to witness it's beauty.

All started to anticipate the meteor shower to start soon as per the live news shown on the internet. All just cuddled up in their blankets and fell into random conversations.

Couples start to get sappy to which the single boys started to mock yet all were grateful to have their loved ones together to witness something that will happen only few times in a period of human existence.

"So what were you guys doing fifteen years back." Taehyung asks

"You know, we were just a bunch of dorky kids who wouldn't even care about once in a life time astronomical deals, it was characterized nerdy." Yoongi retorts sarcastically.

" That was the reason I didn't invite you guys then." Namjoon states silently while still peering through the telescope.

" Oh God!! I saw one. Guys!!! it's happening!! " Namjoon states excited as if he were the same kid fifteen years ago.

Soon the meteors start falling through distinct sky appearing like beautiful splinters of fire which can be explained as the fireworks made by nature.

Along with Namjoon all others start to get excited and some of them start jiggling around happily while holding to the balcony reeling.

The maknaes pushed their hyung to try and see the meteors a little nearer through the only telescope.

While staring with lightened smile MinJi states" I remember seeing this while camping when I was eleven with two of my best friends. It was one of the most beautiful thing I ever witnessed and that with them along with me. It's nostalgic seeing it again today", said with her eyes sparkling.

Soo Jung gets a little confused " What a coincidence I saw the meteor shower in a summer camp with my friends too."

Ji Na can't help but cut in and she felt a chill run down her spine for such an absurd coincidence the world has ever played on them.

"So Min.... Minty, Oh God Min Ji!! Are you MINTY POO?" Ji Na shouts shocked.

"That means, Soo Jung you are SOJU BUN !!" MinJi exclaims.

Now all of them just look at themselves in silence

"What are you long lost sisters or something..?" Yoongi remarks sarcastically while not being able to digest the trio's exaggerated expressions.

All of them just start giggling together as what Yoongi said was actually close to reality.

"Some thing like that, Yoongi... All of us went to the same summer camp when we were eleven that's where we know each other from." Soo Jung enunciates.

" Wow!! I can't believe this can all be coincidental and it's so absurd we didn't realize this till today." Ji Na states still in daze about the new found information.

" It's okay Jiffy Bugga..." Soo Jung teases.

" I can't believe we found each other again. I missed you guys so much after I left the summer camp. I still get dew-eyed thinking about our memories." Min Ji says while pulling the two girls for a group hug.

"W-Wha-Ba-Hahaha... " Taehyung cracks up listening to his wife's name. "Minty poo!! " He says breathely, earning a slap on his arm from MinJi herself.

"Soju Bun huh. Should have told me sooner." Jin teases Soo Jung while patting her head.

Soo Jung kicks him to his shin and he exclaims way dramatically than the actual pain.

" I just meant that I don't need real SOJU when i have you." He says, agonizing in pain while Soo Jung side eyes him.

On seeing their hyung suffer like that, all the boys who were previously laughing, instantly shut up while Jungkook who was about to taunt Ji na with her nick name clamps his mouth up too.

After the girls stop getting perplexed and emotional about there unexpected reunion they pull a toast for life and how things can turn out so unexpected.

❖ ── ✦ ── ✧ ─ ◈ ─ ✧ ── ✦ ── ❖

[abalonetea]

Just Keep Breathing: Chapter Three

I was partnered with @the-dot for the @originalfictionbigbang​! Thank you for working with me, Dot!

Here is the first chapter! I’ve split the first 10k words between four chapters, and will be posting them all in a masterpost in just a moment!

Summary: It’s the height of storm season and everyone in Hi-Banks, Florida is getting ready for the bad weather. It should be a year like any other - but on the tails of a national pandemic, a new disaster strikes. More than one new disasters. So many disasters that Eddie Carver would like to put some of them back, thanks. He’s just a down on his luck guy living in the local trailer park with his boyfriend. He’s not interested in dealing with the revival of an old murder case - which he knows nothing about, thanks -, the storm season of the century, or…zombies?

Yeah. Absolutely not interested in the zombies.

This black-comedy follows the inner workings of a small town as they band together to survive, and the young man - reckless, mean, angry, written off b the big city folk come to look into a cold case - that might hold all of societies survival in his hands.

Forget about society.Eddie’s only interested in keeping his friends alive.

Chapter Three – The Troubles Begin

“ - the riot appears to have originated inside of an office building in Toledo, where the CEO of Marino Corps was evidently thrown from the top floor window. The cause of the riot is unknown, but it has grown both in number and in scale of violence. The hospitals in the area are overflowing with victims, many of whom are suffering from bite wounds - “

Click.

“ - and if the tropical storm continues on this path, it will run directly in front of Hurricane Beth. The resulting storm will make land fall with Florida - “

Click.

“ - is the streak of violence we’re currently seeing in large cities a result of drugs, a side affect of the vaccine, or something else entirely? Today on The Sooty Orange we’re going to discuss - “

Click.

Carson groans. “Everything sucks. Just hit the radio.”

Eddie stretches over and clicks on the radio instead, oldies crooning into the quiet trailer park. “Man, why is it so hard to just find something fun to watch, huh? What happened to playing movies and stuff?”

“Dunno. It’s a real drag first thing in the morning, though,” says Carson. They’ve got a spread of coffee in mismatched cracked mugs on the little table in front of them, along with a few microwaved breakfast burritos and an open bag of sweet chili pepper flavored chips. “You work today?”

“Yeah, I’ve got to hit up the garage this evening.”

“Ugh. So we still aren’t going to get the truck up?”

“Part might be in today. I’ll check on it,” says Eddie.

They aren’t talking about the news and they aren’t talking about the agents, and that’s just facts. They didn’t need to speak about it. They just both sort of came to that conclusion. No point in discussing something that can’t be changed, and Eddie won’t say a word on the Mulborne case, not even to Carson.

They eat and change and head off on their own separate ways, passing Bonnie Barker and her dog Poncho on the way out of the trailer park. She waves at them and the dog goes nuts barking. It’s cloudy and gross out, and Eddie has a really bad feeling that it’s just going to be a bad damn day.

* * *

The little black car is parked outside of the mechanic shop, and the moment that Eddie gets close to it none other than Agent Russo steps out. He’s got this awful slicked back hair and a stupidly expensive looking suit. The other agent isn’t there.

“Ugh. You again?” Eddie squints at him and sucks on his front teeth. “I told you, man, I don’t know anything about the Mulborne case.”

“Something tells me that’s not the truth. I’ve looked into you, Eddie Burke. In and out of trouble for years. You’ve got a record a mile long, and you were the last recorded person seen speaking to those missing tourists,” says Russo. “I think that the two of us need to have a little talk.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t.” Eddie makes to walk in past him but the agent grabs him by the elbow, wrenching him to the side. “Hey! Get the Hell off of me, man!”

“I don’t know how you people do it out here, but let me tell you this,” says Russo. “When I say we need to have a talk, it’s not something that’s up for debate.”

A sharp whistle splits through the air. “Alright, boys. That’s enough. You want to talk to him, you get here with a warrant or you do it off my property,” says Penny. “That’s how it works around here, boy. And you, Eddie, you get to work. I got a car that needs the tires changed out, pronto.”

Eddie jerks his arm out of Russo’s grip, flips him off, and scurries into the garage. There’s not actually a car needing the tires changed so he mostly just loiters around until Penny comes inside, shaking her head.

“This is a whole lot of bad business that we don’t need to be dealing with right now,” says Penny, clucking her tongue. “I don’t like that man poking around none. You think someone needs to go out and give Benny a heads up?”

Eddie hops up onto one of the counters. “No way. Benny’s on his own.”

Penny purses her lips. “Neighborly.”

“Hey, I ain’t neighbors with him,” says Eddie. “You want to hike all the way out there for this, you be my guest. I’ve got enough that I’m dealing with. You been keeping track of this storm?”

“Yeah,” says Penny. “We’ll have to close up shop if it gets too much closer.”

“Red’s still planning on going out to his cabin. That dumbass.”

“Really? I don’t think I’d want to go out in this kind of weather.”

“You’re telling me,” mutters Eddie. “Hey, do you actually have work for me today?”

Penny gives him another pinched smile. “Yep. You’re gonna work on my boat motor. Put those skinny fingers of yours to good use for a change.”

Eddie groans. He hates working on boats but – cash is cash, he supposes.

* * *

Eddie swings by the gas station on the way home from work to buy a six pack. TJ’s working and Rat’s hanging off him out at the front counter, the door to the beak room blocked open with a tire iron and the grainy box screen style TV showing off the national news; the riots are spreading across the country, hitting every major city. There’s talk of it possibly being related to the vaccine or even a new street drug that’s being passed around, something similar to a hyped up bath salt.

“That’s stupid,” says Rat. “I’ve done those before, and no one out in some big city pent house is going to snort bath salts.”

“Coke,” says TJ.

Rat squints at him. “Coke doesn’t make you bite people.”

“Nah,” says TJ. He lights a cigarette. “But that’s what they do, you know. At those fancy parts. Snort coke.”

“Gimme one of those.” Eddie wiggles his fingers at the pack.

Rat pipes in, “oh, if he’s having one, I want one too!”

TJ grouses and grumbles but passes them each a smoke. “You owe me for that.”

Rat sticks out his tongue. “Join the club. I owe everyone.”

“Man, after the day I had, I deserve one of these. You all seen those feds running around?” Eddie asks. “Can you believe they’re out here about Benny?”

Rat perks up. He’s actually pretty good friends with Benny, even despite everything that’s happened. “What, really?”

The bell above the door chimes and they glance over almost as a group, only for Smith to come walking in. She heads for the back of the store, grabbing a few things from the little center rack where all the pre packaged and over priced sandwiches only tourists buy are at.

And sure, maybe the smart thing to do would be to just shut up, and stay quiet, and let the whole thing blow over, but Eddie’s never been particularly smart. He’s sharp and mean and good with his fists, and he scuttles across the gas station, still clutching his bummed cigarette, just so he can get right up in Smith’s face and tell her, “you need to make that little attack dog of yours back the Hell off. I didn’t do shit, you hear me?”

Smith, clutching a plastic wrapped chunk of carrot cake pulls back. “Excuse me?”

“I said that you need to back off. I don’t care who the Hell you people are. If that asshole shows up at my work again, I’m gonna clock him,” says Eddie, all teeth, and from the other side of the gas station Rat crows with laughter.

“Shit! Did you have the feds sicced on you?” Rat jams his cigarette out against the top of the counter. “That’s a trip!”

“I – have no idea what you’re talking about,” says Smith.

“Yeah, I totally believe that.” Eddie takes a step back, takes a drag off his cigarette. “You people come tearing in here and start shit, but you know what? No one around here is gonna put up with that. We got enough troubles happening. We don’t need you dragging up old ghosts that are already put in the ground.”

“What? No, that’s not – we already discussed that,” says Smith, shaking her head. “I didn’t realize that he was going to try and follow up on a dead lead. I’m very sorry. If there was an issue with your work place because of this, I can – I’ll happily speak with them tomorrow.”

The apology is so out of the blue that it takes Eddie off guard. He freezes, glances over at the counter. TJ shrugs his shoulders.

Smith continues, “we’re not looking to cause issues for anyone. We’re just doing our job, same as anyone else. I’ll speak with Russo. It won’t happen again.”

She steps around Eddie, all neat as can be, pays for her wares, and leaves. Just like that. As if it’s all nothing.

In the wake of it, Eddie sidles back up to the counter and puts out his cigarette in the little fish shaped ash tray. “I’m outta here. Just ring me up for the beer.”

TJ does, the chime of the register, and says, “I don’t know. I think I would’ve spilled the beans already.”

“You say anything to those agents, I’ll break your face,” warns Eddie, the words a sort of harshness that only comes from fear. “You got that?”

Rat cheerfully chimes in, “I’ll totally help.”

[missnxthingg]

Hi beautiful! You're amazing and I love what you write. Pls, continue what you're doing. 🖤 Can you do something for Peter, like him knowing he's gonna marry the reader since they first got together until they finally do it? I think it will be pretty cute. Thank uuuu!

Summary: Peter told his best friend, Ned, he’d marry the girl back when they started dating. Even though some things got in their way, they finally got where they always wanted.

A/N: I’m sorry I took a little while to get to your request but considering that I always take forever to get to your requests, this was actually okay. And I LOVED that I got a wedding request because tbh I’m in such a mood to write/read about it (send me your fic recs to read about it). I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did.

Also, I’ve been kind of bummed out that I haven’t got much feedback on my fanfics lately. An anon left me a pretty message and thank you for that one. I dedicate this one for you (idk if you’re also the one who requested this one haha).

Words: 5.5K (a biggie)

Pairing: Peter Parker x Female Reader

Warnings: Swearing, a little angst, crying, mentions of death, Endgame spoilers (?, dude it’s been more than a year).

masterlist | main blog | gif source | quarantine playlist 

MARRY ME

“Peter, I think you’re rushing into this.” Ned was helping Peter sat the table for their traditional movie night with a bunch of snacks. “You just met her and you’ve been dating for less than a month. You’re already inviting her to our movie nights.”

“Look, Ned. She’s cool and I really like her. You’re gonna like her too.”

“But this is our thing. Do you really think she’s gonna like sticking around us, watching Star Wars and eating extremely unhealthy food.” Ned showed some salty pretzels he just poured in a pot. When the doorbell rang, Peter rushed to the door.

“Just… be nice to her, okay?” He opened it and found you just standing there, the prettiest girl in the whole world - under his eyes. You were looking so cute wearing your jeans, a big hoodie that probably belonged to him and a slight blush on your cheeks, that only increased once Peter opened the door. He gave you the biggest and shiniest smile in the world, enough to warm her heart.

“Hey, I’m sorry I’m late.” You glanced down to your hands a big pink box. “I went to get some cupcakes in our favourite store in Manhattan and got a little late.”

“Totally worth it.” He cupped your cheeks and softly pressed his lips against yours with a foolish smile on his face. “Come in.” He gave you space to come in and took a good look around the room.

Peter’s apartment was cosy. You loved to hang out there because it was always so good and you loved it since the first time you even set foot inside it to meet his aunt and have dinner with them. Right now it was a little different because May wasn’t home and the whole living room was a mess, full of blankets, pillows and snacks. Ned was sitting in the corner making himself busy with salty pretzels.

“Hi, Ned.” You greeted with a smile and he smiled back.

“Hey, (Y/N).”

“Sorry, I’m late. I hope you like cupcakes because I brought many of them.” You opened the box and Ned’s eyes shinned.

“You brought blueberry lemon? It’s my favourite!” He grabbed one with such excitement, making you giggle.

“Pete told me which one you liked it. I brought everyone’s favourite.”

“Pinneaple cream.” Peter picked his cupcake and gave her a pick kiss on the cheek.

“Also May’s red velvet cupcakes and my chocolate ones.”

“You need to hang out with us much more.” Ned said, making you giggle even more and rest your box over the table. You pulled the pretzel pot over and sat on Peter’s lap, resting your head on his chest. He involved you two with a blanket, making you both comfortable.

“What are we watching today?” You asked and the boys shrugged.

“We usually spend a full hour looking for something new to watch, but we end up watching Star Wars again.”

“So let’s skip straight to Star Wars.” You said chugging a bunch of pretzels on your mouth.

“You like Star Wars?” Peter frowned and you chuckled.

“Babe, we’ve been dating for almost a month and you don’t know my favourite movie?”  His mouth fell slightly opened and Ned got excited, getting up to start the movie.

“So Star Wars it is!”

Peter couldn’t be happier than his girlfriend and his best friend were getting along. He loved to have you in his arms during the whole movie, just to feel you a little bit because you haven’t been this intimate in more than a week and he missed you. He loved when you and Ned started to argue about the movie and just rambled for some minutes and falling into laughter after a long discussion. It was a long night and they had a great time together.

“I have to leave now. My mom’s downstairs to take me home. But I had a good time with you guys today, I’m sorry for ruining the guy’s movie night.” “You’re invited to every single following one, (Y/N).” Ned said and Peter smiled to see that he changed his mind.

“Thank you, Ned. I left some cupcakes, and please don’t eat May’s.” You pleaded and they both nodded. “Good night boys, I’ll see you in school.”

“Nigh, (Y/N).” Ned said walking to the living room to give them some privacy.

“Good night, my love.” Peter said leaving one last kiss on her lips, making her smile widely. “Text me when you get home.”

“I will.” You waved at him and he waited until you disappeared from his sight to close the door. He returned to the living room with a stupid smile on his face, sitting next to Ned who was enjoying another cupcake. 

“Oh, I love her so much.” He mumbled looking up to the ceiling. “Ned, I’m gonna marry her someday.” “Dude, how can you be so sure?”

“Because if it isn’t her, I don’t want to get married at all. She’s my everything, she’s perfect.”

“Aren’t you rushing into things? The last time you went this fast it ended up with Liz Allen breaking your heart.”

“This time it’s different. She isn’t Liz Allen. She’s my angel and I’m gonna marry her someday.” Peter smiled own himself and thought about how much he loved that girl and how special she was to him. He wanted more than anything to be with her forever.

“She’s just a High School girlfriend, Peter. Those relationships never last.”

“Wow, Ned. Very nice, uhm? I thought you liked (Y/N).”

“I do like her, but I’m being realistic.”

“Well, I don’t know. I hope you’re not right. I love her so much it hurts.”

“Whatever. Let’s play Dungeons and Dragons.”

(...)

“Uhm, you smell good.” You mumbled against Peter’s neck. He smiled and pressed a kiss on top of your head. You were cuddling together on a small seat back in the school bus coming back from a field trip. You were holding onto Peter’s arm while your legs rested over his and you gently rested your head on the crook of his neck, with his resting on top of yours.

“You sound tired.” He mumbled and you nodded.

“I’m very tired. And starving.” You looked up to him and he pressed a small kiss against your lips.

“Why don’t we go over to my apartment? We can buy a couple of Delmar’s along the way and just cuddle for the rest of the day. Maybe you could sleepover…” He suggested, blushing slightly since he never invited you to a sleepover before.

“I’d loved that.” You rubbed circles on his face and gently kissed his lips again. Once you pulled away, you got your head back in the crook of his neck and closed your eyes to get a little nap since you were so comfortable that way.

You and Peter have been dating for several months now, you weren’t sure how many, but you knew it’s been a long time. And you were glad that you were finally growing into a more mature relationship and you were proud of what you’re becoming. You couldn’t wait to see where you were going next and it was exciting.

You were almost snoring with Peter’s arms involving you into a comforting hug and slightly rocking you, but you felt his arms tense up and you shot your eyes open to look at him. Peter was staring outside the window with a worried expression and you sat straight to meet what he was looking at. A giant circle was flying over New York and you could feel he knew something was wrong.

“I guess we’re not doing Delmar’s and sleepovers tonight.”

“I am so sorry, baby.” He kissed your lips and you nodded.

“Go get ‘em, tiger.” You whispered against his lips and he nodded, turning around to see Ned sitting next to MJ, who was too distracted reading a book.

“Ned, I need you to cause a distraction.” Peter pointed his head to the circle and Ned’s eyes widened.

“Holy shit. WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE, THERE’S A SPACESHIP…” Ned ran for the back of the bus making everyone follow him to see what was going on. Peter gave you one last look while putting his web-shooters on and opened the window before grinning to you with concern.

“I love you.” He said and your heart ached because something about it seemed wrong.

“I love you too.” He shot the window and got out of it, disappearing in the New York skyline. You leaned against the window and watched him go again with a sharp pain in your chest.

“He’s gonna be okay.” Ned mumbled standing next to you in the hallway and you nodded, too worried to say anything. He sat next to you and rested a hand on your shoulder. “You could stay in my apartment for a movie night until he gets back. We can watch Star Wars.”

“That would be great, thank you. I could use a distraction.”

“He’s amazing and you know that. He’s gonna be back home in time to join us for the movie.”

But he wasn’t and you were starting to get concerned. You managed to get quickly to Ned’s apartment and not get any harm. You parents were still at work and stuck there, so they were glad you were with someone to make you company. He tried to cheer you up, even made snacks and got a new Lego for you to build, but you were too worried about Peter. 

You sat down and watched the chaos on TV and there was even footage of Spider-Man, Iron Man and some other heroes fighting bad guys and it made your heartache to see your boyfriend in such dangerous situation. So you cried over a pot of ice cream offered by Ned and just rambled on to him about every concern you had until he managed to make you calm down with funny movies and some snacks.

“We ran out of salty pretzels.” You said once you realized it was all gone.

“I have chocolate pretzels if you want it.” He suggested and you nodded.

“Pretty please.” He chuckled and went to get some in the kitchen. You kept on watching the movie until you heard a shattering glass sound as if he dropped the bowl on the floor. “Ned, are you okay?” You stood up and went to find him in the kitchen, meeting nothing but a broken bowl, chocolate pretzels all over the place and a pile of dust lying next to it. “Oh, God.”

You tried to reach for your phone but it fell from your hand as you watched it turning to dust. Your eyes widened and even though you wanted to scream or say something, you couldn’t. All your mind was thinking of was Peter and all you could do was pray that he was okay. And suddenly you were gone.

(...)

When you woke up you felt a little dizzy. Your vision was blurry and you could throw up right there if you had anything on your stomach. You head was in such a huge pain and your muscles were all tensed up. You were very confused and you just lied until your vision was okay again and you could sit up, finding a very strange place. An adult woman was standing in the living room with a shocked face, a glass up water broken on the floor. You frowned, trying to recognize that woman or the place you were, which were not unfamiliar. This was Ned’s house.

And then you remembered everything. The field trip, Peter, being in Ned’s apartment and turning into dust. Your eyes widened and you stirred in your heels to look around the room, finding Ned sitting on the floor, rubbing his eyes, just confused as you. Nobody dared to say a word until Ned himself said.

“Holy shit!” He cursed and shot up quickly. “Mom?”

“Ned! I thought you were dead.” The woman ran across you and hugged her son tightly, sprinkling kisses across his face.

“What happened?” He asked and the woman was soaked in tears.

“They called it The Snap, at least that’s what the Avengers told us when they came back. And half of the population of the universe turned into dust, including you and your father. I was the only one left.”

“(Y/N).” Ned said and got off his mom’s embrace to meet you in the living room, pulling you into a tight hug. “Are you okay?”

“I guess so. I’m a little dizzy, though.”

“I’m gonna get you something to eat and some medicine to take.” The woman said and you followed Ned the living room, where he changed channels to the news one, showing that everyone was back. You sat there, trying to process the whole thing and trying to remember what happened until you remembered the most important thing.

“Peter…” You whispered and looked at Ned. “Where’s Peter, is he okay?” He shrugged a little hesitant and his mother came back with two sandwiches.

“Peter died with you all when it happened. But since you two came back, maybe he’s back too.” She said and you nodded, taking the sandwich.

“Thank, Mrs Leeds. But I should go home, my mom must be looking for me.” You said and she nodded. “Ned, if you hear anything from Peter, call me.”

“I’m sure he’s gonna get to you first.”

“Don’t care, bye!” You ran out of the apartment and quickly walked to your own, which wasn’t so far away from Ned’s.

The street was chaos, people appearing out of nowhere and reuniting with their loved ones, it was almost getting in your way home. You ran on the streets, trying to get there as quick as possible, even though you were eating a sandwich and your head was hurting a lot. Your mom and dad were standing in front of your building and you ran for their embrace.

“Sweetheart, you’re okay!” Your dad said, pulling you tightly into a hug.

“I am, dad.” You said hugging them ever tighter. “What happened to you guys?”

“We stayed alive, you were the only one who was snapped and we were… devastated.” Your mom started to say and she was crying more than anything right now. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“What about Peter? And May?”

“They both snapped sweetie.” Your father said and you were lost in tears. “But I’m sure they are fine now, just like you are.”

“God, I’m praying for them to be.” You said and your mom nodded.

“Let’s get you upstairs, you look horrible, we’ll take care of you.” 

Thank God your father was a doctor and had everything you need to be okay. He got you an IV access for serum and medicine, lied you down in your bed and had your mom making you something to eat.

“I want burgers. I’m so hungry.” You said and she smiled nodding.

“I’m gonna make as much as you want them. I’m not sure if they are delivering food today.” Your mother winked and you chuckled. 

Right after she came back with two burgers, they just filled you in with everything. Five years had gone by and half of the universe was wiped from existence and they even had a funeral for you, a small one since there weren’t many people left, but they never got the courage to pack all your stuff and give it away. Your mom was three months pregnant because, after years of mourning for you, they decided they needed to try having kids again and now you were gonna have a sibling. And they told about the battle and the day Steve Rogers came to television to clear everything up for everyone. You found out that now your parents knew about him being Spider-Man, that they met Tony Stark because he visited them to meet the family of Peter’s gorgeous girlfriend and he made them swear they wouldn’t give Peter’s secret away. Oh, you missed him so much and you wish he was there so you could take care of each other.

After a long night catching up on each other’s life, your parent’s decided you needed some sleep because even though you were gone for five years, you must be tired, so they removed your IV and left the room. You tried to phone May, but she wasn’t getting your calls, neither was Peter and you started to worry. That’s why you didn’t sleep at all when your parents left, you stood wide awake, worried about your boyfriend and trying to reach him somehow. You gave up when tiredness started to hit you and it was almost four in the morning, you needed some sleep. That’s was when you closed your eyes and seconds after it, you heard a noise on your fire escape.

Spider-Mans suit was much different from the last time you saw it, since before it was much more subtle and now it is an iron suit, just like Iron Man’s. Peter looked just the same from the last time you saw him, except that he had many bruises and dry blood all over his face. He looked tired and hurt, but especially sad, with tears in his eyes. You stood up in a heartbeat and ran for his arms without even saying a word. Peter relaxed one you held him and it felt like the whole world’s weight left his shoulders.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re here.” You whispered in his ear and he gasped. “I thought I had lost you.”

“Me too.” He leaned back and cupped your cheek, rubbing it with his thumb and taking in every detail of your face. He kissed you and it was… magical. So needy and the only thing that mattered right at that moment. Peter leaned against the wall and pulled you by the waist. He pressed a button to contract his suit so he could feel your skin, making him moan in your lips. “Baby, you have no idea what happened.”

“You can tell me about everything. Just let it all go.” You rubbed his back and he started to cry even harder.

“Tony died. He died saving all of us.” He started to sob and you pulled him into a tight hug. “He died right in front of me and I did… nothing.”

“I’m so sorry Pete.” You could feel his pain exhaling to your body and you wanted it more than ever to go away.

“All I could think about was you, from the second I came back. I fought for you, to get back to you.” He moved some strays of hair from your face and kissed you again, with much more intensity. “Marry me.” He whispered against your lips.

“What?” You were drunk in his kisses and he kept them happening.

“Marry me, (Y/N) (Y/L/N).” He whispered again between kisses and you broke them off.

“Peter, we’re still in High School.”

“I don’t care, I just wanna be with you for the rest of my life.” He said it again, initiating another kiss. “All of this only made it more clear, that you’re the love of my life and the universe gave us a second chance to be together and I don’t wanna waste even one second of it. I wanna be with you forever because if it isn’t you, there’s no point at all. I wanna marry you, (Y/N). And I’ve never been so sure of everything before in my life.”

“Then marry me, Peter Parker.” You smiled and pulled him into another kiss. “But can we at least wait until we graduate?” He nodded with a small grin on his face.

“We don’t need to rush. I’ll just keep asking you every day until the wedding.” You laughed and pulled him to bed.

“What about May? Is she okay?”

“Yes. She’s in the hospital, a little dehydrated. Uhm, we lost the apartment and we don’t have a place to stay right now, so I guess she’s fine there. I’ll just crash at the Stark Tower in Manhattan.”

“Hell no! We haven’t seen each other in five years and we just got engaged. You’re gonna stay here and I’ll get you something to eat and take care of you.” He smiled softly and you left the room to get some things to take care of him.

Eventually, your parents woke up and your father took care of Peter’s wounds and got him an IV just like yours. You all filled in each other’s lives and now everyone knew what had happened during this time you were gone. Peter got so happy when he heard that your mom was pregnant and he was happy that at least in your life everything was okay. He didn’t know how he’d recover from this, but he knew there would always be someone to help.

“Oh, Peter. We have a spare bedroom that soon is gonna turn into a baby’s room. But there’s still furniture left in there and we can keep it that way for some more months. Why don’t you and May stay with us until you find somewhere to stay.”

“That would be great.” He smiled and nodded. “I hope it doesn’t bother you.”

“Not at all! You’re family Pete.” Your mother caressed his face just like you do. “I guess you’re gonna need some rest. No funny business you two, but you can share the bed tonight.”

“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. (Y/L/N).”

“Good night, kids.”

“Good night.” They mumbled watching them closing the door. 

“Feeling better?” You asked and he nodded, pulling you closer to lie with him.

“I love you more than anything in the world.”

“I love you too.” You pressed a kiss on his nose and turned around to be spooned.

“Good night, future wifey.”

“Good night, future hubby.”

(...)

You wanted more than anything to just shut your computer down and do something else to relax, but exams were close and you needed to study harder than ever. You knew college wasn’t easy, but you didn’t know it was that hard. After many years of struggling with the end of semesters and many essays to do, now you had your apartment instead of living in a small dormitory on campus. Taking care of it and having to deal with college stuff was hard, but that was just being a grown-up.

First, it was easy because you shared the apartment with your boyfriend Peter. You decided to move in together since you were in Harvard, he was in the MIT and maybe moving in together would make you guys see each other more often, which was a big lie. Peter stopped doing his Spider-Man duties when he wasn’t in New York, but still was working on Stark Industries inside the MIT and it was consuming most of his time, so he was never home.

After a while fighting tiredness, it finally won and you decided to stop studying to lie in front of the TV, maybe drink some alcoholic drink and order pizza because you were too tired to do anything other than procrastinating. You missed Peter more than you could express and you wish he was there to lie with you and just watch a full season of Parks and Recreation with you and doing silly Ben Wyatt impressions just because he knew you liked it. But the door never opened and he never came back home.

“Hi, darling. I’m so sorry I’m late.” Peter entered the apartment holding a big pizza box. “I ran into the pizza guy when I got here and got it for you.”

“Uhm, my hero.” You opened your arms to hug him and he pulled you up into a koala hug, one you very much appreciated. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.” He kissed her temple and she leaned back to analyze his face, grinning. “What is it?”

“You’re so beautiful.”

“Oh, baby. You’re beautiful too.” He kissed her again and settled her back in the couch. “Did you have a nice day?”

“Uhm, not really. Kind of tiring, I spent the whole day studying. And you?”

“Well, I’m not exactly thrilled today.” He said and leaned back into the couch, taking you with him.

“What’s wrong baby?”

“It’s Tony’s death anniversary.” You nodded, knowing how hard this was for him.

“Oh. It’s okay, I got you.” You said and he smiled weakly.

“I don’t know. I just spent the whole day working and suddenly that whole day couldn’t get out of my head. I know it’s been years, but I remembered every detail of it, the battle, seeing him dying in front of my eyes. And then I remembered coming back to you.”

“The night we…”

“The night we got engaged.” He finished your sentence and you nodded. “I’m just kind of bummed that I keep asking you to be my wife over the years, but we were too young, and then we didn’t have money. But now I have a job, we’re almost out of college and I think we’re old enough to get married now.”

“Babe does this means…”

“I want us to finally get married.” He said and you widened your eyes.

“Oh my God, are you sure?”

“Yes! But I want to do this right, you know… Buy you an engagement ring, find a new place for us in New York, get that big wedding we’ve always wanted.” He said and you nodded excitedly.

“Are we really doing this?” You asked and he nodded with a big smile on his face.

“Only if you want to.”

“Of course! I want this more than anything in the world.” You jumped into his arms and kissed him hungrily. “Ugh, I love you so much. You sure know how to make my day.”

“I love you too, bubs.”

(...)

“Hey, everyone’s waiting for you. Are you ready?” MJ knocked softly on the door and found you checking yourself out in the big mirror in your room.

“I don’t know. Do I look alright?” You turned to check the back of the dress and MJ smiled.

“You look amazing, as always.” She chuckled and you smiled at her. “So I think you’re ready.”

“I think I am.” You were shaking and nervous, which MJ noticed and rested a hand on your arm to calm you down.

“Your father is waiting for you.” She left after she said those words and you glanced at yourself in the mirror to breath deeply one last time.

“Let’s do this.” You whispered to yourself and walked out of that room, nervous as fuck. Your dad was fixing his tie by the time you got there. 

“Oh my God, sweetheart. You look… stunning.” His eyes watered once he saw you. “I loved the dress.”

“Thank you, dad.” You smiled at him and gave him a big hug. “Do you think Peter’s gonna like it?”

“He would like it even if it was the worst dress in the world. The only thing that matters to him is the girl wearing it.”

“So, you’re not giving me a ‘don’t get married’ speech like every father?”

“No.” He smiled tenderly and kissed the top of your head. “I trust Peter and I trust you. And you belong together.”

“Thank you, dad. I love you.”

“I love you too.” You entwined your arms and the music started to play. Making your heart beat faster and you swear you could just throw up right there.

You and Peter decided to have a wedding over the Starks lake house once Pepper offered you the place the day you both visited her and told her the good news. You were both thrilled to have an outdoor wedding facing a pretty lake. It was the perfect place to make everything official and you couldn’t be happier.

“Okay, let’s do this.” You said and they opened the front door so you could step out in the porch and meet everyone waiting for you.

Peter was waiting down the aisle and his eyes watered to see you wearing a wedding dress and he was the lucky guy you were getting married to. He just couldn’t believe how lucky he was to get the girl of his dreams. You cried too, he looked to beautiful as well and it was like everything around you disappeared when you were both in the room and that was all you needed. Your dad shook his hand and walked to join your mom in the front row. Peter smile was bigger than you’ve ever seen before. He leaned in and kissed your forehead before pulling you to the small stage. 

You got to finally take a good look at the crowd. Lots of superheroes and their families, some friends you made over the years, a few families, including your mom and dad sitting next to May, Morgan and Pepper. Your best friends were also sitting in the front, always giving you the biggest support. You smiled to see everyone there, in the most important moment of your life. The ceremony started and the minister got to say a few words before you could start your vows.

“(Y/N), my pretty girl. I don’t think you remember this, but years ago, back when we started dating, I invited you over to my apartment for a movie night with me and Ned. You brought cupcakes and watched Star Wars with her. We already knew you were the coolest person in the world and that we had a great time that night. But there’s one thing you don’t know. That was the night I first said that I was going to marry you someday, and I kept that promise. We got engaged when we were only 17 and I kept asking you to be my wifey over the many years that followed. Thank God we finally got here.” He was holding your hands and looking directly in your eyes, that were watering with every word he was saying. “I had long nights awake thinking about what to say to you when we started to plan the wedding and to be honest, I still don’t know what to say. “ You all chuckled, but you squeezed his hands to comfort him. “I guess I just wanted you to know that you’re the prettiest girl in the whole world and that I love you more than life itself. It’s been years since I first said I wanted to marry you and nothing ever changed. I love you with every cell of my body and I will love you through all eternity.”

“You dummy.” You chuckled and he took a deep breath.

“Life tried to tear us apart and when we finally got a second chance after the snap… I just knew it was meant to be and I’m really glad we’re doing this today. I vow to always take care of you, just like you have taken care of me through all these years. And I promise to try making you happy every day and to always be by your side when you need me. I love you, wifey.” You mouthed an ‘I love you’ back and he smiled.

“(Y/N), your vows…”

“Pete. I don’t even know where to start. Okay, let’s just start with our first date. We were so raw and we talked about a lot of intimate stuff on the first time we went out and I just knew I trusted you with all my heart and you trusted me back. You told me you wanted to start a family of your own someday because you wanted to make a kid have a good life with their parents like you never had. I was already so head over heels for you that in already knew I wanted to be the person you created your family with.” He was crying much more than you were at that moment. “I thought I had lost you many years ago and thank God we got a second chance because I wouldn’t know what I’d do without you and our little family. I love you since that one, and I love our story, how we got here and the battles we fought together. They are just as important to me as you are. And I’ll love you until my last breath, just like I did some years ago, and just like I will when the time comes. I’ll love you through all eternity, hubby.”

“Peter, do you accept (Y/N) as your wife?” 

“I do.” He said looking you in the eyes and you couldn’t be happier.

“(Y/N), do you take Peter as your husband?”

“I do.” You repeated his words and if he could, Peter would have just kissed you right there. You slipped your rings in each other’s fingers and kissed your hands.

“I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Peter took you in his arms and kissed you as he had never done before, and to be honest, it was the first time you kissed as a married couple. You were over the clouds and proud to be right there with him, you couldn’t be happier after all those years trying to get to that place. It was the perfect timing and meant to be.

“I love you, hubby.”

“I love you, wifey.” 

…………………

ADD YOURSELF TO THE TAGLIST!

bold means i can’t tag you (send me a message to solve it!)

Permanent taglist:  @missmulti , @zabdisamor , @cmon-peter-tingle , @lifeisabitchandsoareyou , @tinyplanet-explorers , @spideyyypeter , @princezzariel , @pastyoverlord265 @dumandbass, @lilgaga98, @chatnoirfangirl1624 , @heartofholland, @big-galaxy-chaos

P.P./T.H taglist: @tomshufflepuff, @deathofthethrones, @unicornslothfish, @coonflix, @itsjustahuman, @legendsofwholock, @emistrash, @starlightfound, @sandran04, @paaaam97, @pure-ghost, @unconditional-love-and-support, @janieavalos, @seutarose, @tomsppsleeve , @cosmicholland , @thewayilookatbacon, @spiderbibby

[aion-rsa]

How Ted Lasso Sneakily Crafted its Empire Strikes Back Season

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

This article contains Ted Lasso spoilers through season 2 episode 8.

Perhaps you’ve heard, but Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso was the subject of some dreaded Discourse recently. 

Since the Internet is infinite and we privileged few in the media have nothing but time, a handful of features came out weeks ago essentially questioning what Ted Lasso season 2 was even all about. Many of these features were well-written, well-argued, and fair, but when filtered through Twitter’s anti-nuance machine (i.e. Twitter itself), every feature boiled down to the same reductive take: Ted Lasso season 2 doesn’t have a conflict. 

In some respects, this take was the inevitable reaction to the metanarrative surrounding Ted Lasso in the first place. Despite drawing its inspiration from a series of somewhat cynical NBC Sports Premier League commercials, the first season of Ted Lasso was all about the transformative power of kindness. 

Or at least that’s what we critics declared it to be. And I don’t blame us. Awash in a flood of screeners about antiheroes, dystopias, and the end of the world, the simple kindness of Ted Lasso seemed revolutionary. They made a TV show about a guy who is…nice? They can do that? But the inherent goodness of its lead character was always Ted Lasso’s elevator pitch, not its thesis. 

There’s been a darkness at the center of Ted Lasso since its very first moment, when an American man got on a flight to London in a doomed attempt to save his marriage. And, as season 2’s brilliant eighth episode rolls around, it’s become clear that that darkness is what the show has really been “about” this whole time. 

Season 2 episode 8 “Man City” (the title is referring to AFC Richmond’s FA Cup match against opponent Manchester City but also stealthily reveals that this installment will be all about men and their respective traumas) is quite simply the best episode of Ted Lasso yet. It also might be the best episode of television this year. Near the episode’s end, right before AFC Richmond plays a crucial FA Cup match against the mighty Manchester City, coach Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) finally comes clean with his coaching staff. He’s been suffering from panic attacks of late. His assistant coaches hear him, accept him, and then head off to the pitch where Man City absolutely obliterates their team.

Man City destroys AFC Richmond. They annihilate them. Embarrass them. Stuff them into a locker and steal their lunch money. The final score is 4-0 but it might as well be 400-0. The coaching staff is rattled but the players are hit even harder. Richmond’s star striker and former Man City player Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) is forced to endure watching his scumbag father cheer for his hometown team from the Wembley Stadium stands at the expense of his son. 

After the game, Jamie’s father, James (Kieran O’Brien), enters the locker room where he drunkenly accosts him for being a loser and demands that Jamie grant access to the Wembley Stadium pitch for him and his scumbag friends to run around on. When Jamie refuses, his father pushes him, so Jamie reflexively punches him right in the face. James is dragged out of the locker room by Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), leading a stunned and traumatized Jamie Tartt standing in the middle of the room, as if in a spotlight of pure pain, surrounded by teammates too afraid to even approach him. And then something amazing happens…

Here’s the dirty secret about television: there’s a lot of it. Due to the sheer number of TV shows released each year, even the best of them are destined to become little more than memories long-term. Sometimes all you can ask from multiple episodes and seasons of television is to provide you with one moment, one line, or one warm feeling to carry with you into the future. I don’t know how much I’ll remember from Ted Lasso 30-40 years from now when I’m immobile and reclined in my floating entertainment unit, Wall-E style. But I know I’ll at least remember the moment that Roy hugs Jamie.

The great Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) – a character so disconnected from his own emotions that some fans are convinced he’s CGI – embraces the one person in the world he is least likely to embrace. As Roy and Jamie wordlessly hug, it’s hard to tell which man is more shocked by the moment. Ultimately, however, it might be Ted Lasso himself who is hit hardest. Shortly after seeing Roy play father to the younger Jamie, Ted quickly exits the locker room and calls sports psychologist Dr. Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles) on his Apple TV+-apporved iPhone. 

“My father killed himself when I was 16. That happened. To me and to my mom,” Ted says, weeping. 

And that, my friends, is what Ted Lasso is all about. Pain. And dads. But mostly pain. 

None of us can say that Ted Lasso didn’t warn us it was coming. To go back to the discourse of it all real quick – I don’t blame anyone for not picking up on the direction that this show was so clearly heading in. Ted Lasso is, first and foremost, a sitcom. The beauty of sitcoms is that you welcome them into your home to watch at your own pace and your own terms. If having Ted Lasso on in the background so you can occasionally see the handsome mustache man who smiles while you fold your laundry is the way you’ve chosen to engage with the show, then great! Just know that season 2 has been operating on a deeper level this whole time as well.

Let’s take things all the way back to the beginning – back to before season 2 even began. You’ve likely heard the old philosophical thought experiment “if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” Well Jason Sudeikis’s interviews leading up the season 2 premiere beg an equally as interesting hypothetical “how many times can one man mention The Empire Strikes Back before someone notices??”

Sudeikis referred to Ted Lasso season 2 as the show’s “Empire Strikes Back” multiple times before the premiere including in his local Kansas City Star and his technically local USA Today. The show even explicitly mentions the second Star Wars film in this season’s first episode when Richmond general manager Higgins (Jeremy Swyft) tells Ted that his kids are watching the trilogy for the first time. Sudeikis (who co-created and produces the show) and showrunner Bill Lawrence clearly want us to take the idea that Ted Lasso season 2 is The Empire Strikes Back seriously. And why would that be? 

Think of how ESB differs from its two Star Wars siblings in the original trilogy. This is the story that features arguably the series most iconic moment when Luke Skywalker discovers his dad is a dick on a literal universal level. It also has the only unambiguously downer ending of any original trilogy Star Wars film. Luke is thoroughly defeated in this installment. Having one’s hand chopped off by their father and barely escaping with their life is definitely the Star Wars version of a 4-0 defeat. 

The Empire Strikes Back can safely be boiled down into two concepts: 

Dads are complicated.

Everything sucks.

When viewed through those two conceptual prisms, so much of Ted Lasso season 2 begins to make more sense.

Episode 1 opens with the death of a dog and then leads into a classic Ted Lasso speech that could serve as this season’s mission statemetn. After recounting the story of how he cared for his sick neighbor’s dog, Ted concludes with: “It’s funny to think about the things in your life that can make you cry knowing that they existed then become the same thing that can make you cry knowing that they’re now gone. Those things come into our lives to help us get from one place to a better one.”

Things like…a father who you didn’t have nearly enough time with? Following episode 1 (and following just about every episode this season), Bill Lawrence took to Twitter to assuage viewers’ fears about a lack of central conflict this season. He had this to say about Ted’s big speech.

Look, Merrill. It was thought out, but the speech he gives after (Written by Jason himself – I loved it) is the core of the season, but we knew some people might bum out.

— Bill Lawrence (@VDOOZER) July 27, 2021

Sorry, truly. Ted’s speech after (which I love, but am obviously biased) is a big part of the season. But it sounds like you had a crappy thing happen recently.

— Bill Lawrence (@VDOOZER) July 28, 2021

It’s not. But Ted’s speech has big relevance. Stick around!

— Bill Lawrence (@VDOOZER) July 26, 2021

He also had this to say about dads.

Effin Dads, man. Love mine so, but he’s struggling a bit.

— Bill Lawrence (@VDOOZER) July 27, 2021

“Effin dads” and our complicated relationships with them are all over Ted Lasso season 2. In the very next episode, Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh) tells Ted “You know, my father says that every time you’re on TV, he’s very happy that I’m here. That I’m in safe hands with you.”

Ted smiles at this bit of info but not as warmly as you might expect. Because to Ted, a dad isn’t a reassuring presence but rather someone you love who will just leave when you need him the most. That’s why he’s been trying to be the perfect father figure this whole time. That’s why he did something as extreme as leaving his family behind in Kansas while he heads off to London. If giving his wife space was the only way to preserve the family and remain a good dad, then he was going to give her a whole ocean of space.

Moreover, Ted hasn’t just been trying to serve as a father figure to his son this whole time but to everyone else as well. Sam’s comment to Ted reminds him that not everyone has a good dad, which encourages him to bring Jamie into the fold in the first place.

As time goes on, however, the stress of being the consummate father to everyone in his orbit begins to wear on Ted. Throughout the entirety of this season, Ted Lasso appears to be trying to be Ted Lasso just a bit too hard. His energy levels are too high. His jokes go on too long. The same life lessons that worked last year aren’t working this year. AFC Richmond opens with an embarrassing streak of draws before Jamie’s immense talents set things straight.

It all culminates in this season’s sixth episode when Ted has his second panic attack in as many years. This time it’s in public during an important game. The experience sends Ted running through the concourse of the stadium until he somehow ends up in the dark on Dr. Fieldstone’s couch, instinctively, like a wounded animal. 

It’s certainly no coincidence that this panic attack occurs on the same day that Ted received a call from his son’s school asking him to pick him up, not realizing that he’s an ocean away. In that moment, Ted can’t help but remember what it’s like to be left behind by his own father and subconsciously wonder if he’s doing the same. 

Though the shallow waters of Ted Lasso season 2 may have appeared consequence free for half its run, beneath the surface was a tidal wave of conflict. Just because the conflict wasn’t taking place between a happy-go-lucky football coach and a villainous owner doesn’t mean it wasn’t there.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin is terrible at meeting deadlines but great at writing. According to him (and William Faulkner, from whom he borrows the quote), the only conflict worth writing about is that of the human heart with itself. That’s something that The Empire Strikes Back understood. And it’s something that Ted Lasso season 2 does as well.

The post How Ted Lasso Sneakily Crafted its Empire Strikes Back Season appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3E4eqHF

[calypsoff]

Four. Part 5

Robyn is making some calls, I don’t know what for but she said she will be back once I asked her what we going to be doing she was quick to act on it, maybe she didn’t have anything planned, I mean I don’t mind that too. We can just speak here in this apartment, but she gone to make some calls. I feel relieved, more relieved that Robyn is not crying because I felt so awful that she cried, I didn’t want her to cry about it. I know she is feeling love and I also feel that aura with her, I have so much respect for her so for her to cry it did hurt me but she got to understand that I won’t be going back to Virginia and acting the same as I did with Seiko, I mean how can I, after being with Robyn I now really just want to be with her. Seiko has text me again for the second time so I better call her, if I don’t then she will keep on harassing me until I answer. Listening to phone ring out, she better answers before I put the phone down “I miss you!” She shouted down the phone, Seiko is being so loud “hey you good? You text me twice” I am trying to be distant with her “well you weren’t answering me” letting out an oh “my driver is coming so we are good to go” Robyn half shouted, my eyes widened “huh?” Seiko said “yeah?” Robyn and I just stared at each other “you are watching Rihanna interviews or something?” I just paused not knowing what to say, do I tell her yes or act dumb “yes” I agreed, Robyn side eyed me “well don’t be getting ideas now, why are you even watching her interviews? Don’t tell me those little feelings are coming back? Awww baby, she bigger then you now” who the hell is this bird teasing “she is bigger than me now I know, it just came on the TV. That’s it” Robyn sat next to me this time, I think she is trying to be nosey “mhmm don’t be getting any ideas now” moving my phone away from my ear and putting it on speakerphone, Robyn squinted her eyes at me which made me laugh. She lazily placed her arm on my shoulder “sorry what did you say?” Trying to not laugh “I said don’t get ideas now that you met her, that little young love you had has got to be gone now. I still side eye why you took ages” Seiko is dumb she will say something dumb “how you know she wasn’t putting it down on me?” I said laughing, I can hear Seiko bird friends in the background “that wouldn’t shock me, she gets around but no you didn’t” Robyn gasped “that is rude you said you loved her? Huh?” She dislikes her now “I do, I like her whore vibe” holding in a laugh, Robyn is shook right now “ok anyways, you’re rude” Robyn wrapped her arms around my neck “I am going to steal her man and whore myself on his dick” she licked my ear, my mouth fell open turning my head slowly staring at her, Robyn puckered her lips up smirking “say that to her” licking my lips shaking my head “Chris!?” Seiko half shouted “yeah, I need to go” Robyn is crazy, like she is turning me on.

Robyn and I just laughed out as I disconnected the call, she rested her head on my shoulder “you are bad” shaking my head laughing “she got me angry, who is she calling a whore. Her mother is a whore, I’m not even like that, I am seriously pissed off that she said that. Why do people think I am that? I’m really not” Robyn lifted her head up from my shoulder “because they don’t know you like that, I know you. I know that you ain’t a whore, man your pussy be saying otherwise. I know you would be truthful with me, I got you, you got me” Robyn kissed my cheek “I can’t believe you made me cry actually” oh she remembers “it’s a lot Robyn, but let’s now look to the future. Let’s think of now yeah?” She nodded her head in agreement “where are we going twin?” She ain’t say “mhmm well. Remember that time we said we would get matching tattoos? We only live once” she winked “yeah, I remember that. Dude coming here? I feel like we are reliving where we left off” I can’t believe she remembered that I am actually shocked “nah we are going there, he is keeping the store open for us so we can you know, do the thing. I told you Chris I ain’t holding back” she pressed a hard kiss to my cheek and got up from the couch, Robyn is not holding back. She means those words and I accept it, I think she is the one to bring that out of me. I just couldn’t help myself, watching Robyn stretch out I reached over and pinched her butt “aye” she looked behind her and at me “I am going to get changed, do I look ok without makeup? I really can’t be bothered” staring at her face nodding “I think you are good, promise” she walked off, what I mean is she skipped off. She is so happy, and I love that about her, she is good vibes.

Zipping my coat up “am I hidden enough?” Robyn turned to me with her shades on and a snapback, well my snapback actually “you look good, the forehead hidden so nobody will know it’s you” I know she is mugging me under those shades “do you have Instagram? I know I can’t follow you but can I see?” pulling my coat down “uh yeah, you can see. It’s uhm, fuckyopictures, one word” I pointed out “will duh, actually let’s go. We will be late to bang bang, he won’t be happy” gesturing Robyn to go ahead of me, I will let her take the lead. I don’t know this bang bang dude. I think I will let Robyn have that tattoo and I will just watch, I don’t think I got space, maybe I do but still. I ain’t think about having another yet. Come to think of it maybe we could have stayed here and just fucked, wrapping my arms around Robyn and pulling her back into me “uh, you said let’s go now” she yanked my arm back, she got a point. Stuffing my hands in my coat pockets as we made our way to the elevator “it’s raining out there, I think I need” I dragged out “don’t say it! I promise you I will scream” I mean it’s fitting to the situation “you had my heart….” I stepped back before she hit my arm “get yo ass in the elevator ma’am” following into the elevator “you think I look better on your snapback? I think I do” Robyn is checking herself out in the mirror, tilting my head to the side “mhmmm you look good” wrapping my arms around Robyn, humping her “oh my god, seriously?” she laughed “stop that, I need to press the button” still humping as she tried to turn around “no!” she yelped out, moving back from her “shit!, it’s going up now. Oh my god, this is your fault” let me stand in this corner like a good boy “why you tripping?” she shook her head walking over to me “I am going to miss you like crazy when you decide to go” lazily she wrapped her arms around my torso, pouting her lips as she rested her head on me “already thinking about me going, relax” Robyn turned her head away, the door opened and a couple of girls walked onto the elevator. They looked at us and then looked at me, she straight checked me out, but I won’t mention that to Robyn.

Turning in the seat to face Robyn “Seiko has the log in for that page, I don’t even go on it because she may run a report on where I logged in from. She practically is logged into that; she really just runs my social media in a weird way” I shrugged “really? I can tell that flat faced rat is, she isn’t even that cute. She looks fake, she sounds fake. What did you see in her, why is she like that with you? What did you do?” I lightly laughed “well, I cheated on her during the relationship. I had a lot of girls sending me nudes. So she doesn’t trust me, shock. Uh yeah, that is it. She chased me in a way, but I just wanted to settle, I came out of being locked up. I wanted peace” Robyn is so nosey “oh my god, is this your mug shot?” she turned her phone to me, nodding my head “you look sexy, I mean that face. Look how innocent you are, were you crying? You were, I can tell by your eyes” she knows me well “yeah, my ma was angry, and I was desperate to just get out. It was hard because it was a mistake, I fucked up my life you know” shaking my head “I am saving this picture but what exactly happened, so you were helping that same bum ass cousin I told you not to hang with” Robyn questioned “yes, it was quick money and I was enjoying the thrill. I wanted to make quick money and also my cousin said we family, we run as one. My parents ain’t have the money for college for me, so I just wanted to make some money for that. It went wrong and I got locked up, I should have been there longer, they was looking at putting me away for fifty years” Robyn’ face dropped “what the fuck what did you have on you? How!?” she spat.

“The car had a trunk full of cocaine, I was delivering the car like I do, I have been doing it for a while. So I was driving at the spot, I realised there is police all over the spot, niggas being arrested, I looked and drove by, but I made eye contact with an officer and I guess they saw my shocked face, there was a cop chase. And they found a hell of a lot of drugs that they were going to sentence me that unless I snitched, they promised they would put me in a different jail, I wanted less sentence and I know the word on the street is to not snitch but I didn’t want that life, so I did. But the fucking police lied to me, they all lied to me. But I got five years, I got jumped the first night I entered the jail, their people got to me but I know they set me up, the guards set me up. I was in so much pain, I wanted to die. My face was gone, they had a made up shank, knife yeah. That is why I got the scar on my shoulder. They kept kicking me, like six of them. I passed out, woke up in the prison hospital. I couldn’t talk, they then moved me. I healed, came out. Amazon gave me a job, Barry’ uncle helped me big time. I just want a quiet life, it changed me being there. It broke me, and I did remember you, and how that became a mess because you went but then I was happy for you, I would hear uhm” I clicked my fingers “don’t stop the music, when they let us have radio time. For good behaviour, for like an hour and I would be grinning so hard, like that is my twin. She doing big things, my little coconut head Barbadian cherry pop, I am and was super proud of you. But I just, I fucked up Robyn and I feel like that took it out of me that I became this closed off guy. The last year in jail was ok, it got better I suppose. I started getting tattoos, but I just got skinnier. I came out and my parents paid for the apartment I am in now, blessed about it. I paid them off, I put in hours at Amazon. That is me Robyn” Robyn is in shock, she even had to put her phone down.

I didn’t expect Robyn to cry “aye, stop it. Please” placing my hand over hers “I feel bad, like if I didn’t leave you and I remained you would be not in that. I just feel emotional about this Chris, how can I not? You have always been on my mind, thinking what is he doing? I was waiting on the moment where I saw Chris Brown the basketball player” Robyn wiped her tears “I just feel sad because I can imagine how much that crushed you, oh my god. You have the most beautiful personality, and it drew me to you. When I met you again, I hugged you and it was like I was hugging you but you wasn’t there, and every hour I am with you I am seeing you be you, I had no idea and maybe if I investigated but Barry acted like nothing, I went to the school wanting to see you. I came for you; I didn’t care for the personal tour. I went back into the classroom we first met; it hurt me Chris. This has really hurt me to know you went through that, oh god. My heart, I could have lost you and I wouldn’t have known. This scares me, I am so happy you’re here and you’re ok” Robyn rubbed my cheek “I am good, I just can’t fuck up again” her fingers gently rubbing the side of my cheek “but all is well, I don’t want to keep reliving the past. But you deserve to know that, this could make you look bad. I don’t want that for you” Robyn placed her hand over my mouth “I told you, I am not going to lose you. You said we will work at it, we will” nodding my head, Robyn is making me feel so much like she is making me feel whole again.

[fizzingwizard]

Episode 6 was AWESOME. Finally it really and truly felt like Digimon Adventure!!

This episode plus the last one makes me eat my words of despair over the blandness of episode 4. I’m counting that one as just a miss. I’m hoping that it doesn’t bode for the tone they’ll take with all Sora episodes though. Sora’s easy to overlook because she’s already kind, brave, and responsible - the main things the other kids need to work on. Still she never bored me in old Adventure. I only ever wanted more of her and that was my hope for 2020 Sora. Her intro episode wasn’t a great start, but guess what, she got to be pretty darn cool in this episode, and overall the tone of this ep was such an improvement on ep 4 that I’m back to thinking we will absolutely get a modern, cool girl Sora who rocks her spotlight episodes in the future. Pray with me friends.

By the way we finally got some decent animation in this episode. So I took gratuitous Taichi pics and I’ll post a couple to start us off bahahaha

Okay, so this was the much-awaited MIMI episode. Heck yeah. It’s called “The Targeted Kingdom.” Who is the queen of the kingdom, I’ll give you three guesses, eh what’s that Mimi? like WOW you got it on the first try!

More below!!

^ So I’m not quite sure what’s going on here. I think Sora is standing on Taichi’s back and Piyomon is helping lift her (them?) up into the trees so Sora can look around? They are trying to find the way to the ocean. This seems like the most awkward way possible to go about it but you do you kiddo...

See, Adventure Taichi would be making jokes while this is happening. 2020 Taichi is thinking about The Big Picture, at least as much of it as he knows of. He’s turning into such a pensive type. Yamato’s gonna have to work hard to keep his lead brooder status.

Also I was thinking... there’s a few times in this ep, and more in others, where I feel like the animators don’t show us enough... Idk what to call it, movement? The fall out of actions? Like why don’t we see them climb into the tree? Why are we zoomed into so close when they fall out? Later during the big fight scene, there’s stuff going on that could definitely be shown in a clearer, and also cooler to watch, way. My theory of course is it’s all budget issues but what a bummer.

The kids’ first intro to the bottomless pit that is a Digimon’s stomach. They have no food (seriously? in that pack of emergency supplies Sora brought by pure happenstance there is NO food??) so they go... steal some. But they don’t know they’re stealing.

Not that SHE cares.

Mimi: Bahaha... you’ve fallen into my trap! *cutest maniacal laugh ever*

^The trap

There is another trap that comes later in the ep and I’ll just say here. It’s some Jessie & James level shit. Way to go Meems!

ugh soooo cuuuute I want twenty

Introducing... Queen Mimi! Yes, Queen. They’ve upgraded her!

Honestly, I love how she’s introduced as royalty, but she’s dressed as a cowgirl. No one would ever ask Mimi to pick just one theme. Like her kimchi fried rice with whipped cream and strawberries, Mimi is not afraid to mix genres!

Like I said, the animation in this ep is a cut above what’s it been recently, which is a relief. And everyone’s appearance is so much like Adventure that I wonder why they changed anything xD But I’m just so grateful everyone kept their unique eyes. It was the one thing I missed in the animation of Tri, even though I wouldn’t have wanted high school kids to have baby eyes. But the eyes really highlighted each character’s individuality. Glad that’s still a thing even if not every animator pays attention to it.

Taichi & Sora: Were those your fruit trees? Uhh sorry? My Digimon was close to death and we were starving...

Mimi: You will starve again unless you learn the meaning of the law!

that’s a little les mis interlude for ya youre welcome

So Mimi arrived in the digital world, separated from the others, and immediately became Queen of the Tanemon. I SENSE A TREND.

Mimi doesn’t come across as ditzy and selfish as she did in early Adventure. I am not sure if that side of her’s been erased in favor of simply making her reluctant to fight because she’s soft-hearted, or if we’ll see her self-centeredness appear later on. I hope so. Right now the 2020 story is very focused on the plot and not on the children’s growth, which is a huge departure from Adventure, but I don’t think it will remain that way. I hope not at least. But I do think it’s possible that they’ll rewrite Mimi to be a bit less self-centered and/or airheady, and I’m not exactly against that. After all, post-Adventure Mimi showed her cool side more when she was willful or opinionated, and I’m on board with more of that in the 2020 show too. A better balance would definitely be a good thing in Mimi’s case.

She kind of made me think of Sailor Moon in this episode, lol

GASP! We are all Chosen Children! Mimi immediately says NOOO WAY i’m queen of the Tanemon!! But not because the Tanemon are catering to her every whim (they’re not, as far as I can tell! Though they did make her a throne!). Because she honestly feels a responsibility to look after them. Again, pretty different from old Adventure.

Pocket Koushirou returns and Taichi tries to absorb him into his brain!!

Taichi: *grunting* HNNNNGGGG!! Give me me your curiosity!!!

Koushirou: Are you Vademon!?!?!

Koushirou shows video footage from the human world that shows the effect the power outage is having. Though it’s not a complete blackout yet, some places like hospitals have already lost power and are in trouble. 

Mimi sees her grandfather, the president of Tachikawa Industries, on the TV helping people in trouble. VERY DIFFERENT. VERY COOL. I approve

Koushirou also points out that there is INDEED a time lapse between the human and digital worlds. I’m not exactly sure how different the time lapse is from old Adventure. At first, I thought it was much smaller, but thinking about it... given how slow the video from the human world was moving, it might be sizable. But I don’t think it’s as big as old Adventure. At any rate, Taichi and Sora figure out this means Mimi was on her own with Palmon and the Tanemon village for longer than they realized.

Also makes me wonder just how much time Yamato’s spent in the digital world...

Mimi feels torn between wanting to help her grandfather and needed to protect the Tanemon village! Naturally Taichi suggests they work together!

And a Tanemon rudely kicks him in the face!! Just kidding. But it was too cute not to cap

Mimi brings the waterworks like three or four times this episode.

Mimi: Alright! You work for me now!

Taichi: ...??? Okay I guess????

Yes, Princess or Queen, Mimi is still Mimi <3

So they join up and uhh... get ready for war I guess??

I MEAN HOW CUTE IS THAT

So this is the second Team Rocket trap, a giant hole in the ground. How did they dig it? How did the build that raft two eps ago?? Inquiring minds want to know

Greymon is surprisingly limber for a chubby dinosaur.

Taichi does what he does best in battle scenes: stand in immediate danger and look up a dinosaur’s bum.

OGREMON MAKES HIS BIG APPEARANCE IN A MIMI EP. I totally called it last week. Okay, technically he already appeared in episode 5... but we barely saw him okay! He uses Soundbirdmon (who may indeed not be sentient?) to mind-control other Digimon to find and apparently kill?? the children. Ogremon honestly sounds kind of mind-controlled himself but not sure. If he is, it’s a different kind of control. He may just talk like that because he’s an ogre and not very articulate...

I guess I capped this because CUTE CUTE CUTE

So speaking of rushing into immediate danger... Not only is Sora right in the middle of the right, she’s HANGING OFF BIRDRAMON’S LEG. This show is SO not promoting child safety hahahhahaha

Cute Taichi. Cuter still - Taichi and Sora tag teaming it. PLEEEEEASE give me more of this!! I want nothing more than for Sora to join Taichi and Yamato as a heavy-hitter. I always headcanoned her that way growing up. Let Sora kick ass 2020!!

^Palmon’s method of rescuing Mimi... effective, yet questionable

Capped because Cute.

Sora and Birdramon take down the blue bird digimon (sorry... forgot its name... will likely forget the name of every other Digimon not from old Adventure as well. i am a senior citizen). Taichi cheers for them and says “You nabbed the best bit from me!” SO CUTE. Come on, they are the best team!!

Meanwhile, Palmon: *screams bloody murder*

Mimi: Palmon! Noooo!

Episode 6: Palmon friggin DIES

I mean she is like glitching in and out. So it totally FIGURES it would be a Mimi ep that tells us “yeah kids we’re not Pokemon!” I mean. Keep watching...

Mimi recalls being all alone in a strange world when she meets Palmon. Btw they totally revamped the Pyokomon Village for this Tanemon village, I dig.

EVOLUUUUUTION!!

Boxing!!! Cactus!!! Eat this Precure!!!!

While Togemon takes out Drimogemon, Greymon rushes in to protect the kids from Ogremon...

... AND FREAKING SAWS HIS HORN OFF.

Like I said. THIS AIN’T POKEMON, KIDS.

Isn’t this actually darker than old Adventure? I mean I guess at least no one dies (I think? uhh...) and I suppose that’s less dark... but sawing off body parts... Idk man... I’m down with it, I just don’t know that it’s any nicer than old Adventure... hahahaha

POW! Err, Drimogemon’s drill ain’t looking too good either...

More waterworks as Mimi tells Palmon she loves her, and Palmon says it right back. Foreshadowing for Mimi/Koushirou tiffs in the future!? It was lit last ep that Koushirou tried to say he loves his partner and choked on it. Something tells me these two are gonna butt heads again ;)

Ugggggghhhh so cute I can’t staaaaaaand ittttt

Mimi decides to go with Taichi and Sora and leave the Tanemon village, Idk, I guess they’ll be safe now???  at least they won’t be targeted for having a human child among them.

Also I like her leaf bag. The Tanemon totally made it for her.

We end with Ogremon gripping his broken horn and fricking sobbing. This... does not bode well.

I want to hug him

so cast your votes, who gets the first hurt/comfort scene with Ogremon? Will it be gentle chastisement from Mimi while she patches him up with stuff from Sora’s pack? Or will it be Jou and the toilet paper you know he brought even if it makes no sense?!? hahahaha

I give this ep a 7/10 WELL DONE. That’s what a Digimon episode should be. Very close to VERY VERY GOOD.

I missed the trailer for next week so have more gratuitous Taichis instead.

[what-is-your-plan-today]

Riding High Ch 8- Adler Vs Adler

Chapter Summary: The gloves are off in court as mother and son go head to head.

Chapter Warnings: Bad Language words. Talk of suicide.

Chapter Pairings:  Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher

A/N: Contains SPOILERS for the film!!!!! If you haven’t seen it please be aware of that before you read on. Also, those of you who do know this film well will see that I’ve changed the dates referenced in the court case, that’s because I brought the timeline of Gifted forward from 2015 (when it was filmed) to 2017 (when it was released). This was mainly to suit Fliss’ backstory of the Olympics. 2015 is too close to 2012 for me to make it work. Also Frank’s middle name is an absolute H/C too as I couldn’t find it anywhere so, sorry if this annoys any of you but, to quote @icanfeelastormbrewing- “my coffee, my fic, my rules…”

This chapter is a mix of Fliss and Frank’s POV…hope you all enjoy it. As always I’m a ho for a REBLOG and COMMENT! 

Series Masterlist  Main Masterlist

Chapter Song: Stand By You- Rachel Platten

And love, if your wings are broken, borrow mine so yours can open too…’cause I’m gonna stand by you

The first bit of evidence the next morning was the findings of the Welfare Department’s investigation. It had thrown nothing out of the ordinary up. The house was clean enough, Mary was fed…but they did point out that it wouldn’t be suitable for much longer as Mary would need her own room as she grew older, something which Frank’s attorney accepted on behalf of Frank, stating to the court that Frank had already considered this. Which in fairness he had. The Welfare Department continued then, stating that Mary’s interview the previous day hadn’t thrown up anything of concern, even if there were some questionable TV viewing habits, namely Ultimate Fighting but they were satisfied that overall Mary suffering no ill effects, mentally or physically from being with Frank.

This took them just under an hour, as they were factual reports. Both Attorneys requested clarification points but there were no questions or cross examinations. As such they had concluded just after 11 am and there was then a small 10 minute break to allow a quick consultation between clients and lawyers before Evelyn was to take to the stand. As people moved around, passing papers and files to one another, Frank turned in his seat and just as he glanced round, someone left the courtroom and through the open door Fliss walked in, dressed in a smart pair of black jeans and a light blue strappy top. He flashed her a smile and she gave a small wave, settling onto a seat next to Roberta who gave her a hug. She’d missed the early session due to having to sort the horses out but she’d cleared her diary and brought in cover for the rest of the day.

Frank turned back to Greg who was watching him, eyebrow raised.

“Well that was a mighty big smile Frank…”

“Yeah, well just spotted some back up, that’s all.” Greg turned to see the woman who was now talking to Roberta and he grinned, spinning back to Frank “Let me guess, Fliss?”

Frank nodded “Yeah, I’ll introduce you later.”

Greg nodded “I look forward to it. Anyway, back to business, that opening report from the Welfare Department was good, well as good as it’s gonna get. But man, Ultimate Fighting?”

“It’s harmless…” Frank shrugged

Greg shook his head “Whatever. This next bit ain’t gonna be as easy.” “No shit…” Frank mumbled, looking at his mother as she said something to Highsmith, her attorney. “She’s going to rip me to pieces, and no doubt enjoy doing it too.” “Yep.” Greg nodded “But, keep doing what you’re doing. No outbursts, stay quiet, focussed, listen. And if she says anything that isn’t accurate, or you think of anything we can use, note it down and I’ll use it in my cross examination, ok?” Frank nodded as Judge Nicholls banged his gavel down an issued instructions for everyone to reconvene. He called Evelyn to the stand where she was sworn in and Highsmith stood up and began firing questions at her, a well-practiced dance, Frank could tell.

From the gallery Fliss watched intently. She’d been late due to having to open up at the yard but had rushed home, changed and got here as soon as she could. As such she had missed the first session but Roberta had hastily filled her in, telling her it had gone well. She shot Frank another encouraging smile, just as the judge called them back to order, and couldn’t help but notice how good that man looked in his grey suit, light grey shirt and maroon and white speckled tie. He certainly looked the part.

Evelyn took to the stand and Fliss felt herself bristling as she utterly character assassinated Frank, depicting him as nothing more than an irresponsible bum, floating around with no purpose to life, who didn’t care about Mary’s welfare, preferring to simply fly by the seat of his pants instead of giving her any decent roots or thoughts to her needs. At one point, they started to question his motivations towards taking Mary being more about punishing Evelyn that actually caring about the girl. To this Frank’s attorney objected and as the two attorneys began to argue, Fliss found her nails cutting into her palms as she clenched her fists. Roberta gently reached out and squeezed her arm and she turned to the woman next to her and gave her a tight smile.

“Frank’s attorney, Greg Cullen, well he’s good…” she whispered, “He’ll go at her when he gets his chance…you’ll see.”

The objection was overruled, the judge telling Cullen he would get his chance to challenge that statement in his cross examination, and Cullen sat down, leaning over to whisper something to Frank who nodded, his eyes not once leaving his mother. Cullen jotted something down and then sat back to allow Evelyn to finish speaking.

By the time she finished it was almost midday so they broke for lunch, Judge Nicholls instructing everyone to be back in an hour. Fliss and Roberta headed outside to wait for Frank who met them shortly after.

“Hey…” Fliss said, giving him a gentle hug. “How you holding up?”

“About as well as I can for someone whose own other just tore them to shreds under oath.” Fliss’ eyes narrowed “I hope your guy is gonna give as good as she did…” “I’ll do my best.” A voice said. Fliss spun round to be greeted by Frank’s attorney.

“Fliss, this is Greg Cullen, Greg this is Fliss Gallagher.” Frank introduced them to one another. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” Greg smiled at her, shaking her hand. Fliss looked up at Frank and was surprised to find a faint flush of red on his cheeks.

“All good I hope?” she grimaced and Cullen nodded.

“Oh…very good indeed. I’ve been dying to meet the woman who’s made such an impression on him…” “Greg, piss off.” Frank said in a tired voice, before he nodded over the road to the café “Shall we grab some lunch?”

They ate together, made small talk, before Greg requested Frank join him alone for 15 minutes to go over the rest of the afternoon. Frank stood, and without even thinking about it gave Fliss a quick peck on the cheek. He winced as soon as he had, noticing that Cullen and Roberta were watching him and knowing Fliss was going to get an absolute drilling from Roberta he shot her an apologetic look as he walked away. She simply smiled through her blush and shook her head, turning to Roberta who nudged her arm.

“Ok, so…what was that?” Greg asked as they walked back over the road.

“It’s complicate.” Frank sighed “we both…we like each other but with everything that’s going on we’re…well I suppose we’re taking it slow. I’m focussing on getting through whatever it is that happens with Mary and then hopefully…what?” he trailed off as Greg was smirking at him.

“Frank Adler. Finally found a girl he likes that much he ain’t simply trying to get her into bed…”

Frank rolled his eyes and pointed to the courtroom “How about you concentrate on what’s gonna go on in there instead of what is or isn’t going on in my bedroom?”

Greg gave out a chuckle and patted his friend on the shoulder as they made their way in and headed into the side room they had reserved.

****

“Mrs. Adler, in your earlier testimony here today… you painted a pretty dim picture of your own son don’t you think?” Cullen asked, tapping his pen on his note pad. Frank remained stony faced, watching his mother.

“I’m under oath, I take no pleasure in it.” she said with a glance at Frank before she looked down, almost convincingly.

Frank just about managed to refrain from rolling his eyes.

“So, your son is a failure in life, your daughter took her life…you know, you’re oh for two.”

Fliss winced and glanced at Roberta as Highsmith said “Objection” in an almost bored voice

“Withdrawn.” Cullen said, his voice taking on an amused edge but as Fliss watched Evelyn simply eyed him, completely un-phased.

“If I go one for three, I’m in the Hall of Fame.” she shot back.

“You know baseball.” Cullen said, pushing his chair back “Fenway Park.”

At that something flickered in Evelyn’s eye as she glanced at Frank. Fliss followed her gaze and watched, just able to see the side of Frank’s face. His eyes locked onto her, his expression never faltering.

“You know, I’d like to go there sometime.” Cullen said standing up, pushing his glasses up onto his head as Evelyn turned back to him “How often in a year did you take Diane to the baseball game?”

“Diane wasn’t interested in sports.” Evelyn replied

“She never wanted to go to a game? Ever?”

“I don’t recall her ever asking.”

Cullen moved forwards a step and Fliss saw Frank’s eyes flick to him as he continued to question his mother.

“Just out of curiosity, Fenway, that’s a tough ticket. Where do you get yours?”

“My husband has season tickets.”

“And how long has he had them?” Cullen enquired

“30 years. But I’ve only been married to him for 20.” Evelyn informed him.

“And Diane never went to one game?”

Evelyn didn’t reply, simply raised her eyebrows slightly as if she was failing to see the point. Fliss’ eyes once again flicked to Frank who still hadn’t moved an inch.

“What colour was the dress Diane wore to prom?” Cullen changed his line of questions.

“Diane didn’t attend the prom, because she didn’t attend the high school.” Evelyn replied calmly

“No prom.” Cullen mused before he asked suddenly “What sports did she play?”

“As I told you earlier, she wasn’t interested in sports.”

“She’s calm…” Roberta whispered to Fliss as Cullen continued to question Evelyn about Diane’s lack of interaction with other children her age

“Too calm…” Fliss said “But I can see what he’s doing, trying to paint a picture of how she isolated Diane to imply that she’d do the same to Mary. You’re right, he is good…”

As they tuned back into the examination again, Cullen took a deep breath and glanced to his left

“Mrs. Adler, he said, looking back at her who’s Paul Riva?”

At that Evelyn glanced at Frank, her calm mask slipped ever so slightly but still Frank didn’t move. Fliss could see his expression now carried a faint, and every so sad, smile.

Evelyn gave a silent huff before she looked back at Cullen “He was a boy from the neighbourhood.”

Her tone was clipped and Fliss noticed the judge sit forward slightly at her change in tone, narrowing his eyes a little as he watched her curiously

“Oh, come on. He was much more than just a boy from the neighbourhood.  Paul was Diane’s first love. Wasn’t he?” Cullen asked.

Fliss and Roberta exchanged a glance.

“I wouldn’t characterize it that way, no.” Evelyn shook her head.

“And how would Diane characterize it?”

“Diane was 17 years old at the time. She didn’t know anything about love.”

At that Fliss caught the first movement Frank had made as he took a deep breath and looked to his left before turning back, his shoulders moving slightly in frustration as he shook his head slightly, his eyes locking back onto his mother who was carefully avoiding his gaze.

“Mrs. Adler… in January 2000 didn’t Diane and young Mr. Riva run away together?” Cullen looked at her.

“He coerced her” Evelyn corrected with the air of someone picking her words carefully.

“And where did they go?”

“Vermont.”

“And you called the police, didn’t you?” Cullen stated rather than asked.

“Yes.”

“Because he kidnapped her?”

“Yes”

“And where did the police find young Mr. Riva and Diane?” Cullen looked at Evelyn

“I told you, Vermont.” Evelyn looked at Cullen, her voice suddenly taking on an edge which made Fliss lean forward slightly.

“Stowe, Vermont. Wasn’t it? A resort town.” Cullen said, looking round the court room as Evelyn shifted uncomfortably. “Stowe Mountain. He took her skiing. You see, kidnappers don’t usually take their victims skiing.” Cullen paused from his explanation, when he spoke again his voice was calm, and slow, stressing the point perfectly “But this is what Paul did because he and Diane were in love.”

“No” Evelyn said firmly

“And when they returned, you pressed kidnapping charges.” Cullen’s voice rose in volume and speed as he spoke “You filed a lawsuit against his parents…until Paul stopped calling Diane.  Didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“And Diane never heard of or saw Paul Riva again. Did she?” Cullen’s tone was harsh, accusatory as he stared at Evelyn.

“Poor girl…” Roberta mumbled besides her and Fliss shook her head, in utter shock at how a mother could be so damned cruel and out of touch with her own daughter. It made her feel a pang of sympathy for Mary’s mother despite never having known her. Fliss couldn’t imagine what she would do without either of her parents being as supportive as they were.

Evelyn must have answered as by the time Fliss turned her attention fully to what she was saying, Cullen had asked another question.

“And how did she take it?”

“She was upset for a while. She lost focus.”

“She lost focus” Cullen said, turning back to the desk and picking up a small file “Mrs. Adler,” he turned back, file in hand “…in March of 2001 didn’t Diane Adler attempt to take her own life?”

“This episode was minor. It was nothing.” Evelyn said, her tone harsh.

“Nothing?” Fliss drew in a breath, shaking her head. For a moment she almost lost herself in another memory, of one rainy afternoon in Boston in October 2015…but she took a deep breath and focussed on where she was, as Cullen flashed the file at Evelyn.

“I have the hospital report in my hand.” he informed her

“It was nothing.” Evelyn said again, and now Fliss could see she was rattled. “Diane was not like regular people. She was extraordinary. And extraordinary people come with singular issues and needs.”

Fliss watched as Evelyn leant forward, her face creased in anger as hissed “You have no idea of the capability she possessed. One in a billion. And you would say fine, let’s throw that away, so the boy who cuts our yard can make sexual conquest? Well maybe before you make that decision, you stand in my shoes .I had responsibilities, which went beyond the mother-daughter relationship.”

She took a deep breath and spoke again, her voice louder this time “The greatest discoveries, which have proved life on this planet have come from minds rarer than radium. Without them, we’d still be crawling in mud. And for your information, counsellor, a year after this incident with this boy Diane thanked me for my intervention. She realized she’d made a mistake and she thanked me. You see, Diane understood. She’s was accountable for the gift she’d been given. And she didn’t shy from it.”

Every inch of Evelyn’s face was contorted with a mixture of pain and anger, and she radiated absolute fury across the courtroom as her rant built to its climax

“And I think, if she were here today, Mr. Attorney, she would refute your baseless insinuations, that she would give up her brilliant future and take her own life just because  mummy didn’t get her a little red wagon

There was a pause as she took a breath and sat back.

“No more questions.” Cullen said simply, turning back to his seat.

Fliss watched Frank who shifted, rubbing his chin with his left hand, his fingers curling round his jaw in an L shape as he stared at this mother.

***** When Mary returned home on the bus, Frank did his best to remain positive and keep his broodings to himself, and was thankful when Fliss suggested they head out for dinner. The four of them headed to the same restaurant he had met his mother at not long before. He ate, not really tasting his food, or listening as Fliss and Roberta chatted away. Instead his attention was completely on Mary who was stood with one of the waitresses at another table, where Mary was pouring sand out of one of the bottles that was used to keep the tablecloths from blowing away. The thought that she could be without such simple pleasure of looking through sand for shells, and lost to a world pressure and solitude like Diane had been killed him.

“Hey…” he felt someone squeeze his hand at the same time Mary held up a shell and showed it to him. He took a deep breath and tried to rearrange his face into a smile as his fingers tightened around Fliss’s.

“You know until I met you I thought sitting on steps drinking beer was something only red necked hillbillies did.” Fliss teased him when they were alone later that evening, Mary asleep inside the apartment as they sat outside the kitchen door, shoulder to shoulder along the top rung.

“Well, according to my mother that’s what I am.” he scoffed.

“And according to me your mother is a callous, cold hearted bitch.” Fliss said, with such venom it made Frank look at her. She took a deep breath, her voice softening “How can anyone dismiss a suicide attempt as nothing.”

Frank looked away, taking a pull from his beer. They sat in silence for a moment before Fliss broke it.

“You know back in 2015, about 18 months after we’d gotten married…I almost did it you know? Killed myself.”

Frank’s head turned to face her. She wasn’t looking at him, instead she remained focussed on a spot in the distance as she looked straight ahead. “My life was out of my control, and it was the only way I could think of getting some of that control back. So I took a shit load of buproprion and washed it down with half a litre of vodka.”

“Shit, Lissy I…” She waved his sympathy off and continued “After that I was offered all this help and support and…” she snorted bitterly “I still went back to him. He convinced everyone, including me that the issue was the fact that I was still brooding over my career being cut so short…and then told me that having a kid would fix the issue. In reality there was no issue to fix. I wasn’t depressed as such, I was abused. And that was simply another way of him taking control”

After a moment she turned to look at him, “And I’m not saying your mother abused Diane, not as such but she isolated her for her own, selfish reasons…no matter how she tries to dress them up or convince herself that it was for Diane’s own good. That first suicide attempt your sister would have made a normal, loving parent sit up and pay attention to what was going on. I know it did mine, as Bill never trusted John’s explanation, not one word.” “I should have done more too.” Frank said, looking down “But I was so busy, wrapped up in my finals and…”

“Frank, you were what? 20 and preparing for finals at Harvard.” Fliss frowned “Diane wasn’t your responsibility, you’re not her parent.”

“No but when Dad died, I promised I’d take care of her, always be there for her. I should have done more, and I should have known…when she turned up that day…”

“Frankie…” Fliss cut him off, her hand taking his “Take it from me, my mum and dad and brother went through all of this in their head. Did Diane give you any warnings at all because I know I didn’t?  Look at the lies and the world of fantasy I let John build up round me and detract from what was going on. I told nobody I was gonna do it Frank. And I told no body why I did it either.”

Frank sniffed and wiped at his nose slightly with his free hand.

“So you can either carry on beating yourself up over something that isn’t your fault or you can concentrate on getting the best outcome here for Mary.”

He reached for his beer which was on the step below him between his legs and nodded. She was right, he knew she was, but there would always be that part of him that wondered if he could have done more, it he should have done more.

“Are you planning on coming tomorrow?” he asked, looking at Fliss.

“Yeah, Joanne is covering again.”

“I don’t want to put you out…” he began but she shook her head.

“It’s sorted.” Fliss smiled. “She wants the week of Thanksgiving off so she’s racking up the favours.”

“Well, from a selfish reason I’m glad.” he said, flexing his fingers against hers, looking down at where they were entwined.

“I’m not missing your testimony, if only for the sole reason of discovering what your full name is.” she teased. Frank gave a huff of a laugh “Francis Preston Adler, nice to meet you.” he tipped his bottle in her direction. “Preston?” She snorted “Get out of town! There’s a place in England called Preston, it’s like 30 miles away from my home!”

Frank smiled, before he sighed.

“Last day tomorrow isn’t it?” Fliss looked at him as he stared straight ahead.

He let out a breath “Yeah, well last day of evidence…then we have to wait for however long it takes him to read all the reports and make a ruling.”

“Well then, I suggest you get some sleep, or as much as you can.” she said, and with that she released his hand and stood up. Frank did the same and he smiled as she leaned up and he ducked his head so she could kiss his cheek. “Oh, and FYI I got an absolute interrogation off Roberta before when you did that. Felt like it was me in the dock, not Evelyn.” For the first time all evening Frank laughed.

******

The gloomy, rainy morning matched Frank’s mood perfectly.

He sat in the dock dressed in his suit this time paired with a light green shirt and a dark blue and silver tie, feeling as out of place as anyone could.  Cullen went through the questions he had coached Frank on, questions designed not to paint him as a saint but as a normal person, doing the best he could for his niece in line with his sister’s wishes. Frank answered them honestly. Was he perfect? No. Had he done things correctly? No. Did he wish he had spotted Diane was struggling? Yes. Did he love Mary and want the best for her? Yes.

The questions continued along those lines until they broke for lunch. And then came the cross examination, and Frank knew he was in for a beating.

“Mr. Adler where are you currently employed?” Highsmith asked sitting on the desk to the left of Evelyn.

“I repair boats.” Frank answered clearly

“Oh, really? At which marina?”

“I don’t work at a marina. I freelance.”

“So, safe to say, no health insurance.”

“No.” Frank shook his head

“About a week before your sister took her life what were you doing for a living then?”

“I was a teacher.” Frank replied.

“You’re being modest, aren’t you?” Highsmith said, standing up and walking towards the dock “You were a professor at Boston University Isn’t that right?

“Yes, well, assistant professor.”

“And what’d you teach?”

“Philosophy.” Frank said, looking at him

“Truth and logic. That sort of thing” Highsmith gestured with his hands and Frank simply smile as he continued “Your attorney said that the primary reason that you took Mary is because it was what your sister would’ve wanted you to do. Is that a truth?”

“Yes.” Frank implored

“So Diane had visited Pinellas County before?”

“No” frank said with almost an air of amusement on his face as he looked at his mother for a second before he looked down and joined his hands in front of him in his lap.

“She indicated she wanted her daughter rooted and moved here?

Frank shook his head, closing his eyes “No”

“No.” Highsmith repeated “So you decided to bring Mary here, didn’t you?”

Frank licked his lips and drew in a deep breath as he simply stared as his mother. He was pleased so see her shift in her seat

“Did Diane had a problem with your health plan at Boston University?” Highsmith pressed.

Frank wanted to laugh. The guy was doing exactly what Greg had warned him he would do, attack his lack of healthcare, insinuate he wasn’t able or fit to provide for Mary. When he spoke his voice was calm, and he fought to keep his face as amicable as possible.

“Not to my knowledge.”

“Do you think she would want her daughter to have access to healthcare?”

Dumbass question

“Of course.” Frank nodded.

“So what do you do, when little Mary gets sick? You repair a doctor’s boat?”

Frank scoffed a laugh as Cullen objected.

“Sustained.” Judge Nicholls shot Highsmith a look and Frank stole a glance at Fliss. If the situation wasn’t so serious he would have laughed at the identical look she wore to Roberta, both glaring at Highsmith like they wanted to kill him. Which, to be fair, the probably did want…

The questions continued. He was asked why he turned down the scholarship at the Oaks in favour of learning at a first grade level, a level way below that she was capable of. The rain continued to drive down as did Highsmith’s questions, as they were punctuated every so often by a low rumble of thunder from the outside storm.

“Prior to Mrs. Adler giving her one. Did Mary have a computer?”

“She used mine.”

“Mr. Adler, does Diane’s daughter have her own bedroom?”

“No.”

“Does she sleep in a bed that you bought in a second hand shop?”

“Yes” Frank looked ahead, focussing on keeping calm as Highsmith walked towards the dock, gesturing now with his hands, his tone winding up

“So, the truth is, Mr. Adler that you didn’t come down here because your sister wanted it to and you certainly didn’t come here because it was good for Mary.”

Frank swallowed slightly and shifted a little, avoiding looking at the man as he tapped his hand on the side of the dock.

“No, it was personal. Diane was a star. You weren’t. Diane got the attention. You didn’t.”

Frank scoffed silently, oh please, and turned to look in the opposite direction.

“..and over the years You got angry. And here comes Mary. What a great way to get even.

At that he audibly sighed. He had known this was coming, that his mother’s attorney would try and paint him as petty and vindictive but it still hurt to hear it. Hurt that his own mother would have someone attack him in such a way. He’d defend Mary to the hilt someone was doing this to her…

“You’ve uprooted that little girl and brought her here for 1 reason only. To do harm to your mother. You blamed her for your sister.”

“No, I don't” Frank broke his silence.

“And Mary to you is just a pawn in all this.”

And that did it, Mary wasn’t a pawn. She was a little girl, a little girl who he was doing is best by.

“Diane wanted Mary… to be a kid” Frank’s voice betrayed his desperation and emotion, and he knew that…but now he was past caring, this was the truth, it was how he felt, and he was nothing if not honest. He locked eyes with his mother as he spoke, driving his words home “.She wanted her to have a life. She wanted her to have friends and to play…”

At that his mother looked away, her eyes glistening but Frank kept his on hers as she turned back to him, his final words were almost whispered

“…and to be happy.”

“You realize the consequences of boredom for a gifted child, Mr. Adler? They become resentful and sullen.”

“Mary’s not an angry kid.” Frank said, his voice calm once more.

“Really? Did she not attack a child on the school bus?”

Shit.

“A 12 year old tripped a 7 year old and she came to his defense.” Frank said, shrugging slightly

“Did she break the boy’s nose?”

“Yes.” Frank said, a little louder as he nodded.

“On October 16th last year, were you arrested for assault?”

“Oh, my God.” Frank groaned, and he looked down before he glanced back up, momentarily locked eyes with Fliss who he noticed had taken a deep breath. He looked back down, shaking his head

“You have to answer the question Mr. Adler.” Judge Nicholls reminded him

Frank swallowed and focussed on a spot on the varnished surface of the wood in font of him, just by the microphone. “A drunk idiot attacked me and I defended myself. What does that have to do…”

“Did you spend the night in jail?” Highsmith cut him off.

“Yeah.” Frank nodded.

“You are in way over your head here. You’re depriving that girl…”

Frank stayed still, shaking his head and glaring at his mother, all the while Highsmith continued ranting on at him

“…you’re gambling with her future and now you being presented with an opportunity to do right by her.”

“Does council have a question for my client?” Cullen said loudly

“Take the high road, Mr. Adler before she’s rapidly damaged.”

“Does council have a question for my client or not?” Cullen said, standing up.

“Yes, sir. I do have a question.” Highsmith said “Tell us. Is your continued guardianship really in the best interest of this little girl?

“You do your best, Frank. And that’s all any of us can do…” Fliss’s voice rattled in his head, and he took a deep breath. No he wasn’t perfect. Yes, Evelyn could provide for her better than he could but could she love Mary like he did. No, no she couldn’t

He stared at his mother, as he lifted his chine and spoke loudly and clearly.

“Yes.Yes, it is.”

“I have no further questions.” Highsmith spoke.

Frank scratched at his head and left the dock. Following the summing up, they were all dismissed. Frank shook Greg’s hand who told him he would be in touch Frank left the courtroom with Roberta, Fliss nowhere to be seen. He took a deep breath, realising she was probably going to run a mile after hearing about the assault. That wasn’t how he wanted her to find out. However, to his amazement and joy she was waiting for him by his truck. Roberta nodded to him and made an excuse to nip over the road to the store for a water leaving them to talk alone.

“Thought you’d gone?” he said gently.

“No I had to take a call from Joanne about a lesson… why would I leave without saying goodbye?” she frowned

“The assault”

Fliss sighed “Frank, I admit it was a shock to hear but…”

“At least let me explain.” he shrugged.

“There’s really no need…we all do dumb shit right?”

“He was a drunk idiot.” Frank cut her off “I was actually out with a friend, Jacob and his fiancée, Lisa, that night. Jake had gone to the bathroom and this guy bumped into us and sent Lisa flying into the table, knocking a load of glasses over. When I told him to be careful he took a swing at me only he missed and, well I didn’t…”

“You’re a regular knight in shining armour Sailor.” she smiled before she looked at him softly. “I know that was hard today. I was so angry and the things he was saying to you but…it’s done now. Try not to think on it because you can’t change the outcome. Whatever it is, you did your best.”

“You know I remembered you saying that to me.” he smiled, “Right as he was telling me what a lousy life I give Mary.” “It’s not lousy.”  Fliss shook her head. “She’s loved Frank. And she’s happy.”

He smiled again as she took a deep breath.

“Look, I have to go, I have a lesson in an hour now this rain has let up, but…what are you doing tomorrow night?”

“Working.” he said, chuckling as she raised her eyebrow “  Yeah I know, second Friday night in a row but…well I’m behind thanks to this case and whilst Roberta has Mary I can get a good few hours in and then get my head down before she comes back at midday”

“How about I keep you company?” she asked, “Only if that’s ok?”

Frank smiled “As long as you don’t distract me too much.” “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

**** Turns out Fliss wasn’t the distraction, Cullen was. He rocked up at the garage Frank was working at just as he was explaining to Fliss the different components of the oil filter he was working on, nudging her as she gave a loud, exaggerated yawn. She grinned at him, and he didn’t miss the flash in her eyes as she looked him quickly up and down, taking in his dirty jeans, hands covered in oil and his long sleeved thin blue sweater which he knew fit him pretty well. Part of the reason he had worn it.

“Hey…” Cullen said.

“Hey.” Frank frowned “What’s…” “I wanted to do this in person.” Greg said.

“I’ll er, give you a moment.” Fliss said. She went to leave but Frank caught her elbow gently.

“No, stay, please…” he said. She looked at him for a second and nodded.

Cullen explained how Highsmith had called him first thing that morning saying that they wanted to cut a deal which would see Mary in a fostering situation. Frank dismissed the notion straight up and Cullen continued to try and win him round, informing him that they could cherry pick and that it would be mutually approved and he’d already found a family in Tampa, which was what he had been working on all day. He continued to explain how Mary would attend the Oaks and Evelyn would get visiting rights and that when Mary was 12 she could go back into court and decide where, and with who, she wanted to live.

“You’re supposed to be on my team.” Frank cut his friend off, glaring at him “Why are you bringing me this deal?

“Other than I’m required to by law?” Greg looked back at him, and then suddenly Frank understood.

“You like this deal?” he asked

“I love this deal.” Greg noded.

“They think they’re gonna lose.” Frank leaned on the work-desk in front of him, looking at Cullen.

“Yeah. They do.”

“You think we’re gonna lose.”

“Yes.” Greg replied honestly. “I do, Frank.”

Frank looked down, swallowing before he turned to his friend.

“I gotta go put my kids to bed. I’ll do whatever you want me to do. But, if we leave this up to the judge…Nicholls, he’s old school, Frank. Does he like your mother? No. Does he like her income? Does he like her health plan? Does he like her home? You better believe it.”

Frank looked down again, shaking his head, unable to do anything else.

“I’ve been in his courtroom. A hundred times. And if it’s a coin toss…Look at me.”

Frank turned to Greg, his arms still leaning on the top, muscles straining as he grasped at a wrench in front of him in frustration, something to squeeze.

“If it’s a coin toss, that old boy is going to side with the money.” Greg said gently “So, do me a favour, Frank. Just meet the family. See how it feels. It’s all I ask.” with that he took a deep breath. “I gotta go…see you later. Goodnight Fliss.”

“Night…” she said to him, watching him leave.

There was a pause before Frank picked up the wrench in his hand and threw it hard against the wall at the opposite side of the garage, before he stood up tall and turned to Fliss who was watching him, her face contorted in sympathy and sadness.

“I don’t know what to do.” he looked at her, and every single emotion he had been holding back cascaded over him in a wave and he felt utterly and hopelessly overwhelmed. He couldn’t stop the tears brimming in his eyes and he bowed his head, once more leaning on the desk. He felt a warm pair of hands gently on his arm, nudging him to turn slightly and he did so to look at Fliss as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down into a gently hug. He pressed his face into the crook of her shoulder, his tears falling gently onto her soft skin as she smoothed a hand through his hair, gently soothing him.

“Sorry…” he said after a moment pulling back.

“Hey…” she said, ducking slightly, her hands now on his face as she wiped his tears with her thumbs, her own now filling her eyes. “Don’t ever apologise to me for being upset, Frankie. I told you, I was here for the road trip remember? However bumpy the ride. I’m not going anywhere Sailor.”

He let out a soft, watery laugh as he dropped his forehead to hers, his eyes closing as hook a deep breath, composing himself.

“You now no ones called me Frankie since I was a little kid” he smiled.

“Well it suits you.” she smiled, pulling away slightly. “You good?” He nodded, moving back out of her arms. “Do you think I should go?” he asked “Meet this family?”

“Frank…”she said gently “I can’t answer that.” “What would you do?”

“I honestly don’t know.” she shook her head. “I suppose there’s no harm in meeting them but, you have to be sure this is what is right for Mary. But I do know one thing, whatever you decide to do, I’ll be there all the way.”

He nodded, taking a deep breath. He gently took her hand and raised it to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles.  “Thankyou.”

@the-omni-princess​​  @momobaby227​​ @geekofmanythings16​​ @angelofhell-666​​ @thewackywriter​​ @marvelfansworld​​​  @cobalt-gear​​  @asgardlover75​​ @jennmurawski13​​​​  @jtargaryen18​​​ @saiyanprincessswanie​​​  @navispalace​​​ @patzammit​​​  @joannaliceevans-fanficblog​​​ ​​ @djeniiscorner​​​  @ayamenimthiriel​​​  @coldmuffinbanditshoe​​​  @disneylovingal​​​ @madzmilllz​​  @sgtjaamesbaarnes​​ @sweater-daddiesdumbdork​​ @southerngracela​ @goldenfightergir​ @kellymat​ @official-and-unstable-satan​ @icanfeelastormbrewing​ @pagesoflauren​

[bibibuckleyy]

my thoughts on ‘The taking of Dispach 9-1-1′

this was SUCH a good episode from start to finish! *pulls out a slide show* Now i’ll show you breaking down every. single. scene-

jk lmao...unless?

spoilers below the cut!

lord. have. mercy.

these hoes are givin me major heist vibes

tiffany bby ur the driver but for me to acknowledge you as such you better be Letty Ortiz good hun

wow these thugs are a lot my organized than i first thought like i know they was carryin guns but i aint know they was packin this much like damn

Oceans 8 who?

so i wanna know where they just...got a cop car???

OH HELL NAH Y’ALL BEST NOT MESS WITH TERRY

I MEAN ANA MAY BE HIS SISTER

AND  SHE MAY BE MAKIN MOVES ON EDDIE 

BUT IN THIS HOUSE WE LOVE TERRY FLORES SO YOU GET YOUR GUN AWAY FROM SUNSHINE BBY

it’s kinda funny rewatching this scene when you know what’s about to go down

like i’m cacklin like ‘oh shooooot dramaaaa’

but i’m also like ‘SOMEONE GRAB JOSH AND RUN’

“temporary maintenance, happens all the time” cool cool cool 

i’m not freakin out you’re freakin out

josh and maddie are like friend goals i love their dynamic like yoooo

hi yes could you please get that gun away from terry’s head i would really appreciate it.

OMG SECURITY DUDE NOOOO

wow ur like the only line of defense in the dispatch center and they just kicked ur ass

is this where our tax dollars are goin??

fly high josh’s mug, fly high

that absolute look of fear on his face tho, still breaks my heart

josh russo defense squad post up homies

“i love you, howie” nope nope nope didn’t like it the second time either

when that gun went off

LET ME TELL YOU

i just,,,waited for the blood to start comin out of terry

thank god it wasn’t him

good scene lmaooo 9-1-1 writers i hate you all lmao lmao

“bees are the least of your troubles here, sweetheart” I HATE YOU DUDE

someone call mama grant please

“we’ve got dispatch” i do not like this ma’am i’d like to speak to the manager

“you’ll shoot us” man shut the hell up-

“no, we’ll shoot the person next you you” this dude is insane

lookin like mr.clean’s evil cousin LMAOOOOO

“you only do something like this so you can do something...worse”

um whAT-

“you’re being paranoid, she’s fine” CHIMNEY NO NO NO

i don’t think i’ve ever thrown this much popcorn at my tv in my life

as chimney said “don’t do it man” just picture a 5′5 lightskinned girl tripping over her blanket while yelling “DO IT CHIM, DO IT!” and you’ll have me

“sorry, we are experiencing a high call volume” BITCH MORE LIKE A HIGH CRIME VOLUME SOMEBODY GET MAMA GRANT DAMNIT-

*screams* BUUUUUUUUCK 

HI BBY

ooh nice shirt, i guess pink isn’t the only color that suits ya

he looks good in all the colors

whole damn snaaaaack

not to be an idiot on main but seriously, who watches the watchmen?

“i miss like an earthquake or something?” lmao chim is a whole vibe

“wait....why are you calling 9-1-1, is everything ok?” paired with that cute adorable concerned face he made is making me cry ok we don’t deserve buck T-T

“she’s at the call center, what could happen?” AT LOT ACTUALLY

OH THANK YOU JESUS IT’S ATHENA FUCKIN FINALLY 

*cries* mama grant you won’t believe the day i’ve had

“he’s my husband” LMAOOOOO WHAT

whoa tiffany we’ve already had our fair share of mail bombs here that bet’ not be what i think it is

THE PACKAGE IS VIBRATING AND BLINKING TAKE COVER-

ohhhhhhhhhh

it’s just takin out the security systems lmao 

“technical difficulties” BITCH MORE  LIKE CRIMINAL DIFFICULTIES

“i bet this woman really thinks you’re...worthwhile.” JOSH BBY DON’T LISTEN TO A WORD HE SAYS EVERYONE LOVES YOU

ahaha thanks i did not need those flashbacks it hurt enough the first time 

“a woman called about an omelet, i dispatched an officer”

“to the restaurant?”

“not exactly”

???

“i tried calling josh, but no answer” aww josh and buck are friendssssss :)

JOSH HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY THE FIREFAM PASS IT ON

:0

JOSH YOU GENIUS

YOU SMART SMART CINNAMON ROLL

MAMA GRANT IT’S TIME TO MAKE SOME MOVES

“nO NO CHIMNEY DON’T HANG UP!” i shouldn’t have laughed so hard

oh great he’s hastily grabbing his jacket. he’s about to do something rash and irresponsible

....someone call eddie.

that’s some good heist music right there

the bad guys look stressed....good.

“you’re here so i can keep an eye on you and make sure you don’t do anything foolish” BUT YOU LEFT BUCK

OK BUCK I LOVE YOU BBY

BUT YOU HAVE THIS HABIT OF TURNIN INTO SPECIAL AGENT 007 REAL FAST WHEN YOUR FRIENDS ARE IN TROUBLE MAN

LIKE

HE’S THE ‘EVERYONE BEFORE ME’ MEMBER OF THE FIREFAM

mama grant i ain’t questionin your authority or nun but like???

WHY WOULD YOU NOT KEEP AN EYE ON BUCK TOO?

HE’S THE MOST LIKELY CANDIDATE TO DO SOMETHIN STUPID

thats some reckless drivin there buckaroo

buck who were you tryna fool tho

athena only knows one golden retriever dude in this city who drives a grey and black jeep

“ok now, don’t be mad” LMAOOOOOOOO

HANDS DOWN ONE OF MY FAVE SCENES

HE KNEW HIS MOM WAS PISSED TOO LMAOOOO

athena’s look is sending meeeeee 😂😂

omg my god😭😂

“hey buck”

“...hey chim”

athena has some dumbass kids yo

the best part is, she knows it

the way mr. clean broke his neck when dude said ‘police cruiser’ LMAOOOO

“and if it’s not normal?”

“we’ll find out”

*blasts boss bitch*

i love the way buck is kinda concerned for his mom tho

and athena’s just like ‘it’s no sweat sweetie i do this every day’

“shoot her”

BITCH I HOPE THE FUCK YOU DO

YOU’LL BE A DEAD SON OF A BITCH

I’LL TELL YOU THAT

“shoot her, now”

try her bitch, see what happens to yo ass. 

the 118

the call center

the entire fandom 

we will collectively end you

“we got a report of a code 77″

THANK GOD THAT GOT ATHENA OUT OF THERE

what is a code 77 you say?

“ambush, proceed with caution”

well it sure nuff aint indecent exposure

*boss bitch keeps playing cause that was super smart for her to give out a code 77*

“maddie is smart, she can take care of herself until help gets there”

HELL YEA SHE CAN

SHE KICKED DOUG’S ASS SHE’LL KICK YOURS TOO

“they’re not gonna wanna leave behind a room full of witnesses”

i’m-i’m fine, i swear-

“killing people, your solution to every problem”

excuse me? do i hear morals??

they’re really fighting each other

they some grade a stupid right there 

there’s no way they are pullin this off

terry

terry what are you doing

TERRY

RUN TERRY RUN GO GO GO

OH SHIT

JOSHHHHHHHH

i thought they were gonna shoot terry

BUT JOSH CAME THROUGH IN THE CLUTCH

wowwwwww dispatch is a lot more badass than i thought

these dudes are hard core

OH

OH JOSH NO BBY

THAT LOOKS LIKE IT HURT

aii square tf up mr. clean we don’t hit josh here and you gon have to pay for that one

the way everyone is just quietly sobbing tho

it saddens me

“I need another thirty minutes”

i’m really enjoying watching this dude’s plan crumble around him

swat posted up aii i see yall

“we’ll try to get eyes in a damn windowless room”

well when you put it that way it sounds like this is hopeless

“i’m sorry i thought you were crazy”

“i’m sorry i wasn’t”

wow i don’t think i was supposed to laugh at that

and chim bein concerned for maddie is literally one if the best things ever y’all.

completely unrelated note, anybody else see bad boys for life?

“yeah i’m ok, my ears are just ringing a little” with the TEARS and the SNIFFLES and him SMILING THROUGH THE PAIN JOSH IS TOO PURE FOR THIS 

“why do you think we asked for so many RA units?” BITCH I KNOW YOU FUCKIN LYIN

for those of y’all that ain’t kno, RA units are rescue ambulance units

way to reassure people, lady

it’s like she said ‘everyone might be lightly shot by the time this is all over’

“so you are worried. it makes sense, cause all your friends keep dissappearing are they even in the same building?” WITH THAT LOOK OF STRAIGHT SPITE DAMN MADDIE BUCKLEY, DAMNNN

we stan the BAMF BUCKLEYS

“oh my god, LINDA??” lo key thought this was real for a second

“latex! is there latex in your gloves?” greg come on man you planned a heist you can’t be this stupid

SURPRISE! LINDA IS ALLERGIC TO BEES

ENJOY YOUR EPINEPHRINE ASSHOLE

OH

OH WOW

WOW DISPATCH

Y’ALL JUST-

WOW

EVERYONES GOT GUNS AND EVERYTHING OH MY GODDDDD

GIVE IT UP FOR DISPATCH 

you know it’s really funny, cause tiffany ain’t nowhere to be found

“next one goes in your head” OOOOOOOOOOOH SHE’S A BOSS ASS BITCH BROOO YESSSSSSS

(i know, two different songs, but ya gotta admit, it applies)

“you don’t get to die” 

i just-

hands down, most powerful line in the whole episode.

it’s an odd form of vengeance, saving the man that attacked you multiple times from the release of death

 that’s what it would’ve been tho

a release

he would’ve died, and he wouldn’t of had to pay for any of his actions

but instead, josh saved his sorry ass

so he gets to pay for this in the land of the living

the best revenge, actually

and, josh saved a life

he’s worthwhile

“i’m not goin back” well i knew mr. clean was gonna die from the beginning sooooooo

“we’ve got dispatch”  and it’s finally over

i’m kinda bummed that we didn’t get to see SEAL!buck or the rest of the firefam but we got  BAMF!dispatch and that was enough lmao

kudos to those off duty dispatches as well, like y’all just walked past the dead body and moved on from the whole hostage situation to do your already stressful job

CHIM’S FACE WHEN HE SEES MADDIE I AM SOBBING

THEY SAID MADNEY RIGHTS Y’ALL😭😭😭

this hug is everythinggggg 

lo key buck watching from afar breaks my heart ahaha

“she already has everything she needs”

....this is tea for another day, but...

buck, you do know people need you as much as you need them, right?

....right?

still not over that hug tho

ayeeee wassup bobby!

how was the camping trip i was extremely against?

oooooh i love the crime recaps!

i may or may not have been like buck in the bank episode when he said ‘i’m some confused, can you start over’

...ahem....

“wait....you didn’t round her up too?”

ok listen....

while i don’t condone stealing and and the extreme amount of violence they used,

i do condone outsmarting men that think less of you because you are a woman

you are a boss tiffany, and i’m actually kind of sad you got caught

“tiffany was the real mastermind” can i just.....

*BLASTS BOSS BITCH FROM THE ROOFTOPS CAUSE WOMEN OWNED THIS EPISODE! THEY WERE SO DAMN BADASS*

thanks 9-1-1 writers for that, btw. 

gotta admit, as much as they rip out our hearts and stomp on em, they know what they are doin

jake you shady shady bitch

ngl tho both plans were solid 

maybe if it was done completely by women it would’ve worked :)

“looks  like your trip’s been delayed...by about 5 to 15 years” athena you got the best lines yo

jake f’ed up the other plan too lmaoo

like i said, if it was all women, they would’ve pulled this off

and they end it with madney

gosh i loved this episode

So! These were my thoughts on 3x14! Let me know what you think, and hit up my ask box if you want me to post my thoughts on another episode! Later taters!

Oh yeah, if you liked this you can find my thoughts on ‘Pinned’ here!

[jeremys-blogs]

Shin and King: Godzilla’s Two Halves

My time as a fan of the Godzilla franchise goes way back, to some of my earliest memories. I recall watching reruns of the old Hanna Barbera cartoon with my younger brother, and from then on I was hooked. I saw the 1997 film in theatres, as well as the subsequent spin-off animated show, and virtually every other piece of Godzilla media that I've stumbled across, be it VHS copies of the classic Japanese films or even newer films, I've attempted to see. Bottom line, I love the guy, and as such you can bet I was hyped as Hell for the recent King of the Monsters film by Legendary. And sure enough, the movie didn't disappoint me. As someone who grew up hoping there would one day be an all-out monster mash of a film with the G-Man and all his classic fellow kaiju, it was a dream come true. And with Godzilla vs Kong on the horizon, it looks as though my childhood fantasies of seeing these larger-than-life characters in exactly the way I'd always imagined them to be isn't going to be ending anytime soon. However, while big spectacles are all well and good, we mustn't forget that this kind of exciting portrayal isn't how the big guy started out, as his origins are, to be frank, pretty sobering.

Because of course this most famous of kaiju was created not to excite youngsters with epic battles against other monsters, but as a grim and serous allegory for the horrors of nuclear power gone wrong. And of course who better to make such an allegory than the nation who, for now at least, are the only ones to have ever been on the receiving end of it? But, as you can probably expect of such a dark origin, that kind of depressing idea doesn't exactly put bums in seats, even as highly-regarded as it was, which is likely why so few of it's sequels and remakes have ever touched on it. Those latter films, while certainly more entertaining and popular, have never managed to really capture just how terrifying Godzilla is supposed to be. That is, until 2016, when Toho Studios released Shin Godzilla. This film, essentially a modern remake of the original, brings Godzilla back to his roots in making him a symbol of a horror the Japanese people have personally experienced, those being the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Like the original, Shin Godzilla is a powerful and serious film, making it abundantly clear just how bad things got for the people who had to deal with the tragedies this monster represents.

However, even though I greatly respect Shin and consider it among the best Godzilla films I've ever seen, something interesting occurred to me as I was watching it. Because while it's true that it does a fantastic job of recreating everything that made the original movie great, as well as ably putting a modern spin on it, there's no getting around the fact that the majority of Godzilla films are worlds apart from the grim and gritty ancestor they all shared. That's not to say either type of film is bad by any stretch, but Shin is, sadly, not going to win many fans among those whose only interest in Godzilla comes from him being a hero who helps humanity defend itself against other kaiju. For those fans, it's pretty clear that the American film, King of the Monsters, is much more their cup of tea. And as stated previously, I adore that film. In fact, I'd consider it my personal favourite film of 2019. And thus we get to the main point I wanted to talk about. Shin and King are polar opposites in their respective tones and goals, yet both of them are made out of a love of Godzilla, the only contention being the kinds of Godzilla films they have a love for.

Take these two films together, back-to-back, and what you're essentially left with is a perfect capsule of the Godzilla franchise as a whole, and more importantly, a good look at the two sides this character has shown during his sixty-year-plus history. On one hand we have Shin, which honours the origins of the character by making him a danger to the world as a whole, with humanity just barely scraping by a victory against the destructive terror that he symbolizes. And on the other, we have King, which puts Godzilla in the role of a heroic saviour. Still dangerous and destructive, sure, but nevertheless on our side against a greater danger than himself. Evil and good, destruction and salvation, villain and hero. Godzilla has, over his exceptionally long film and TV career, has been all of these things and more. He's been a face for the terrible things wrought by humanity's own hand that we must overcome, and he's been a defender against a variety of other and more malevolent forces. Shin and king together are Godzilla, in his entirety, and all he weight and spectacle and meaning that come with him. And when you look back, no other movie monster has ever managed to have that kind of narrative weight behind him, even though there are likely many other household creature names out there.

It almost seems nonsensical when you stop and think about it, doesn't it? That a single character can have such wildly different interpretations yet still be thought of as the same person. And it's especially impressive when you consider that there's hardly any other characters in fiction that you could do this with. If one were to, for instance, take the Emperor from Star Wars and turn him into a goodie, or take Gandalf from Lord of the Rings and make him into a baddie, people would rightly call you out on that choice because it would go against everything that their characters are and what role they're supposed to serve in their story. But Godzilla? With him you can have a champion of humanity, an abomination wrought by people's misuse of scientific power, or anything in-between and nobody would bat an eye. It's a versatility that most likely contributes to why the character has remained as popular as he has over the decades. Because with this kind of varied characterization there's literally no end to the kinds of stories you can tell with him. In many way's he's like the modern pop culture equivalent of a fantasy dragon. A beast who, over countless retellings of stories has a whole world of meaning and importance behind it.

But of course, as with any long-running franchise, there are the points of contention between different fans. To those who prefer the original Godzilla (and subsequently the films that try hardest to emulate it, like Shin) the more numerous movies that depict Godzilla as a kaiju-fighting antihero are often scoffed at, regarded as "not real Godzilla films" because they lack the seriousness that the character was originally conceived with. On the flipside, we have those who find great enjoyment with the other films, arguing that while they may not have the great and weighty allegory behind them they're still fun movies that have kept the name Godzilla popular throughout the latter half of the 20th century and beyond. Go to extremes and those same people will even say that, since those types of stories make up the bulk of Godzilla's appearances, that this should be considered the canonical interpretation of what a Godzilla film should be, with the serious original more of a case of early-installment weirdness. Needless to say, this viewpoint has not sat well with those who consider the original film as gospel to be help up on a plinth. Bottom line, there has been division between fans of this kaiju over whether the smarter or more fun outings are the objectively better versions, and like any audience dispute, its not likely to be an argument that'll end anytime soon.

But, speaking as someone who has had his fair share of experience with fandoms, this kind of division is something I just can't help but shrug my shoulders at. There's room in the world for multiple types of incarnation of the same character after all, and there's no reason to be at odds with one another over our film preferences, even though we may feel strongly over what truly counts as a better film. As for me personally, my love of both Shin and King should make it pretty clear by now that I absolutely adore both faces this character has had. Both the villain and the hero. Shin is a truly engaging and horrifying movie that had me glued to my seat from start to finish, and was rightly deserving of it's place as the winner of Best Picture of the Japanese Academy. King of the Monsters, by contrast, is just pure entertainment, bringing me a massive smile whenever the title character or one of his equally-famous fellow kaiju appeared on-screen. I said before that this was the kind of monster movie I'd always hoped for as a kid, and it didn't disappoint. Both films are tremendous regardless of what it is you're looking for, and both of them do brilliantly at holding up and honouring the legacy of cinema's most iconic giant beastie, and all the history that comes with him 🥰

[uzumaki-rebellion]

“Wet Sugar” [Part 10 of 30]

Summary: Being together again isn’t easy for Erik and Yani...

"I keep rubbin' 'til your body start to tweak, ahh When you push up on it, put that thang on me boy What's popping, baby? Can you put me to sleep, yeah Every time you see me, do me dirty, yeah I'll be back, I talk that, I want that shit bad I can't wait 'til midnight, baby come see me

Softly, tell me would you stay baby You know I give you more than she I know just where you wanna be, yeah Hair-do wild, make-up on your favorite pillow, baby Louder than the TV, knockin' boots We rockin' to grindin' music playin' I wish you could see what I see, baby Comin' for you boy, don't you say a thing…"

Missy Elliott—"DripDemeanor"

The man in charge of the mobile D.J. stage perched atop the semi-truck trailer told Yani and Kendall they were not allowed to curse or say anything offensive while performing. Yani stared at Kendall because the song he planned to perform, one of the most popular songs on Junior's compilation album, had a line in it with the word "nigga" as part of the chorus that Yani repeated throughout. Along with other profanity. It was actually a positive song called "Fiyahbun" and was about their ancestor Mary Thomas.

Queen Mary.

She of the Three Queens from the Virgin Islands. It was a song about the strength of Black women who took no shit from no one. The single was being streamed and downloaded like crazy, especially in the States and Europe and Kendall really wanted to show it off live to his people.

"I'll cut the song if I hear any cursing. Seen?"

"Yeah," Kendall grumbled, "What do we do with your part, Yani?" Kendall asked.

"Let the audience say it, we can't be penalized for something they do. I'll just point the mic at them and see what happens," she said.

The truck D.J. cued up the track and Yani stood next to Kendall as he fussed with another performer who complained about the sound system cutting in certain places.

Yani could see her younger sister Anika squirting their friends with her super soaker and she felt the restless spirit of the revelers as they waited for Kendall to perform to get the celebration back on track.

Twyla shouted out Yani's name and Kendall took over. Once the music kicked in and Yani let the audience do a call and response, things went well. Kendall even seemed over-hyped, almost angry that he couldn't use profanity to punctuate his bars. But the song was still a hit, and the crowd went off with them.

Kemba's friend Conrad helped Yani down from the stage and she played jab-jab with her relatives. Conrad was a nice young man with lofty goals, and he took a liking to her, but he seemed a bit miffed that she kept getting requests to take pictures from fans of the album. She took as many pictures as people wanted because she knew it would help Kendall. She tried to explain this to Conrad, but his face showed irritation.

Most of the fans wanting pictures were clearly clout chasing to get next to her, especially knowing she was Chez's Ex, and many were just thirsty niggas trying to cop a feel on her ass while their hands held her waist. A lot of the women clamoring for selfies too were trying to get next to Kendall. Conrad stood there like a scorned lover and Yani thought he was being ridiculous. They weren't on a date. It was a meet and greet and thus far, he was just a nice guy. No chemistry.

"Anika!" she shouted when her sister painted her chest with blue water. She snatched packets of pink powder from her jean pockets, ripped them open and tossed them at Anika. Music blared from the massive stage speakers and Yani danced around ignoring the prune face of Conrad. She left him standing in a cloud of green powder.

"There's a big nigga lookin' for you, Cuz," Twyla said, her lips pressed up near Yani's ear.

"Oh, yeah? Who?" she said throwing her ass back. Twyla smacked her bum and held up her cell phone. She swiped the screen and held up a picture.

Yani's mouth went dry and she grabbed the cell.

The scars. The hair. The muscles in the arms.

"Where did you see him?!" she blurted out and Twyla's face gave her a questioning look when she took back her phone.

"He headed over toward the drink carts—"

Yani pushed through the bodies, her eyes darting around searching for Killmonger. Stomach fluttering with excited nerves, her legs rubbery, and her mind racing, she felt like she wanted to pass out for a second and had to stop and catch her breath with her hands on her knees.

She thought for sure he was gone forever, had just gotten accustomed to making it through a whole day without him being on her mind, and yet one little photo had her running around frantically looking for his ass—

She came to a complete stop when she saw him sipping from a plastic cup and watching the parade of people move past him. His hair looked longer. His tight white tank made his scars look like art. A thick Cuban link gold chain draped around his neck, the bright gold on rich golden-brown skin made him dazzling to look at.

She slipped behind a barricade and snuck behind him, taking the place of a white woman who jumped down from the small bench he stood in front of. At first, she thought she would grab his arms and shake him with surprise, but then it hit her. He was back on the island. He came back for her. He saw Twyla and asked for her. Those thoughts made her think of his last words to her. Him asking to have her. In that way. She wanted that more than anything standing behind him, taking in the shape of his back, the curve of his ass in his joggers, those biceps that were strong enough to hold her up in mid-air for a long ass time.

Her fingers reached out and slid around his neck—

"I told you once already—"

She closed her eyes and kissed the back of his neck, the coolness of his Cuban link touching her warm arms, his cologne stirring her senses. She felt his chest shudder and when he turned to look at her, she thought she saw water in his eyes. Perhaps it was the liquor he had been sipping that made his Henny-colored eyes well up. He pressed his forehead against hers and tremors cascaded through him. She held him tighter as his arms wrapped around her waist, the paint and chalk on her clothes staining his white tank.

"Killmonger, why are you shaking? I scare you?"

His lips were ferocious on hers as he cradled her face. She moaned into his mouth as his tongue curled around hers. He lifted her from the bench and she wrapped her legs around his waist, neither giving a damn about the people swarming around them.

She came up for air.

"When did you get back?"

"It don't matter," he said crashing his mouth back over hers demanding that she submit to his plundering tongue, and she did. She felt his dick growing against her mound and pulled back.

"We should go somewhere else," she panted, her lips itching to be back on his.

He put her down and tugged on his shirt to cover his erection. Clasping her hand in his, he pulled her away from the surge of bodies. She tried to keep up with him but his long strides seemed desperate, his urgency spiking her excitement at being with him again.

They walked far and in the opposite direction of the revelers.

"Killmonger!" she huffed, her feet and legs suddenly feeling tired. Trying to keep up with him was proving difficult. He looked back at her and his eyes were so bright in the sunlight. He slowed down for her and she let her other hand hug onto his arm as they walked.

They crossed over two parking lots and Yani recognized the S.U.V. parked near a corner market as one of Klaue's. Erik opened the backseat door.

"I'll get this paint and powder everywhere," she said.

"Don't worry about it," he said, helping her get into the vehicle.

Erik hopped in the back from the other side and for a moment they just stared at each other. His eyes took her in. She reached out and touched his necklace.

"This is nice," she said trying to make conversation.

He took it from around his neck and put it around hers. It was heavy. Real fucking gold. Probably five to eight thousand dollars-worth from her calculations. It hung down and rested on her breasts. He twisted the chain and pulled her neck toward him and kissed her again, their tongues out in the open sliding against each other. She felt him twist the chain tighter and she gasped, releasing his tongue as his slid up her neck and nibbled on her ear before it was back in her mouth again, her face tilted to reach his.

Fuck.

She never kissed like this before.

They were at it for soooo long. He vacillated from obscenely wide open to closed mouth tongue kissing in long intervals that made her mouth water. There was a sticky puddle in her panties and squirming in the backseat didn't stop him from sucking on her lips and licking the seam of her mouth making her pant like she was in heat.

"My pussy…" she gasped. She wanted his calloused fingers down there…everywhere.

"Baby," he whispered and his voice hitched a bit as he sank his tongue deeper into her mouth. Her pussy was throbbing just from his tongue delving into her throat, dipping in and out like he was fucking the shit out of her neck. He didn't touch her or stroke her or pet her body in any way. Just his mouth overpowering hers, tugging on the Cuban link to choke her a bit to make sure she was obedient to his lips. And she was.

His mouth went to her left ear and that hot heavenly tongue snaked in and out then did the same to her right ear. Jesus, he was fucking her ears! Her left leg started shaking.

"I still gotta work hard for you, girl?" he whispered.

"Not too hard, man, for real," she whimpered when his hot mouth plunged back into her right ear again.

Her eyes drifted down to look at his waist as he made her ears tingle with intense pleasure. Her lips parted staring at the big tent in his pants. The weight of that print had her full attention.

"I want to suck your dick, Killmonger."

He groaned in her ear.

"You want Daddy's dick in your mouth?"

"Yes!"

"You want Daddy to fuck the shit outta your throat, baby?"

"Yessss! Nigga, please!"

He chuckled in her ear at the sound of her voice pleading with him and dripping full of lust. He still wouldn't touch her anywhere else and she was ready to pull her clothes off and crawl on his lap to get closer to him.

"I want you to fuck me."

"Damn, Yani."

Her skin was on fire and she was frustrated beyond belief. He pulled on his chain forcing her face close to his.

"You been a good girl for me?"

"I'm always a good girl."

"I dunno, summa them pictures you posted online didn't make me happy."

She sucked her teeth and he pulled her in closer and choked a little tighter.

"I didn't like that orange swimsuit."

"Why not?"

"I could see that fat puss sticking out."

"So?"

Yani could feel her body tingle when he mentioned her swimsuit. She wore that one on purpose just for him, hoping he was still watching her from far away. She had played with her pussy right before taking that particular selfie so that her pussy lips were nice and puffy for him. The fact that it was the exact picture that had him riled up right now was scrumptious. She was thinking of his dick in that photo, her clit rubbing against the bikini bottom like a hard diamond.

"Whatchu mean, so? If I could see it, all them bitch niggas out there could see it too. That's too much, Ma."

He brought his face closer, his eyes real serious now.

"You been with anyone since I've been gone?"

"You?"

His eyes darted away and she felt her heart sink.

Could she really be surprised? She wanted to be the one to replenish him, welcome him back to the island with her name in his warm mouth, but a man like this didn't wait. That's what Tahir said. He used women whenever he wanted to satisfy that itch. But now she had an itch that she wanted this bad man to scratch.

"Then I guess we're even," she said.

She hadn't been with anyone. Not really. A few lame dates the month previous out of boredom. A peck on the lips here. A booty rub at the club there. Gave a hurried handjob for the fun of it. That's it. A part of her was really trying to save it all for him. She wanted to cum and cry out his name in his ear. Only his ear. Be only his. This man sitting here before her, dropping out from the big world back onto her island, a stranger who was easily leading her astray. She hated that and wanted it too.

But the way Erik's nostrils flared and his eyes got tight, she had pushed a button. A big one. He expected her to wait. How typical of men. She smirked and pulled back from him. Wiping her wet lips her eyes challenged him. He had the next move. She waited. His eyes studied her face and he still kept his fist twisting his chain.

"You fucked someone else?"

The link was so tight. Tighter now, pressing into her throat, able to leave a bruise if he kept at it. She liked it. Liked being forced to look up at him. Liked his breath on her face. Liked the crease in his forehead as his eyes seemed to let her watch his mind cook up all kinds of scenarios with her and other men. Liked that dark beard that could never hide his dimples. Liked those big sharp gold canines gleaming at her in the false safety of his other bright white teeth. Jealous much Killmonger? Good.

She squirmed in the black leather seat and his eyes looked down at her breasts, thighs, and hips. His breathing was more pronounced. It was none of his business if she fucked anyone. He could ask if she was seeing anyone, to get a sense of where their boundaries laid as a potential couple, but she wasn't going to let him know about her sex life while he was away. No matter how bland it was. Just sitting next to him had her climbing the walls and she was trying her best not to come off like a desperate woman suffering from dick drought, but he brought it out of her.

His mouth attacked hers with a ferocity of kisses that made her weak. The heat from his skin ignited hers again and she was a wet mess all over that backseat: the blue and pink paint and sweat on her body, and the slick heat between her thighs.

When he finally pushed back from her, his eyes looked different, humble even…

"Killmonger?"

"I've been here for a week, Yani."

"A week? Why didn't—"

"I wasn't ready to see you. I had too much in my head to get rid of from this work I do. I wanted to see you…I wanted to drive right to your Aunt's house the moment I got off the plane…I just…"

"You're here with me now. That's all that matters to me. I don't need to know what you do for Klaue. If you needed to get your mind right, then you did what you had to do. I'm not complaining. I missed you…"

His eyes dropped from her face and he bit his lower lip. His eyes welled up and his big body leaned forward and he rested his head on her lap.

"Hey," she whispered. Stroking his hair, she felt his chest heave a little. She kept giving him tender strokes from his forehead to his back until his breathing evened out and became less shaky.

"I…ah man…," he whispered.

"Tell me," she gently cooed in his ear.

"I had a moment out there when I thought I wasn't going to make it. Straight up die, girl. I've been in some fucked up situations before, but this time…I wasn't so sure. I don't know if I was dreaming, or hallucinating or if my mind was just trying to get me over…but…I had this image of you and I swear to God, it saved my life. I just wanted to see you again, even if it was just for a little while, Yani. I'm tired and I just…I just want to be with you. When you say you miss me… I feel like I can rest."

For true?

Yani leaned her head back on the car seat and kept her hand on him, touching him, making sure he knew she was right there with him.

How quickly the moment had turned. Hot and heavy kissing morphed into her giving nurturing caresses to his scalp.

He slept on her lap and she sat there quietly for him. She was so happy to have him back. Allowing her eyes to close, she rested against the headrest as she listened to people walk, shout, dance, and flow past the S.U.V. She dozed off for a bit until she felt her cell vibrate in her back pocket. She shifted her body carefully, letting Erik sleep while she answered her phone.

"Yeah?"

"Where you at?"

Twyla's voice was loud as she tried to talk over the music in the background.

"I found him."

"Him? The bad man on the hill?"

"Yeah. What time is it…ah man," she said. She had been in the car with Erik for over two hours.

"Auntie is looking for you. She has Sydette and Bam with her. We can't find Cee Cee or Sonya."

"Where Auntie now?"

Yani heard a ping on her phone. Twyla gave her a map flag for her Aunt.

"They over by my conch place."

"She want us to take the babies? I'm still a little loopy."

"She wants the kids to see you. You bringing that big nigga with you? Where you at? What yuh doin' with him, gyal?"

"I'm going to head over now. Give me a little time. We're way on the other side. Take about fifteen minutes."

"Sluttin' it up with his fine ass, yeah?" Twyla cackled.

"You so wrong for that—"

"We'll see you in a few minutes," Erik said, holding her phone up to his ear as he sat up from her lap.

Yani took her cell back.

"Bye!"

Erik rubbed his eyes then looked over at her.

"I was out for a minute," he said.

"Yeah, you were. You really are tired."

"Aren't you?"

"Pacing is everything."

She touched his face.

"You ready to see Sydette?"

"Sweet Pea? Hell yeah."

###

Erik held Yani's hand openly, not even caring who saw them together. She actually looked like she was proud to walk around with him. A shit load of male eyes watched Erik warily. A few times Yani was stopped to take selfies again and when they walked on, she pulled him along. His eyes kept glancing at her backside and her thighs, her black fishnets putting dirty thoughts in his mind. She had that extra juicy juicy peach and he had no shame watching all that cake bounce when she walked. The roll of her hips could start wars. He savored being with her, having his fingers entwined with hers, letting her lead him wherever she wanted to go.

A tiny sliver of anxiety entered his body as they approached Leona and the children.

The older woman stood with a stroller in front of her as she stood next to another older woman who held the hand of a chubby toddler. The little boy's eyes stared at Erik with suspicion.

"Aye. Mr. Killmonger!" Leona shouted. She lifted up her sun hat to see his face.

Stepping from the stroller she gave him a big hug.

The woman standing next to her eyed him with quiet suspicion too. He held out his hand.

"Hi, I'm Erik," he said trying to make things seem normal.

The woman took his hand and he felt her eyes stare at his scars.

"Sydette, look who it is," Yani said.

Erik looked down into the stroller.

Children grew too damn fast.

Still plump, Sydette's legs were out in a pair of white baby sneakers, pink shorts and an orange t-shirt with the same words that Yani had on hers. Little red and yellow beads kissed the ends of her braids, and her solid onyx eyes gazed up at him.

Yani picked her up and held her on her hip. She pointed at Erik.

"Remember Killmonger? Yeah?"

Sydette turned her head away when Erik moved closer to her, and he had to admit, it made his heart hurt when she did that.

"Sweet Pea," he said and the baby turned her head to face him, but rested her cheek on Yani's shoulder. He held out his hands for her and she turned her head away again.

"You want to hold her?" Yani asked.

"No, don't force kids to go to people when they don't want to."

Yani smiled at him and rocked Sydette in her arms. They were both wearing the earrings he sent them. Yani took his hand again. Leona didn't even bat an eyelash at how close they were acting.

"You want me to take Sydette now, Auntie?"

"Not unless you want to take her. We just wanted to come out for a little bit and see the fun. Everything go well? People behave?"

"Yeah, it was great. You want to hang out longer, Killmonger? How are you feeling?" Yani asked.

It was already past one in the afternoon. He could feel himself needing a serious nap. Lying on Yani's lap made him want to curl up on her again.

"I do feel worn out."

"You okay to drive?"

"Yeah, I'm good."

"Finally!" Twyla said. She licked at a snow cone as she sauntered over to Leona. Behind her two of Yani's other female cousins joined her. Talk about a bad bitch brigade. Fuck.

"Found her, yeah?" Twyla said to Erik.

"Yep."

"Where that monster chain come from?" Twyla said, her eyes wide staring at the Cuban link on Yani's neck.

"Killmonger's. It's heavy too," Yani said.

Twyla's eyes dusted over him. Sydette's hands reached out for Twyla's snow cone.

"You don't get none lil bit," Twyla said.

"Mama!" Sydette yelled out and Erik started laughing. Twyla stuck her face close to Sydette's.

"Your Mama can't help you. This is my snow cone. Get a job begger!" Twyla said. Sydette babbled and her fingers pointed to the snow cone. Twyla took a big slurpy bite and walked away. Sydette's face crumbled and she cried.

"Spoiled!" Twyla teased ignoring her baby cousin.

"Hey, Sweet Pea," Yani said trying to soothe the girl but to no avail.

Erik stepped closer.

"You want a snow cone?" he asked.

Sydette's eyes went to his face and she pointed to Twyla and babbled to Erik. He held out his arms to her as she squirmed against Yani's chest, the chalk and paint from Yani's clothes smearing a bit onto Sydette's shirt and shorts. The baby gurgled more and tears squeezed from her eyes.

"It's okay,' he said.

Sydette leaned over toward him and he lifted her away from Yani. Her left hand pointed at Twyla.

"She's not sharing, huh? I'll get you one," he said.

Twyla stared at him then glanced over at Yani.

"Where did you get that?" he asked.

"Just over there," Twyla said pointing to a vendor behind them.

"What flavor is that?" he asked.

"Blueberry and raspberry mixed," Twyla said.

"You all taking the children?" Leona asked.

Bam's mother already had his hand and Yani took Sydette's stroller.

"Oh, kiss mi neck. We rode on the bus. You don't have the car seats," Leona said.

"We'll be fine," Bam's mother said letting her son have some of her snow cone.

"I'm going to Miss Kerry's house. Have a good time. Mr. Killmonger, it is good seeing you again. I owe you an oxtail dinner. Remind me soon!"

"I'll come pick you up later, Auntie," Twyla called as they older women moved along in the opposite direction.

"I'll take you home," Erik said after the older women left and he found himself being stared at by all of Yani's cousins.

The windows to the S.U.V. were tinted, so it would be hard to see Sydette on Yani's lap. The baby's fingers grabbed hold of his left ear, touching the big diamond there. The babbling began again.

"We better get her that snow cone before she cusses me out some more," Erik joked.

"Bye," Yani said to her relatives as she pushed the stroller.

"Not even going to tell us about this man, Yani?"

The mother of the toddler stared at Erik.

"That's her new man," Twyla said winking at Erik. "Where he come from?" the other cousin asked a look of shock on her face as she took in Erik's entire appearance.

"Bye ladies," Yani said.

Erik followed her and he bought Sydette a small snow cone that he shared with her. Yani didn't want one. The cold shocked Sydette, and Erik could see that her two front teeth were coming in nicely, no longer little grains of rice from when he last saw her online.

Easy.

He felt easy with the two of them as he fed the baby the syrupy sweet treat, her lips curling each time she mouthed the frozen ice. The cone melted faster than they could eat it and he threw the rest away.

They walked toward the S.U.V. and Sydette leaned into him, her head cradled in his neck but her eyes taking in the sights and sounds. The street party was winding down and they would probably get stuck in a bit of traffic, but he didn't care. He just wanted to be with them.

"Auntie is leaving for Virginia in a few days," Yani said.

"Oh yeah?"

"My other Aunt lives there and she's going to stay there for her vacation. You won't need her while you're at the compound will you?"

"Nah, I can cook and clean myself…but…"

"But what?"

Her eyes watched him as they moved closer to their transportation. She looked so cute with all the colors on her skin and hair.

"I might need a walk-through of some things. I don't know everything about the houses."

"Which one are you staying in?"

"Klaue's main house."

Yani looked surprised.

Erik took a chance.

"Are you busy for the next hour or so? I could really use your help going over the place. Klaue left me some instructions, but I bet you know that place like the back of your hand."

Yani smiled.

"You have to work tonight?" he asked.

"No. I have the next two days off."

"Can you help me?"

He wanted her with him.

"Lucky for you I have Sydette's diaper bag with me. I can show you the ropes," she said.

"I'll fix you a late lunch for your services."

"Is this a date, Killmonger? Wining and dining me?"

"I'm trying to earn my time with you."

"I see. You hear that, Sweet Pea? This man is trying to woo your Mama."

Yani reached over and tugged on Sydette's shoe.

More stares from people as he opened the car door for Yani. He folded up the stroller and placed it in the trunk.

"You can take a shower and wash your clothes while you're there," he said.

"I'll clean the car up too," she said.

"I got that."

He started up the S.U.V. She held Sydette tight, the seat belt securing them both. He sat there watching them, drinking in their faces. He was really there with them. No one could've told him three months previous that his greatest desire outside of going to Wakanda was spending time with a single mother. He didn't want children. He couldn't handle the responsibility of a serious relationship because of his work and lost an amazing woman in Massachusetts because of it, but here he was giddy about cooking for this girl and holding her baby. It didn't make no goddamn sense.

"You okay?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said.

###

Yani found some clothes in her Aunt's apartment at the compound that she could wear as her clothes were washed and dried. After he cleaned up himself, he watched her feed Sydette some strained peas and baby chicken and dumplings that were stored in her baby bag. He was surprised to see her lift up the borrowed t-shirt to breastfeed Sydette. He turned his eyes away respectfully while she nursed and fired up the outdoor grill of Klaue's main house. He cooked up some lemon chicken and made a grilled chicken salad with a strawberry vinaigrette for them.

The baby fell asleep and Yani placed her in the stroller to snooze as they ate in the dining room together. He had been tired earlier but felt energized while they ate. Yani had a healthy appetite and he was glad that she enjoyed what he cooked.

They walked around the compound as Yani pushed the baby stroller. She pointed out things that weren't on Klaue's list, things that the man never had to think of because Leona and Yani handled it over the years.

"You don't have to do much for Jerome. He can look after himself, but if you want to keep him on your good side, leave a little bowl of water on the pool wall. It'll keep him from drinking pool water. It's a saltwater pool, but he will use it and shit everywhere. The pool guy will come as many times as you want, his number is on the fridge in the front house. George is his name."

Erik took in all the information she gave him, but after a while, he stopped listening and just watched her. The tension of worrying about seeing her had left, and in its place, that strong yearning to be near her. It was already nearing five in the evening and he was dreading having to take her home.

They made their way back to the front house and she ran down to the apartment to change back into her clothes. She wore everything except the fishnet stockings. Sydette was still in a deep slumber, the day clearly wore her out.

Yani checked her cell phone and Erik felt himself tensing up again. She was ready to leave and he didn't want her to go. Not yet.

"Is it okay if I put Sydette on the bed? She should stretch out and relax," he said.

"We should probably get back to the house—"

"Stay for dinner…I mean…would you stay for dinner? I can take you both home later. I just want to hang with you a little more."

"You might want to sleep since you were tired—" "That was earlier. I'm fine now."

She nodded and he felt his chest ease up. Yani lifted Sydette from the stroller.

"Put her in the big bedroom, we can hear her if she wakes up," he said.

Even though she knew where that master bedroom was, she waited for him to take her there. Watching her place the baby on the bed, he stood in the doorway, and a million thoughts raced through his head. He had three months. Three months to be on the island with her. Could he live a lifetime in three months? What about her? He wanted her, but did he have the right to start something he knew he could never finish? He remembered his mother's friends when he was a child back in Oakland. The ones who were single mothers and dating. He remembered the complaints about men who started relationships, bonded with children and then bounced. It didn't just hurt the women, but the children as well. He didn't want that to happen, but his life with Klaue wouldn't permit him to stay. Erik's endgame was on the horizon and he was surprised at how transparent he was being with Yani. Being so upfront about what he wanted.

He wanted her, not just for sex, but for a taste of something else. Normalcy? A chance to pretend to have a normal life? One that he could easily let go of because St. Thomas wasn't the real world. It was a fantasy. Like that old tv show his great-grandmother loved, Fantasy Island, a place where people could delude themselves with a pretend life until it was time to board a plane again and go back to reality.

"Killmonger?"

Her voice.

He needed her. He was going to break her heart and his own, but he would do whatever it took to keep her close.

He held his hand out to her and she took it, threading her fingers with his. He tapped a small screen near the bedroom door turning it on, an intercom system that would allow them to hear the baby when she woke up.

Guiding Yani back into the main living room, Erik turned on the wall screen viewer and found a music station that gave them some nice background tunes. They sat on the couch, their knees touching, and Yani filled him in on what had been going on in her life the last couple of months. She was eager to begin school and he was excited for her. He couldn't reveal much to her, so he talked about a short trip he had to visit his relatives in Brazil without naming the country. They discussed the compilation album and Erik was honest, he didn't like too many of the songs on it, but he did fuck with Kendall's single.

"Fiyahbun slaps hard. Is that the family history you were going to tell me about? I'm back now, so spill it."

"How about I show it to you?"

"When?"

"Tomorrow. I will take you on a food tour and show you the Three Queens."

"Bet."

Her eyes watched him with a tenderness he thought he didn't deserve.

"I can't believe you are really here," she said. Her fingers toyed with the Cuban link she still had around her neck. All that gold on her brown. He reached out for it and tugged her closer to him. Her chest heaved a bit and it was hard not to notice how voluptuous she looked in her newly cleaned black top.

"It wasn't easy getting back, but I'm going to make the best of it."

"Will Klaue come back soon?"

Erik's eyes looked away from her. Her hand touched his shoulder.

"Sorry. I won't ask about him."

"I don't want to think about him when I'm with you, okay?"

"Okay."

"C'mere."

She grabbed his hand and he pulled her against him.

"Tell me you missed me again," he said.

"I missed you."

She stroked his locs and her fingernails grazed the back of his neck making him tremble.

"Say it agai—"

Her lips took his and he held onto her, letting her control the pace. Until she crawled on his lap.

Her eyes were soft brown pools of comfort, and her lips plush and warm as she gave him kisses on his cheeks and forehead. Her body was rising heat and his fingers slid up her sides and rested on her breasts. He pushed them together and her fingers rose up and pulled the straps of her bra and top down.

Shit.

Her breasts were still full and her nipples jutted out and he didn't waste a second as his tongue circled each one before he was sucking them, the sound of her moans melting any reservations he had about claiming her for himself.

Pinching her tips, he watched her face take on pure unadulterated pleasure. He felt a tightening in his pants and shifted so she could feel all of him. Her sighs had him turning into putty and when her breasts leaked a bit with milk, he licked her nipples and squeezed them hard, his suckling making his nerves calm down. She was back with him, so he didn't have to rush or worry about someone walking in on them.

She ground her bottom on his lap trying to let his length feel all that hard friction. Her hands clawed the back of the couch as she lifted and dropped herself on his dick. She wanted his heavy print sticking out to hit her mound just right. Watching her bounce on him fired him up even more. All that ass slapping his thighs had his tongue out. He couldn't stop groaning each time all that full weight came down on him.

He sought out her lips again and didn't give her a second to breathe. There was no reprieve from his urgent tongue or from his soft lips.

He tugged on her shorts.

"Take these off," he said.

For a second, Yani's eyes looked concerned. She wanted him. He knew that for sure. But maybe she was having second thoughts about moving so fast. It was obvious that their bodies ignited quickly when they were together, but he didn't want her rushed, didn't want her thinking he just wanted to hump her and then drop her off for the night.

"Baby, I just want to taste that sugar between your legs. I've been dreaming about it…lemme kiss you there the way I want to."

She nodded and shimmied out of her underwear and shorts. He pushed her back down on the couch and opened up her legs. She was limber enough to keep them wide open with her bare heels digging into the couch. He wanted to take his pants off but changed his mind when he saw her face. Nervous desire. They were still new to one another. Something was blossoming between them. It hung in the air. She was so beautiful like that, wide open for him, her hands resting on her abundant thighs, her breasts shiny with his saliva all over them.

"Damn," he sighed when he saw her vulva. No wonder she could get away with those skimpy bikini pictures, she was hairless down there, and her inner labia sat wide open, the crinkly softness so ready for him. Her clit was a swollen jewel and he gripped his erection through his pants to see how hard he was for her.

He reached down and pinched her nipples again and he saw her vulva throb because of his touch and a bit of her clear natural lubricant spilled out from her vagina. He let his thumb glide around her plump clit.

"Yani…damn girl. Pussy tryna get ready for Daddy's dick?"

"Ooohh."

Yani's eyes closed and her lips puckered. His fingers strummed around her clit, teasing, pinching, circling it with deliberate hard pressure until she was moaning for him, her eyes fluttering under her lids.

"Been dreamin' 'bout this pussy, girl."

Her opening throbbed hard again from the sound of his voice and more of her natural lubricant pooled out in a thick stream that dripped down her ass cheeks. Erik let his thumb rub up and down her wet slit and trace down to her anus.

"Killmonger," she whimpered and her fingers circled her clit, those short rounded pink nails of hers so pretty against her glossy folds.

"Play with Daddy's pussy, baby. Do that shit for me," he said.

He pulled on his dick as her fingers flicked her clit. Her pink insides glistened and he finally made the decision to pull his pants off all the way. Her eyes were glued to his shaft. He stroked it a bit just for her to see it grow harder and lift up higher.

"Look how you got my shit," he said.

His slit spilled pre-cum onto his fingers and she saw it, her lips curling up from the sight of it.

"Is that how you played with your pussy while I was gone?"

"Yeah," she gasped.

"You were being so nasty with it," he said, his eyes on her fingers that were now gently sinking into her slit.

She pulled open the fleshy inner lips wider for him.

"Fuck," he said.

He knelt down and pressed his mouth into her center and drank up all the sweetness there. His tongue didn't waste time teasing her too much. He kissed and licked her thighs and tongued down her entire vulva before he even let himself suckle her clit into submission. Her thighs jerked and her hands grabbed his hair.

"Soak this beard baby."

Yani's legs shot up above them and she pressed his face harder into her core. He lifted up and stared down at her. Those big wide eyes were on his face as he slow spit onto her folds. She watched the stringy saliva fall from his lips and land on her clit. Mixing his saliva with her wetness, his fingers traced and pressed her inner folds together, the soft scalloped wings sensitive to the touch as she pulled her knees up to her chest. He shook his beard between her legs drenching himself in her essence. She was close to letting go, her voice raw from calling out his nickname.

His tongue danced around her clit and he felt her breathing become uneven as his tongue swipes purposely missed direct pressure with her nub.

"Want me to lick it again, baby?"

"YES!"

He chuckled at the veracity of her tone. He licked then nibbled her inner labia instead and heard the irritation in her throat as she sucked her teeth.

"You don't like it when I don't give you what you want, huh?"

His tongue tip flicked just under the bud, right near the opening of her urethra and she sucked in a breath. He licked her opening.

"You taste so good. Come taste your pussy, girl."

He rose above her and forced her to raise up to kiss his lips. Her tongue swiped across his lips first and then he stuck out his wide tongue so she could lick and suck it.

"You got a sweet tongue, baby. Will you lick my dick like that?"

A throaty whine fell from her lips and Yani sucked on his tongue like she was giving him head and he groaned with delight over it. Pushing her back down he returned to the apex of her thighs.

He couldn't get over all the pussy throbbing he was seeing, it had his dick bobbing like crazy. He pried her thighs back down to her sides so he could see her face as he ate her pussy nice and proper. He got down to business with her clit and her eyes rolled back in her head. He felt comfortable enough now and let his tongue finally slip inside of her. Her hands shot behind her head and pushed against the couch as her midsection jerked up. He plucked and scissored her clit as his tongue delved inside her core with repetitive and concise thrusts.

"Killmonger…ohmigod…ohmigod…oh…!"

Flicking his tongue in and out of her, he kept his gaze right on her face, and when her eyes met his, she screamed out his name. He felt a bit of clear fluid squirt from her urethra, and her uneven breath punctuated the tight pulling he felt on his tongue as he allowed it to sit in her pussy as her orgasm rolled out from her. The sweet aroma of her folds had him in a daze.

He reached up and squeezed her breasts and there was a release from her nipples too and his tongue popped out of her pussy as he gripped his dick. Her eyes were on him, sweat falling from her face, stomach, and thighs as he lifted up from her body.

What does one do when a Goddess orgasms in front of you? You make an offering of course, and Erik fisted his dick until he was shouting her name out loud and spraying hot semen across her shiny dripping folds, her soft belly, and her heavy wet breasts. Looking down he stared at the picture of her milk rolling over his milky semen coating her brown body once more and she was beautiful. Truly divine.

His hands gripped her thighs as he tried to gather himself, perspiration dripping down his face and falling on her.

"Fu-u-cckk," he gasped and they both laughed.

"Your tongue is dangerous, man," she said stretching her arms out toward him. He pulled her up and gave his mouth to her.

"Your pussy is dangerous. I can see that right now."

"It's yours," she said.

Erik closed his eyes when he heard that and he squeezed her body against his.

"This is my pussy?" he said slipping two fingers into her sticky folds.

"Yes! All yours," she yelped, her eyes squeezing shut as his fingers curled and tapped along her walls making so much noise.

"Listen to all that," he said.

"Killmonger!"

Yani bit on her lips as he wiggled his digits inside of her.

"What?" he teased.

Her head fell back and he held her waist with his free hand, keeping her close as he worked her gushy slit.

"Can your pussy take all this dick?"

Her eyes popped open and she could see that his shaft was plumping up again. His thumb tickled her clit and he played with her folds until she was begging him for his dick.

"I be in that shit deep girl. Can you handle that?"

Her eyes were watery, his finger strokes in complete control of her body. He wanted to be in her so bad. Boxes of ultra-thin condoms sat in the master bedroom. He regretted putting Sydette in that room instead of the other guest bedroom.

"Killmonger…I'm cumming—"

He gasped when he felt her walls clench his fingers and he rode the orgasm out with her as she wailed in his ear all the pleasure she was feeling from his hand.

"Ah, dammit, Yani!"

His mouth covered hers and he circled his fingers gently as he pulled them from her quivering inner muscles. His digits were dripping with her release and he slipped his fingers in his mouth to lick them clean.

Crawling up on the couch he fell back exhausted, his release and hers draining him. If that's how he felt from just eating and playing in her pussy, he worried about how he would handle cumming inside of her. He felt like he had run a damn marathon.

Her head rested on his shoulder and her rapid breathing kept up his non-diminishing excitement. He twisted his gold chain around his hand and pulled her neck toward him.

"Tell me you're mine," he said.

She nodded her head and he shook his.

"I need to hear you say it, Yani."

Her hands cradled his face and he released the chain and leaned into her touch.

"What about you?" she asked.

He leaned back.

"What about me?"

Her piercing eyes held his gaze.

"Are you mine?" she said.

"You don't even have to ask that—" "Yes, I do. You not a one-woman person."

"I can be. For you, I can be."

"I told you I'm not easy. My life ain't easy, Killmonger. I'm a package deal. Understand? I'm no wham-bam jump off. If you just wanna fuck, then say that. We can have fun and then let mi be on mi way."

Her eyes were somber. Serious.

"You plan on fucking other women while you're here? If you are, then I don't want this."

"I just want you."

"For true?"

Questioning eyes stared back at him. How many men told her this? And then lied?

He was no liar.

"You are the only one I want. For as long as I am on this island…you it girl."

"Don't say that unless you really mean it, man…"

Her eyes fell away and she wiped her lids quickly, but he saw the wetness drop from her face.

"Yani…don't cry. C'mon—"

"People use me. Men…they say all the sweet things I want to hear, and then I fall for it until they realize that I'm not here for just a good lay. I have a brain. Opinions. I have a baby who needs me all the time. That's when problems come up—"

"I'm not that dude, Yani. I promise—"

"You can't make me no promises that I can trust. Not yet."

"Then let me prove it to you. I got three, maybe four months here. That's the truth. My life ain't easy either, Ma. On God. I try not to get fully involved with people because I know I won't be around long enough. So yeah, I fuck a lot of women when I can. But this is different. And I shouldn't get involved with you because you have a kid and I've seen how that scenario plays out. I should leave you alone. I know that's what I should absolutely do. I wish I had never met you."

Her eyes shot to his face when he said that.

"I've got issues I struggle with and I do some dirty ass shit out in the world. You already know this. You also know you ain't got no goddamn business messing around with me. You probably wish you never met me either. That's cuz we're in a no-win situation. I know it, and you know it. But we want to play this game anyway—"

"It's not a game to me, Killmonger."

Her lips trembled. He stroked her back.

"What do you want to do then? I don't want to hurt you, but I'm going to be miserable here without you. Straight up."

"What will happen to you in three or four months?"

"I don't know. I work for Klaue and he is unpredictable. It's the nature of our work."

"Why live that kind of life? Can't you do something else? You are so smart, and you must have money because you spent a lot on all of this jewelry…"

Her eyes pleaded with him for an answer that could change their fate.

"There are some things I have to do before I can retire from this life."

"How long?"

"I can't say for sure. That's real talk, Yani."

She leaned away from him and cradled her arms around her waist. He felt his stomach tense with unease. This was the same conversation he'd had before in another life. Without any screaming or throwing of things this time around. It was a rational conversation. It always was. Until feelings got real thick and they were deep into the relationship. He could see the writing on the wall, recognized the same thought patterns coming from Yani, and he still couldn't let go of her. He'd read this book before and the ending was always the same. Anger. Tears. Silence.

"I'll leave it up to you. You can think about it if you want," he said.

"It would just be a waste of time," she said.

Her words stabbed him in the gut. His eyes shut while he silently collected his thoughts on how to move forward.

She crawled back on his lap and he looked at her with surprise on his face.

"I've already wasted three months on your ass thinking about you. Might as well use these next three months being with you."

His face lit up and he grabbed her waist and pulled her in for a hug.

"We are so stupid," she whispered in his ear.

"Yes, we are."

"Just you and me, right?" she asked.

"I told you—"

He let his lips finish the rest of what he wanted to say.

"Mama!"

They laughed when they heard Sydette's voice echo out from the intercom in the room.

"Of course, she would wake up now!" Yani said.

She threw her arms around him and he kissed her, drinking in her mouth deeply. He was breathless and let her go, his knees gone weak.

"MAMA!"

"I'm a mess!" Yani said as she scrambled to pick up her clothes.

Erik slipped on his underwear and pants.

"Go clean up real quick in the master bathroom. I'll entertain her while you wipe up," he said.

They both went to the master bedroom. The light sensors already on the moment the baby moved.

"Hey, Sweet Pea!"

Erik made his voiced excited as Yani rushed past her daughter with her clothes and ran a fast shower. He sat on the edge of the bed and watched Sydette rub her eyes as she sat up. Her big dark eyes gazed at him and she gurgled a few baby words. She crawled over to him and used his arm to lift herself up, grabbing for his earring again.

"Sweet Pea!"

Yani rushed back out, her body still damp despite being clothed again. She lifted Sydette from the bed.

"I better change her, she's wet," she said.

"I'll wash up and start dinner. You are staying for dinner still, right?"

God, please. He didn't want to be alone.

"Yeah. We'll stay for dinner."

He practically ran to the bathroom.

###

Yani found the dinner Erik cooked delicious.

They sat around the dining table talking about the best rice they ever had, island rice versus Gullah rice, as they both ate the curried rice and shrimp he cooked. Sydette sat on her lap sucking down a few grains of rice that Yani mashed up for her and mixed into her strained peas.

She loved that Erik was an attentive listener. She found herself dominating the conversation and revealed some things about herself that she thought was a little too personal, but he wanted to know. She went into full detail of the breakdown of her relationship with Chez and confessed to him about the lackluster dates she'd had since he was gone. He seemed happy to know that she hadn't had intercourse with anyone. She still felt disappointed that he'd been with someone. She didn't ask how many. She didn't want to know that.

They spoke of serious things concerning them having full-on sex. She was on birth control. They agreed to get tested within the next few days and she gave him the name of the clinic she went to. It was all so responsible, uninhibited, and adult. Nothing like when she was with Chez. They spoke of their likes and dislikes in the bedroom, and she let him know that she used anal plugs. His eyes gave her a look that made her body shiver.

He wanted her to stay the night. She knew it for a fact even though he didn't ask her outright. But when dinner was over, and it soon got late from talking again, she asked for them to be taken home.

She needed time away from him to think about and process his return.

Twyla spent the night at Cee Cee's house and she had the bedroom at Leona's to herself. When Sydette was fast asleep, Yani masturbated like crazy. Thinking of Erik's big wide tongue on her private parts made her cum so many times. The way he talked her through orgasms sent her fingers in overdrive. She had to take another shower before she could go to bed properly.

She was nervous, thrilled, anxious, worried, and all so many other emotions while lying there all night. She couldn't sleep. There was also chatter on her social media feed about her and Erik already. A few pictures popped up on her TL and Kendall's feed with her walking with Erik. At least he had his dark shades on, but they made a striking pair holding hands. She worried that Chez would act out again because he was always scouring her feed to see what she was up to. She avoided him since their last encounter, but it was inevitable, as always, that word would get to him about Erik once more. It would probably be best to keep her relationship on the low low. She kept expecting Chez to blow up her phone, or God forbid, show up at the apartment.

When she woke for breakfast, Leona watched her like a hawk.

"You came back late. You were with Mr. Killmonger the whole time?"

"Yes. He made us lunch and dinner. We talked about my schooling and stuff."

Yani tried to keep it platonic sounding, but her Aunt could see the faint markings on her neck from Erik's chain and his teeth.

"What you plan on doing with that man?"

Yani thought her eyes would fall out of her head.

"I thought you liked him, Auntie."

"I do. But I know what he is. Do you?"

"You don't think I should see him?"

"You uh big woman now. Not a child or a teenager. You know what you should or shouldn't do."

"He won't be here long, so it don't matter anyway—"

"It does matter."

"What are you saying to me?"

Yani sat with her spoon in her cereal and Sydette sitting in her high chair right next to her. Leona sipped at her coffee.

"What are you trying to do with him?"

"Nothing."

Leona chuckled, her eyes glancing at Yani's neck.

"Nothing? Okay. You say so, that's how it is. Just be careful. Don't get careless and bring no more babies home—" "Auntie!"

"You heard me. You don't see how he was looking at you? Like him can't wait to plant him seed in you."

"Ohmigod. Really now? I'm not making that mistake again."

"Then you make sure him wrap up tight. He probably got babies all over. Women look at him and want to breed—"

"Please! Auntie! Too early in the relationship for alla that talk."

"Say that with them love bites on your neck, gyal…"

Yani felt her jaw go lax and she ate her cereal full of embarrassment.

"Him really like Sydette," Leona said.

Yani grinned.

"He does."

Leona cleaned her cup and stared at Yani.

"Be careful, Yani."

"I will. Trust."

Leona went into the living room and Yani let out an anxious breath. Her cell buzzed on the table.

Erik.

She answered.

"When can I see you?" he said.

"Can I call you right back?"

"Is something wrong?"

"No, I just need to find a sitter for the baby—"

"Bring her—"

"No, it'll be too much trying to do the walk with her. I'll call you back in five minutes."

Her face was tight from smiling so hard. It was eight in the morning and he was already calling for her time. They had only been separated by nine hours.

"Auntie…"

"Hmmm."

Leona sat on her couch watching her stories on TV.

Yani stood near the couch, her fingers touching a throw pillow.

"Can I have a favor from you-?"

"How long will you be gone?"

Leona's eyes were playful. "Not too long. I'm taking Killmonger to see Twyla on her food tour, and then I want to show him Queen Mary."

Leona sat back in her seat.

"Showing him family stuff?"

"Yeah. Him curious about mi tattoo. He likes food too, so Twyla will give him a good time. Let him see the town…stuff like that. Maybe gone two or three hours."

"Hmmm."

"What that mean, huh?"

"Two or three hours?"

"If you can't, I'll ask Anika or Monice—" "I can watch her. But it won't be for two or three hours. That man been gone a long time. That not enough time for him—"

"Stop. For real, Auntie—"

"I'm just saying. You were gone a long long time yesterday."

"Three hours."

"You say so—"

"I say so!" Yani said tossing a small pillow at her Aunt, "I'll watch Bam for you tonight to make up for your time today."

"Okay, fair trade."

"Why are you looking at me like that."

"You got that look on your face."

"What look?"

"You know what I'm talkin' about. Don't act cute. And don't suck your teeth at me. Have fun."

Yani took a long shower and also cleaned up her daughter. She prepped two bottles in case Sydette was fussy about the jars of baby food Yani was weaning her on. The little girl was holding on to breast milk for as long as possible. Yani was beginning to think it was out of comfort and not nutritional need. Yani had been under stress with her car, keeping Chez at bay and worrying about her finances. It was influencing Sydette's behavior with her.

"You be sweet as pie with Auntie little girl. Hear me? Mama is going to be with Killmonger for a little while, then I come home. Alright?"

"Juice!" Sydette said pointing to her mouth.

"No more juice until dinner. Too much sugar."

Sydette fretted and bent her body back and Yani pulled her forward.

"Stop that. Don't act like Bam. I tell you no, and it's for your own good. You nuh spoiled."

She carried the baby back into the living room and put her on the carpet next to a pile of dolls and a stuffed puppy. Her cell phone vibrated in her pocket and she checked it. A notification from Kendall. She swiped the link and it was a reblogging of a photo of her and Killmonger on an island gossip site.

"Baby Mama Drama!"

The headline was in large red print under the picture of Killmonger carrying Sydette a big dimpled smile on his face with Yani clutching his arm with a grin on her face. Sydette's face was blurred out.

You see this shit? What are you doing Cuz?

Kendall's text made her feel ill.

Yani scanned through the gossip rag and the main take was the open questioning of Sydette's paternity. She read the comments under the screed and trolls were already claiming that Yani had been using Chez for his rap career, but the real father of her child was the mysterious man in the dark shades.

Ignore this shit.

She texted Kendall with more shaky conviction.

I won't respond to any of this.

She felt nervous now. Chez was always checking for that site. He already saw that photo. She was sure of it.

"Auntie, tell Sonya I will watch Bam at her house tonight."

"Why?"

"Give you a break from having kids here all the time."

Leona gave her a strange look as Yani tidied up the apartment.

She did a load of laundry before she called Erik back leaving the house.

"Thought you forgot about me," he said when she drove to the compound in her car.

"I'm on my way to the compound."

"I thought I was picking you up."

"I have to babysit my cousin's son tonight, so I'll need to drive to her house later."

"I could've taken you."

"It's ok, I'll see you in five minutes."

Erik was waiting for her in the driveway as she pulled in and parked. It felt odd coming into Klaue's sphere and not feel guarded. Erik allowed Sydette on the grounds freely, and she herself could walk around like she owned everything. It was interesting to see how Erik's sole presence made the compound feel…welcoming. Open.

He had the S.U.V. ready for them.

"Do I need anything else?" he asked holding bottles of water for them.

"Nope. You're good."

She gave him directions into Havensight and they parked near the tour guide office Twyla worked for. They could see twelve other people standing near the office. Twyla swept out wearing a teal polo shirt with the Tour Company's logo on it and crisp new khaki walking shorts. A pair of tan Birkenstocks covered her feet.

"Hello everyone! It looks like our last two guests have arrived. We will be getting started. If anyone needs to use the restroom now, you can right inside the office. This tour will run for two hours with lunch and drinks included. Please take plenty of photographs and feel free to use me as your model because I am very cute!'

The tour group laughed and it was fun for Yani to see her cousin act so professional.

No one needed the restroom so Twyla started the tour giving a thorough history lesson about the island, the people, and the culture.

There were stops to taste local drinks at several bars where bartenders spoke to the group and Twyla gave facts about the buildings and other architecture influenced by the Dutch and English and Spanish.

She was so good at her job, and Yani felt proud when Erik had several questions for her cousin that Twyla answered with joyous aplomb, even surprising Yani at some facts she herself didn't know.

The time flew by fast and they ended the tour inside of a restaurant that specialized in fried conch. Everyone ate and enjoyed the food, especially Erik, who ate so much conch that he was belching while he drank his beer.

"You have fun?" she asked.

His arm was around her chair and he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"This was great, but when are you going to tell me about this?"

His fingers stroked the back of her neck, touching her tattoos.

"What you want to know about these?" Twyla said, holding her left wrist up. Inked on her dark sienna skin were the exact same torch and cane blade on Yani's neck.

"She said she would show me," Erik said.

Twyla let a sly smile paint her lips. She glanced at the watch on her arm and stood up.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this concludes the Havensight Walking Food & Drink Tour. You are free to remain here and continue your merry-making, the tour office is right next door if you would like to check out our other tour offers. Thank you for being a wonderful group, and I am so happy that I made all of your photos so much better with my presence in them!"

Twyla gave a dramatic bow and eased Yani and Erik out of the restaurant.

"I am done until seven when I do the evening Bar Crawl. Should we head over to Blackbeard's Castle?"

"Yeah," Yani said.

She held onto Erik's hand as they walked through tourists.

The castle really wasn't a castle and Twyla explained to Erik that the tower was really a watchtower built by the Danes to spot enemy ships in the Harbor. Erik was not interested in hearing about Danes or any other European history once he spotted the Three Queens Fountain right below the tower.

Riveted by the statues, Erik walked around it staring at the three women depicted holding torches, their backs to one another facing out onto the world. Twyla proudly walked next to Erik.

"Meet Queen Agnes Salomon, Queen Mathilda McBean, and this baddie right here…this is our great-great-great-extra great Grandmother, Queen Mary Thomas, she was from Antigua originally, but came to St. Croix to work on a plantation…"

Yani stood back as Erik stared at the statue of Queen Mary. Each woman wore a dress with an apron over it, head kerchiefs tied over their hair, feet bare, and eyes looking forward and beyond the island. Twyla reverted back to her tour guide voice.

"On the island of St. Croix, October 1, 1878…our Great Gran right here was part of a labor revolt known as the "Fireburn". Our ancestors fought for fair wages and when the White man acted a fool, as he is known to do, the three Queens rose up with their torches and their sugar cane blades and led the Black masses to burn it all down…"

Twyla laughed and Yani looked at Erik whose eyes were shiny with respect.

"Fireburn," Erik said.

"Fiyahbun!" Twyla shouted, startling a few tourists who had wandered down to take pictures of the fountain.

"Where you gon' go burn, Queen?" Yani sang to Twyla.

"She gon' burn it all!" Twyla responded back.

"Respect," Erik whispered, his eyes looking at the statue of Queen Mary.

"The revolt ended after a few days. They burned and tore up what they could to make those Danes understand some new rules. Buildings were burned down, fifty plantations lit up….some lootin' too—"

"Aye, reclamation, Cuz. People collect fair wages that were not given to them," Yani corrected.

"They were takin' shit, man," Twyla chuckled to Erik, "slavery had ended there in 1848, but they treated niggas like sharecroppers in the States, basically making them slaves all over again. People got tired. These women set it off. Life was not good for them and if they couldn't live well, nobody was, burn the whole fucking town down…"

"So the sugar cane blade and the torch…that's your family crest, like a coat of arms even—"

"But we carry it in our skin. For her memory. Remind us what we made of," Yani said.

Twyla nodded.

"Our Mary was sent to Amsterdam and she did jail time. She could've been hung. Thank God she already had her babies before then or else none of us would be here. She was sentenced for arson and lootin', but her death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment," Twyla said.

"What happened to her?"

"She was sent to Copenhagen to do her time but ended up sent back to St. Croix for the remainder of her sentence. Stories and myths surround that part. Some say she escaped the jail, some say she was released. No matter though. We here."

"Yeah," Yani said wiping her eye when she felt a tear start up. Thinking about Queen Mary always made her feel emotional. She wouldn't be alive if it weren't for that woman.

"You can look online and see another statue dedicated to her in Denmark. Twenty-three feet tall. Have our Queen sitting on a throne holding her torch and cane blade. Powerful. They call the statue there 'I Am Queen Mary'," Twyla said.

Yani blinked her eyes to get them focused again and she noticed a few tourists were standing near them listening to Twyla. Always ready to finesse a situation Twyla stood back from the fountain and faced the eavesdroppers.

"If you'd like to learn more about Island history, please go to Havensight Walking Food & Drink Tours!"

She waved her hand at Erik and Yani and they followed her away from the fountain, heading back to the tourist office.

Erik held her hand again. As they waited to cross a street, he leaned over and kissed the back of her neck, his lips covering her tattoos. Her skin prickled with goosebumps.

"Thank you," he said.

"For what?"

"For sharing. Will you let Sydette get the tattoo?"

"Of course. The moment she turns eighteen. It's a rite of passage. We all get one."

"That's dope," he said.

"Well, that's not exactly true, we all don't get one. Some of the family don't believe in marking the body. Mainly the older people," Twyla said.

"My parents didn't want me to get the tattoo, and they won't let my other sisters get them, even when they turn eighteen. We also have a few cousins on our Grandmother's side who don't believe in that—"

"Ridiculous," Twyla said.

"They just don't think we should be doing that. They think it sends the wrong message—"

"The message is clear. Either you are a fighter or you are a sell-out. It doesn't even have to be a big tattoo. Look at me and Yani, discreet, yeah? They can put it places where no one can see it…" Twyla waved her hands at the thought.

"You bitch!"

Yani and the others were barely passing by two buildings not too far from where Erik was parked when a silver car came to a halt right as it started to pull out from a parking spot on the street.

They all stopped wondering who was yelling out the window when Ursula jumped out of the car and ran across the street right up to Yani's face.

Ursula shoved Yani in the arm and Twyla immediately jumped in front of her pushing the woman back.

"Fuck you want?!" Yani shouted, trying to get past Twyla. Erik separated them all.

"Trying to fuck my man in my house, now?!"

"What?!"

"Don't play dumb Yani!"

"I didn't do anything like that!"

Ursula held up her cell.

"So this isn't you on my fucking couch?"

Twyla and Yani stared at the picture.

Sure enough, it was a picture of her sitting on Chez's couch in his house, her skirt looking way too short because of the angle Chez took the photo. Thigh meat just all out.

"Yeah, that's me—"

"In my house!"

"I was only there to get my child support. Chez wanted the kids to play together…"

Twyla glared at Yani like she had lost her mind. Yani felt her face get hot and her voice flustered.

"Nothing happened—"

"Chez said you offered to fuck him for more money!"

Ursula stared at Yani's neck.

"You even have marks on your neck!" she yelled.

"You need to get your man in check! I wouldn't fuck him for no amount of money. I came to get my baby's support and he said Star was asleep and he couldn't come bring me my cash. I went to get it and your baby woke up. He wanted the girls to be together and I sat on your couch so they could. But he tried to blackmail me with the money. He didn't want to give it to me unless I gave him some. But I didn't."

"He tried to force you?" Erik asked. His eyes were heated.

"He don't want you!" Ursula shouted.

Yani felt eyes from people watching the circus they were displaying. She wanted to fall into the ocean.

Twyla stepped up.

"That nigga been wanting Yani back! That's why he tried to beat her ass when he saw her with this nigga right here-!"

"Yani, he put hands on you?" Erik pulled her aside.

"He was waiting for me at Auntie's. I told you people would talk at the restaurant. Somebody told him about you."

Yani's voice began to crack. She felt mortified that this was happening in such a public way.

"You wanted to have sex with him," Ursula insisted.

"No, I didn't."

"Oh, so you didn't ask him what you needed to do to get the money?"

Ursula dialed a number and put her phone on speaker.

"Yeah?"

They all heard Chez's voice.

"I got that bitch right in front of me. Did she or did she not ask you what you wanted her to do in our house?"

"Ursula, get me off the fucking phone!"

"No, the slut is right here denying everything. We're gonna clear up the whole thing right now!"

"I'm not a slut!"

Yani slapped Ursula and when the other woman rushed forward, Erik held her back from Yani.

"Where this nigga live?" Erik asked. His voice was calm but tight.

"I can show you exactly where he lives!" Twyla said.

"Erik, don't, I don't want this…." Yani said tugging on his arm, pulling him away from Ursula.

"Who are you with?!" Chez shouted on the speaker.

"Her real baby faddah. This trick is using you. She's out here with that guy from the pictures online."

It was too much.

Twyla ready to throw hands and Erik with smoke nearly coming out of his ears. The cacophony of arguing voices wore Yani down.

"Come on!" Twyla yelled grabbing Yani's arm and pulling her toward the parking lot.

When they buckled into the S.U.V., Yani tried to dissuade Erik. Twyla yelled out Chez's address and Erik tore out of the parking lot.

"How come you didn't tell me he hurt you?"

Erik's raised voice was chilling to hear.

"He slammed her on Auntie's car. Had Yani by the throat. If I hadn't heard them and come outside, she might be dead—"

"Don't say that! He wouldn't kill me—"

"Yani, he had you in a chokehold! I saw him slam you on the fucking hood!"

Her cousin's fingers reached from the backseat to wipe Yani's face.

"Stop crying," Twyla said in a softer tone.

"This nigga tried to choke you out and he held Sydette's money over your head? Yani…"

Erik couldn't even finish his sentence. He leaned into the wheel as they sped toward Red Hook.

"Turn up here, man," Twyla said.

"Which house is it?" Erik asked.

"The white one, right there. Park over there," Twyla said.

Snatching the keys from the ignition, Erik stepped out from the S.U.V. and slammed the door.

"Y'all wait out here—"

"Nah, I'm coming to see this."

Twyla followed behind Erik. Yani jumped out and ran up to Erik pulling on his arm.

"Yani, stop!" Erik barked, yanking his arm away from her.

Banging on the front door, the moment Chez opened it, topless and in baggy jeans trying to zip up his fly, Erik snatched him by his throat and man-handled him back inside the house.

"Nigga what?!" Twyla shouted barging in.

Yani ran in and was shocked to see another woman in the house half-dressed on the couch.

"You fucking put hands on her?!"

Erik pressed his face close to Chez. Slamming him against the farthest wall in the living room, he took his right hand and continually bitch-slapped Chez.

"Fuck!" Chez kept yelling as Erik busted his lip. The slaps kept coming.

The woman on the couch tried to jump up.

"Sit your ass down!" Twyla yelled standing over her. The woman sat back and they all watched Erik's hand brutalize Chez's face.

"If you ever in your natural Black life touch her again, I will put you in the fucking ground. If you try to force her to have sex for money, I will put you in the fucking ground. From now on you will take her child support and give it to her Aunt one hour before she leaves for church on Sundays. If you are late, I will fuck you up. You won't talk to her, stalk her, or bother her for anything. If you want your daughters to have playtime, they will have it at her Aunt's house when she is not there and there is supervision watching you—"

"I can do that!" Twyla volunteered.

Yani's hand went to her mouth. She heard feet running to the front door and Ursula burst in. Twyla was on her fast.

"Don't move or you will catch hands too," Twyla said.

Yani watched Erik shake Chez like a rag doll before he slammed him one last time against the wall. Chez's pants had slipped off of his hips. He didn't have underwear on and they could see his pubic hairs and the root of his dick.

"Don't even look her way, nigga!"

Erik threw Chez down on the floor. Ursula rushed over, but her eyes finally noticed the half-naked woman on her couch.

"Who the fuck is this? Chez?!"

"How you get 'em is how you lose 'em, bitch!" Twyla screeched.

She grabbed Yani's hand and pulled her toward the front door.

Chez yanked up his pants and tried to fight back, but Erik kicked him in the balls sending him squat on his ass. Reaching for the table lamp he fell near, Chez threw it at Erik who ducked. The lamp shattered against the coffee table and Ursula screamed when Erik punched Chez square in the jaw. A sickening crack was heard.

"Erik! Stop! Please!" Yani shouted. She ran to him and threw her arms around his waist pulling him back, "He's still Sweet Pea's faddah."

For some reason, her Auntie's words from months back fell from her lips. Chez was a terrible person. But he still was the father of her only child. Erik would kill him for her and not even blink an eye doing it. Too much.

"He won't do anything ever again. I swear. Him learn his lesson, yeah? I don't want you to go to jail. Killmonger—"

She burst into tears, her eyes glancing at Chez, his face looking worse than when he beat up her last boyfriend Zachary. She buried her face in Erik's back.

"Okay…baby…it's over…"

Erik turned around, wiped his right hand on the back of his pants and threw his arms around her.

"I'll take you home," he whispered and kissed her forehead.

Everyone else in the room was quiet, the only sound was Chez gasping. Twyla opened the front door for them and Erik turned toward Ursula.

"Your man is a liar, a woman beater, and a cheat. Always will be," he said.

The other woman gathered her things and ran out past them, not even looking back.

"Better not be any cops called on us," Twyla spat as she followed them out of the house.

Yani wiped her face with her hand.

"I wish you didn't do that," she said with a shaky voice.

"I had to. Men like him brutalize women because they can. Now he knows he can't do that to you anymore."

"What if he doesn't pay his money? What if he blames me for his ass getting kicked—"

"That nigga is going to pay. Trust me on that. I'll be back over here again if he tries to be funny with Sydette's money."

"I'm scared."

Erik stopped.

"Why? I'm here."

"There's a picture of us floating around a gossip site and it's telling people that you are Sydette's Dad and that I used Chez. He might have people come after me because of that."

"Gyal, ain't nobody coming after you. Not after that ass whopping in there. Even Ursula scared of him," Twyla said waiting for Erik to open up the S.U.V. for them. He unlocked the car but stood next to Yani. Twyla climbed into the back seat and waited for them.

"I wanted you to stay in the car so you wouldn't have to see that."

"I didn't want you to kill him."

"I wouldn't kill him."

But he would do it. If she asked him to. She was sure of that. And if Chez had forced himself on her, he would be a dead man right now. As it stood he probably had a broken jaw for his fuckery.

Erik was a force of nature and he frightened her.

But he excited her also.

A little too much.

###

Part 11

Tag List:

@fd-writes​ @soufcakmistress  @cherrystainedlipsbaby @tclaybon  @thadelightfulone

@allhailqueennel @bartierbakarimobisson @cpwtwot @shookmcgookqueen @yoyolovesbucky

@raysunshine78 @the-illllest @terrablaze514  @l-auteuse @amirra88 @jimizwidow @janelledarling

@chaneajoyyy @sweetestdream92 @purple-apricots @blackpinup22 @hennessystevens-udaku

@scrumptiouslytenaciouscrusade @bugngiz @stariamrry  @honeytoffee @meilintheempressofdreams

[i-am-beyoutiful]

Family Over Story: Childish

Hello there, I know its been a hot second since I posted my last chapter but hopefully you guys like it. This chapter takes place after Kyle and Cecily have been together for a year. AO3 Link

Joe looked over at his sister while she jumped out the nerves before her match. His phone buzzed and on the screen he saw a text from Kyle O Reilly, his sisters boyfriend. He was asking if Cece had safely arrived at the venue. Roman knew Cecily sent a text at every show to let Kyle know she made it ok. She must have forgotten by accident. 

Joe tapped Cecily shoulder, “Hey, did you forget to check in with Kyle? He asked me if you were okay.” Cecily looked surprised for a split second then schooled her face to look indifferent. “Oh! I must have forgot. Just tell him I’m fine.” Cecily rolled her shoulders as the beginning notes of her entrance music played in the arena. Cecily asked her brother to wish her luck before she walked out into the screaming fans. Joe sighed then typed out a message to Kyle in response. 

Yeah, dude, she’s fine. Don’t know why she wouldn’t text you

Thanks for letting me know. I’ll call later and see what’s up.....

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

Joe and Cecily were in the car that night on the way to the hotel where everyone was staying. The next day, Cecily and Joe were flying out to Florida. Joe going to see his family and Cece visiting Kyle. During the ride, Cecily’s phone kept going off. Call after call coming thru but she never answered. After the fifteenth call, Joe finally had enough. 

“Aren’t you gonna answer that?” Joe glanced at Cece who looking anywhere but at his face. 

“Oh its just one of those unknown numbers, like a robot call. I’ll just turn it off so it won’t bother you.” Cecily turned her phone off just as another call came thru. 

Joe had a feeling the caller wasn’t a robot.

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

Joe was waiting at the terminal for both his and his sister’s flight but she still wasn’t there. Joe knew he should have waited for Cece at the hotel so she wouldn’t be late but it wasn’t like his sister to be late for a flight. Jon yes but Cecily, Never. It wasn’t in her programming to be late. Joe texted her multiple times, telling Cece to hurry up or she was gonna miss her plane. The flight attendants gave their final call and Joe gave up. He walked over to the terminal for his flight and sent one last text to his sister. 

They just gave word for last call. You know I can’t miss my flight so just let me know what you do.

Joe put his phone on airplane mode and settled down for his short trip wondering whats going on with his sister. 

Hours later, after Joe had landed and managed to rent a car, he turned on his phone to see a text. It was from Cece.

Hey Joe. I forgot to tell you Pam invited me to a girls weekend and I offered my house as the main base. Sorry if I worried you. Have fun with your family and tell Galina and Jojo I said Hey!

Joe shook his head, more confused than ever about what was going on with his sister. 

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

Kyle frowned looking at the message on his phone from Joe, 

Sorry man but Cece bailed last minute. Call her and see what happened. 

Kyle was lucky his workout was done because his mood did a complete one eighty. His friend and trainer, Marcus, walked over and slapped his shoulder, “Dude! You just finished a killer workout! What has you so down?” 

Kyle locked his phone and started putting his things up, “Nothing major, just found out my girl isn’t coming this weekend before she goes back to work.” Kyle and Marcus made their way out of the gym and into the nighttime air. 

“We’re talking about Cecily here right, The girl who I still haven’t had the privilege to meet yet. The one who freaking Thomas has met before me!” Kyle laughed at his friends antics. He unlocked his car and threw his bag into the backseat. “Trust me, if she was coming, I was gonna introduce you. She hasn’t meet any of my friends and its about time she does.” 

Marcus shrugged, “There’s always next time right.” Kyle nodded and the two said their goodbyes. Kyle, on the way home, couldn’t help but think about all the messages he left on Cece’s phone. He knew her phone wasn’t off so why was she missing his calls. 

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

Becky was riding in the car with Seth on the way back home from dinner when she got a text from Cece. Becky figured her best friend would be having a very lovely time in the arms of her boyfriend but she didn’t question it much........until she read the text for the second time.

If anyone asks, I’m in Chicago with Mercedes and Pam 

Becky was thrown for a loop. What the hell was she talking about???

Let me guess...you’re not in Chicago with Cedes and Pam. 

Not in the slightest but they already said they would cover for me. I know getting you to lie for me will cost so just name your price....

The price is telling me what the hell is going on Cece

I’ll tell you on Monday. Thank You, Becks 

“Hey, who’s that?” Seth asked. 

Becky contemplated just telling Seth the truth but she knew as well as anyone that if she told Seth outright, somethings wrong with Cecily, He and his brothers would be on the next train smoking to wherever their sister was. 

“She was just bragging about how much fun Her, Cedes and Pam were having at their girls night.” Becky said.

“What girls night?! I thought she was going to Florida to spend time with Kyle.” Seth questioned as the pair pulled into the driveway at Seth’s house. 

“I don’t know but they look like their having fun.” 

And she better have a real good explanation for this at Raw. Becky thought as she and Seth entered the house for the night.

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

“Why not just call him?” Mizuki asked her friend. 

Mizuki is Cecily best friend since middle school. the aforementioned women was confused when she opened her front door to see her best friend standing in the entrance. Mizuki knew her friend was supposed to be on the next plane to Florida way before now. Cecily should have already been there. She could see something was bothering her friend and didn’t question what happened. Mizuki just let her in. This leads to the present, where Cecily is sitting on her friends couch clutching her phone. 

Cecily shut her phone down and finally faced Mizuki, “Because I just need a second before I talk to him, Alright?” Mizuki shook her head but decided to leave the subject alone. 

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

Two weeks had passed and one thing became clear to Colby. His sisters actions were not normal. Cecily was avoiding Kyle for some reason beyond his knowledge. He didn’t know why or how but he planned to find out. 

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

“Hey Cecily, Have you talked to Kyle today?” Colby asked, out of the blue. 

Cecily looked up from the TV displaying Raw, a smile was on her face but it didn’t reach her eyes, “Yeah I spoke to him earlier. He wished you good luck in your match tonight.” Cecily focused her attention to the screen once again.

That was a bold faced lie. Colby had called the man in question earlier that day to see if the two had talked. The couple hadn’t spoken to each other in almost three weeks.

“Why do you ask?” Cecily questioned.

“Hmm. Oh, no reason.” Colby went back to picking between the two gears he brought to the show that night. His mind on already on the next phase of his plan.

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

Colby saw Mercedes and Pam hanging around in the corridor and hoped that catching them off guard would lead to some progress in his master plan. He walked over and causally talked to them about whats new in their lives before bringing the (metaphorical) hammer down.

“So how was the girls weekend thing? I know Becky was bummed she missed it.” Colby pried causally. 

“What girls we-AH” Pam winced at the sharp elbow to her side from Sasha. The boss fixed Pam with a look. The hugger realized what was happening and quickly recovered

“OHHH that girls weekend. Oh yeah it was complete blast. A full two days of nothing but anime all day” Pam said. 

Colby feigned confusion, “Anime? Becks mentioned something about Fast and Furious?” 

“The anime was after Becky talked to us. We watched the fast franchise before that. Next time, we’ll tell becks so she can get out there with us.” Mercedes covered up the cracks.  

“Well, its good to know you guys had fun. I’ll see you around.” As Colby walked away, he heard Mercedes hit Pamela again. 

“OW! Cedes, that hurt.” Pam rubbed her bicep. 

“It’s supposed to! You almost blew Cece’s cover. You know she doesn’t want to talk to her brothers about whats going on yet.” Cedes and Pam get off the crate they were sitting on and started walking in the opposite direction of Colby. Colby frowned before setting his sights on one last person. 

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

Becky looked up to see Colby in her locker room door, “Hey babe! What’s--” 

“I know somethings going on with Cece and I know you, Mercedes and Pam are covering. I’m asking you as her brother to tell me what you know so I can help.” Colby was determined to get answers and Becky couldn’t deny that she loved when Colby got protective. Becky sighed and thought, Forgive me Cecily. 

“I don’t know what’s going on either but if you hide in the bathroom, you’ll be able to hear what she has to say. You just gotta stay quiet, alright?” Becky gestured to the bathroom behind them and Colby winked at her. As Colby passed, he gave Becky a peck on the lips. Colby closed the door to the bathroom just a knock rang though the room.

“Come in!” Becky shouted.

Cecily entered the room, frown on her face. When she saw Becky, her face perked up just a little. The two shared a hug before taking a seat on the bench in the middle of the room. 

Becky started unwinding the tape off her wrists, “So you finally want to tell me why I needed to lie to your brother and my boyfriend?” 

Cece gave an exasperated huff in reply before speaking, “There’s not really anything going on, It’s just me being stupid.” 

Becky threw the used tape in the trash can then gave one of her best friends her undivided attention, “Care to elaborate? I can’t give sufficient advice without a full break down.”

Cecily rolled her eyes, “It happened three weeks ago. You know how I told you that Kyle was gonna start introducing me to his friends outside of the business,” Becky nodded, “Well that started with his best friend, Thomas, from his days playing lacrosse. Thomas was over at his house and I was getting my bags ready for my flight to the live shows that week. When I came down, I heard them talking.” Cecily, in her nervousness started to play with her fidget cube. 

Cecily took another deep breath before continuing, “Ky was telling Thomas about how we met and why he couldn’t just let me slide thru his fingers without shooting his shot and then Kyle said and I quote, ‘Yeah I love her, and this is between you and me, but she can be so childish’. I didn’t stay to hear the rest. I crept back upstairs, grabbed my bad, rushed back downstairs and luckily, it was time for me to head to the airport. I haven’t talked to him since. That’s what happened.” Cecily flipped the switch on her cube one last time then looked at Becky who hadn’t spoken for a couple seconds. Becky got up and continued to change into more comfortable clothes. 

“So whats really going thru that head of yours.” Becky pulled out two shirts contemplating which one was the cleanest. Cecily laid back on the bench, “It’s not so much that he called me childish, I’ve dealt with that my entire life. The problem is I don’t want to lose him because of who I am and what I like. I don’t want to learn about space in a book. I want learn about it while discussing if Mario can survive on the planets in Super Mario Galaxy. I wanna go to comic con and cosplay as my favorite characters. I wanna finally go to Disney World.” Cecily stood up from the bench and started to pace. 

“That’s why I’ve been avoiding him for weeks. I don’t want to pick up the phone and I don’t want to talk to him because I don’t want to lose him. I don’t want to lose him because I lo-” Cecily stopped in her tracks before her those words came out. Becky started smirking behind her back, now knowing exactly what was going on with her friend. 

“Scuse’ me, dear friend of mine, you wanna finish that sentence?” Becky grabbed Cecily’s shoulders and Cece head dropped into her chest. 

“Your gonna make me say it, aren’t you?” Cecily mumbled. 

“If you could for the class.” Becky’s smile widened. 

“UHHHH!!! I don’t want to lose him because.........Because I’m in love with him.” Cecily laughed a little. Becky shrieked in excitement before tugging Cecily into a fierce embrace. The two hugged for a little while longer, Cecily feeling like a weights had been lifted off of her shoulders. 

“Come on out Colby. You’re not very quiet you know.” Cecily and Becky separated and looked at the entrance to the bathroom where a sheepish looking Colby entered the room. Cecily just shook her head at him, diving into his arms for a hug. 

“Oh my God, my sister is in love.” the brother and sister separating as Becky joins them on the other side of the room. 

“Yeah and this sister is also pissed that you,” Cecily hit Colby on the left shoulder, “Were,” right shoulder, “Spying,” left, “On,” right, “Me!” one last hit to the right shoulder, for good measure. 

“OW! Jesus Cece that hurt.” Colby rubbed his shoulder to remove some of the sting. 

“It was supposed to.” Cecily turned her attention back to Becky, “So what should I do. I haven’t spoken to Kyle in weeks.” Cecily desperately looked on as Becky walked over and grabbed Cecily’s cell phone. As Becky handed the phone over, the front screen flashed to show a picture of Kyle and herself.

The photo was taken during the couples first date. Kyle had taken Cecily to a showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 with a live orchestra. Cecily had talked endlessly about going to the one show that was showing in Florida. So, Kyle went and got tickets but didn’t tell Cecily. Kyle knew if she was told, Cecily would over plan every little detail and he wanted to make an impression. By forcing her to live spontaneously. I guess you could say it worked. 

The picture is after the concert at a small restaurant where the two spent hours just talking about everything yet nothing at all. Before the night was over, Cecily wanted a picture and was able to get one. The lighting is horrible but the kind waiter captured the perfect moment. The two in an embrace, Cecily hugging Kyle’s waist and Kyle’s left arm around her shoulders. The couples eyes locked on each other, loving smiles plastered on their faces.

The sight of the picture brought a smile to Cecily’s face. Becky tapped the side of the phone, “I think you know what you need to do.” Cecily nodded and walked out the locker room to grab her bags and head out for the night, sending a long awaited message.

Hey, I’m sorry for being AWOL. I’m catching a flight out to Florida and If you wanna meet me somewhere.......just let me know....

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

Cecily was heading over to baggage claim after her long flight. She sent a message out to her brothers, 

HEY YOU GUYS!!! I made it to Florida. I’m gonna rent a car then head over to the house. 

Only one reply came thru from Colby,

Trust me I don’t think you’ll need a rental car.....Have Fun!!

Cecily was confused by her brothers text at first but then the same sentiment came from her two other brothers. That’s when she knew something was up. She tried to ignore the anxious thoughts creeping into her mind of what her brothers may have done. Before she could spiral further, Cece spotted her bags. 

Cecily started to make her way over but arms around her waist stopped her. A backhand was about to be unleashed on the stranger until Cecily heard a voice whisper in her ear. That voice that could simultaneously calm her and excite her, sending shivers down her spine. 

“Hey, let me get that for you.” Kyle pecked her check and walked over to grab her huge suitcase. Cecily was frozen in place. Kyle walked back over, her suitcase rolling behind him, with a smile on his face. 

“How much did you pack, women! Aren’t you only here a week?” Kyle asked. 

The question knocked Cecily out of her trance, “Actually I was able to get time off until the rumble. They injured me at the last-” 

“Last Raw. I know I was watching, like always.” Kyle grabbed her hand, “Come on, the cars in the parking lot.” The two were half way out of the airport before Cecily asked a question. 

“Wait, Are you dropping of at my dad’s house? That’s where I was planning to stay. Plus my dad wanted me to take care of some things from him their while I’m here.” Cecily and Kyle finally stepped outside the airport and headed toward Kyle’s vehicle. 

“You’ll just stay with me and you know wherever you need to go I’ll just drive you. Besides, Your brothers let me know that we need to talk. A suggestion was sent to my phone yesterday about heading to the airport around this time. They figured that you would take the chance to stay somewhere else and avoid me for as long as you can.” Kyle put her bag in the truck and unlocked the rest of the car. “Let’s get going, shall we?” Kyle opened the passenger door for Cecily with a smirk. Cecily held back a smile and shook her head.

Brothers

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

Cecily finished freshening up before going downstairs to face Kyle. She tried to practice what she was going to say to him but that lead to more anxiety filling her person. Cecily entered the living room and paused, watching Kyle relax on the couch, hoping to buy herself more time to calm down. And, of course, that didn’t happen. 

“Why don’t you join me, Sly?” Both wrestlers smiled at the mention of Cecily’s nickname, given because of her Harry Potter house preference. Cecily walked over and sat on the far end of the couch, bringing her knee to her chests and wrapping her arms underneath her thighs. 

Kyle stared at Cecily but she was looking anywhere but at his face. 

“You wanna tell me what’s-” “I heard you two weeks ago!” Cecily interrupted Kyle’s question. He was taken aback, what was Cecily talking about?

“I’m sorry what?” Kyle shifted to face her completely. 

Cecily rolled her eyes, “When Thomas was in Florida a couple of weeks ago, I heard you call me childish to him.” Cece started tapping her fingers against her thighs, “I know I’ve told you that I’ve been made fun of because of what I like. What you said didn’t bother me a lot. It just made me realize how much I care about you. So I wanna know why you called me childish.” Cecily felt the tension in her shoulders melt after saying what she felt. 

Kyle was silent for some time. He reached over and grabbed Cecily hand and pulled it so she would face him, “I’m not gonna lie to you, yes, I called you childish. But you didn’t hear what I said afterward. I told Tommy that yes, you are childish. And that is exactly what I love about you. You are so invested in everything you care about. You could spend week doing a deep dive into a new topic and come out the other side an expert on it. I love it when you freak out over new music. I can’t help but smile when you watch wrestling as a fan and lose it over near falls.” Kyle moved over and wraps his arm around Cece’s shoulders, “I’ve dated girls who tried to fake smart way too many times. You don’t care about any of that. You are wholeheartedly yourself at all times and I love you for that.” Kyle kissed her forehead. Cecily turned her head and caught Kyle lips. 

“I love you too.” The two share a smile then leaned in again.

The two kissed for a while, Cecily ending up in her boyfriends lap. The two broke apart when the need for air became too much. The happy couple smiled and laughed, the feeling of being in love filling them with euphoria. Kyle tightened is grip on Cece waist.

“Why don’t you head upstairs babe?” Kyle kissed her collarbone. 

Cecily giggled, “Why’s that?” 

“Cause I don’t want the neighbors to hear you scream that much.” Kyle whispered in her ear, nibbling at the lobe. And there goes the shivers again. 

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

That night Kyle posted three videos and a picture on his Instagram. 

The first video is of Cecily behind the wheel, dancing and rapping in her seat to Power by Little Mix. The second video is Cecily doing a dance with Mizuki to Crybaby by Melanie Martinez. The third video is of Cecily crying while watching Rent on dvd. 

The picture is of Cecily. She’s lying on a couch in a massive hoodie that’s basically a dress. She has no make up on and her hair is wrapped up in a scarf. 

Kyle’s caption reads: 

I met this girl a couple weeks after I came to NXT and I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She was (and still is) cool, confident and strong. But as I got to know her I saw the other sides of her. Her unabashed love for singing, acting and dancing. Her extensive amount of music. Her dedication and love our craft.

So one day, she told me that she would never date a wrestler again and I asked this girl to let me change her mind. I guess I did managed because a month later we finally became boyfriend and girlfriend. And now a year and two months later, I can proudly say I have never felt this way about anyone before. I love Cecily Perrin and She loves me.

The post had over 1500 comments and growing..

romanreigns - 4 outta 4 shield members approve...

wwerollins - Better treat our sister right, Mr. O’Reilly

beckylynchwwe - I’m so happy for you two!!

sashabankswwe - Looks like the girls are just waiting for Charlotte to get herself a man....

itsmebayley - You too are so cute!!!

charlottewwe - Absolutely Undisputed

candicelerae - We need an double date ASAP!!!!