#ch: melanie king

[questionable-chnt-hc]

On really bad days, Rowan wears a blindfold and uses a cane to find his way around. It doesnt fix everything, but it helps

Juniper helps him find his way <3

I feel like him and Melanie king would be friends (obstructing your vision to hide from terrible eldritch stuff besties)

[fbfh]

curiosity is a wonderful thing - ch 5

wc: 2.3k

genre: political thriller (ish), slow burn, best friends to lovers

pairing: audrey x ben, eventual ben x reader

warnings: reader has a high startle response, audrey is the fucking worst, (mostly one sided) tension between audrey and reader

summary: after introducing the isle kids to the school and its history, audrey finds herself losing the fight for ben's attention to you yet again and she's starting to get sick of it.

song recs: rabbit heart - florance and the machine, pacify her - melanie martinez

a/n: fangz to cici (luv u gurl mcr rox) also fangz to the writing gods for letting me complete this in literally one sitting. no idea how i pulled this one out of my ass but I think it turned out good lol. also same optional fit

tags @yesv01 @magcon7280 @hopefullhearts @thatawkwardlittlefangirl  @sunshineangel-reads @strawberry-cake1 @dustyinkpages @kiara7777

Ben moves quickly, gesturing behind him at the school. He needs to get things back on track, and move past Audrey’s tactless backhanded insults as quickly as possible. He walks down the path as you, Audrey, and the Isle kids follow him. As usual, you’re a step behind him the whole way. Someone nudges you, and you turn around to see Carlos, extending your now chocolate covered handkerchief toward you. 

“Thanks.” You say quietly, accepting it and looking down to tuck it back into your bag. You fuss with the zipper for a moment as you approach the uniformly shaped hedges in front of the school. In your attempts to get your bag closed back up, you don’t notice yourself veering off the path in the wrong direction until you feel Ben’s hand on your back. You look up at him as he guides you to the right with the rest of the group. 

“This way, bunny.” He says quietly, and you smile, slightly embarrassed at having started to go the wrong way again. You’re both so used to Ben course correcting you like this that you don’t notice it anymore. But Audrey notices. She always does. Before she can grab onto his arm again, he uses it to draw the Isle kids’ attention to the school, leaving her unable to hold onto him. 

“Auradon Prep; originally built over 300 years ago and converted into a high school by my father, when he became king.” 

As Ben talks, it reminds you of your own class’s orientation day at the school a few years ago, led by Ben’s dad. You were so nervous that you must have stayed within two feet of Ben the entire time. He’s come such a long way since then, you both have. You could listen to him speak about the school, about this country, about the dynasties of royal families and the positive changes they’ve made for their people for hours. He sounds so much like his dad, and it fills you with a tender sense of pride. 

He pauses in front of the statue of his dad and you smile, knowing exactly what’s coming. He looks up at the granite likeness of his dad’s familiar face, his powerful stance, and claps twice. In an instant, the stone shifts and morphs, depicting him now in his beast form. A shrill scream pierces the air behind you and you jump at the noise, clutching your pearls as you startle. You both look back as Ben instinctively places his hands on your shoulders. It feels stable and reassuring, and you feel your heartbeat begin to calm down at the contact. Audrey waits to see if Ben plans on comforting her too, but he just looks down at you, making sure you’re alright.

“You okay?” He asks quietly. You nod, and he lets out a soft breath.

“Yeah.” You breathe so quietly anyone else would have missed it. 

Audrey lets out an irritated huff, crossing her arms. After that brief moment of reassurance, you look over at Carlos, who seems to have jumped into Jay’s arms. It’s quiet for a moment as Jay unceremoniously drops Carlos back onto the ground, and Carlos attempts to salvage what’s left of his dignity. Ben chuckles lightly, but not maliciously. Carlos notices this and seems confused that someone is actually laughing with him and not at him. 

“Carlos, it’s okay.” Ben says, “My father wanted his statue to morph from beast to man. To remind us that anything is possible.”

Ben hears you finish the last part of the sentence under your breath with him. You’ve both heard his father say those same words thousands of times, and it brings a sudden smile to his face that takes him a moment to get back under control. Part of you wishes that Belle and Adam were here to see him now, see how well he’s doing, how much he seems like both of them in this moment. You know in your bones that if his parents could see him like this, see how naturally and gracefully he talks about the school and the history of his country, they would be proud beyond words. But you’re here to see it, and that feels like enough. 

Mal looks at the statue, seeming unimpressed.

“Does he shed much?” She asks with a note of snarkiness to her voice.

“Yeah,” Ben deadpans, “Mom won’t let him on the couch.”

His quick response wins a look of approval from Mal, a chuckle from the other Isle kids, and a loud laugh from you - the kind that takes a moment to trail off. Once you’ve caught your breath, you turn to him to keep walking, this time in the correct direction.

“There’s lint rollers hidden all over the palace.” You add through a giggle, making Ben laugh audibly. Audrey seems less impressed by the ice breaking banter, keeping a tight smile plastered on her face and fighting the urge to roll her eyes. 

By the time Ben has brought you all into the foyer of the dorms and explained a little more about the history of the school, Mal is already asking about magic. She seems very curious, but like she doesn’t want to seem like she cares all that much - a defense mechanism, you assume. What people don’t know you care about, they can’t ruin. 

“Like, wands? And things like that?” Mal asks casually. 

“Yeah, it exists of course.” Ben begins, “But it’s pretty much retired. Except for some forms.” He finishes, gesturing to you, knowing you’re much more qualified to answer magic related questions. 

“Right.” You agree, “You see, Wonderland magic is based in nonsense, but here in overland where everything is sense, nonsense doesn’t make nearly as much sense, so it really doesn’t work quite as well - or quite the same way - as it would in a place where things don’t make much of any sense at all…” 

You begin to explain, only catching yourself mid ramble towards the end of your train of thought. You trail off, clearing your throat a little. 

“But that’s really a story for another time.” You finish. You don’t want to overwhelm them with information on their first day, and Wonderland rules (or lack thereof), are confusing to most people on a good day. Besides, none of them are from timeless domains, so anything they would learn about Wonderland could only be theoretical. Realization crosses Mal’s face, and she points to you. 

“So you’d be…”

“Alice’s daughter. Of Wonderland.” You clarify. Ben smiles a little, the way he always does when you introduce yourself like that. He thinks it’s so endearing how you think any Alice other your mom would spring to someone’s mind upon meeting you. 

“That explains the teapot bag…” Evie mutters. Someone chuckles, you’re not sure who, but you find yourself hoping this wraps up somewhat soon. You’re trying so hard to be patient, but you were dragged away from Wonderland so suddenly, and it’s always disorienting for you  like that. Besides, you’ve heard whispers of a nest egg that’s sure to hatch soon, and you’re dying to go back to Wonderland so you can get a look at it, maybe get some pictures. 

“Exactly,” Ben says, turning to you. You’re so grateful that he’s always here to help you navigate awkward moments, like when you don’t notice you’ve been rambling, or make a joke that doesn’t make sense to anyone except him. 

“She knows the most about magic out of anyone at Auradon Prep.” Ben continues, turning to you, “It’s just like you said, bunny. Most of us here are just ordinary mortals.”

Mal scoffs at that for two reasons. Not only did a literal prince just call himself a regular average Joe, but you’re supposed to be the one who knows the most about magic? She doesn’t think so. Not when she’s the one with her mother’s spell book hidden in her bag right now. She doubts you’ll still be the one who knows the most about magic starting pretty damn soon. There’s a new queen in town. 

“Ordinary mortals, who… just happen to be kings and queens.” She says. At the discussion of royal status, Audrey suddenly finds herself interested in joining the conversation again. She’s always been a little too eager to talk about royal status and bloodlines for your liking. 

“That’s true!” She says with that glimmer in her eye that only appears when she’s bragging. She reaches for Ben’s arm again, finally managing to grab it. “Our royal blood goes back hundreds of years…”

She pulls Ben’s arm around her shoulder, and he chuckles awkwardly. He catches your eye for a brief moment, silently praying for a graceful way out of yet another moment made uncomfortable by Audrey’s superior attitude and love of public displays of affection. You know exactly what he’s silently telling you from one look at his face, and you nod your head subtly toward the stairs, drawing his attention there. He looks over, spotting Doug on his way down to the great hall. 

“Doug!” He calls, lifting his arm off Audrey to wave Doug over. “Doug, come down.” 

Doug nods, and jogs down the last few stairs. He walks over to meet Ben and you, standing in front of the Isle kids.

“This is Doug.” Ben introduces him to their new students. “He’s going to help you with your classes, and schedules, and show you around the rest of the dorms.” They’re silent, and he can sense their apprehension about being handed off to someone, no matter how well they mask it. 

“I’ll see you later, okay?” He says, with a small smile. There’s a reassuring quality to his tone of voice that puts everyone in the room at ease. The Isle kids seem to relax a little, and Ben continues, “And if there is anything else you need, please, feel free to-” “Ask Doug.” 

Audrey jumps in yet again with that tense smile, cutting off Ben for the… you’ve lost count of how many times, at this point. There’s some more forced laughter between Audrey and Mal, then before you know it, Audrey is dragging Ben away. You start to leave as well, reaching into your bag for your journal to check where you’re supposed to be right now. 

“Bunny!” Ben calls, and you turn your head. “This way.” 

You turn and scurry a few steps to catch up with him and Audrey. As Doug leads them to their dorms, Evie looks back, her gaze lingering on Ben’s hand resting on your back. Something he’s done very casually a few times in the short while they’ve been here in Auradon, but never once to his actual girlfriend. Evie might be a pretty face, but she’s definitely not stupid when it comes to love. She sighs, and crosses Ben off her mental list of potential princes. One girl she can easily compete with, but two other girls fighting for his attention means he’s just not worth her time. Besides, if Audrey doesn’t stand a chance against you - which she sure doesn’t seem to in Evie’s opinion - she’s sure it won’t be easy for anyone else, even someone as gorgeous as her. 

Across the great hall, Audrey stares straight ahead. She refuses to look at you, rolling her eyes and forcing a smile before turning specifically to look at Ben. 

“But Bennyboo,” She says patiently, “We’re supposed to have dinner tonight, remember?”

Ben’s brow furrows for a moment before he remembers the plans they had made.

“Oh, right.” He wonders how he could have forgotten that, but chalks it up to the very busy, very important day. 

“So we should probably get going,” she says to you, insincerely sweet. “Let’s catch up later, ‘kay?”

She begins to drag Ben away from you, but he hesitates for a moment. Suddenly he remembers why he hadn’t been thinking about dinner with her yet. 

“Actually, Audrey, we’re uh,” he looks at you before turning back to her. “We’re having dinner later. After the council stuff this evening.”

Finally, her mood drops in a way that no amount of chipper facades and tropical punch energy drinks can disguise. 

“...Right.” She says slowly, watching Ben take another step closer to you. 

“We actually need to…” He says, trailing off as you hold out your pocket watch for him to look at. The hands are a little too close to the word Late! for his comfort. 

“Oh god.” He mutters quietly. Audrey huffs and he turns back to her, really needing to wrap this up. 

“You’re welcome to join us, if you want.” He offers, kindly telling her that either way, you two need to leave right now. Her forced smile grows stale at the idea of having to sit through even more boring meetings, especially unnecessary ones. 

“I have a thing.” She says quickly, “I really need to go over the cheer routines we’re doing for the next tourney match. I cannot let Jane be an embarrassment to the squad again.” 

“Okay, so dinner later.” Ben confirms. He walks over to give her a chaste peck on the cheek before dragging you away to the next meeting you’re almost late for. She watches the way his hand stays on your back, even when you must clearly know where you’re going. She watches the way you talk to each other as you leave, animatedly and closely in a way that feels too intimate for her liking. 

You and Ben are always on the same page, you always have been. She knew what she was getting into when she started dating Ben, she knew about the busy schedule and all the meetings and how close you two are, but she just figured… She hoped that he would have started to like her more than you by now. There’s still time, she reminds herself. She can wrap her Bennyboo so tight around her finger that he forgets all about his little best friend. 

[swiftly-skywalker]

10 songs, 10 people (part 2!!)

okay when i did this a while ago I said i wanted to do it again so now i am :P this round's way more chaotic so buckle in bitches my caps lock was working hard tonight

lets get started

@justadmiringanakin (i know i already tagged you in the last one but you have top tier music taste so im bringing u back) @emilysmidnights (come back...be here) @karmaismyb0yfriend um idk anyone else to tag so open tag?

You're Losing Me | Taylor Swift - bro this song. so devastating but also such a period slay??? miss blondie i just love you so so much you will always be awesome

firearm | Lizzy McAlpine - "what a joke?!?!" "WHAT A FUCKED UP REALITY SHOW?!?!?!?" "YOU HAD ME CONVINCED THAT YOU LOOOOOOVEDDDD MEEEEE???????????????????" i have no other words. lizzy i love you so so much as well you're so cool

in my head | Ariana Grande - this one's partly for ch 18 of ffm. I- rfobsVKfobalAbalbgrushf I love this song so much. The lyrics? the production?? the high notes??? perfection. ALSO GO READ FALL FOR ME PLEASE BY @justadmiringanakin DO IT

The Alcott | The National and Taylor Swift - the parts where they sing like at each other??? AMAZING. i never fail to scream out tay tay's parts-- DID MY LOVE AID AND ABET YOU SHRED MY EVENING GOWNNNNNNN

Easier to Cry | TV Girl - and she just wanted to die but it was easier, it was easier to ADFFJSKBF:IURCSVG CRYYYYYYYY

What You Wish For | Guster - okay where my hayden girlies at cus theres a story to this one. I've always loved Guster since I was a baby, theyre my mom's fave. The movie Life As A House (EMO HAYDEN) came out about 4, 4.5 months after I was born. The directer of LaaH is a HUGE Guster fan. Their songs are in all of his movie soundtracks. This, along with the song Rainy Day of the same album (Lost and Gone Forever 1999), were featured in Life as a House. My mom met the director of this movie at a Guster concert when I was unfortunately only like 2 and too young to go. She also loved Hayden-i guess the obsession is a gene lol. thank u for coming to my ted talk

Thinkin Bout Me | Morgan Wallen - before I begin, if you're thinking of hating on country music, do not interact please. it's unnecessary. I'm unashamed for my interests. anyways this song is so GOOD morgy is absolutely SAVAGE songwriter and i loveeee him for it.

NYMPHOLOGY | Melanie Martinez - this song is also so amazingly savage. I love both Melanies, old and new. Angry songs are my PASSION and this song hits so hard for me

Someday You Will Be Loved | Death Cab for Cutie - "DO IT FOR BEN GIBBARD"-my friend i was talking to making this as i told her idk if i should put death cab on here -> this is my fave song by death cab (postal service and solo gibbard not included) for inexplicable reasons

and finally....

WILD UNCHARTED WATERS BY JONAH HAUER-KING yes i felt the need to yell that one at you guys this barbie just saw the little mermaid and is officially obsessed. IT WAS SO GOOD!!!!! the music? the storytelling?? the casting???? PERFECT. Everyone was soooo good in it and i encourage you ALL to go see it or watch somewhere. i condone illegals to see this movie. anyway Jonah Hauer-King was GORGEOUS and sang SO WELL and I LOVE HIM and OMG. ive listened to this song on heavy repeat in the last few days. like my spotify is having a stroke actually

[kellmareshgf]

THE MAGNUS ARCHIVES // MAJOR ARCANA

MELANIE KING as THE STAR

i / ii / iii / iv / v

[turn-your-gaze-on-this-dumptruck]

What's great about Basira canonically finding Tim hot was that Jonny never ONCE described a character except for in the very vaguest of terms and even then it impacted the story in some kind of way. But Jonny thought the fact that Tim was hot was SO IMPORTANT that he included it in the story. And he was right.

[phoebenavarro]

and on you stumble on (ch 1)

part 6 of my Jon trusting Tim s2 AU, we’ve reached the end of season 2! woo let’s go

the magnus archives, established JonTim, pre JonMarTim, 1642 words

read this part and the rest of the series on ao3 here

Jon sits, frozen, as his mind struggles to process everything. He told Tim what Melanie said about Sasha, the two Sashas, but he’d kept the rest of his little investigation to himself. It wasn’t fair to Tim, but Sasha is a delicate subject for him, and Jon wanted to be sure. And maybe, as long as he kept it to himself, it wouldn’t be real. Sasha wouldn’t have been replaced by a monster that looks nothing like her, the real her. But the time for that willful denial is over now; he knows the truth, much as he wishes he could change it. Sasha’s dead, and she has been since Prentiss.

Tim. He has to tell Tim. He deserves to know, and he deserves to help kill it.

Especially after the tapes. The tapes with the real Sasha’s voice on them. He presses play on the recorder with a shaking hand, and the voice he still can’t recognize as Sasha’s crackles through the speakers. He sits there and listens and hates himself for not figuring it out sooner. That thing hasn’t even been trying to be like Sasha, the real Sasha, and he still didn’t realize that his friend had been replaced by a monster.

He’s listening to the tape—her statement about her encounter with Michael—for a third time when the door to his office opens.

“Alright boss, you about ready to go?” Tim asks cheerfully, striding in, but he freezes when he sees the distressed look on Jon’s face. “Jon. What’s wrong?”

“I, um…” Jon says, at a loss for words.

“What happened? Did Michael come back?”

“What? No, no…” Jon sighs and rubs his eyes. He’s so tired. “No, it— it’s not that. I suppose it’s easier if I show you.” He gestures Tim over to his desk. “Do you remember what Melanie King said, about there being two Sashas?” Tim nods slowly.

“Yeah, what— did you figure out what’s going on?”

Jon sighs again. “Yes. Tim… I’m sorry.” He hands Tim the paper copies of the statements. Tim frowns, but he doesn’t say anything, he just starts reading. Jon tries not to stare at him while he reads, heartbroken for him and a little bit terrified for how he’s going to react. Jon’s own grief for Sasha hasn’t hit him yet, he’s too preoccupied with thinking about what they’re going to do now. He’s got a plan forming, but that will entirely depend on what Tim wants to do.

Tim sets the papers down and rubs his eyes. “Fuck,” he swears quietly. “That’s it, then. She’s dead,” his voice is disturbingly flat, and Jon aches to reach out to him, to comfort his boyfriend, but Jon’s never seen him like this.

“I’m sorry,” Jon says, because he doesn’t know what else to say.

“When did it happen?” Tim asks.

“I uh… It seems like it was during the Prentiss attack, when she got separated from Elias and ran into Artifact Storage.” Tim breathes in sharply and swears again under his breath.

“She hated Artifact Storage,” Tim says quietly.

“I know.”

“Or are our memories of her even real? If this thing could replace her and change what she looked like in our minds, why couldn’t it completely change everything?”

“I… I don’t know,” Jon admits, “It’s certainly possible, but we can’t— we can’t start questioning every little memory. I think that’s what it wants, what it feeds on, and besides, it’s just not feasible.”

“Yeah,” Tim says quietly. Jon reaches for his hand, trying to find some way to comfort Tim, to make this news a little more bearable. Tim lets him.

“I think our memories are our own,” Jon continues, “I mean, we both remember her being different before the Prentiss attack. She… changed. We both noticed. We didn’t know why she changed, but we definitely noticed.”

Tim nods, but he doesn’t say anything, so Jon just launches into the next thing he needs to tell Tim about.

“I-I found the missing tapes,” Jon says, and he chuckles bitterly, “They were in Sasha’s desk. Not even well hidden, almost like it wanted us to find them. Finally figured out what those tapes had in common, they all had Sasha— the real Sasha’s voice on them.

Tim cocks his head. “How do you mean? I thought the monster changed pictures and recordings too.”

“Yes, but not polaroid photos, for some reason, and apparently not tape recordings.”

Tim’s breath hitches. “So, what’s on the tapes— that’s real?” Jon nods.

Tim swallows. “Can I— Can I listen to them?” he asks, and Jon’s chest feels tight.

“Y-yes, of course,” Jon says, and he starts rewinding the tape with Sasha’s statement. “I-I don’t think you want to listen to all of them, a-at least not right now, one of them is from the Prentiss attack, when it h-happened.”

“I need to know what happened, Jon,” Tim says, “I need to know how, if it was painful, if she…” Tim trails off. Jon thinks about Sasha’s scream, and he shudders.

“It was awful. I wish I hadn’t heard it. And- And I don’t think there’s much point to you listening to it if you’re just going to use it to punish yourself for not doing anything about it.” Tim glares at him, but Jon keeps his voice steady. “I know you, and I know you’re gonna blame yourself, but it wasn’t your fault.”

Tim mutters, “Yeah, right,” and he turns his head to stare at the floor.

The tape finishes rewinding, and Jon presses play without another word. They listen in silence as the Sasha on the tape tells her story, Tim gripping Jon’s hand so hard that it hurts. Jon can’t help but be hyper focused on every one of Tim’s reactions, every sharp intake of breath, every sigh, every small exhale of laughter. Jon remembers Sasha being funny, and it seems like she was. Jon notices a few tears on Tim’s face, and he pulls Tim close to put an arm around him.

When it ends, Tim wipes his eyes with his free hand.

“I still can’t believe she did something that reckless,” he says, “She was always going on about being the rational one.” Jon smiles. He moves to switch the tape out for the one where Sasha interrupted him to talk about the proper way to pronounce calliope, and he fast forwards to around the point where she walked in. Tim listens just as intently, like he’s trying to catalogue every little thing he can gleam about the real Sasha from these tapes. Then the Jon on the tape resumes reading his statement, and they let it play out in the quiet of the office.

Eventually, the tape ends, and Jon stops it. Jon looks to Tim expectantly, but Tim is staring at the wall with a far-away look in his eyes.

“What are we going to do about that- that thing pretending to be Sasha?” Tim asks, finally breaking the silence.

“Ah,” Jon says, “I’ve been thinking about that. It’s tied to the table, so it seems like destroying the table will kill it, or at least weaken it.”

Tim nods slowly. “Makes as much sense as anything else around here.” He runs a hand through his hair. “When?”

“Tonight? After everyone’s gone home, artifact storage will be empty.”

Absently, Tim presses a kiss to Jon’s hand. “I’m not letting this go, by the way. I want to listen to all of those tapes. But… Maybe you’re right. Maybe now isn’t the best time.”

“That’s reasonable, I suppose,” Jon replies.

Tim stares off into space again for a few minutes, clearly thinking, before he speaks again.

“Should we tell Martin? In case something happens?”

“No,” Jon says immediately, and he can’t ignore the panic that rises in his chest when he thinks about getting Martin involved in this, “No, he’ll insist on staying to help and I won’t put him in any more danger.”

Thankfully, Tim agrees. “Yeah,” he says, “He’ll be pissed when he finds out, though.”

Jon thinks back to the stern lecture Martin had given them on trust, on treating him like an adult, and when he thinks about how Martin is going to react when he finds out, he does feel guilty. Just this, he thinks, This is the last thing we’ll keep him in the dark about.

“We can deal with Martin being angry at us, if we live, but I can’t lose anyone else. It’s my job to protect you all, and I’ve already failed Sasha…”

“Hey, no—“

Jon cuts him off, “I know it wasn’t my fault, what happened to Sasha, wasn’t anyone’s fault, really, but I should have been able to protect her. And Tim, if I could, I’d send you home too, deal with this on my own.”

“Jon…”

“I know you won’t go, you’re too stubborn, and I won’t make you, because I know this is just as important to you. But I’d rather you be safe.”

“How do you think I feel?” Tim says, “That’s two of the most important people in my life, dead, and I did nothing to stop it.” Jon opens his mouth to protest, but Tim plows on, "I don’t want you to be number three, and it seems like, as Archivist, you’ve got a target painted on your back. I also know that you’re too damn stubborn not to put yourself in danger, and well, we’ve got a better chance of not dying if we do it together.”

“I certainly hope so,” Jon agrees, “Have I mentioned recently how much I love you?”

“Once or twice,” Tim replies, “I love you too. Now how exactly are we going to go about killing this thing?”

“Did you know, it is remarkably easy to buy an axe in central London?”

Tim smiles.

[petersasteria]

The Forces of Nature || Ch.4

Pairing: Peter Parker x Superhero!Reader

Summary: “There’s this kid out there that can control the wind or something. I think she’s a great addition to the team. Let’s recruit her.”

SERIES MASTERLIST  ||  PP MASTERLIST

Click the pictures for better quality and I still can’t believe I actually did this chapter with maximum effort lmao bc I actually studied so yeah have fun learning

Today was the day of Y/N and Peter's presentation about Queen Elizabeth I and Y/N wasn't nervous at all. She was confident about their presentation. Plus, their slide designs looked really cute and refreshing to look at. Y/N's outfit that day was a modernized version of a dress from the Elizabethan era. She designed it herself and she was proud of the outcome and that she got it done in time. Eunice helped, of course.

The sleeves were short and slightly puffed. The skirt went until her knees and it had layers underneath to make it puffy as well. The body of her dress was tight fitted because of the corset. The dress had a boat neckline and her only accessory was a pastel choker. In fact, her whole dress was pastel colored and her hair was styled in loose curls.

When Peter entered the room, Y/N was reading her book in her seat. Peter sat next to her and sensing his presence, Y/N turned to him and smiled, "Good morning, Peter."

"G'morning, Y/N." Peter gave her a tight-smile as he set his bag down. Y/N continued reading and without looking up from her book, she said, "C'mon say something about my outfit. I feel like you have something to say about it. You always do."

"How did you know that?" Peter asked. Y/N looked at him and smiled, "I can tell. Just say it. No hard feelings."

Peter cleared his throat and took a good look at her. He didn't have anything insulting to say. However, he said, "You look like you came out of a Melanie Martinez music video."

"She was part of the inspiration for this design." Y/N chuckled. "She's amazing."

Peter didn't get to say anything because Mrs. Johnson walked in the room causing Y/N to place a bookmark on the page she was reading and putting it in her bag.

"Who will present today?" Mrs. Johnson asked. Peter and Y/N raised their hands and Mrs. Johnson smiled, "Ahh, the geniuses. I expect a great presentation. The floor is yours."

Y/N took the flash drive from her pocket and handed it to Peter which was a subtle way of telling him to set it up. Mrs. Johnson walked to the back of the classroom and sat on the chair where observers usually sit. Y/N patiently waited as Peter sets up the whole thing. When it was ready, Y/N mouthed a small 'thank you' to Peter who just smiled and nodded.

"Hi everyone! Peter and I will be talking about Queen Elizabeth I's early life until she became queen. We were told not to tackle her reign as queen because someone else will be presenting that." Y/N introduced and explained.

"Yes, please proceed." Mrs. Johnson smiled.

Peter clicked the next slide.

Peter cleared his throat and racked his brains for what he remembered. He and Y/N agreed that he'd explain the basic ones and would pipe in if he could remember some parts of her life.

"Queen Elizabeth I was born on September 7, 1533. She was the only child of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. If you don't know who Anne Boleyn is, she's Henry's second wife and she got executed for treason." Peter said. "Anyway, since Anne Boleyn got executed before Elizabeth's third birthday, Elizabeth was left discarded and removed from succession of the throne."

"It was kind of complicated because Elizabeth and her sister, Mary, were due a certain level of care and they'd be in and out of favor depending on King Henry VIII's mood and marital status. I mean, what kind of father would do that?" Peter said with so many emotions. Y/N was in shock that he actually read everything, but she was also proud that he did so.

"Eventually, they realized that Elizabeth was a 'highly prized potential wife'." Peter said in air quotes. "I air quoted 'highly prized potential wife' because spoiler alert to those who don't know: SHE DIDN'T GET MARRIED. She's not called The Virgin Queen for nothing, guys."

"And because she was a 'highly prized potential wife', she was well educated and her education was first rate. She excelled in languages! She was intelligent, articulate, and open-minded. In short, she was ahead of her time. I mean, that's my opinion, of course." Peter said.

"Why do you think she was ahead of her time, Mr. Parker?" Mrs. Johnson asked.

"Because she was open-minded before anyone else. All of us have already evolved and we all keep evolving and growing as a society and yet there are people who are still so close-minded about things. If Elizabeth was open-minded since the 1530's, why aren't we all open-minded now?" Peter answered which made Y/N smile. It made Mrs. Johnson smile too and nodded for Peter to continue.

"And because she was well educated and stuff, she grew up quickly. It was great that she matured so fast but it suddenly didn't feel great when her brother, Edward VI, became King of England in 1547." Peter started. "Henry's widow, Catherine Parr, married soon after Henry's death. She married Thomas Seymour."

"It was reinstated under the terms of Henry's will that Elizabeth would be Edward VI's successor. She was under the care of Catherine Parr and living in her household. At the age of 14, Elizabeth first attracted male attention." Peter said.

"Not much is to be known about Thomas Seymour except for the fact that he was power hungry and in my opinion, a pedophile. I based that opinion from the fact that Thomas Seymour, in his late 30's might I add, engaged in appropriate behavior with Elizabeth. When Catherine discovered that, Thomas assured her that it was all innocent. One day, Catherine found Thomas and Elizabeth alone together in an embrace and because of that, Elizabeth was sent away in May 1548."

A classmate named Cindy raised her hand. Peter looked at her and said, "Yes?"

"Was Elizabeth okay after that?" Cindy asked. Peter grinned, "Good question."

"Yes, she was okay. Being sent away made it easy for her to move on from all of it, but only for a short time." Peter answered. "It was only a short time because when Catherine Parr died in... October, was it?" He looked at Y/N for help.

Y/N continued where Peter left off, "When Catherine Parr died in September 1548, Thomas Seymour tried to renew his relationship with Elizabeth. Of course, he failed. So, he manipulated Edward VI."

"Why did he do all those things?" Flash asked.

"Well, he was power hungry and he wanted to secure his authority that's why he did what he did. Thomas was arrested in 1549 for his inappropriate behavior towards Elizabeth and plots to overthrow his brother who was the Lord Protector of England. That same year, he was executed." Y/N shrugged as Flash nodded. Peter clicked the next slide.

"Being Edward VI's sister, she caused little trouble compared to her sister, Mary, who went against the King's orders. When Edward VI fell ill in 1553, he went against Henry VIII's wishes and disinherited his sisters. Although his main issue was with Mary because of her very Catholic beliefs, disinheriting her would mean that he'd have to disinherit Elizabeth as well." Y/N reported.

"Well, that sucks." Flash commented.

"Indeed." Y/N said in agreement. "Anyway, when Edward died, Lady Jane Grey became queen... only for 9 days, though."

"A queen for 9 days? Why only 9 days? Did she die too?" Austin asked.

Y/N shook her head, "Nope."

"Who is she, anyway? She came out of nowhere!" Nadine exclaimed. "It's like she came there unannounced or something."

Y/N went to the board and grabbed a chalk and drew a chart of the Tudors for their classmates to understand. Peter stared at her in awe. "This girl knows her shit." Peter muttered under his breath as he crossed his arms out of habit.

Y/N turned to face everyone and started explaining, "Okay so let's start at the beginning. Henry VII and Elizabeth York are married and they had four children, namely: Arthur, Henry, Margaret, and Mary Tudor. Henry VIII and Jane Seymour had a son; Edward VI. Unfortunately, Jane Seymour died during childbirth."

"Anyway, Henry VIII's sister, Mary Tudor, married Charles Brandon the First Duke of Suffolk. They had a daughter, Frances Grey which makes her and Edward VI cousins. She married Henry Grey and they had a daughter who we all know as Jane Grey, the nine-day queen. In short, Jane Grey is Edward VI's niece." Y/N explained. "I hope that answers your question, Nadine."

"It did, thanks." Nadine said.

"I think it's weird that she's his niece." Allison mumbled.

"Now to answer Austin's question," Y/N said as she put down the chalk and rubbed her hands together to remove the chalk dust. Peter offered her a hand sanitizer which she gladly took and put some on her hands before giving it back to Peter and rubbing it on both of her hands.

"When Edward VI was dying, he disinherited both of his sisters and made Jane Grey his successor. So when he actually died in 1553, Jane Grey became queen. She was only queen for 9 days because the public basically didn't want her, they wanted Mary, Henry VIII's eldest and Edward VI's sister, to be queen instead. When Mary became queen, she wanted Jane Grey to be executed but she was spared upon the wish of the ones in the Holy Roman Empire. She was still a prisoner in the Tower, of course. Then she actually got executed when she refused to convert." Y/N explained. Austin nodded and took notes, "Thanks, Y/N."

"Okay so, now we all know that Mary became queen because the public wanted it. Elizabeth's life changed once again when her sister became queen and she now lived with her sister at court. Mary decided to reinstate the Catholic faith and of course it caused an uproar and such. Then this man named Thomas Wyatt started a revolt against Mary and it all just went downhill from there. In stark comparison to her irrational sister, Mary, Elizabeth became a figure of reason and enlightenment."

"Elizabeth was removed from the throne once more and after the rebellion was quashed, Elizabeth was interrogated because Mary suspected that Elizabeth took part in the said rebellion. There was no proof that Elizabeth had taken part in the rebellion, but she was taken to the Tower of London where she stayed for two months. In there, she was repeatedly interrogated and questioned. She never wavered from the protestations of her innocence and her love for her sister. Then Elizabeth left her prison for Woodstock and she was in house arrest there for nearly a year and the public was beginning to side with Elizabeth because Mary was getting crazy and out of hand. Elizabeth remained under house arrest until Mary came up with something to remove the threat."

"What was the threat?" Angelica asked.

"Elizabeth's ever-growing popularity was the threat." Y/N answered. "That's why she was sent to Woodstock."

"As Mary was thinking of a way to get rid of Elizabeth, she fell pregnant or she was already pregnant. If Mary had a healthy child, Elizabeth wouldn't become queen. But being pregnant is not easy so, this meant that Mary had to find Elizabeth a place for succession if she were to die in childbirth."

"She ended up not giving birth because her pregnancy was just a figment of her damaged imagination. In short, it was just a phantom pregnancy. Mary's health declined and she died on November 17, 1558."

"If Mary didn't bring her back in line for succession, how did Elizabeth become queen, then?" Brad questioned.

Y/N smiled, "Elizabeth became queen under the terms of Henry VIII's will. Now that she's queen, she already knew what to do and what not to do based from her family members. She learned from them and used it as stepping stones to be a great queen."

"Thank you for listening!" Peter and Y/N in sync. Mrs. Johnson and the rest of the class clapped for them. Peter took the flash drive and gave it to Y/N as they went back to their seats. Mrs. Johnson got up from her seat and went to the front of the class, "Thank you, Mr. Parker and Ms. Y/L/N. That was an astounding presentation! Both of you really did you research and I'm proud of both of you. You guys didn't disappoint."

Peter and Y/N smiled at each other and gave each other a high five. The bell rang signalling that class was over. The students put their things away as they prepared to leave the room.

"To the ones presenting tomorrow, my expectations are high!" Mrs. Johnson called out. "Bye class!"

Everyone left the classroom and Y/N left ahead with Peter running after her. "Hey, Y/N!" Peter shouted as he caught up with her. Y/N stopped walking and looked at him. Peter reached her and said, "Thanks for backing me up in there. I have to admit, we were amazing."

"Yeah, we were." Y/N smiled. "We make a great team, huh? I'll see you in the next class. I have to go to the library."

Peter nodded as he watched her walk away. What they did in class was great; they were great as a team. Perhaps it wasn't so bad to include her in the team after all.

After the last class, he went to the compound to report to the rest of the Avengers. When he arrived in the meeting room, everyone was already there and he was late.

"There you are, Peter! Sit." Tony said. Peter didn't hesitate to sit down at the only empty seat. Everyone looked at Peter expectantly.

"So, how's recruiting going?" Steve asked as he looked at Peter intently.

"It's alright. We did a report together and we were great. I have a feeling we'll get a high grade on it." Peter smiled.

"Does this mean that you finally agree to adding her to the team?" Scott asked with a giddy voice.

Peter shrugged, "It doesn't hurt to add one more person with powers, right?"

* * * *

:)))) I hope y'all are proud of my fucking research

𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @myblueleatherbag @harryismysunflower @buckys-little-hoe @justanothermarvelmaniac @itstaskeen @sandystoriess

𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @marvelousell @justasmisunderstoodasloki @rubberducky-jrr @petersholland @osterfieldnholland @miraclesoflove @god-knows-what-am-i-doing @perspectiveparker @hollands-weasley @itstaskeen @call-me-baby-gir1​ @the-panwitch​ @iamaunicorn4704​ @chloecreatesfictions​ @holland-styles​ @halfblood-princess-505​ @spidey-reids-2003​

[phoenixyfriend]

Saturday and August of the date-fanfic ask game?

fanfic questions themed around time

saturday: what gets you excited whilst writing?

Answered here

august: are any of your fics associated with certain genres/artists/songs/etc?

Ooooh, lots

To Build a Queendom

 - electro swing

The Gift of the Dreen - a variety of songs, dependent on the scene Shake your Tail Feathers - NSFW - I’ll be honest the version stuck in my head is by the Cheetah Girls and has nothing to do with the actual fic, it’s just what pops into my head when I read the title Work, B**ch - NSFW - the Britney Spears song of the same name You Could Be the King, but Watch the Queen Conquer - the Nicki Minaj section of Monster When Aliens Sing For You - literally all of Hamilton Let It the Quiznak Go - it’s all just Frozen The Wrong Kind of Party to Attend After Saving the Universe - country music Capsaicin - Gasolina Young Gods - the Halsey song “Young God” After Me Comes the Flood - Three in this one - The fic’s name comes from the song “Après Moi” by Regina Spektor. - a “my brain is scattered” line, which comes from “Mad Hatter” by Melanie Martinez - a "glitter and gold" line, referencing a song of the same name, by Barns Courtney Hell on Heels - the Pistol Annies song by the same name It's the End of the World as We Know It - song by the same name You are My Sunshine - song by the same name

[lady-olive-oil]

Brown Sugah Baby: Ch. 8

Note: Hey ya’ll its ya girl Livvy here, with another installment of Brown Sugah Baby! This is just a filler chapter, not really that important but it kinda is because it leads to the mess of chapter 9. You don’t have to read it but it’s greatly appreciated!!! If ya wanna be tagged let me know!

Warnings: none, expect hinting of dirty acts

Word count: 1.5K

Taglist: @maddiestundentwritergaines || @doublesidedscoobysnacks || @destinio1 || @designerwriterchic

The morning after only meant one thing for Nefe and M’Baku. They had to head back to campus but they didn’t want to get up. He was so warm to her and she was just like he imagined. Her skin was smooth like chocolate; her curves were dangerous, her smile was to die for and her whole personality was alluring.

M’Baku was everything and more that Nefe needed. He was ambitious; his voice could stop a crowd in their tracks, his demeanor was commanding, his body was magnificent and his whole being was just comforting. These two were meant for each other and no one could tear them apart.

“My queen. We have to get up.” He whispered in her ear, causing her body to hum in need. Nefe couldn’t fathom how he would do so little, to make her body feel warm. Cranking one eye open, she glanced up at him softly with a sleepy smile.

“Mmm. My king.” She hummed in bliss, turning over in heavy duvet that hid part of of ample breasts as she sat up to kiss him lightly.

“Do we have to leave New Orleans? We could just stay here and not go back to Shreveport. No school...no classes...no Melanie...no Sean..” the way she spoke, upon placing kisses all on his face, caused him to smile happily.

“Yes we do. Our friends are waiting for us to be back. Besides we have the rest of the week to, consummate the relationship.” The kiss he gave her was breathtaking, it shook her very core. Awakening her inner lioness to pounce on him.

“We’ll arrive late if you keep this up, my love. We’ll miss the pep rally.”

“Ugh fine.” Getting up from her spot, she sashayed to the bathroom to get ready.

“I love you!”

“I know!”

-Back at the school-

The drive back seemed to drag on but the vibe stayed the same, as it did when they arrived.

Upon unloading the car, Nefe was notified by the girls about a sleepover in her dorm. A major redo of the previous weekend.

“Looks like the girls want to catch up with me.” Nefe replies with a swiftness, M’Baku smirked.

“Funny. The boys want me to meet them at the quad, for guys night.” Once he showed the text, she knew what both groups had planned.

“They want us to talk about our trip. Creative bastards. Well love, I’ll see you in the morning.” Placing a kiss on his sweet lips, he held her close and it caused her to giggle.

“You’re so tempting, it’s intoxicating. But we have to meet them or they’ll chew us both out.” He proclaimed and she groaned in frustration.

“Alright, alright. Well, I’ll see you in the morning.”

-moments later: Nefe’s POV-

“You mean to tell me, you went all the way with M’Baku and you managed to get up?” Nakia couldn’t believe it. My whole girl gang, couldn’t fathom that I actually got to spend time with M’Baku, without Melanie messing it up.

“Girl it was everything. The rhythm; the vibes, the jazz, the food, his body on mine. Mine on his. Just pure poetry in motion.” I couldn’t describe it any other way. He really was an amazing man and I enjoyed the weekend we spent together.

“He put it down huh? Damn I knew you needed it and deserved every minute of it.” With the clink of our glasses, Okoye gave me a short wink.

“So when’s the wedding?” Nattie Joked a bit, causing a light chuckle to escape from my full lips. I chucked a pillow at her before going to my vanity.

It was getting late and I was needing to get ready for bed. My phone had been vibrating for a good minuet till I answered it.

‘College weekend and prank week is coming soon. Guess who's coming to visit?!’ Love the siblings!’ I received a text from the group chat we formed before I had left for school. Keeping in touch with them was what we had made sure to do first and foremost.

“Holy shit, It is college visit weekend. Plus prank week, oh I can use my siblings for this.” A sinister grin grew on my face at an evil plot forming in my head.

“Uh oh. She’s got that vindictive gleam in her eye. Something's up.” Nattie chimes in with a curious smile.

“Something is afoot, ladies. My siblings are doing a college visit this week, along with the prank of the semester before spring break. Wanna help?” I grabbed my five star notebook and my best mechanical pencil.

“Prank week you say? Oh this outta be good. I know just the targets.” This time Okoye has a sinister look on her face. This was going to be good.

-M’Baku’s POV-

“My dude. How was the trip? We know it was good because the curves on Nefe-” Erik was about to go on a tangent, full of Hennessy in his system, till I gave him that look for him to stop while he was ahead.

“I’ll tell you, if you keep your mouth shut”

“Deal.” Erik day next to T’Challa who’s just got done texting Nattie.

“I heard y’all had more fun than you originally planned” T’Challa chimed in, taking a taking out of his burger.

Settling down with the boys, I had to think back to the nights Nefe and I didn’t even wanna leave the room. It felt like it was our honeymoon. If only we can get to that part, because I can’t see myself being with anyone else but Nefe.

“Man, it was great. Just, everything I expected to come out of the trip. We talked all night, did what grown folks do and it just made my year to finally get some time with her.” Many men wouldn’t express their feelings like this, but Nefertiti makes me feel different and free. Great Hanuman I am in love with this woman.

“I’d say you’re in love bro, welcome to the club.” With an encouraging shoulder tap from Erik, I gave him a gentle smile and nodded in triumph.

“The great gorilla has found his Queen after all. Or has she been there this whole time?” T’Challa asked.

“She’s always been there. I was just too blind to see it.” T’Challa had his moments where he had wise word aid wisdom, along with tacky misunderstandings but that made him human.

I was truly blinded by the fact that I never saw Nefe more than a friend. The moment Sean, and Melanie, came into our live was when we both realized that we needed each other.

As my phone went off, to break the silence, I noticed the picture and became excited once more.

“Little brother. What brings you to calling me?” I answered the phone and the boys got excited themselves.

Zaire had a good standing friendship with T’Challa and Erik back in Wakanda. He was well mannered and structured but didn’t want to the throne, so he’s my financial adviser did when I take the throne.

“Well big brother, Aliyah and I are coming down to Louisiana for college visit. She mentioned something about prank week as well. We’ll be there sometime this week.” The tone in his voice was chipper and full of excitement. Spending time with my siblings was what I’ve been missing lately and I couldn’t wait for it.

“Sounds good to me. Oh and for prank week, I know just what I have in mind for you both.” The smirk that etched my face, made Erik and T’Challa do the same.

-Melanie’s POV-

Just as I was about to go welcome M’Baku back home, I noticed the smell of Chanel No.5 in the air and it was Nefe being back too. I was hoping he’d left her in the swamps.

Out of disgust, I continued my path towards M’Baku’s room, knocking gently.

“Hey- oh hell nah. M’Baku, you got company.” Erik rolled his eyes and stood in the doorway, watching like a hawk. Why couldn’t he just mind his own business?

“Can we talk? In private?” I eyed Erik down with a snarl, he shrugged.

“Anything you can say to me, you can say in front of them.” M’Baku arched a brow and it made me even more annoyed.

“Whatever. Anyway I just wanted to welcome you back, and take you out tomorrow night. As a welcome home gift.” Tracing my finger down his chest, he grabbed it and shoved me off. Well that’s a new one, no one's ever denied me before.

“I can’t. I already have plans with my girlfriend. I’m sure you’ve met her? Have a nice night Melanie. Boys I’ll see you later as well.” Waving us all off, he went back inside his room, leaving me there. I watched as his two best friends walked away, further down the hall.

“She has nothing on me. I am the queen and two can play that game.” Stomping off back towards my dorm hall, I had a plan forming in motion. Prank week is gonna be one hell of a ride.

[ao3feed-nightvale]

band but podcasts

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3bl38Bs

by m_o_o_n_f_i_r_e

tma wtnv and tpp high school band au ch 1 is just an outline

Words: 210, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: The Magnus Archives (Podcast), The Penumbra Podcast, Welcome to Night Vale

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/F, F/M, Gen, M/M, Other

Characters: Cecil Palmer, Carlos (Welcome to Night Vale), Martin Blackwood, Jonathan "Jon" Sims | The Archivist, Peter Nureyev, Juno Steel, Buddy Aurinko, Vespa Ilkay, Sasha James, Tim Stoker (The Magnus Archives), Jet Sikuliaq, Rita (Penumbra Podcast), Sasha Wire, Mick Mercury, Steve Carlsberg, Elias Bouchard, Peter Lukas, Nikola Orsinov, Melanie King, Georgie Barker, Basira Hussain, Alice "Daisy" Tonner, Helen Richardson (The Magnus Archives), Michael Shelley

Relationships: Carlos/Cecil Palmer, Martin Blackwood/Jonathan "Jon" Sims | The Archivist, Peter Nureyev/Juno Steel, Buddy Aurinko/Vespa Ilkay, Martin Blackwood & Sasha James & Tim Stoker, Martin Blackwood & Cecil Palmer, Rita & Jet Sikuliaq, Buddy Aurinko & Vespa Ilkay & Peter Nureyev & Rita & Jet Sikuliaq & Juno Steel, Mick Mercury & Juno Steel & Sasha Wire

Additional Tags: The Mechanisms Were Jonathan "Jon" Sims | The Archivist's College | University Band, Alternate Universe - High School, Serial Divorcees Elias Bouchard/Peter Lukas, Creepy Peter Lukas, Parental Buddy Aurinko, Other Additional Tags to Be Added

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3bl38Bs

[turn-your-gaze-on-this-dumptruck]

Compile every time El*as B*uch*rd opens his mouth, call THAT a cringe compilation.

[perfectirishgifts]

This Is Why The Amex Platinum Is Still In The Wallets Of These TPG Staffers

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/this-is-why-the-amex-platinum-is-still-in-the-wallets-of-these-tpg-staffers/

This Is Why The Amex Platinum Is Still In The Wallets Of These TPG Staffers

Disclaimer: Forbes has partnered with The Points Guy and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. Forbes, The Points Guy, and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. This compensation may impact the presentation of offers or affiliate links on this site. Forbes does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Some of the offers below may no longer be available.

Many who carry The Platinum Card® from American Express may question why they should keep it — and its $550 annual fee (see rates and fees) — in their wallets. While the card pays for itself with its myriad travel-related benefits, the pickings can be slim on other purchases.

Although American Express has stepped up to the plate to offer some limited-time benefits — most that end on Dec. 31, 2020 — some feel even more benefits could have been added similar to what Chase did with its cards. So, why would anyone still keep the Amex Platinum Card in their wallets? I polled TPG staffers to explain why.

Want more credit card news and advice from TPG? Sign up for our daily newsletter!

Steve Sibley, President

I love the Amex Platinum because American Express has been super responsive to the pandemic by shifting benefits with the wireless and streaming credits. I thought the American Express $50 Shop Small initiative was super cool! And I’ve got a couple of million points built up and given all the other moves, I haven’t felt the need to shift most of my spending over to other cards.

Related: TPG’s picks for Small Business Saturday holiday shopping

Clint Henderson, Senior News Editor

While I’m not traveling as much as normal this year (and forfeiting my access to Centurion lounges) I have saved enough money and earned enough points to make keeping my American Express Platinum card a no-brainer. I saved $50 with a stay at a Residence Inn through Amex Offers. That also scored me another $50 for a stay at a Grand Hyatt. I’m planning on several more hotel stays and the potential for as much as $60 back through additional hotel stays (Hilton and/or other brands).

I’ve saved $180 this year from statement credits for my wireless bill and for streaming service. I got $100 back from a Saks Fifth Avenue credit ($50/six months). I also earned more than 32,000 Membership Rewards Points this year, including 20,000 points as a bonus for keeping my card. I also earned the whole $200 available in airline fee credit for fees at Delta Air Lines. Those rebates came from pet in cabin fees.

While I haven’t been able to maximize my Uber credits, I have gotten $75 in value from those and will likely be able to get the extra $20 credit next month. I’ve also liked having automatic gold status with both Hilton and Marriott just for holding the card even though I haven’t stayed at as many hotels this year. That’s $300 just in statement/Uber credits. I think the annual fee is definitely still worth it. As the old tagline goes, “Membership has its privileges!”

Related: How our cruise writer got $4,456 in value from his Amex Platinum in a year — even during the pandemic

Benét Wilson, Senior Credit Cards Editor

The Pearl Lounge at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport.

I’ve done a small bit of traveling, and as airport lounges have reopened, I took advantage of them. The Mera International Business Lounge at Cancun International Airport (CUN) no longer has a buffet, but you can scan a QR code for a great selection of food and drinks.

The Club CHS at South Carolina’s Charleston International Airport (CHS) had a buffet, but staff were on hand to deliver food. In February, I had a five-hour layover at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) on my way home and it was nice to spend it in the Pearl Lounge. I even managed to sneak in a nap before my Washington Dulles (IAD) flight. I’ve also used Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts to book a few rooms with some sweet perks.

Related: Guide to lounge access with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum

Melanie Lieberman, Senior Travel Editor

I’m double-dipping with HBO Max by using the streaming credit and an Amex Offer, so I’m making money on the subscription. The Amex Platinum up to $200 travel credit works with Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts, so I booked a $200 hotel ($209, then taxes and fees) and got a $100 property credit, free breakfast and a $200 Amex credit. I also earned 5x Membership Rewards points on the hotel booking. You can’t afford not to have an Amex Platinum card right now, especially since I’m earning money by spending!

Related: Make sure you’re using the right card for your streaming service subscriptions

Kelley King, Credit Cards SEO Associate

Looking at my October spending, I like to use my Amex Platinum for my purchases (specifically retail stores and places with an Amex Offer) where no other card gets a bonus. I find the Amex Platinum to be the best return on points and I also want to go on a big trip in 2021 when I can, so I’m hoarding my points (I’m at 191,000 right now) to pay for it.

Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value

Victoria Walker, Points, Miles, and Deals Reporter

I’m still taking advantage of Uber Eats with my Amex Platinum card. Since I’m not taking many Uber rides lately, all of that money goes directly to takeout. I typically use the card’s $200 annual credit up during the first three days of the month.

Plus, now my card now comes with free 12-month access to Eats Pass — valued at $10 per month — when you enroll by Dec. 31, 2021. It includes unlimited deliveries with a $0 fee, plus 5% off restaurant orders over $15. Additionally, members in select markets get free grocery delivery on orders over $30.

The temporary phone bill and streaming credits have also saved me a lot of money during the pandemic.

Related: 3 ways to use your Amex Platinum Uber credit while stuck at home

Emily McNutt, Global News Editor

I’ve found the Amex Offers available on the card to be extremely useful. Especially during the pandemic, it seems like more have been added than usual — with more rewarding benefits at a variety of new retailers. Before making a purchase, I’ll always scan my offers to make sure I’m not missing out on any bonus points or savings.

Related: These Amex Offers will help you save money and make life easier right now

Nicholas Ellis, Reviews Editor

Since I’m hardly taking normal Ubers, I’ve been using the credits for UberEats monthly. And since I’ve spent so much time at home, I’ve used my $50 Saks credit to buy a ridiculously overpriced candle or two for good vibes in my apartment. I’ve also found several Amex Offers to be especially useful for various purchases I’ve needed to make over the last several months. Any bonus points I can earn will go a long way to helping me pay for a premium-cabin flight that I’ll hopefully be taking as soon as travel restrictions are lifted globally.

Click here for more information about the Amex Platinum and to apply.

Featured photo by Melanie Lieberman/The Points Guy

More from Travel in Perfectirishgifts

[avatarofthebeholding]

Down to the Root AU

A post for my little pet project GerryOliver au ft. Tim, Jon, Helen, Manuela, and a couple OCs.

Overall summary/premise: A world in which Oliver Banks meets Gerry Keay. A world in which the End and the Eye are hungry for new avatars and the Web pulls at strings.

Series Link (individual works under the cut)

Series Playlist on Spotify

Series Playlist on Youtube (not fully updated!)

1. Flesh and Bones

Characters: Gerry Keay, Ria Mirti (OC), Mary Keay (mentioned), Ria’s parents (mentioned)

Relationships: Gerry Keay & Ria Mirti

Additional Tags: Oneshot, Chance Meeting

Summary: It is 2003. Ria has not yet become the Casualty. Gerry is beginning to wonder if hunting for leitner tomes is worth the trouble.

Chapters: 1/1

Word Count: 601

Link

Song Recommendation

...

2. Widow and Casualty

Characters: Ria Mirti (OC), Rosie Zampano, Oliver Banks (mentioned), Gerry Keay (mentioned)

Relationships: Ria Mirti & Rosie Zampano

Additional Tags: Oneshot, Web!Rosie, The End, The Web, The Beholding, Conversation, Reluctant Alliance

Summary: Rosie Zampano doesn’t consider herself an impatient person. That doesn’t stop her veins from freezing with frustrated anger when the Casualty waltzes into the Institute ten minutes later than scheduled, bleeding profusely from a gash at her hairline, and announces, "I’m here to make a statement!" with a ghoulish grin.

Chapters: 1/1

Word Count: 968

Link

Ria Art

Song Recommendation + Lyrics Analysis

...

3. Terminal Sight

Characters: Oliver Banks, Gerry Keay, Ria Mirti (OC), Anahita, Rosie

Relationships: Oliver Banks/Gerry Keay, Oliver Banks & Ria Mirti, Gerry Keay & Ria Mirti, Oliver Banks & Anahita, Gerry Keay & Anahita, past Oliver Banks/Graham Folger

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Major Character Death, The End, The Web, The Beholding, Fix-It of Sorts, Fluff & Angst, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Friendship, Prophetic Dreams, POTS Gerry, EDS Gerry, Panic Attacks, Depression, Anxiety, Dissociation, Web!Rosie, Major Character Undeath

Summary: Spider silk weaves through the visions of two Seers. Monstrosity is dawning on them both.

Chapters: 27/27

Word Count: 31,038

Link to Ch 1

Ch 2 Gerry Art

Ria Visualizers

Keystone Gang

Playlist on Spotify

Playlist on Youtube

“Floor” by Vérité Lyrics Analysis

...

6. Steady Hands

Characters: Gerry Keay, Oliver Banks

Relationship: Gerry Keay/Oliver Banks

Additional Tags: Fluff, Oneshot, Post-TS, Established Relationship

Summary: All Gerry cares about is that Oliver’s here. That they’re both here, solid to the touch in spite of everything that’s happened over the past few months.

Chapters: 1/1

Word Count: 297

Link

...

5. Beside Remains

Characters: Tim Stoker, Ria Mirti (OC), Rosie Zampano, Basira Hussain, Martin Blackwood, Melanie King, Oliver Banks, Gerry Keay, Annabelle Cane, Jonathan Sims

Relationships: Tim Stoker & Ria Mirti, Tim Stoker & Jonathan Sims, past Tim Stoker/Jonathan Sims, Gerry Keay/Oliver Banks, Tim Stoker & Martin Blackwood, Tim Stoker & Basira Hussain, Gerry Keay & Ria Mirti, Oliver Banks & Ria Mirti, Jonathan Sims & Ria Mirti, Martin Blackwood & Jonathan Sims

Additional Tags: Web!Rosie, End!Tim, Coroner!Tim, Trying to Stop the Unknowing, Character Study, HoH Tim, BPD Tim

Summary: The Unknowing looms heavy on the Institute’s horizon. The End still needs a Coroner.

Chapters: 13/?

Word Count: 18,702

Link to Ch 1

Playlist So Far on Youtube (not fully updated!)

“Tired as Fuck” by The Staves Lyrics Analysis

...

6. So Darkness I Became

Characters: Manuela Dominguez, Helen | The Distortion, Oliver Banks, Gerry Keay, Anahita

Relationships: Manuela Dominguez & Helen | The Distortion, Gerry Keay/Oliver Banks

Additional Tags: Character Study, Exploration of Various Avatars’ Relationships to Fear, Helen and Manuela Bonding as Various Avatars Run in and Out of the Corridors like it’s Scooby Doo, Evil Scooby Doo Where the Hallway With Many Doors Wants to Maybe Kill You

Summary: Reflections of the High Priestess of a fallen church, on herself and her uneasy alliance with the Distortion

Chapters: 2/2

Word Count: 1,632

Link to Ch 1

...

7. Lethe in Acheron

Characters: Ria Mirti (OC), Tova McHugh (mentioned), Justin Gough (mentioned)

Additional Tags: Oneshot, Eyepocalypse, The End, The Web, The Corpse Roots

Summary: The Casualty used to be human. She isn’t anymore. She is a silkspun embodiment of the fear of "normal" demise.

Chapters: 1/1

Word Count: 524

Link

Ria Playlist on Spotify

Ria Playlist on Youtube (not fully updated!)

...

8. This Isn’t Control

Characters: Ria Mirti (OC), Other Original Characters, Gerry Keay

Additional Tags: The Beholding, The Stranger, Fear Soup, Statement Fic(s), Outsider POV, The Nuances of Humanity and Monstrosity, Beholding!Gerry, Detective!Gerry

Chapters: 2/?

Word Count: 2,387

Link

Song That Matches the Title

Ashton Playlist

[gabrielxreader]

Updated Masterlist (Part Two)

J (28)

Angst

I'm Angry and I Fell

Stay With Me Now

Troubled

Twins

Fluff

Auror

Can You Quit Being So Hostile?

Demonic, Angelic or Both? | Demonic, Angelic, or Both? Part 2

Exotic Dancers

I'm Not Going Anywhere

Mended Heart

Oh, Trickster

Friendship

Detention? Nah.

Humor

Casa Erotica

Guess What Day It Is!?

Witty Girl

NSFW

Beautiful

Beautiful Curves

The Mate | The Mate Part Two

Wings | Torture | Wanted Dead or Alive | Our Forever

Professor x Gabriel | Professional Opinion - Ch. 2 | Professional Opinion - 3 | Professor x Reader

Holly (27)

Angst

Rest in Peace

Wings: Preen | Wings: Molt

Fluff

Candy Canes

Christmas Lights

Every Breath You Take (Part One) | Every Step You Take (EBYT Part Two) | Every Bond You Break (EBYT Part Three) | Every Heart You Break (EBYT Part Four) | Every Game You Play (EBYT Part Five)

Gingerbread Houses

Happiness Patrol

Impress Me

King and Queen Candy

Mistletoe Kisses

Nestle In

Opposites Attract

Snow Day

Tender Soul

Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Friendship

Friends Don't Let Friends Spend Christmas Alone

Humor

Christmas Tree

Cooking Together

Gift Wrapping

Neko, Akuma, Tenshi

Reindeer

Alexa (21)

Angst

Cherry Blossoms

Gabriel's Nephilim

Just Desserts

Please Don't Go

Protection

The Winter Soldier (Part One) | The Winter Soldier (Part Two)

Family

Gabriel! Help Me!

Fluff

Back Massage

Bakery AU

Baking Cupcakes

College Love

"Gabriel. You Are a Father."

Jealous/Possessive Gabe

Lipstick

Nightclub

Tell Me the Truth

1950s

Humor

He Got the Booty

Kali Ships It

NSFW

Camping and Skinny Dipping

Mars (14)

Angst

Untitled 8

Untitled 9

Untitled 10

Fluff

Welcome Mars to the Team

Untitled 1 | Untitled

Untitled 2

Untitled 3 | Untitled

Untitled 4

Untitled 5

Untitled 6

Untitled 7

Untitled 11

Murdoch (11)

Angst

The Beauty of a Beast - Part 1

Crime

Cops and Robbers | Cat and Mouse | Hot and Cold | Guilt and Innocence

Fluff

Birthday Breakfast

Prince of the Forest

Ruff Day?

Friendship

The French Mispeight | Fictional Shmictional | Trickster Times Two

Melanie (10)

Angst

Happy Endings

I Don't Want You to Change

Fluff

Can't Take the Wisdom from the War Goddess

Enchanted to Meet You

Firework Fluff

On Your Side

That One Archangel

Trickster in Denial

Friendship

Gabriel the Pepsi Man

Humor

Human Me

[thirstyfortesfaye-blog]

Stargirl Ch. 1

“Baby if you let me I won’t hesitate…”

Melanie

“Mel?...Melanie?”

I was brought back to reality by the sound of his voice. It always sounded so welcoming to me. His voice when he sings..it makes my heartache. In a good way though. He stood in the doorway and I realized I was gawking. I quickly snapped out of his trance.

“Hey Abel, sorry…I’m just a little tired. I didn’t get very much sleep last night,” I said so innocently.

He smiled back at me before smugly saying “Neither did I…but it was worth it.”

I melted a little bit…ugh get a hold of yourself Mel. That wasn’t even cute! We walked into the penthouse and he welcomed me to sit on the couch. I took a seat, a little surprised we weren’t talking in the studio. This was a business meeting of sorts. I was really nervous about this whole meeting to begin with so it helps that we’re keeping it casual.

“So what did you want to talk about Abul?” I giggled.

I called Abel that after hearing one fan call him that….and I would never him outlive that nickname. I was the only person who called him it on a regular basis.

“Mel, come on we’re talking about business right now,” he said disappointedly.

“Just trying to lighten the mood up boss…”

He smiled and came over to sit next to me on the couch. I thought it was odd for him to invite me over to his place.

“Well you read the email Cash sent you a few days ago right?” he asked.

“Yes and I have to be honest Abel…I’m not the type of girl to just drop everything at the drop of a dime. I’d only be on tour with you for a few months and then what? I’m more than honored to share the stage with you, but I don’t think I’m ready for that.”

“You don’t think you’re ready or you’re too scared?” he challenged.

“Both! I’m being honest Abel. I get by being a dance teacher here, ya know? I love it! I really do,” I replied.

“Mel I’ve known you a little over two years now and when I first met you…you were unhappy with not following your dream of being a singer. You fell back on the teaching job because it was the only other thing you knew how to do. I know you loved dancing…. but you have a hell of a voice. I really mean that or else I wouldn’t have pitched you being an opening act for me. You’re hard-working and talented as well. Now, you don’t have to accept my offer…. but I don’t want you to look back at this moment a year from now and have regrets. You get me?”

I couldn’t keep myself from smiling like an idiot at the sound of his praise. His voice was comforting…but I really don’t know about this.

“When do I have to make a decision by?” I asked.

“You have two more days,” he said with a smile. I loved his smile. He rarely ever smiled in pictures that were taken of him…but he has started to change that habit. When I first met him, he would never smile in his pictures. That was back in 2014. I have to be honest and say that he has changed very little since then. The Abel that put out Kissland and the Trilogy mixtapes is very much alive and well.

‘l’ll give you my final answer in two days then…I think I should sleep on it.”

He nodded and stood up from the couch. I guess he was going to show me out.

“Do you have some where you need to be right now?” he asked.

“Umm, no. I was just going to go home and take a nap,” I answered honestly.

He inched closer to me and pushed my hair out of my face. I have super curly hair and sometimes it just wasn’t manageable. 90% of my life…my hair has covered my face.

“Come smoke with me?” he asked teasingly.

That was basically code for “want to fuck?”

“You only want to smoke? That’s no fun…” I joked.

He chuckled at my reply and I got up to follow him to his balcony. He had nice patio set up and I had really grown fond of the view. His new apartment in Toronto was really nice. He wanted to move somewhere a little more secluded and with more security. His old place was always infested with paparazzi and crazy ass fans.

He already had a blunt handy with him before we walked outside. It was a little bit chilly outside, but it wasn’t unbearable. We always smoked before we had sex. We never really talked about it much ourselves though. We had been messing around for 6 months now and I don’t think either of us could admit to each other the feelings that were there. Well, I couldn’t admit it. I honestly don’t know how he feels about me.

This whole situation is so fucking frustrating. You’re not supposed to just be a fuck buddy to someone you’ve adored for so long.

One moment we would go from casual conversation while smoking a blunt, and 20 minutes later we would be fucking in his bed room. It wasn’t average sex either. He was so fucking sexy in bed…and then once we were done, it was like I was just another side hoe. He wouldn’t say anything to me and we would get dressed silently and that was it until one of us would break the silence with that “Wyd” or “Are you alone?” text about a week or two later.

It was routine now if anything…but not the sex itself was anything but routine. That made it all worth it. But I just can’t say that he knows my worth. I need to take my own advice when it comes to my own love life. That is if it even existed.

____________________________________________________________________

We sat on his balcony and smoked for about ten minutes before finishing the blunt. I tried to get the most out of that last hit and I felt the head high kick in. I always preferred sativa. It kept me focused and usually helped me feel a little more confident. I always got nervous before I had sex with him. I was used to one night stands. I have been single for a few years now and a girl’s gotta get it in sometimes. But one night stands were way easier for me than having sex with Abel. He was the most intimidating man I knew.

“Have you been working on anything new?” he asked.

He was talking about my music. I never really got public with my music. I never got bad feedback from my vocal coaches but there was always someone that was better than me. Plus, no one really cares about good music these days. You have to have a great body, good fashion sense and all that bullshit. I was an awkward and shy person. There was no denying the facts.

“I have…well lyrics anyways. I haven’t gotten together with Alex because she’s been on vacation. She’s my foundation when it comes to producing music.”

I knew how to play the piano and the guitar so I would sometimes come up with ideas.

“You gotta let me come to the studio and here some of it,” he said with a smile.

I grinned from ear to ear and got up to go straddle him and before I kissed him I whispered, “There’s a famous singer that once said, ‘Don’t chu worry bout my voice, I won’t need it for what I’m about to do to ya…”

I loved kissing him. I remember how I used to day dream about a chance to kiss him. The first time I did, it was completely worth it. Every time felt like the first time. His hands crept up my thighs to grab my ass. I loved it when he did that.

“Let’s go inside,” he whispered to me.

I had to almost pull myself off of him because I really would’ve been down to fuck him right there in his chair.

We raced up the stairs to his room and his lips were back on mine as soon as he locked the door behind him. His hands were in my hair…my hands pulled him closer to me. His hands reached the bottom of my shirt and he pulled it off for me. I unclasped my bra and let it fall to the floor while he took his shirt off. I usually gave head first so I crept my hands to his belt and started to unbuckle it. I got on my knees as I unbuttoned his jeans and pulled down his zipper. He pulled down his jeans and boxers so I was face to face with his manhood, already slightly hard.

I honestly think one of the reason he likes sleeping with me is because of the fact I gave good blow jobs. That’s a conceited thing say you might ask. I think I have the right to when on too many occasions I would have guys cum in my mouth before we even get to the good stuff…It’s nothing something I’m extremely proud of, but I have a motto: Give good head, Get good head. It doesn’t always work out like that but for Abel and I…it usually works out like that. He usually likes it when I suck him off fast and steady, but today I went slow and teased him a little bit….and he was living for it. He held my hair wrapped around his fist and cursed under his breath.

“Fucking Mel….go lay down,” he said.

I gladly laid down on his king sized bed as he pulled off my leggings and panties together. I couldn’t keep a smile off my face…knowing what was coming next. He pulled my legs open slowly and rubbed his thumb over my clit. I bit on my lip and moaned softly. I could feel his eyes on me. He loved getting a reaction out of me. He finally laid down to eat me out and he didn’t hold back.

“Holy Shit…”

Don’t think anyone can make me make a sound when they eat me out, except Abel. I bet he’d be proud of himself for that. He was talented with his tongue. He really started to hit my clit a lot and he gripped my thighs tighter as I started to squirm.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck….” I whimpered.

Just as I was close to coming, he stopped and in a split second he was on top of me…AND inside me. It took me by surprise. We hadn’t had sex in a week so I was a little tight, but in a good way. I could feel him stretching me out and it felt so great. He stopped for a second and leaned down to kiss me. It was that kind of slow, nasty-tongue kissing and it was making me feel some kind of way. When I finally pulled my lips off of his, he thrusted himself into me…. hard. I moaned in response and then he put my legs on his shoulders before he proceeded to fuck me harder.

I couldn’t stop moaning at this point and I felt closer to an orgasm. I was so close….but then he pulled out and came on my stomach. God Dammit. I was so close. I was still catching my breath while he started getting his clothes on.

“Can I get a towel or something?” I asked.

“Oh shit, yea, sorry,” he chuckled as he ran to the restroom to get me a tissue.

“Thanks, I didn’t want to just be chilling here on your bed like a toaster strudel all night,” I joked.

He got a good laugh out of that one.

I struggled to get my shit together and get dressed while he was on his phone texting who knows who. When I was finally ready to go, he walked me down to show me out.

“Don’t forget you have two days…I hope you make the right choice,” he hinted.

“I’ll make the right choice for me,” I corrected.

He smiled and replied, “I hope so.”

____________________________________________________________________________

My drive home wasn’t a peaceful one. My mind was at war again with my anxiety raging with “what if’s” and “you’re not good enough’s.” As if that wasn’t enough, my doubt was put into the mix once I started thinking about Abel.

I couldn’t get rid of the feel of butterflies…but I have no regrets over him. I wish I could relive that first time all the time. I couldn’t breathe leading up to it and my heart could’ve leapt out of my chest. Finally getting a chance with the guy you’ve adored for 2 years is pretty fucking worth it.  

The sad reality of it though is that It shouldn’t have happened. The first time and the many other nights to follow. I didn’t think it could’ve ever happened. It never occurred to me that Abel saw me in that way. He was always so nice to me, but he was kind to everyone he met though. That’s what I loved about him, but he is not meant for me. He is not right for me, either. How could something that’s so wrong feel so right?

I am not right for letting this go on for so long, after all…I know she doesn’t know.

No… she doesn’t have a clue.

If she knew…what would become of them? Abel Tesfaye and Bella Hadid have gone their separate ways? It would definitely make headlines. What would become of us? There’s just too much that could go wrong…

I could go on and on.

I wish we could have done this at a better time. Maybe we just need some space. I wish I met him in a different universe, so we could do it right. Do right by me, do right by her and right our wrongs. Take punishment for our sins.

I pulled into the driveway and saw my roommate had taken the one parking spot that we usually have to fight for since my other two roommates in the room next to us shared the garage. So I ended up parking across the street. I walked into my living room with a bunch of nursing students studying together, and proceeded to the kitchen. I really needed a drink or two. I needed to get out of my feelings.

I don’t know quite when it happened.  Why I fell for him. There was nothing that could benefit from it and I knew that from the start. Every girl wanted a chance with him. He was a lady’s man, without a doubt. It’s not my M.O. to fall in love, but fucking around with Abel was a risky thing to do. I’ve never felt this feeling so fast…

I decided to go with a bottle of beer and I retreated to my bedroom. My roommate was hogging the bathroom as always so I had the room to myself for a second to try to recompose myself. I’ve always struggled with anxiety and depression since I was 18. After I graduated high school, things just started going south for me. Living at home with my crazy, unstable family made things harder for me. So I moved out to the city and I visit them every once in a while. I loved them but they expected too much from me.

Everyone had high expectations of me.

It was overwhelming to say the least. There are some days I can barely sustain it and I just have to go hide somewhere and ball my eyes out until I calm down. I’ve never told anyone about my anxiety or depression. Ever. I know it isn’t true, but it just made me feel weak. I didn’t want anyone thinking that I was incapable of reaching my goals because of my mental health.

I changed into some comfy clothes and waited for my roommate to finish using the restroom. I needed to take a hot shower and go to bed. I drank my beer while I waited…

I really didn’t know what to do about going on tour with Abel. I really did like being a dance teacher. Dancing was my second passion. I was really good until I tore my ACL three years ago. I was all better now but I had to be careful with that knee, obviously. I knew Abel was right though. If I didn’t take this chance now….I wouldn’t get another opportunity ever again.

My roommate finally finished using the bathroom and I rushed in to get the shower going.

Plus…maybe I can finally figure out if Abel has feeling for me. We’d probably hookup a lot if we toured together. That made me feel a bit better.

What if he brought Bella with him on tour though? My mood dropped again as I undressed and got in the shower. The hot water hitting my head calmed me down instantly. I should just forget about him.

Why after all these nights, I’d still give you all my days?

 Abel

It was getting close to midnight and the party was just getting started. Everyone in the penthouse was higher than the moon…or maybe it was just me. We were celebrating the release of the new album because the blessings were overflowing. I felt nothing but blessed at the amount of love that my team and I were receiving for this project.

My reign was only going to expand farther at this point…

I just had to fucking kill it on tour now…which is why I’ve got to get Melanie on board with this. She was slept on since day one. I always thought she had a strong, passionate voice and she always leaves a trance on you with her performances. And she could dance…I loved watched her dance.

I would have invited her tonight if it wasn’t for Bella.

The boys definitely enjoy Mel’s company over Bella’s. There was nothing wrong with Bella nor did they not get along, but Mel made more of an effort to become friends with them. That made all the difference. Bella hardly ever acknowledges them most days.

“Hey babe.”

I was greeted with a kiss on the cheek and Bella’s arms snaked around my neck. I didn’t even see her come in the front door…

“Hey Bella, how was your flight?” I asked.

“It wasn’t too bad…I didn’t get very much sleep though, so I think I’m actually going to head home for tonight. I’ll come by and see you tomorrow morning, okay?” she replied.

“Sounds good, babe,” I assured.

Bella could be a downer sometimes when she comes back from fashion shows. She’s usually sleep deprived, jet-lagged, or just not in the mood to go out when she’s not working. It’s not that I don’t believe her but I have the same problems. Then again, I know Bella doesn’t like the idea of taking Adderall.

I kissed her softly on the lips and she disappeared as quickly as she arrived.

I took a seat over on the couch by Lamar and he smirked in my direction.

“Did you do something to piss off your lady already?” he joked.

“Nah man, she’s just tired…. just got back from Paris,” I explained.

“Gotcha…” he replied.

I continued to sip the Henny in my cup while I nodded. I finished what was now my fifth alcoholic beverage of the night and decided to give it a rest. I had to be up early tomorrow and I knew I would regret over doing it.

“You should invite Mel over bro,” suggested Lamar.

“I would’ve if I knew Bella was just going to make a brief appearance…” I mumbled.

“How did your meeting with her go today? Or did you guys just end up fucking each other?” he interrogated.

“Who said we couldn’t do both,” I chuckled.

He laughed with me and one of the boys passed a blunt in my direction. I took a few hits and passed it to Lamar. I couldn’t help thinking about Mel…she was great, but I love Bella. I really do. I just unfortunately have a bad habit of straying away every once in a while. I got bored having sex with Bella. That’s the honest truth. I don’t even like having sex with her to begin with. I know it’s selfish of me to say that but it was just average sex.

Now having sex with Melanie is a fucking trip. Every single time. I haven’t felt so impressed by the girl’s head game in years. Mel was just a friend to me for the longest time, but it didn’t take me too long to realize how hot she is.

She played hard to get too.

I would’ve fucked her sooner if she wasn’t so stubborn. I learned the hard way that she just loves to lay. She’s probably a bigger player than me. We both used to exchange stories of embarrassing hook-ups or great hook-ups that we have had with other people all the time. I guess we just try to convince each other over and over again that there’s nothing between us.

I know there is.

It just can’t happen now. Not when I’m with Bella.