#coco is still my girl and getting a coco charm would remind me to finally upload the rest of iygall to ao3

[passionpluto]

you think you're past your mlp phase until you see a sunset shimmer glitter keychain at the walmart claire's and you feel a certain need

[noladyme]

La Cuervo - Chapter 3

She is used to the biker-life, having grown into a woman in the familiar embrace of SAMCRO. A bad decision and a gun-shot later, she gets whisked off to Santo Padre, and put under the protection of another club. What is supposed to be a short stint in the Mayan headquarters just north of the border to Mexico, turns into something more; when la quervo begins to develop feelings for el angel - and he seems to return them in kind...

TW: violence, blood, drug use, alcohol, smut, fluff, angst

In the spirit of "The Crown Princess of Charming", this is a story about O.C. Nina and Angel Reyes. It is obviously non-canon, as characters who have passed on on Mayans M.C. are present in it, and others have been excluded completely. Nina is written as a cis-female, but I have tried to keep her race and looks as ambigous as possible. Should you find any of this story offensive, please let me know.

3.

Bishop was standing outside the clubhouse, smoking a cigarette, when they rolled in. Nina got off the bike, feeling strangely like a teenager caught breaking curfew. She nodded at the president, and was about to move towards the trailer, when Angel grabbed her hand, and leaned in to kiss her cheek. “Thanks for… last night��, he said. “You too”, Nina said. He gave her a crooked smile, and was about to say something else, when Bishop called out for him. “Angel… Inside. We need to talk”. Angel nodded. “Daddy’s angry”, he muttered out of the corner of his mouth. “Yeah”, she replied, and Angel walked off.

“Yo, sweetheart!”, Bishop called after her, as she once again moved towards the trailer. Nina sighed, and turned to look at him. “I made a promise to Chibs. When you pull a stunt like this, you make it really fucking hard to keep that promise”. Angel halted behind his president, a confused look on his face. “I didn’t leave without a patch”, Nina replied. “Followed your rules”. Bishop narrowed his eyes at her. “His patch ain’t the one you should be worried about…”. Nina swallowed hard, and nodded; though slightly confused at his words. “Ok. Sorry”. Bishop’s expression softened. “Look, just… be careful, ok?”. Nina nodded, and he smirked slightly. “You know, you’re lucky I make him get tested every two weeks”. Angel frowned, and Nina chuckled; before finally turning around, and walking over to the trailer, letting herself inside.

She quickly got dressed in clean clothes. The heat hadn’t exactly waned, so Nina decided to switch jeans for shorts and a top. She reminded herself to ask someone about taking her to a laundromat; not having packed a lot. She’d been told to leave her small apartment at home in as normal a state as possible. In case someone did come looking for her, SAMCRO didn’t want to let them know she’d run. She picked up her jacket to hang it, and a shudder went through her body, as she fished her .38 out of the pocket. It felt heavier than it should, in spite of its smallness, and she felt bile rise in her throat. A hard knock on the door made her jolt, and she quickly hid the gun under her helmet; before she went over to open. EZ was standing outside, with a friendly smile on his face. “’Morning”, he said. “It is”, Nina replied. “I got breakfast-burritos in the clubhouse”, he offered. Nina shook her head with a smile. “You didn’t need to do that”. “I know what’s in my brother’s fridge. I doubt he fed you”, EZ grinned. “Come on”.

She followed the prospect back to the clubhouse, where EZ gestured for her to take a seat by a table. Nina noticed the ginger woman Coco had been spending time with the night before, was seated by the bar; legs crossed and tits pushed out, smiling at the biker, who was trying to ignore her, and focus on his game of pool with Gilly. EZ put a plate on the table in front of Nina, with a delicious smelling burrito. “Gabby… She’s a good cook”, he said, his voice adoring. Nina bit in to it, and couldn’t do anything but agree. “This is delicious. Tell her thanks”, she smiled.

The door to templo opened, and Bishop came out with Taza, Riz and Angel in tow. “She’s business, Angel. You treat her like any other business we have going on”, Bishop said, and walked over to the bar, accepting a beer from the girl behind it. “You wouldn’t shove your dick down the barrel of an mk47, would you?”, Taza asked. Angel stood with his back to Nina, not having noticed her. “It wouldn’t fit, anyway”, he shrugged. “Just, don’t complicate things”, Bishop said. “Bish, it ain’t like that”, Angel said. Bishop looked at him in disbelief. “We fucked, yeah; but…”. Taza noticed Nina watching them, and patted Angel’s shoulder. He turned around, and locked eyes with her; looking like a handsome deer caught in headlights.

Nina looked down, and chewed her lips. At least they were on the same page, she tried to convince herself. She didn’t know Angel from the next guy; all she did know, was that he was damn good in bed, and liked beers, babes and bikes. They’d had sex, that was it. Still, she couldn’t help but feel his words chafe a bit. There was a long moment of silence, before Nina decided to put Angel – and herself– out of their misery. “I was bored, and his shower has good pressure”, she said. Angel let out an embarrassed laugh, and shrugged, while his friends shook their heads, letting a roaring laughter fill the room.

Everyone went about their biker business, and Nina went back to her breakfast; having lost most of her appetite. She wrapped up the burrito, and pushed away the plate. A mug of coffee was set down in front of her, and she looked up to meet EZ’s apologetic eyes. “I’m… sorry, about that”, he muttered. “My brother… he’s a good guy, but…”. “I know how it is. Don’t worry about it”, she smiled in reply. “How is it, then?”, Angel asked, having walked over to them. EZ left them to it. “I got an itch scratched, and you got your dick wet. Life goes on”, Nina said. Angel made a labored sigh, and scratched his bearded chin. “Look, Nina. I’m…”. She got on her feet, and put a hand on his arm. “It’s fine, Angel. We’re good”, she smiled, and got on her toes, to kiss his cheek; doing her best to avoid enjoying his scent. “We had fun”. He chewed his lip for a moment. “Yeah, we had fun…”. Taza called for him, and Angel took a step back. “I gotta go take care of something. See you around, Nina”. He went off to talk to the VP.

Nina took a few sips of her coffee, before walking over to get behind the bar. She smiled friendlily at the blonde girl standing there – the same girl, in fact, that Angel had turned down the night before – who looked at her indifferently, and handed her a rag to wipe down the counter. This was familiar territory, and she smiled to herself, as she handed a pair of cold ones to Gilly and Coco; who’d finished their game, and came over to the bar. The redhead immediately pressed up against Coco, who looked like he wanted to dig himself into a deep hole. “Can I get you anything else, baby?”, she asked, making clear her intentions. “Nah, I’m good. Let me talk to my brothers for a moment, yeah?”, he replied. “Sure… I’m just gonna go fix my lipstick”, the woman winked at him, and walked towards the bathroom. “When’s the wedding?”, Gilly asked. “Fuck you”, Coco snarled, before nodding at Letty, who’d just walked in the door – looking hungover. “I can’t get her to leave”. “Who?”, Letty asked, and accepted a coke from Nina. “Just some chick. I told her the deal, but it’s like she didn’t hear me”, Coco said.

Letty rolled her eyes, and gave the woman a once over, as she came back from the bathroom. When she was once again pressed against Coco – who was looking more and more uncomfortable by the second – Letty took pity on him, and walked over to the pair; putting her head on Coco’s shoulder. “Are you my new mommy?”, she smiled innocently at the ginger; who froze in place. Suddenly, it was like she couldn’t get out of there fast enough. “Sorry, I gotta go”, she muttered, and scuttered of in haste. Coco smiled crookedly, and shook his head. “You’re crazy, mija”, he said. “Nah, I just don’t want a stepmom, who wears that shade of lipstick”, Letty said, and went back to her coke.

Bishop cleared his throat. “Well, if everyone’s got their dicks back in their pants, we got some business to tend to”, he said. The Mayans all scattered, and went to their respective jobs around the yard, and wherever else they went, when they did their business.

---

Nina spent the rest of the day getting her bearings around the scrap-yard, and its office. Chucky’s filing-system might have seemed chaotic to anyone else, but Nina knew it well, and was happy to be occupied with something other than thinking about a certain Mayan and his well-shaped body – especially how it looked naked. A gorgeous Latina girl showed up in the afternoon, carrying a fantastic smelling bag of Tupperware, and looking for EZ; and Nina was finally introduced to the person who had made her delicious breakfast. She immediately understood why EZ was smitten with Gabby, and couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the two of them dancing around each other like a pair of puppies in love. They took off after an hour or so, so EZ could drive Gabriella home. He returned with the largest smile she’d ever seen on anyone’s face, and went straight to work on a road king in the garage.

During dinner, feasting on Gabby’s delicious tamales with EZ, Nina asked about laundromats. “There’s one, but there’s only one functioning dryer, and it smells like feet”, EZ said. “I can wait a few days, but I still need to go at some point”, Nina said. “And I need to get a prescription filled. That’s kind of urgent”. Her inhaler was almost empty, she’d realized that morning. A roar of bikes came from outside, and Nina got on her feet, taking the plates to wash them behind the bar. EZ followed her, nodding at Bishop, Riz and Angel, as they entered the clubhouse. “Drug-stores round here are closed at this time of night, but I’ll ask Bishop if I can take you in the morning”, he said. Nina groaned, and looked out the corner of her eye at the president. “It’s like needing a fucking hall-pass if I even think about leaving this place”, she muttered. EZ chuckled, and wiped off the plates after she’d washed them. “Yeah, why is that? Are you on the run from the cops or something?”. Nina looked down at her hands, suddenly feeling the need to wash them thoroughly. Scrubbing them hard under the tap, she shrugged indifferently. “Chibs is just protective, I guess. And I hear this area is overrun by outlaw bikers”. “You know it!”, Riz exclaimed, having arrived at the counter with Angel. “Coffee, please; sweetheart. I’m gonna be spending the night prepping for the run tomorrow”. Nina poured Riz a mug, and looked at Angel. “Dos Equis”, he said, his demeanor cool. Nina served him the beer, avoiding eye-contact.

“Do you need me for the run tomorrow?”, EZ asked. “No. Why?”, Riz asked. “Nina needs to take care of some stuff in town, and I was gonna take her”. Angel took a sip of his beer, and looked between Nina and EZ. “What stuff?”, he said with an edge to his voice. EZ scoffed, and shook his head. “Bro, come on…”, he said. Riz raised his brows, and backed away from the counter; obviously uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was taking. “The drug-store, Angel. And then we might go have an orgy; I haven’t decided yet”, Nina said sarcastically. Angel raised his hands in mock defeat. “Hey, Bish told us to look out for you. I’m just keeping my eyes on business here”. “Yeah… I’m gonna turn in. See you tomorrow, EZ”. The prospect looked at her apologetically. “I’ll talk to Bishop”, he said. Nina nodded, and walked towards the door.

A strong hand grabbed her lower arm before she could walk outside. Nina scowled up at Angel, who looked remorsefully at her. “I’m sorry, Nina. That was shitty of me”, he said. “Don’t worry about it. You should be sorrier about suggesting that your brother would cheat on his girlfriend”, she replied. Angel looked back at EZ, and nodded solemnly. “Yeah. I know”, he muttered. “Are we good, cuervo?”. “Of course”, Nina said. “Goodnight, Angel”. She pulled out of his grasp, and left the clubhouse.

---

The next day, Taza, Riz, Creeper, Angel and Coco got on their bikes, and in a van, to go north for the SAMCRO-delivery. “Say hi to Rat and Quinn for me, would you?”, Nina said from the porch, unable to hide the sadness in her voice. “Will do”, Taza promised, and started his bike. “Let’s not keep reaper waiting”. Angel sent Nina a slight smile, before Coco patted his shoulder to make him start the van.

EZ had managed to convince Bishop of the urgency of Nina’s drug-store run, and after helping out at the office for a few hours, she got on the back of his bike, to have him take her in to town. Angel had lied about his brother’s ability to ride with a passenger – a fact that didn’t surprise Nina, by the way – because he was probably the safest driver she’d ever ridden with. Overly safe, some might say. The prospect avoided every bump, and kept well bellow the speed-limit all the way.

After Nina had used her fake ID – No paper trail, luv, Filip had said – to get her new inhaler, EZ asked if she’d be ok with a short stop by his pap’s. Nina couldn’t say no to meeting the elder Reyes; curious to see what kind of man had sired two such different men. Seeing Gabriella behind the counter of Felipe Reyes’ butcher-shop, Nina understood the prospect’s real reason for wanting to visit his father; though there was no lack of love between him and Felipe, that much was evident by the way they looked at each other.

“She’s playing pop-music again, Ezekiel”, Felipe said, gesturing at a small stereo that was blaring the charts, as he came over to greet his son. “Amas mi musica”, Gabby grinned. “Hi, Nina”. “Hey, Gabby. Thanks for all the food!”, Nina replied with a smile. “You’re welcome”. After EZ had kissed his girlfriend’s cheek, he gestured towards Nina. “Pap, this is Nina. She’s new in town”. Felipe shook Nina’s hand. “Is my boy giving you a tour of the potholes?”, he asked. “No, he’s the most boring biker I’ve ever ridden with”, she replied with a smile, getting a guffawing laughter from the man. “See, EZ? I told you!”, Gabby grinned. “Hey!”, EZ laughed. “I’m just safe”. “Boring!”, Gabby said.

As EZ and Gabriella went to whisper sweet nothings behind the counter, Nina went to examine the bookcase Felipe had exhibited in his shop. “Looking for some light reading?”, Felipe asked. “Always… And, giving the lovebirds some space”, Nina replied, and looked towards the smiling pair behind the counter. She picked up a picture of two smiling boys, each on a bicycle; smiling proudly at the camera. For a second, she felt a sting in her heart. “That’s EZ”, Felipe said, and pointed at the smaller boy. “And the other one is my eldest”. “Angel”, Nina said. Felipe chuckled. “You’ve met him”, he said. “I’m staying at the scrapyard”, she replied. Felipe raised a brow at her. “You’re the one who has EZ sleeping on my couch”. Nina felt her cheeks beginning to burn, and put down the picture again. “Yeah, I’m… sorry”, she said. “Don’t be. It’s good to have him home at least some of the time. That… club, takes up a lot of his time”. Nina chewed her lips for a moment. “You don’t like the club”, she said. Felipe met her eyes for a second, looking tired suddenly. “Sorry, it’s not my place”, she muttered. “No… No, it’s alright”, he said, a smile forcing it’s way onto his face. “I suppose all parents have higher hopes for their children, than…”. “Riding around on motorbikes, and wearing leather in the 100 degrees desert sun?”, Nina said, returning his smile. “That too”, Felipe said. “Are you what they call a… hangaround?”. Nina’s jaw almost dropped to the floor. “Pap, that’s rude”, EZ said, having joined them by the bookcase. “I’m sorry, Nina. I’m not clear on the lingo”, Felipe said. Nina laughed heartily. “It’s fine. Really”, she said. “I guess I am. Sort of. It’s a long story”.

EZ put a hand on Nina’s shoulder. “Angel called. They’re on their way back. We should get back to the yard”. Nina nodded, and went to follow him to the door. “Come back some time if you need something to read”, Felipe said. “Or a steak”. “I might take you up on that”, Nina smiled, and followed EZ out to his bike.

They rode back to the yard; this time with EZ hitting a few bumps on the way there.

---

The Mayans that had gone on the run returned to the clubhouse shortly after Nina and EZ. She got right to work behind the bar. It was easy to fall in line as a club hangaround; Nina knew the deal. Serve the beer, keep out of the way, smile, and pretend like you don’t hear or see any of the illegal stuff going on. Her role also made it easier to avoid eye contact with Angel. She was, for lack of a better word, furniture. It hadn’t been completely the same in Charming, though. There, she’d been far from the regular hangaround, and her status as family made it near impossible for her to be a croweater – god knows, Juice had tried, in his day. The memory of the biker made her frown in sadness for a second, before she shook herself, and served a round of whiskey to a Riz, Creeper and Angel; accepting a shot herself.

“Oh yeah. That scrawny guy, Rat, brought something you forgot at their clubhouse”, Riz said. He handed her a leather-bound journal. Nina sighed when she took it from him. She hadn’t as much forgotten it, as left it behind; telling herself it was by accident. Opening it was always a strange mix of warm emotions and pain. “Thanks”, she muttered. “Is it a diary, or something?”, Creeper asked. “It’s… yeah, something like that”. “Yours? Like; dear diary. Today I drank too much tequila, and lost my panties…”, he jeered. Getting a little tired of Creepers attitude, she smirked at him. “More like; dear diary. Today, a stupid ass biker kept bringing up an embarrassing drunk-story; so, I shot him in the head…”. Her heart dropped as she said the final words, and she cleared her throat. Riz and Creeper laughed at what they found to be a great come-back, while Angel seemed less amused, as he examined her face. She gave them all a strained smile. “I’m gonna go get some air. Leave you gentlemen to it”, she said, grabbed the journal, a cigarette and a lighter, and hurried out of the clubhouse.

Once outside, she went over to the cage she’d been told the club settled their internal arguments in. It was cooler now, and the sky was full of stars. She went inside the cage, and sat down on the ground; lighting her cigarette, before opening the journal. For a long moment, she just sat there, looking at the picture fastened to the inside of it; of two young boys, smiling. The youngest one was sitting on the back of a pony, that the older one was holding the reins of.

“You want me to kick Creep’s ass for you?”. Nina looked up at Angel, who’d followed her outside. He stepped inside the cage, and leaned against the fence. “I’ll fuck him up. I don’t care if he is a brother”. “No, it’s fine. He was just joking around”, Nina replied. Angel sauntered towards her slowly. “He’s trying to get in your pants, querida”, he said. “Well, add enough tequila to the equation, maybe he’s got a shot”. She raised a brow at the tall biker. “Ouch… Moving on so soon, cuervo?”, Angel said with a slight smile. “Jealous?”, she teased. “Always”, he replied – exactly as she’d hoped – and sat down next to her.

For a long moment, all that could be heard was the sound of cicadas. Angel ran a finger over the picture of Abel and Thomas. “These your kids?”, he asked quietly. “No… But, they’re family. Sort of”, Nina replied. “You got kids?”. “I fucking hope not”, Angel grinned. “I’d just screw them up”. “You’re not so bad”, she said, and nudged him with her shoulder. “Mind telling my pap that?”. Nina raised a brow at him, not wanting to push him to talk about something he wasn’t comfortable with. He took the journal out of her hands, and looked at the two smiling boys in the picture. “Family, you know. Shit… My old man looks at EZ like he’s the sun and moon combined. Me… I’m the fuckup. Even more now, that I dragged his golden boy in to the club”. “EZ’s a big boy. He makes his own decisions… we all do, at the end of the day”, Nina said, and took back the journal. She took a few huffs of her cigarette. “You look at him that way too, you know”. “I do?”, Angel frowned. “Fuck, I hope he hasn’t noticed”. “It’s not wrong to be proud of someone worthy of it. And in spite of your… bad-boy demeanor, he seems to be proud of you as well”.

Angel pondered her words for a moment, before looking at her “Sorry, I was supposed to make you feel better. That’s why I came out here. I saw how you looked when Creeper was talking about that thing”, he said, and nodded towards the journal. “It’s ok”, Nina said, and closed it; hugging it against her chest. “I’m just protective of it, is all”. “Like with the helmet?”, he asked. Nina nodded. “You wanna tell me about it?”. “What?”, she whispered. “Those kids… Whoever you got that helmet from… Why we’re sitting on you here, like you’re under witness protection or something…?”. He nudged her shoulder like she had his, and smiled a little. His expression was warm, like he actually cared about what she had to say. The closeness between them felt dangerous, at the same time as it felt perfectly safe, and right.

Nina took a breath, and was about to shrug him of – give him some half story, about being friendly with SAMCRO – when she met Angel’s eyes. His gaze was earnest; trustworthy, even. “The helmet used to belong to my… someone I used to be really close to. Those are his kids in the picture…”, she said. “I’m holding on to this until they get older. He asked me to give it to them when they're old enough to read it”. “And he died?”, Angel said. “Crashed his bike into an oncoming truck…”, she said. “Shit… I’m sorry. Who was he to you?”. Nina sighed, and smiled softly. “The sun and moon combined”, she said. “Your brother?”, Angel asked confusedly. “Not biologically”, Nina chuckled. “But he took care of me. Treated me like a sister. After he died, the club still kept me close, like family”. “So, you have a whole club of family back in Charming. Why leave?”, Angel asked. Nina’s throat instantly went dry, and she looked at the ground. “A bad break-up”, she replied, her voice breaking. “I needed a fresh start”. Angel didn’t question her; merely seemed to accept her words for truth, and moved on.

They sat in silence for a moment longer, before he suddenly looked like he was beginning to put two and two together. “Your… brother. He was SAMCRO…”. She nodded. “And he crashed headfirst into a truck”. “Yeah…”, Nina whispered, the air thick with the truth being exposed. “Holy shit… I fucked Jackson Teller’s baby sis!”, Angel exclaimed. Nina felt her stomach churn at his words. “That’s like… royalty! I should get my dick silvered or something”. Nina stubbed out her cigarette. “If he was still around, he’d probably do it himself; while it was still attached to you”. Angel winced. “Shit, yeah. That man had a reputation. He was like the boogeyman to Mayan prospects in my day. I heard that one time, he shot a guy in both legs for pinching some hangaround chick’s ass”. “He didn’t shoot him, he just broke all his fingers”, Nina muttered. Angel’s eyes widened. “That was your ass, huh…”, he said, more as a statement, than a question. “It wasn’t Chucky, was it? Is that why he’s got those…”. He wiggled his fingers in the air. “No… That was something else…”, Nina replied. “Jax wasn’t just that, though. He was a good man”. Angel nodded. “Yeah, I heard that, too”. He studied her face for a long moment. “You loved him”, he said, finally. “Like, loved him”. Nina looked confusedly at him, before she caught his meaning. “What? No…! He was family. Just that”, she replied truthfully. Angel smiled crookedly. “Good. It ain’t easy fighting a ghost over a girl”, he said.

Nina felt a smile tug at her lips, but wasn’t ready to be sweet-talked by the guy who’d openly admitted she was a one-night stand, just the day before. “I thought we agreed what this was…”, she said. “Did we? I didn’t agree to anything”. He raised his brows at her, and smiled wryly. “What happened to consent?”. “That’s not how that works”, Nina laughed. “Let’s agree to disagree about that, ma'”, Angel said. Nina sighed deeply. “You told Bishop; we fucked, yeah. But… “. Angel looked taken aback. “Are you like my brother or something? Do you remember everything?”. “I remember that”, Nina said, a slight edge to her voice. Angel frowned at her. “You never considered maybe I was about to say; we fucked, yeah. But I like this girl? Or; this girl is different?”. “You were probably about to say; she gives good head”, Nina scoffed. “You don’t know me well enough to like me, or think I’m special”. “We could change that”, Angel said. “Spend some time together… I get that you’re just passing through, and that you kind of belong to another club, because of this thing with Teller, but…”.

Nina felt a sudden rage bubble through her. “I’m not a goddamn trophy!”, she hissed. “You don’t get to use me like some big fuck you to SAMCRO, for tapping one of their girls. Fuck that!” “That’s not what I’m saying", Angel said. Nina got to her feet and backed away from him. Her breath was catching, and she felt an oncoming asthma-attack. She often got them when got upset, but couldn’t find it in herself to calm down. “Don’t try to bullshit me. I know guys like you; measuring your pride in the amount of pussy you can get to climb on the back of your bike”. She didn’t realize the harshness of her words, before she saw Angel’s expression. He got on his feet himself, and looked at her with hard eyes. “You should be careful sitting out here, Nina" he said, and looked at the cage-fence surrounding them. “Someone might thing you’re gunning for a fight". While Nina stood frozen in place, he walked out of the cage, and got on his bike; driving out of the lot.

“Fuck!”, she growled at herself, and stumbled towards the trailer. Once inside, she scrambled to find her inhaler, and took a hit; feeling her lungs return to normal function. “Fuck…”, she repeated, and collapsed on the cot; clutching the journal in her arms.

---

[breanime]

Replaceable

(A Crime Family AU Drabble)

Though he'd never say it outloud, Miguel knew the truth: he was entirely dependent on Eve. 

It wasn’t that he couldn’t function without her or anything, it was just that she made every single thing in his life easier, more enjoyable, brighter. It was just...

...he was in love with her.

The revelation wasn’t new to Miguel, of course. Though he kept his feelings for his best friend close to the vest, he knew that he loved her. He’d known for years. But he also knew that she was too good for him (for anyone, really), so he kept his feelings to himself and just enjoyed having her around.

Until he kind of fired her.

“Miguel,” Eve had sighed, her delicate hands on her ample hips, “I thought we talked about this; there’s an easier way to balance those accounts.”

“I like doing it this way,” Miguel had said back, not looking up from his files. He’d been in a mood that day; there was too much to do and not enough time to do it. He’d felt like he was being pulled in ten different directions, and he was starting to crack under the pressure--a clear loss in his eyes. So he had no patience for his assistant’s advice.

“I know you do,” she went on, “but I’m telling you, there’s a better way. If you just take the first column and open a new Excel sheet--”

“--I’m doing it the way I’ve always done it,” he’d said, his tone brisk, “I’ve got this.”

“Okay,” she rolled her eyes, sensing his souring mood and having no patience for it, “Well, while you do that, do you want me to call the Italians?”

He looked up then, his eyebrows furrowed, pen stilled in his hand. “Why would you need to call the Italians?”

“Because it’s the third week of the month, and they still haven’t paid their dues from last month,” she reminded him.

Miguel cursed internally. He was supposed to keep track of that; he was supposed to handle that. “I’ll do it.”

“I don’t mind,” she said brightly, shrugging a shoulder as she turned to go to her desk, giving him a nice view of her incredibly distracting ass, “You have a lot on your plate so--”

“I said I’ll do it,” he ground out, annoyed with himself for forgetting in the first place, and slightly turned on by Eve even though she hadn’t even done anything--she just had that effect on him. 

She turned, a perfectly arched eyebrow raised at the tone in his voice. “Miguel,” she said carefully, “You have a pile of forms in front of you, a mountain of files, and you still need to approve the new secretary’s PTO time, plus you have to resubmit the letter of intent to the adoption agency for Angel. Let me do this one thing.”

“I don’t need you to do it,” he said, knowing full and damn well he did need her to do it, “And I don’t need you to list my agenda to me, I already know,” he went on, “What I need is for you to do your damn job and stop worrying about mine.” 

He saw the flash of irritation in her eyes then, and he knew he was pushing it. “Excuse me?” She said slowly, giving him one last chance to backpedal.

Which of course, he didn’t take.

“You’ve forgotten your role here,” he bit out, “You’re my assistant, not my partner. You get coffee and make appointments and do the busy work I don’t have the time or care to do. I’m in charge here, and you? You’re replaceable.”

There had been a silence then, thick and heavy, as the two of them stared at each other, both of their hearts pounding. Finally, she spoke.

“Fuck you, Miguel.”

And then she was gone.

That had been three days ago, and everything in Miguel’s life had gone to shit since then. Spooky had talked to him, told him to “be a man” and admit he was wrong. Coco and Didi weren’t speaking to him at all. Rio spoke to him and called him “an entitled ass”, and Angel added that he was a “douchebag”, so there was that. But Miguel was a proud man, and he wasn’t ready to admit that he was, in fact, an entitled ass and a douchebag, even though he missed Eve.

He missed her professionally: her wit, her charm, the way she could read him and provide whatever he needed, whether he verbalized his need or not. But more than that, he missed her. He missed seeing her everyday, he missed the smell of her perfume, the sound of her laughter, that knowing smile she would give him...

...He missed his best friend. He missed the woman he loved.

So he drank and stewed in his office, the blinds drawn and calls going unanswered. Miguel was prepared to spend the rest of the night there when a tiny knock caught his attention. 

Letty cracked the door open slowly, her dark pigtails swinging as she peeked around the door. Miguel sat up, sliding his drink behind a stack of papers. “Hey, sweetheart, what’s up? Did your Daddy fall asleep during storytime again?”

“No,” she answered, coming into the office and climbing into his lap, looking up at him with those big eyes of hers, “Tio Miguel, will Ms. Eve be here soon? She was helping me with my numbers, and we’re almost to a hundred!”

Miguel felt his heart break then. God, Eve was such an integral part of his life, his grand-niece was asking about her, and... 

...he needed her. Now.

Miguel drove to Eve’s house--he’d made one quick stop--and pulled into her driveway with his heart pounding. He had a key to her place, just like she had a key to his, but he didn’t use it. Instead he knocked, giving her the option to ignore him because, honestly... It was what he deserved.

But she proved, once again, that she was a better person than he was, and she opened the door.

And Miguel’s knees went weak at the sight of her.

“I’m sorry,” he blurted out, needing to get the words out, “I’m so sorry, I was being a dick, and an ass, and a douchebag, and I was taking shit out on you, and I shouldn’t have. I’m helpless without you, I’m useless without you. And I don’t just mean at work--I mean in every way possible. Being around you makes me a better man, Eve. It does. It always has. Besides the kids, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I don’t deserve you. I know I don’t, but dammit, I want you,” his eyes were boring into hers, and he could feel his chest tightening the more he spoke, “I want you so bad, Eve. I want to show you how much you mean to me, how much I adore you, because I love you. I’ve loved you since the day I met you, and I’m sorry that I spoke to you like that, and I’m sorry I acted like that, I never should have--”

She interrupted him with a kiss.

Miguel had spent countless hours fantasizing about kissing Eve, but nothing could have prepared him for the real thing. She was perfect; her plump lips against his, her body so close to his, the flowers bunched up between them. He didn’t know how, but they ended up against the wall, lips and tongues colliding, and he was getting painfully hard.

She pulled back, and both of them laughed, breathing heavily.

“I love you too,” she said before kissing him again.

Miguel spent the night with Eve, showing her how much he adored her with every touch, every kiss, and every caress. She was a masterpiece, and he was beyond grateful to have the privilege of being able to hold her. He watched her sleep, and in the morning, she woke him up with a kiss.

Later (much later), when the two of them walked into his home together, Miguel with a huge grin on his face and Eve with a noticeable limp, the kids noticed immediately.

“FINALLY!” Didi yelled, throwing her hands up in excitement.

“Yo, I knew this would happen!” Spooky added, grinning over at the laughing couple. 

“That make-up sex is a whole ‘nother level, ain’t it?” Rio smirked.

“Look at that grin,” Coco pointed at Miguel, “Have some shame,Tio! You dirty slut!”

“Aw, man,” Angel groaned, “Eve, mi amor, what about us? You traded down, girl!”

Miguel rolled his eyes, kissing Eve on the cheek. “Coffee, my love?” He asked softly.

She smiled up at him, and it was only because of his immature audience that Miguel didn’t swoon. “Yes please.”

Miguel went to make the coffee, smiling as his niece and nephews continued to hound him. He heard Letty upstairs yell “What’s all that noise?!”, and he laughed. 

He had his family and the woman he loved, and he had never been happier.

*******************************************************************************************

Please please PLEASE let me know what you think! It got longer than I had expected it too, but I’m happy with it. Let me know if you liked it or not, and if you’d be interested in me writing any other little blurbs for the Crime Family AU! Thanks guys! I’m gonna go eat some pomegranates now, lol

[shadowturtlesstuff]

No secrets...

here is my how you get the girl cressworth. its kinda sad, i wanted to do happy but i cant apparently. the end is happy and i really want to do a part 2 in cresswells pov

The cold buries itself inside me, finding its way past my bones and gathering through me till all my thoughts are of the cold. Distracting me from what I am about to do, and I cannot figure out whether that is a good thing or not. I haven't spoken to the insufferable Mr. Thomas Cresswell for over six months, yet I am walking a familiar route to his door. I still haven't pieced together why I feel the need to see him tonight, instead of the morning but even if he shuts the door on me and leaves me to fend for myself against the rain it might calm my racing mind. He would be right to do so, after I walked away first. We were close, getting closer every day. Thomas had told  me his feelings plenty of times and I had brushed them off till I started to feel them too. I panicked and then made a mess of everything. We are both poor at expressing our feelings yet I had run from the thought of even trying, and now that I have been away I realized how important he is to me, not only as someone I love but as a friend. I miss his quick wit, his charm and dry humour that uncle doesn't think is appropriate half the time. I miss knowing I will see him and see his own smile at me. Knowing I could melt the cold heart of his with just a small comment is something I was proud of, yet began to fear slightly as it was too easy to see that smile. I had learnt that nothing in life is that easy.

I was wrong. Desperately wrong.

Now I haven't seen that smile in so long and I miss it. I miss the person who shares my humour and lets me face any challenge. I just hope he has missed me half as much as I missed him.  

My heels click against the cobblestone, my pace speeding up to match my racing heart. Thomas’s house comes into view as I round a corner and I suck in a sharp breath. Can I really face Thomas again? Tell him that I miss him?      

This is a worthless idea, a ridiculous notion that Thomas would want to talk to me now. I should leave now and get out of the rain before I become seriously ill and bed ridden by my father. The rain has drowned my skirts, my hair clings to my face. This was a fool's errand. I turn trying to swallow my embarrassment and resentment towards myself when I hear a door open. Shit. I refuse to turn and see if it’s Thomas’s and hope that it-

“Audrey Rose?”

Shit. of course luck would abandon me to this. I don't know what I expected to find when I turned back but it was not this. Thomas, my devilishly handsome friend, stands in his doorway eyes completely transfixed on me. We stand staring, the only sound surrounding us is the pouring rain and my own heartbeat which has amplified its sound so all of London can hear my fear. My anticipation, love and heartbreak and guilt. Words flood my mind but none surfice what I need to tell him and I open and close my mouth like a gaping fish. I’m sure the rain is helping reinforce me looking like such a fool. My mind repeats what an idiot I am and I begin to turn to save myself from further embarrassment.

“Come inside?” Thomas's voice fills the whole street, it sounds slightly panicked, as though he doesn't know what to say. I don't blame him. I showed up uninvited at his flat and haven't managed to look like a functioning human yet I debate leaving, even if I want to stay, but just as I make a step to leave I hear a broken please.

Once again we stare at each other, there are so many words between us that I consider that there isn't a right one to start with. Perhaps his ‘please’ is an effective start. It certainly captured my attention. The rawness of the plea makes me nod and walk towards him. I want to believe Thomas has missed me, that I meant something, but if that is the case, he should be more mad at me. So why invite me in? Why bother?    

“I saw you out the window and,” Thomas begins as I stop in front of him and wait in case he changes his mind, “I thought I was crazy at first but when I realized it truly was you I thought I'd save you, just like old times.”  

His tone is bittersweet, I wince because I am the reason it has a bitter-ish undertone laced with a hint of grief.

“Save me?” I look around slightly confused, there is no assailant chasing me, no murderer on my tail as far as I knew so what is he saving me from? My own mind, because in a way he has, or at least might.

“The rain. I know you hate the cold and no one wants to stand in the rain so,” he moves from the door and gestures inside. I look down at my dress, completely full of water and wince again.

“As you might guess, the rain has now used my dress as a sponge so if I enter your flat I will ruin it.” I take a step back, it is coward-ish but I can't ruin anything else for him, even if it is only water damage. It won't be the worst thing I've done to him.

“Wadsworth, just get inside.”

His flat is warm and makes me notice how cold I truly was. Immediately I begin shivering as Thomas gets towels, blankets and anything to warm me up.

We sit across from each other, I'm wrapped in blankets and holding onto a mug of coco for dear life as Thomas sits with one hand on his and the other tapping on his armchair. The silence is not as bad as I expected but it was never awkward silence that Thomas and I shared. Which reminds me of Thomas's previous words.

Just like old times.

Except not like old times at all. I have to say something soon and again there is no right way to start this. Sorry will not suffice or fix it, but it is still necessary. Hopefully it will mean something at least.

“I know this is unexpected and probably unwanted and it has been awhile since we spoke but,” I chance a glance at him and he is staring at his mug with an unreadable expression, I've no idea where I'm going with this speech but if I can get him to at least look at me it will be worth it, “but I've missed you and I've had time to reflect on my mistakes.”

“Wadsworth, I've missed you more than I want to admit. I spent everyday waiting to see if you would come back but now you’re here…”

He trails off, leaving me to guess what he is thinking, which is always difficult, but add my paranoia I can only expect he wants me gone. However, I wait in dreaded silence for him to collect himself and speak his mind.

“You’re here and I've no idea what I want.”

We both consider his words, it seems we are still both atrocious at understanding our feelings.

“I've figured out that I want you in my life in some way, any way, and that I was tired of running, of pretending and hiding. I was afraid, before, of what we were and even if we can never go back to that I- I guess I am not going to conform to my fear anymore.”

“I lost my mind when you were gone. I thought I had somehow pushed too far or interpreted things wrong, perhaps I had, but coming here and saying you missed me doesn't fix everything.”

“I understand the fear, Wadsworth but we were partners, no secrets, remember?”

He finally looks at me and I wish he hadn’t. His dark brown eyes pierce my already fragile heart. “I know.” I whisper, looking at my cup.

Once again I whisper I know. I knew this would only be the start of fixing things and I was grateful he was even letting me try.

“I know, no secrets,” I look at him and brace myself to confess my thoughts, “I am a fool for running, I know that now, but at the time I felt trapped, not because of you but what you represent, in a fashion, change does not come easy, but you made it feel so easy I hadn't realized the change and I had convinced myself long before you nothing was easy or fair. I was the difficult, unfair one, and I will forever be sorry, Cresswell, I would like to make it up to you but I understand if-” I let out a breath and attempt to say, if you don't want me to but I can't. It is selfish but I desperately want to make things right.

“No secrets,” Thomas says, almost to himself as he quickly stands then takes the seat right next to me, taking the coco and setting both mugs down. “You are a little insane Wadsworth,” he says with a hint of a smirk and I let the comment slide just because of that smirk, “We cannot change what has happened or fix it as quickly as we would both like but I've missed you too much to be mad. In the future we should be better at this, both of us. I never told you how petrified I felt either. My adoration of you caught me off guard. I thought I had some disease, much to Dacina’s amusement, and I considered running too but you were, are, intoxicating.” Thomas smiles at me, full of promise that I smile back. He is offering a truce of sorts through his own truth and I can't help but imagine Thomas trying to explain his feelings to his sister.

“No secrets, no running.” I offer back and he nods, taking my hand in his and absentmindedly making shapes as we sit in silence. Just like old times.

Except I ruin it with my shivers. I was so focused on Thomas I forgot I was still damp and cold.

“You know, skin to skin contact is the most efficient way of warming up, I wouldn't want you catching hypothermia when there is a simple solution.” he says, smirking fully and I roll my eyes despite my huge smile. There is the Cresswell I fell in love with.

“Scoundrel.” I remove my hand from his and place it under the blankets and nestle further back.

“I am indeed, but also a gentleman. You’re staying here till it's stopped raining. You can have my bed if you want, or the sofa. I can find some fresh clothes and dry your dress as much as possible.”

Thomas leaves the room too fast for me to formulate a sentence so I sit and mull over what has happened. It will not be like before, we have those elements but mixed with something new. I expected to fear that, but found myself excited instead. Thomas returns with a pile of clothes and sets them by me but i make no move to get them. I have only just gained some warmth and even though sitting in wet-ish clothes will be worse, I can't make myself move.

“Can you sit with me please? For a bit, then you can use your bed. I've imposed too much so the sofa is fine, thank you.” I watched him sit back in his chair and smile slightly. I missed all his little mannerisms, how he immediately sets his arm out ready to tap if he needs to. How his hair flicks down. I decide I much prefer his messy hair than neat. There is a softness to his features now that wasn't there when I first saw him tonight. He also looks tired and I consider that I should have picked a better time. Thomas is too kind to comment on that fact.

“You are not imposing Wadsworth. I will happily sit with you all night if you wish and thank you for coming. Albeit the timing is bad, you could have waited for better weather to prevent any illness but- I'm glad you came. I wanted to see you but I thought I was a coward and didn't want to face you if you didn't want to see me.”

His words hit me like a knife in the gut. We were both afraid, both controlled by our own insecurities that we both nearly never got to this stage. It is laughable at how ironic it was. Thomas and I were both convinced the other would not want to see us.

“You are right, we do need to be better,” I say and he looks over at me, “tomorrow, weather permitted, would you like to go to breakfast with me?”

“I'll make breakfast and if weather permits I'd be delighted to go to lunch with you.” Thomas tries to stifle a yawn and I ignore the tug of uneasiness that is screaming. This is too easy. Instead I lean my head back and revel in it, commit Thomas's adorable yawn to memory and agree to tomorrow's plans.

“You should go to bed Cresswell, we seem to have a long day planned tomorrow and i need to get out of my wet clothes.”

“Do I need to reiterate my method of warmth?” He asks.

“Need I reiterate what a scoundrel you are?”

“Yes, I enjoy your slight blush when you say it.”

“Goodnight Thomas.”

He stands and I watch him stretch slightly, walk so that he is facing me. Then he reaches and presses a kiss to my temple. “Goodnight Audrey Rose.”

The kiss lingers, a phantom touch that stays with me all night. Warms me enough to hold onto the hope that Thomas and I will be okay. Our spark will reignite just as, if not more, intensely than before.

@fangirling-again @kittycat2187 @goatahoan @city-of-fae @the-hoofflepooff @ink-insomnia @purplecreatorhorsewagon @boredbookwormgirl @goddess-of-writing-wars @lovecakeandmore @yikesitsmaddie @loveyatopluto @bookscressworth @androgynousdeputylawyershoe @fandomtakeover @throneoftsc

[jiejie-eonni-onee-sama]

Sending my love to you

For the lovely @fandoms-are-my-friends-1321​ 😍😍😍😍

Hope you’ll love the story!

TW: Smut, swearing (Roman being Roman)

The songs quoted are not mine.

"No, thank you! For the umpteenth time, I'm not interested!"

"Oh come, doll! Why do you refuse to have some fun with me?"

(Y/N) (L/N) rolled her eyes, exasperated. The thug who was trying to make a move on her was annoying!

"Are you deaf? I already told you that I don't want to be with you! I'm already with someone!"

"And then? I don't care!"

"Oh? Well, maybe you would care if I told you that I'm Roman Sionis's fiancee?" she snapped.

(Y/N) tried to hide her delight when she saw her suitor being terrified at the mention of Roman Sionis, one of the most powerful mobsters in Gotham City. 

Also known as Black Mask, he was notorious for his bad temper and his tendency to murder those who dared piss him off.

The thug stepped back and said with a quivering voice:

"Okay, okay... You win. Please, don't tell Sionis!"

"If I'm in a better mood, perhaps I would act as if nothing happened! Now, get out of my view!"

Once her admirer ran away, she sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. 

She could not wait for her future husband to come back from his business travel around Europe. 

(Y/N) smiled while thinking about her fiance: Roman might be terrifying for many people, but when he was with her, the mobster was different.

Indeed, he was the perfect partner for (Y/N): he wasn't only a loving and considerate boyfriend but also a good listener and a supportive companion. After all, he never asked her to give up her career as a fashion designer when they started dating.

But now, all she wanted was to come back home, relaxing on the sofa and waiting for Roman.

She got up, went to her car, and drove back to the penthouse. 

Once she arrived, she politely saluted the doorman and went upstairs. Then, she turned on the lights and sat on the sofa, reading her mail.

A blue envelope caught her eye, and she smiled in pleasure: it was Roman, without a doubt!

(Y/N) opened the letter and saw a beautiful card with a picture of Venice at night.

She turned the card around and read the message:

My future queen,

I can tell you that my business trip is coming to an end, which is a relief.

I know that you're longing for me, but I'll come back as soon as possible. And you know I'll always keep a promise, only for you, my jewel.

Be a nice girl as always, and wait for me.

You know the song:

Treasure these few words 'til we're together

Keep all my love forever!

P.S. I love you, you, you, you

I'll be coming home again to you, love!

Wait for me, sweetheart.

Your future King.

Roman Beauvais Sionis.

(Y/N) fondly smiled: since the beginning of his travel, her fiance always send her postcards from different countries with lovely messages.

According to Victor Zsasz, Roman "became a helpless romantic" when it came to her. However, he did not say that with harshness: after all, she became the only person he accepted to be close to his boss.

She won't say that she and Victor became friends, but they trusted and respected each other. That was enough for her. As she relaxed against the sofa, the young woman was impatient to hold her boyfriend in her arms. They will be together again, no matter what would happen...

The next day.

"I think we should hire this group for the Special Saturday. What do you say, Miss (L/N)?"

"This is an excellent idea, Sally. I've heard that they are becoming popular in Gotham..."

"Indeed, yes. So, shall I book the Thunder Boys for next Saturday?"

"Okay, let's do it. Can you call the manager for me?"

"Already done, Miss (L/N)," smiled Sally as she picked her phone.

(Y/N) smiled: she appreciated Sally since the kind blonde woman started working at the Black Mask Club as a manager. Her main task was to organize special events at the club, and she excelled in her work. Even Roman praised her choices!

As she walked around the club, checking on what the employees were doing, she asked the waiters:

"Is everything ready for tonight?"

"Yes, Miss (L/N). The drinks are in the cellar since this morning. The digestives are in the fridges, and we are waiting for the pastries. The bakery called us to say they are on their way. They will arrive around 10 minutes!" answered Kyle, the bartender.

"That's perfect! You did a good job!"

"Thank you, Miss."

"You're welcome," she answered before examining the decoration.

Since their engagement, Roman appointed her as the co-owner of his club, and she appreciated the gesture. (Y/N) had many occasions to design and create outfits for the staff on special events, such as holidays or theme parties. The patrons of the club and Gotham's elite always admired her work.

She smirked as she remembered her first meeting with Roman: it was during the Gotham Fashion Week, two years ago. He was a VIP guest, and she was presenting her new collection. 

This week was a success for her, and she caught his eye after a fashion show.

He felt immediately attracted to this lovely and charming young woman and asked for her number, under the pretense of ordering a new suit.

Since then, they always were together, and the media pictured them as the "Power Couple" of Gotham. 

An unofficial title that amused her more than anything. But right now, the young woman longed for her beloved mobster, as soon as possible... 

Meanwhile, at the Gotham airport.

"FINALLY! This fucking business trip is finally over!" exclaimed Roman as he put his suitcase in the car trunk.

"You're right, boss. But at least, we are at home!" stated Victor.

"Indeed. I'm fucking tired of those fucking jackasses. Remind me to never deal with German mobsters again!"

"Noted, boss."

Sionis sighed before smiling:

"But, let's not killing the mood! I would finally be reunited with my queen!"

"And I'm certain she was impatient to see you again!"

"Obviously: it was the first time we've been apart from each other for a long time! It must be so painful for my little Coco Chanel!"

"As it was distasteful for you!" grinned Victor.

"It's an understatement, Vic!"

Both men entered the limo and when they were starting the engine, Roman's phone buzzed.

"Ah, wait a minute!"

He picked up the call.

"Hello, Roman Sionis's speaking!"

**"Hello, darling."**

"My beautiful future wife! How are you?"

**"I'm fine, thank you. But I miss you, handsome!"**"

"Aw, my lovely doll. I miss you too! But don't worry, I'll be back soon!"

Roman and Victor heard a soft sniffing from the other side of the line. They look at each other, upset: was she crying?

"Baby, you're alright?"

**"Yes, of course. I'm just tired, but it's fine. Don't worry about me!"**

"What kind of husband I would be if I do not care about my lovely wife? Now, baby: don't panic, I'll be home soon, 'kay?"

**"Okay. Come back safe and sound, it's all that I ask!"**

"Don't ask me twice, darling! And be sure that I'll spoil you rotten when I'll return!"

**"You don't need to, Roman!"

"Darling, that's my duty as your fiance, and it would be my duty as your husband!"

He heard her soft laugh.

**"You're incredible!"**

"That's why you love me, beautiful. Alright, I must go. See you later, darling!"

**"Okay, see you later. I love you!"**

"Love you too."

He hung up the phone and said:

"Victor... Tell me I did not mess up everything!"

"I don't think so... I guess she is just unhappy to not seeing you right now... If only she knew that you called her from the airport!"

"I wanted to surprise her, not making her sad!"

"Don't worry, boss. I'm sure (Y/N) will forget it when she will see you!"

"I hope so... Now, let's go! I have some business to deal with before coming back home."

"Here we go, boss..."

Timeskip. In the night, at Sionis's penthouse.

(Y/N) was sitting in her armchair, drawing some sketches of new dresses for the waitresses for the Special Saturday. She had many ideas in her mind for this event, and she was confident about the achievement of this happening. Roman would be proud of her... 

Thinking of her fiance made her heart ache, and she stopped drawing.

(Y/N) hoped that he did not hear crying during their call. She knew that it would agitate him until they meet again, and she wished that it would not trouble him for his business.

The silence in the penthouse was oppressive for her, and she tried to fill it by humming a song:

I'm coming home.

I'm coming home.

Tell the world I'm coming home.

Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday.

I know my kingdom awaits, and they've forgiven my mistakes.

I'm coming home.

I'm coming home.

Tell the world that I'm coming home.

Unbeknownst to her, Roman was already in the penthouse when he heard her singing. Smiling, he advanced stealthily behind her and softly sang:

As I write this letter, send my love to you.

Remember that I'll always be in love with you.

Treasure these few words till we're together.

Keep all my love forever.

P.S. I love you, you, you, you.

I'll be coming home again to you, love.

And till the day I do love.

P.S. I love you, you, you, you.

Startled, (Y/N) turned around and let out a cry of happiness when she saw Roman standing behind her, a triumphant smile on his lips.

"Hello, princess. I'm home!"

"ROMAN!" she yelled as she jumped on her feet and ran into his arms.

He laughed as he wrapped his arms around his fiancee, holding her tightly.

"Looks like someone missed me!"

"You have no idea. It seemed like an eternity!"

(Y/N) looked at him with a slight frown on her face.

"But I thought you were still in Europe when I called you!"

"I was at the airport when you call me!"

She playfully punched him in the shoulder.

"You jerk!"

"Ouch! Baby, why do you hurt me?" he laughed.

"Because I was sad!" she answered.

"And I'm sorry about that. I wanted to surprise you, not upset you!"

He gently touched her cheek.

"Now, I am here, and I'm not leaving you! 'Kay, pretty woman?"

"Okay."

He grinned.

"Now, my queen, why don't you give your beloved king a well-rewarded kiss?"

"With pleasure, your Majesty!" she laughed before pressing her lips against his.

Roman welcomed this gesture with a moan of pleasure and started to stroke her sides, sliding his hands under her shirt.

She gasped:

"Hey, slow down! Are you that hungry?"

"You have no idea, doll. I missed your touch for too long, and I want to catch up time!"

She saw the lustful sparkle in his eyes and smirked:

"In this case, we are two of us!"

She asked:

"I forgot! Where is Victor?"

"I gave him free time! He deserved it, after all!"

"So, it's just the two of us?"

"Absolutely."

He scooped her up.

"Roman, I have legs, you know?"

"Yes, but I love carrying you like a princess! Besides, consider it as a rehearsal for our honeymoon!"

"Oh My God! You're kidding!" (Y/N) laughed.

"I'm serious, darling! Now, let's have some fun! We both deserve it!"

On these words of wisdom, he walked to their room with his fiancee in his arms.

Once they arrived in the bedroom, he gently laid her down on the bed before closing the door.

Then, he topped her with a hungry smile.

"I've missed you, (Y/N)"

"I've missed you too, Roman. Kiss me, please!"

"Your wish is my command!" smirked the mobster before kissing her.

She answered the kiss feverishly, slightly moaning as he bit her lower lip.

Without interrupting the kissing, they hurriedly took off each other's clothes, impatient to feel their bare skin under the hands of their beloved one.

Within a few seconds, they were completely naked, admiring each other's beauty.

Roman started kissing her before letting his lips tracing down her body, making (Y/N) shivering with pleasure. 

Chuckling, Sionis continued his little game by peppering kisses on her stomach and thighs before licking her entrance.

Gasping, she clutched his hair, making him groan.

"Hey, hold on, tigress! Do you want to scalp me?" he chuckled.

"S... Sorry!" she moaned.

"Nevermind, it's alright... Where was I? Oh yes!"

And he continued teasing her by kissing her intimate parts, tightly squeezing her sides.

(Y/N) was fogged with pleasure: she knew that Roman was an experimented lover, but Lord! He knew how to take her to cloud nine!

As for Roman, he enjoyed making her scream with pleasure: it turned him on every time. But now, he wanted to take the next step.

Withdrawing, he came back to face her again while adjusting his member near her entrance.

They looked at each other, their eyes filled with love and desire. The only sound they heard was their accelerated heartbeats and their erratic breaths that filled the room.

"You're ready?" he asked in a hushed voice.

"I'm always ready for you, Roman." whispered (Y/N).

"That's my girl!" he chuckled as he kissed her lips before penetrating her.

When she felt him inside her, she panted before rolling her hips against his as he started thrusting.

If it was slow at first, his poundings were faster each time their hips rubbed against each other, making her cry with desire. 

Roman groaned with lust as he heard (Y/N)'s voice moaning his name. Her hands scratching and holding his back made him hard: God, she was so addictive!

Tangled in the sheets, they accelerate their "dance" without stopping their cries of bliss. 

Ultimately, they reached cloud nine in a last outcry of desire. Panting and tired, the lovers held each other with tenderness. (Y/N) puts her hand on Roman's chest while her beloved fiance gently stroked her hair.

The silence stopped when the young woman muttered:

"I'm so happy to have you here."

"I have noticed." chuckled the mobster as he kissed the top of her head.

He added with a soft voice:

"I've missed you too, princess."

"I have noticed, you know," she smirked.

She sighed.

"I tried to be strong, to make you proud of me."

"But babe... You don't have to prove anything to me. You're the only woman I ever dreamt of being mine forever.  You are strong, confident, creative, smart, friendly, and so beautiful. I cannot be more proud of you than I am now. Otherwise, I would never choose to marry you!"

"That's true: you have a reputation for being a womanizer!"

"I used to have this reputation. Now, the only woman I ever laid my eyes on is you!"

(Y/N) raised her head and met his deep blue eyes. Usually, they were icy or fiery when he was with business partners or enemies. But when he was with her, they were soft and loving.

She was the only one who can appease the mobster - and Victor was grateful to (Y/N) for that.

The young woman smiled before kissing her lover:

"I love you, Roman."

"I love you too, (Y/N). Now, let's have some sleep, 'kay? We have a kingdom to rule, my beloved queen!"

"So, sleep well, my dear king!" she muttered before drifting away in her sleep.

"See you tomorrow... my love," he murmured before falling asleep.

As they were slipping in the arms of Morpheus, the two lovers enjoyed the presence of their significant other, finally reunited.

After all, what better place to be than home, when your beloved one is waiting for you?

🎵Songs used:🎵

🎵Coming home - P. Diddy, Skylar Grey, and Dirty Money.

🎵P.S: I love you - The Beatles.

Thank you very much for the reading!

I hope you enjoyed the story, and I’m waiting for your reviews!

Don’t hesitate to send me a request!

Take care and see you soon! 😘😘😘😷😍💖

[starrynite7114]

Misconstrued: Part 3

A/N: Good evening my lovelies! I was going to post this last night, but it became too late when I got home. Hopefully you all will enjoy this one! Snapshots and another request will be posted after this! Hope you all will enjoy the update as well! Diego is getting quite a reception, which I’m honestly happy to see! Can’t wait to see what you all think of this latest update. 

Just a heads up, I am back in school, so I’m not sure how often I will be updating, but I will try!

Also, thank you again for the response I’ve been getting for this story. Never though it would be as great as this, but thank you!

Anon:  I don't know if this is too specific but could you do something about Angel ruining a date and later admits it because he loves them and then they have some angry smut and late night fluff

Word Count: 7835

Masterlist

Tag List: @iambabyharry​ : @justahopelessssromantic​ : @carlaangel86​ : @marvelmaree​ : @mrsamaroevans​ : @ifoundmyhappythought​: @woahitslucyylu​ : @cind-in-real-life​ : @briannab1234​ : @fairygardenss​ : @gemini0410​ : @everyhowlmarksthedead​ : @losolvidad0s​ : @whyisgmora​ : @comasi-world​ : @xserenax-13​ : @chibsytelford​ : @welovethesponge​ : @claytoncardenasbabymama​ : @jadert15​ : @bigcreatorwombatdreamer​ 

If you would like to be added to the tag list, let me know! If I forgot to add you, I’m so sorry!

Angel sat across from Diego, glaring at the man who has been trying to undermine his floundering relationship. Diego has been in Santo Padre for only two weeks, but it felt longer than that. At every turn, Diego was there to offer his services to you. 

Before the Stockton charter left, Medina had pulled him aside to give him a warning.

“Angel, I like you, and I know you like Y/N.” Medina began, looking around to make sure there was no one around them. “Diego has it in his head to bring her back to Stockton, I’m sure you don’t want that.”

“Fuck no. Who the fuck does he think he is?” Angel was fuming. Ever since the incident two days ago, Diego has been texting you and to top it off, Bishop just made it known that Diego was coming to Santo Padre for a few months due to Creeper being out. From what he understood, Creeper was going to be out for two weeks, this was unnecessary. “She’s my girl now, he can’t sniff around her. He lost his chance.”

“I agree with you hermano, but I just want to give you fair warning. They did have a connection, I would hope she’s smarter than to fall for his charm.” Medina didn’t think you would come back to Diego, he hurt you far too much for that. But in the back of his mind, he still had this inkling that if Diego played the right moves, you would come back. 

“Why’d he come for her? It’s been years.” Angel knew the story, but he wasn’t sure how much Medina knew.

“Regina left him after he said Y/N’s name while they were fucking. Apparently she’s been a topic of their relationship troubles more than once.” Medina knew how much Diego suffered after you left. He wasn’t the same and everyone took notice, especially Regina. She never dared speak your name inside the clubhouse or other members knowing it could get back to Ramos or Medina, but outside, no one could shut her up. Diego was a shell of a man after you left. Though Medina felt for him, it wasn’t enough to call you about it. You finally escaped his spell on you, Medina didn’t want you to come back, especially not for Diego. 

Then he saw how Angel was with you and he could tell that you had something there. He chuckled at the way you would blush when Angel complimented you and how he took care of you. That’s what he wanted for you and Diego, but he knew it would never happen. Diego was too focused on becoming a Mayan to do it. Maybe Diego did love you, but as far as Medina was concerned, it was too late for that.

“Diego doesn’t give up.”

“Yeah? We’ll see about that.”

Coco and Gilly watched as Angel’s eyes were trained on Diego, who was doing the same to Angel. Both men have been having a pissing contest since Diego’s arrival. They were cordial to Diego due to not wanting Bishop to sniff around as to why they wouldn’t like him. But with the way he hung on to you, it was making it difficult. Whenever you were at the clubhouse, Diego immediately gravitated towards you, but they were thankful that you didn’t entertain any of his advances. You put a wall and you were damn good at keeping them up.

Angel let you fight your battles knowing that this was something you had to do on your own, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want to beat the motherfucker to a pulp.

“Alright, Diego, you’ll stay here to make sure everything is in order while we find out what’s going on with Dogwood?” Bishop questioned.

“Yeah, I was going to actually help out Y/N out. Didn’t she say she needed to have her garbage disposal fixed?” Diego remembered Bishop mentioning it to him and Hank earlier since he was wondering if Hank could fix it for you. 

“She’s good. I can do it for her when I get back later.” Angel knew this mother fucker was testing his resolve. 

“Angel, Diego can do it, it shouldn’t be a problem. He’s free and the scrapyard is good.” Bishop has felt the tension between the two since he made it known that Diego was saying for a few months. He wasn’t certain if it was due to you and Diego’s previous closeness, but he honestly didn’t even want to get in between petty shit like that. 

“Diego should just come with us, strength in numbers.” Coco backed up Angel. He wasn’t getting you alone. They’ve been successful with assuring that Diego was never left alone with you, he wasn’t going to pull a fast one of them.

“It’d be easier to find Dogwood if we all look for them.” Gilly added. 

Bishop looked over at Coco and Gilly, not one bit surprised that he was backing up Angel.

“Am I missing something here?”

“No.” All four replied in unison.

Bishop decided to let it go, again choosing not to involve himself till he absolutely had to do so. 

They all dispersed, leaving Templo to do their own business. Angel immediately smiled when his eyes landed on you, as you sat by the bar, talking to EZ. He came up from behind you, wrapping his arms around you and placing a kiss on the side of your head. Gilly and Coco flanked your sides, leaving Diego absolutely no room to put himself anywhere near you. 

“Hey mi dulce, we got shit to do, don’t you have work?” Angel turned you to face him, wrapping his arms around you again. 

You looked up at him and nodded. “Yes, but I just wanted to drop cookies off to you since I got early enough to make some.” You handed him a box that was right behind you. It was in a box and it made Angel smile.

“What?! What about us? That’s favoritism.” Gilly accused, feigning hurt. 

“Don’t be such babies, I brought chocolate chip cookies over there.” You pointed around the box behind EZ.

Coco and Gilly both stood up and made their way to the box. Riz came up behind you and kissed your cheek before going to the cookies as well.

“Is mine chocolate chip too?” Angel wasn’t the biggest fan of chocolate chip cookies, but he would eat it if you made it. His absolute favorite was the white chocolate macadamia nut.

“No, of course not. You don’t like chocolate chips, but I know you eat them to appease me.” You smiled. “I made your favorite, white chocolate macadamia nut.” Angel opened the box you brought him and immediately took a bite of one. 

“Are you fucking serious?” Diego narrowed his eyes at you, as he made his way over to you. “How can you be so careless? You know you're allergic to nuts, why would you bake that?” 

Angel gave him an incredulous look as he stopped in front of you, taking your hands to inspect them. Everyone in the clubhouse had their eyes on you two. Bishop, Taza and Hank were still inside Templo.

“What were you thinking? You know if you even touched nuts you get hives.” Diego frowned, dropping your hands when he didn’t see any rashes. 

"I used to make you banana nut muffin all the time." You shrunk as Diego scolded you. Angel loves white chocolate macadamia nut, you just wanted to bake something for him. 

"And remember when we had to go to the hospital because you wiped your lips with your hand?" Diego narrowed his eyes at Angel. "If you can't take care of your girlfriend, maybe you shouldn't be with her."

“You fucking serious right now?” Angel moved you behind him while EZ immediately put himself between Diego and Angel.

“Easy, don’t make a scene.” EZ reminded his brother.

“You’re getting on my last nerve Diegito, you lost your fucking chance, so why won’t you go fuck off?” Angel warned him.

Diego just smirked before looking beyond him towards you. “This is your boyfriend, a guy who doesn’t even know you have severe allergies to peanuts. Tremendous.” He turned away then and walked out of the clubhouse. 

Angel muttered under his breath as he turned around to face you. “You’re allergic to peanuts?”

“Yeah, any tree nuts I’m allergic to. I break out into hives and my throat closes up.” You admitted. “But please don’t worry, I used precaution after that time at the hospital. I wore gloves and took them off”

“Baby, you don’t have to make me cookies, especially if you can get hurt.” Angel did not like Diego’s remarks towards him. He could only keep quiet for long. If Diegito kept pushing him, he would have to inform Bishop of the way he played with his niece. 

“No, it’s okay, I don’t mind.” You had this urge of pleasing people. You hated that about yourself, but even if it put you in harm’s way, you still did things for the people you cared about. You were afraid that once you stopped doing things they liked, they would stop liking you and be tossed to the side. It was embedded in you after the incident with Diego and you couldn’t shake it for some reason.

“Well I do, please don’t make me anymore cookies. If you do, at least have me there and I can make it for you.” 

Angel was moving to kiss you but you moved away. He gave you a confused look as you gave him a sheepish smile.

“Can’t kiss you, you just ate the cookie.” You reminded him.

“Shit, that’s right.” He frowned. “Okay, I’ll come by later.”

“Okay, I’ll see you later.” You gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek. “Enjoy the cookies.”

“Oh you know I will mi dulce.” He smirked. “Prospect bring my girl to her car so I don’t beat that mother fucker up. And make sure she gets to her car without him stopping her.” Angel was trying to avoid problems, but Diego would get what’s coming for him soon enough.

============

EZ stopped the van in front of the auto shop you worked at and turned it off.

“I think it’s sweet that you're bringing her food.” EZ teased his older brother. 

“Yeah, yeah. Fuck you.” Angel smirked. He didn’t mind being teased when he did things for you. You did far too many things for everyone else. You deserved to be spoiled every way that he could spoil you.

Making his way inside, he stopped in his tracks when he saw Diego already waiting for you. Angel’s hand clenched into a fist and he shook his head. 

“Diego, what are you doing here?” Angel heard you question him as you walked in with grease on your left cheek and multiple new stains on your work jumpsuit. 

You looked beyond Diego and saw Angel. A smile graced your face as you walked by Diego and greeted Angel. “Hey, you’re here too. What’s going on?” You looked back at Diego who was glaring at Angel. This was so new to you. Diego has been trying to make his presence known, but you’ve pushed back at his attempts. What was done was done and you were with Angel now. Out of respect, you didn’t want to entertain Diego, especially with everything that occurred between you two. 

“EZ and I ate at the Thai restaurant by our place, brought you some of that fried rice you like.” Angel was very protective of your relationship especially with how new it was. Even though you technically were not together as Angel had only asked if you wanted to go on a date, to him you two were together. But he didn’t undermine the connection that you and Diego had, which was why he had to make sure he had to block every attempt Diego made.

“Oh, cool.” You made your way over to Angel and as you were about to hug him, you stopped. “Sorry the grease.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Angel wrapped his arms around you after he kissed you, making a point to look at Diego as you relaxed in his arms. “How’s work?”

“Busy,” you sighed as you pulled away from him. “I know we’re supposed to go out tonight, but do you mind if we reschedule? I’m really tired.”

“That’s fine mi dulce, let’s just order take out and we can catch up on Umbrella Academy?” He offered. You two have been trying to go on this date for two weeks, but something always came up. As much as he wanted to take you out, it wasn’t a determining factor of your relationship. You two were together and Diego better get with the program. 

“That sounds great.” You smiled up at him. “You’re the best.” You turned to Diego. “I’m sorry, thank you for bringing me food.” You didn’t mean to bypass him, but your attention was focused solely on Diego, at least you tried your best. As much as you wanted to give Diego a chance to explain to you, you just didn’t see the point. You’ve moved on. It was too late. 

He gave you a small smile and nodded his head. “I actually made your favorite, chicken Alfredo.” He handed you the bag. “Let me know how you like it.”

Angel just scoffed and shook his head. They both said bye to you and as soon as they were near the van and out of sight, Angel grabbed Diego by his kutte and slammed him against the van. The noise startled EZ and he quickly exited the van. He found Diego against the van, with Angel holding his shirt and kutte along his neck.

“I’m going to say this one last time, stay the fuck away from my girlfriend. She’s moved on and she doesn’t want you. I don’t give a fuck what apology party you want to partake in, but she’s not going to be a part of it.” Angel warned.

“Angel, let’s go.” The last thing EZ wanted was for them to fight in front of your job. But he wouldn’t be opposed to Angel getting a few hits in. 

Diego chuckled, almost mockingly. “You think just cause you’ve been around for a year she’s yours? I had her for five years. Once I show her what she’s always wanted from me, she’ll leave you in the dust.”

“Keep pushing me bitch, let’s see how Prez feels about how you fucked around with his niece to ensure a place at the table.” Angel gave him a hard shove before sliding in the van. 

EZ followed suit, turning the van on.

“You know he’s not going to stop.”

“Then he can get his ass beat.”

============

Diego saw you walk in the clubhouse, immediately looking around. He knew you were looking for Angel and he wasn’t going to lie and say it didn’t affect him. Seeing you with Angel was unnerving, irritating. He remembered when you walked in the clubhouse in Stockton, the elated look on your face whenever you saw him, he missed that. He saw that look when your eyes would land on Angel, but it was different.

“Hey sweetheart.” Bishop greeted you, giving you a kiss on the cheek. 

“Hey Tio, is Angel around?” 

“Now you with Angel, you can’t even visit just to see your Tio?” He teased you.

“No, it’s not like that, it’s just,” you blushed. “Tio!”

“I’m kidding.” He chuckled. “Angel is visiting Creeper, he should be back soon.”

You nodded. “Is it okay if I wait here?”

“Sweetheart, you can wait wherever you want. I got business to take care of up front, you going to be okay with Diegito?” Bishop wasn’t entirely sure what made you and Diego fall out. Whenever he would ask you, you would brush it off, changing the subject. 

“Yes, I’ll be fine, go ahead.” You waved off Bishop.

Bishop left you at one of the tables. One of the girls approached you asking if you wanted a drink, but you politely declined. Diego took one of the available seats next to you. If you stood up, that meant you were avoiding him, and you were, you just didn’t need him to actually know that. Other times you could make excuses, but this time you couldn’t.

“Wow, no bodyguards today, your boyfriend okay with that?” 

“Don’t be an asshole.” You snapped. “I am fully capable of being alone.”

“Doesn’t seem like it with the way he always has one of his buddies with you.” Diego scoffed. “You never liked any of the Mayans following you around, yet now, it’s like you welcome it.”

“They’re not following me around out of duty, they’re just genuinely my friends.” You defended. “Many things can change in the span of three years Diego.”

“Sure, but it’s you, you don’t like change, it makes you anxious.”

“Is there a point as to why you’re speaking to me?” 

“I’m trying here.” Diego couldn’t get through you since Angel and his boys were usually around you. Whenever he did get you alone, he tried speaking to you, but you weren’t really entertaining him. You were cordial at best. “I really missed you.”

“Diego, I don’t know why you’re trying. There’s no point for it. It’s been almost four years, why try now?” Maybe if he approached you a year after this whole thing occurred, you could have tried to go back to at least being friends. But the more you encountered people in your life, the more it sunk in that whatever you misconstrued with Diego, was never there. When this whole thing with Angel started when you first came, you thought it would end the same way, or similar at least, but it didn’t. 

It was different with Angel. 

“Because I fucking realized how badly I fucked up. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I just want you to give me a chance.” 

You remained silent. Not knowing exactly what to say to him. It was weird that you had this feeling of needing to talk to Angel. You know he doesn’t control your life, but he was technically the person you were seeing. 

“It’s Claudia’s birthday today.” Claudia was Diego’s youngest sister. He had three younger siblings, all of them were girls. Claudia, if you calculate correctly, should be turning eighteen years old. Diego was closest to Claudia. Ever since she was a toddler, from your understanding, she drifted to her older brother. Diego dotted over her and it was one of the reasons you fell so hard for the man. “She knows you’re here with me and I was wondering if you wanted to FaceTime her.”

You cut off all ties with Diego’s family, except for Claudia. You bonded with the young girl and to leave her hanging at that crucial age of fifteen, you couldn’t exactly walk away. Every once in a while, you called her to check in, making sure she was good. Diego didn’t know you two kept in touch and you were keeping it that way.

“Sure, that’d be great.” 

Diego scooted closer over to you so that Claudia would be able to see you both. Taking his cell phone out, he searched for his sister’s name, selecting her name to call her.

Diego moved your chair closer to him so that you were right beside him. He placed an arm around the back of you chair. Before, when you were in such close proximity, you would blush, loving the feel of having him so close to you, but now, it just felt awkward. 

“Happy birthday!” You and Diego greeted in unison as soon as her face popped up on the screen.

“Ah!!!! You two are together?!” Claudia exclaimed. She always wanted you to end up with her older brother. She absolutely adored you and knew you were best for her brother compared to Regina. You appreciated the vote of confidence, but you knew nothing could actually happen. 

Diego chuckled. “Hermana, of course we are, I told you I came here to get her back.”

You and Riz made eye contact as he stayed at the bar, watching you two. He wasn’t sure of the history between you and Diego, but he knew there was something there. It was hard not to see it. He mouthed to you if you were okay  and you nodded your head, giving him a reassuring smile.

Diego was harmless.

Claudia began to animatedly talk to you both about her senior year and what she wanted for not only her birthday present, but graduation as well. 

“You’re going to have to ask Diegito for that one bebita.” You pointed at Diego as Claudia requested for a trip to Disneyland.

“You’ll come right?” She looked at you with those puppy brown eyes she used to pull on you when you were younger.

“Of course bebita, who else will ride the rides with you? We both know your brother is,” you paused looking at Diego and laughing. “Can’t handle rides well.”

“I can!” Diego glared at both of you. “Just not ones with big drops.”

You and Claudia laughed. The clubhouse door opened, and in cane Bishop followed by Angel and Gilly. You waved at Angel before you continued talking to Claudia. 

Bishop watched as you and Diego made jokes about one another, entertaining Claudia. This was what he remembered between you two. The endless laughter and joking, how Diego always took care of you and made sure you were okay. He knew you had feelings for Diego, he wasn’t blind, but he never really saw anything come out of it. 

It didn’t matter now. 

You were with Angel and Bishop would much rather have you with him.

“I’m happy they’re getting along again, they were like two peas in a pod.” Bishop commented as he sat by the bar with Angel.

Angel scoffed at that in his head. Fuck Diego. He knew that strategy he was using. Pulling you in with people from your past, the same people that meant the world to you when you were back in Stockton. Angel hoped you wouldn’t fall for that. The past was the past and this was now.

“Yeah, real great.”

============

You weren’t exactly sure how it happened, but your car was T-boned at a four way stop on your way home. Your car was totaled and was brought to the auto shop you worked at while a co-worker of yours brought you to the hospital, just so you could get checked. You were pretty sure it was whiplash, but you went since your co-worker, Areli, refused to bring you home. She couldn’t stay with you, so you ended up calling the scrapyard, but to your luck, no one was there. At least you thought there wasn’t, but apparently, Diego was.

So here you were now, in the van, being driven home by Diego. There were no findings at the hospital, which didn’t surprise you, but you definitely appreciate the muscle relaxers they had provided.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Diego broke the silence between you two. He has been trying to initiate a conversation, but you weren’t in a talking mood. All you wanted to do was go home and pray Angel would be home soon just so he could hold you. 

“Yes, the muscle relaxers definitely helped.” You closed your eyes, the day’s events catching up to you. “Thank you for picking me up.”

“Of course, you know I’m always here for you.” Diego wanted nothing more than to wake you up from this nightmare in Santo Padre. You didn’t fit in here, you didn’t belong. He wanted you to see that so you could go

 home to Northern California. Diego was a selfish bastard and he knew that. But he also knew you a hell of a lot longer than Angel Reyes and any of the other members of this charter with the exception of Bishop, Taza and Hank.

He stopped the van in front of your apartment building. Quickly, Diego turned off the van and jogged over to your side. He was lucky you were having a hard time getting out of the van due to your body feeling a little sore from the accident. 

“Let me help you,” Diego opened the door for you, trying to take your backpack from you, but you shook your head. 

“It’s okay, I’m just feeling sore is all.” You slung your backpack on your shoulder, as soon as you were out of the van. Turning to face him, you gave him a small smile. “Thank you again, I really appreciate it.”

“Can we talk?” Diego saw it as the perfect opportunity to finally talk to you. Angel and the rest of the Santo Padre MC were taking care of Vicky’s neighbors. They had Diego stay behind for a possible alibi, but they knew they wouldn’t exactly need it. When the call came that you were at the emergency room, Diego was the only one who could receive the call from Chucky. It didn’t make sense to you, you just assumed you Tio would want everyone there. But gotta spare someone you guessed.

“For?” You knew what he wanted to talk about, but you honestly didn’t have the energy nor the mental capacity to do so right now. 

“Come on, you know what I want to talk about.” 

“Diego, what’s done is done.” You sighed, wishing Angel would come as he always did whenever Diego cornered her. “Regina was right, I should have known better and saw you weren’t interested. I was reading into it and should have walked away or kept our friendship just as a friendship.”

“No, listen,” Diego attempted to step closer to you, but you took a step back. He looked wounded as you did, the last time this happened was the day he found out you were leaving for Santo Padre. He didn’t speak to you for months and when he found out you were leaving, he came over to your house to try and convince you to stay. “I fucked up. I should have never let Regina berate you and humiliate you, especially since you’re my best friend. I mistreated you and I used you.” Diego took a deep breath. “Regina was easy, she didn’t come with connections that made me insecure, that made me feel at edge.”

“What?” You were confused at what Diego was insinuating. He tried to apologize to you before, but you dismissed it since you knew his moves. It was his way of trying to reel you back in and you weren’t going to let it happen again.

“I had feelings for you and I know many people thought I used you to get a seat at the table, but you know that’s not true. We were best friends before all of this, we’ve been through too fucking much.” He really didn’t want to have this conversation out in the open like this. He knew Angel could come home at any time and the last thing he wanted to do was deal with Angel. It irked him how attached Angel was to you. He was in his position and it annoyed Diego. He was jealous, he would proudly admit that. He may have fucked up, but it’s between you two against the world till he fucked up. He was going to make it up to you. “No, not had. I have feelings for you. But my own fear of fucking up on you and the consequences that comes with that prevented me from telling you how I truly felt.”

You watched as Diego appeared to become more nervous with what he was discussing with you. This was not what you expected. The conversation you expected was for Diego to acknowledge the incident that changed your friendship, or ended it, and maybe an apology for standing by and letting Regina humiliate you. Other than that you didn’t expect a confession and you sure did not expect this.

“What?” It was the only thing you could muster to say. The words you were dying to hear from Diego, it didn’t have the same effect on you anymore. How were you sure that he wasn’t telling you all this to fall into the favor of Bishop or Marcus.

“I love you, Y/N.”

============

Angel got off his bike, glad that they took care of Dennis and his family. One less thing they had to worry about. Walking into the clubhouse, he only found Chucky there along with a few girls waiting for them to come back. Looking over at Coco, his eyebrows furrowed when he couldn’t spot Diego anywhere. 

“Where’s Diego?” Angel questioned Chucky.

“He went to go pick up Y/N from the emergency room, she got into a car accident.” Chucky knew you were Angel’s girl, he did call him, but there was no answer. He was sure he was on important club business since everyone went with him.

“What?!” Angel tried to watch himself, not wanting to be an asshole to Chucky for no reason. “Why didn’t you call us?”

“I did, but you guys weren’t answering. Know you guys had important club business and I didn’t want to bother.” Chucky looked at Coco and then back to Angel. “She said she was fine and needed someone to pick her up.” 

“Chucky, please don’t tell me Diego picked her up.” Coco frowned.

“He did. I offered but he already grabbed the keys to the van before I got the chance to do it.”

Angel looked at Coco before rushing out of the clubhouse. He wasn’t worried about you doing anything, but this was Diego’s chance. He finally got you alone and Angel has been trying to prevent that. Insecurities were a bitch and as confident as Angel was, he couldn’t ignore that connection you two had. Diego was making his presence known and he wasn’t backing down.

============

“No you don’t.” You shook your head. All the emotions and feelings that you’ve buried for the last few years were coming back and your chest felt heavy. You hated that this was happening right now. This was the reason that you didn’t want to talk to Diego. You were doing so well and now, it was like things were regressing. 

“I’ve been in love with you and I’m sorry that I realized it now, but please give me a chance. I know you love me too, I promise you, it’ll be worth it.” Diego would get on his knees if it helped his plea. All he wanted was a chance to return the kindness you’ve given him all these years. The love he had for you may seem fake, opportunistic, but he did love you. He may have realized it too late, and it was one of those romantic tropes, but he didn’t give a fuck. He was fighting for you and if he had to fight Angel, no hair off his back. 

“I don’t love you, not anymore.” The words came out of your mouth before you could even process it, but you meant it. You were no longer in love with Diego. He wasn’t the person you looked forward to seeing or the last person you thought about before going to sleep. It was Angel. He made such an impact on your life. You didn’t even notice till he was MIA for those few weeks. You missed his company, his silly jokes, the way he would hold you whenever he gave you a hug. Your movie nights that usually ended up with you two cuddling on your couch. You realized then that you didn’t want to believe there could be something more between you and Angel since it was what you did with Diego. But there were differences. Angel always catered to you just like how you did to him. He put you first, just like how you put him first. It was a reciprocal type of care that you never felt with Diego. Angel became your best friend without even knowing it.  “You broke my heart Diego. Regardless if you felt the same way or not, I was supposed to be your best friend and you let her say all those things to me. I didn’t do anything to deserve that. All I did was be there for you, was love you.”

Diego grimaced, hearing those words coming out from your mouth. There was no way you didn’t love him anymore. You were just saying that, he refused to believe it. “I know, and I’m the world’s biggest asshole for letting her blind me. But you have to know that the words she said, they weren’t from me.”

“Oh, you mean how it annoyed you that I followed you around like a little puppy? That it was annoying how I always texted you and you thought that my anxiety was all in my head? That it was all for attention? That if I weren’t Bishop and Padrino’s niece you would have never approached me?” You were running on adrenaline now, everything was coming out so easily. 

Diego was surprised as you usually shied away from confrontation, keeping your thoughts to yourself. But he did hurt you. “I didn’t. Do you honestly think I would say that about you?”

“Yes, yes I do.” The pressure in your chest was still there and you just wanted this to end, for him to go away. 

Diego opened his mouth to try and sway you, but the roar of a motorcycle cut him off. You didn’t care who it was, as long as it was someone who could get Diego away from you. But you could tell it was Angel. You were so used to the sound of his motorcycle. He parked outside of the gate that led to the parking lot for the residence of your apartment building. Angel rushed over to you and he immediately cupped your face with his gloved hands, checking you to make sure you were okay. He saw the tears welled up in your eyes. His temper immediately flaring.

“Go inside, I’ll catch up.” He kissed your cheek, turning you around.

“No, Angel, he’s not worth it, let’s just go.” You wrapped your arms around his arm, pleading for him to go with you. The club didn’t need the drama.

“Querida, go inside.” Angel wasn’t even looking at you. His eyes were trained on Diego. 

“Just leave Angel, this is between me and her.” Diego snapped. He was tired of Angel coming in between you two. 

“Inside, please.” Angel kissed your forehead, giving you a small shove so you could go inside.

Diego attempted to follow you, but Angel blocked his way, pushing him to the ground. 

“Don’t even think about it.” Angel placed his foot against Diego’s chest. “I’ve been a patient man with you even though you continuously ignored my request to stay away from my girlfriend. This is my last warning, stay the fuck away from my girlfriend or I’ll gladly let Padrino and Prez know about your indiscretions. Let’s see how you weasel your way out of that.” Angel pushed him back down when Diego attempted to get up. “I’m serious. You fucked up. She doesn’t want you, she’s with me now. Don’t push me, asshole.”

With that, Angel walked away, bringing his bike inside the parking garage before making his way to your apartment. He went in and found you sitting on the couch. Your eyes immediately went to the door and was relieved to see Angel untouched. 

“You should have called me.” Angel sat beside you, taking your hand into his. “Are you hurt?”

“I knew you were doing club business, I thought Chucky was going to come get me. I didn’t want to be picky when all I wanted to do was go home.” You were tapping your foot and Angel placed a hand on your knee. “Sorry, I know it’s annoying. I’m just sore otherwise I’m fine.”

“It’s not, you just have no reason to be nervous. I’m just glad you’re safe. Guessing your car is totaled?” Angel was trying to distract himself. Seeing you with Diego was not exactly what he wanted to see with everything else going on with the rebels.

“It is.” You looked at Angel. It still marveled you that this handsome man was all yours. “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?” 

“I don’t know, you seem upset.”

Angel sighed. “Not at you, never at you.” He gave your hand a quick squeeze. “What did Diego want?”

“He told me that he loves me.”

Angel took a deep breath and nodded his head. “Did he? How’d that make you feel?” He didn’t give a fuck about Diego, what mattered was what you felt about it. Though, he couldn’t keep any promises that he wouldn’t fuck Diego up if he you somehow had an enlightenment that you now wanted to be with Diego.

“Nothing. I know he’s just saying it because he needs me for something.” You shook your head. “It doesn’t matter, I’m with you now.”

“But what if he wasn’t? What if he realized he does love you?” This was a hard conversation to have, but Angel didn’t want to be the second choice, he’s been that all his life. He refused to be that with you.

“Are you serious? How can you even ask me that?” You let go of his hand, standing up to get away from him. “Angel, he played me and even if he did mean it, I don’t care because I’m in love with you.” You gasped at your confession and Angel froze. 

‘Shit, I fucked up.’ You gnawed at your lips trying to get out of this one.

You watched as Angel stood up, he walked over to you and before you could even say anything to retract your statement, he captured your lips for a breathtaking kiss.

“I love you,” he whispered against your lips when he pulled away. “I didn’t want to scare you away, but fuck, it feels so fucking good to hear you say it.” He kissed you again and you lost yourself to his kiss. His lips were absolutely addicting, intoxicating. 

Angel lifted you up, your legs wrapping around his waist. His lips never left yours as he made his way towards your room. Once inside, he placed you on the bed, lips leaving yours.

“Mi dulce, I just want to make sure that you’re ready. I don’t know if I can hold back if we keep at it.” Angel caressed your cheek. He loved watching you trying to catch your breath, with your lips, looking up at him with hooded eyes.

“I’m ready, as long as it’s you.” 

Angel didn’t need anything more than that. He helped you sit up and took off your shirt.

“Are you hurting baby? I know you got into an accident.” He was kissing down your neck as he questioned you.

“I got muscle relaxers, I’m okay.” You reassured him, watching him as he got closer to your breast. 

Angel didn’t reply and just pulled your cups down. You’ve had boyfriends, alright, a boyfriend, however you’ve never gotten this far. Kissing was the furthest you’ve gone and you were honestly fine with that. But with how this was feeling with Angel, you were almost certain it wouldn’t feel this good with anyone else.

He took one of your nipples into his mouth while the other was occupied by his hand. You arched your back, loving the sensation he was giving you. Your fingers weave through his hair, slightly pulling it. Rubbing your thighs together for some sort of relief, you felt yourself becoming wetter as Angel continued to give attention to your breast.

His hand that was on your other breast traveled down your stomach and inside your sweat pants. His fingers brushed against your panty line, his lips capturing yours again. His fingers slipped inside, his lips still on yours. Pulling away, he coated his finger with your wetness and nibbled on your ear, whispering to you how beautiful you were. Slipping a finger in, you instinctively closed your leg at the intrusion, but he used one of his legs to drag one of your legs open. 

“Just relax baby,” he murmured, you were clenching his finger and Angel couldn’t even imagine how it would be once he was inside of you. 

“It feels weird,” you whimpered, biting your lip as Angel began to move his finger in and out.

“I know baby, but it’ll feel better soon. Let’s take off your clothes.” Angel helped you take off your underwear and sweatpants. You thought you would feel more shy with all of your clothes off, but you didn’t. The way Angel looked at you, he made you feel confident. You kept your body hidden under your baggy clothing, never feeling too confident, but when Angel looked at you, you felt like the most beautiful girl in the world.

With your sweatpants and underwear off, you didn’t feel as constricted. He held one of your legs open with his arm as his finger went back to work. It wasn’t as uncomfortable as before. His thumb rubbed your clit, using your wetness to wet his thumb. 

“Feel better?” He asked.

You nodded your head. 

“Can I add a finger?”

“Yes,” you breathed out. Angel slipped another finger in and you arched your back, grabbing your blanket as the discomfort went away and the pleasure took over.

Angel noticed how your breathing was becoming rapid, and you were tightening up around him. You felt this feeling at the pit of your stomach.

“Fuck,” you let out as you came. This was your first orgasm and you have to say, this completely changed your life. Maybe you should have experimented and masturbated beforehand, but you were just never comfortable with the idea till now. If this was how it felt, you might be addicted. 

Angel removed his fingers, taking his fingers into his mouth and cleaning off your juices. You slightly laughed, pulling him down for a kiss. He smirked against your lips, pulling away so he could take off his clothing. He took off his clothes and when your eyes landed on his cock, your mouth slightly dropped.

You weren’t innocent. You’ve seen a porn video here and there. But seeing Angel’s dick, you were impressed by his size and slightly nervous. 

“Are all guys these big?” 

Angel chuckled. “Fuck no baby, I’m just blessed.” 

You had to laugh at Angel’s reply. Of course he was. “Is that going to fit?”

“Oh, you know it will.” He positioned himself in between your legs, coating his cock with your wetness. “It’s going to hurt, baby but it’ll get better I promise.” Angel lined up his cock against your entrance and slowly slipped his cock in. He saw the discomfort on your face, which made him frown. “You okay?”

You nodded your head, holding your breath hoping that the pain would eventually fade. Angel rubbed your clit, hoping the added stimulation would help you relax. Your walls were not clenching down on him as hard when he rubbed it. He was able to move forward and pushed himself in, making you groan.

“Sorry baby,” he whispered into your ear as you scratched his back for some sort of relief. “Fuck, baby. Let me know when I can move.” 

The burning was still present, you felt him stretch you, but it wasn’t painful, if anything, it was beginning to feel pleasurable. 

“Move, please.”

“Thank god,” Angel began to move in and out, resting his hands on either side of your head. He wanted to make sure this was pleasurable for you. He hasn’t been with a virgin since he was in high school. It was an honor to be your first. With how beautiful you were, he would think you at least have experienced it once but it seemed that Diego built a wall around you that no one could penetrate. That’s ain’t the case anymore. “Fuck baby, you feel really good.” Angel realized that he didn’t have a condom on, but he couldn’t stop now. You felt too fucking good. He loves you and if he fucking got you pregnant, so be it. 

You just moaned in response, scratching at Angel’s back. 

“You look so beautiful, I’ve always wondered how you looked without those clothes on. Fucking perfection.” Angel slowed his pace when he felt you tightening around him. He straightened his back, watching where you two were connected. “I’m never going to get tired of this. Fuck Diego, right baby? It’s you and me now. Right?”

“Yes,” you gasped out, wanting him to go faster. “Just you.”

“That’s right, I’m the only one who is ever going to see you like this.” Angel hovered over you again, attaching his lips to yours. “I’m going to be your first and last.”

You could only moan out his name in reply, his pace quickening once more.

“You ready to come again baby girl? My cock has you feeling so good, huh?” He began rubbing your clit again.

“It feels so good Angel,” you moaned out. “Faster.”

“I got you baby girl, I always got you.” Angel knew he wasn’t going to last long. Too much pent up sexual energy between you two. A year and a half and it finally happened. 

You called out his name as you came, Angel following after you. He did a few more thrust before pulling out. He saw the blood that was dripping down due to your first time and got up to retrieve a wet cloth. He wiped his dick real quick before coming over to you and cleaning you up. You sighed as he caressed you. 

“Where are your blankets?” He questioned.

“Closet in the hallway.” You were spent. The ache was present in between your legs, but it felt good. 

Angel took a blanket and came back to your room. He requested for you to stand up and you just laughed.

“I don’t think I can.” 

Angel chuckled. “Damn baby, my dick that good?”

“Fuck you Angel.”

“You just did.” Angel helped you up as he quickly pulled your blanket off and helped you lay down. He placed the blanket over you and placed your old one on the floor. He slipped in beside you, taking you into his arms. “How was that for your first time?”

“I’m not going to stroke your ego.”

“You know it was good.” Angel teased.

“Yeah it was.” You kissed his chest. “I really do love you Angel.”

“And I love you. Diego isn’t going to come between us.”

“No, he isn’t.”

Angel was going to make sure of it. He meant it. Diego lost his chance and he wasn’t going to let you go. 

[judediangelo75]

Remember

Hello~

I know you guys are probably sick of me writing so much Talbott stuff. I can’t help it, bird boy is endgame and this is my way of coping with the fact I don’t see him often in the game. 

This is gonna be slightly different. So, Judith never ran away. This would would follow Jam City’s storyline somewhat (so Talbott and Judith never met prior).

I felt like writing something less fluff and a just a hint more spicy. Nothing crazy. This is playing on the idea that Talbott finally asks Judith about her secret, which she erased his memory.

Hope you guys like it!

-------------------------------------

Talbott usually prides himself on his memory. Being a background character, he silently studies others. Taking notes on them to keep in mind just in case he has to interact with them (not that he's looking to do so).

But there's one part of his memory that was erased and that bothered him. How did it happened?

Judith Harris.

They were in their third year, the same year he lost his precious feather necklace gifted to him by his mum. The girl was trying to get him to open up, and she almost succeeded. If it wasn't for his keen hearing.

Merula Synde was spying on the them and he became angry. Not at just the Hufflepuff, but himself for nearly letting the girl in.

He left the stunned and hurt Hufflepuff alone in the Courtyard, trying to figure out how to fix the issue. He just found a solution when Judith started to pester him again about letting her help. Of course his answer was a resounding "no", but the girl wouldn't give up. Eventually, he relented and allowed her to help.

That's how they found themselves standing before his Head of House, asking him to teach them Oblivate, the Memory Charm. When Professor Flitwick suggested if Talbott wanted to catch up on the lessons that he missed, he felt his blood run cold. He did miss quite a few lessons and suddenly asking for a private lesson on an advanced spell wasn't a good look for him...

Luckily, Judith was quick to step in. She claimed that she was catching up Talbott up to speed on the lessons he missed and they wanted to get ahead on their studies. Talbott was mildly surprised to see the thoughtful expression on Professor Flitwick's face before he agreed to teach them. Talbott spared a glance at the smiling Hufflepuff. He did recall Flitwick calling Judith one of his favorite students, and she could've been a Ravenclaw herself due to her Hat Stall just a few years prior.

Time passed as the two studied the spell under the Dueling Champion's watchful eye. Talbott could remember how Judith looked as she studied and practiced alongside him. The quiet, studious air that surrounded her. How her gold eyes scanned the pages with the occasional slow blink. The sound of her voice as she practiced the incantation. How her body moved as she practiced her stance. How her slender fingers brushed a loose loc behind her ear. The glow the sunlight bathe her in, causing her skin radiate brilliantly as if she was the sun itself. The way her lips formed that thoughtful pout...

When the pair finished, Judith thanked the Charms professor before he gave them a warning not to misuse the spell.

That's when Talbott came up with the "brilliant" idea of having Judith practice the spell on one of them to see if truly worked. The girl agreed, but said that she would feel more comfortable casting the charm on him rather their Professor. Talbott agreed with that logic, seeing how he would do the same but told her not to make him forget anything important.

"Rather than erase a pre-existing memory, it might be easier if you tell Mr. Winger a new piece of information... Something he didn't know before and wouldn't forget, then use the Memory Charm to erase that memory."

Talbott consented to this, nothing wanting the Hufflepuff to make him forget anything he knew before.

The last clear detail he could remember, or he believed that he could remember, was what looked like a blush on the girl's cheeks.

After that, Talbott couldn't remember a thing until Judith asked if he remembered anything. He found that he didn't like the cheerful smile on her lips when he confirmed he couldn't remember her secret.

He prided himself on his memory and not remembering her secret bothered him more than he's willing to admit. The only other person who knows what she told him was Flitwick, and his teasing smile didn't really provide too many hints to what she could have said.

Now, they were in the 7th year and he has remembered a lot of things in regards to the Hufflepuff Head Girl.

Like how the girl barely grew after their fourth year, making her one of the shortest member of their group of friends. Her locs would be let down more outside of class, reaching down to her hips. How her face lost any traces of baby fat, sculpted delicately to show off her cheekbones. How her style gradually began to expand. As of recently, she's been indulging in a slight girly appearance. Dark shadow dusting on her eyelids, a dark burgundy lipstick covered her full lips, dark red nail polish covered her neatly filed nails and she seem to wearing more skirts and dresses outside her class robes. This would be heavy reminder that the same girl who Talbott helped become an Animagus, the same girl who helped him find my necklace, the same girl who he went on a few dates with...

Was now a woman...

Oh dear Gods, that reminder would never fail to come in the forefront of his mind when they would hang out outside of our classes.

The years have been very kind to her. With Quidditch to help her build and maintain muscle and her genetics made her a very alluring witch.

His red eyes would drink their fill whenever she was around, leaving him slightly drunk on the vision of her. The slight sway in her small hips when she walks. The way her skirt would sometimes ride up her smooth thick, thighs. The way she arches her back when she stretches. The way her sharp cat like eyes would stare into his, accompanied with that slow blink. How her lips move in what feels like slow motion. When she talks, smiles, smirks, eats, drinks...

All that information was engraved into his brain, making forgetting her impossible. So vividly he remembers the girl, that she even visits his dreams.

Her featherlike touch along the skin of his cheek and jaw...

The sweet smell of coconuts and coco butter that fills his lungs when she leans in close...

The warmth that radiates from under her skin, pressing against his...

Her bright gold eyes sparkling with desire and love, accompanied by the slow seductive blink...

The way those sweet lips form the syllables of his name, paired with the sound of it mixed with her accent...

Talbott can't remember the amount of times he's woken up with a rapid beating heart and flushed face. Nor how every time he wished he stayed asleep just a few minutes longer to finally know what it's like to finally kiss the girl of his dreams...

Tonight was only slightly different. It was a little after two in the morning and Talbott was suddenly wide awake from his most recent dream. This time it had to do with their recent adventure to the lake with their friends. Judith went for a dive and emerged from the clear water. Talbott remembered how she looked with she reemerged.

Her locs were heavy with water, a few strands hanging in front of her face. The two piece black and yellow bathing suit was drenched as well. Water glistened under the sun and ran down her warm chocolate skin. Following the curve of her waist and hips, over her tone arms, highlighting her scars and even running down her thick thighs as she slowly walked towards the shore. Some of it hung onto her short curly lashes and lush lips, which were spread in a bright smile.

In his dream, however, they were alone. And the way she walked towards him resembled a predator closing in on their prey. The slight sway of her hips was present as she stalked towards his shellshock form sitting on the shore. The wet Hufflepuff crawled into his lap, a teasing smirk tugged on her moist lips. He remembered a particular droplet of water run down her elegant neck, over her collarbones before disappearing in her bathing suit top. The way her hands danced over the front of his now wet sleeveless shirt wasn't doing him any real favors anyways...

Her lips were just hovering over his when he woke up. And he was staring at his ceiling, allowing his mind run over the memories of the young woman.

When that particularly day in Charms class entered his mind. And stayed there.

He groaned in annoyance as the memory of not remembering the girl's secret replayed in his head like a broken record. He sat up abruptly and got out of bed. Clearly he wasn't going back to sleep anytime soon. A quick flight should hopefully tired him out and take his mind off the Hufflepuff beauty...

Walking to his window, he opened it before transforming into his Golden Eagle before flying out of his room. The cool breeze brushed against him and Talbott internally sighed at the small relief. He flew around the castle grounds, which was perfectly silent and dark. Well save one location.

Talbott noticed a light coming from the Owlery and was slightly confused at the idea of someone being there at such a late hour.

His curiosity won out and he silently landed at the opening to see who was there.

Judith sat on the ground near the stairs. A large blanket was wrapped around her shoulders as a she had a book resting on the top of her thighs and her wand in her hand. Her gold eyes were trained on the pages, shining with interest. Her locs were up in a messy bun on top of her hand. Talbott can see a hint of what seemed to be her sleep attire, which didn't seem like much seeing how exposed her shoulders and legs were.

If Talbott was in human form, he would've been blushing to the tips of his ears and biting his lip. Despite being a loner, he was still an 18 year old male with hormones. Even with his Animagus abilities, he can not deny the animalistic base instincts he feels from time to time. Especially with the object of his affections sitting just a few feet away...

The girl looked up, her gold eyes staring dead at him. He watched her full lips spread into that heart stopping smile he loved so much.

"Talbott, how long have you been sitting there?" Talbott flew closer to the girl before transforming back.

"Not long... I went out for late night slight because I couldn't sleep. Couldn't help but to notice the light coming from the Owlery," Talbott said softly. The girl nodded.

"I couldn't really sleep either and felt like doing some reading. Not wanting to disturb anybody, I came here..." Talbott found himself staring at her lips again as she spoke. The curiosity was burning him alive.

Though was it because those same lips that told him her secret formulated the incantation for the Memory Charm and erased his memory? Or was it because he wanted to learn about them using his own?

"You know, I've been remembering something..." Judith's eyes raised from her book to lock with his. Without looking away, she bookmarked her page before turning to give him her undivided attention.

"What is it, Talbott?" Gods, he will never tire hearing his name coming from her...

"You... you never did tell me what you said when you erased my memory," he recalled. An arched brow regarded before a soft chuckle escaped the girl. Thanks to the light emitting from her wand, Talbott was able to see the blush on her cheeks.

"Here I thought you would forget about that," she whispered. Now it was Talbott's turn to raise a brow.

"Was it that bad for you to hope I'd forget that you even mentioned it," he asked. A loc fell free from her messy bun. Just as she was about to brush it aside, Talbott did it for her. His body felt like it was on autopilot as he gently tucked the loc behind the shell of her ear, the tips of his finger dancing over the skin there. He knew he should pull away but the blush on her face, which was darkening, intrigued him...

"It wasn't bad per say... it depends on how your feelings are set up." Talbott frowned at the cryptic message.

"What are you-oh..." The sweet smell that clung onto her filled his lungs as she leaned closer. The light caress of her fingertips danced over one of his cheeks, pulling him closer still. Her warm breath briefly fanned over his cheek before he felt her lips press against it.

The soft 'oh' was all he can muster at that moment as his memory went that memory lane. The night of their first date, where they held hands under the stars. Their date on Valentines' Day, where Talbott shyly pressed his lips against Judith's cheek. The day of the festival, where he kissed her again before flying around the Quidditch pitch.

To now...

"I fancy you, Talbott..." came the soft whisper against his cheek. Judith pulled away a little to gauge his reaction to her admission. If she was younger, she probably would've ran away or try to change the subject. But it's their 7th year. After this year, they will all go their separate ways. Besides at this point, it's not much of a secret anymore. Not ever since she admitted this to him again their 4th year when she asked him out on a date...

"You... me?!" Not the most intelligent response she's ever heard from the Eagle Animagus but that doesn't make him seem less adorable in that moment.

"I went on several dates with you, bird boy. Why are you even surprised at this point," she teased with a playful eye roll. Talbott stared at the girl.

She fancied him out of all wizards... ever since their third year?

"But... why? I've been nothing but rude to you ever since we met..." Judith gave him a shy smile.

"It's kinda hard to explain. Something about you, drew me to you. You're quiet, mysterious... and rather handsome. Plus, I know that the quiet loners tend to have the biggest hearts," she admitted, toying with a loose loc. Talbott almost couldn't believe his ears. He reached out and carefully raised her chin so she can look at him. Her mystical gold eyes locked with his, accompanied by that slow blink.

'Those eyes will be the death of me...' he thought, trying to hold back his desire.

"I fancy you too, little bird," Talbott said. He watched as Judith's face brighten.

"Talbott..." Talbott narrowed his eyes at the girl as she said his name. He could feel his animalistic instincts are to grumble to life. Her slender, but tone arms reached up to wrap loosely around his neck. Her blanket fell from her shoulders, revealing her body.

A black silk tank top with matching shorts clothed her. Talbott swallowed thickly as his mind started to head down a dark path.

"I..." Good, a small distraction. Talbott shifted his focus to the girl who seem to be blushing. She cleared her throat.

"I... I know this is sudden but I was wondering... can you kiss me?" Talbott doubts he can ever say no to her, especially with the way she teasing him by biting her lower lip...

"Do you really want me to, little bird," he asked as he leaned closer. He's been wanting this for so long, but he didn't want to start anything without her absolute permission. Judith seem to pick on this because she seem to chuckle a little.

"Kiss me, Talbott... please..." He can't deny her pretty little plea. He leaned in the rest of the way and pressed his lips against her own.

The contact was soft, curious. It was just light brushes until Judith decided she wanted more of the Ravenclaw male. Pressing her lips more fully against his, she planted herself in his lap. Talbott let out a surprised gasp as she did, but groaned when she nipped at his lower lip. Deciding to give in this feeling, he curled an arm around her waist while his free hand cupped the back of her neck. Dipping her head back a bit, he sucked on her bottom lip. Judith let out a soft moan at the act of dominance from Talbott.

The kiss grew more feverish as their tongues met in teasing flickers. Neither of their hands can remain still for long, exploring the other's body and committing it to memory.

Talbott wanted to remember every detail of this moment. The feeling of her soft lips against his own. The sweet taste of vanilla. How she sighs lovingly against his mouth when he caresses her how so tenderly. The warmth that radiates from under her skin. The curve of her waist and hips beneath his hands. The fullness of her thighs. The way her breath hitched when he trailed kisses from her lips, down her jaw to her neck. The sound of her soft moan when he found a sweet spot right where her neck and shoulder meet. The way her thighs squeezed his hips to alleviate the building discomfort in between her legs.

The pair pulled away for a bit to ease the heated fog from their minds.

"I'm definitely going to remember this moment," he mumbled. Judith let out a cute giggle.

"We can create many more moments like this one... that is if you want," she said shyly, biting her kiss swollen lip. Talbott let out a playful growl before holding her tighter to his chest. Judith let out a squeal and another giggle. The young man tried to ignore the growing discomfort in his groin.

"Of course, little bird. I don't plan on letting you go anything soon."

"Well good, because I don't want you to..."

[scribbuluswrites]

The Boxing

Happy Friday everyone! Today I’m posting the final chapter for Faking It. Feels kind of bittersweet, really. It’s been a fun ride. :) As always, thanks so much for reading this, and especially those special few who’ve avidly kept up and sent me messages. You guys are great. 

The first box was easy. Everything from the kitchen fit neatly into one cardboard box, the biggest benefit of having very few items. It also helped that there was nothing of sentimental value in there. 

Katarina’s progress slowed as she started in the living room. There were just a few knicknacks on the shelves, but she had forgotten about the photos scattered around. 

Happy had begrudgingly let her take a few snaps of them together. His annoyance level, though, had significantly decreased over time. He had even taken one to keep with him, keeping it tucked inside his kutte. 

Her fingers traced over each one. For every good memory they contained, she could think of another bad one. The positives were frequently knocked down by negatives. 

-

“How long are you gone this time?” Katarina asked, sitting on the bed in Happy’s house. He was busy sorting through ammo and packing what he would need. 

“Don’t know.” His answer was gruff; if you could even consider it much of a reply. Kat nodded, picking at the frayed knee of her jeans. She wanted to ask him more, but she definitely didn’t want to start another argument. 

Happy zipped up his backpack. He dropped it next to the door, shrugging on his kutte. Kat had followed him, leaning against the doorway. 

“Stay here while I’m gone.” Kat nodded her agreement, knowing she wasn’t actually going to stay. It was an extra 30 minutes on her drive to campus, but Happy would never hear of her going back to her apartment alone. To him, she was safest here. 

-

She took the photos out of the frames, slipping them into an empty shoebox. Kat added the little silver pendant Happy had given her before he pushed her away the second time. The time he had made all sorts of promises he’d never be able to keep. 

The two little closets were quick work. Almost everything in them would be donated: old coats, a candle holder that had once been a gift, some holiday decorations, and a heavy quilt. None of this had been needed in the past several months, so she would take the opportunity to purge some extra items. 

Her final task was the most difficult. Kat had taken all of her bed linens and most of her clothes to her temporary home down south. What was left, though, were memories. 

-

“That’s new,” Kat commented, running her fingers over the Redwood flash on Happy’s kutte. It hadn’t been there before his trip south to California. 

“It looks like I’m going to be staying near Charming longer than planned.” He hung his kutte over a chair before sitting heavily on the end of the bed, tugging off his boots. 

“So you’re moving?” she asked hesitantly, wondering how, or if, he would answer. Happy nodded. 

“It’s temporary, but probably still at least a year or two,” he explained, pulling off his shirt. He stood up just long enough to shuck his jeans, scooting up the bed to sit against the headboard. “You wanna go with me?” he rasped, watching her carefully. 

“Like a long weekend?” Happy shook his head, still staring at her. Kat pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, trying to hide her smile. She nodded, curling against him when he held his arm open for her. 

-

Katarina pulled out her original box of ‘ex-boyfriend things’. Most of this was no longer sentimental, the sting worn off after so many years. 

She sifted through the contents, not even remembering why some of it was there. At the bottom, though, was a wristband from a concert. That had definitely caused a fight. Kat still hated that memory more than most of the others. 

-

Happy was sitting on his bike outside the venue, waiting for her. Kat’s heart dropped at the look on his face. 

“I thought you were staying at the clubhouse tonight. Patch party or something,” she said, walking up to him. Her friends hung back a few paces, too intimidated to come any closer. 

“Get on the bike, girl,” he said sharply, shoving the helmet into her hands. 

“We were going to get some food. You’re welcome to join,” she replied, putting her hand on the top of the helmet rather than accepting it. 

“Now,” he growled. Katarina rolled her eyes but grasped the helmet, putting it on her head. 

“I’ll see you guys later,” she nodded, waving as she threw her leg over the back of the bike. “I fucking hate when you treat me like this. I’m not some kid you can just boss around.” 

“I wouldn’t treat you like this if you listened,” he grumbled, firing the bike up. 

-

Kat shifted, sitting on the floor with her knees pulled up. She dropped her forehead against them, letting herself feel sad and angry. Part of her wanted to cry, but a larger part of her wanted to demolish everything in the box. Even in death, Happy was still capable of filling her with conflicting emotions. Nothing with them had ever been easy. 

She replaced everything in the box, labelling it with just an X. Kat taped it up, lifting the small box. She thought about it for a few more moments, deciding to take care of this box now. With a sigh, she carried it straight outside and tossed it into the dumpster.

She wiped her palms on her jeans, staring at the small box for a few extra minutes. The weak little bit of her heart wanted to pull it out, but she set her jaw, forcing her feet to carry her back to the apartment. It was a closed chapter now, and she didn’t need any more reminders.

--

Coco put out his cigarette, watching as Katarina waved at him from the balcony. She had wanted some time alone to finish organizing things in her old apartment, so he’d stayed outside, back leaned against the borrowed pickup truck. 

“Hey, you all packed?” he asked, walking up the stairs to meet her. Kat nodded, leading him to the short stack of boxes. 

“Yea, sorry. That took a little longer than anticipated,” she apologised, nervously twirling her key ring. Coco gave his head a quick shake, reaching out to stop her fidgeting. 

“Nah, it’s good, dulce. I get old lives,” he shrugged, hoping his calm energy would settle into her as he held her hands. 

“You might not talk a lot, but, damn, you’re incredible at this understanding thing,” she grinned, finally taking a deep breath. Coco interrupted her before she could speak again, already knowing what she was going to say. 

“I love you,” he said softly, moving his hands to cup her cheeks. “When we get back to Santo, it’s all about us. New life shit,” he smiled, brushing his lips against hers. Kat put her hands over his, visibly relaxing. 

“I like that. New life shit,” she repeated, nodding. “Let’s get these boxes out of here. No more NorCal.” 

“That’s right, querida. SoCal until we figure out where else we wanna go,” he winked, reveling in the surprised look on her face. 

“Somewhere else, huh?” Coco nodded confidently. 

“I ain’t retiring in Santo Padre,” he told her, letting her go to pick up the first box. “C’mon, happily ever after is waitin’.” Katarina chuckled, grabbing a box and following him down the stairs. 

“I knew you were the knight out of my fairytale,” she smiled. “Glad you rode up on a softail and not a horse.”

“Sir Coco,” he declared, putting his chin in the air. “After you, m’lady,” he joked, grinning as she curtseyed. 

Coco wondered if he would ever stop being shocked that this was his life now. He smirked to himself, knowing he’d never get used to Katarina being his. 

Tags: @agirllovespasta @gemini0410 @scuzmunkie @woahitslucyylu @chibsytelford @ifoundmyhappythought @multiyfandomgirl40

[loudsuitlover]

Doctor Harry XVIII.

A/N: Harry meets Indie’s mum. Indie’s mum meets Harry. Indie is no longer Indie. 

INDIE’S POV

Harry and I lie on my bed as we both work on our laptops. He’s gathering some data from his patients’ record for some smart research of his and I’m trying to study Anaesthesiology. It’s very convenient to have him here really because he’s great at explaining and he kisses me after every explanation too.

I haven’t been keeping track of the time, so I didn’t know it was that late until my mum knocks on my door. I give Harry a terrified look but he just smiles and shrugs, letting me decide what to do with my Mum.

“¿Nena?” (Baby?)

“Sí.” (Yes.)

“¿Puedo pasar?” (Can I come in?)

“Eh… Sí, sí, pasa. Estoy con un amigo.” (Uh… Yes, yes, come on in. I’m with a guy friend.”

“Oh, is Jason with you?”

“No, no es Jason, mamá, pasa.” (No, it’s not Jason, mum, come on in.)

“Ah, ¿habla español?”

My mum finally opens the door and her dark eyes set on Harry and me on my bed. He’s sitting down with his back against my headboard and I’ve sat up next to him but there’s still lots of space between us. Nothings looks suspicious, especially for someone as innocent as my mum. She gives him a smile.

“No, no hablo español.” Harry says in a very awkward but very cute Spanish.

I give him an amused, surprised smile and he wiggles his eyebrows.

“Oh, I’m sorry, then.”

“No problem.” He smiles.

“I’m Alicia.”

My mum walks over to my bed and shakes Harry’s hand and I just stare at their interaction. This is so awkward. I’m going to kill her.

“I’m Harry. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too.” She smiles. “Are you staying over for dinner? I just came to ask you what you wanted for dinner and to say hi” she giggles “but I didn’t know you had visit, nena.”

Harry’s eyes set on me as if he was asking for permission. I don’t like that. I guess he’s just sending me an SOS because I don’t think he’s going to want to stay over and have dinner with the Fernandez girls but I like it when he’s his own person and takes his own decisions so I raise my eyebrows.

“Do you want to stay over for dinner?” I ask him.

“If you’re inviting me, then yes.”

“Of course she’s inviting you!” My mum horrifies.

She’s probably freaking out at how blunt I was to Harry. If she knew… Harry grins. There he is, he’s amused with this. He’s probably going to make fun of me for this dinner for ages.

“No se hable más. I’m cooking Spanish food” My mum giggles excitedly and I smile amused. “How do you feel about corvina con esparrágos trigeros?” She asks me for Harry doesn’t understand her.

I nod.

“Ask him.” My mum tells me. “I don’t remember how you say esparrágos trigeros… He pasado demasiado tiempo en España esta vez… Y dile que son españoles, ¿eh? Que son de tu abuelo.” She smiles.

“She asks if you feel like having Spanish wild asparagus.” I smile amused.

This is so Spanish and Harry is so British. I imagine him on my abuelos’ country house and can’t help but smile. They couldn’t talk to one another for my Abuelos don’t speak any English and he’d probably struggle to even introduce himself.

“They’re from my grandpa’s vegetable garden back in Spain.”

“I would love that. Grasias.” He adorably says.

My mum and I both giggle like smitten teenagers before she leaves and Harry gives her a charming smile. We keep silently working until about 45 minutes later, my Mum texts me that dinner is ready.

Harry smiles amused as we make our way downstairs.

“I guess I don’t have to tell you we’re just friends.”

He chuckles.

“Yes, friends who sleep with each other.”

“See? That’s the part my mum is not interested in.”

He smiles.

“Are you afraid I’m going to embarrass you?” He half jokes.

I think I am.

“No, I’m afraid my mum will.”

“I can’t wait for this to begin. Do you think she’ll show me your baby pictures?”

“Just friends.” I point a finger at him right before we make our presence known on the dining table.

Coco is setting empty wine glasses on the table. Oh, boy, she’s going all out. I really hope she at least hasn’t changed her clothes and appears with a red carpet dress and a hairdresser’s bun… She didn’t, thank God.

“Please, take a seat.” She tells us as she sets the corvina on the table.

It reminds me of the gilt-head bream I tried to cook for dinner the other night before Harry and I ended up having sex on my couch and my fish ended up burnt and the bits I could save part of Coco’s salad the next day. She didn’t mention how dry it was, but that was probably because of the amount of olive oil and vinegar I used to season it.

“This smells delicious.” Harry compliments my mum’s cooking playing Prince Charming and she smiles.

Good try, but my Mum already knows she’s a great cook. Still, it was polite.

“Hi, Coco. How are you?”

“Hi, Harry. I’m fine, and you?”

“I’m good, thank you.”

My mum sits down next to Coco leaving Harry a chair next to mine in front of them and tells us to help ourselves. I take Harry’s plate and serve him first under my mum’s attentive stare. This is probably surprising and amusing Harry. I bet he never imagined I would treat him like an actual guest but my family raised me to be a great host.

“Thank you, Blue.” He says.

A timid smirk takes over my lips that he can’t see and I shake my head before I grab my own plate and serve some fish and asparagus for myself.

“How did you call her?” My mum asks.

I tense up. I let him call me Blue because I know what it means to him. It’s that Elvis Presley’s song that he likes and I actually like it when he calls me that. I’d much rather have him calling me Blue than baby in front of my mother anyway. Harry stiffens on his chair though. I’ll let him be nervous for this one. That’s what happens when you overstep.

“Did you call her Blue?” My mum’s eyes widen.

“Isn’t that my name?” I smirk as I sit back down next to him.

“Yes, it is.” She smiles. “It’s just… You… People don’t usually call her that.”

Harry nods.

“I know. She doesn’t actually let me call her that but I knew she wouldn’t call me out in front of you.” He explains.

My mum laughs out loud before she also serves herself some dinner. I can���t believe he just said that. How can he be so shameless?

“Harry, why don’t you bless the table? You know, say thank you for this food.”

His green eyes widen as he stares at me. We’ve never done that in this house but I’ve had dinner with him times enough to know he doesn’t do that either. Coco giggles under her breath. My mum doesn’t say anything because she doesn’t know whether I asked him to do that because that’s something he normally does so I just wait for the fun to begin. He clears his throat.

“I… Uh, I’m sorry but I’ve never done that. I don’t want to like do something bad and be accidentally offensive but you can do it in Spanish if you want.”

“She’s just messing with you, Harry.” My mum swats my head and Coco laughs.

“¡Mamá!”

“De verdad, Blue, ¡qué vergüenza, por Dios! Compórtate.” (Seriously, Blue, that was embarrassing, for the love of God! Behave yourself.)

“Mamá, pero si a Harry le encantan las bromas. Isn’t that right, Harry? Don’t you love jokes?”

“I love a joke as much as the next guy.” He smiles.

“Oh, do you?” My mum smiles. “Then how would you like to hear a funny story about Blue?”

My eyes widen and my cheeks tinge red. Harry lowly chuckles next to me and Coco laughs and shakes her head.

“Eso te pasa por meterte con el invitado.” (That’s what you get for messing with Mum’s guest.)

“I remember this one time when Blue was over sixteen years old.”

“Mamá, no, no, la de la feria no.” (Mum, no, no, not the one on the fair.)

She nods and smiles mischievously.

“We were in Spain for the summer holidays and my family is from a small town in Spain and lots of small towns in Spain have these summer festivities where we have like a fair and free concerts and things like that so we were at the fair and there was this attraction that consisted on punching like a small punching bag that somehow quantifies the strength you have.”

I bring my hand to my face at the memory and Coco starts laughing.

“It was amazing.” She adds.

Harry glances at me with a teasing grin on his pretty face.

“So my son Rio challenged Blue and he hit it first. Blue’s very competitive so she got ready” my mum starts making gestures with her hands imitating me and I purse my lips trying not to smile “and she hit it so hard it effectively stick to the ceiling of the machine” my mum nods “for a few seconds and then when she was being all sassy to Rio because she had won, the punching bag came back and hit her on the back of her head.”

My sister holds her belly as she gives us a demonstration of her silent laughter and Harry laughs out loud too.

“That’s such a great story.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I nod.

“And this is delicious, Alizia. Did I pronounce it right?”

“More or less.” My mum giggles. “You can call me Allie, if that’s easier.”

Well, she really liked Harry. I understand, he’s being all charming and all smiles for my family. And he’s very handsome too. I’m both my mum and my sister are thinking that.

“So, Harry, do you study with Blue?”

His eyebrows raised on his forehead.

“Kind of.” He explains. “I’m a doctor but you know we study all our lives so yeah I study with her sometimes.” He smiles.

“Oh, you’re a doctor already?” My mum nods. “And do you also know Blue’s friends or just her?”

“No, I know them.”

My mum nods. I know that was her way of trying to find out how we met. I also know she probably doesn’t think we’re just friends anymore. I give her a smile and raise my eyebrows at her stare. Oh, no, she’s trying to figure it out.

“And where are you from? I hope you don’t mind me asking.” She smiles.

“I don’t. I’m from Bellamond.”

“Oh” Coco’s lips part as she looks at him as if he had just admit he was raised poor.

She’s so tactless I want to hit her on her head. I kick her under the table and she stiffens and frowns at me. I widen my eyes warningly at her and she just pouts and look away.

“That’s a very nice village.” My mum says. “You know I’ve painted quite a lot there. In that river that goes down the bridge to the train station.”

“Oh, yeah” Harry grins “My mum lives like seven minutes away from that bridge. I used to hang out on the river banks when I was growing up.”

“Oh, you did?” My mum smiles.

“Yes, I wish I could see one of your paintings. I bet they bring me nice memories.”

My mum loves that. He’s good.

“That’s what my paintings are all about.” She celebrates. “Maybe you could bring him to the next exhibit, nena.” She tells me.

“Sure.” I lie.

Of course not. I won’t just walk around with him on my mother’s gallery. That’s not what exclusive friends with benefits do.

“I would love that.” He explains. “Maybe it could be our next date.”

I choke on my corvina. My mum’s eyes widen and her lips part and Coco grins like she was in love. I’m going to press my hands down his throat and kill him.

“I’m kidding.” He explains. “I did say I like a joke.”

“I hate you.”

Coco laughs before she gets up from the table and starts picking it up.

“I’m going out.” She announces.

“With Chicco?”

Coco shakes her head. She waits until my mum is out of the room to tell us.

“Guido asked me out but don’t tell mum. You know how she gets.”

All excited and completely gone planning tacky weddings and doing ceramics. I chuckle.

“Don’t worry.”

“Guido Matteoti?” Harry asks her being the nosy soul he is.

She nods and Harry smiles.

“Well try not to break his heart, Coco.” He warns. “He’s one of the few decent ones of his kind.”

I chuckle while Coco takes both our empty plates and shakes her head.

“You guys are the perfect match.” She says.

I throw my head back and laugh while Harry just grins and raises his eyebrows.

“Too bad we’re just friends.” He shrugs.

This time it’s Coco who laughs before she walks away from the table. Harry slaps my thigh gently before moving his hand up and down grinning at me.

“I didn’t know you were so strong, baby.” He teases me.

I click my tongue and swat his arm.

“Stop it, you idiot.”

He chuckles and rests his left elbow on the table, tilting his body so he’s facing me and he raises his eyebrows as he wriggles his fingers.

“Come on. I’m a right-handed. I’m giving you a leg up.”

I roll my eyes and stare at his hand. He’s going to win. But I still please him and he grins when I hold his hand.

“Okay, ready, set, go.”

I push his hand as hard as I can but he’s not budging. At least he’s not pushing mine back either. I’m frowning and my entire face is wrinkled as I try to push his arm down but he just chuckles.

“Are you done?” He asks me.

I purse my lips and he chuckles.

“Careful, love” he pushes my arm back until it lays on the table easily “wouldn’t want to hurt you.” He chuckles.

“Don’t be so full of yourself, Styles.”

“Styles?” He laughs. “You really are competitive, hey?”

“And you really are conceited.”

He chuckles. He’s about to say something when my mum walks towards the table with two bowls of natillas con galletas and she sets them in front of the two of us.

“I’m taking Coco to her date.” She tells us. “She thinks I don’t know but she’s wearing lip gloss. Una madre sabe esas cosas. Those are natillas, Harry. It’s Blue’s favourite dessert.”

“Gracias, mamá.”

“Grasias, Allie.”

My mum smiles.

“See you, guys. It was very nice meeting you and having you for dinner, Harry. You can come anytime you want.”

“Thank you for having me. Well, it was really delicious so I’d gladly accept any future invites.” He smiles at me.

I roll my eyes. I get a spoonful of natillas so I don’t have to say anything but he’s smiling even if he’s trying not to as he tries my mum’s natillas aka the best dessert in the world.

“Fuck” he frowns but I know that face, that’s his appreciation face.

“I know, it’s the best dessert in the world.”

“It’s delicious” he agrees “but it’s not the best dessert in the world.” He smirks mischievously.

“Pancakes are breakfast, not dessert.”

“Wasn’t talking about pancakes.” His green eyes set on mine.

When I understand he’s talking about me, my cheeks tinge pink and I look away. He’s so dirty.

“You know” I change the topic “I’m a little worried about Marie and your friend.”

“Adam?” He sounds surprised. “Don’t worry about him. He’s harmless. He’s probably not the kind of person you think he is.”

“Why do you say that? Who do you think I think he is?”

He widens his eyes and shakes his head as if he was lost with my question and I chuckle. He’s got the sense of humour of an elderly man.

“You probably think he’s a womanizer selfish prick.” He shrugs. “Just like you think of me.”

I frown. That’s not what I think of him. I mean, it’s not all I think of him. I also think he’s smart and caring and affectionate and lovely but I won’t sweet talk to him.

“He’s not like you think.”

“How is he then?”

Harry shrugs.

“He’s kind.”

“Then how come he doesn’t have a girlfriend? How old is he?”

“He’s twenty-six.” He smirks.

“Why are you smiling? He doesn’t have a girlfriend, does he?”

“No.” He laughs. “It’s just funny how judgy you’re being.”

That offends me. I’m not being judgy, I’m just protecting my friend. Marie goes all out when she’s in love and she falls in love so easily and I do not want this guy to hurt her because she’s one of the best people I know.

“I’m just asking because I care about Marie.”

Harry nods.

“I know.”

“Is he like you?”

“Meaning?” His green eyes set on mine.

“Meaning, does he not do girlfriends either?”

Because that’s not the kind of guy who can be with Marie. His eyes seem to be tremendously amused with this.

“Not at all.” He chuckles. “He had a girlfriend for several years but they broke up after the accident.”

“What accident?”

His green eyes turn darker and he coughs.

“He was in the car with Gemma. I thought you knew.”

“How would I know if you didn’t tell me?”

He shrugs.

“I thought you had put two and two together.”

I shake my head. He gives me a sad smile.

“What I’m worried about” he adds “is your friend.”

“Marie?” I all but yell. “She’s lovely!”

“As lovely as you are? Because in that case we have a problem.”

I roll my eyes. He thinks he’s so funny.

“Real lovely” I defend my friend “she really is lovely. She’s nothing like me.”

It’s true. She isn’t. She’s sweet and caring and affectionate and lovely and lovable. His green eyes study me for the longest minute. I wish I could know what he’s thinking. I give him a questioning look and he sighs and pushes his empty bowl of natillas away from him.

“He’s got erectile dysfunction.” He tells me.

My eyes widen. But he’s twenty-six years old! My lips part. Oh, oh.

“After the accident, he had a lot of internal bleeding and he had a surgery. Well, actually, a few. He’s actually lucky all he got as a repercussion from the accident was that.” Harry explains. “But it’s really hard for him to even open up about it and it’s also hard to find someone who doesn’t care about that.”

“But… Can he not have sex at all?”

Harry sighs.

“Well the penetration is just part of sex and it’s not even mandatory. I mean if anything, the one who has trouble having an orgasm is him but, yes, he can have sex. He just has a prosthesis.”

I nod. I’ll google that afterwards because I have no idea how that works and I’m not about to ask him and make the whole thing even more awkward.

“But it’s still complicated. He’s gone through hell, Blue and I wouldn’t like someone else hurting him.”

The way he worries about him makes my heart swells for him. Granted, nobody wants their friends to suffer but I’ve never heard Harry talk that way about anyone. He really cares about his friend and that’s fucking hot to me. Everything he does is hot to me. Except when he acts like a vain jackass.

“If Marie hurts her, I don’t give a fuck she’s your friend. I want you to know that.”

Is he threatening us?

“Well, the same holds true for you. Marie is not as superficial as you think us posh girls are and even then, Marie is a lot better than me. She’s a lot better than everyone. She would never put someone down because of something like that. And if Adam hurts her, I don’t give a fuck he’s your friend.”

Harry smiles and nods before he leans in and brings his mouth close to mine.

“Give me a kiss.” He demands.

I smile before I do as I’m told and feel him smile against my lips before I lick his and deepen our kiss. He hums on my mouth and his fingers find my ponytail and take it off.

“I love your hair down.” He whispers.

“I’ve noticed.” I giggle.

“You look like an angel.”

He presses his lips against mine again. His hands move down to my ass and he pulls me to him so I stand up and straddle him and he smiles.

“You have nothing on the oven, right?” He jokes.

I laugh but keep kissing him so our teeth collide more than once. He runs his hands down my hair and cups my cheeks as he deepens the kiss. He hums.

“I want you, Blue.”

“Have me then.”

My voice sounds almost adolescent but my pulse sped up and my lungs flap humidly. It’s that easy for him. He just has to say that. He smiles against my lips but his tongue licks mine and his hands caress my back.

“What do you want to do, baby? Or better, what do you want me to do to you?”

I’m already wet. He’s going to dry me like a grape under the sun.

“Don’t be shy, love. Not with me.” He licks my lips. “You asked me to take you bare and to go harder the other night. Are you going to get shy now?”

“That was the heat of the moment.” I joke.

He stiffens under my touch and I know he’s panicking a little but I let him feel my smile against his lips so he knows I’m joking. He squeezes my hips tight as a sweet form of punishment.

“You scared me.” He whimpers like a boy. “You don’t regret it, do you?”

I cup his cheeks with both hands and force him to look at me. I can’t believe he’s second-guessing what happened the other night.

“It was the best sex I’ve ever had.” I confess and he grins.

It was also the first time I had someone bare but I’m not going to tell him that. This is enough confidence boost for today. When I set his face free, he presses a kiss on my cheek.

“Tell me what you want.”

I don’t know why I’m being shy. He has never made me feel anything other than wanted and desired during sex but I have to look away from the intensity of his stare.

“How can you be so shy now if you were yelling for me to go faster just three nights ago?”

“I was very turned on then…”

“And you’re not turned on now?”

Of course I am. My sex is swollen and dripping under my underwear. He would giggle if he touched me now. He grips my hips and lifts me from his lap, sitting me down on the table before he stands between my legs. Pressing one hand on my low back, he pulls me close to him until there’s no air between our bodies.

“I know you are.” He cups my sex through my tights and presses a kiss on my jawline. “Being close to me turns you on. I know it does.”

I clench my teeth but my lustful eyes probably give me away. I hate that he’s so confident about his effect on me. It makes me feel weak that he’s so sure of the power he has over me.

“I know because it’s the same for me.”

His confession parts my lips and I stare at him as if he had just given me the solution to every problem in the world.

“Tell me what you want, baby.” He whispers on my ear. “I’ll do whatever you want. I’m already only yours, you know that.”

His words charm me and with all the confidence I was lacking minutes ago, I wrap my legs around him and pull him closer pressing my knuckles on the back of his thighs. I devour his mouth and he groans but pulls away.

“Talk to me.”

“I… I want you to… Fuck me on this table.”

His pink lips part and his pupils dilate. I don’t know if that was enough. Now that he agreed to have sex only with me, I’m afraid I won’t be enough. After all, I’m not very experienced and I’m afraid he’s afraid to hurt me, what with how careful he’s been with me and all that.

“Baby…” I croon.

His eyes grow darker as I use the pet name he uses with me all the time. I try to go about this in the sexiest way possible. As if I was the one with the situation under control. I press both hands on his chest and licks my lips staring deeply into his eyes.

“I want you to do to me whatever it is you want.” I whisper before I press a kiss on the corner of his mouth and then his cheek and his earlobe. “Whatever turns you on, love” I lick his earlobe “Make me yours…”

“Jesus Christ, Blue.” He gasps.

It’s working? I think it is.

“It’s you.” He says out of breath. “You turn me on all the fucking time, love. With these thighs” he squeezes them against his hips “and this body, love, and the sounds you make… You drive me crazy.”

His fingers caress the skin on the side of my exposed neck as his green eyes study mine.

“Take this off.” He whispers, pulling at my sweater.

“No.”

He panics but I smirk devilishly.

“You do it.”

“Fuck” he giggles “I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

He takes my sweater off and doesn’t waste another second to cup my breasts and squeeze them on his hands. His mouth attacks my neck and I throw my head back and puff air out as he kisses my skin. His hands feel amazing on my breasts. I never thought having my breasts touched could feel this good but every where he places his hands seem to set on fire.

He pulls my skirt up my hips and holds it on my waist and grabs the hem of my tights pulling them harshly down my legs. When I kick them off me, his fingertips find my lace underwear and I hear his breath hitching on his throat. He looks down between my legs so as to see my underwear.

“This is fucking sexy.” He whispers, caressing my underwear with his fingertip.

I cup his cheeks and bring his face closer as my mouth attacks his neck. I kiss, suck and nibble his skin as my hands work on the button and the zipper of his jeans and he growls and squeezes my ass cheeks on his hands.

“You’re killing me, baby.” He groans.

He lets me kiss his neck as I please but when my hand finds his arousal, he growls and turns me around so my belly is against the table.

“I want to fuck you like this.” He whispers on my ear. “Take you from behind and ruin you.”

I moan as he squeezes my breast on his hand.

“So fucking pretty.”

His hand pulls down my undies harshly and he caresses my ass before he slaps me. I gasp and moan at the sudden contact.  

“I love your ass.” He squeezes the flushed skin on his hand. “It’s so perfect.”

“Harry, please, fuck me. I can’t take it anymore.”

I feel his chest rumbling as he laughs behind me.

“Glad to see you’re not shy anymore… Just minutes ago you couldn’t tell me what you wanted and now look at you, begging me to fuck you on your mum’s dining table. Such a dirty girl, Blue… My dirty girl.” With that he thrusts inside, all the way, and my eyes roll to the back of my head.

The feeling is exquisite. Having him inside me, warm and hard, as he holds my hips and move my body up and down against the wooden table. I wish we could stay forever like this, where there’s nothing but him and I’m nothing but the part of me he’s touching.

“Harder, love” I whisper “Fuck me as hard as you can. Ruin me.”

“Fuck, baby.”

He thrusts hard and fast in and out of me and I don’t even know how he can be so good at this. It’s ridiculous. He tangles his fingers on my hair and pull me up the table until my bare back hits his chest and his other hand finds my clit. He presses frenetic circles on my soaked bud of nerves.

“You like it like this?” He groans as he pushes inside me. “You like it when I fuck you hard and fast, don’t you?”

“Yes, yes…” I gasp “God, Harry…”

“I’m not gonna last long, baby. You drove me crazy.” He whimpers. “Are you gonna cum for me?”

“Yes.” I gasp. “Just keep… I’m so close… Fuck, love, you’re amazing.”

“So are you, my love.” He presses a kiss on my shoulder. “Baby, I can’t… Take it. Oh, fuck!”

He all but screams behind me as I come undone. My whole body shakes and my legs fail me so the hand that was on my hair wraps around my waist and keeps me in place. His thrusts become sloppier, slower and deeper as he unloads inside me.

If this isn’t what heaven feels like, I don’t know why the call it paradise.

[whatcouldgowrong-ohthat]

Road Trip - Vermont

Pairing: Bucky X tall!Reader X Valkyrie

A/N: Summaries will be provided for each state. Whether they’re full blown one-shot type things or closer to drabbles, I guess we’re gonna find out!

Summary: Bucky is good at many a thing, but it looks like this is one of those situations with Valkyrie is simply...better. But either way, Y/N’s camera is about to get some stunning photos.

Warnings: Fluff and cursing

Word Count: 1250

Vermont - Stowe Mountain Resort

“Who’s idea was this?"

The unbridled laughter and charming smile of the woman next to him reminded Bucky that it was neither of their ideas. No, it was someone else’s. The pair looked over their shoulders at a beaming Y/N. She was bundled up far more than them with a beanie and scarf hiding most of her features. However, it did nothing to hide the sparkle in her eyes nor could it tuck away the flush in her cheeks and nose.

“You’re the one who wanted to see how different the world could be,” Valkyrie teased, looking at Bucky with that all knowing smirk.

“I thought…” He cleared his throat. How was the Winter soldier capable of developing a chill? “I thought that was what the internet was for.”

“Did you honestly think Y/N would let you resort to such a thing?”

They heard the click of her camera and Bucky knew that, unfortunately, she was right about their better half. Y/N loved traveling and seeing knew things. Her joy came from sharing it with everyone else. He should have known better than to assume that Y/N would do any less for him.

But really? A ski resort?

“You have to jump off eventually, Buck,” Y/N teased, taking another photo when Valkyrie kissed his cheek.

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid, James.”

Bucky rolled his eyes, looking at Valkyrie. Unlike Y/N’s navy ensemble, she had stuck to a maroon. It brightened her up, making her beautiful smile appear that much brighter. He held up a finger, wagging it as he told her, “Don’t help her. Or I’m not helping you when you’re a victim of her antics.”

“Fine,” she said, shifting closer to the edge. Where Bucky had been conned into trying a snowboard, she was wearing skis. Her eyes were fixated on the white powder, unable to contain the thrill of how this could go. Had she ever done this before? No. But she had flown a Pegasus. Could this really be so different? “Race you to the bottom?”

“I’ll consider it an achievement if I don’t fall over on the way down.”

Valkyrie rolled her eyes, gently rubbing his back. “Never would have guessed you’re so skittish, love.”

“Go!”

Y/N’s encouragement was enough for Valkyrie. She gave Bucky a not so gentle push and cackled at the sound of the screech that escaped him. “Babygirl,” he called out to Valkyrie. “You are dead!”

Valkyrie jumped off, catching up with him. “You’ll have to catch me first.”

Bucky growled as she sped off, ducking and weaving while he barely managed to maintain his balance. How was she so good at that? Y/N appeared beside him on her own snowboard, snapping photos of Valkyrie. “God, she’s elegant,” Y/N whispered, lowering her camera.

“Ain’t that right,” Bucky muttered. “Wait, she’s going to beat me down there.”

Y/N laughed. Her arm grasped his, helping him maintain his balance. “Better speed up.” She nudged him forward and off he went.

Unfortunately, he was not nearly so graceful.

Still, Y/N raised her camera and took photos of his ass falling in the snow. Blackmail could be such a beautiful thing.

---

Four hours later and Bucky was more soaked than he was dry. His clothes were hanging over the doors of their van in a poor attempt to dry. The snow had cut through his many layers, leaving him to change in boxers and sweatpants. Meanwhile, it had drenched the mess he called hair. Curled in the back of their van, another shiver ran down his spine as Y/N and Valkyrie tucked several blankets around him.

“I thought you’re the Winter Soldier. How can you not stand the cold?” Y/N looked up at him, raising a brow as his teeth chattered.

“I’m turning on the heater,” Valkyrie told them before climbing over the seat. She landed with a thud before putting it on full blast. “Seriously, James, do you want me to get some coffee or hot chocolate?”

He perked at the mention of something sweet and Y/N rolled her eyes. “Hot chocolate for all of us, babe?”

“You got it!”

Bucky fell back amongst the crazy pillows that they had brought along on this endeavor. “I expect…s-so m-m-many…” He groaned as she angled the vents towards him. A relieved moan slipped past his lips and she giggled, kissing his forehead. Finally, he felt like he might be able to get the chill out of his bones. “So many cuddles. From b-b-both of you.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way, Buckaroo.” Y/N curled into his side, trying to provide some warmth.

“What ph-photos did you get?”

Y/N beamed and rolled over, grabbing her camera bag. She loved that Valkyrie and Bucky showed an interest in what she did. It was refreshing, something she craved and always missed out on from previous relationships. “Val has such a knack for this sort of thing,” she said, clicking through the random photos. There were some closeups and at one point around the three hour mark, their girlfriend had taken the more complicated slope. It provided Y/N a fantastic opportunity for some action shots.

“D-Dare I ask how mine turned out?”

“Please, share with the class, Y/N.”

She looked up at the sound of Valkyrie’s return. Standing in front of them, she held three hot chocolates and had managed to nab a new beanie with the ski-resort’s logo on it. “God, you’re fast, babe.”

“Only on missions.” Valkyrie winked before Y/N took two of the warm drinks, providing her the opportunity to join and cuddle into Bucky’s side. “Time to warm you up while Y/N shows us how utterly adorable you are at snowboarding.”

“I feel like I’m b-being ganged up on,” Bucky said, shaking his head as his hands took the warm cup. He took a sip, not caring how the scalding liquid burned his tongue. He was far too relieved by the feel of it warming his insides.

“Maybe a bit. Now! This photo is from Bucky’s first fall,” Y/N said, turning the camera to Valkyrie.

Bucky groaned. “This is so not fair.”

“Eh,” Y/N shrugged. “You love us anyway.”

A couple hours later and Bucky was fast asleep, buried under pillows and blankets. Y/N and Valkyrie were up front, cuddling and watching the sunset over the mountain. Squeezing her close, Y/N’s fingers started playing with her hair.

“Mm, you’re good at that,” Valkyrie said, nuzzling her shoulder.

Y/N smiled, kissing the top of her head before taking another sip of her coco. It wasn’t nearly as warm as it had been, but it still tasted good. “I think we might have to pick something nicer for Buck next time.”

Valkyrie snorted, nodding as her free hand wrapped around Y/N’s waist. “Fine. What state’s next? I can do some research when you start driving.”

“New Hampshire.”

Valkyrie closed her eyes, still smiling as she asked, “I’m sure I could find another resort….”

Y/N shook her head. “Don’t you dare. Something Bucky friendly.”

Valkyrie grumbled, nodding because she knew better than to make Bucky miserable. “Alright. Bucky friendly. That’s the new goal.”

“At least for now.”

Valkyrie grinned and kissed her shoulder. At least for now. “That’s my girl.”

“I can hear you both.”

Y/N and Valkyrie burst into a fit of giggles at the sound of Bucky’s sleepy voice. “Go back to sleep, Bucky!”

“I am asleep.”

The women rolled their eyes and Y/N leaned back, adjusting their blanket. “One state down…”

“Forty seven more to go.”

[whenimgoodandready]

Adrienette, Lukanette, Adrienette, Lukanette, Adrienette, Lukanette, Adrienette, Lukanette, Adrienette, Lukanette, Adrienette, Lukanette, Adrienette, Lukanette, ADRIENETTE! LUKANETTE! ADRIENETTE! LUKANETTE! IDK!? STOP BADGARING ME FANDOM!!! Even Marinette is indecisive about it! She’s just a dumb teenager who doesn’t know what she wants!..........does she?

*Desperada-Marinette and the girl squad were hangin’ out at Julekas house boat listening to Kitty Section rehearse and Marinette and Luka get cozy with each other. It also looks to be that the squad is starting to jump onboard with the Lukanette ship. Well, Adrienette isn’t goin’ anywhere so how much longer are they gonna support something that hasn’t even set sail yet!? Adrien and Kagami show up (having ditched fencing practice) and Marinette quickly leaves Lukas side to not give Adrien the impression she likes Luka. Oh, Marinette, what are we gonna do with you? She even says they’re “just friends” too🤨.

Jagged Stone arrives and he tries to get Juleka and Lukas mother back into the band cuz they had “history”. Oh! Thing is, he fired his guitarist, Vivica, and now he’s looking for a new one. Hmmmm, a new guitarist? Like, someone who knows rock n’ roll? And who’s young and talented? Marinette knows a guy like that! IIIIIIt’s Lu-Adrien!? Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! 🤦‍♀️. Marinette WTF!? Adrien is a classical pianist! I highly doubt he’s strummed a guitar! She knows damn well Luka is a better fit and yet she’s still trying to give Adrien hints she wants him! Okay, Marinette, I know how much you want Adrien, but you can’t just ignore talent when you see it from Luka.

Just then, Vivica shows up in her akumatized form calling herself Desperada! OOOOOH! So she’s that mysterious villainess I saw in “Gamer 2.0”! Well, thanks for the closure! (I’m talking to you person in charge of episode scheduling 😑). Desperada, I like that name, reminds me of a Rihanna song. Thing is, it’s more like a Western name and she didn’t really look “Western”. I mean, she kinda did with the whole musical skeleton make-up look, which is pretty cool, but nothing really “Wild Wild West” to me. It was more like something outta “The Book of Life” or “Coco” with that sugar skull thing. I’m a little fan of westerns where there’s a female outlaw that’s why. Her powers were using any instrument like a gun to capture people in her guitar case with a pic of them appearing on it as a sticker. Let’s just say if she wasn’t a musician, she’d make a bada** sniper!

Anyways, Desperada captures everyone except the love triangle kids and Ladybug is given the lucky charm to bring in extra help from Master Fu again using the snake miraculous! The snake miraculous!? OOOOOH! We saw who that was! (“Party Crasher”), some people in the fandom were right about it too! And now, ladies and gentlemen, the holder of the snake miraculous, (drum roll) Luk(trumpets begin to sound)-ADRIEN!? AGAIN!? (trumpets die out). WTF!? WHY!? Okay, I get it, he did save Luka when Desperada almost got him and as we know, Marinette/Ladybug doesn’t know Adriens Cat Noir, but still! Adrien agrees to it thinking he’ll win over Ladybug in a new superhero form since this time, she knows who he is and becomes “Aspik”...........(turns to the trumpeteers) you guys can sound I guess, (trumpets sound, but not enthusiastically). Okay, thank you.

So um, the snake miraculous is a bracelet of a snake swallowing itself, a Kwami snake like being named Sass (remember him from “Sandboy”!? He’s kinda like the leader of the Kwamies), a harp weapon and its power is “Second Chance” where they can go back a few minutes in time by turning the snake head on their bracelet back and it’s not a one hit power! It can go on as many times until the snake head gets to the end! It’s almost like Bunnyxs power except hers is more serious and can go back (and fourth) many times and it’s more fragile. Huh, I always thought the snake miraculouses power would be hypnotism, but I’m thinking too much “Jungle Book” here (what do snakes have to do with time travel!?). That’s cool! So it’s just Ladybug and Aspik vs. Desperada. It. went. TERRIBLE! Ladybug kept getting captured again and again and again and again and again AND AGAIN! And do you know why!? Cuz Aspik over here was too busy trying to woo Ladybug and not focusing on defeating the bad guy! That’s why!

ENOUGH! Adrien quits cuz he’s had it with being a f**king failure as it’s been 25,913 times! 25,913 TIMES!? 25,913 TIMES!? 25,913 TIMES!? 25,913 TIMES!? DAMN ADRIEN! YOU SUCK! Ladybug finally sees she’s wrong again! So Adrien suggests Luka take the miraculous instead. HALLELUJAH! Ladies and gentlemen, the real holder of the snake miraculous, Viperion, a.k.a. Luka Couffaine! (trumpets sound and end with a big finish!). Now this guy, this guy! Does a hell of a better job than “Aspik” did and it only took him a few tries! Humph!

I apologize for my wild outbursts there, I’m a very passionate writer and I speak what others are afraid to say. I’m like a voice for the people. I’m sure that’s what all of you were probably thinking way in the back of your heads there about the plot that occurred in the episode. I’ve settled down now and I’ll explain more. Ahem, first off, the girl squad are now leaning towards the Lukanette ship cuz they’re probably sick and tired of all the Adrienette nonsense and want something new. More importantly, they think this ship better since Marinette is more comfortable with Luka and how he’s more liberated than the sheltered Adrien. Fair point. The character Vivica/Desperada was based off a fan who won a contest at comic con and was originally supposed to be a veterinarian until they changed it to a guitarist (she looked so cute!). I heard about that, they also said she was supposed to be a fan of Cat Noir and was upset that he wasn’t getting as much recognition as Ladybug. It would’ve been nice cuz according to my Love Chart (which I legit have), nobody and I mean NOBODY likes Cat Noir, so cut him some slack and give him at least one fangirl! C’mon! Adrien failed at being the snake miraculous holder, but it’s not because he sucked (25,913 TIMES!? That’s like 3 months!), but it’s cuz there was no black cat hero to assist Ladybug! It was just Ladybug and Aspik and no Cat Noir! I thought they would’ve realized by now that they can’t defeat the villain unless it’s both of ‘em (plus a third or fourth party if necessary) to stop ‘em! Sure Ladybug defeated Style Queen by herself, but at least she had a “black cat” like someone there to help! It has to be Ladybug and Cat Noir! Good luck/Bad luck, Yin/Yang! That’s the idea! The reason why they didn’t see that was cuz they were both blinded by love! Marinette/Ladybug mostly picked Adrien to be the snake miraculous holder cuz she thought, “OMG! I’m gonna be fighting crime with my crush!” and Adrien/Cat Noir said yes cuz he thought, “Maybe she’ll love me this time if she knows who I am!” :P. Even Plagg thought it was a bad idea cuz he knew they needed Cat Noir and they weren’t even focused on Desperada and just trying to court each other! You’d think Marinette/Ladybug would’ve listened to her own words about Adrien being a distraction in her life (“Chameleon”). Speaking of courting, during one of Aspiks failed Second Chances, he confessed to Ladybug that he was Cat Noir (cuz she knows he’s Adrien as Aspik) and we only see a brief look of shock on her face before she’s captured again. Wonder what was quickly goin’ through her head at that point? Flashbacks of all her moments with him as himself and Cat and how she acted like both herselves in front of ‘em realizing how stupid she’s been? Lol! The shocks gonna be more wilder when it happens though and I’ll be there to see it. Ladybug really should’ve picked Luka first cuz at least he was bold enough to step in and distract Desperada to save Ladybug like he did as Viperion. Poor Adrien though, now he’s gonna think his Lady is too incompetent to be a hero. Well, not a “snake” hero at least, but a different animal hero if only she knew. The problem is Marinette is indecisive. She doesn’t know what she wants which is why she can’t choose between Adrien and Luka. Tikki and Kagami can see that and the latter even points out how Marinette needs to make up her mind already! Actually, according to the Season 3 canon episode order, this is actually the start of the mid episodes which means things won’t get more complicated ‘til the end. Especially when the last few episodes are more focused on the love issues. Currently, we’re dealing with plot right now, but we’ll eventually get there.

[noladyme]

La Cuervo - Chapter 14

She is used to the biker-life, having grown into a woman in the familiar embrace of SAMCRO. A bad decision and a gun-shot later, she gets whisked off to Santo Padre, and put under the protection of another club. What is supposed to be a short stint in the Mayan headquarters just north of the border to Mexico, turns into something more; when la quervo begins to develop feelings for el angel - and he seems to return them in kind...

TW: violence, blood, drug use, alcohol, smut, fluff, angst

In the spirit of "The Crown Princess of Charming", this is a story about O.C. Nina and Angel Reyes. It is obviously non-canon, as characters who have passed on on Mayans M.C. are present in it, and others have been excluded completely. Nina is written as a cis-female, but I have tried to keep her race and looks as ambigous as possible. Should you find any of this story offensive, please let me know.

It wasn’t until Nina was alone, that realization struck her. She’d just agreed to leave Angel. Her Angel. The man who had brought her back to life. The thought struck her like a freight train, and she froze in place, almost literally. Her whole body went cold, and she felt like she couldn’t move for the longest time. The light in the room told her she must have sat like that for at least an hour. Finally able to move her head to look down, she looked at the crescent shaped cuts in her palms from her nails. Something wet began dripping onto them, and she found tears had begun running down her cheeks, without her even noticing it. Forcing her arm to reach for the pillow next to her, she took a deep breath, and held it to her face; before a wail like no other left her mouth. She screamed out her agony, not having felt anything like it since she’d been told that Jackson had gone through with his plan to kill himself. It was as if an actual death had occurred again; but this time it felt like her own.

After a while she put down the pillow again, and got to her feet. She opened the cabinets, and began pulling out he few belongings she’d brought to Santo Padre, and stuffed them in her backpack. Then she made the bed, and went into the small bathroom for her toothbrush. It looked so alone there, as if it missed standing next to Angel’s. She tore herself from the thought, and went to put that into her bag as well. Only the gun and her inhaler were left, and she went to pick them up, when she noticed the phone Bishop had given her laying on the counter by the sink. She picked it up, and sat down on the cot again.

She wasn’t sure who to call. No one could change her situation as it was; but she needed something – anything – to help her through. Just a voice to remind her that it wasn’t all for nothing. Looking at Jackson’s journal and the photo of his boys – which she’d saved for last – the answer came to her. She dialed up the number, praying to god that it was still the same as last time she’d used it. The call was picked up at the second ring.

“Hello?”. “Wendy? It’s Nina”, she said. “Hey, Nina. How is everything?”, Wendy replied. Nina heard a ruckus in the background. “Thomas, no more cookies…! Sorry. Someone decided sugar was a good replacement for lunch... Chibs told me you were going to Mexico”. Nina swallowed thickly. “Yeah… No, not really. I’m somewhere else”. “Well, I hope you’re enjoying yourself. What I’d give for a vacation…”, Wendy said. Nina knew she was just kidding. Wendy had never been happier than since she moved to the farm with the boys and Nero. “Yeah, well; vacation is over”, Nina muttered. “I was wondering if I could talk to the kids for a minute”. “Of course! They miss you”, Wendy said. There was another sound of something crashing in the background. “Sorry, I need to give Tommy a bath. No! We don’t wipe peanut butter on our faces…!”. Another crash. “Goddammit. Abel! Come to talk to aunt Nina while I help your brother… Take care, Nina”. Nina couldn’t help but smile a little, as she heard Wendy chase Tommy around the room. There was a short scrambling noise, before someone spoke again. “Hi, aunt Nina!”, a bright, young voice said on the other end. “Abel… Hi, buddy”, Nina said, instantly falling back into tears; but trying to stifle her sniveling. “How are you doing?”. “I’m ok… But Tommy broke my supersoaker…”. “Aw, that sucks. I’m sure he’s sorry”, Nina said. “Yeah, mommy Wendy made him apologize… You sound sad…”, Abel said. Nina wiped her eyes, as if the boy was right there in front of her. “No, I’m not sad. I just smelled your feet through the phone, and it made me cry”, she replied. “No, you didn’t!”, Abel laughed. “When are you gonna come visit? There’s a mule here, and we named him after you, even though he’s a boy; because daddy always said you were stubborn as a mule. And we have a trampoline, which is really cool, ‘cuz you can jump high. When I stretch up my arms when I jump, I’m almost as tall as Nero! And…”. “That’s great Abel. I’d love to see that…”. Nina sighed and closed her eyes, trying to picture the boy in front of her. He’d probably grown quite a bit, even after the picture Wendy had sent her was taken. “Are you being good for mommy Wendy?”. “Yeah, I eat my broccoli and everything. And I help Nero clean the horse-stalls”, Abel said. “That’s good. And you’re doing good in school?”, she asked, having to wipe her nose a bit. “Yeah… Do you have a cold? Your voice is funny”, Abel replied. “No, it’s still your feet, stinky!”, Nina chuckled. She heard bikes arriving on the lot, and felt another crying fit threatening to attack. “Look, buddy; I gotta run. I just wanted to make sure you were ok”. “I’m ok. Come visit us soon!”. “I promise, Abel. I love you!”. “Love you too. Bye!”. Abel hung up the call before Nina could say anything more. She quickly slipped the photo into the journal, and put it in her bag, before getting to her feet to face Angel.

---

The Mayans all looked to be in a good mood, when Nina opened the trailer door to step outside. EZ, Gilly and Coco went to gather the loaded sleep rolls, while Angel turned to look at her; a bright smile on his face.

Daniella came out of the clubhouse, and stood on the porch. She smiled shortly at Nina, before Angel noticed the blonde, and began approaching her. “Dani, we gotta talk”, he said. “Angel!”, Nina called out. He turned around, and looked at her confusedly. “Give me a minute”, he replied. “No. Now”, Nina declared, and stepped back inside the trailer. The Mayans all looked confused at this point, but didn’t intervene. Angel frowned, and gave Daniella a short look. She shrugged, before looking at Nina; palming her phone. Don’t try anything, she seemed to be saying. “Don’t go anywhere”, Angel said to her, and walked towards the trailer. “I’ll be right here, baby”, Daniella said.

Once inside the trailer, Angel closed the door. “Nina, what the fuck? I was just about to…”. “Daniella’s not the snitch. I talked to her”, Nina cut him off. “You what?”, Angel growled. “Girl talk”, Nina said. “She’s just here for you. Not to sell out your club”. She made herself keep an indifferent face while she spoke. “You should give her a chance”. “I’m not… What are you talking about?”.

Nina sighed deeply, and took a step back. “You and me… That was never gonna work out”. He tried to reach for her hand, but she turned around to throw her inhaler and gun into the bag. “Nina… What are you doing?”, Angel asked. “I’m leaving… Going home”, she replied. “Or somewhere else. I haven’t decided yet”. “You’re not going anywhere!”, Angel exclaimed, and yanked her bag out of her hands. “What the fuck is going on?”. Nina clenched her fists to hide the fact that her hands were shaking. Angel wouldn’t let her go unless she did something drastic. She swallowed thickly, and met his eyes with an indifferent gaze. “You people can’t protect me. I’m safer with SOA; what happened to Camille is proof of that”, she said. The furrow between Angel’s brows was deeper than ever. “I wasn’t gonna tell you this, but I talked to SAMDINO. I’m gonna take up Packer’s offer”. Angel looked like he’d been punched in the gut with a sledgehammer. “Packer… You wanna go be with Packer…”, he croaked. “Yeah… He’s… We’ve got history”, Nina lied. Angel’s expression was growing pained, but in spite of wanting to take him in her arms, and comfort him, Nina had to continue her ruse. “You said I was too good for this life. I’m not. I just want more than what you can give me. Queen of SAMDINO is the right step for me”.

She tried taking her bag back from Angel, but he threw it behind him; and grabbed a hold of her shoulders. “This is bullshit. What happened?”, he said. “I changed my mind. I don’t want to stay here”, Nina replied. “I’m sorry about that year I owe the club, but I’ll try to get some money, and have Chibs pay you whatever Bishop thinks I owe”. “This isn’t about money. You said you love me!”, Angel said, his voice breaking. Nina couldn’t say she didn’t; the words simply would not form in her mouth. She closed her eyes to avoid meeting Angel’s gaze, and let out a deep breath. “This isn’t about whatever I said or… felt”, she finally said. “We should have ended this the night we first slept together. It shouldn’t have gone further”. “Cuervo…”, Angel tried. “We’re done”, Nina declared, and forced his hands off her shoulders, before pushing past him, and grabbing her bag. “I’m sorry”. She almost ran out of the trailer, knowing Angel would physically try to stop her if she didn’t. “Nina!”, he called after her. She looked towards the porch; and through a haze of unshed tears, she saw Daniella smiling as she went.

Before anyone had a chance to stop her, Nina slipped into the front office, and dug out the small cashbox Chucky kept there. She felt bad for taking money from it, but she needed cash for wherever she was going. A few notes in hand, she ran off the lot, and down the road. Avoiding getting found in Santo Padre was difficult, as Nina had spent very little time away from the scrap yard. She knew she had to work fast to get as far away as possible, as soon as possible. There was no doubt in her mind that Angel would try to come after her – he was probably already on his way – and if he didn’t, Bishop might, to get her to fulfill her one-year promise.

Once out on the main road, she flagged down a car, and convinced the driver that she needed to get to a bus station; because her brother was sick, and she had to go see him. She was only half lying, she realized, as there was really only one place in the world she wanted to go in that moment. She had to go see her brother.

---

It took a little over a day to make the trip back to north California. The cash Nina had taken from the scrapyard could only get her so far by bus, and she had to hitch rides the rest of the way. Each time she heard the sound of a motorbike, or saw anyone wearing leather, she had the instinct to duck her head. She wasn’t sure what she was afraid of. Clearly, her cover wasn’t blown yet. Daniella wanted her alive, and if there was another snitch, they didn’t seem to be focused on her. It might have been the shame of how she’d run; how she’d been too weak to fight Daniella for what she wanted. Then again, that shame would have been greater and even more devastating, if fighting back had meant it would hurt her nephews. Ultimately, she was just distraught; and only wanted to speak with one person – even if he couldn’t reply.

It was just past midnight, when Nina finally made it to Redwood Memorial Cemetery, just outside of Charming. She’d gotten used to the heat in Santo Padre, and it was a cold night. With nothing more than a light jacket to cover herself, she was shivering as she walked down the rows of gravestones. She halted for a moment by a white stone, engraved with the name John Thomas Teller. Taking a moment to brush some stray leaves from the top of it, Nina sent a thought to the man who’d sired one of the most important people in her life; before moving on. Someone had left a bouquet of lilies on Tara’s grave. Her coworkers at St. Thomas, Nina figured. She chided herself for not having visited the grave more often, but coming to the cemetery had been painful the last couple of years. A fresh grave nearby sported multiple flower arrangements, and as no one was around, Nina nabbed a few roses from it, and left them next to the lilies. “Abel and Thomas are loved and safe. Sleep tight”, she whispered to the stone.

The last ten yards she had to walk towards her end goal felt like miles. A cold gush of wind made Nina shudder, and she threw her arms around herself; trying to rub some heat into them.

Jackson’s stone looked lonely, in spite of all the other’s surrounding it. It was like he had been in the last year of his life; surrounded by people, but alone in his pain. At the same time, it was incredibly peaceful; like it should be. He’d found rest from his torment and sorrow. Nina imagined him riding his bike down an ethereal highway; his father next to him, and Tara riding pivot. “Fucking soppy”, Nina chuckled to herself.

She sat down on the ground next to the stone, and ran her fingertips over the lettering. Jackson Nathaniel Teller. “I miss you…”, she began. She chewed her lips, and wiped away a stray tear. After a moment searching for the right words, she finally sighed. “I am so angry with you, Jackson. You left me… And I love you as well. I love you for everything you taught me about being a good person; which just makes me even more angry, because I’ll never be able to live up to the example you set… I fucked up. I took so many wrong turns after you died; even though I promised… I know you expected more from me, and I’m so sorry; but I’m not strong enough to…”. The stray tears had become two steady streams falling from her eyes. “You said, be happy… And I was really happy for the first time in what felt like forever. But I can’t be happy, and also live up to your example of protecting your family… My family”. She pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes, as if trying to force herself to stop crying. “Your boys are safe, and I’m gonna keep them that way. That means breaking my promise of being happy to you, but I also know it’s what you would do… So, I guess in some way, I’m still doing what you taught me…”. She took a deep breath, and finally the tears stilled.

Nina moved behind the stone, and leaned her back against it; as she had sat back-to-back with Jackson on the roof of the old clubhouse in Charming, before the explosion. She remembered how her whole body would rumble along with Jax’s; as he laughed at whatever ridiculous thing she would tell him about her day – or the time she’d told him she was planning to drop out of high school, and sign up with CaraCara once she turned 18. Yeah, that’s not happening, darlin’. I’ll tie your ass to the seat, until you’re wearing that cap and gown. I don’t wanna see my little sister’s naked ass on camera. It was that conversation, and his response, that made her keep the fact that she’d quit community college hidden for a full week; before Chucky sold her out. A pang of pain struck her heart as she remembered that she hadn’t even said goodbye to the good-humored little man.

After a long moment, Nina began speaking again “I know I can’t live in memories, but it’s the closest thing to happiness that I have now… And I want to tell you about him”. She took a deep breath, almost as nervous as if Jackson would have been able to respond. “His name is Angel… and you would hate him”, she chuckled. “He’s a biker… surprise! Bet you didn’t see that coming… He’s smug, and a smartass; and a horny little shit… He’s also a Mayan… I know! But he’s also… so kind and full of life… and sofucking hot… which is something I guess you didn’t need to know”. She chewed her lower lip, and closed her eyes, seeing Angel in front of her. “He’s got this dimple between his eyebrows when he gets frustrated or confused – which is quite often, if I’m gonna be honest… And he’s so much smarter and warm and lovable than he gives himself credit for. I’ve never felt more loved and cared for, than when I was with him… I mean, I felt that from you, and from Filip and the rest; but… This was different, because I wasn’t just a sister or a friend. I love him. Like love him…”. She frowned. “But it’s over. I had to end it”.

The cold was getting to her, so the shivers from her pain mixed with ones of freezing. She hadn’t eaten or drank anything for more than a day, and she was exhausted. She looked around her, not ready to leave; and not really knowing where to go anyway. Opening her backpack, Nina got out the journal, and opened a random page; running her fingers over the handwritten words. “Know that the decisions that you make effect everyone and everything, along with yourself. It has taken me a long time to realize that, and I wish I would have sooner. And as much as I want to help you, tell you what to do; I can't. Those choices will be yours, and yours alone. The only advice I can give you, is to examine who you are as a person and what you choose as your path in your life. Find your own truth. It will lead you to the things you love”. “I wish you could help me too”, she whispered. “I don’t know what my path is, and I can’t promise to get over this. I can’t promise that I will be happy; and we both know me well enough to know, that I’m not gonna handle this well… So, I’m just not gonna make any of those promises; it wouldn’t be honest of me if I did…”. She clutched the journal against her chest, and fished the .38 out of the bag; holding it in her hand. Nina sat for a long time, just looking at it. “I’m gonna sleep now. And then I’m gonna drink, and smoke, and try to get laid… and do everything else unhealthy, until I can finally become numb enough to… not chose your path”.

She had nothing else to say; simply couldn’t find the words. Instead, she curled up on the cold ground, closed her eyes; and let sleep take her over.

---

“Nina?”. She heard footsteps heading her way. Filip looked down at her disheveled state, and then at the gravestone and the gun in her hand; and his face dropped. “She’s here”, he said. Tig and Happy came up behind him. “Shit, muffin. What happened?”, Tig asked. Happy frowned. “Chibs, why is she here?”. “Not now, Hap’”, Filip said. “Let’s just get her out of here. Get the gun”. One of them scooped her into their arms; she was too exhausted to notice who…

---

The radio was turned all the way up, and she was swaying her hips to the music.

“Nina, get off the counter!”, Filip called out from across the room. He looked almost angry. Nina took a sip of her beer, and stretched her arms into the air. “Why? I thought the party was about to start…”, she laughed. Filip walked over to her, and wrapped his arms around her legs, making her fall over his shoulder. “Yes. A children’s birthday party. This is an ice cream shop, you lush”, he growled, and carried her out the back door; setting her down at the foot of the stairs going up to the actual SAMCRO clubhouse. She noticed Rat smiling apologetically at the arriving guests; which consisted of a group of 7-yearolds, and the flabbergasted mother of the birthday-boy. “Tell them I’m sorry”, Nina whispered very loudly to Filip, before looking towards the mother. “I’m sorry!”, she yelled.

Filip dragged her up the stairs, and more or less threw her on one of the leather couches. “Jesus Christ, Nina…”, he sighed exasperatedly. “We do actually need the front of this operation functioning”. “Pfft”, Nina sputtered. “Everyone in town knows what this place is. You’re leather clad bikers who sell guns, for fucks sake! I need a drink”. She went to get off the couch, but Filip pushed her back down, and took the beer bottle from her hand. “You’ve had enough”, he said. “Get some sleep”. “No sleep ‘til Charming!”, Nina sang. “You’re in Charming", Tig said, having come over from the bar area. He snatched her pack of smokes from her, before she could get them from the coffee table, and held out a glass of water. Nina scrunched up her nose. “Fish pee in that”, she said. Tig sat down, and lifted the glass to her lips. “Don’t make me hold your nose”, he said. The water looked a little murky, but Nina accepted the glass, and drank it all, before throwing it into the air. Filip caught it mid-air, and rolled his eyes. “Buzz-kill”, Nina sneered.

She leaned back in her seat, before suddenly, her stomach began rumbling violently. Tig sprang for a trashcan, and held it in front of her; just in time for Nina to hurl a week's worth of alcohol and Happy’s scrambled eggs into it. “What was in that?”, Filip grunted. “Bit of charcoal”, Tig said. “Better than taking her to get her stomach pumped at St. Thomas’”. “I hate you…”, Nina heaved between two streams of vomit leaving her mouth. “I know, muffin. I love you too”, Tig smiled, and stroked her back.

After what seemed like hours, Nina finally had nothing left inside her to throw up, and she curled up on the couch. “Now I’m sober… thanks”, she said sarcastically. “Give me my cigarettes”. Filip went to get her bag, and dug out her toothbrush; handing it to her. “This is all you’re putting in your mouth for now”, he said. “Add toothpaste. You smell like death”. Nina disgruntledly took the toothbrush from him, and got on her feet to go to the bathroom; grabbing the toothpaste from her bag on the way.

Once she’d finished brushing her teeth, and splashed some cold water in her face, she went back into the bar area. “You’ve kept me here for days. I wanna go back to my apartment”, she said. “You can’t. Lyla’s using it as a set today”, Tig said. Nina groaned. “They’re gonna get porn-cum on my sheets”, she said. “Wouldn’t be the first time. What was that fella’s name again…? Kirk?”, Filip laughed, and went behind the bar to pour himself a scotch, and fill a mug of coffee. Happy and T.O. came up the stairs as they spoke. “I just remember him as; Please-god-no-I-swear-I’ll-never-talk-to-her-again-guy”, Tig said indifferently. “I think Opie took care of that one”. “Nah, that was Jax himself”, Happy said. “He’s teaching history in Milwaukee now”. “The history of his once functioning penis, I gather”, Filip muttered and looked at Nina, who’d sat down by a table. “Did he know you were 17?”. “I was 19!”, Nina sneered. “And his name was… Fuck, I can’t remember… Look, call Lyla, and then take me home!”.

Filip sat down across from her, and slid the coffee over the table. Nina took a welcome sip of it. “I don’t trust you on your own”, he said softly. “Is that why you won’t give me back my gun?”, she muttered. “You remind me too much of your brother at the moment”, he replied. Rage and sadness streamed through her body, and Nina got up; kicking her chair hard, making it fall to the floor. “Then give me a goddamn bike, and I’ll hit the road. There are trucks enough out there!”. She speed across the room, trying to reach the stairs; but T.O. got in her way, and grabbed her shoulders. He pushed her backwards into Happy’s arms. He picked her up like she weighed nothing more than a small child, and deposited her on the couch. He looked down at her with enraged eyes, tears forming in the corners of them. “Don’t ever say that again! Ever!”, he growled. Nina was shook, and suddenly her body began quaking. She sobbed quietly, and covered her eyes with her hands. Happy sat down next to her, and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry”, she whimpered. “I know, princess”. He rocked her back and forth, and kissed the top of her head.

Nina looked up, and was struck by each of the Sons’ expressions; ranging from sad, to angry, to pained. “I can’t stop fucking up… All I do is hurt people…”, she sobbed. Filip reached his hands out, and Happy released her to take them, and be pulled into the president’s embrace. “You are pure light, my love”, he said, before cupping her tear-streaked face in his hands. “Stop trying to snuff it out… I’m not talking about threatening to off yourself; we both know that will never happen, because we won’t allow it”. He pressed his forehead to hers. “You have to stop thinking of yourself like a failure not worthy of happiness. Stop killing that flame inside you”. “But I can’t be happy…”, Nina croaked. “If I try to be…”. She halted herself. She hadn’t told anyone of her deal with Danielle. “Tell me…”, Filip said. “I can’t”, Nina replied resolutely. “It’s… life or death”.

She pulled herself out of his grasp, and went for her cigarettes; which Tig had put on the top shelf behind the bar. He didn’t try to stop her. “Everything we do is life or death”, T.O. said. It was the first words he’d spoken since he’d arrived, but they were poignant. Nina lit her cigarette, and hesitantly met his eyes. “This is different”, she said. “If it was just… No”. She took a draw of her cigarette, picked up the chair from the floor, and sat down by the table again. “This is how it is now. I’m home, and I’ll try to… be better”.

They were interrupted by Quinn coming up the stairs. He looked around at the emotional faces in the room, and frowned. “Did you guys watch the Notebook again?”, he asked with a smirk. “Whatever; wrap it up. We got the in-laws incoming”. Nina frowned in confusion. “What’s going on?”, she asked. Filip gave her a half smile. “You wanted to go home; didn’t you…?”.

A roar of motorcycles sounded from outside, and Nina looked out of the window. A group of bikes came down the street, led by a brusque looking man on a roadking – handlebars high as the sky.

---

tag: @cole-winchester @doloreschanal

[thu-nonsense]

Descendants AU- Chapter 1

Trajan slipped on the jacket, turning around to check himself out in the broken, full length mirror.

“Well?” Winter asked. “What do you think?”

He caught his own black eyes in the mirror and nodded slowly. “It’s a good fit. But a bit… plain.”

Winter looked up from the knife they were sharpening. “What?”

“I said what I said.”

Winter glanced over at Cam up on the balcony. “Do you have any issues with the design?”

Cam only shrugged. “Just take it to Ny. She’ll find something.”

“You’re distant again,” Winter commented.

He shrugged.

“Come on,” Trajan tugged on his own collar then slipped his arm around Cam. “What’re you thinking about?”

“I don’t want to be stuck here forever.”

Winter and Trajan traded confused glances.

“Where’d you rather be?” Winter laughed. “Over there with the heroes? What’ve they got that we don’t? Other than no sense of fun.”

Trajan snorted.

“Proper education. Enough food. Strong buildings and usable fabrics.” He kept his gaze firm on the shambles they called a town below. “You take your pick.”

Winter snorted. “Don’t tell me you’re going soft.”

“Yeah,” Trajan chimed in. “What’d your mother say.”

Cam sighed. “Don’t remind me.”

Winter shrugged at Trajan then picked up their own jacket and threw it on, rings glittering in the broken lamp light.

“I’m meeting the other’s down at Jafar’s. Trajan, if you want in, you better be there in half an hour. As for you Cam. Come join in the fun or run home to your mummy. Your choice. But I know which I would take.”

They gave a quick, mocking bow, then pushed their way out through the heavy torn curtains.

Trajan watched them leave then turned back to Cam.

“You serious about wanting to leave?”

Cam shrugged again. “It’s gotta be better than here.”

Trajan ran cards through his fingers. “Is this still Cam I’m talking to? You know. Dark fairy. Trouble maker. The absolute bane of anyone responsible.”

“Yes. But-”

Trajan clicked the cards away and shushed him. “No buts. We’re stuck here. We might as well have some fun.”

Cam didn’t say anything.

Groaning internally, Trajan spun him around by the shoulders. “You gonna mope for the rest of the night? Or are you gonna come and have some fun?”

“I guess I’ll join in,” he said.

Trajan grinned. “You think anyone will mind if I stick to the tailcoat rather than the jacket?”

“Probably not.”

Trajan pulled his long tailcoat back on and dragged Cam back in off the balcony. Together they walked out of the room covered in broken but still usable objects and fabrics, and down the twisted metal stairs that led onto the street.

The street itself was cracked, cobbled and muddied. Torn fabric stretched from broken down building to broken down building, providing some cover from the harsh daytime sun. But now all that could be seen through the tears in the fabric was a dark sky and a few scattered stars, the street badly lit by lamps lining it.

Cam was silent almost silent, glancing around, pulling the cloak tighter around himself, wondering when someone would jump them. He knew he’d be able to hold his own. Probably. But he wasn’t really in the mood.

Trajan, on the other hand, seemed to almost want the attention. His boots sent loud echoes as he half marched through the winding streets.

It was almost surprising they made it outside Jafar’s without any trouble.

The shop was probably one of the best kept buildings, meaning it had only a few noticeable cracks and the windows and door were still intact. And the large banners and shiny objects in the windows made it easy to identify from all the other broken colourless buildings.

The only issue was Jafar was known to get grumpy.

But, at least presumably, he was in bed now. 

Wherever he was, he hadn’t come out yet to take care of the growing numbers gathered outside his shop.

Greenie was whistling some sailing tune, brandishing her hook in time, sitting cross legged on the dusty ground right next to the door.

Elyktra and Nyla were bickering. Something about fabrics, probably. Though no one was quite sure.

Coco was silent, leaning back against the wall near the faded door. It looked like he was glaring at Greenie, but it was too dark to really see.

After all, the only real light came from the rusted oil lamp in the window and Jay’s flaming hair.

Helios and Leo were laughing about something, with Winter, leaning against the wall just behind them, looked even more smug than usual.

Greenie was the one to wave Cam and Trajan down.

As they walked closer, Cam brushed against Nyla, pocketing one of the trinkets she had clasped onto her belt. It was pretty and shiny- a small brass seashell- and Cam had been eyeing it for almost a week now.

“Nice of you to finally join us,” Elyktra almost drawled.

Trajan shrugged. “Better late than never.”

“And who are you exactly?”

“Trajan,” he said. “Prince of darkness.”

Helios barely managed to muffle his snort. Elyktra didn’t have as much luck, doubling over in fits of cackles.

“Alright sweetie,” Nyla said through giggles. “Sure.”

Trajan clenched his jaw in annoyance, and Cam reached his hand out to rest on his shoulder. A warning touch.

So Trajan took a step back, settling just to glare and shuffle cards menacingly.

“Well?” Nyla asked. “Are we going to do something? I have other uses of my time, you know.”

“Oh yeah?” Helios scoffed. “Like what?”

“That cute girl in our chem class.”

“As if she would even look at you with me in the class,” he grinned.

Nyla smirked back and flicked her skirt. “Which is why she was in my bed last night and not yours.”

Helios only shrugged.

“So?” She said, more smug than before. “Are we going to do something?”

“I’m getting bored, too,” Leo chimed in.

Voice after voice joined the chorus, sharing their boredom.

Winter held up their hand for silence, rings glittering, face blank and shaded in the bad lighting. “The heroes are giving us their scraps again. Surprised they’re willing to be here after dark.”

That earned a snide laugh from someone.

“Who’s up to decorate their trucks a little bit?” Winter continued. “Just a little thing for them to remember us by.”

It was Elkyktra that sneered. “And how do you plan to get in? Those locks are charmed, I swear.”

Winter gestured over to Trajan, cloaked in the darkness and an old tailcoat, fringe pulled low over his eyes.

Elyktra looked him over, then turned back to Winter. “He better be good.”

“I’ve heard he’s the best,” they shrugged.

It was Leo who finally pushed himself up and started walking down the street.

Winter shrugged, and followed him, ring covered hand beckoning the others forwards.

None of them bothered with being quiet. They let their footsteps echo down the streets, talked as loud as they wanted. They were a large group, after all. And almost all of them had a bad reputation. There was no risk of getting jumped. Not with Elyktra’s cackling, or Greenie’s whistling. Jay’s flickering blue hair, Nyla’s smug saunter, or the glint of Winter’s crown. For the time being, they were safe from any harm.

Cam wasn’t worried about that.

Walking home alone was always a different issue.

Cam swore they’d managed to walk right through the broken slum they’d called a town before someone eventually stopped them.

“Do you even know where you’re going?” Coco asked.

Winter spun round sharply. “Are you doubting me?”

“Yes. We’ve been here three times already.”

“No we haven’t. We haven’t been here before now.”

Nyla broke off a little bit from where the group was huddled. She stood in front of one of the grimy windows, supposedly checking herself. She fluffed her hair a little bit, and re-applied the blood red lipstick before turning back towards the group. “This is Annie’s place.”

“And?” Elyktra asked.

“And so we haven’t been here. I’d know Annie’s anywhere.”

“Doesn’t mean it’s not taking too long,” Coco muttered.

Winter snarled. “Do you want to leave?”

“No.”

“Then mouth. Shut.”

Nyla was the one to saunter in between them. Though instead of saying anything, she reached her hand out towards Leo.

“Mirror,” she demanded.

He looked at her in confusion.

“Didn’t you hear me? Mirror.”

“I heard you fine,” he held his hand protectively over his trouser pocket. “Why do you want it?”

“Shop window’s all icky. I want a proper mirror.”

Leo drew back slightly. “It’s mine. You’re not having it.”

“Yes I am. Give it here. Now.”

“Nyla leave it.”

Cam was backed against one of the walls, eyes fixed on the floor, his hand clutched around one of his many necklaces.

“Don’t tell me what to do.” Nyla turned on him.

“Just back off a little, Ny. Please? You look fine.”

She pouted. “I’m not sure what’s gotten into you today. But fine. I’ll leave it for now.”

“Well?” Coco glared. “Are we going?”

Winter shrugged easily, and continued down the broken street.

By the time they got to the large hall where the leftovers were sorted through, Cam was starting to get slightly worried about how he was going to find his way home.

“Well Trajan?” Winter gestured towards the lock with both hands. “It’s all yours.”

It took well over ten minutes for him to pick it open. By that time, Nyla and Leo were arguing over the mirror again, but Cam didn’t have the energy to stop them.

He wasn’t quite sure where the truck driver’s were. It seemed doubtful they felt comfortable enough on the Lost Isle to sleep, but they were nowhere in sight; the half unpacked trucks left completely unattended.

Greenie was the one to pass out the spray cans. She always was.

Winter was the first, painting a large black crown on the side of the truck, and the others followed.

But Cam hung back a bit. Tossing the yellow paint from hand to hand, staring at it intently.

Jay finished off his drawing, then stepped back to allow Cam better access to the truck.

Cam shook his head slightly.

“There’s still space,” Jay said.

“I’m good.”

Helios beckoned him over. “Come on. Might get you out of whatever mood you’re in.”

“I’m not in a mood,” Cam protested.

Helios raises his eyebrows, leaning back against the truck. “You’re not in a mood? Come on and make your mark, then.”

Cam pulled a face at him, before stepping close to the truck and drawing a small smiley face.

“That all you got?” Nyla laughed. “It’s so small!”

“There’s not much room.”

“Never stopped you before,” she muttered.

“Look I’m kinda tired-”

“Save it. You’re either in it, or you’re gone,” Elyktra didn’t even bother to turn around.

Cam hesitated. “I’m in.”

Nyla twisted her hair up into a loose bun and looked Cam down. “Draw something bigger then.”

“I just think this isn’t a good idea. This is big. This is going back to the hero’s island. What if they cut our resources further. Or. I don’t know. Enforce the laws stricter, introduce worse punishments.”

Finally the argument caught Winter’s attention. “What can they do that’s any worse? This is our only chance of proving they haven’t worn us down. That we’re still strong and proud and bad. And I don’t plan on letting anyone mess it up. Am I clear?”

The aimless bubble of chatter and laughter died down instantly.

“I asked you. Am I clear?”

A chorus of nods and murmed agreement filled the hall.

“Good.”

Cam sprayed a quick lightning strike down one side of the truck then placed the can back in Greenie’s bag.

“I think I’m going to leave now.”

Nyla shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

He half-ran through the rusted, broken hall, silencing his footsteps as best he could until he reached the street.

He stepped out onto the broken path and let the rain fall onto him, wondering how he was going to manage to get home.

- Winter Maverick

[adelindschade]

The Great Stockholm Adventure, P1

Caroline awoke to two things: blinding light & aroma of delicious hot coco.

She rose with a groan, focusing her eyes on the familiar figure sitting on the bed side and to the steaming cup she held out. Caroline happily intercepted the mug, enjoying both the warmth and the richness it radiated.

“Thank you. You’re a God-sent,” she mumbled on the rim, savoring the concoction. It tasted like heaven. “Where are we?” She finally asked, utterly confused as she took in their surroundings.

The hotel room was huge. And that was just the bedroom! Hell, there was a chandelier hanging above them. Were ceilings usually that high? Besides the point. A freaking chandelier! A glitzy, gold, very antique looking one, and oh so beautiful. Ah, she could cry. If that wasn’t fancy enough, the view was to die for. The heavy drapes were pulled apart to revealing an ocean view.  Was that an ocean? It was some sort of harbor, with plenty of boats docked by the street – and she had never seen so many old buildings like the ones she was seeing. They were huge, probably uber historic, too. She could see everything – the windows were huge. They touched the floor and the ceiling! Once her eyes could adjust to the light, she could definitely appreciate the view.

Shit – was that a balcony, too!?

She was tempted to scramble out of bed, just to pry the doors apart to fully appreciate the city, but Katherine blocked her. Caroline’s eyes wandered to the other part of the room. Past Katherine were a set of very tall, French-looking doors that led into an even bigger room.

It looked luxurious. It smelled expensive. It was definitely way beyond Caroline’s budget.

“How’d we get here?” Caroline stammered as the realization dawned. “How did we pay for this?”

“Not sure,” Katherine bit her bottom lip. However, the elder vampire had a twinkle in her devilish eyes. “I know we’re in Stockholm. I have no idea how we got here though.”

“How drunk did we get?” Caroline asked, more so to herself.

“Drunk enough to… steal passports,” Katherine reached over to the table and plucked the two booklets. She started to chuckled and grinned. “We must have compelled our way through the airport because there is no way this is legitimate.”

Her laughter was contagious as Caroline looked at the photo identifications.

“No way,” Caroline joined. “Oh no, how on earth did we get our hands on this? Are these… are these the passports Stefan forged? Because that’s definitely meant for Elena but, really, Rebecca? Really, Stefan? How original,” she couldn’t help but grin, shaking with laughter. “You must have claimed this one. What’s the other one?”

Katherine smirked. “This one belongs to,” she snorted, “Miss. Barbara Wolf.”

“How much you want to bet Damon had something to do with that one?” Caroline raised a brow. “I don’t even look like that. He had to pull that photo off some generic Stock Photos site. Ugh. As if.”

“Well, it got us here!” Katherine boasted, very much amused.

Caroline joined in, laughing along.

“How drunk did we have to get to steal passports, book a flight across the ocean, and snag a dream of a room? By the way, how the hell did we manage that? Did we steal someone’s card? Oh God, please no. Ugh.” She discarded her cup onto the table and covered her face with both hands.

That’d get someone hot on their trail.

“Nope,” Katherine reassured. “We must have taken Stefan’s emergency stash, too. I counted what’s left of it. Wanna hit the shops later?”

“Seriously?” Caroline didn’t bother to fight the smile on her face. “This is amazing.”

“We must have been plastered,” Katherine shook her head in disbelief.

“It must have taken us… I remember raiding Damon’s stash at, like, midnight…”

“The flight is easily twelve hours,” Katherine contributed.

“Twelve hours?? Half a day??” Caroline gawked.

“Don’t forget, we have a six-hour difference here. We’re…” she leaned over to look at the clock, “six hours ahead. Right now, it’s almost noon.”

“So, it’s six-am back home,” Caroline reclined back into the pillows. “Give or take the half-day we killed, we probably left… okay, no, I can’t compute any of that yet. Ugh. My head is still reeling.”

“Either way. We here. Not there. We have sufficient funds to kill. We stole their stuff. All in all, we made out like bandits.” Katherine grinned broadly.

“We did, didn’t we?” Caroline giggled.

“We certainly did,” Katherine gloated. “We’re going to use this opportunity to test your new knowledge on Villainy. Considering this a field trip for Villain 101. How does it feel to be on the bad side for once?”

“The view is great,” Caroline joked. “I don’t mind field experience. Ooh – did we bring clothes? I can’t exactly go out like this,” Caroline gestured to her pajama set.

Katherine nodded to the duffle bag discarded by the dresser. “Even when you’re drunk, you came prepared. You brought extra luggage, too. It’s in the living room.”

“We have a living room?” Caroline exclaimed incredulously.

“Oh, by the way. Our phones are dead. I have them charged in the kitchen. I’m not sure if we should turn them on.” Katherine looked weary.

“Oh,” Caroline cringed. She already anticipated the onslaught of messages.

“Wanna play a game?” Katherine enticed.

“What kind of game?”

“To see who got the most calls,” Katherine shrugged.

“Oh, I’d definitely win,” Caroline asserted confidently. “Stefan is probably losing his mind. Klaus…. Klaus would know by now because neither Stefan or Damon can keep their lips shut for once moment. Oh, Klaus…. Fuck my life! He’s going to blow up my phone. Then he’s going to send his little spies to find me. Then… oh God, he’s never going to let up! Fuck my life. I just have to pick them, don’t I? Then Bonnie… Bonnie will be just as bad. Elena, eh, I don’t think she’d be the worst of them. MOM! HOLY – Oh God, my mom is going to be worried sick! Shit! Shit! Shit!”

“Elijah will be nosy. ‘Where are you, Katerina?’ ‘Answer me, Katerina. I won’t ask twice.’ ‘Katerina, if you don’t respond within the next hour…’ Ugh, you’d think I’d get peace from the man after he broke up with me! Stefan will be infuriated, obviously. I stole his stash and his best friend. I’m not the least bit remorseful,” Katherine winked.

“Ugh, okay, let’s get this over with,” Caroline rose, ignoring the drop of her stomach. Now was not the time to be anxious. She shook off her blanket and slid out the other side of the bed. “I’m going to need all the coffee I can get my hands on while we wait out the phone-apocalypse.”

“There’s a charming little shop in the lobby,” Katherine chirped. “By the time we get back, our phones will be positively full. How about it?”

“Extra expresso, please,” Caroline pouted.

“I can buy you all the expresso,” Katherine grinned. She waved a wad of cash she had grabbed from the dresser. “Maybe even some strudel.”

“I would love some strudel,” Caroline smiled.

Before leaving the room, Katherine had grabbed the key card and turned on both phones resting by the sink. They closed the heavy door behind them before the incessant bell of notifications erupted from either device.

The women looped arms and took their time canvassing the hall.

“Ooh! You should see their pool! I saw it earlier when I was grabbing breakfast! It’s gorgeous. It just like, a room, just full of water, that you walk into! You just right in and they have live fire above the water’s surface in the corners! Remind me to book a spa treatment before we leave. Their facility is to die for.”

“How did you wake up earlier than me?” Caroline retorted. “Did we pack bathing suits?”

“You packed four. I don’t know what we planned but you took care of everything.” Katherine chuckled. “Also, I’m older, and I have a greater tolerance. Hey, I let you sleep in. Be grateful.”

“I am grateful,” Caroline preened. She leaned into Katherine. “Thank you, Katherine, for pulling me into your deviancy. Aren’t I such a good student?”

“The best one. You’re going to excel Villain 101.” Katherine patted her head. “Ooh, you need to brush this out.” She played with a loose curl.

“Hey! Coffee first,” Caroline stuck out her tongue out.

“Coffee first,” Katherine agreed.

The girls were met cheerfully at the coffee stand. The barista amazed them with his speediness and Caroline thanked him profusely for the delicious product. He spoke loose English. Katherine, in turn, thanked him in his native tongue, earning a beaming smile from the young man. Of course, Katherine knew Swedish. What didn’t she know? At least Caroline was comforted she had a fluent translator.

Caroline made a note to self to buy some sort of book. She would try to pick up some of language during her stay.

They took their time returning to their room. Both were hesitant to be greeted by what waited on their phones.

“Here goes nothing,” Caroline groaned unexcitedly.

The pair was met with silence.

“Maybe there aren’t that many messages,” Caroline smiled meekly. They approached the counter hesitantly and simultaneously lifted their phones. Their stomachs churned.

“Alright, we should count missed calls first,” Katherine pitched.

“Collectively? Or per person?” Caroline inquired.

“Collectively,” Katherine replied after a moment’s pondering.

“One… Two… Three… On!” Caroline lead.

Their home screens lit up brightly.

“I have fourteen missed calls,” Katherine announced. “Eight from Stefan, three from Damon, two from Elijah – wow – just two? Asshole… and one from Little Miss Perfect.”

Caroline gawked at her screen. “Yeah, this in insane. Seventy-seven missed calls. Just calls! Holy shit! nineteen from my mother alone…. Since yesterday! Oh God, she’s going to be a mess. Okay, um, eighteen from Stefan, eleven from Bonnie, four from Elena, three from Damon, and – are you fucking kidding me – get this, Katherine – twenty-two from Mystic Fall’s least favorite Hybrid.”

“Alright, you won the phone call category. What about voice mail?”

“This is not going to be pretty,” Caroline cringed.

“I’ll go and then you go. Let’s choose…. This one,” Katherine decided. “This is from our favorite Bunny-eater.”

“’Katherine, where are you? Is Caroline okay? Why won’t she answer the phone? Call me back as soon as you can. We’re worried sick.’ Well, that one was mild. I’m guessing that was before he lost his sanity. Okay, you go.”

“Let’s… I’m not ready to hear my mom quite yet… neither am I ready to hear Bonnie… and Stefan is probably going to say the same thing… ugh, okay, Damon only left one, so let’s click that one. ‘Hey blondie, what the hell were you thinking? Get your ass back here! Stefan is going crazy, Bonnie is on a rampage, your mother is in a panic, and you know what? The faster the you get back here, the less trouble you’re going to be in. Everyone is pissed. I’m so close to calling the Big Baddy.’”

“I have six more,” Katherine read from her screen.

“I have twenty-nine,” Caroline deadpanned.

“You’re a popular girl,” Katherine sniggered.

“How about you play Elijah’s?” Caroline teased.

“If only you play Klaus’s,” Katherine was game.

“Pick which one,” she showed her screen, listing the dozen he had left in her mailbox. Katherine boomed with laughter.

“Well, Elijah, let’s hear what you have to say.” Katherine sneered. “’Katerina, what have you done with Caroline? My brother is upset. The misfits are out for your head. What have you gotten yourself into now? I’m not happy. I expect an answer.’”

“Direct,” Caroline noted.

“Ironic,” Katherine rolled her eyes. “He told me he wanted nothing to do with me.”

“But he insists on knowing about your whereabouts,” Caroline smirked. “Actions speak louder than words.”

“He’s a prick. Just like his brother. Speaking about that bastard, let’s hear what he has to say. In fact, since you have so many to choose from…. here, let me pick one.” Caroline obliged Katherine and extended her phone. Katherine mused for a second before selecting a random choice.

“’Caroline, answer your phone! I am not amused. Katherine is not someone you should be associating yourself with! I understand you have a particular habit of forgiving certain breeds, but she is a pedigree bitch that will have no qualms about disposing you should she grow bored!  You can see how that concerns me. I need to know where you’re at. We will be having words about your choice of company when I find you.’”

“Wow,” Katherine swallowed. “That was a bit much.”

“Pedigree bitch? Now sure if you should be insulted or flattered,” Caroline snorted.

“Disposable? Please, you’re one of my first, true friends. I wouldn’t get rid of you that easily,” Katherine scrunched her nose. “See’s how little he knows.”

“Aww, you care,” Caroline teased.

“Sounds like so does he,” Katherine pointed. “You have him wrapped around that little finger of yours. Can we play the rest?”

“Uh, no. I need to call my mom ASAP. She should know I’m safe.”

“Oh, by the way, twenty-three text messages.” Katherine read aloud.

“Ha, beat you again. I have fifty-eight. It’s been less than twenty-four hours. What the hell…”

Caroline found her mother’s number and hit the CALL button without hesitation. She barley had to wait for it to ring before her mother’s voice all but shrieked.

“Caroline! Is that you? Are you okay? Where are you? Caroline? Are you there?”

Caroline grimaced. “I’m fine, Mom. I’m so sorry for making you worried. I’m totally fine. Trust me. I just… took a sporadic trip. I was kind of drunk but honestly, I don’t regret it. It’s beautiful here. I won’t say where because I know someone is going to follow us here. Just know we’re fine and enjoying the scenery.”

“Caroline!” Her mother scolded. She sighed. “I’m glad. Please don’t do that again. I was worried sick. You’re not hurt?”

“Nope. Just a little hungover. We have coffee though and going to shop a bit. Do you want anything?”

“Caroline,” her mother groaned. “I just want you back home, safe and sound. We’re worried about you.”

“Tell them I’m fine. I just needed to get away. The drama was getting a bit too much. I’m in good hands.”

“Alright…” her mother sounded skeptical. “You should let the others know yourself. They called reinforcements.”

“Let me guess, Klaus?”

“He’s really angry, Caroline. It’d do us a favor if you could reassure him. He already snapped Damon’s neck three times.”

“Not that he didn’t deserve it,” Caroline grinned. Katherine chuckled.

“Caroline, please.”

“Fine, mom. I’ll call them. I have to go. I love you.”

“I love you, too. When will you be home?”

“Not sure. I’ll let you know when I decide.”

“Okay, sweetheart. Take care. Be safe.”

“Always. Bye, Mom.”

“Talk to you later, Caroline.”

Caroline disconnected the call and let out a heavy sigh.

“One person down, so many others to go. Who’s next…”

“I’d say Stefan, or Klaus. They’re both losing their heads.”

“Err, you make a good point. How about this? You call Stefan, tell him we’re okay, and I’ll call Klaus. Two birds, one stone!”

“Fine,” Katherine agreed disgruntledly. “You call Klaus first. I want to hear this.”

“Fine, then we’ll put Stefan on speaker.”

“Stop stalling, call the son-of-a-bitch.”

“Fine, pushy,” Caroline growled. She ignored the flop of her stomach and highlight his name in her contacts. “This is going to be so much fun,” she whined as the call initiated. It rung two times before the call was picked up. Both girls perked.

“Caroline?”

Klaus was pissed. Katherine winced. Caroline wanted to crawl into a hole.

“Hi,” she meekly replied.

“Hello,” he returned stiffly. “Would you care to inform me about your recent whereabouts? I’d rather not hear from your friends you disappeared with a known psychopath. I’ve spent the last day trying to follow your tracks, but I admit, much to your talent, I cannot trace you. Let’s rectify that. Now, Caroline.”

Caroline instantly felt defiant.

“Excuse me, bossy, but she’s not the only psychopath I know! You tried to kill my friends, too. Second, I like my little vacation, and I’m going to make the most of it. So, no, I won’t tell you where we are, because you’re going to ruin it. I only called to let you know that I’m fine, I’m happy, and you can stop terrorizing my friends. Thanks!”

“This is not a game, Caroline! You could get hurt or killed! I won’t allow that.”

“You can’t really have much of a say about that if you don’t know where I am anyways,” Caroline retorted smartly.

“Now is not the time to play games, love.”

“Really? Because I thought those were your favorite pastime,” Caroline chirped. Katherine sniggered silently. “You spent hundreds of years tracking Katherine. Why am I any different?”

“Caroline, tell me now!”

“Nope,” Caroline grinned. “I’m liking this. It’s driving you insane.”

“You’re going to regret this, love. It’s for your safety you tell me where you’re at. Now.”

“I’m going to regret this over much needed retail therapy and chocolate delights. I’ll take my chances.”

“When I find you, you’re going to mark my words.”

“Oh, you’re right – small town life, small town boy? Soo over that.”

“Not the words I was referring to but I’m glad you took some of my advice. You’re timing isn’t as convenient.

“Oh boo-hoo,” Caroline mocked. “I’m a big girl, Klaus. I’m going to be okay. I have a translator and more cash than I know what to do with.”

“If you want me to chase you, Caroline, you know I will. You better hope I don’t catch you.”

“I’m counting on it,” Caroline grinned. “Good luck, Klaus.”

She hung up the call and squealed.

“I did that!” Caroline bounced. “I totally just did that!”

“Living life on the edge? Taunting the big-bad? Extra points to you, Forbes,” Katherine applauded. “You know he won’t give up. He’s not going to stop until he gets his hands on you. Good luck, my friend. You don’t know what you got yourself into.”

“Oh, whatever. Okay, call Stefan.”

“Already on it,” Katherine replied. Stefan took longer to answer.

“Katherine, where’s Caroline?” Stefan didn’t skip a beat.

“I’m right here. Calm your protective ass down,” Caroline replied aloud.

“Yeah, I even bought her coffee and woke her up with hot chocolate. I’ve been a wonderful host.” Katherine scowled.

“She truly has,” Caroline confirmed. Both women shared smile.

“Where are you?” Stefan demanded.

“Australia,” Caroline sarcastically chipped.

“Iceland,” Katherine replied simultaneously.

“Seriously, guys! Why would you go MIA like that?” Stefan seethed.

“Because… we were drunk and bored?” Caroline offered.

“Not good enough of an answer, Caroline!” Stefan yelled.

“Good enough for us,” Katherine disagreed cheekily.

“We called Klaus because we thought the worst!”

“I know,” Caroline deadpanned. “I have his crazy ass harassing my phone. Thanks for that. I won’t shake him off. It’s going to ruin the mood.”

“The mood!? Caroline! I thought you were dead!”

“Be honest, Stefan,” Katherine interrupted. “You didn’t notice we were gone until we were out of Virginia. You were too wrapped up with Elena and her newest stalker. It’s getting old. I’m treating Caroline like a real friend. Speaking of such, time is short, so we’re gonna go.”

“Don’t you dare!” Stefan shouted. Katherine had disconnected the call before he could finish his sentence.

“I’m gonna call Bonnie and get dressed. I want to see what Stockholm has to offer,” Caroline smiled.

“I’ll be ignoring Elijah and deciding what shoes to wear.”

“Okay!”

Caroline had brushed her hair into a messy bun, shifted through her clothes for a pair of sunglasses, settled for jeans and a red halter top. A pair of black boots sealed the outfit.

“What do you mean you won’t tell me where you’re at? You tell me everything!”

“And you’ll tell Elena, or Stefan, or anyone, and then my fun will be ruined. Bonnie, I’m somewhere new and exciting! I want to enjoy it, even if it’s with Katherine, who whether you believe it or not, is decent company! We spent the whole night bonding over our bad choices in guys and decided it was time to reclaim our lives. Let me enjoy this, Bonnie, without Mystic Falls meddling, please?”

“Fine,” Bonnie relented, “but you’ll tell me updates! All the time!”

“Of course,” Caroline clapped. “Ah, I’m so excited. I’m going to send you pictures but you can’t show anyone! With my luck, they’re going to be intercepted and I’ll have Klaus on my ass to drag me back home. I’m not ready for that. I’m going to go now. I love you, Bon-Bon!”

“I love you, too, Care-Bear. Be safe!”

“Always,” Caroline assured before closing the call.  She yelled out to her companion. “I’m good to go! You ready, Kat?”

“Yeah! Come on, the day is short.”

“Stockholm, here we come!”

TO BE CONTINUED Klaroline/Kalijah/KOL/and so much more to come.

[askredrage]

Open up your EYE (Thoughts on MLP Movie)

Has the show gotten one of those characters that doesn't know what a sense of humor is and fights back with combat?  Or am I thinking of a lot of reformed characters from other media? Spoilers down below.  Haven't seen the movie?  Well the DVD/Blu-Ray aren't far behind.

Um...so that was the movie I had almost missed out on, huh?  Well it was.........something... Ok, so I'm afraid this "review" is going to be EXTREMELY difficult to judge because the night before I actually watched Disney/Pixar's Coco first (by the way, 10/10, would DVD/Blu-Ray again).  And sitting down to watch this movie second was probably a huge mistake as this movie left me with a rather sour taste in my mouth.  Perhaps if I waited to see Coco later, then I wouldn't feel this...negative.  I'm the kind of person that goes to the movies a ton so I'm pretty much judging this movie along with all the other movies I've gone to see in the past several years. So let's get an obvious good thing out of the way first; the movie's return to 2-D or 2.5-D animation.  Never in a long time since Princess and the Frog in 2009 have I been glad to see the return of hand-drawn styled animation.  It's actually quite interesting when you learn that the movie characters were actually made 3-D FIRST before becoming 2-D characters in a 3-D world.  Speaking of which, a major chunk of the pony characters don't feel like repeatedly used poses like in the TV show.  They've been given a similar design to the show but more expressive and created with greater, fluid movement in a few areas.  So of course Pinkie Pie would be the one to mostly get the spotlight in this area.  I think people were worried about the 3-D landscaping dampening the style, but I'll let it slide as they did create the landscapes beautifully.  Plus 3-D environments have worked for 2-D movies in the past.  Talk to a good chunk of Disney Renaissance movies like Beauty and the Beast's Ballroom. An interesting way to segue into this next part.  Whereas the Disney Movies were mostly the movie first and merchandise later, Hasbro's the company that will make a product first then get their animators to make an episode or movie around it.  Also I am aware that Hasbro has one hell of a leash on these animators.  They've probably had a ton of amazing ideas for a My Little Pony movie to appeal to all audiences instead of the targeted one.  But what I was given to view not fell into my low expectations...it went even LOWER!  Perhaps being exposed to Coco first had ruined my enjoyment for this as there was much needed room for improvement. See if I can sequence this a bit.  Let's start with the story.  Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship has created a massive party in an unusually-styled Canterlot that's looking a bit spacious than the busting city I'm usually seeing in the show.  Through some comedic introductions, a song and a series of show-related cameos we are given the things that the outside audience needs to know.  Things get shaken up when Tempest Shadow, an broken-horned unicorn visitor representing for the Storm King, arrives with an army to take over the entire kingdom in order to siphon the magic out of the four princesses.  Now it's up to Twilight and her five friends (not six, Starlight Glimmer got shoved out of the spotlight) to find aid outside Equestria and take back their home capital. Interestingly enough, the one hour and forty-four run time actually felt kind of long when normally I'm sitting for two to three hour-long movies...but then it quickly sped through the story in a poor pace to show off their new toys/playsets and have money left in their budgets.  I'm probably not the first to say this movie was poorly paced, am I?  From memory, I think the longest we've stuck with a setting outside Canterlot was probably the desert city of Klugetown.  You could probably argue that perhaps it was Hippogriffia/Seaquestria but events there kinda made me WANT to make it go faster.  Get to that part in a second. Songs?  As a 90's kid, you know that most of the songs are either set aside or forgotten (like the ones in this film) for the most important one:  The Villain Song.  And Tempest Shadow's Open Up Your Eyes (currently having its instrumental being spammed repeatedly during this typing) is indeed worthy of the title "Villain Song".  The setting, the lighting, the flashback made by a different team (according to the credits), I loved it all.  I'd say it reminds me of Unleash the Magic from Friendship Games but I rank this song much higher. Honorary note for Sia's Rainbow.  I'm being told by some reviews that the song felt a bit too somber for a finale but I don't know, this felt like a calm, perfect way to wrap up the movie with.  I haven't a clue what the problem with it was. Finally, how about the characters.  We've got your familiar TV show cast along with a ton of celebrity voices, including Sia as Songbird Serenade at the beginning and end of the movie who is literally modeled after one of her actual outfits.  I chuckled when I dug up her photo, I don't know how she manages to see through that hair.  Other noteworthy celebrities that got a good chunk of screen time were Kristin Chenoweth as Princess Skystar, Liev Schriber as the Storm King, Zoe Saldana as Captain Celaeno, Michael Peña as Grubber the Hedgehog and Taye Diggs as Capper the anthropomorphic cat.  Most have been given the appropriate amount of screen time while others (STORM KING, MAIN ANTAGONIST OF THE FREAKING MOVIE), were held off until the end.  Oh yeah, that one Parrot Pirate with the squawking and demolitions.  Loved that guy. Sadly, the weakest of the group was the Storm King himself and not just because he was saved for the climax.  Previous TV show antagonists have ranged from either self-motivated tyrants to strategic conquerors for their own kind.  This knucklehead is literally announced as "evil" from Grubber and there just wasn't much from him to label him as an awesome villain.  Even his own funny moments couldn't save him.  And this is coming from a guy who isn't very fond of Starlight Glimmer yet she's still WAY more interesting than this cloud yeti.  Oh well, maybe next time don't model your villain to be a lazy, wacky monkey. On the other side of the spectrum, however, is Emily Blunt as Tempest Shadow, the true antagonist of the movie, picking up all the work for the Storm King to restore her cracked horn.  Compared to "her boss" this character has her own goals and motivations, sort of like a bounty hunter or mercenary. Kudos there as those areas would reach up into the top three MLP:FIM villains on my list.  Sadly, as the movie is indeed called "Friendship is Magic", she's (OMG) reformed much like many of the other unicorns in this show (Anyone seeing a trend here?).  Regardless, when she was a villain, this was a skilled and probably self-trained fighter trying to regain her happiness through any means necessary, even serving a clown.  Even gave me a chuckle when she lost her cool in Canterlot in front of Grubber before realizing and calming down. The Mane Six and Spike are mixed in their performances and what they're given to do.  I'll have to rate them all from best to worst...you're not gonna love who's on the bottom. Pinkie Pie stuck out the most with previously mentioned animations and tons of interactions with the girls and the strangers they came across.  Side-note:  She is mean with a barge of cupcakes; had they been red-frosting, that fight scene might have been banned.  We even get a serious moment with her and Twilight where--getting ahead of myself.  Getting there soon, promise. Rainbow Dash, despite causing some extra trouble, gives the "awesome" the movie needs including getting the Parrot Pirates off their rears to face off against their former employers...that doesn't last long. Rarity's charm and generosity got Capper the cat to not only change Tempest's army's course but gather the other characters for a full on pledged climax fight. Fluttershy has hardly anything except the funniest moment in the entire film regarding opening up with a Storm King soldier.  Honestly want to know what became of those guys now. Spike, you trustworthy pal and weapon.  The TV show might have given you terrible episodes but who would have thought you'd become a necessary Pyro tool?  TF2 Workshop!  Make a mod!  NOW! Applejack...sold apple juice and roped a few people and rocks.  That's uh....that's about it. ....you all hate me now for this:  Twilight Sparkle ends up on the bottom heavily and deserves it all from actions, character writing and poor pace.  Our beloved Princess of Friendship is still the nerdy and orderly princess aimed at saving her home kingdom enough to act grumpy, annoyed and careless in her actions.  Said carelessness led to attempted robbery and created the biggest and most painful moment of the movie:  When Twilight angrily lashes out at Pinkie by saying she'd be better off without friends like them.  Not only was this stupidly painful, but it was the necessary tool for the whole "We're not friends anymore but then we get back together later" bit.  And said apology was being shoved in a climax to be ignored for comedic effect.  Now if perhaps both Twilight and Tempest were together during the end of the battle for apologies, that would not only be forgivable but an excellent moment for the movie.  But no...more like the Princess of Pace-dumping. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh....I know, I know, this is a movie targeted towards children, but so was Coco.  It would really help if some of that Disney magic could save the MLP Movie from its Hasbro chains.  I know if the team wasn't being held back, they could have gotten away with much, much more to save the film from me giving it a 4/10. Well, this is the West Coast Psycho, and in the words of Max G, "I hope ya hated it."

[plsdontfightme]

I Wrote A Thing

Hi, yes, hello. I wrote a thing for a creative writing class I took last year, and I thought I’d share it with you, the good people of tumblr. I’m hoping you might read it and tell me what you think! It would be greatly appreciated. 

Beautiful Memories

Art galleries were not on Daisy’s list of “Top Ten Places to Bring a Date,” and a small voice in the back of Alexis’s mind kept reminding her of that. She stood uncomfortably near the corner, studying a piece that looked very… something. Both the title and artist’s name were in a language she didn’t know, and, if she was being honest, the piece itself just looked like a bunch of criss crossing lines of varying shades of blue, green, and black.

She turned from the painting as she searched for her date, Matt. He’d gone to get them something to drink fifteen minutes ago, but Alexis was sure he was just looking for a chance to chat up the woman running the bar. Alexis couldn’t bring herself to be jealous, the woman was pretty, for sure, but it looked like she was about as interested in Alexis’s date as she was. Which is to say, not very. It was a blind date one of the girls from across the hall had set up. She hadn’t told Alexis what to expect, just his name, so she hadn’t dressed up very much. That was one thing she was regretting now, feeling very out of place in her simple pink and white sundress. It was a beautiful night for mid-fall, almost unseasonably warm, and she’d been hoping to do something outside. Dinner on the patio of that little Italian place she and Daisy went to whenever they could afford it, or a picnic on campus, she knew a great spot up behind the football field. She even would’ve been down for a round of mini-golf tonight, anything but a stuffy art gallery full of pretentious rich people.

Alexis moved from the piece she had been absentmindedly staring at to the one next to it. It was thinner and longer than the other and much lighter. The bright blues and reds splashed against a white and gray canvas made Alexis think she might be able to actually see something in this one. A fond memory rose from the back of her mind, causing a natural smile to grace her lips for the first time that evening.

~~~

“Come on, Daisy!”

Alexis grabbed her best friend’s hand, pulling her towards the door. The rain had finally stopped, the sky had cleared, and both girls were excited at the prospect of finding a rainbow. The fact that most of the other girls at their school thought that thirteen was too old to go chasing rainbows did nothing to deter either of the girls, both certain that her prince charming was waiting at the end.

“Wait a second, ‘Lexi,” Daisy laughed, struggling to pull on her other boot. “I can’t go out with just one boot.”

With an exaggerated huff, Alexis let go and waited for her friend to finish pulling her second bright yellow boot on. It matched her yellow rain coat, which her mother insisted she wear in case it started raining again. Alexis herself had matching red boots and coat, though her boots were patterned with ladybugs instead of the bumblebees on Daisy’s. As soon as Daisy had both boots on, Alexis had the other girl’s hand in hers again.

As they splashed through the puddles in the driveway, Daisy’s father appeared in the door. “Don’t go too far, girls,” he called after them, “and make sure you’re back by two!”

“Alright, Dad!” Daisy responded, waving over her shoulder as Alexis dragged her along. Alexis barely slowed as she also turned to wave before dragging her best friend off into one of the many adventures the two girls shared.

~~~

Alexis blinked, smiling at the memory. Daisy had never failed to make her smile in the past, and this was no exception.

Looking over her shoulder, she spotted Matt still leaning over the bar, chatting at the woman behind it. The woman looked up and spotted Alexis, sending her a slightly apologetic look as she glanced between the oblivious Matt and his “date”. Alexis just shrugged in response; it wasn’t like she was that into him anyway.  She turned back to the wall, ready to study another painting. The next piece on the wall had a bit more structure than the last, or maybe Alexis’s imagination was more active this time. It was darker than the other two, but not in an unfriendly way. It was dark reds, browns, oranges, and maybe a little purple. It reminded her of her old bedroom back when she was in high school. In fact, she thought she could see the outline of a bed off to one side, and there was stuff all over the floor. Suddenly, she wasn’t standing in an art gallery anymore; she was back in that bedroom.

~~~

They’re both supposed to be studying. They were sitting on the floor of Alexis’s bedroom, textbooks and notes mingled with the junk food wrappers spread out across the floor; mugs of now cold coco sitting dangerously close to both notes and elbows. Both girls have exams the next day and neither of them feel very prepared despite the many hours of studying they’d been putting in. Daisy’s head drooped onto her chemistry textbook while Alexis attempted to make sense of one of her practice calculus problems. Noticing her friend was falling asleep, Alexis poked her in the side.

“Wake up, sleepy head,” she whispered, barely restraining a yawn.

“No,” Daisy grumbled, burying her head into the crook of her elbow.

“Come on, it’s only-” Alexis grabbed her phone to check the time, eyes widening when she saw it. “Oh my god, it’s almost three. I guess we’re as ready as we’ll ever be, huh, 'Z?” Daisy made a noise that Alexis took to mean she agreed. “Come on, lets go to bed.”

She pulled Daisy off the floor and helped her onto the bed. They settled in and turned the lights off, but Alexis just couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned for a few minutes before Daisy told her to cut it out.

“We’re more than prepared for these exams, 'Lexi, I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Daisy consoled her. “Plus, in fifteen days we will officially be out of high school, and then we’ve got the whole summer before we have to go to college, and you’re going to be just fine there too, because I’ll be right there with you, okay? Now, can we go to sleep?”

Alexis took a deep breath. “Yeah,” she whispered. “Thanks, 'Z.”

“Anytime. Now shut up.”

~~~

Alexis smiled fondly at the painting before feeling eyes on her. She glanced around the room and saw a woman in a tight deep purple dress staring at her. It wasn’t a nice kind of stare, either. It wasn’t a “Do I know that person?” stare, or an “I wonder where she got that dress, it’s nice” stare. It was a “She’s not good enough to be here” stare. Alexis felt her smile disappear. Unfortunately, this was a stare she had encountered before, around her college campus. It was a nice school, a really nice school, and she and Daisy didn’t really fit in with all the sophisticated rich kids. She shopped at thrift stores, they wore designer flipflops. There was a definite difference in lifestyles between them. Feeling a sudden chill in the room, she wrapped her arms around herself and turned toward the next painting.

She was met with bright greens and blues, rich browns, and streaks of white. Something about the brushstrokes told Alexis that this painting was moving. Or rolling, more like. She found her smile returning as she was pulled into another memory.

~~~

It’s a joint family picnic. Alexis, her older brother Dan, Daisy, her younger sister Lila, and both sets of parents had come together for a summer afternoon, one of the last before Dan headed off to college and the girls back to high school. They had spread blankets on the ground in the shade of an oak on top of a hill just outside their town. It was a popular hiking spot, and it was the perfect day for it. Ham and cheese sandwiches had been distributed once they’d reached the top, and the kids had quickly consumed theirs. The game of tag that ensued shortly afterwords could be considered childish by some, but Lila was only nine and therefore still a child, so that made it all okay.

“Bet you can’t catch me,” Lila had challenged her older sister before taking off at a run. Daisy had chased after her for a few minutes, then circled back to the blanket to tag her best friend instead.

“Unfair!” Alexis exclaimed, brushing crumbs out of her lap as she stood. Her brother took one look at her and took off after Daisy, and the game began in earnest. It continued until Daisy tripped over her own feet and ended up rolling part way down the hill. Alexis threw herself down the hill to join her, both giggling like they were five years old again. They lay in the sun for a moment before hearing Dan start to make his way down the hill after them.

Daisy grabbed Alexis’s hand and pulled her up. “Run!” She shouted, and they did.

~~~

What had started as a small smile had broken into a flat out grin over the last few minutes, and Alexis found she didn’t care what the other people in the room thought of her anymore. She watched the painting for a few more minutes, replaying the memory in her head. She was pulled back to the present when she felt rather than heard her phone buzz with a text. She would be lying if she said few moments ago she hadn’t been hoping for an excuse to leave, but she found herself enjoying the art a bit more now. She still wouldn’t protest a game of mini-golf and maybe something to eat, but the gallery wasn’t that bad.

Pulling her phone out of her pocket, Alexis smiled at the name that popped up on her screen.

Text from: Daisy-Doll

11/11/16 6:32pm

How’s the date going??

11/11/16 6:33pm

Do you need me to give you an out?

Alexis laughed softly as she sent a text back.

Text from: 'Lexi-Love

11/11/16 6:33pm

I haven’t actually seen him in a while, he went to get drinks

11/11/16 6:34pm

We’re at an art gallery, Daisy

Text from: Daisy-Doll

11/11/16 6:35pm

On a night like tonight?

It’s gorgeous out!

Text from: 'Lexi-Love

11/11/16 6:35pm

I know!

The arts cool, I guess

It’s super modern

Text from: Daisy-Doll

11/11/16 6:36pm

Sorry.

I know how much you like dusty old stuff.

Text from: 'Lexi-Love

11/11/16 6:36pm

Hey, you like “dusty old stuff” too

~~~

“I can’t believe my Dad roped you into this. Aren’t we supposed to be doing crazy stuff over Spring Break now that we’re college students?”

Alexis laughed at her best friend’s words, setting another box of junk near the top of the stairs. “Maybe, but I don’t mind cleaning, and, to be honest, I needed to get out of the house for at least an afternoon,” she said, moving back across the now much cleaner attic space to get to where Daisy was going through another box of what looked to be old toy trains.

Daisy looked up at her sympathetically. “Dan’s girlfriend?” She asked.

Alexis nodded. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I like her, but she’s very…” She trailed off, looking for the right word.

“Excitable? Peppy? Not Dan-like?” Daisy suggested, closing the box she’d been going through and labeling it.

“Yeah,” Alexis said with a sigh, taking the box Daisy held out to her, checking the label before putting it under the window on the far wall with the other antique toys and things. “This place looks good, 'Z.” She added as she looked around the room.

Daisy turned to observe their progress. “It’s better than it was,” she decided after a moment, looking unconvinced. Alexis rolled her eyes and grabbed Daisy’s hand.

“I think we deserve a break.”

Daisy laughed and allowed herself to be pulled towards the stairs. “Okay. But, we’re coming back up here after, right?”

“Sure,” Alexis agreed, “but first, lemonade.”

Shaking her head at her friend’s serious tone, Daisy smiled, adding, “I think we’ve got some cookies, too.”

Alexis’s cheerful squeal could be heard on the street below as she ran down the stairs.

~~~

Text from: Daisy-Doll

11/11/16 6:36pm

This is true.

11/11/16 6:40pm

You still there, or did your date turn out to be a serial killer?

The texts pulled Alexis out of her memories again. She seemed to be spending a lot of time lost in her own mind tonight. Looking up from her phone, she saw Matt heading back towards her, looking vaguely disappointed about his failed attempts with the woman at the bar.

Text from: 'Lexi-Love

11/11/16 6:41pm

No serial killers, just thinking

He’s coming back, I’ve gtg

Text from: Daisy-Doll

11/11/16 6:41pm

Okay, have fun!

If you need me to have a mental breakdown so you can come back and comfort me, let me know.

Alexis laughed, tucking her phone back into pocket. Again, she thought of how Daisy never failed to make her smile.

“Hey,” Matt said brightly, finally returning, but seeming to have forgotten her glass of water. “Come on, I want to show you something.” He reached to take her hand, and Alexis became unreasonably glad that this dress had pockets.

“Lead the way,” she said, forcing a smile and keeping her hands firmly in her pockets. It didn’t seem to faze him, though, as he simply looped his arm through her’s instead and lead her to a painting across the room. He was talking about the piece he was about to show her, but she wasn’t listening. Her mind kept wandering back to Daisy, and- Oh. They’d stopped in front of a painting that covered the wall almost completely. It was a square that stretched from floor to ceiling, splashed with brilliant oranges, reds, yellows, and rich light browns. It was beautiful. Though she didn’t know much about the world of art, even she could tell this was exquisite. Matt was going on about the time he’d gotten to meet the artist during his semester abroad in Italy, and Alexis was trying to pay attention to him, she really was, but she was drawn into the painting in a way she hadn’t expected.

~~~

Alexis was running. It always helped to clear her head, and it felt like everything was crashing down on her all at once. The dorm room she shared with Daisy had suddenly felt too small, and she’d just needed to get out. So, she’d changed into her running clothes as fast as possible, left a note for Daisy, and then she ran. There was no destination in mind, just a need to move that drove her further and further from the room she’d come to call home. She wasn’t even sure what she was running from, she just knew that she needed to.

Eventually, she found herself at her favorite little picnic spot up behind the football field, and she slowed down. There was a perfect view of the sunset from up here, and for a moment she got lost in the colors. Soon, though, she was brought back to the present and all her thoughts came crashing down on her again. It had all become real in the last few minutes. The fact that she was turning twenty in a few weeks; that she was in college, preparing to do the thing she was going to do for the rest of her life; that life passes in the blink of an eye. She could still remember being a kid, still felt like a kid sometimes. The idea that she’d never be nineteen again-

“You know, the whole existential crisis thing seems like more of a Dan thing than you, if I’m being honest,” Daisy spoke from behind her.

Alexis turned and gave a small laugh, unsurprised her best friend had found her. “I know,” she said quietly, “but it all just kinda hit me, you know?”

Daisy nodded. “Yeah, I know.” She grabbed Alexis’s hand and smiled. They stood in silence for a few minutes, watching the sunset, hand in hand. “Come on,” Daisy added, “they’re doing breakfast for dinner tonight in the cafeteria.”

And then Alexis was running, but this time she wasn’t alone, and she was running to something instead of away.

~~~

“Don’t you think?”

Alexis jumped a little at Matt’s question, not having expected it. “Hmm?” she responded, not wanting to say the wrong thing and make a complete fool of herself.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Matt didn’t seem bothered by having to repeat his question, he wasn’t even looking at her.

“Yeah,” Alexis agreed, the realization dawning on her slowly, “she is. I’m sorry, but I have to go.” Ignoring Matt’s confused protests, Alexis ran out of the art gallery. She needed to find her Daisy.