#danny x evelyn

[tan1shere]

☆....•°○°•....☆ Tanns ☆. ...•°○°•...☆

......... MASTERLIST .........

Inbox: open !

Requests: closed for now !

♤angst, ♡fluff, ◇smut

(Whenever I put "¿" I'm unsure if I consider it any of those^)

!! Me/introduction !!

~Billie Eilish~

~Young Miko~

~Ellie williams~

~Nessa Barrett~

~Danni~

~Evelyn~

~Shane McCutcheon~

MORE !

2024 kinktober janitorai

^ J.ai masterlist ?

Taglist

My fav fics

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All borders by @cafekitsune

[lacontroller1991]

Come Back To You (Danny Walker x F!Reader)

Main Master List || Misc Master List

Link to AO3

Summary: Danny lives, but now he has to make some choices.

Warnings: 18+ Near Character Death, Language, Period Accurate Diction, Semi-Graphic description of injuries, Evelyn isn't pregnant but still has her heart set on Rafe and Danny and Danny has his heart set on her and reader

Author's Note: I had to guys, I just had to and I'm honestly thinking about doing a whole ass multi chapter story revolving around the movie. It's an itch in my brain and it's not getting out. Again... Darn you Josh Hartnett

Word Count: 1.9k

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The sun is bright in the blue sky by the time the plane lands on the asphalt and comes to a stop. You feel your breath hitch in your throat as your heart pounds. It’s been months since you’ve seen Danny and you feel like you haven’t been able to breathe normally since. Evelyn moves from beside you, nails shortened by her nervous biting. What’s going to happen now that Rafe and Danny are back? If they are back? Did Danny change his mind after he’s been away and wants Evelyn or is he still keeping his word and coming back to you? 

“I feel like I’m going to faint,” her words are hushed as she tries to poke her head through the crowd of people and you try not to make a snarky comment. You and her were best friends, practically sisters, but she had broken your trust in a way you never thought she would. Since then, your relationship with the nurse has never been the same. 

“Don’t be dramatic.” Despite your harsh words and harsh exterior, inside you are panicking. What if he died? Then what? What if he chooses her? 

“I love him, you know? I love both of them so much.” If there was one thing you loved about Evelyn it’s that she’s a romantic like you, but not as much when she’s talking about the person who you’ve dreamt about for months on end. 

“I love him too. More than you can know.” You grab her hand and lead her through the group of people toward the front as the door to the plane drops open. Doolittle comes out first and you watch as his wife rushes towards him, gripping onto him as others slowly start to trickle out. Most you’ve met before, Gooz, Red, Earl, Rafe. Rafe. At the sight of him, Evelyn bolts forward, running straight into his arms and your heart beats a little faster. Maybe it’s the sun beating down on you or maybe it’s the fact that you have yet to see his face, but you feel sick to your stomach. 

Slowly walking towards the plane, you wait in high hopes as the remaining men come out, but still no Danny. Your heart sinks. Oh Danny, you stupid boy. Tears begin to swell in your eyes as your brain jumps to the worst possible situation. Evelyn takes note too, her hand reaching up to her mouth to hold back sobs, gaining Rafe’s attention. Noticing that Danny is nowhere to be seen, Rafe gently removes Evelyn from his arms and makes his way back to the plane. “Danny get your ass out here.”

“Boy s-s-sure knows how to make an entrance,” Red mutters, walking towards the group of people with a solemn look on his face, wishing Betty was amongst the crowd. 

A boot steps onto the stairs from the shadow and into the light, causing your heart to drop for the second time. “Danny,” you whisper softly, wiping the tears from your eyes as you rush past the group and up the stairs of the plane, grabbing onto him and pushing him back into the shadow causing him to let out a groan of pain. “I thought I lost you.”

Danny lets out a choked sob as he wraps one arm around you and buries his face in your hair, inhaling your scent. God he’s missed you. You’re the only thing he could think about for those months. The way your skin lights up in the sun. The way your eyes twinkle from the lights. The way the wind moves your hair. Everything about you is what kept him going, even when he crashed. “You can’t get rid of me that easily,” he chuckles as you pull away, looking over him as realization crashes over you. 

“Oh my God, what happened? We need to get you to a hospital,” you wince as you look over the extent of his injuries. His arm is in a sling, his leg has a long metal brace on it, and he has a big bandage over his neck.

“Wasn’t one of my better landings. The Chinese took good care of me and got me to this point,” he takes a step forward, pulling you back into him as he bumps his nose against yours. “They got me back to you.” He places a feather soft kiss to your lips before pulling back. “You’re as beautiful as the day I left you.” 

“Don’t ever leave me again,” you comment, taking his good side and hoisting his arm over your shoulders, helping him down the stairs as people cheer.

“I don’t plan on it.”

“Danny!” Evelyn rushes to his other side, being careful to avoid hurting him further and a lump forms in your throat. The moment you and him just shared was intimate, loving. There should be no confusion about who he chose, but still, there’s always that probability. 

“Evelyn. It’s good to see you,” he wears a smile on his face but he knows that the only woman he’ll ever love is the one on his good side.

“Yeah,” she pushes a piece of hair behind her ear, “you too.”

“Alright, let’s get Danny some proper treatment. Those Chinese nurses did a temp job, but he needs some actual medical care.” Rafe steps in, aware of your thankful gaze before the four of you walk off and get some medical help.

-----------

The hospital room is warm with a slight breeze coming in from the window as Danny lays on the bed, arm and leg in a proper cast. The tension in the room is visibly thick with you and Evelyn sitting on either side of Rafe, no one dares talking as the doctor and nurses work to make Danny comfortable. 

Turning to the three of you, the doctor gestures for all to step out of the room before eyeing you and Evelyn in confusion. “Which one of you is the wife?” 

“Neither of them are, sir. Whatever you need to say, you can say to all three of us,” Rafe comments as the doctor shrugs his shoulders in response.

“Captain Walker’s injuries were very severe. The doctors overseas did a good job of stitching his neck, but with the extent of his injuries to his arm and leg, he will have to be under watch for several months with several more months of physical training. We speculate that he will never be medically cleared to fly again.” Rafe’s head hangs in pity for Danny, but you see the look of relief that comes across Evelyn’s features and you feel the same way. “It was an act of God that he survived how he did. He should feel very blessed, but the pain is going to be tough. We will monitor it and give pain medicine as needed, but there is only so much we can do.”

“We understand,” you chime in, fingers picking at your cuticles. “Thank you Doctor.” He nods before walking away, leaving the three of you in the hall. “Now what?”

“We gotta be there for him. He’s not going to take this news well.” Evelyn nods along with Rafe’s words as a nurse steps out of the room and faces them.

“Is one of you Evelyn?” Evelyn’s eyes widen as she nods her head, stepping forward.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“He’s asked to speak with you.” The nurse holds open the door for Evelyn to go inside and sit down at his side, taking his hand. You can’t deny the feeling of hurt that encompasses you and Rafe notices. Taking your hand in his, he gives you a series of light squeezes 

“He loves you. Don’t worry.”

“How do you know he won’t choose her?” The question is genuine and Rafe looks to you with exasperation. 

“All he talked about was coming back home to you. Even in the thick of it, when we were surrounded by Japs, he kept praying to whoever to let him come home to you. I don’t think he once mentioned her.” Rafe gestures to where Danny lays and Evelyn sits, crying into her hands. “Believe me, he fucked up big time kissing my girl when he was going steady with you, but you’re the one he wants. The one he’s always wanted.” You let out a sigh of relief, giving his hand a reaffirming squeeze before letting go and letting your heart slowly mend. It’s true that Danny did kiss Evelyn while the two of you were seeing each other, but he had assured you that it was a one time deal and it would never happen again as long as he lives. She, on the other hand, made him her everything. 

Evelyn storms out of the room and faces you, tears rolling down her face. “If you ever hurt him…” It’s an empty threat and you know it. Evelyn couldn’t harm a fly, much less one of her former closest friends. Seeking solace in Rafe, she buries her head into his chest as he wraps his arms around her, still not sure what to make of the entire situation. Taking that as a cue, you walk into the room, closing the door behind you and making your way to his bedside. 

“Hey there,” his voice is raspy and you instinctively reach for the cup of water, bringing the straw to his lips for him to drink.

“Hey to you too. The doctor said you’ll be here for some months. Said your injuries were more severe than you let on.” He nods his head, pushing away the water and laying his brown eyes on yours. 

“Did they say if I can fly again?” Hanging your head, you reach for his hand and grasp it into yours. 

“I’m sorry honey, but probably not. The army won’t clear you after something like this. They said it’s a miracle you’re even alive.” Danny smirks and internally feels relief. Yes, he wants to continue and work for the war effort, but he also just wants to leave the world behind and move to a small house with you to live out a domesticated life. 

“You’re the only thing that kept me going. When I was out there,” he pauses, looking away and trying to bat the tears away. He does not want to look weak, not when he’s already looking weak as is. “When I was out there, I thought I was going to die. I was bleeding profusely, losing consciousness by the second and the only thing I could think of was you. You’re my world, (Y/N), and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving you the way I thought Rafe left me. And I’m sorry that I kissed Evelyn. We were both mourning and needing comfort and she was the only one that could understand, not that it doesn’t excuse it. But I love you and I will make it up to you for the rest of my life if I have to.”

Your heart is hammering in your chest and butterflies erupt in your stomach. He chose me. It’s me who he wants. “Danny, what are you trying to say?” 

Mustering the strength, Danny brings your hand up to his lips, kissing your soft knuckles. “What I'm trying to say is, will you marry me?” 

“Oh Danny!” You surge forward, pressing your lips against his as tears roll down your cheeks. Breaking away from the kiss, you rest your forehead against his, his breath and your breath mingling together. “Yes, a thousand times, yes!” 

“Yes?”

“Yes!” Your lips connect with his again and for the first time in a while, you feel that everything is just right. 

people who had an interest: @phoenixhalliwell @waywardtigersandwich

[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #39: March 19th - March 25th

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from March 19 - March 25, 2023! Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

No challenges, prompts, or events that we know of this week! Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from March 19 - March 25.

Bradley Whitford posted photos of his pets: 1 | 2

Josh Malina posted a photo of himself doing press for Leopoldstat.

Rob Lowe posted photos from the premiere of his new Netflix series, Unstable.

Rob Lowe posted photos of himself in Egypt. 1 | 2

Rob Lowe posted a photo of himself and his dog, Daisy.

Richard Schiff posted a photo of himself and The Good Doctor co-star Christina Chang.

Donna Moss Daily: March 19 | March 20 | March 21 | March 22 | March 23 | March 24 | March 25

Daily Josh Lyman: March 19 | March 21 | March 22 | March 22 (2) | March 22 (3) | March 22 (4) | March 23 | March 24 | March 25

No Context BWhit:  March 19 | March 20 | March 21 | March 22 | March 23 | March 24 | March 25

@janelmilfoney: March 20 | March 24

@down_brad_: March 21 | March 25

This Week in Canon:

Welcome to This Week in Canon, where we revisit moments in The West Wing that occurred on these dates during the show’s run.

Season 1, Episode 17: The White House Pro-Am aired on March 22, 2000.

Season 5, Episode 17: The Supremes aired on March 24, 2004.

Season 6, Episode 20: In God We Trust aired on March 23, 2005.

Season 7, Episode 14: Two Weeks Out aired on March 19, 2006.

Editors’ Choice: 

This week we’re featuring fics inspired by The Supremes, or centering around Evelyn Baker Lang and/or Christopher Mulready!

Penumbra by Ladybug_21 | Rated T | Evelyn Baker Lang & Christopher Mulready | Complete | A contentious U.S. Supreme Court oral argument unearths the secret that nearly tanked Chief Justice Evelyn Baker Lang's nomination by the Bartlet White House over a decade earlier. At ideological odds with her closest friend on the Court, and fearful of the turmoil that a leak to the press might cause, the Chief Justice turns to a former Bartlet Administration senior staffer for help.

 3000 Miles by Dipenates | Rated E | Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn | Complete | Sam comes back to help his former White House coworkers prepare for the nomination of two new Supreme Court Justices. This brings painful reminders of a past relationship.

 Looking Over My Yesterdays by mcgarrygirl78 | Rated T | Evelyn Baker Lang, Nancy McNally | Complete | "I just hope you didn't tell them we smoked that plant."

 I Love Her Shoes by izzywrites  | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete I "When it's over I'll buy you some shoes" + "I love her mind, I love her shoes."

 enumerated powers by jazzjo | Rated G | Evelyn Baker Lang & Christopher Mulready, C. J. Cregg/Evelyn Baker Lang | Complete I The Fourteenth Amendment and the ways it changes Evie Baker Lang's life, from fifteen to fifty seven.

or,

Four tectonic events.

S5 E17 The Supremes by JDPostEpisodeChallenge, starbuckmeggie | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete I Post Ep by StarbuckMeggie

 Big Picture by LizaCameron | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete I A missing scene from The Supremes.

 Details by eMetiB [archived by westwingfanfictioncentral_archivist] | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete I Missing Scene/Post-ep for The Supremes

Fics:

Presenting your weekly roundup of fics posted in the tag for The West Wing on Archive of Our Own. If you are so inclined, please be sure to leave the authors some love in the form of kudos or comments. Be mindful of posted warnings/tags for each story.

Josh/Donna

on call by phos3 for payback16 | Not Rated | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Domestic Days by spooky_spacegirl | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

as long as you love me by lunedecroissant | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

don’t talk (put your head on my shoulder) by flowersinapril | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Next to Me by spooky_spacegirl | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Unexpected by KateJaneAusten | Not Rated | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Full Bloom by ABSea | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

 Other Pairings/Gen Fic

it started off with a kiss... now it ended up like this by imawkwardlysoc | Rated G | Sam Seaborn/Original Female Character | In Progress

Wait For Me by imperfectirises | Rated M | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

A Different Life by PreppyPrincess5103 (JAG crossover) | Rated M | Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie/Sam Seaborn | In progress 

It’s In The Mail by GoneScribbling | Josh Lyman & Donna Moss & Toby Ziegler (no pairings listed) | Complete

 C.J./Danny

Ten Weeks by Jxjxjx | Rated T | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | In Progress

None of Us are More than Caretakers by onekisstotakewithme for daylight_angel, miabicicletta, Luppiters, hondagirll | Rated T | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | In Progress

Multiple Pairings

Here’s How I Remember It by whatsuptheregail | Rated M | Danny Concannon/C.J. Cregg, Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler, Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet, Zoey Bartlet/Charlie Young, Ainsley Hayes/Sam Seaborn, Carol Fitzpatrick/Original Female Character(s) | Complete

fathers and sons by rearviewmirror | Rated T | Zoey Bartlet/Charlie Young, Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry | Complete

THE WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING TEAM CAN BE REACHED VIA THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

Twitter: @TWWPress

Email: weeklypressbriefing@gmail.com

Feel free to let us know if we missed something, if you have an event you’d like us to promote, or if you have an item that you’d like included in the next briefing!

xx, What’s next?

[limonnitsa]

5 X 5 MCs challenge

this is my very belate continuation of 6 MC challenge, but this time I drew 10!

@libellule-ao3 - Evelyne & @the-ozzie - Millie

@silvyadrakkon - Lyssa & @siboom777 - Sally

@phinik - Ruth & @catohphm - Danny

@diana-bluewolf - Chris & @endeavour12345 - Philip

@a-usernamelol - Allan & @rypnami - Phillip

All of your MCs was so cool to draw, I loved the process so much!

P.S. please don't hesitate to correct me if I made some mistake

[klaprisun]

One Sunny Day

(Stardew Valley) (Haley x Female Farmer)

Chapter 10: Haley's POV

“What are you looking for, Haley?” Alex questions me.

“Hm? What do you mean?” I retorted back. We are standing in our usual ‘Egg Festival spots’ which is at the other end of the town square and in the grass.

“You keep looking over there,” Alex points to the pathway leading west from town square.

“No I'm not.”

“Yes you are. I literally see you looking right now.”

“I think you’re seeing things, Alex.” 

“But-”

I turn and give him a frown before he can even begin the rest of his sentence. Instead, he begins a different sentence that I let him finish, “Are you waiting for Farm Girl Danny?”

“No! And don’t call her that! She is more than just a farm girl, Alex. She is also more than a personal comedian,” I cross my arms and daze off for a second, not realizing I am staring right at the pathway I said I wasn’t.

“Um… okay? Not just a farm girl and not just a… personal comedian… Got it,” Alex gives me a confused thumbs up. Sometimes I think there is just air inside his head, but I tolerate him. He has gone through a lot in his life and needs someone there for him. His grandparents took him in when his mom passed and dad walked out. Evelyn and George are very kind people and did a great job taking care of him through his life. He is very kind to both of them in return, and does a lot for them since they’ve gotten older. I love visiting their house and eating Evelyn’s wonderful cooking. However, they make a lot of leek salad for George which I’ve never figured out. Every meal he has to have either just a leek or a leek salad!

Alex wraps his arm around my torso, and I lean my head against his side. We’ve been on and off a lot as a couple. A couple years now at least. Sometimes, I’ve caught him cheating on me when we take trips into Zuzu city but I can never actually see who it is he is with and if she looks like me or not. That’s always the question. OR! He moans a different name when we have sex. Whoever ‘Taylor’ is. Other times he is just plain rude. I don’t know why I stick around though. I think it’s just a small town and I feel trapped. Another reason is I really do feel for him and understand all he has gone through.

Finally, not that I’m looking or anything, I see Danny come into sight over at the west pathway. I immediately stand up straight and stop leaning on Alex. He notices my reaction and moves his arm away, half expecting me to bolt over to her.

She is wearing those overalls she wore like 4 times when she first got here. She has on a purple shirt underneath that looks like it has yellow flowers on it. Perfect for the Egg Festival. Her chestnut brown hair under her cowboy hat has been chopped off though! It’s about shoulder length and shaggy. She no longer has the long braid that I thought was pretty cute on her. 

I reach for my own hair that I braided this morning for the occasion and start fiddling with it anxiously, unsure of what to do next. 

Everyone is crowding Danny as she enters town square. All talking to her, introducing themselves to her if she hasn’t met them already, and Vincent and Jas are hugging her legs. I can’t seem to peel my eyes away from them all. I feel a pang of jealousy rising in me.

“Do you want to go over there, too? Say hi?” Alex snaps me out of my trance.

“No. Let’s just stay here.” I continue watching from a distance. There is no need to go over there. She seems busy with everyone else anyway. That is until she looks my way. She raises her hand in the air as a hello gesture. From here, I can still see her bright, big, charming smile.

The crowd is still swarmed around her, but she is only focused on me. She doesn’t break her gaze after gesturing hello, but she doesn’t walk over here either. Instead, she finally turns to Mayor Lewis and nods her head.

“Everyone participating in the annual egg hunt, get into your positions!” Mayor Lewis announces.

“Eat dust guys. You all know I win every year,” I hear Abigail brag. Vincent and Jas look visibly upset as she says that. Danny noticed their reactions and started smirking.

“We’ll see about that,” Danny says to Abigail who is staring daggers at her.

“On your marks… get set… GO!” Mayor Lewis chants.

Sam, Elliot, Vincent, Penny, Jas, Abigail, Maru, Leah, and Danny all take off around the town.  Alex had walked over to his grandparents to socialize with them which I don’t blame him for. I’d do the same thing. I’m left standing around a couple bushes that I've noticed earlier had an egg hiding in them.

Danny is now grouped up with Vincent and Jas, helping them find eggs. They are laughing and playing around searching every area imaginable. Danny points out the eggs for them and they run over and throw them into their baskets. Danny hasn’t put a single egg in her own basket. 

The three of them get closer to me and I decide to speak up. 

“Pssst,” I whisper to them.

3 pairs of eyes make direct eye contact with me. I tilt my head in the direction of the bush that has the egg in it. Danny gently taps Jas to go over and get the egg. In a fit of giggles, Jas runs over.

“Thank you ma'am,” Jas politely thanks me.

“Yeah, thank you ma’am,” Danny smirks and tips her hat slightly at me. I immediately feel my face get warm. The short hair really suits her.

Danny doesn’t even realize the two kids took off looking for more eggs. She is too busy standing all high and mighty with her arms crossed, staring at me. I notice her look me up and down a couple times, and I feel my stomach lurch. 

“Look at you,” she takes a step and takes my long, blonde braid gently in her hand, “you look like a princess.” 

My face gets even warmer and I can only manage to stutter, “I-... ye-... uh-...”

“That’s time folks! Bring your eggs to me so I can count them!” Mayor Lewis announces across the town.

“See you around, princess,” Danny mutters before catching up to Jas and Vincent.

“Abigail with 8 eggs!” Let’s see if anyone can out do that this year!” Mayor Lewis calls out.

Everyone who knew they didn’t have over 8 eggs shyly backed down. However, Jas and Vincent went running over to Mayor Lewis with their baskets. Danny is standing proudly a couple feet behind them.

“Would you look at that! Jas AND Vincent with 10 eggs each! We have the winners folks! Here is your prize… sorry…we only have one,” Lewis says shamefully.

The two of them run over to Danny with their prize. It was a straw hat. They hand it up to her but she just takes it and places it playfully onto Vincent's head, purposely covering his eyes with the brim. She looks behind her and notices a daffodil growing from the ground. She bends over, picks it from its place, and hands it to Jas. However, there is still another daffodil growing in the same area and she picks that one too. She starts walking over to me.

“For you. For helping with finding an egg,” she sings as she hands me the daffodil.

I do a small gasp. “For me? Thank you!” but before I can take it out of her hands, she tucks it behind my ear.

“Matches your outfit,” she points out. I had totally forgotten I threw on a yellow and green sundress today. 

“Oh…yeah…you’re right,” I mumble while smoothing out my dress.

“Did you enjoy the Egg Festival?” Danny asks.

“This festival is alright... but what I'm really looking forward to is the Flower Dance.” I reply as I raise my shoulders and tilt my head.

“Ahhh the flower dance. When is that exactly?” 

“It’s on the 24th. You’ll be able to see it on the calendar at Pierre’s,” I pointed over to the wall of the store where the bulletin board is. Part of me wants her to look at the calendar so she knows it’s my birthday tomorrow.

“I guess I’ll have to look at that before I go home today, eh?” 

“You could.”

We stand around in awkward silence, neither of us knowing what to say next.

“Well I better get back home and keep working. I have to rack up some more money so I can expand my house and actually get a kitchen and a bedroom,” Danny chuckles, “I have nowhere to put my groceries… or all those ladies you think are in love with me,” she sneers jokingly.

“You need to forget I ever said that! I mean look at you, I don’t know who would ever love a big mutt like you,” I say a little meaner than intended. Danny’s face drops. I didn’t mean to say it! She seems easy to love and she isn’t a mutt! I don’t know why I just said that.

“You just had to ruin it. I have to go Haley,” Danny storms off to the west path and disappears. I’m left standing alone, holding my hand up to my mouth and choking back tears.

[smolvenger]

How To Fake Date A Spy (Jonathan Pine x fem! Reader). Part 1

Summary: When you joined your sister, Jed, for a lovely summer in Spain, you wanted to enjoy yourself. Instead, you have to deal with numerous men of Roper's business having a gross interest in you for more than small talk. Going to Roper for help, he offers an idea- pretending to be the date of his newest friend. A handsome sous-chef known as Thomas Quince. Little do you know yet, the man's real name is Jonathan Pine and he is on a mission to take Roper down...

Word Count:5K

Chapter Warnings: Sexual harassment (not our boy, Pine). Discussions of suicidal intentions- if you or a loved one have thoughts, please please PLEASE reach out, call a hotline, tell someone you need help, and get help right away and this I hope is portrayed well and healthy and hopeful in this chapter. Some Fix-It-Fic-ness (Poor Elena deserved better. Hmmm, interesting of Le Carre to have the not-white female characters killed off to further the male characters' storylines. Guess what? We're fixing that crap. At least for Elena). Mentions of murder and domestic abuse. Reader being thirsty, but no actual smut.

Comments, reblogs, dms, and asks about my work are always appreciated!

A/N: You can decide if you’re a sister by adoption or by birth and I want to leave that open ended in the fic to make this an inclusive x reader fic. Shout out to @evelyn-kingsley for suggesting this idea in the first place! This fic wouldn't exist without you! :)

Taglist: @evelyn-kingsley @jennyggggrrr @five-miles-over ) @fictive-sl0th @ladycamillewrites @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract @eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @cheekyscamp @mochie85 @muddyorbsblr

A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad

You screamed as the robber grabbed the boy and pulled out a gun to the child’s forehead.

“Nobody move! Nobody move!” the robber yelled.

There were more screams behind you and as people shot up, you heard plates clatter on the floor. Your heart was racing a mile a minute. It seemed all was well one minute- enjoying a seaside restaurant with your sister and some friends. Paid by the man she was in an arrangement with- Roper. Drinking wine and dancing and laughing. Little Danny playing games on his dad’s phone. A phone with worldwide secrets that also conveniently housed Candy Crush.  

 Then like a flip of a coin, a robber grabbed Danny and pulled him over to sit on a chair, moving the gun between pointing at the boy or your party. Danny’s sobs mirrored the screams you heard rabbits made. Sounds when the creatures thought they were going to die.

Roper-with an eerie calm-spoke to the robber. Offering the robber anything he wanted.

“Jewelry! Wallets!” the robber demanded.

With shaking hands, you took off the earrings. Your sister bought them for you on a shopping trip last week.  Being mistress to Roper, Jed could afford to spoil you with gifts however she wanted. You then removed your ring and your necklace. It was harder with the shaking, but you dropped them in. You saw Jed doing the same next to you, her jaw quivering. Then you took your wallet and all of you put your items in a bowl. Everyone did- an offering to an angry god demanding a sacrifice.

“That’s shit! Where’s the real money? Where’s the rest?” the robber asked, waving the gun at each of you.

Roper promised him 10 thousand dollars in fifteen minutes. As long as Danny was returned. The robber began to back away, still holding Danny.

“We’ll take the boy! Until we have the money! Everyone on the ground!” he threatened.

Jed offered herself in exchange. Out of gut instinct you pulled at her arm, tears in your eyes. Bringing her back.

The Robber pointed the gun at each of you and your body shot, seeing your imminent death in its Barrell. There was silence from all of you- the about-to-be-dead.

“On the ground or I’ll shoot!” he yelled.

All of you went to the ground.  You kept sobbing and so did Jed, your legs still quivering as you laid down. The robber ran off, carrying Danny. The boy’s screams could have cut you in two. You sat on the ground. The party crawled back up.

From out there, you heard yelling and a commotion. Then the screaming stopped. But there was no gunshot.

All of you ran down the steps to the stairway to enter the place. There was no robber- and Danny was safe. Danny scrambled back into his father’s arms, hugging him and crying. Even Jed leaned down to touch his arm. You had to cup your face, crying tears of relief this time. But your eyes wandered to someone else.

On the ground near him was a man in a chef’s suit, groaning in pain. His face so bloodied and hurt he was unrecognizable.

“What happened-what happened?” Jed asked.

“They ran off…he scared them…he saved me…” Danny explained.

The staff said the rescuer was a sous chef from England. Corky began examining the hero of the hour, still groaning from his broken nose and pain. Roper examined him, his blue eyes turning into a hawk gaze. Jed wrapped her long arms around Danny and let the boy cry his tears into her. You comforted him by running a hair through his head.

It was decided. They couldn’t let their hero bleed to death. He was coming with you.

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

You hardly saw the sous chef after he moved in. Not that you had time to. You had another party of Roper’s he was hosting. And it meant dealing with your least favorite thing- men. Specifically- Roper’s men.

The party itself would be okay. You were glad you kept a small book in your clutch. Your phone batter was down to 10 percent and Danny was standing by his dad. But many of the men would gather around you. Or introduce themselves. Drunk on money and power, they believed they could do everything. Like having access to you when you didn’t like them.

One fucker-you didn’t remember his name and he didn’t deserve it-approached you as you began to sip your flute of champagne. Already you could smell how he reeked of cologne to where it stank. He leaned in closer than you liked.

“Hey there-Y/N, isn’t it? You’re looking nice today?”

“Thanks.” You said curtly.

He smirked.

“I just like what I see….would you like a drink?”

“I have one, no thanks,” you said.

His eye wandered to the book sticking out of your clutch.

“Ah-What are you reading?” he asked.

“A book,” you answered.

“Hmmm…what kind of book.”

“It’s a…a…a romance book,” you answered honestly. Maybe he would be disappointed in your interest of “fluff for women” and turn around.

 “A romance book. You like that stuff?” he asked.

Already there was that hint of putting down. Slight dislike. Condescension. You took it and ran. You gave him a frown.

“Yes, I do,” you said, going around.

Then at dinner, you could feel their eyes on you. One guy- Mr. Jacobson- was enjoying his time sitting next to you a little too much. He was tall and barrel chested with a dark beard and dark hair, manspreading on his seat. You squeezed your knees tight together so they wouldn’t brush his pants. But his leaning in gave you less space to flee.

“Well-everyone has a type for someone! A type they fall for!” Caro Langbourne began, just for casual conversation.

But Mr. Jacobson turned to you with a greedy smile. You could feel the eyes on you.

“Hmmm, means you got a type, Y/N? Like us big, hairy guys?!?”

You turned next to him.

“No.”

It was quiet and the conversation went on, but he kept talking to you. More than you wanted to. There was one guy. He was closer to your age. And he wasn’t bad looking at all, not to you. But as he turned to you during dessert, having innocent talk, just in a corner alone, he suddenly, out of nowhere, asked.

“So-When will you let me stuff it in your mouth?”

You nearly dropped the plate in shock. You blinked, processing that he said what he said.

“What did you say to me?” you asked in a hiss.

He put his hands in his pockets and repeated it.

“When will you let me stuff it in your mouth. You’ve had dessert, you can take it.”

You felt like you could get sick with disgust.

“Forget it. Don’t’ you say that to me- leave me alone!” You pushed off and walked away, heels clicking furiously from the party.

You found yourself, once alone, crying a little. You wiped it off in the bathroom, redoing your makeup with a frown on your face. Why did every gathering have to be like this? The stares. The smiles. The comments- it was too much.

You were so sick of them. All these guys hitting on you like they were entitled to you. You really were sick of it. In their bright smiles and uniforms but with such disgusting words spewing from their smiling mouths.

All this finery- nice dinners. Beautiful places. Numerous Shopping splurges with your sister. Trips to every country. Restaurants and clothes that would cost ordinary people a fortune. But the price- to be harassed daily by these dicks at every event and more. It was exhausting. Hell, the way Caro’s husband sometimes leered at you made you feel sick to your stomach. And the man brought his kids!

Besides, you didn’t even want to be in a relationship. How could you trust them-trust anyone? There were lots of hot guys out there who seemed perfectly nice. But they only seemed that way. Was it worth being abused- be it with a man beating you, or saying something cruel, or worse? Or being cheated on-giving all your heart and love to a guy only for him to find someone hotter, better, and to betray you because you were not good enough? Or the pain, the drama, the hurt of trust, the heartache? No, there was no one out there who was worth it. You didn’t want to fall in love, you didn’t want to get hurt. Even Jed and Roper were just a business arrangement. Despite the smiles and PDA, it was no different than Corky’s agreement. A loveless job.

You had to call it a night.

But as you were walking, you passed by a door. You remembered it-it was where the heroic sous-chef was staying in that room.  You hadn’t been in it. You hadn’t even seen him since then-only once as they were tending to him with bandages and towels over his bleeding face when he was helped in here.

You had to go in and visit. That was a better end to the night. This was Danny’s savior, after all. You had to let him know how grateful you were. You knocked on the door.

“Come in,” a bright, baritone voice. English accent. Proper. Refined. Elegant, even.  

You opened the door a little, and took a first step in.

“Hello the-“

Your voice stopped as did your steps. You almost did not recognize him. There wasn’t blood all over his face. Only a bruise over his eye and a bandage over his nose.

But even so, he was one of the handsomest men you had ever laid eyes on.

His eyes were blue, and his hair was an in between of dirty blonde and red. He had cheekbones that could cut glass and the shirt covered his broad chest, slim waist, and bulging biceps. You felt the wind knock out of you, the words hanging in the air, until you regained yourself. You took another step in and continued.

“Hello there-just me…”

He turned up.

“You weren’t interrupting anything.”

You began to grab your arm. He was so attractive you wanted to shy away-flee away like Snow White from the Prince. But you forced yourself there.

“I don’t think we’ve introduced each other since…since that night. I’m Y/N. Jed’s sister. I help look after Danny.”

He looked up, eyes meeting yours.

“I just wanted to…to…thank you. For what you did.”

He gave you a smile.

“You’re welcome. What’s your name?”

You gave him your name.

“Lovely. I’m Thomas-Thomas Quince.”

“Do you need anything?”

“No- I’m fine for now.”

“Let us know, okay Thomas?”

“I will, Y/N.”

You could have come at how he said your name, but you held yourself together.

“Okay, have a good night, Thomas.”

“You too, Y/N.”

 Then you closed the door. But you realized you were still smiling, feeling very warm and tingly. Without question, this was a better ending to the night.

There was going to be another of Roper’s male colleagues coming over to stay with you. But he didn’t have a history of saying gross things to you. Not even with his wife, Lucia, and kid traveling with him. Juan or “Apo” was joining you with his wife and their teenage daughter, Elena.

Their car arrived the next day. You were squinting from the Spanish sun. Roper smiled as all of you waited just outside the penthouse when the driver opened the door. Out popped Apo, Lucia, and Elena. The group was all smiles and handshakes and hugs with Roper.

That is, except Elena. Her eyes were big, and she wore a shining, diamond necklace over her Chanel dress, but she didn’t smile. She was slumped as she stood. When Roper hugged her in greeting, she froze, only patting his back stiffly out of politeness. She seemed to shrink within herself. Even when Danny went up and said hi, showing off his new book about ocean creatures, she only nodded in response.

Roper put his hands on his hips, keeping a toothy grin at her.

“Ah! Well-I bet you’re sick of annoying little boys already, Elena! But don’t worry-you’re a big girl now! And you can join the big girls-like Y/N, here!” he said, with a grand sweep towards you.

As housekeepers hauled their luggage inside, Elena turned to her dad.

“Papi…can I go walk, please? I’d like to explore the city,” she asked.

Apo turned to her, reeling off praise to her.

“Oh! My little girl! Already so adventurous! Here-don’t go alone. Have this…this…Y/N! Walk with my Elena, will you?” he offered.

“Oh, sure thing!” you replied.

Though you hadn’t really talked to her, it would be a nice change from staying by the house all day. And she looked like she could get out. Something was up and her father was oblivious to it.

Both of you walked about. It was the late afternoon melting into the early evening. You walked through tall buildings with laundry wires across the streets over your heads. They sloped down the hill as people walked about. Though the sun was still bright, there were more shadows across the town.

“How was traveling?” you asked.

“Okay… great even,” Elena answered.

Then there were the sounds of bells chiming the hour. You noticed a palm tree and a few restaurants.

“Are you hungry? There’s a stand for some street food. My treat.” you offered.

“I’m fine,” Elena replied.

She gestured to her necklace.

"Would you like to have this?" she asked. She dangled it in her hand, not caring if some bold pickpocket eyed it.

"Uh, no thanks-but thanks for offering!" you replied.

She turned skittishly around. Her head full of long, black hair moving with her. You paused.

“Are you okay?” you asked.

She turned to you and this time; she didn’t answer the question.

“There’s a cathedral here…I know it’s the next block over-can we go?” she asked.

“Sure thing!”

It then struck you that you were going about without guards. If she noticed a pickpocket or a stalker, you were the only one guarding her. But you walked over to where the bells chimed to enter the large cathedral.

Walking over with her, you turned and walked inside. It was infinitely cooler in the cathedral than outside. You were used to air conditioning, so the summer trips had been brutal here. You let out a sigh of releif. You did admire the elaborate paintings and design of the cathedral- its dome over your head, the numerous statuettes of saints, the golden crucifixes. And all in a building that was older than America! They definitely didn’t make most churches as pretty as this back home! Tourists wandered to snap pictures. Locals were in the pew, praying. Elena walked forward, her feet turning into stumbling. You saw she was shaking all over-as if her strength was sapping out of her. She gripped onto the pew, sitting down. Then she knelt and gripped her hands in prayer.

You went down and joined her.

“What is it, Elena?” you asked. You made sure to keep your voice low. The place made a lot of echoes from the high ceilings.

“Nothing.”

“You don’t have to lie to me. Something is up. You’re upset. Your dad is blind to it. But he isn’t here- you can tell me. Anything.”

She looked around again. Checking each person around her. Then she turned to you.

“Is no one watching us?” she asked.

“No. No one is. Not even Corky and he creeps around everywhere. Just you and me. I don’t care how messed up it is- I won’t judge.”

She began to blink tears, and then leaned her head down, beginning to cry.

“Elena…did something happen?” you asked.

She began to blubber out.

“I’m…so grateful for cathedrals. They’re peaceful. They’re quiet. Anyone can have sanctuary there….”

She turned to you.

“Sanctuary? From what? Are you in danger? Is someone threatening you?” you prodded.

“I want...I want…I want the pain to stop…I’m a burden to everyone…I’m the reason people are dead…” she confessed.

“What do you mean?” you gasped. You immediately grabbed her hand. You had an idea and it chilled you, but you asked it.

“Are you…thinking of ending your own life?”

“Yes.”

A sick, horrible feeling swept through you. Chills, dread, terror. But you prodded further. No matter how uncomfortable, it was the right thing to keep talking to her.

“Do you have a plan how?”

“Hang myself. And I was going to do it on my birthday party. Snuck out the party to my room. They wouldn’t care- it’s like it’d be better without me. Too busy congratulating each other and being fancy. I would do it- Hang myself right there…”

“Elena….oh my god…oh god….” You muttered in shock, your hand never leaving hers.

“Elena…thank you for telling me. I know things always seem bleak- it’s hard to realize that there are options out there when you feel that way…”

“Options? I was born into this family! I didn’t choose it!”

She turned to you; her voice lower. So, no one could overhear.

 You know what my dad does? He defends Roper. We’re rich. Because of Roper…Roper and his…his-his-his…acts!”

“Acts?” you repeated.

You knew Roper was head of Ironclast. That the immense money didn’t come from nowhere. But you had to find out further. She turned to you, her eyes brimming, tears falling.

“Dad’s rich protecting him. So, Roper can’t ever be caught. Roper sells bombs. And you know what he does? Drops them on villages- his own personal bombs. He treats people like toys. Cities. Full of innocent people. And anyone who opposes him or his friends or tells them no? They die. That’s why I’m even here-innocent people who are dead!”

She let in a shaky breath.

“Do you know…do you know Freddie Hamid? Did he ever appear here at Roper’s party?” she asked.

“No, I don’t. He never showed up.”

“He’s a friend of Roper’s. He’d appear with Papi and at the parties…. Freddie beats up women. And he’s a murderer.”

“A murderer?!” you hissed quietly.

Elena nodded.

“He had -a mistress. Sophie. I met her every time she came over. She…was nice. She let me pet her dog. She’d talk to me like no one ever did- like I wasn’t a princess. Like I was a person. I wanted to…to…to be like her. And there’d be bruises. On her arms. On her face. She’d say she’d fall. But it was clear-I knew it was Freddie. I knew it! But no one would believe me.  And do you know what happened to her? Sophie was Found murdered in her hotel!”

You felt a horrified chill over your body as you spoke “And Freddie or Roper killed her?”

“At least sent their men to do the job. She must have stepped out of line. That’s what happens here-you step out of line. You’re dead. I was dead anyway…and you know what-she’s just one of many.”

You swallowed. Part of your stomach got sick. But you kept listening. You put your other hand on hers.

“I was dead anyway. I thought it’d be better…die rather than get killed. Then…I left the party and ran to a cathedral instead…”

You realized there were tears in your eyes too.

“I’m glad you did, I’m glad you did, Elena…I’m glad you’re here…talking to me…”

She released one hand of hers, touching her necklace.

“You see this shit necklace? I see it and just see more dead Sophie’s-dead people! Papi says it’s the most expensive necklace in the world! And it was paid for with blood money!”

She gripped it like she could rip the necklace to shreds. But she couldn’t-her nails dug into her skin. She looked at you right in the eyes.

“Roper…he is the worst man in the world…and you’ll see that…”

It all hit you-hit all at once. You knew she was telling the truth. There was no matter of denying it. The more you thought about it, the more it made sense.

“You’re right…he is…he’s got my sister in his clutches. She was desperate. She was broke. And she…she has a baby. Mom hates her. Roper gave her an opportunity. Now she’s chained to him. A man old enough to be our dad, too. She doesn’t have a choice to leave him now. I see how unhappy she is on the inside…he is the worst man in the world. “

You smoothed her hair so you could see her face.

“I’m concerned Elena…because I care about you. I’m going to support you- however I can…” you promised.

You took her and hugged her. She let herself cry-relieved. You cried too, for her. For your sister. For yourself. For everything. You held onto her, keeping on shaking. Waiting until she was ready and let go. She turned around, seeing the crowds.

“Could we…could we walk around?” Elena asked.

“Yes…we can stay here as long as you need. I don’t have anywhere else I need to be.”

“But dinner…”

“If you don’t want to eat with Roper, we can get our own dinner,” you said.

She walked about. Elena did go to the confession booth. It wasn’t therapy but it was something. Talking in a private space with someone sworn to secrecy. Elena did talk to plenty of other people. Just talk- nothing more. Not about her emotions. She spoke to an old woman, a priest lighting a candle, and a tourist lady with a pregnant belly. It was probably good to give her space and not overhear when she did. But you never kept her out of your eyesight.

When she finished talking, you got her hands as she sat in the pew again turned to her.

“Elena…when we’re done, I’m buying you a sangria, and tapas, and ice cream. And when we get home, you’re not staying by yourself-you’re with me now. I’m staying by you-“

Elena raised her eyebrows.

“And you don’t have to pretend. You can be with me. I’ll keep you safe. You’re not going to be alone-and you’re going to live.”

You grabbed her shoulders and her eyes became big.

“You’re going to live! And if you even think about doing it-tell me! And we’ll get out of there and do something! We’ll go swimming in the ocean naked! Stuff our faces at some restaurant! Stay at this cathedral! Get fucking plastered and sing karaoke!”

“I don’t…don’t want to live off of blood money…I don’t want to live as some spoiled pet from other’s deaths!”

“But you will live…they keep saying you’re a big girl…and you’re going to have a life without living off of Roper. I could…could…could help you escape.”

“Escape?” she gasped.

“That’s the most expensive necklace in the world. That alone could buy you rent for an apartment of your own. Long enough until you get a job. And you can stop living off money used to kill people! A life all on your own! And…have you thought of getting help? Professional help? I’ll seek it out.”

“No…didn’t consider getting a therapist…but you can’t tell my parents why…”

“I will tell them you need help-that you need a counselor. And you can tell me anything! I’ll sneak you out however I can!”

She blinked. And then, slowly, she smiled. A small, present smile. The first smile you saw on her face.

“It sounds…wonderful.”

You linked her arm in yours.

“Good…we’re friends now. Best friends. And I’m not going to let anyone get you anymore…if you think you’re rebelling, if you think you’re in danger-from Roper or Freddie or yourself…I’m going to help you.”

Indeed, the Sangria, tapas, and ice cream were delicious. You even got her to giggle a litte. Once it was dark, both of you returned back to the house.

“Could you room with me?” she asked.

“Oh, of course!”

“Y/N…Danny got rescued, didn’t he…who did it?”

“Oh- his name’s Thomas!”

“Where is he?” she asked curiously.

“Resting up from his injuries!” you answered.

“Can I meet him?”

“Yeah! Sure!”

You took her to the door to Thomas’s room.

“I got to warn you- he’s really hot, too. Took everything in me not to faint when I saw him!” you whispered.

She made a small smile. You opened the door and there was Thomas, reading a book with a finished tray of dinner on his bed.

“Hello- we have a new guest. This is Elena-Elena, meet Thomas.”

She went over and greeted him. She smiled. Though then she leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Part of you was shocked by this sudden intimacy- even boldness from this teenage girl to a grown man. Hopefully, there was nothing concerning! If the man was a pedo, you would gladly kick his ass. But there was no change in his expression.

She moved into your room.  Sleeping in the next bed. As she slept, you poured through her luggage. You got rid of all long things- scarves and whatnot-so no possible nooses. You made sure there were no guns or sharp objects or knives or dangerous medications. Though it made your stomach feel sick and shiver to think of how fragile life was. How so many random little things could end a life. It made you want to vomit and even cry- but you put them all in trash bags and threw them away.

The next two days were a simple pattern. You always stayed by Elena. She would walk out, go to the cathedral, and talk to people. A priest even gave her a blessing. She even ran into the pregnant lady again and they chatted. Then you would walk back. Now that Thomas was walking around, he was hard not to ogle. And you didn’t blame Elena for sometimes going up and talking to him! You made sure there was nothing dangerous- even if she had to go to the bathroom, you joined her. You never left Elena alone. Only if you knew someone would stay by her. You began to research counselors here to immediately get her help and signed her up for one. You told her parents she was troubled, and suicidal-they had the right to know. Just not the reason why. Once a counselor was picked, you both began to research apartments here. Once she was done with school-or even before- she would move out. A poor life made with money on her own was better than one living off of Roper’s corrupt wealth. Elena was always by you- and She didn’t mind having to be the third with Danny.

But you protected both. Yet…how could you protect yourself? There were going to be more events and parties and dinners. And Roper’s men would still leer at you.

You had to tell Roper. He was the Worst Man in the World. You knew that. But no one else could stop the harassment. Knowing Elena was safe with someone, you went up and found Roper. He was on a deck, talking to Andrew. They sat on a little table under a shaded umbrella with cold drinks. For the topic you were about to bring up, it was very pleasant. They turned to you, their low voices stopping.

“Roper- I have to talk to you. Now!” you said.

“Oh, goodie!” he replied dryly.

You stepped up to them, sitting on the extra free chair. You could feel the wind and hear the nearby ocean.

“Roper…I have this problem. Your friends, all the men keep hitting on me. Please….i just need…need some help. I need you to stop them. Really!”

After scratching his grey head, Roper put his hands in his pockets where he sat. He gave a half smile. But you noticed Thomas was still frowning, but something in his face softened.

“Well-the price paid for being a pretty lady here!” Roper laughed.

“I’m serious! It’s uncomfortable!” you prodded.

He put his hands in his pockets, but he kept smiling. He then looked at Thomas and back at you. Then his face lit up like a Christmas tree.

“Oh-you’re lucky. Have a look at Thomas. You see-he’s getting some business done. He’s about to have a very important job with me- joining my circle. Let’s say, a little thank-you gift. He’ll need to be seen at events-parties. Gatherings. The works. But they will think he’s no one…”

“What does that have to do with me?” you asked.

“He’s got to make an impression if he’s going to succeed.  I’m getting him a new suit. A new business card.  A new wallet��.and a new woman.”

Your back straightened. Roper began grinning even bigger, like an evil Cheshire cat.

“Do you mean…mean…am I…am I…in an arrangement with Thomas? Like you and Jed?” you asked.

The shock was like an ice cube in your stomach. Even if Thomas was an attractive man, were you going to have to sleep with someone you barely knew?! In fact, this was a step above- a new man in Roper’s circle, only this time it wouldn’t be words, but actions.

“No! No arrangements! I’m not asking you to sign any marriage contract, sweetheart! Just be his date for a few events! Let them think you are his!” Roper said.

You looked over at Thomas again. His own eyes were big. His jaw was slack as if he was just as surprised as you were. And he still didn’t say a word. But he did lean forward.

“Y/N…I won’t force you to do anything…don’t be scared…” he assured you.

 But Roper went on as if congratulating himself.

“But I see. You…. tolerate each other.”

Thomas folded his arms and leaned back into his chair. You saw his adams apple lowering as he swallowed. You had no words but listened. He did keep glancing at you and you at him.

“Y/N, you’re sick of being some sort of…. forbidden fruit, shall we say? Well, when you want to keep the fruit from flies- you make sure it’s taken care of.”

He turned to the handsome rescuer.

“Thomas, you want to keep your business up and running and frankly, I don’t like to see you sit inside and brood all day. Doctor says you’re good to go about now.  So let’s kill two birds with one stone, shall we?” Roper declared.

He then took his hands and placed your on each other. For a second, it did feel like a marriage ceremony.

“Be each other’s dates when we’re in public!

Thomas tightened his jaw and leaned forward in his chair. You nearly jumped up where you sat. Roper went on.

“Tell everyone you’re a couple, now. Go to a few parties and restaurants, hold arms, and smile at each other. Maybe a kiss on the cheek, sometimes! Don’t be scared- Thomas here is a knight in shining armor and he has the libido of a monk, from what I’ve gathered. You both win- Thomas, you will be a social butterfly with a contract and influence and Y/N will keep those nasty little men from drooling at her.”

You hated that he was right. It was a sad truth. Those men wouldn’t respect your word alone. But if you were taken, they’d respect your boyfriend instead. Even a fake one.

“I can tell you- you can make up a reason to break up any time you want!” Roper then finished with a playful, short wiggle of his eyebrows.

You wanted to crawl beneath a rock. Thomas kept calm, the light in his eyes did not deny his surprise.

“Well, what’ll it be? Thomas, I think there’s a bit more freedom for you to say no. But it’s Y/N here who’s a bit more anxious, shall we say. And Y/N could use the protection!”

You looked at each other. Thomas got out another hand and put it over yours in slight protection. They were warm and soft. Already at his touch you felt…safe, for lack of a better word.

“I…I…I don’t see any pros of saying no…” you began.

Roper clapped his hands together and then rubbed them in joy.

“Well, then! We’re going to have a little cocktail reception later today! All for Apo’s family coming in! Your work starts tonight- Only me on your little secret that it’s pretend-deal?”

You glanced at each other. Thomas gave a nod.

“If Y/N’s alright with it, I am.”

“Deal,” you agreed.

“Well then, time to leave the lovebirds alone!” Roper chirruped.

 He got up and turned out with a smile, leaving you alone with Thomas. You heard seagulls cawing and the shadows of the house shifted. Thomas leaned towards you but didn’t let your hands go yet.

“I’m sorry…so sorry, I’ll make it up to you. I bet you’re furious, right now,” he said.

“I’m…I’m actually not. At least not anymore. It doesn’t sound that bad,” you replied.

“But those men-they’ve been bothering you. Keeping you unsafe- haven’t they? I can do something. They don’t have to bother you anymore…” he offered. “It’s the least I can do.”

“And now with you, they won’t.”

He gave you a smile and your insides turned again.

“It’s not that bad. Just go to a few events. Hold arms. And smiles. I bet whatever you’ve done, that’s not the hardest thing you ever had to do,” you wondered.

Thomas looked back out to the sea and your gaze followed his. He let his hands go.

“No, it’s not.”

[coloradosnumber1dad]

‼️ autism blast ‼️

hi I’m Danny or Vern and my pronouns are He/They/She idrc and im omnisexual

I’m a juggalo, horror movie enthusiast and aspiring author and filmmaker

Requests are open! I write for a lot of fandoms and you can find them all here. I write smut fluff angst etc whatever you want

Some of my favorite movies rn are Donnie Darko, Reanimator, Little Miss Sunshine, Spun, TCM2, final destination 1-2-3, and the entire Saw franchise

But my all time favorite is The Last Unicorn

I’m extremely autistic about music so if you wanna talk about some of the bands I’m into I would love to talk to someone about them

ACID BATH, ICP, Linkin Park, Slipknot, Nicki Minaj, Cheap trick, AYESHA EROTICA, Lord Huron, Korn, Evelyn Evelyn, Anthrax, Blue Öyster Cult, Megadeth, KINO, Scorpions, Breaking Benjamin, STATIC X, Three Days Grace, Green Day, Sir Mix-a-lot

I love talking to people and making new friends so feel free to dm me whenever

Here’s my secondary Donnie Darko blog @whatkindanameisdonniedarko

[soffij]

It seems I really have a rare taste in ships and non-romantic relationShips

I just need to put these out in the world because I'm tired of searching for at least some acknowledgement of the possibility these already existed in the mind of someone other than me, but there is nothing.

Casey &x Governor Nix, and

Athena x Frank (the kid version and the George Clooney version: Frank as a whole), from Tomorrowland

Kingo x Sprite, from The Eternals

The stranger x Nori, and

Isildur x Elendil, from Rings of Power

Peter x Lucy (when they are still kids), from the Narnia movies (2005 and 2008)

Eustace x Lucy, from Narnia 3 (the movie)

Maisie Lockwood &x Eli Mills, from Jurassic World 2

Nick x Tikka, from Bright

Brian x Richard Vernon, from The Breakfast Club

Leonard x Francis, from The outfit

Frodo x Boromir, and

Pippin x Faramir, from LOTR

Alita x Ido, from the 2019 Alita movie

Finley &x China Girl, from Oz

Rapunzel x one of the Stabbington brothers, from Tangled

Wanda x America Chavez, from Doctor Stranger 2

Carter x Shelby, from A Cinderella Story

Shrek x Artie (crack)

Danny x Kassie, from Evil Dead Rise

12 year-old Lewis x adult!Franny, from meet the Robinsons

Marcus x Evelyn, from A quiet place

Mackey x Davey, from Summer of '84

There are more, but they're not so rare (or at least I found something about them on AO3 to sate me a little, at least for now), and there are also other pairs that are even rarer than those in this list. So...well, there you have it, finally they're out there!

maybe some day I'll finally write for some of these and post them on AO3 (actually I've been writing outlines for some of them for years, and I finally decided to put on the work to start writing one of them!!!!!)

[fourchuu]

Day 15: Music

My OC playlist making is a specific process, meaning I listen to songs and if they have the vibe I make the playlist. But I often make characters and find a song or line within a song by Mitski that really shows some shadow of them,

Later on I'd love to make a giant post with specific lines by Mitski and which OC relates to it. But I don't feel like that rn and I want to show more of my characters than their lowest lol.

Each playlist has about 5 songs, all showing some aspect of them (not exactly what they listen to)

Aleena: Girls Make Me Wanna Die - The Aces / I Don't Care - Fall Out Boy / Love Spell / GFriend / My Favorite Shirt - Yasmine Nur / Pretty Boys - Yena

Amelya: (Coffee's For Closers) - Fall Out Boy / Jane Doe - Ladies Code / OUCH! - Nxdia / Remember My Name - Mitski / Rose-Colored Boy - Paramore

Alessandra: Beautiful Stranger - Laufey / Come into the Water - Mitski / In My Dreams - Red Velvet / Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves / I'm so fine at being lonely - Laica

Barbara: Buttercup - Hippo Campus / First Love/Late Spring - Mitski / Graceland, Too - Phoebe Bridgers / Love is Impossible - This Is Ivy League / Danny - Lee Chaeyeon

Brian: Alrighty Aphrodite - Peach Pit / Pretty Lips - WINEHOUSE / Trade Mistakes - Panic! At The Disco / Spoiled Bitch - Tiffany Day / Pocket Full of Posies - Yasmine Nur

Carisa: Better in my Memory - Rebecca Black / Fly in The Freedom - Sonic ADventure 2 / Hann - G-Idle / King - Florence + The Machine / Same Blood - The Academy Is… 

Elizabeth: A Lot's Gonna Change - Weyes Blood / Do It All The Time - IDKHow / She's my Winona - Fall Out Boy / Susie Save Your Love - Allie X / Stained Glass Window - Sunday (1994)

Estelle: Frances Forever -  Mitski / Up No More - Twice / LOONATIC - Odd Eye Circle / Strawberry Cake - Xdinary Heroes / Man's World - Marina and The Diamonds

Federico: Fade Into You - Mazzy Star / Heaven, Iowa - Fall Out Boy / Remember My Name - Mitski / Talk - Hozier 

Isabela: Family Tree (intro) - Ethel Cain / Blossom - Sunday (1994) / I Don't Smoke - Mitski / Love Me Till U Hate Me - Niko Rubio / MAY FAILURE BE YOUR NOOSE - Lingua Ignota 

Josephina: A Lot's Gonna Change - Weyes Blood / Evelyn - Kim Tillman / Love Me Or Hate Me - Song Soo Woo / Oh My Mistake - April / Pink Pony Club - Chappell Roan

Kamden: idk anything abt this dude fr

Lucia: Feet Don't Fail Me Now - Joy crookes / Hold the Girl - Rina Sawayama / I Bet On Losing Dogs - Mitski / Sleeping with Giants (Lifetime) - The Academy Is… / Solitude - HA:TFELT

Maria: Andromeda - Weyes Blood / Hard To Love - Blackpink / Get Between It - Nxdia / Hurt - Newjeans / Minefield - Kim Tillman

Marion: Bambi - Hippo Campus / Hold On Tight - Aespa / Too Cool For This - Yasmine Nur / Infinitesimal - ivri / Regulars - Allie X

Mayriina: Born With a Broken Heart - Babygirl / Creature - E'Last / I'm Unhappy - Aespa / King - Florence + The Machine / Mira - Lexie Liu

Natalie: Moon Palace - Billlie / Fresh Air - Kezia / Modern World - This Is Ivy League / Live at The Swamp - Peach Pit / GPS - Outer Ego

Noah: London Bridges - This Is Ivy League / After School - Weeekly / Crush - Ethel Cain / After Midnight - Chappell Roan

Parvan: TOQTA - ALPHA / Where Are You? - CLC / Slim Pickin' - Sabrina Carpenter / Young Luv - Stayc / Skipping Stones - Aurora Ave.

Sylvee: Could This Be Love? - Saturn 17 / Sunny - Sunmi / Midnight - WINEHOUSE / Girls Like Us - Twice 

Violet: Cassandra - Florence + The Machine / Oh No! - Marina and The Diamonds / Simple Season - Hippo Campus / GingaMingaYo - Billlie 

Xanthe: Be Here- Orchards / Naked - Xooos / Promises - Hadestown / Sacrifice (Eat Me Up) - Enhypen / Viva la Vida - Coldplay (this is so corny omfg)

[celestial--sapphic]

Danny x Adelaide and Evelyn x Poppy double date, I just adorable them all them all sm and they live rent free in my rotting brain 😭

🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

cutest little quad out and about in hogsmeade 💛👭🏻👫

I feel like they would love going for tea and cake at steepley and sons 🍰☕

[thetripleaedit]

Kicking off 2024 with a BANG‼️

Presenting “It’s A Remix Ting” the first edition of my remix tapes that feature ALL original Triple A Edits that are available on my patreon (www.patreon.com/tripleaedits) and even some that haven’t dropped yet 🫣

Peep the track list:

FAST WINE X SQUARE BIZ - MACHEL MONTANO X TINA MARIE GAL DEM SUGAR X CANDY - BEENIE MAN X CAMEO UNAVAILABLE X SHE’S A BAD MAMA JAMA - DAVIDO X CARL CARLTON WATER X LOVE COME DOWN - EVELYN CHAMPAGNE KING X TYLA MIDAS TOUCH X TEMPTED TO TOUCH - MIDNIGHT STAR X RUPEE VOGUE X SOUNDGASM - MADONNA X REMA HOLIDAY X HOLIDAY - MADONNA X PROBLEM CHILD JUST A TOUCH OF LOVE X AMAPIANO - SLAVE X ASAKE X OLAMIDE FLEX X STILL NOT A PLAYER - MAD COBRA X BIG PUN X JOE LIVING DANGEROUSLY X SOMETHIN 4 DA HONEYZ - BARRINGTON LEVY FT BOUNTY KILLER X MONTELL JORDAN FREAK LIKE ME X GOOD NIGHT - ADINA HOWARD X VYBZ KARTEL CALL ME EVERY DAY X DOING IT - CHRIS BROWN X WIZKID X LL COOL J RIGHT HERE X Tempted To Touch - SWV X Beres Hammond  CANDY RAIN X Sexy Punkie - SOUL FOR REAL X Sean Paul I'M COMING X GET ME HOME - KONSHENS X FOXY BROWN 7ELEVEN X GET ME HOME - DEXTA DAPS X FOXY BROWN WINE PON IT X RETURN OF THE MACK - JAH VINCI X MARK MORRISON RETURN OF THE MACK X CHEATERS PRAYER - MARK MORRISON X CHRISTOPHER MARTIN DUNCE CHEQUE X RETURN OF THE MACK - VALIANT X MARK MORRISON KISS IT BETTER X DO FOR LOVE - RIHANNA X 2PAC LIKE YOU X DO FOR LOVE - BOW WOW X CIARA X 2PAC WHAT YOU WANT X THINGS MI LOVE - MASE FT TOTAL X ALKALINE ONLY YOU X TUN UP THE WUK - 112 X VYBZ KARTEL PULL IT UP X ONLY YOU - BUJU BANTON & BERES HAMMOND X 112 TONI-ANN SINGH X WIFEY - BURNA BOY X POPCAAN X NEXT AINT NO FUN X CITY BOY - SNOOP DOGG FT. NATE DOG X BURNA BOY I WANNA SEX YOU UP X NO UNDERWEAR - COLOR ME BADD X DEXTA DAPS WHAT'CHU LIKE X BEG U A TOUCH - DA BRAT X VYBZ KARTEL ALWAYS ON TIME X GIVE IT UP TO ME - JA RULE X SEAN PAUL TXTIN’ X  YOU DONT HAVE TO CALL - WRSTN X USHER LOVE LIKE THIS X INDEPENDENT LADIES - FAITH EVANS X GAZA SLIM TIGHT UP SKIRT X UH HUH - RED RAT X B2K FAMILY AFFAIR X CALM DOWN - MARY J. BLIGE X REMA DOO WOP X CAN YOU DO THE WORK - SEAN PAUL DANCE WITH ME X SENSATIONAL - 112 X CHRIS BROWN FT. DAVIDO & LOJAY YEAH X PARTY SHOT - USHER X POPCAAN PARTY TIME X WHERE THE PARTY AT - DANNY ENGLISH X JAGGED EDGE NASTY GIRL X CARIBBEAN GIRL - NOTORIOUS B.I.G X AIDONIA CAUGHT UP X CONTINENT - USHER X NIGY BOY MOON LIGHT X I WANNA LOVE YOU - TEEJAY X SNOOP DOGG X AKON I'M SPRUNG X WILD N RICH - T PAIN X 450 ABOBOYAA X WE BELONG TOGETHER - POPCAAN X BURNA BOY X MARIAH CAREY UNFAITHFUL GAMES X IT'S OVER NOW - TEEJAY X 112 TELL ME X TELL ME - BEENIE MAN X BOBBY VALENTINO LOVE & AFFECTION X ROCK THE BOAT - PRESSURE X AALIYAH SEXY LOVE X BAWL OUT - NE YO X DOVEY MAGNUM UNFOOLISH X LONELINES - ASHANTI FT THE NOTORIOUS BIG X SANCHEZ LET ME LOVE YOU DOWN X BUDDY - SANCHEZ X MUSIQ SOULCHILD SADDEST DAY OF MY LIFE X I WISH - WAYNE WONDER X CARL THOMAS

[gretasimp]

Compound Compliance VIII

Pairing: Reader x Jake Kiszka

Word Count: 5.7k

Warnings: Angst, Violence, Drug use, Alcohol use, Weapons, Gore, Blood, Death, Apocalyptic References, Sexual Content, Slow Burn, Mental Illness

Chapter Seven, Chapter Nine

18+ Minors DNI

Chapter Eight

Y/N shoved her face back into her pillow as the loud bickering pulled her from her dreamless sleep. Mindless words being thrown around the busy house made it nearly impossible to sleep at any other time than the night. The light in her room was dim, the evening drawing close as her body eased out of its afternoon nap. She squeezed her eyes tighter and heaved a heavy sigh into the linens of her bed.

It was her turn to keep watch in the evening and she was not looking forward to it. She insisted that there was no need to keep watch at night but Jake and Danny were insistent, especially after seeing the infected so close to the property. She figured that if she was to be awake all night, she could try to get some rest during the day. Her plans didn’t go according to, as Sam and Charlie felt their plans of yelling at one another were more important.

She turned her head to the side and opened one of her eyes to peek at her surroundings. Her room was hardly lit, dusk nearly reaching its end. Finally willing herself out of bed, she groaned as she pushed her palms into the bed on either side of her and sat up. The warmth of her own body heat vanished as she pulled the covers from her body. The residual temperature of the house was slowly dropping day by day.

The days that followed the events in town became shorter as winter approached. The evenings seemed to come faster and faster as the sun’s evening ritual changed. This meant that the farm had to follow suit, duties needing to be updated as the seasons bled into one another. Each group member had taken it upon themselves to take one of Y/N’s responsibilities as their own, finally becoming accustomed to their new reality.

Slipping on her shoes, Y/N stood from her seated position on the bed and made her way out into the hall. Walking down the stairs, the cause of her rude awakening only grew louder, an end nowhere in sight. Rolling her eyes, she released her grip on the banister and stalked her way into the kitchen. She found exactly what she expected, Charlie sitting on the kitchen island, holding a can of corn above her head. Sam was swatting his hands at hers, the scene bringing a smile to Y/N’s face.

Passing the bickering, Y/N walked out of the kitchen and out the back door. The evening was crisp as she walked into the night air, her lungs stinging as the atmosphere changed. The front porch creaked under her shoes, catching the attention of Danny and Josh in the garden, leaning against the well chatting. The two of them waved her over, pushing off the well and walking towards her as she did the same.

“Get any sleep?” Danny asked, stopping with Josh as they reached each other.

“Oh yeah, loads.” She replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms over her chest. The two men laughed at her remark, knowing exactly why she didn’t seem to be rested.

“Good, Mel is with Ben now. You and Jake will take her place tonight.” She tried not to let his name falter her. Ever since they returned home from town, Jake had been extremely distant, not even batting an eye in Y/N’s direction. It started when they finally got home late after they found the others.

*********

“Charlie!” Evelyn yelped happily as she ran towards the blonde. Charlie reciprocated her actions, running feverishly to Evelyn, slightly slipping in the evening dew that lined the tall green blades surrounding them. Almost knocking her off her feet, Charlie jumped into Evelyn’s open arms, wrapping her thin legs around her waist. Evelyn’s weak state brought the two girls to the ground, dropping to her knees, she clutched tighter onto Charlie as they fell onto her back. The scene warmed the evening, bringing soft smiles to everyone who witnessed. The two girls laid in the overgrowth, feeling perfectly content just being in each other's arms. Laugher could be heard from every inch of the farm as the party split ways to get ready for a much-needed night's rest.

Sammy, Josh, and Jake were holding each other in one big bear hug. Their limbs wrapped around each other in a chaotic mess, grabbing each other in any way that they could. Danny joined them, squeezing himself among the brunette boys. Y/N hadn’t realized that this was the first time that any of them had been separated. The small family held one another for a few minutes, while Y/N and Mel made their way to the barn with the four horses.

The big barn doors were already open when they arrived, Arty and Stella eagerly stepping into the warm space. Greeted with a small screech, Idris yelled from his stall, running with excitement as his parents entered the barn. The scrawny horses strained slightly against the ropes, confusion washing over them as they were pulled into the old wooden building.

Mel took it upon herself to sooth the large animals before trying to get them to enter again. Stoking their necks to comfort any stress of the confined space. Once Arty and Stella were back in their stalls. Y/N grabbed a handful of feed in each hand and walked over to the starving horses, letting them eat out of her palm. Once she gained their trust, she again walked over to the feed and began filling two empty stalls with it. The horses didn’t wait for Mel as they walked into the barn to where the food was.

Unbenounced to Y/N, Jake had walked over to the barn and quietly watched as the girls put away the saddles and got the new additions comfortable in their new home. He leaned against the rotted wood with his arms crossed over his chest. He watched as Y/N brushed the matted manes’ of the poor animals and watered them as best she could. Mel assisted, brushing Stella and Arty before exiting the barn after hearing Danny call for her.

Jake caught Y/N’s attention as she watched Mel leave the barn. A small smirk danced on his face as Y/N exited the Red Dun’s new stall and into the openness of the barn. She locked the stalls, keeping her eyes off of him as he walked right to her, stopping only inches from her frame.

“Have you thought of any names?” He asked, looking down at her as she clicked the last stall into place.

“Hmm,” she hummed, placing her pointer finger and thumb under her chin as she turned to face him. “Sarcastic, rude, abrasive… shall I continue?” She said, smiling to herself, her bottom lip tucked in between her teeth.

“Oh, you think you’re funny, don’t you?” He said, reaching for her hip. His hand grabbed onto her jacket, lightly squeezing on the cloth before guiding his hand up her back, pulling her closer to him. She didn’t take a second to think before she too reached for him, fisting his thick jacket into her hands and moved closer to him. His other hand cupped her cheek, making her eyes move to his, guiding her face up. He stared down at her, his breath mingling with hers as they stood there together.

Her hands ran up his chest and up to his face. Her fingers skated across his jaw and up to the apples of his cheeks. Her thumbs gently smoothed up to the crows feet that were perched on the corners of his eyes. Closing them, his breath caught in his throat as she continued to touch him so intimately. Her hands moved up, raking her fingers through his hair, down his scalp, and ending at the back of his neck. Her fingers combed through his hair easily, the softness of his locks astonishing her.

He smiled once more as he opened his eyes, goosebumps appearing on his arms as her fingers laced together around him. He leaned down and captured her lips with his, both of them sucking in a breath through their noses at the contact. He was so addicting, his presence alone igniting a flame inside her heart. Their chests connected as his hand on her back moved up, and cupped the back of her head. His nose slotted perfectly next to hers, like the final piece of a puzzle, completing the perfect picture.

Pulling him closer to her, their bodies turned so that her back was pressed against the wood on the stall door, his body weight pressed against her. Her hands untied themselves from his neck and ran themselves down his back, meeting again around his middle. She held onto him like it was the last thing that she would ever do. Jake pushed on of his legs between hers, effectively grazing her heat. His leg instantly became warm as she lightly ground on his thigh, the pressure to her core egging her on. Jake broke the kiss, his breath wildly unevenly as he began slipping kisses down her chin and neck. She tilted her back back, giving him more access as she let out a slight whimper.

He pushed himself further into her, groaning into her neck as he felt her ride his thigh. The scene becoming extremely arousing, Jake couldn’t stop himself as his hand gently pushed up the hem of her jacket and shirt. His fingers pressed deep into the flesh of her hip, grabbing onto her and pulling her further on his leg. A heavy sigh left her as she could feel herself lose all control, letting him guide her in any way he wanted. Moving further down, he laid gentle kisses down the chain of the necklace that she wore and into the collar of her shirt.

“Jake, I…” she said, gaining his attention. He pulled back slightly, moving back to his full height and looking down into her eyes. She looked at him with such passion, the small spark in her eye inches away from lighting a wildfire. Her eyes begged him to continue his previous work, her eyebrows turned up in need. They stared at one another for a minute, letting their breaths calm and intertwine.

“I…” she stared, before stopping again. She never wanted him to stop, but she didn’t want to sound desperate. She knew that her feelings for him were genuine but were his for her? She couldn’t help but hesitate as her growing want for him pushed the boundary of no return. His softened gaze turned sour, his jaw clenching slightly as he looked up at the ceiling, avoiding her eyes.

His gaze focused on the wooden beams that surrounded them, the rotten planks barely keeping the structure sound. He saw the question in her features, not having to ask why she stopped. Releasing her from his grip, he stepped back on his heels, the loose hay crunching under his step.

His throat bobbed as he looked at her from afar. He shouldn’t. He couldn’t. He knew this, but he couldn’t stop himself. Her presence alone was so distracting yet so very addicting. His expression held nothing but pain as he continued to back away from her.

“Don’t leave. Please.” She begged. Her brain was foggy as his back began to turn to her. Her breath pushed out of her mouth as he started for the door. Her face crumbled as his back grew more distant, the night consuming his figure as he walked back to the house.

That night was spent alone, tears free flowing down her cheeks. Embarrassment and resentment stung her eyes as she tried desperately to let the tears rock her to sleep. She knew he couldn’t give her what she so desperately craved, but she didn’t know why. She laid heavily on the bed, the events of the last few days with Jake running her mind to rest.

*********

“Why’s it have to be both of us?” She asked a little too quickly. Josh picked up on her uneasiness, noticing her frowned brows and squinted eyes. He saw how she looked at her brother, but he also saw how his brother looked at her. His twin was never the most proficient with communication, but the back and forth between the two was giving Josh whiplash.

“Ben is close to waking. If he wakes in the night, one of you needs to be there for him while the other continues to watch.” She only huffed in response. Her arms still crossed over her chest as she leaned her weight onto her left leg, effecting popping her hip out a tad.

“Does it have to be Jake? Why can’t Sammy stay up with me?” She asked, fruitlessly continuing to argue with the two of them. Danny and Josh looked at each other before looking back at Y/N. She couldn’t read their expressions as they guided her back into the direction of the house.

“Sammy stayed up with me last night, so I highly doubt that he will be willing to get no sleep for two nights in a row.” Josh said, placing his soft hands on her clothes shoulders and pushing her onto the porch.

“Then what about you Danny? Or Evelyn?” She said, walking behind Danny into the kitchen, Josh following in toe.

“What about Danny and Evelyn?” Charlie asked, still planted on the kitchen island, now lacking a tin can. The aroma of sweet corn filled the kitchen, making Y/N’s mouth water slightly. She could see Sam stirring a small pot of yellow kernels over a small fire in the sink.

“I need someone to keep watch with me tonight. What about you Char, wanna hang with me tonight? Y/N said, forcing a cheeky smile as she watched the blonde descend off of the counter. She looked at Sammy and then back to Y/N before rolling her eyes and shaking her head. She laughed slightly as she walked right past Y/N, patting her condescending on her shoulder before walking out of the kitchen.

“I think that was a no.” Sammy said, not taking his eyes off the food on the makeshift stove. Y/N tucked her lips into her teeth, a ridged smile forming as the three boys laughed at her. Deciding to not sit down for dinner, Y/N walked over to the silverware drawer and fished out a big spoon. Walking straight over to Sammy, she sunk the spoon into the pot, scooping up a large amount of corn.

“Hey!” Sammy yelled, a look of pure betrayal washing onto his face. Y/N shoved the spoon into her mouth as she bolted for the hall and back up the stairs. Climbing the stairs, she swallowed her mouthful of food and made her way to Bennett’s room. Pushing the door open, she found Mel and Evelyn, sitting in the same position they had been a few days ago. They seemed to be chatting about nothing, keeping one another company while they watched Benny and the wall.

Y/N tried to push the jealousy down that threatened to peek out. Her and her sisters were as thick as thieves before the illness, and it was hard for her to see Mel confiding in anyone else but her. She knew that the separation had grow them apart, she just hoped that one day her younger sister might come to her instead of her friends. She knew it was wrong to feel this way, that’s why she buried it deep and walked into the room.

“I am here to relieve you of your duties!” Y/N said, coming up behind Mel and squeezing her shoulders. She heard her little sister chuckled as Evelyn spoke up.

“We will wait for Jake to get here before we leave.” She said, not looking at Y/N as she spoke. Y/N gulped down the lump in her throat, straining to keep her eyes from traveling to the back of her head. She held back any semblance of annoyance, choosing to take the high road in an attempt to get on Evelyn’s good side. Mel, not holding anything back, gave Evelyn a swift kick to shin. Evelyn hissed in reaction, getting up from her chair and walking out of the room.

“She’ll come around” Mel said, patting the now vacant chair next to her. The interaction felt all too familiar, Evelyn never hiding her disdain for Y/N. Taking a seat in the old chair, she crossed her legs over one another and faced her sister.

“I’m not worried.” Y/N said, shoving her true feelings about the ginger onto the back of her mind.

“Where’s Jake?” Mel asked, bringing up the only other sore subject. Y/N shrugged her shoulders, her mouth already becoming dry at the thought of him and her being in the same room all night. It had been a week since the night in the barn and neither of them had spoken a word to each other.

“Weird, he’s been so distant lately. Don’t you think so?” Mel asked. Y/N could feel the roof of her mouth run completely cold, her throat closing up as she shrugged her shoulders again.

“I don’t really know him that well.” Was all Y/N could muster. It wasn’t necessarily a lie, but the taste of the hidden truth was bitter.

“Really? I didn’t take you for the kind of girl that goes around kissing men she doesn’t know.” Mel said, her quick wit catching Y/N off guard. Looking away from her sister and to the ground, Y/N eyebrows met in the middle as she contemplated on what to say. Being caught in a lie was probably the worst feeling in the world, especially when it’s your sister.

The mood in the room shifted as the minutes drowned on. Y/N couldn’t tell if her sister was angry or amused. Her blank expression didn’t give any indication, causing Y/N to second guess everything she wanted to say.

“How long were you standing there?” Y/N asked, not knowing how to pick the conversation back up. Her sister didn’t respond, causing Y/N’s ears to ring in the silence of the room. Mel sighed and turned her head to the window next to her. The night sky was dark but the stars poked through the blackness, illuminating the sky in ways that were impossible to see in a lighted city. The deep blues and purples crossed over one another, creating intricate paintings across the sky.

“Does it even matter?” Mel asked, her head still turned away. More time passed with no word spoken, neither of them wanting to make the first move. Y/N’s stomach was eating itself alive, twisting in knots as she sat in unbridled anticipation.

“I’m not mad.” Amelia started, “but I need you to be very aware of your actions,” She said, finally looking at Y/N, her pupils blown to cover her entire iris. Y/N knew she was lying, anyone could hear the malic in her tone.

“I’m not a child Mel-” Y/N started, but was immediately cut off by her younger sister. Her words died in her mouth as she watched Mel’s eyes widen.

“Then don’t act like one. Jake is my family, not some random guy you can catch feelings for.” Her voice raised an octave, but her demeanor remained the same. Her emotions were on the peak of boiling, steam already radiating off of her.

“I understand that, but I-“ Again, Y/N started but again was stopped short.

“No, I don’t think you do. This isn’t a game I am willing to play with you. There are no “buts”. “ She said, pinching the bridge of her nose and sighing loudly. “Benny and I have worked very hard these last two years to survive, every action thoroughly thought through. I’m not going to sit here and allow you to jeopardize that.” Mel said, standing up from her chair and walking over to Bennett’s bedroom door. Her steps echoed in the room, the floorboards squeezing unnaturally loud. “I trust that you will learn to start thinking with your head instead of your heart.” She finished, closing her eyes and opening the door.

“You’re my sister, Y/N. I need to know that I can trust you to make the right choice, regardless of how you feel.” Amelia ended. Y/N couldn’t stop the words as they stumbled out of her.

“Is that what’s happening with you and Danny? You’re using your head instead of your heart?” She turned in her chair, meeting the gaze of Amelia. Mel’s face remained stern, her eyes wavering before they met the ground. A shallow breath poured from her as her sister's words teased her brain.

“Vulnerability means weakness.” Amelia said, opening the door wider to make her exit. Before she could leave the room though, Y/N spoke up.

“That’s the dumbest thing you have ever said. What am I then if not your vulnerability?” All of the oxygen in the room was made dry, her throat burned as she took a breath.

“My older sister. Start acting like it.” Amelia, not looking behind her, shook her head and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her. The instant that she left, Y/N regretted what she had said.

Y/N stared at the closed bedroom door for a while, sitting in the pain she felt in the pit of her stomach. She hated how grown her sister had become in her absence. She hated how she wasn’t able to be there for her when she needed her most. Most of all, she hated that she knew her sister was right. She was being reckless.

Y/N was yanked from her thoughts as the door opened again. She could only assume it was her watch partner, finally joining her in the room they would be nestled in for the next couple of hours. She didn’t look back to confirm, her emotions too heightened to see his face. It was like his very presence intensified everything she felt. The distance between her highs and lows widening so drastically, it was nearly impossible to keep up.

His form crossed the bedroom behind her, swiftly grabbing the chair that sat next to her and taking it over to the window. He placed the chair in front of the opening and planted himself there. He had his back turned towards her, his attention on the outside of the house. The evening was quiet, making the room heavy with silence. The only sounds breaking the intense void was Bennett's soft breathing. Y/N grabbed her brother’s hand and squeezed. She missed him so desperately, her heart ached in her chest.

She didn’t want to believe that she let her siblings down. She didn’t want to think of the “what ifs”. The circulating thoughts of blame that needed to be placed. She wanted to be happy that her siblings were back in her life, but it was so difficult knowing that they had been through all of this without her. How they lost their brother without her. She wasn’t the one to dry their tears, they were.

Jake and Josh. Sammy and Danny. Charlie and Evelyn. They were the ones that walked with them. They were the ones that cared for them, wept with them. It was such a hard pill to swallow, knowing that her siblings found a new family. She tried to push the ever flowing thoughts out of her head as she grasped her brother's hand tighter, squeezing her eyes shut in the process. The salty stink of tears pushed itself forward, the liquid silently training down her face. She didn’t want to cry, she didn’t want any of it.

Her soundless weeps halted at the perfectly tuned stum that gathered around her. Her eyes remained shut as she listened to the melody of a song she had never heard. Soft and quietly spoken, the picks of the 6 strings relaxed her shoulders and lightened her grip on the hand in hers. Her facial features eased, sucking in a massive breath, filling her lungs again.

Her eyes fluttered open, the darkness surrounding her lifting only to be met with more darkness. The room had gotten dim since Jake came in, his body covering most of the natural light. Not having the courage to look back at him, she leaned back in her chair, her head tiling to the side. The tear tracks dried on her worn, sun worked skin. Her legs felt weak as she listened to Jake play and hum along to a song she could only assume was his own.

It was sweet and languid, the notes swimming together so peacefully. It was quite yet boisterous, a sound of simple celebration. It brought a smile to her as she watched Bennett’s chest move up and down. Whether or not he knew that she was crying, his ingenious guitar playing eased the tension in the room. As her eyes adjusted, she brushed her thumb along his knuckles, growing to courage to speak up.

“I never thanked you for saving my family.” She paused, as did his playing. She could hear him move in his chair, his head turning to the side to hear her. “You didn’t have to help them when they were strangers, but you did. And you brought them back to me. I can never repay you for that.” She said, not moving, barely breathing. She honestly didn’t know what came over her.

“It wasn’t my idea to help them,” he spoke softly, almost silently, as if the thoughts in his mind accidentally slipped from him. She huffed a small laugh as he continued. “Danny, of course, wanted to help them.” He finished, starting a new riff, this one much less complex and more subliminal.

“Still,” she breathed, not moving in her seat. “You helped.” Her shoe covered foot played with the blanket that hung off the side of the bed. “And for saving me. I owe you twice over.”

“You owe me nothing.” He responded so quickly, it was like he knew exactly what she was going to say. She shook her head in defiance, sitting up and releasing Bennett’s hand.

“I do, Jake.” She turned to face him, expecting him to be turned away, but he wasn’t. He had turned in his chair, his head down but his eyes cast up at her, his hand slowing its strumming. “I do.” She said, staring deep into him. He sat up as they made eye contact, his guitar sliding down his knee slightly.

He didn’t say a word. The longer the pause, the harder it became to hold his eyes. Y/N looked back at Bennett, then closed her eyes. She wanted so desperately for him to wake up. For him to show her any sign that he was still alive. The constant rise and fall of his chest wasn’t enough.

“You owe me nothing.” He said again, sitting back in his chair and strumming once more. His lullaby soaked into her skin, the warmth of his music radiating around the room. Y/N opened her eyes and peered at him again. He was so majestic and cool, the notes playing as if they were coming from him and not the wooden instrument. It made her smile.

The night dragged on from there. Jake sat with his back to her for most of it, playing while watching outside. Y/N took to Bennett, keeping a log of his pulse and water intake. The two didn’t speak much to each other, content to sit in the music and chill of the night. The quietness didn’t break until Jake sat his guitar down and brought his chair over to Y/N.

She was sitting with her head in her hands, elbows perched on her knees. She didn’t realize that Jake had moved until she heard him clear his throat. Looking up, she noticed that he was sitting backwards, his arms resting on the back of the chair.

“Want to switch?” He asked, gesturing his head to the window. She laughed and shook her head.

“Not really.” She replied, amused as Jake planted his face into his arm, groaning in the process.

“I can’t look at that window any longer.” He said, shaking his head and looking back at her. She let out another laugh, rolling her eyes at him as she stood up and stretched her back.

“Then don’t. You're not going to see anything anyways.” She said walking towards the window. She laid her hands on the windowsill and breathed on the glass. The glass fogged up, prompting her to take her finger and draw a smiley face.

“Did it bother you?” He asked, standing up from his chair and meeting her at the window. “Being alone?” He finished, looking at the side of her face. She didn’t look at him though, she kept her gaze trained on the grassy property in front of her. The question caught her off guard. She knew the answer instantly, but was unsure of how to respond to him.

“Yeah.” She began. “Yeah it did.” She looked at him then, pain fitting her features. She liked feeling vulnerable around him, he made her feel so secure and safe.

“Why didn’t you leave with your siblings to begin with?” He asked, leaning down on the windowsill to meet her height. His eyes were so captivating, she could feel her soul being stared into.

“I couldn’t leave Abraham, or the farm.” She said, her head now facing the ground.

“He didn’t seem to have a problem leaving you.” He breathed out, his words hardly making an appearance.

“He was beside himself. I don’t blame him for what happened.” She looked at him with her brows frowned. His eyes narrowed on her, realizing he clearly struck a nerve.

“You should, he broke up your family, then left you to die.” He said, standing up straight. Y/N followed suit, standing up straight with her arms crossed over her chest.

“You don’t know anything about that! Abraham was just doing what he thought was right. It was Bennett that chose to leave.” She said, trying desperately to keep her voice down, knowing how paper thin the walls were.

“I do know about that. In case you've forgotten, I’ve just spent the last year with your family.” Jake breathed out, rubbing his forehead. “Bennett was doing what was best for them, not Abraham.” Jake said, moving to sit on the bed next to Bennett.

“And look what good it did them Jake!” She yelled, not being able to contain her anger any longer. “Issac is dead! Half of my family is gone!” She stood in front of him, her breathing heavy as she registered her own words. “You still have your brothers, but what about mine?” She said, her shoulders slumping. His jaw tightened, and his eyes fell to the ground.

“Sorry, I just…” she started, sitting next to him on the bed. “I’ve lost so much. I can’t hate my brother, even if he did leave me.” She hated how emotional she got when talking about her family. They meant everything to her, and now down to being the last three surviving out of seven. It tore her apart.

Instead of responding, Jake looked over at her and placed his lips on hers. He took his hand and caressed her cheek, savoring her. He had never been so gentle with her before. His touch was feather light but still ignited the same fire in the deepest part of her. She reciprocated the kiss, letting his mouth encompass hers, but she didn’t move. She let him lead the kiss, letting him make every move. He pulled away reluctantly, placing one last peck on her lips before tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear.

“Mel saw us.” She said, knowing it would ruin the moment. She knew he would get up and leave like he always did, so she closed her eyes so she didn’t have to see him go. She didn’t feel him move though. No squeak of the bed as he stood up, no floorboards shifting as he walked away. All was still.

She cautiously peeled open her eyes, only to find Jake where he was before, sitting next to her, him looking right into her face. Her breath hitched as she realized just how close she was to him.

“I know.” He whispered, moving his head to peer down at his hands.

“You know?” She asked, her voice merely audible.

“We saw each other when I left the barn.” He said, twiddling his thumbs. “She told me to stay away from you.” He said, his voice slightly cracking.

Y/N let his words wash over her. She stopped looking at him and focused on the window. She knew it would come to this. Her feelings for him had grown so much over the past two weeks. It was incredible how quickly she fell for him, but now all for nothing. Jake hated how quiet she had become, so he spoke again.

“I know how hard it is to lose your family. I think about my sister everyday. My mom and my old man too.” He said quietly. “Ami is just scared of losing more people. I know you know that.” He said, placing his hands on his knees, whipping the sweat off his palms.

“I've lost a lot too, Y/N” Jake said, grabbing onto her hand and pulling it into his lap. “but I can’t lose you too.” His words echoed like a sweet dream. A vague memory of warm summer days spent on the beach.

She peered up at him again, meeting his eyes. Their small smiles reciprocated one another as they’re foreheads connected. Y/N shut her eyes but Jake kept his eyes open, staring down at her features. He took at every detail on her face, from her freckles to the small mole on the side of her jaw. He was so enraptured by her presence that he didn’t feel the movement of the bed underneath them.

“Y/N?” Bennett asked.

I know this is a smaller chapter but the next chapter is massive and is what’s been taking me so long to write. Also sometimes my ADHD brain fills in misspelled words, so if this chapter needs spell check, lmk -Much Love, Liv

[theimpossiblescheme]

the storyteller trio - playlists for celia, urania, and nasira for @bombawife‘s OC week (album art by @thedragonchilde)

01. alice alone - joby talbot | 02. spark of creation - nikki renée daniels | 03. down the hole - molly gordon, colton ryan, wesley taylor, z infante, nkeki obi-melekwe, heath saunders, catherine ricafort, andrew kober, grace mclean, and noah galvin | 04. on the steps of the palace - denée benton | 05. someone to say - haley bennett | 06. snöfall - a cerulean state | 07. the whole of the moon - fiona apple | 08. moving - kate bush | 09. u - kylie mcneil | 10. the weekly volcano press - sutton foster, maureen mcgovern, jenny powers, danny gurwin, john hickok, amy mcalexander, robert stattel, and janet carroll | 11. impromptu op. 5 no. 5 - jean sibelius | 12. follow the light - pomplamoose | 13. stop - shoba narayan | 14. the maiden and the selkie - heather dale | 15. rêverie - duved’s transatlantic five x tatiana eva-marie | 16. what is a youth - joanna wang | 17. i am my own invention - darren ritchie and janet dacal | 18. op. 66a, th. 234 - II. pas d'action: rose adagio - petyr tchaikovsky | 19. fly me to the moon - the macarons project [listen]

01. magic to do - patina miller and the players | 02. takk… - sigur rós | 03. new constellations - ryn weaver | 04. fairytale - sara bareilles | 05. the projectionist - sleeping at last | 06. zephyrus - the oh hellos | 07. set el habayib - fayza ahmed | 08. parachutes - hans zimmer and richard harvey | 09. whenever i call you friend - kenny loggins and stevie nicks | 10. the life of the party - zoe jensen | 11. digital ripples - ludvig forssell | 12. rainbow veins - owl city | 13. moon river - audrey hepburn | 14. sky woman - anachnid | 15. platonic love song #1 - lauren bird | 16. dear moon - jehwi | 17. the lost words blessing - seckou keita, bethany porter, kerry andrew, jim molyneux, karine polwart, rachel newton, kris drever, and julie fowlis | 18. i’m going to go back there someday - dave goelz | 19. 14.3 Billion Years - andrew prahlow [listen]

01. milk cassette x.mp3 - analog_mannequin | 02. turnaround - camille and hans zimmer | 03. who am i - harolyn blackwell | 04. stay gold - first aid kit | 05. bookstore girl - charlie burg | 06. the wind is changing - howard harper-barnes | 07. take me home, country roads (whisper of the heart) - chelle | 08. trying something again (again) - lullatone | 09. snowflake - kate bush | 10. oh, what a world - kacey musgraves | 11. keep breathing - shoba narayan | 12. rainbow - dodie | 13. the romantic - lauryn marie | 14. quiet resource - evelyn stein | 15. helwa el hayah - carizma feat. bmd | 16. halfway - audrey brisson-jutras | 17. snow in venice - elizaveta | 18. pocketful of sunshine - natasha bedingfield | 19. rise up - andra day [listen]

[klaprisun]

One Sunny Day

(Stardew Valley)(Haley x Female Farmer)

Chapter 22: Haley's POV

The whole day after Danny left, I had rotted away in my bed. I had no motivation to do anything, nor was my stomach up to doing anything. It wasn’t until the next day that I was back to being me.

Unfortunately, that me was the old me. I was short fused, hot tempered, and giving attitude left and right. I couldn’t help it for whatever reason, I was just really angry.

“I’m going to Alex’s. Enjoy the empty house,” I sneered at Emily before walking out the front door. Emily had a look of disappointment on her face after I told her where I’d be going. She just shamefully shook her head and went back to working on her sewing machine.

“I’m not even going to waste my breath. Do whatever you want, just don’t go crying to Danny when you get hurt by him again,” Emily shoots back.

Angrily, I turn on my heels and slam the door behind me as I walk out.

“Cry to Danny my ass. When have I ever cried to Danny about anything?” I mumble as I walk to Alex’s house. I pause in my step for a moment, realizing what I had just said. I started recalling all the times I have in fact cried to Danny. Shaking it off, I continue walking.

It was sometime in the afternoon, so there was a lot of hustle and bustle going on in town. Lots of townsfolk were going into Pierre’s to shop, or to the Stardrop Saloon for lunch. With every person I see, my heart skips a beat as I think they might be Danny. I don’t know if I am hoping to see her or not.

“Hi Evelyn! Beautiful day out today. Your flower beds are looking lovely,” I gush to Alex’s grandma when I arrive at their house. As angry as I am, no one can be mean to the sweet, elderly Evelyn.

“Why hello Haley. It’s been so long since you have been over, is everything alright?” She takes my hand and brings me further into the house.

“Everything is quite alright. I just thought I’d stop by and see how you all are. I also picked this on my way over!” I hand Evelyn a sweet pea that I found on the side of the path. She really likes flowers and will put any that she receives in a vase on the kitchen table.

“Oh my, it looks wonderful! That's very kind of you,” Evelyn starts walking to the kitchen to bring the sweet pea to the vase. Excitedly, I followed her into the kitchen to sit at the table.

When I round the corner to the kitchen, not only do I see the vase completely full of her all time favorite flowers which would be tulips and fairy roses, Danny is reclining back in one of the kitchen table chairs. I can’t see her eyes due to them being covered with sunglasses, but a huge grin is plastered across her face. She was also wearing a flannel tank top with the collar popped up to hide her neck and her cowboy hat resting on top of her brown hair. Her arms are crossed behind her head, as she dangerously tips the chair back and forth on its back legs. For a second, I can’t help but focus on the way her arm muscles are flexed but quickly snap out of it.

“A sweet pea is so thoughtful of you, Haley,” She jokes, continuously rocking back in the chair.

“How did you even get tulips and fairy roses! Those are only able to grow in spring!” I shout at her, aggressively pointing to the vase. All my anger I was suppressing has boiled to the brim.

Danny shrugs with no further explanation.

“What are you even doing here?” I shout at her again.

“Evelyn made cookies and asked if I wanted one. I’m not going to pass on that,” she says slyly as she takes a bite of a cookie.

“Haley, dear, do you want a cookie too?” Evelyn hands me a napkin with a fresh chocolate chip cookie placed on it.

I gently take the napkin from her hands and sit in the chair farthest from Danny. Just as I sat down, Danny had finished her cookie and got up.

“It was lovely seeing you Evelyn. Thank you for the delicious cookie. I’ll see you later,” Danny tips her hat down at Evelyn and starts to leave.

Before completely leaving my sight, Danny turns, slides her glasses down her nose and blows me a kiss. I feel my face get warm and quickly look away.

“What’s going on with you two? I thought you were friends?” Evelyn questions me.

“That’s not happening anymore. I completely ruined it,” I tear up as I explain to Evelyn.

“I’m sure if you guys just talk it out, you’ll be okay again?” She had walked over to rub my back as I let the tears fall.

“I wish,” I mutter. I cross my arms and rest them on the table in front of me. I lay my head down on my crossed arms and start tracing the designs on the wood of their table. Evelyn starts braiding my hair which calms me down immensely. It also causes me to let more tears roll down my cheeks from how nice she is to everyone. She truly is the best.

I spend all day hanging out with Evelyn and eventually George, Alex’s grandpa, as well. Alex was not home all day so I decided I’d wait for him by helping with chores in their house. I hate doing my own chores at home with Emily, but Evelyn and George are getting older and some things are tough on them. George is also in a wheelchair and can’t help her with much. I did a lot of their hard scrubbing and reaching into high places to dust. Helping out and cleaning really reduced the amount of stress I was feeling.

Around dinner time, Alex had waltzed through the front door. I was helping Evelyn with supper at the time, but quickly popped over to let him know I’m here and supper is almost ready.

“Hey Alex. I was waiting for you all day, where’d you go?” I ask him.

“No where,” he smugly says. I just nod my head and go back to help Evelyn. Clearly he isn’t in a good mood today either.

For dinner we had baked fish with, of course, a salad. A salad with leek in it for George. For dessert, I had helped Evelyn with making my favorite sweet treat ever. Pink cake! There was some left over so she told me I could bring it home with me.

“I’m going to the saloon. I need a beer,” Alex huffs as he gets up from the dinner table. I cringe at the thought of drinking, but quickly recover.

“I’ll come with you. Just to hangout though… I’m not drinking.”

I wave to Evelyn and George as I hurriedly try to keep pace with Alex. He is in such a rush.

“I’ll meet you over on the couch in the corner of the arcade where we usually sit. Do you want anything?” Alex states as he walks up to Gus at the bar.

“I’m alright. Still full from dinner,” I sigh as I walk to the couch. I don’t know why I wanted to see Alex so bad. He isn’t in a good mood and neither am I. Seeing Danny today left me completely flustered and lost in my thoughts.

Do I try to go see her? Do I try to talk to her about us? Is there even a point if I was to? I ask myself.

The couch cushion bounces me up as Alex plops down beside me on the couch. He takes a sip of his beer and reclines back. The two of us sit in silence, unsure of what to talk about.

Finally, Sam, Abigail, and Sebastian walk into the saloon and make their way to the arcade. Apparently the other night didn’t wreck Abigail’s friendship with the two of them. At least some of us stayed friends.

“Time to play some pool!” Sam hoots as he grabs a pool stick. Abigail grabs the other one and shoots daggers at Sam. I guess I was wrong about them being cool.

The rest of the group pours in as the night goes on. All except Danny. I’m not complaining since I’ve already seen her enough today.

Everyone in the group was looking at me funny today though. I’m not sure why they are smirking at me or looking me over. Elliot and Leah seem to be whispering about something but I see them looking my way every so often. It is really starting to bother me.

The bell over the saloon door rings out at the entrance of someone. Just as I hadn’t hoped, it was Danny. But instead of her flannel tank top with the collar popped, she had on a normal tank top that tied up in the front, showing her stomach. There was nothing hiding her neck with this shirt though, so the hickeys were on full display.

My hand flies to my mouth, causing the crowd in the arcade to bring their attention to me. I slouch back in my seat, trying to get the couch to absorb me. The entire restaurant and saloon had their eyes on Danny as she entered now, embarrassing me more since everyone can definitely see.

A few chuckles echo in the arcade area from Sebastian, Sam, Elliot and Leah, but the rest are all silent and straining their necks to look. Apparently the whole town has heard about the hickey situation and now it's their chance to catch a glimpse.

“Can’t keep anything private here,” I huff as I cross my arms.

Danny takes a seat at the bar instead of coming this way, which is the best thing she could do. She was smart enough to keep her distance. I watch as Gus takes her order and gives her a glass of water. She must feel the same about drinking again right now because usually she has a beer.

I jump up from the couch, and grab Alex’s hand. He gets the hint and stands up with me. I continue to hold his hand as we weave our way out of the arcade and saloon. Danny sees the motion of people walking out and turns to investigate. Her face is unreadable until I see her eyes focus on me holding Alex’s hand. Her face drops. I continue dragging Alex out, not giving it a second thought.

“That was only my first beer, Haley. Did we have to go already?” Alex whines as we near his house.

I pull him closer to me and whisper in his ear, “Evelyn and George are asleep. We can go to your room and… hangout?”

His face lights up and we pick up the pace into the house. We lock lips as we enter the house, bumping up against the front door from the force of the kiss.

We continue doing it all the way down the hallway, hoping to not wake up his grandparents from the bumping and stumbling around.

I rip his shirt off over his head and toss it aside once we enter his room. He guides me to the bed and starts undoing my shorts. I help him out and slide them down my legs once they are undone. He goes for my shirt next and flings it away. We continue to make out a bit longer until he pauses suddenly.

“I have to… go to the washroom,” he hesitates weirdly. He does this a lot when we are just about to go farther than making out.

He leaves me alone on the bed in his room, exposed in my pink lace lingerie. I sit up and take a look around the dark room. He loves to lift weights and play grid ball which is why there is a ton of weights and gridball equipment laying around. His whole room is covered with gridball print wallpaper which I think is cute. He also had a few posters of bodybuilders and weight lifters torn from sports magazines on his wall.

The silence of the room is interrupted by the sound of his telephone ringing. Who would be calling at this hour? Curiously, I went to pick up the phone.

“Hello? Who is this?” I speak into the phone, twirling the cord around my finger.

“It’s Taylor. Who is this?” A male voice rings through the phone. My mouth falls open in shock. Without thinking, I throw the phone back onto the receiver, hanging up on Taylor.

“Hey Hales, I heard the phone ring. You didn’t pick up, did you?” Alex bolts through the bedroom door suddenly. When he sees where I’m standing, his head lowers sheepishly, knowing exactly what I heard.

“You’re…gay?” I mutter. Taylor was the voice he always moaned accidentally whenever we had sex. He must’ve always been the person in bed when I caught Alex cheating too. I had never seen the face, but I always thought it was too unproportionate of a lump under the covers to be a girl.

Alex just nods his head, his eyes welling up with tears. Suddenly the posters of shirtless, ripped, men on the wall made sense.

“Alex, you could’ve just said something. I would never be mad at you for that,” I cautiously walked up to him and put my hand on his shoulder.

“I didn’t…I didn’t want to admit it…” he sniffles. He lowers himself and wraps his burly arms around me, nearly squeezing me to death.

“It’s all okay. You are who you are and we all love you for it,” I try comforting him.

“Says you,” he says through sobs. I freeze and pull back from the hug.

“What did you say?”

“I know what’s going on between you and Danny. Everyone does, Haley. Except you,” he wipes away his tears and just stares at me.

The tears I have frightening to hold back all day make their appearance as I register the words he had just said. He pulls me in for another hug but it’s my turn to cry.

“I don’t know what to do,” I cry into his chest.

“You guys just need to talk it out. There is so much connection between you guys, you just have to embrace it. Danny seems to be very comfortable with it, you just need to let her take the lead. She will understand this is new to you and will be patient with your feelings. Once you’ve accepted yourself, then you can kick it into high gear when you’re ready,” Alex explains, comfortingly. I have never heard him be so wise before. I guess he is also speaking from experience.

“You’re right. I’ll give it a shot. Thank you, Alex,” I squeeze him tighter and he rests his head on top of mine. We were never destined to be lovers, we were meant to be a couple of “confused feeling” besties.

[nobody7102]

Bella my thots are going feral again!!! (lol). I saw more of those pics of Lewis as Major Major and all I can think of are several things......Nurse!Reader and Major recreating Danny and Evelyn's love scene in Pearl Harbor (that will forever live rent free in my head) and the "You'd better come home to me" scene from Hacksaw Ridge....like Major x Nurse!Reader suddenly deciding that they wanna get married on VE Day so they sneak off to a small church in Bologna, Italy, Yossarian is the best man, Orr, Snowden, Milo and Clevinger are the other groomsmen and the nurses (obviously) are a part of it as well even though Yo-Yo walks her down the aisle because nurse!reader's father can't be there.

I know you still gotta watch Catch 22 hon I'm sorry, but just seeing those photos did something to my brain!!!!! (lol).

This seems so sweet!!!