#ftf: all

[serenaxsmythe]

safe there in your arms (will we know when it feels right?) || serena & tina

TAGGING: Serena Smythe and Tina Cohen-Chang @psutina

LOCATION: Serena’s father’s villa in Dubai, overlooking the coastline

TIME FRAME: 10/03 morning

WARNINGS: None

SUMMARY: In the tranquil morning light of her father’s villa, Serena and Tina share a moment of quiet intimacy over breakfast. As they enjoy the view of the coastline, Tina feels the urge to define their relationship, wanting clarity on what they are. Serena, however, suggests they embrace the uncertainty and simply go with the flow, cherishing the simplicity of the moment instead of rushing to label it.

SERENA

Serena woke up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the curtains, her body comfortably intertwined with Tina's. An arm draped over her waist, a leg tangled with hers... positions Serena had once gone to great lengths to avoid, but now seemed to be second nature. Careful not to wake Tina, she slowly slid out of bed, tiptoeing to the bathroom. After showering, she brushed her teeth and applied her skincare products, her mind wandering to how much things had shifted between her and Tina. Just a few months ago, Serena would have made a hasty exit after a night together, too wary of getting too close. Now, they were on a trip, sharing more than just their bodies. The fear of repeating past mistakes lingered, yet they were discovering an unexpected ease in their casual arrangement. It was refreshing to realize that perhaps being just friends with benefits suited them perfectly after all. She stepped out and glanced back at the bed. Tina hadn’t moved an inch. She smirked, feeling an unfamiliar fondness as she quietly made her way downstairs to the kitchen, where the staff was asked to prepare breakfast for two. Once everything was set, Serena returned upstairs and quietly slipped back into the bedroom. She let herself admire the sight of Tina sleeping for a moment, then climbed onto the bed, gently straddling her, and leaned down. She placed soft, lingering kisses along Tina’s jawline while softly saying “good morning." She felt Tina stir beneath her but made no move to shift away, letting their bodies stay close. Serena’s mind briefly entertained thoughts of continuing where they left off last night, but her stomach grumbled in protest. Yeah, she needed to get more energy first. Come on, I'd love another three hours of sleep too, but we've got a yacht party to catch. If we don’t get up now, we’ll miss the departure and there’s no chance I’m going to have to helicopter us over because someone overslept,” she murmured against Tina’s skin, placing more kisses along her neck and jawline.

TINA

It wasn’t every day that Tina hooked up with her exes or even woke up someplace that wasn’t her own bed. She was a homebody at times, but she was learning to get out more, and not be at home with her cat all the time. She didn’t expect to be in a trip with an ex yesterday, but she was learning to be more spontaneous. She missed things with Serena, the way the other made her want to let loose and have more fun. She felt someone straddle her, and place kisses on her jawline. She wanted more and maybe even wake up with an orgasm but she was starting to get hungry, however she wanted more of the kisses, more of the others body on hers. She looked up at Serena’s words and smiled. “Hi.” She said before, kissing Serena back. “Do you have coffee?” Tina asked, her hands moving towards Serena’s hips. “And good morning.” She sat up to kiss Serena on the lips. “How do you know all these people who throw fancy parties all the time?”

SERENA

“I barely remember half the people at these things. It’s always a blur of ‘that’s some first minister’s son,’ or ‘that's some tech mogul who invented… I don’t know, something with apps.’” She gave a half-hearted shrug. “It’s a small world for us, the one percent,” she continued, casually, “Even if we don’t know each other, we’re bound to cross paths. This time, though, my father knows the parents of the host. They do business together, so I sort of grew up around him. Nice guy, but kind of dumb.” She tapped her finger lightly against Tina’s collarbone, as if considering the thought. “Honestly, I prefer it when our only connection is that we’re all a bunch of bored, wealthy kids trying to find new ways to have fun. Makes it easier to forget who I might’ve insulted the night before.” She laughed slightly and then leaned down, brushing her lips softly against Tina’s in a teasing, featherlight touch. “And yes, there's coffee... and pancakes,” she murmured, a hint of a smile forming as she lingered a moment longer, letting her body gently mold against Tina's while she kissed her deeply. Her body joined the fun soon after and before Serena knew it she was slowly rubbing against Tina. When she finally pulled back, catching her breath a little, her gaze lingered on Tina’s face, the playful edge softening just a touch. “I thought it’d be more fun than spending another weekend at my place, staring at the same old view. But if you’d rather stay in…” She let the words hang in the air.

TINA

Tina chuckled and shaked her head. She didn't know how Serena was so active and friendly all the time. She could never be a social butterfly like Serena. "Us nepo babies do have a small circle." She agrred with a nod of her head. She never liked using her mother's fame to beenfit her, but sometimes it could get in handy, like meeting different kinds of people, and honestly having a private jet at her disposal was better than getting yelled at by TSA. “You need to stop insulting people and be kinder.” She shook her head affectionately. She liked how bold her ex could be. She giggled as her felt Serena’s lips against hers. The other could be such a tease. Het hands went to Serena’s hair as they kissed, her hands moving to Serena’s hair. “Mhm, I guess I could get up.” Tina said. She moved to sit up, feeling her stomach grumble in hunger. “You know me so well.” She kissed Serena again before getting up. “I like your place. Your staff is so nice. All my mom’s assistants do is follow her around.” She rolled her eyes. “Now, where is my bra?” She looked around the room and picked up a shirt, sliding it on. She didn’t seriously need a bra anyways. She went over to her overnight bag and changed into some leggings. “Now you ready to get coffee?”

SERENA

Serena stretched leisurely, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched Tina get ready. “You say that like I haven’t heard it a million times,” she teased, referencing Tina’s comment about being kinder. “Trust me, I used to be a lot worse. People can’t really complain when I throw something nasty out now and then.” She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Tee, did you forget we flew to Dubai last night?” Her tone held a hint of genuine curiosity given the amount of alcohol consumed during the flight, it wouldn’t have been surprising. “Your bra’s back in L.A. I didn’t even think about asking the staff to pack it for this trip. So, it’s currently enjoying the California sun while we’re stuck here on the other side of the world.” Sliding off the bed, Serena took her time following Tina’s movements, her gaze lingering before she spoke again. “Guess this means we’ll just have to go shopping in Dubai.” A smirk formed on her lips as she turned to grab her phone from the nightstand, still teasing. She stretched once more, still feeling the effects of last night’s late hours and the mere few hours of sleep they’d gotten. Running a hand through her hair, Serena glanced back at Tina with a knowing smile. “And don’t worry about breakfast. The staff’s already got it all laid out for us.” She took Tina’s hand, intertwining their fingers as they started toward the door. “Think of it as a reward for being dragged out of bed so early,” she added, her tone playful yet affectionate.

TINA

“I guess being a mom softened you up.” She teased. She couldn’t imagine being a mom. Yeah, she had her cat to take care of and she called herself a cat mom, but a whole other human? That sounded scary and crazy to her. She rolled her eyes affectionately. “No, but I also did drink a lot.” Tina wasn’t the one to drink a lot, she wasn’t her 20’s anymore and couldn’t drink and not have a hangover the next day. She was older now and her body could not take drinking like a fish anymore. Thankfully she had a little packet of liquid IV in her purse so she wouldn’t be too affected by the hangover. She blushed slightly at the others words. She wasn’t used to someone else packing her bags, she preferred doing it herself, but she as much too busy with Serena to care. It was worth it, though. “Don’t let me leave without getting something for my niece and nephew.” She loved spoiling her niece and nephew, she was that kind of aunt. As they held hands, Tina wanted to ask the question that lingered over her head. What were they? She smiled as they walked to breakfast. “So.” She said once they sat down at breakfast. She took a long sip of her coffee. “What are we?” She asked.

SERENA

As they walked down the opulent marble staircase, the sunlight filtered through the grand floor to ceiling windows, casting golden hues across the villa. The air was laced with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries, a preview of the breakfast waiting for them. They stepped into the elegant dining area, which boasted a stunning view of the Dubai skyline from its expansive terrace. The table was adorned with fine china, gleaming silverware and an array of healthy breakfast options: avocado toast topped with poached eggs, fresh fruit, greek yogurt with honey and organic teas. And of course, Tina's pancakes. Serena settled into her chair, shooting a playful smile at Tina. “So you think being a mom has softened me up? I resent that.” She laughed lightly, her tone teasing. “I prefer to think it’s made me busier so I don't have time to judge the way people choose to live.” She glanced at the meticulously arranged dishes, considering if she wanted to share more while the server poured her herbal tea. “But it’s mostly about therapy I think." At Tina's question, Serena paused, her fork hovering over her plate as she processed the words. Her brow furrowed slightly. “I thought we were casual." And hadn't she double checked it with Tina on that sunday they went to the Ritz? She set her fork down and looked at her ex, searching her face for answers. “Is that not how you see it anymore?” Oh boy.

TINA

The view outside was gorgeous and breathtaking and Tina mentally reminded herself to take a few pictures before she left. Serena had good taste, something she missed about the other. She knew how to break Tina out of her shell, push her out of her comfort zone to have fun and new adventures.Of course Serena had pancakes out for her, she knew her so well. Tina was touched that she remembered. It was the little things like that that made Tina’s heart swell for Serena. Tina chucked. “That’s good. Wish it softened up my mom.” She rolled her eyes, her mother was judgmental and critical of Tina. Serena seemed like an amazing mother and Tina was happy for her. “Therapy does help.” “Going to the Ritz and Dubai doesn’t seem casual to me.” She said. She put her coffee cup down. “I like us, I like spending time with you, but I’m just confused on what we are. I don’t want my heart broken by you again. I know we ended last time on good terms, but break ups suck no matter what, and we need to figure out what we are before I start catching deeper feelings again.” She took another long sip of her coffee. “But we can be casual, date other people, still hang out together and then reassess what we want.”

SERENA

“You know me, no matter what I say I always end up overdoing it.” Serena shrugged, her smile tinged with a bit of self-awareness. “But I’m not trying to whisk you away to luxury hotels or fancy trips to prove a point. I just… missed you. Thought we could use some time out of the chaos.”She leaned back, gaze softening as she held Tina’s. “I’m not here to hurt you, T. I’ve done that before and I won’t lie... I was a coward for running the way I did.” Serena paused, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her tea cup as if searching for the right words. “I’m trying to figure things out too. But I get why you’d be confused...”Serena let out a small sigh, shaking her head lightly as she continued, her tone gentle yet firm. “Casual is… complicated with us. Because I like to think we've become friends? I like spending time with you. I like seeing you happy. But right now I don’t want more than this.”She gave Tina a wry smile, humor flickering in her eyes. “So if I have to stay in my lane, no Ritz and no fancy flights, I’ll do that."

TINA

“Okay.” She said nodding her head. That sounded reasonable. Maybe Tina had it in her head that there was something more. She nodded as Serena talked, sipping at her coffee. Although she was tired from jetting across the country and having lots and lots of sex with Serena, she wanted to have this talk with her and spend time with her in Dubai. She wanted to be with Serena, but Serena had a kid and Tina’s wasn’t even sure she wanted kids. She loved her niece and nephew, but she didn’t have a yearning to be a mother. “You don’t have to take me to the Ritz or other countries to make me happy. Going to brunch in LA makes me happy. I appreciate you taking me to these places and encouraging me to come out of my shell.” “So, what’s our plan for the day? Shopping and sex?”

SERENA

Serena tilted her head slightly, setting her cup down and letting out a soft, amused breath. “If brunch and a quiet day make you happy, then that’s what we can do next time.” Her gaze softened a bit, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. “If it meant something more though... We would do what, get back together?" Almost ten years had passed, they were adults now and Serena had Sadie. Dating in college was one thing, she could be immature and only accept the commitment because she didn't want to share Tina, but now... She'd need to be sure it was love. She supposes. God, when did she turn into that kind of person? She leaned back in her chair, her expression relaxing as she decided to stop dwelling on it. “As for today? Yeah, we can shop. Take it easy, grab lunch. And then... well, we’ll see where the day leads.” She picked up her tea again, a subtle smile playing on her lips. “Sounds good?”

TINA

A quiet day of having multiple orgasms and brunch with you makes me happy.” She said with a teasing smile. “I don’t know” she admitted. Tina wasn’t even sure she wanted to be a mother and dating someone with a kid seemed like a lot. Her own mother wasn’t an example of a great mother and Tina wasn’t sure what her role would be in Sadie’s life. Could she be ready to date someone with a kid? Was Serena worth it? Maybe. “That sounds fun.” She took a bite of her pancakes and smiled. “You know me so well.” She said shaking her head fondly. “So after shopping we can relax by the pool?”

SERENA

Serena’s gaze softened as she watched Tina with a warm smile, a rare look of quiet contentment settling across her face. She leaned back, letting her fingers brush over Tina's as they shared this easy moment. “Yeah,” she murmured, her voice low and steady, carrying the weight of an unspoken promise. “Just the two of us, taking it slow.” The morning light danced across the table, casting gentle shadows as they finished their breakfast together. Their laughter softened, blending with the quiet hum of the city beyond, until the scene blurred, folding into a lingering warmth that held them both.

[syljoni]

TAGGING ➝ @dannyssylvester, @syljoni

LOCATION ➝ Juicy Peach Gym

TIME FRAME ➝ 9/24. Evening

WARNINGS ➝ Mentions of kidnapping

NOTES ➝ Danny shows up at Juicy Peach to see Joni and tell her why he's been gone for so long.

Joni Sylvester

Joni hated being behind schedule and tonight was no exception, there were a couple of stragglers who had stayed after a class checking out the shop and she was grateful when they finally left and she could get started on closing up. She was behind the front desk and when she heard the door open again and looked up with a smile. “Hey! So sorry, we’re about to close!” She said in an upbeat tone. He looked somewhat familiar but definitely wasn’t a regular, and even the non regulars that came by less often she could usually place. “Were you looking for some information on joining?” She asked, reaching into a drawer for their brochures and holding one out to him. “I can give you a quick tour if you want, but like I said, we’re about to close so I’m afraid you’ll have to come back a different day if you want to register.”

Danny Sylvester

Danny hadn't exactly been stalking his siblings, but he had been keeping a very close eye on them since he'd moved to LA and maybe followed them around a little bit, but that's notstalking. Last time he'd seen Joni she was thirteen years old, not even in high school, so to see her now this beautiful woman who worked in, or possibly owned, this fitnesa place, he was so proud of her. Making sure that everyone had left for the night apart from his sister he quickly entered and waited for Joni's attention to be on him, a soft smile on his face. "Hey." He started, but then he was confused as she handed him a brochure and was trying to get him to leave. She didn't recognise him, his smile dropped a little bit, but he didn't blame her at all it had been a long time. He chuckled and shook his head. "Nope, just looking to talk to you." Stepping forward, he tried not to spook her. "Joni it's me. Danny. Your brother."

Joni Sylvester

She looked at him with confusion when he said he wanted to talk to her. It wasn’t insanely uncommon for people to recognize her and even hit on her in public from social media, but it was another for a man to come into her gym when she was alone at night. Still, she didn’t feel like she needed to be nervous, and instead found herself studying his face again, trying to place him. The last thing she expected to hear was exactly what he said next, though and she heard herself gasp and felt herself stepping forward to hug him before she truly processed what was happening. Joni stepped back quickly after hugging him, “Shit, I’m sorry - I didn’t mean to just jump on you like that.” She’s said, but a small laugh escaped her at the same time. “Danny?” She questioned, but now as she looked at him again, it was so obvious and she was embarrassed she hadn’t recognized him straight away. “I’m so sorry, I feel like an idiot you just- you look so grown up compare to how I remember you…What are you doing here?”

Danny Sylvester

He thought it might take her just a little longer to understand what was going on, so he was totally caught off guard when Joni hugged him, and he quickly wrapped his arms around her, laughing in relief. "No it's okay kid, it's cool." Danny let her take a step back, but he gripped onto her shoulders, holding her and arm's length. "Yeah. It's me Joni, I'm really here. And I'm sorry." He chuckled and shook her head. "It's okay, it's been a while huh? Guess I need a shave." And he ran a hand over his short beard. "Last time I saw you I don't think I even knew how to grow facial hair. And you were just a teenager." Danny gave her a squeeze and let go. "I'm here to see you. And the others. To explain where I've been and to apologize for being gone so long."

Joni Sylvester

Joni had always been an absolute softie when it came to her family, or anyone she loved, really. While anyone else she may have kept at a distance, her siblings were her whole world, even one who she hadn't seen in almost half of her life. She shook her head when he apologized, and pulled away from him, just long enough to step around him and lock the door to the gym and turn off the open sign, not wanting anyone else to interrupt them. Joni stepped into another hug with Danny, just incase he took off again, she wanted to remember him this time. "You look great," She added, taking in his features and committing them to memory. "You don't need to apologize to me, I'm just glad you're back, are you staying?" She asked hopefully, and then lead him to the back breakroom where there were some couches they could sit on and relax.

"Do you want anything to drink?" She asked, opening the fridge to grab herself a water before sitting down. She was itching to know why he'd left, but she also didn't want to rush him and wanted him to be comfortable when he told her.

Danny Sylvester

As his sister pulled away for a moment, Danny had a split second of worry that she might kick him out. But then she was just locking the door and he smiled at her as she came back. He hugged her a little tighter this time, not wanting to let his youngest sibling go. "So do you. You're a full ass grown up now. And I bet you're fucking killing it in life." Following her to the backroom he took a seat on the couch. "Yeah I'm staying. Been living here for like a month now, I just needed time to settle into a place and get a job before I spoke to you." Danny smiled softly at her and shook his head. "No I'm good right now thanks." He felt almost nervous as he sat here with her. Joni was the youngest of his siblings and he wasn't quite sure how she would take this news, or what her relationship with Sue was like since he had been gone. "I really am sorry I was gone. It might not seem like it, but I am."

Joni Sylvester

She smirked when he called her a grown up, "I wouldn't go that far, I still feel like a 13 year old sometimes, but I do own this place, so that's pretty cool." She said gesturing to the gym around them. Relief washed over her when he said he was staying and she nodded. Joni sat down next to him on the couch and let a sigh, "You don't have to be sorry, really. I missed you, but i'm just glad to have you here now. So, tell me," she prompted, motioning toward him, "you said you wanted to explain, I'm listening."

Danny Sylvester

He gave her a very impressed look and grinned brightly. "No fucking way. Good for you Joni." She was doing well for herself and he felt nothing but pride for her and how far she'd come, and she was still young. "Yeah I missed you too." Danny smiled sadly, and he meant it. He sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. "Look this is totally crazy and very hard to believe, but it is the truth I swear." Danny turned his body more to face his sister. "I've been gone so long because I found something out and I got mad at Sue and I left. I wasn't adopted like we all thought I was. Sue kidnapped me, and not only did she do that, but she kidnapped me from the Schuesters. Their little boy Daniel that they've been searching for all these years. That's me." He let the words sit between them for a moment, giving Joni time to process them

Joni Sylvester

She listened intently as Danny spoke, and let out a loud laugh when he was done. Joni shook her head, "No...That doesn't make any sense." She said, staring at him and waiting for the punchline, but the serious look on his face told her that he meant what he'd said. Sitting silently for a few minutes, Joni ran through so many possibilities in her mind, that he was messing with her, that he was mistaken, that ...anything other than that possibly being true. "I mean, Sue is kind of nuts, she's done some really messed up stuff but...kidnapping a baby?" Joni finally said, shaking her head. There was no way, right? She felt her face getting hot, tears threatening to escape her stinging eyes and her mind tried to process what her brother was saying. She didn't know what to believe, "How did you find out?"

Danny Sylvester

Danny just let Joni go through all the emotions, sitting there in silence as he watched her. "It's true." As he saw some tears forming he moved forward and wrapped an arm around his sister. "Hey, hey, none of that yeah? It's okay, I'm here now." He rubbed her back gently and sighed. "I needed my birth certificate for something. Let myself into Sue's room but I couldn't find it, instead I found paper work and different things about me and her bribing people to keep it quiet." A small laugh escaped his mouth. "It's totally crazy right? It doesn't sound real at all, but it is. She found me and I told her to tell me the truth and she did. And then I left." He rested his head against hers. "I don't exactly regret leaving, but I regret the way that I did it. I should have kept in contact."

Joni Sylvester

She couldn’t seem to wrap her mind around any of this, it didn’t seem real. She chose to just plow through, assuming it was real just until she could process it. It felt good to be comforted by her big brother, despite all of the craziness of the situation. “Where did you go?” She finally asked, “I mean, where have you been all this time? Do the Schuester’s know?” Her mother had yet to be thrown in jail so she had to assume they didn’t. “What the fuck? What are we supposed to do with this? What…where do we go from here?”

Danny Sylvester

He hesitated on his reply, giving her a sad smile. "I was around, had to keep moving cities or towns... I kind of got arrested a few times. So I moved about so people didn't know me and judge me. I was in Vegas before I moved back here." Frowning, he shook his head. "No they don't. But I want to tell them, they deserve to know." Danny rubbed at his tired eyes, so many words and plans and answers swimming around in his head. "I don't know." He was very reluctant to share his plan to tear Sue down to Joni, not sure how close they were now his sister was an adult. "I just needed to see you guys before I made a decision."

Joni Sylvester

She nodded as he spoke, her heart breaking when he said he’d been arrested a few times. All she wanted in this moment was to take away any of his suffering. “Oh, Danny…” she whispered, cradling his face in her hand before pulling him in for another hug. It scared her to think about him telling his real parents who he was, but she also knew that he was right and they deserved to know. Joni knew her mom was crazy and the things she did were beyond belief on so many occasions, but Sue was still her mom and she didn’t want to see her thrown in jail, even if she did belong there for literally kidnapping a baby, but there was also the matter of Robin still being a child and her mom going to jail would be traumatic. “I…I don’t know what to say. I can’t imagine the pain they’ve suffered all these years. I can imagine Mom relishing in causing it though.” Joni shook her head, “Whatever you decide to do, I’m with you, okay?”

Danny Sylvester

Danny was surprised that she was hugging him again, but he pulled her in close, closing his eyes as he held her tight. "I missed you Joni." He'd make it up to them, all of his siblings. Years and years of missed birthdays, Christmases, graduations, a wedding, he should have been there for all of them. "I'm going to be staying with Penny so I'll be around, a lot." He shook his head as he thought about the Schuesters. "They need to know, I mean they probably won't believe me, but I have to try." Then he sighed loudly. "It's just everything that will happen afterwards though. I don't want anything bad to happen to you guys, I didn't come back to hurt you guys." He then looks down at the floor. "Pen says that Sue's got another kid? I can't let anything bad happen to her either. That's not fair."

Joni Sylvester

"I missed you, too." She said, covering the sadness in her voice, hoping not to let it show too much. "Okay, good. I will be bothering you at Penny's constantly, then." Joni nodded when he siad the needed to know, deciding it maybe wasn't the time that prooving it would probably be pretty easy with a blood test, but then she wouldn't blame them if they worried this was some elaborate scheme by Sue to trick them into thinking Danny was their son and wanted nothing to do with it. She stayed quiet, though. This was Danny's business and he needed to handle it however he felt was right and didn't need her putting doubts in his head, or encouraging him one way or another. "Yeah, Robin." She agreed, and frowned, "I get what you're saying but you were kidnapped as a baby from loving parents, those parents have been hurt so much and they're still hurting. Maybe being raised by a literal kidnapper is the bad thing that's already happening to her." Joni offered, wanting to show her support for whatever decision he made.

Danny Sylvester

He chuckled at her comment but was glad that he and Joni's relationship would be getting back to normal pretty quickly. "Sure you can bother me there or I can bother you here or at your place." At least if everything went wrong with the Schuesters then he'd still have his siblings on his side. And Joni was taking this pretty well so that was good. Danny listened to his sister's words carefully and nodded slowly. "But then what? Sue goes to jail but what happens to the kid? Penny can't take her in, or any of you, she needs extra care." There was a part in the back of his mind that was telling him that he shouldn't care about some kid who has nothing to do with him, but he just couldn't ignore it or her, she was still technically his sister. Danny gave Joni one last squeeze and smiled softly at her. "Thanks kid, it means a lot that you're on my side. Not gonna lie, I was worried."

Joni Sylvester

It wasn't that Danny was wrong about anything he was saying, but the consequences of Sue's actions weren't the responsibility of her kids, and it didn't change the fact that Will and Emma deserved to have peace and know that their child was ...at least alive. "That's a bridge we'll all cross together when we come to it, okay? You're not responsible for that." She assured him. "You don't ever have to worry about that with me, okay? Unless you turn into Sue or something...then I might turn on you."

[mir-iamwilde]

Roll with the punches || Danny & Midge

WHO: @dannyssylvester, @mir-iamwilde

WHERE: The Spare Room

WHEN: The 31st of October

WHY: Midge finds out about Danny and Zach's talk.

WARNINGS: Mentions of violence, but very very light.

Midge Wilde

[Spotting Danny at the bar and making her way over] Maybe we should have used your whip as a leash so we could keep track of each other better tonight. 

Danny Sylvester

[grins when he sees her and pulls her in, kissing her softly] I think we should have. Or maybe we should just go back to yours and use it there like we planned.

Midge Wilde

[Kissed him back but frowned at his words] You want to leave already? You’re not having a good time?

Danny Sylvester

[shakes his head slightly] No it's fine... we can stay. [shrugs] Just didn't know if you wanted to go back now.

Midge Wilde

I don’t care if we stay or go, I just want to know you’re good. Are you okay?

Danny Sylvester

[hesitates] I'm fine...

Midge Wilde

Hey, you don’t have to tell me what’s going on, but don’t lie to me, okay? Come on, [One hand tracing the opening of his shirt on his chest] Let’s get out of here if you want, I believe you made lots of promises earlier that I intend on making you keep.

Danny Sylvester

[sighs] Sorry, I shouldn't have lied. I'm not okay. [shakes head] But we don't have to leave yet

Midge Wilde

[Stepping closer and resting her forehead against his shoulder] You can tell me what’s wrong, you’ve been here for me so much lately, let me be here for you.

Danny Sylvester

[wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her in] I can't. You won't like it

Midge Wilde

So, did you like it when I answered the door bruised and crying the other night? Doesn’t mean you weren’t there for me. [She sighed, shaking her head] I hate being this person, pushing you to let me in, but you can trust me, Danny. I’m not going anywhere.

Danny Sylvester

[clenches his jaw at the thought of her hurt] I got into a confrontation with one of your siblings

Midge Wilde

[Standing up straight again, her head tilted] What do you mean? Who? What kind of confrontation?

Danny Sylvester

The one that's dating Immy, Zach is it? They certainly do not like me. [looks away] It got a little physical, but I didn't hit them. Just grabbed their shirt. I shouldn't have

Midge Wilde

You grabbed them? [Frowning at his words] Danny, why? What happened? I mean, I know he can be protective but…What happened?

Danny Sylvester

I'm sorry but they made me angry. Immy's gonna kill me. [runs a hand through his hair] Said I wasn't good enough for you

Midge Wilde

Danny…you have to understand this isn’t good. That’s what big brothers do, they tell guys they’re not good enough for their baby sister. I don’t blame you for getting mad, but…you know how my dad is. Zach seeing you get angry and putting your hands on him is…That’s not something he’s going to get over easily. [Sighed stepping closer to him again, her hands snaking around his waist as she placed a kiss on his jawline] It’s okay, okay? I know you’re mad, they shouldn’t have said that, but he’s just protective. I’m sorry, baby, how can I make your night better?

Danny Sylvester

I... I didn't even think of it like that. I'm sorry. I totally fucked up. [tries to pull away from her] Seriously? I nearly punch your sibling and you're comforting me? You should hate me. I've just proved every had thing they said about me right, I'm not good enough for you.

Midge Wilde

No, hey, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay. Don’t do this, Danny. Don’t pull away from me just because you’re upset, I’m right here, I don’t hate you, and you are more than good enough for me. [Pulling him in closer] No one knows the real you, baby, but I see you, I’m never going to hate you. We’ll fix this, okay?

Danny Sylvester

[he can't resist her and moves back in closer] Why? Why are you still here?

Midge Wilde

[Meeting his eyes, studying his face before answering] Because I care about you, and you can’t scare me off that easily. [Cupping his face] Do you trust me?

Danny Sylvester

I care about you too... [nods and closes his eyes] Of course I do.

Midge Wilde

[Kissing him gently] So, trust that I’m not going anywhere, okay? Come on, let’s go home.

Danny Sylvester

Okay... [opens his eyes again] Are you sure? We can stay a little longer if you want

Midge Wilde

[shaking her head] No, I want to be alone with you and that whip. Don’t keep teasing me, a girl can only handle so much. [grinning]

Danny Sylvester

[smiles softly at her] That settles it then, let's go home.

[corimmy]

Do You Feel Like a Man When You Push Her Around? || ZAMMY

TAGGING: @zachwilde, @corimmy.

LOCATION: Zach and Gabe's apartment.

TIMEFRAME: 10/22, afternoon.

WARNINGS: So many? Violence, pretty indepth mentions of csa, slut shaming, mentions of child abuse, religion, religious trauma.

SUMMARY: Zach and Immy are getting some of Zach's things together to stay at her place for a while when Aaron shows up, angry about the picture Midge sent him during lockdown and is there to put the blame on Zach.

Immy Cortes

More often than not, Zach and Immy were together lately, and generally they were usually at her house, but they'd stopped by Zach's apartment today to grab some of things, and while Immy could have been helping, she found herself in the living room, looking at various pieces of Zach's artwork instead. She was so mesmerized by the beauty of it all, she almost didn't hear the knock at the door. 

Gabe wasn't home and she didn't think anyone knew Zach would be here, so she figured maybe it was someone lost, and didn't want to leave them waiting and went to answer the door. "Zach, are you expecting anyone?" she called over her shoulder, just to be sure, but her whole body froze when she pulled the door open and saw Aaron Wilde standing there. 

His expression was confused at first, but as the realization of who he was staring at seemed to hit him, he let out a cold laugh, "Of course, Imogen. Of course I'd find you here." Aaron shook his head, stepping around her into the apartment and slamming the door shut behind him.

zach wilde

Zach was in his bedroom, gathering a few things here and there that he needed to bring to Immy's house. They spent the last week completely attached at the hip, and Zach wouldn't have it any other way. He was finishing up putting some things in a duffle bag when he heard Immy call out for him. His brows furrowed, not being able to hear exactly what she said. He made his way out of the bedroom. "What'd you say, babe? I didn't hea-" Zach went cold. His father was standing in his living room. He blinked once, twice - to make sure he was really there. As much as he hated it, the man still instilled a very deep fear inside of him. How did he know where he lived? He knows Gabe didn't tell him, so how... 

Zach cleared his throat. They knew all the tell-tale signs of when their father was angry. Zach memorized them all as a young child, knowing when they'd be receiving their father's unloving fists. They saw it right now - his stature, the way his jaw was set. They looked over to Immy to make sure she was okay, and then looked back to their father. It had been quiet too long, and Aaron noticed it. "What, boy? You can't speak?" 

He didn't want to, but he made his way into the living room and made sure there was enough distance between his dad and Immy. "I'm just surprised to see you here, dad." Zach said, feeling his heart beating wildly in his chest. "What's going on?" And how do you know where I live?

Immy Cortes

She didn't know why she was so afraid of Aaron, but she did know that when it came to fight, flight or freeze, she'd always been frozen, ever since she was a little girl. Whenever something bad was happening, her body and mind would freeze and she'd just tell herself over and over again that all she had to do was survive, which was exactly what she found herself repeating in her mind now. She snapped out of it when she heard Zach's voice, wishing somehow she could stop them from coming out of their room, save them having to see their father right now, but then Zach was there, and Aaron was radiating anger. 

As Zach stepped into the room, standing close to her and effectively shielding her from his father, Immy still felt fear, but something else, too. She felt protected, and loved, and like for the first time someone actually cared that something bad didn't happen to her, and she just hoped that having her there made Zach feel the same way. Aaron laughed at Zach, shaking his head, as if Zach should have been able to read his mind. "I'm here, because I want to know why you can't stop your sister from acting like a whore." 

Aaron tossed his phone to Zach, Immy catching a glance of the screen and a picture of Midge - bottle of whiskey in one hand, as she took a selfie of herself making out with someone in the other. "But now I see, that not only does she have your bad influence dragging her down, you've got the biggest harlot of them all hanging around again. God is testing you and you continue to fail in every way possible."

zach wilde

Zach's mind started reeling when Aaron called one of his sisters whore. He didn't even know which sister, only that it angered him in a way that he didn't know how to explain. He caught his dad's phone in his hand, and looked at the picture quickly. Midge. What was she doing? How did Aaron get this picture? And with.. Danny Sylvester? Man, Zach was going to kill that guy later. "Dad, no. Midge's just having a good time. She's being safe, that much I know. And that's what matters." No matter what, Zach would stand up for his siblings - even if he didn't know what he was saying was true. He really hoped she was being safe. 

They looked back at Immy to make sure that she was doing okay, but snapped their head back towards Aaron when he called her a harlot. Zach took a step closer to Aaron. "Don't say that. Don't talk about her like that," they said, balling her hands into fists at their side. This is how it happened last time - Aaron antagonizing them, and pushing Zach to the breaking point. "I'm going to have to ask you to get the fuck out of my apartment, dad. Just get the hell out of here." Zach's fear was now being overtaken with anger with how he spoke about the women in Zach's life that they loved so much. 

Aaron laughed. Of course he did. Zach bristled. "I'm not going anywhere, Zachary." Aaron loked towards Immy, a disgusting smirk playing on his lips. Zach had to hold himself back from beating the shit out of him just for looking at her like that, after all the lies he told about her. "Have you told him yet, Imogen? Have you told Zachary what you did?"

Immy Cortes

She didn’t know what to do, she wanted so badly to reach out and touch Zach, try to calm him down, try to protect him, but all she could manage to do was rest her hand against his forearm, kicking herself for not knowing how to handle this better. 

When Aaron looked at her, she didn’t know what he meant, all she could think about was his lies about her trying to seduce him, but Aaron just laughed again, stepping closer to both of them. “Don’t act like some scared innocent little lamb, you were born with the devil in you, weren’t you?” He sneered at her, “How old were you the first time you did it? The first time you lured your very own stepfather into your bed, Imogen? You bit off more than you could chew, didn’t you, that’s why you always came around our house, you couldn’t reap what you’d sewn. But that didn’t stop you from trying it again with me, luckily I am strengthened by Him and was able to resist you.” 

Shock and horror filled her at his words, her hand slipping away from Zach as she wrapped her arms around herself, “I was just a kid, I didn’t do anything to him or to you. I trusted you, I thought you were a good man, he was supposed to be my father, I didn’t do anything. I was just a kid.”

zach wilde

At his dad's words, Zach stilled. Why would he lie about Immy sleeping with her stepfather? He looked from Aaron to Immy, trying to put everything together. By the look on her face, Zach could tell there was some truth to it - but not in the way that his dad was insinuating. Did her stepfather touch her? At the thought, Zach started seeing red. Her reaction confirmed it. I was just a kid. And his dad was using this against her? 

"Shut the fuck up!" Zach yelled, not being able to stop themselves from raising their voice. Everything was hitting him at once. Aaron had the audacity to look affronted that they had yelled. Zach took another step towards him. "Shut. The. Fuck. Up. Don't speak about Immy that way. You say you're a man of god, but you're lying through your fucking teeth. What do they say about lying in the bible, Aaron?" Zach paused, but started again before their dad could get in a word. "Proverbs 19:5, A false witness will not go unpunished and he who breathes out lies will not escape. Think I don't remember your sermon on it?"

Immy Cortes

Immy watched in horror as Zach yelled at his father, she knew how afraid of Aaron Zach still was, but they were yelling at him over her and all she could do was try to crawl inside of herself. She wanted so badly to step in, to try and calm the situation down but she could barely catch her breath. Zach thought the whole thing was a lie, they’d always believed the best in her, but she’d have to tell him it was true. She hadn’t seduced her stepfather but what Aaron said happened was true.

“Zach, please,” she finally whispered, reaching for his arm again, she just wanted everyone to calm down. “It’s not a lie.” Aaron boomed, his voice serious as he stared at Immy, “You’re meant to be taking care of your siblings, Zachary, but you’re so busy with your little whore that you’ve allowed your sister to fall in to sin, you’ve brought bad influences around her and she’s too weak to resist. Maybe I was too gentle with her, she needed a firmer hand. Maybe when I leave here I’ll go visit Midge and show her the discipline I should have given her as a child, the way I disciplined you, but you were a lost cause. If it’s not whores and harlots it’s acting like a homo.” 

As much as Aaron made her feel like a scared little girl all over again, hearing him speak to Zach that way made her blood boil. Threatening him, threatening their sister, and calling them names? She couldn't stop herself from stepping forward around Zach. "Don't you ever speak to him like that again." She said, suddenly switching into fight mode. She had never felt so angry in her entire life, "They're not a kid anymore. I'm not a kid anymore, and have no right to even be here, nevermind speak to them like that!"

zach wilde

Zach was now past seeing red. He felt like he couldn't see anything straight. From calling Immy a whore, to threatening to put his hands on Midge, that was enough. It had been more than enough. He was about to absolutely lose it on his dad when Immy stepped in front of him, standing up for him. It was different - no one had ever been around in these moments where Aaron showed his true self, but Immy was seeing him for who he truly was. And she was standing up for him. "Im.." Zach said quietly, not wanting her to be a part of this. 

Aaron took three big steps, closing in the space between him and Immy. He was towering over her, trying to make her feel small. His face was red and angry, and Zach saw the man who had hurt him so many times before. They stepped in between the two of them. "Get the fuck away from her. I swear on everything, I will fucking kill you if you ever get that close to her again," they said through gritted teeth. Aaron tried to take a step forward again, but Zach pressed their hand against his chest, stopping him. 

The next thing that happened put Zach into a daze. His father was speaking, but his hand was wrapped around Zach's throat hard. The fear came back, and for a moment, Zach was frozen. He was eight years old again, getting thrown across the room because he muttered 'what the hell'. Then, something snapped in Zach. He struggled against Aaron, trying to take in a breath, and finally he was able to wrench his dad's hands off of him. "Don't fucking touch me!" Zach screamed, the anger taking over the fear. One of the reasons he worked out so much, got so strong, was that so he could have a defense against his father. And now he did.

Without much thinking, Zach pushed their dad hard. Aaron went stumbling backwards, but they knew that look on his face. He was going to try to make it hurt. “Immy, get back. Go to the other room, please,” Zach pleaded as Aaron came charging at them, his fist colliding into Zach’s cheek. The thing was, this pain? They were used to it. It had happened several times before. They were almost numb to the feeling. They felt the blood trickling, but didn’t care at all. Zach moved forward with ease, his fist colliding with Aaron’s nose. Aaron stumbled backwards, surprised that Zach was now fighting back. “I’m not a kid anymore. You think I’m going to allow you to beat the shit out of me? You think I’m going to give you that satisfaction?” Zach took their arm and pressed it against Aaron’s throat, pushing him all the way to the wall, holding him there like that.

They were shaking all over. Fear and anger felt a lot like the same thing, and the fact that he didn’t know if Immy was still in the room or not scared him. He didn’t want her to see him like this. He didn’t want to be like this. But when it came to his father… Zach would never let him make him feel as scared as he did when he was a young boy. Never again. “You’re never going to touch any of them. You understand me? Do you fucking understand me, Aaron? You’re going to be the perfect father. You’re going to treat them like a good Christian man does. You don’t want to know what I’ll do to you if you hurt a single hair on their head.”

Immy Cortes

She kept eye contact with him when he closed the gap between them, she was terrified but she refused to show it. Aaron seemed big enough to snap her in half if he wanted to, but she’d take it if it meant he stopped talking to Zach like that. She let Zach separate them, taking a few steps back, though she wanted so badly to stop him, to protect him. But then things were happening so fast. When Zach told her to go in the other room she didn’t want to, but listened, taking a step towards the hall until she saw Aaron’s hand on Zach’s throat and she froze, her own fists clenching. She was about to try and pull Aaron off when Zach freed themself and pushed Aaron back. 

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears and she watched the two men in front of her. She let out a scream when Aaron punched Zach, though it didn’t seem to deter either of them. They continued in what seemed like slow motion until Zach had Aaron pinned to the wall. Aaron looked like he still wanted to kill Zach but he seemed to stop fighting. 

Stepping forward, Immy put her hand on Zach’s arm, trying to ease him away from Aaron, hoping to calm them down. Aaron sneered at the two of them but reached for the doorknob, “Honor thy father, Zachary. This conversation is not over, not for you or for Miriam but I’ll wait until you can control yourself better.” He said, before shutting the door behind himself, as if he hadn’t been the one to get violent. Tears sprang from Immy’s eyes as she saw Zach shaking with anger. 

She let her hands roam their chest, trying to bring their focus to her. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?” She asked, looking at the blood on their cheek. “I was so scared for you,” she said, burying her face in his chest, “Please tell me you’re okay. I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have made him angry.” She said, momentarily forgetting what Aaron had told Zach about her past while she focused on making sure they weren’t injured.

zach wilde

As Aaron left, Zach stood there motionless. He almost didn't notice Immy touching him at first. He snapped out of his daze when she pressed her face to his chest. He wrapped his arms around her tight, holding her there for a moment. He hated the fact that she just saw him act like that. That person was not who he was - that was who Aaron turned him into. That was the scared little boy finally fighting back. Immy didn't need to see that. He pulled away, hands still shaking, not knowing what to say. 

Zach stared at her, and it had been at least a minute until they realized that tears were pouring down their cheeks. Their whole body was vibrating with fear now, and they felt like they couldn't get a word out. "I'm so sorry," Zach finally choked out, feeling completely overwhelmed with emotion. A sob wracked their body, and they felt their legs go out from underneath them. They dropped to the floor on their knees, the tears still coming. How could a man make Zach, at thirty-six years old, feel this way? He clenched his fists, not wanting Immy to see him like this. No one had seem him like this - not even Gabe.

Immy Cortes

When his attention finally came back to her she could feel her heart breaking for them. She just stood there as Zach pulled away from her, tears in their eyes. For a split second she worried they were upset with her, for causing this, for what Aaron told them about her, for not leaving the room, for everything. But then Zach apologized and fell to his knees. 

She rushed forward, wrapping her arms around them, pulling their head to her chest as she kissed the top of his head. “No, baby.” She whispered into his hair, holding him as tight as she could, the fingers on one hand combing through his hair, trying to comfort him anyway she could think of. “None of this was your fault, please, please listen to me.” She didn’t know what else to say, so she kissed his head again and did the only thing she could think of which was to sing You Are My Sunshine to him, the same way she did to Malea when she was hurt or scared.

zach wilde

Zach looked up when he heard Immy singing to him. He wasn't sure why it took him out of his daze, but it did. He watched her as she sang to him, and he couldn't help the smile that finally started tugging on his lips. He was still shaking, but the tears were no longer flowing. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to her - Immy being the only thing that brought him that type of comfort. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. But, babe.. I couldn't handle the shit that he was saying about you and Midge." 

Zach pressed himself against Immy, wanting to be as close as possible to her. "About what he said... About..." They trailed off, not wanting to bring it up, afraid to upset her at all. "I don't believe him, you know that right? I don't think you'd do anything like that, babe."

Immy Cortes

She was so glad to see that they were finally relaxing a bit, and she kissed them back gratefully, her own nerves starting to settle, too. "You don't have anything to be sorry for, you didn't cause this, what else were you supposed to do, let him beat the shit out of you, not fight back?" She said, wiping away his remaining tears with her thumbs. 

When Zach said he didn't believe Aaron, she felt her body tense against him, and she pulled away just slightly, her eyes trained on the floor now as shame filled her. "Zach, it's true. What he said about me, it's true." She admitted, her voice breaking as more tears escaped her. "I mean, I was just a kid, I didn't...I didn't mean to..." She trailed off, shaking her head, her own hands shaking with fear over how Zach would react to this. How he would react to knowing he'd hit his own father to defend her and she hadn't even deserved it. "I was only 11 when it started but...I don't know, maybe it was my fault, maybe I did something to make him think it was okay."

zach wilde

Everything that he was feeling about his father - fear, anger and everything in between - dissipated when Immy said it was true. He listened to her talk, and as soon as she said I was only eleven, and that it could be her fault, all he could bring himself to do was pull her close to him. He hugged her tight, trying to fight the nausea as he thought of what her stepfather did to her. 

They pulled away, holding Immy's face in their hands, eyes locked. "You listen to me. Nothing was your fault. Whatever he did to you, babe.. I promise you that you didn't deserve it. You were eleven years old? No man should be touching an eleven year old child. Don't blame yourself." They choked on their words, tears falling once more. "You don't have to tell me the details. If you want to talk about it.. I'm here. But please don't feel like you have to explain yourself to me. I believe you, Immy."

Immy Cortes

When Zach pulled her against them, she felt her body collapse into theirs. Her tears were so strong now she didn't think she could speak, so she just cried against them, until they pulled away. Listening to his words, logically, she knew they were true, but it was so hard to feel the truth in them when she'd grown up being told it was her fault, and when Aaron, the only person she'd ever told, threw it in her face. 

"No, no. I know you're right. I do, but it's just...My bio dad, he took advantage of my mom, and then she got pregnant with me and my stepdad, he raised me, but my mom she didn't want to be touched after what Cooter did to her so, they just always told me that it was my responsibility to help out. I know how messed up that is now, but growing up it was just...It was all I knew." She shook her head, wiping her tears away quickly. "I don't ...I don't want to dwell on it, but I didn't want to lie to you. I didn't want you thinking your dad was a liar when he wasn't lying about that."

zach wilde

Zach had never felt the type of anger towards someone as he did as the people who told Immy that it was her responsibility to touch an older man. He thought he knew what it was like to feel it, but this was something entirely new. "He did lie, though. You did not seduce anyone. You're a victim, babe. You're not some temptress like he's making you out to be." 

They started playing with Immy's hair as they held her close, just needing to be as close as possible to her right now. Zach was pretty sure that they both needed this closeness after everything. They smiled sadly, but winced afterwards because of what they were sure was a cut and bruise on their face. Aaron must've punched them with a ring on - something Zach had been used to. "I love you so much, Immy."

Immy Cortes

She let herself relax into him for a few minutes, not wanting to do anything but be in this moment with them. The feeling of their hand in her hair bringing her comfort and calmness that she was truly just not used to. She finally pulled away from them to look when she heard them wince. Seeing the blood on his face, she felt a fresh wave of tears hit her. "I love you, too." She whispered, before finally pushing herself to her feet. 

Immy held a hand out to Zach to help pull him up, "Come on, we should get you cleaned up." She said softly, "Then we're packing whatever you need and you're staying with me. I'm not taking no for an answer. I don't want you to be here if he comes back. Maybe tell Gabe to think about staying somewhere else for a bit, too."

[corimmy]

Immy's eyes were glued to the TV as the video began to play, a small gasp escaping her when she saw Malea and then herself on the screen. She sat up straight, her whole body rigid as she watched, not sure if she even took another breath the entire time. As the video ended, a few silent tears escaped her and ran down her cheeks. She realized her grip on Zach's hand had tightened considerably and she loosened it as she looked at him, using her free hand to wipe her tears away before Malea could see.

Malea jumped up from the couch, "That was SO COOL!" She shouted, rousing Han and making him stand up as well, as if he thought it might be play time. "I'm being Malea the Magnificent for Halloween, Mom!" She said, as she started to charge around the room with one arm in front of her and the other held a fake shield. Han began jumping around with her, and Malea watched as her daughters face was lit up with pure joy thanks to the person sitting next to her.

Finally, she turned back to them and just smiled for a second. Immy didn't know what to say, instead, while Malea was occupied, she pulled Zach's hand close to her, placing a soft kissing against the back of it and then pulling it closer to her chest as if hugging it. "Thank you, Zach. I don't know what else to say. Just, thank you - For that, and just for being you. Thank you."

Holding hands with Immy felt like it always had, and it took Zach right back to being a pimpled-face teenager who was head over heels in love with the girl next to him. Maybe this was too much, but stumbling over their words and apologizing about it in front of a four year old felt way too embarrassing, so they opted for staying quiet instead. With Zach's free hand, he grabbed the remote and pressed play on the video that he had queued up on his and Gabe's television.

The scene starts with an animated version of Malea playing outside in the rain with her toys. It suddenly starts pouring down rain - a lightning strike flashes in the sky, and soon thereafter there's a loud and booming thunder. Malea's eyes go wide. "I'm scared," she says, and then feels her body buzz. She looks down in wonder as she transforms into Malea the Magnificent. Her new power allows her to hear things from far away, being able to detect danger easily. Someone flies down quickly - it appears to be Immy the Incredible, with her sparkling cape. Malea turns to her quickly. "Mama, I'm scared!" Immy hugs Malea and smiles. "You're feeling a big feeling, Malea. That's your superpower talking. But we can use it to help others!"

After the two of them walk back inside, they notice a large colorful cloud that changes shape. The cloud looks as if it's about to blow the roof of their house off. "What's that?" Malea asks, terrified. Immy keeps her close and tells her, "That's the Monster of Moods! It's grown from everyone's big feelings today." Malea decides to use her superpower, and she focuses her hearing on the Monster of Moods. She hears it softly proclaim: "I'm lonely."

"Oh! It's lonely! Mom, it just needs love!" Immy nods, proud of her daughter for uncovering this information. Malea notices something: when she feels love, her body glows with a warm light. Malea and Immy hold hands, and together, they use Malea the Magnificent's love energy towards the Monster of Moods. The cloud begins to shrink, and the sky outside clears. The monster smiles before disappearing completely.

Malea cheers: "Mom, we did it! We made it feel better!" Immy nods, pulling Malea into a hug. "See, Malea. Every big feeling is special! Being scared is a part of being brave. You've got the super powers to face your feelings, and help others. Just like today!"

As the animation fades out, it ends with a message: Stay tuned for more adventures with Malea the Magnificent and Immy the Incredible.

When it was over, Zach looked over to both Immy and Malea, hoping that they weren't crazy for doing this.

[mir-iamwilde]

If you need me call me, no matter where you are, no matter how far || Zach & Midge

WHO: @zachwilde, @mir-iamwilde

WHERE: The Spare Room

WHEN: The 31st of October

WHY: Zach and Midge have an honest discussion about Aaron.

WARNINGS: Mentions of violence, abuse, religion, and slut shaming.

zach wildeHey, kiddo. How’s it going? [they smile] Nice costume.

Midge Wilde

[Smiling genuinely and hugging Zach] Better now. You look….Incredible. [She motioned to the dress] You are the cutest Lydia Deetz I’ve ever seen.

zach wilde

[Zach does a twirl in their dress and then bows.] Thank you, thank you. You should see Immy. She’s fucking killing it in her Beetlejuice costume.

Midge Wilde

Yeah, I’m sure. How are you doing? [Her tone a bit more serious] Haven’t had anymore run ins with dad, right?

zach wilde

I’m good! [Zach shakes his head.] Nah, thankfully. Think he’s too busy with “work”. Have you?

Midge Wilde

Not since before the weekend. I mean, I've seen him briefly at work, but he doesn't seem to be speaking to me, which is just fine by me.

zach wilde

Good. Just steer clear of him, if you can. By the way… I saw you and Danny are matching. Are you guys official, or something?

Midge Wilde

I will. Huh? ...Oh, no. We just talked about dressing up together during the lockdown, it sounded like fun. Would that bother you, if we were?

zach wilde

Would it bother me? I don’t know about that. Do I approve of him for you? Not really. But I also recognize that you can make your own choices too.

Midge Wilde

Right, but I'm not asking for your approval, I just want to know if you have a problem with him. I know how people see him, and he's not like that, you know? He's ...a lot more than just his reputation.

zach wilde

[That comment stings but they try to not let it show.] I get that you can screw around and still be a good guy. I’d like to say that’s how I was before Immy came back into my life. But I’ve seen the way he talks to girls and it rubs me the wrong way. I don’t like the idea that he talks to you like that.

Midge Wilde

[Frowning at their words, stepping closer to hug them.] I know you want to protect me, you've always protected me, but I promise you, he's always been sweet to me, he's good to me.

zach wilde

[Zach hugs her tightly and nods.] I trust you, Midgie. You’ll let me know if anything changes, right?

Midge Wilde

[Tried not to feel guilty at their words, knowing she probably didn't deserve anyone's trust.] Zach, I...[Licking her lips and deciding better of her first impulse] I promise, I'll tell you.

zach wilde

[Zach could always tell when something was going on with his siblings, or at least they’d like to think so.] Hey. [They reach out to take Midge’s hand.] What’s up?

Midge Wilde

You shouldn't trust me, Zach. I lie all the time. I lie to everyone, I lie to all of you, I lie about work, and I lie about who I am, and I...I lied about what happened with Dad.

zach wilde

[Zach pauses.] What happened?

Midge Wilde

She knew she shouldn't have said anything, but she'd done it anyways. She couldn't bring herself to make eye contact with them, not wanting to upset them, but knowing that trying to change the subject now wasn't an option. "Look, you're going to get upset, we can just talk about this another time, okay? I don't want to ruin your night."

zach wilde

Zach shook his head. No matter what, his siblings came first. He tugged her away from the loud music and towards a private booth. “You seem upset and that’s all I care about. You know you can tell me literally anything, right? I’ll always love you no matter what, Midge.”

Midge Wilde

She followed after them to the booth, shaking her head at their words, "I'm not worried about you not loving me, Zach. I'm worried that you love me so much that you're going to do something reckless." She sighed, wrapping her arms around the front of herself, "He didn't just yell at me. He showed up at my apartment and..." She trailed off, "Look, I need you to promise that you're not going to fly off the handle, okay? You promise?"

zach wilde

Zach knew before Midge had said anything what Aaron did. He was thankful that they were in a public place, and the fact that Midge was pleading with him to not fly off the handle. They took in a deep breath. “What happened, Midge?” His voice was soft, but he knew his hands were shaking. If Aaron had touched a hair on Midge’s head… he thought back to the grounding techniques that his therapist had taught him. “Just tell me. It’s okay. I’m not going to do anything.”

Midge Wilde

Her bruises had faded quickly to the point that they were easily covered with make up now, which meant that what had happened wasn't clear just by looking at her anymore. She frowned again, wanting to believe them, but she knew Zach wouldn't take this well. "He came to my apartment, he slapped me." She said, her eyes fixed on the floor now, "I mean, he did yell at me, and call me a whore, and that was all true but, he slapped me across the face first, and then ...He choked me." She admitted, shame filling her at the memory of it all, at how afraid she was of him. Finally, she looked back up, wiping at the start of a tear in one of her eyes, as she let out an incredulous laugh, "then he made me cook him dinner and eat with him."

zach wilde

Zach felt his heart drop to his stomach, and he curled his hands into fists so hard that he could feel his fingernails digging into the skin. The fact that he did all of that and then had the absolute fucking audacity to make her cook him dinner — that was exactly like him. Of course it was. They took a deep breath, because really, they wanted to run out of here and go straight to their childhood home. Instead, though, he focused on Midge — who needed it much more than he needed to take out his anger. “First of all,” Zach started, voice shaky. “You are not a whore. Don’t say that.” He wanted to cry, scream put Midge in a bubble. Fuck, why did this guy have to ruin all of their lives? “Are you okay?” Zach asked softly - that was the most important thing.

Midge Wilde

She watched them, watched as their whole body seemed to fill with anger, and felt guilt stabbing her directly in her gut. She nodded at his words, though she didn't truly believe it, she did use her body to make money, and more than that, she used it as a bargaining tool, but Zach didn't need to know about all of that right now. "I'm okay." She said, looking back up at him now, she was okay, the last week had been hard, but she'd managed to force herself through it, force herself back to work, force herself to cover her bruises and go on with life. "I didn't want to ever tell you what happened, but then that felt like I was lying to you, which seemed worse."

zach wilde

Did he hate the fact that Midge had lied to him? Yeah, of course he did. But she was scared and it made complete sense. They knew that one thing she’d be worried about is if they were mad at her. “I’m not upset with you, okay? I wish you had told me sooner, but if there’s anyone I’m upset with, it’s that piece of shit.” Zach sighed. The night had been going well, but now all he could do was worry about his sister. Not only everything with Abby, but this too. Zach felt like he was completely failing as a big brother, and he didn’t know what to do about it. This was his fault. All of it.

Midge Wilde

She frowned at the look on their face. “Hey, remember what you told me the other day, when you warned me that he was mad? You said he uses how close we are to hurt each other. He knows that what he did to me is going to turn you inside out, so don’t let him win, okay.” She sighed, pulling them into a hug, “Besides…I have a plan. I don’t want to get into it all tonight but, I think I have a way to get us all away from him.”

zach wilde

Zach titled his head to the side. A plan? “What do you mean? A plan?” Obviously, she’d said she couldn’t talk about it, but he was still confused. “Midge.. Whatever you’re doing, are you being careful? Because he could do this shit again, you know? And if he does it again… I don’t know if I can stop myself from doing something stupid. It’s already taking everything in me not to.”

Midge Wilde

The last thing she wanted was anyone else getting hurt, including herself, but mostly Zach. “I’m not going to tell you not to worry, because I know you will anyways, but I’m being careful, I promise. I’ll tell you everything, I promise, jusy not tonight, okay?”

zach wilde

They nod, and they can’t help but bring Midge in for another hug. He holds her tight, wishing that he could just keep her safe like he used to. “Yeah. Just.. Keep me in the loop this time, okay? I know you’re worried about me and how I feel, but, fuck. Midge, someone’s gotta be there for you. And it sure as hell isn’t dad or mom. So you’ve gotta let me be that person.”

Midge Wilde

She nodded, "Yeah, okay. You can be that person, but just remember you've got other people that rely on you to be there for them, now. You can't let them down. I'm a big girl, I won't get hurt, I promise."

[corimmy]

You wear those shoes and I will wear that dress. Oh, Kiss me! || ZAMMY

TAGGING ➝ @zachwilde, @corimmy

LOCATION ➝ TABLE + ICE

TIME FRAME ➝ 10/09. Evening.

WARNINGS ➝ Possible mentions of childhood abuse, and csa, religious trauma - nothing mentioned super specifically or indepth.

NOTES ➝ Immy plans a first date for her and Zach, they discuss some deep feelings, and some fluff.

Immy CortesNervous didn't even begin to cover what Immy was feeling as she dropped Malea off with Haley for the night, she was verging on panic. It was silly, really, but she couldn't help it, she wanted this night to go well, she wanted every night with Zach to go well, and if this one went poorly, she worried there wouldn't be any more to come. Normally, one person picks another up for a date, but because she had to drop Malea off, and wanted to make sure everything was set up to her standards she asked Zach to meet her at her restaurant. 

Immy was upstairs on the rooftop patio, the restaurant closed on Wednesday nights to give the staff a night off, meant the place was quiet and private and hopefully not too romantic that she'd run them off, which is why she opted not to put candles on the table, and instead using the bars low lighting. The whole rooftop was cleared, with the exception of their table, and the place was empty with the exception of a few staff who she was paying double time for volunteering to work on their day off.

zach wildeZach didn't know what to expect tonight. He'd been nervous, pacing back and forth in his apartment only just an hour before. The conversation they'd had about taking things slow made complete sense, and Zach was glad to know that they were on the same page. But now, Immy was figuring out if she still felt the same way about Zach now, and not just teenager Zach. 

When they finally arrived on the rooftop patio, Zach was at a loss for words. One, because of the set up. And two, because Immy was the most beautiful woman they'd ever seen in their life, they were sure of it. They walked up to her, not being able to hold themselves back from just completely checking them out. Zach wrapped his arms around Immy, pulling her close. "Wow.." He pressed a kiss against her cheek before pulling away. They took her hand in their own, eyes locking onto Immy's. "You're absolutely breathtaking, Immy."

Immy CortesHer heart raced when she saw them step onto the patio and finally felt a bit of calm for the first time all night when Zach wrapped their arms around her. She was certain the way her whole body reacted to them couldn’t just be old feelings resurfacing. A deep blush rose on her cheeks when she heard their words, and she couldn’t stop herself from tugging on their hand to pull him in for a real kiss this time. 

“Sorry, I’ve been thinking about kissing you since the last time we kissed, I didn’t think I could wait any longer.” Immy grinned, and then motioned to the table, “we should eat, there’s a surprise later and I want to make sure we’ve finished eating and have everything cleared away when it’s time. The menu is smaller than a full menu since we’re closed and a lot of stuff gets made in batches but there are burgers, so I figured you’d be okay with the limited options.” She said, sitting down in her own seat and smiling as one of her servers came over with water and to take their orders.

zach wildeZach was more than happy to feel Immy's lips against his again. He couldn't help his somewhat dopey grin as he said: "You never have to apologize for kissing me, Im." The fact that there was a surprise later caught Zach's surprise, but not enough to quickly pull out the chair for Immy. 

Zach immediately ordered a burger, as they always did, and turned back to Immy. "So, back to this surprise.." They smiled, grabbing their water and taking a quick sip. "You're amazing. All of this?" Zach motioned towards the rooftop patio, and then towards her. "Amazing. I feel like I'm the luckiest person in the world now up here with you."

Immy CortesIt shouldn’t have surprised her when Zach pulled out her chair, and yet it did, just a small gesture like that was exactly one of the reasons she knew they were still such a good person after all these years. Immy ordered her own food, glad to hear Zach ordering his usual, and blushed again at his words. “I was worried you would think I was doing too much, but then at the same time nothing felt like it was enough for you.” She bit her lip, “I might be just a little smitten, and I’ve never really had a chance to plan a date like this, not a real date with someone I actually care about, so if anyone here is the lucky one, it’s me.” 

Immy leaned back in her chair, debating on telling him now what the surprise was, “Do you want to know what the surprise is or would you rather wait and see? I’m okay either way, but I think it will take a little explaining.” Another thought occurred to her, and she cleared her throat, then took a sip of water, hoping she didn’t sound to forward, “This doesn’t have to mean anything, but for the record, Malea is sleeping over at Haley’s tonight so, I guess I’m saying I don’t have a curfew tonight.”

zach wildeEverything between Immy had felt so charged. Even with them just sitting here with one another, Zach found themselves feeling so much. With Immy simply saying she was smitten with them, they felt their heart beat just a little bit faster. "How about we're both lucky?" Zach suggested, not being able to take his eyes off of her. In this lighting, she was absolutely breathtaking. "Just a little smitten?" Zach tilted his head to the side, smiling playfully. "I'll remember that. I'm a little bit smitten with you too, though." 

Zach was going to respond to Immy concerning the surprise, but was taken aback when she told him that Malea was staying the night at Haley's. He couldn't help the way he immediately thought of all the things he could do with her, provided that was what she wanted. Perhaps that was thinking too far, but they couldn't help themselves. Immy was intoxicating. "Okay. But, just to be clear. Are you intending it to mean something?"

Immy Cortes“Okay, we’re both lucky,” Immy agreed. “Maybe more than a little on my part.” She admitted. Her blush deepened at their words and she shook her head, trying to figure out what she did mean. “I just mean, we’re adults and I’m physically attracted to you and I think you feel the same and I’m not saying we definitely should go home and bone,” she said with a laugh, “I just mean, we can go wherever the night takes us, I don’t believe in rules about needing to go on so many dates, and we don’t have to worry about me needing to rush out to get Malea. But if you’re wondering if I want to sleep with you, the answer is definitely yes.”

zach wildeZach couldn’t stop himself from smirking just a bit at her last comment. He cleared his throat and took a sip of water, taking a second before he replied with something too inappropriate for a first date. Instead, they focused on the feeling that Immy had felt comfortable enough with them to want that. He reached his hand over the table and took Immy’s hand in his own. Zach locked eyes with her. “Whatever you want. Everything will be at your pace. Personally, I’m okay with kissing you all night long like we’re in high school again.” He laughed, thinking back on how nervous he’d been to kiss her back then. “But just to let you know, my answer is definitely yes too. Just thought you should know.”

Immy CortesShe gave him her hand happily, squeezing theirs back gently. “The kissing all night is definitely an option, too.” But she was glad to hear that they were just as interested as she was. She was pulled from her thoughts when the food arrived, grateful for a break in the tension because she wasn’t sure if she was about to climb into their lap right here in the restaurant. 

Immy thanked the server that brought the food and checked the time on her watch, they still had a decent amount of time before the sculpture instructor arrived. “Is your burger okay?” She asked, enjoying her pasta probably a little too quickly, but she was definitely a foodie and couldn’t help but dive right in. “Sorry,” she laughed as she pushed her nearly empty plate to the side, “I was hungry.”

zach wildeNo matter what, when there was a burger in front of Zach, he was going to inhale the thing like he'd never eaten before in his life. He looked up just in time for Immy to ask him if his food was good. He finished the large bite in his mouth and then nodded. "It's incredible. As someone who has eaten their fair share of burgers.. and by that, I mean, way too many fucking burgers.. this has got to be top ten." Zach wiped off their mouth, making sure there was nothing on their face. They looked at their finished plate and laughed. "Never apologize for eating. I'm sure it's incredible." 

They finished up their burger quickly after that, pushing it to the side. Zach started feeling somewhat antsy about the supposed surprise, so he couldn't help but ask. "First off, thank you so much for dinner and setting this whole thing up. It really has been incredible. And second.. The more time that goes on, the more I'm wondering about this surprise. What do you have up your sleeves, Im?"

Immy CortesImmy grinned as they finished their food as well, “Well, I’ll have to let the chef know that you approve.” She smiled, declining to order any dessert for herself when the server came back for the plates, waiting to see if Zach wanted any. 

Immy held her arms up at her sides slightly, “I have no sleeves,” she teased but didn’t want to keep him waiting. “Umm, hopefully this isn’t too strange but I saw you say that you’d like to try sculpting sometime. I hired someone from a local studio to come here and give us a lesson. She should be here soon, but if you’re not interested I can text her and tell her we’re all set.” She said, nerves suddenly taking over her.

zach wildeZach scrunched his nose, amused with Immy's little joke. However, he was stunned into silence when she explained that she hired someone to give them a lesson on sculpting. The whole idea that she'd seen their casual answer of a skill they'd like to learn, and made this happen. "I..." They started, not really knowing what to say. Sure, people had done some kind things for him before, but something about this felt different. It felt.. more. In a good way. In a really good way. 

"I don't know what to say other than thank you. That's so thoughtful." With every passing second that Zach spent with Immy, they were becoming more and more sure that their feelings were for Immy and not just because of what they felt when they were teenagers. "Of course I'm interested." He paused. "How long until she's going to be here? Because I really want to kiss you."

Immy CortesThe silence dragged on for long enough for Immy to feel self conscious about the date she’d planned, but she felt herself relaxed when they seemed happy by the surprise. “We have about ten minutes.” She said, grinning as she looked around, not really wanting to make out in front of her staff but wanting to kiss them just as badly. “I could show you my office, if you wanted.” She offered, taking his hand and leading him to the door that lead to her office. 

It wasn’t anything magnificent, just a desk and a couch pushed against the windows, but the view was almost as nice as the rooftop. “I just figured we could have some privacy for a few minutes and I don’t want to have to pay for therapy for my staff for forcing them to watch their boss come unglued on a date.” She smiled, stepping closer to them and resting her hands against his chest, “Zach, I just really hope you know how incredibly grateful I am for you, for believing the best of me even after all this time, for not believing your dad about me, for always making me feel safe, for so many things, really. I’ve never felt the same way about anyone as I have about you, and I appreciate you being willing to take things slow with me, but I truly can’t imagine that the way I’m feeling is all in my head. It’s not just feelings from when we were kids, not for me, I know that already.”

zach wildeZach was happy to be led into Immy's office. He took a look around, but soon thereafter focused all of his attention on her. He laughed. "Yeah.. That would be embarrassing for them and you, I think." When she stepped closed to them, they wrapped their arms around her waist and pulled them in closer. "There's nothing in this world that could make me believe anything that man says. And even then, I know you. I know you would've never done what he said." He took in a deep breath, just needing her to know that he was always going to feel that way. 

Zach leaned down and pressed their lips against Immy's, letting it linger for a long moment before they pulled away. "Sorry. I can't help it. But.. I'm really glad you feel that way. Because ever since I've seen you tonight, I've known that it's not just leftover feelings. I think it's you, Immy. I'm just... so fucking crazy about you. I want to get to know everything about you, and what you've been doing these last years. I want to know what's been going on inside of that beautiful mind of yours. It was you then and it's you now, babe."

Immy CortesShe just couldn’t understand what she’d ever done in life to get as lucky as she was. She was blessed with the most amazing child, a career she loved, and for a long time she had felt that that was enough. She knew she could be content in life with just that, she wondered about maybe one day falling in love, but didn’t really see it for herself. But she never could have dreamed up this, having Zach Wilde holding her in their arms and telling her they were crazy about her. Immy lived her life in pure misery as a child, and then one day there was Zach, and he changed everything. And now she was an adult, living contently and accepting of that, and then again, one day there was Zach and it felt like everything could be different. 

Immy felt a tear escape her but she quickly wiped it away, standing on her tip toes to press another kiss to their lips. “I don’t know how I ever got so lucky, between you and Malea I have to be the luckiest person on the planet to get to have you both in my life. I’ve never felt the way I felt about you with anyone else, not even Malea’s dad, and I truly didn’t think I ever would again until I saw you again.”

zach wilde Zach kissed Immy on one cheek, and then the other, and then moved to her forehead. He wished that he could kiss her everywhere right then and there, just to show her how much she meant to him. They cupped Immy's cheek in their palm, just looking down at her and admiring her for everything that she was. "You've got me feeling really special, Im." Zach's voice was quiet, and he rubbed his thumb along her bottom lip, just looking at her. 

"Looking at you like this, right now, I feel like the luckiest fucking person in the world." They took in a deep breath and smiled. "I struggle a lot, simply put. With my anxiety and ..just everything with my dad. Sometimes I swear I can hear his boots stomping down the hallway and straight to my room. I'll be up for hours trying to convince myself he's not in my house. Things feel really dark a lot of the time. But you're this bright light, allowing me to finally breathe just right."

Immy CortesIt was the way Zach seemed to really see her that had made Immy fall in love back then and it was the same thing that was making her fall so hard now. He didn’t just think she was hot, or want her body, he truly saw her and wanted her. There were still things they didn’t know about her past, and now wasn’t the time to bring them up, but somehow she knew that even if they did know, theyd still choose to be here with her. “You are special, Zach.” 

She felt her heart breaking for them when they spoke, wishing she could take that pain away. She’d go through all of the pain she’d been through and then some if it meant sparing Zach from the pain of their own past. “I don’t know how but if you say so, then I’m glad I can do that for you. You know, you can call me. If you’re having a night like that, please call me. Or just come over, I don’t care what time it is, I’m a light sleeper, I’ll wake up and if I can’t make you feel better then at least we’ll be up together.”

zach wilde

Zach smiled. Of course she'd invite him over when he was having a particularly bad night. Most times, he found himself awake in the middle of the night and painting. It was the one thing that seemed to calm his nerves. But going over to Immy's sounded much better. Zach already knew he was going to take her up on that offer. "Just by being here again. That's how you do it. And I'm definitely going to be coming over. Any excuse to see you." 

Not wanting to continue thinking about his dad, Zach opted for something better. "Now, I believe we came in here for a reason.." They trailed off, small smile playing on their lips. They pressed their body against hers, pulling her as close as possible before kissing her. He kissed her hungrily, wanting to capture the taste of her. Zach hummed happily into the kiss, and then pulled away after a couple of minutes. "Is this okay?"

Immy Cortes

She was more than happy to let him kiss her, enjoying it maybe even more than she should. If they weren't in her office she'd consider moving things beyond kissing, but was grateful for the break in her thoughts when they pulled away. "More than okay," She grinned, and then let out a sigh, "But unfortunately I think our instructor will be here soon, we should probably make our way back out there and save the rest of this for later."

[rosenkranz-does-things]

a couple of Pusher studies. the top one was done on a plane in a little under an hour. I've found that doing these sorts of studies during flight is actually great because you don't get distracted by, say, checking tumblr, it helps pass the time and calm down if you're nervous, and you don't get lost in the details/portrait likeness, you only focus on the big picture (color combinations, shapes, light and shadow contract etc)

[randomfoggytiger]

"My Touchstone": the Turning Point

Dedicated to the anon who asked:

I would love to hear your thoughts on how the “touchstone” conversation changed Mulder and Scully’s relationship. Was it this scene that propelled them into a romantic relationship?

To answer that question, I have to back up a bit to Fight the Future. Actually, let's back up even further-- to the cancer arc-- so we can get a clearer picture of the relationship between these two Avoidants (post here.)

FORWARD AND BACKWARD

Mulder realizes the extent of his feelings for Scully in Memento Mori.

I posit Scully's already known her feelings since at least early Season 2; but her temperament leads her to suppress, rather than express, emotional wants or needs. Never Again (posts here and here) was the result of both Season 3's on-and-off jealousy and Mulder's avoidance of a normal life (Home, post here) and search for his tragic soulmate (The Field Where I Died.) Because of this, Scully tries to pinpoint and grapple with her "endless line", realizing-- too late-- that she wanted recognition (and more) from Mulder (as spelled out in the script, here.) Mulder realizes this, too, and lets the matter drop.

For Scully, it's advantageous to keep everything unsaid, largely because Mulder isn't ready... for anything, really (as discussed in the Home post linked above, and demonstrated by this clip.) Everything he's been drawn to or attracted by has an ephemeral, fleeting resemblance to some other normalcy he craves (post here)-- but has never, ever lasted. Except Scully.

So, Mulder realizes his feelings, Scully escapes cancer by the skin of her teeth, and we arrive at Detour... where he runs from the motel, chasing after his monster case.

Some read this moment as Mulder realizing and dodging Scully's intentions, others that he was completely blind to her intentions. I file it as the latter; but we also have ample evidence of Mulder noticing Scully's actions briefly before losing focus in favor of another tantalizing mystery (ex. the beginning of The Unnatural.) He misses the forest for the trees in his personal life-- or rather, he doesn't see the value in fixating on it beyond a few superficial check-ins here and there (we'll get to that.) Scully's always by his side, they have the work, he wants answers, why change? It's the same question he asks her in other contexts (ex. "Why now? Why Boggs?" in Beyond the Sea.)

Season 5 continues. It's a rough year for Mulder (post here.) And for Scully: The End is another episode on a pile of episodes where she feels she's "failed" Mulder, leading to her dispirited goodbye in FTF.

Thus, we arrive at Fight the Future: the moment that forces Mulder to make a confession or lose Scully. To him, her importance was never in question; but the hard part is admitting how broken he feels without her. He was afraid to do more in their partnership because... what would happen if things changed? His fear is rooted in the "What if?", and holds him back from a course of action. Scully's fear is rooted in "Did I choose right?", and manifests after she decides on a course of action (A Christmas Carol's doubts after joining the FBI, Never Again after four years in, all things after the Season of Secret Sex, etc.)

Despite the good that came from his hallway, Mulder's greatest fear is realized when Scully nearly dies after he confesses he needs her. This kicks him into retreat mode (post here)-- "go be a doctor", he tells her. It's Scully who says, "I can't", and clings to his hand, who refuses to give up. That is important, because it's another example of how reliant on Scully Mulder is, to the detriment of his own growth, at times.

Mulder takes her words to mean that Scully is unflinchingly by his side-- which is true. What isn't is his next assumption: that they're on the same page.

They're not, really.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SEASON 6

In The Beginning, Scully hasn't felt the need to change-- she's a scientist, she needs proof-- but she hasn't confronted and overcome her unnecessary doubts, either. Mulder, meanwhile, demonstrates he hasn't changed, either-- and, more importantly, how far removed he is still if from a functioning relationship... as Scully suspected. Hurt that she didn't back him up before their superiors-- which resulted in them losing the files-- he hides behind frustration and anger. Scully feels rejected, and lo and behold! Diana appears; and wins back some ground with Mulder while Scully loses Gibson Praise. By the end of the episode, Mulder doesn't want to cosign to Scully's theory because her science, he thinks, betrayed them before. And lo and behold! It kind of did. But it didn't this time, when it's too late.

Where does that place them early Season 6? As an enclosed unit, with Mulder pillaging the basement-- without consulting Diana-- and sneaking off on his own or taking Scully with him on his misadventures. For all that could be wrong between them, a lot is still right; and both put in the effort to include and watch out for the each other.

Then Two Fathers and One Son (posts here, here, and here) shakes them apart: Mulder doesn't want to believe yet another ally is using and manipulating him; but gives in and goes to investigate Diana when Scully threatens to walk if he doesn't listen to her. He's speared in the Achilles Heel, however-- fatalism in the face of the inevitable-- and almost gives up completely before Scully yells him back from the brink. This happens again in Amor Fati; but he finally learns his lesson there. Scully is visibly angry with him at the end of the episode... and then we have the next few episodes as if nothing happened.

Agua Mala completely resolves their festering from One Son (yes, it's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it resolution; and, yes, I need to sit down and write that out sometime) and propels them into their old-- dare I say, lighthearted-- routine and banter (i.e. Monday, Arcadia, etc.)

An important side note: To accurately place where Mulder and Scully were romantically during this period, we have to figure out if there was lingering tension post One Son. The facts simply don't support that narrative. We see in Arcadia that Scully was enjoying herself at first-- only brushing Mulder off initially when he used her as part of his schmaltzy facade (during their arrival)-- until her partner began poking at her, too (posts here), to maintain distance between them (post here.) We see in Alpha (posts here) that their banter was fun and lighthearted until she found out Mulder kept information relevant to that case from her; and that that information was yet another woman he wanted her to trust without question because he did. (Regardless, she still looked out for his best interests and sympathized with him after Karin's death.) We are shown in Milagro (posts here) that her tops are dropping lower and lower in an unconscious desire to grab Mulder's attention; but more importantly, that Mulder still hasn't considered her in all the ways Dana Katherine Scully exists. Yet, tension only arises when Scully feels overlooked, not displaced-- a creeping of her old assumptions and Mulder's missed signals in Never Again 2.0, not a minimization of her value ala One Son. We see in The Unnatural that she's survived Padgett and is setting subtlety aside for the first time in their relationship; so no tension there at all.

In short, we see Scully moving on and wanting Mulder to move on with her, too... and Mulder either not getting the hint outright (the beginning of Arcadia and Milagro), or getting distracted by the next shiny case instead, despite her efforts (Alpha, The Unnatural.)

The Unnatural: stage one of Mulder's mature development (and you can thank David Duchovny for each of these stages, by the way.) I.e. Detour with unmistakably romantic overtures, in case Mulder missed them the first time (which seems to be a pattern for Scully: near death, survival, resolution, and overtures.) Mulder would have to be thick to miss her obvious flirting, but he still loses himself in another x-file and runs off to badger Arthur Dales about it-- meaning, at this point, Scully has his attention, but not his full attention. Scully takes this as a matter of course-- because that's how Mulder's been from Season 1 (i.e. The Jersey Devil's "Unlike you, Mulder, I would like to have a life"/"I have a life.") However, Mulder finally learns "the mystery of the heart"; and decides to test this out with Scully on the baseball field. It's a small, small, small step because he's not used to this "normal", this appreciation for small, perhaps insignificant things. More to the point, he's probably afraid to do more-- was afraid she wouldn't even show up, per his expression; and will be afraid to follow-up, per his actions in Amor Fati and Millennium. But he did it; and Scully knew what Mulder was meaning to demonstrate ("Shut up, Mulder, I'm playing baseball.), as Duchovny intended.

So, where does that take us? The IVF arc, of course (post here.) It's a failure, splat (or not a part of some fans' canon); and that keeps up moving rapidly along to the next beat in their relationship.

Field Trip. Oh, boy. Field Trip: the episode that prepares both agents for the foundational upheaval of the Biogenesis-Amor Fati arc. Scully can't solely rely on her pat scientific rationalizations; and Mulder doesn't trust her blind loyalty and belief. And both are undeniably coded as a couple throughout their "trip." The main takeaway from this experience is that they doubt themselves more than they doubt each other; and their doubts in each other pale in comparison to their unshakeable trust.

MY TOUCHSTONE

That leads us neatly to Biogenesis-Amor Fati... which we shall mostly skip for brevity's sake, as this arc accomplishes very little (despite its exorbitant screen time.)

Diana shows up, but has to admit Mulder has been asking for Scully "since last night." The barb doesn't land for Scully (while the implication highly amuses Skinner, post here); and after their resolution in Season 6-- Milagro and The Unnatural and the IVF arc and, most recently, Field Trip-- she remains unshaken in her conviction of Mulder's loyalty. She flies to Africa, touches the baby-restorer ship, and accomplishes... very little before flying back and finding out Tena has turned her son over to CSM.

Mulder, meanwhile, is stuck in dreamland. @cecilysass wrote an incredible post on the topic here; and @jaspertedd and @deathsbestgirl's theories-- that Mulder's dreams are influenced by those around him (post here)-- are interesting and pertinent additions. If true, that speaks to a deeper hole in Mulder's psyche he's yet to repair: doubting himself so much so that the influence of others takes precedence over his conscience. We've seen that before many times (one of which is Diana's manipulation in One Son, another of which was CSM's temptation in Redux II); but in each case, it was Scully-- a stronger moral barometer-- that kept him back or influenced his courage in the right direction. Mulder doesn't need to borrow her conscience, just her strength to act on his own.

"You were my constant, my touchstone"/"And you are mine" speaks volumes about where these characters are.

Mulder needed to accurately see that a life, a world where he was handed all his answers and given atonement for all his trespasses was empty and shallow without Scully. He needed, further, to shake off that side of himself that would rather wallow than fight, that put Scully in a position, over and over again, to save his life (Demons) or to talk him back from the edge (The Ghosts That Stole Christmas, though a mirage, was based in a truth.) For Mulder, Amor Fati is the crest of a long, arduous hill that took him decades to climb; and now tips him down, at last, towards maturity, self-actualization, and closure.

Scully needed to come to a different, frightening realization: that the cornerstones of her beliefs might be built on lies, too. She needed to open her mind to possibilities that challenged or even betrayed her beliefs-- to overcome the fear inside that was still inflicting self-doubt. For Scully, Amor Fati was the beginning of the end of her security in "the facts"-- but one that gave her the opportunity to step away from "the tried and true" in order to find herself: her intuition, and her happiness.

"You were my constant, my touchstone"/"And you are mine" is the verbalization of their mutual revelations.

THE END FOR MULDER, THE BEGINNING FOR SCULLY

Amor Fati, for Mulder, was a Part 2 to Redux II and a do-over for One Son: he was confronted by his conscience and learned, once again, to stand by it. But not alone, not yet. For Scully, it was the beginning of her journey, one that culminates in all things (post here.) Her relationship struggles aren't rooted in an upfront fear about moving forward in a relationship-- only what comes after, a pattern in all her relationships and major life decisions (post here.)

Yet, Mulder doesn't make a move in his hallway-- doesn't even try-- after his touchstone speech. Why?

Because Scully was overwhelmed and conflicted and needed space to work through her (Diana-adjacent) guilt-- the same feelings he'd battled with throughout Season 4 and 5: failing and failing and failing. With a little space and a little time for him to recover and a little case thrown in to get her back on track (Hungry), their equilibrium is reestablished.

And that leads us to Millennium and the Season of Secret Sex.

It's Mulder who initiated his confession in Fight the Future, it's Mulder who invited her to play ball under the stars, and it's Mulder who affirmed she was his touchstone; so, it's Mulder who initiates their first kiss. Scully continues to hold herself in a waiting position-- standing at attention, Starbuck-style, until her captain makes the first move (something that all things shifts, as well)-- but all bets are off when he does. Mulder's first step initiates all her ensuing ones: jealously knocking into him in and playing with his tie in Rush, teasing about all being "right with the world" when they (hypothetically) return home in The Goldberg Variation, and each and every fond ribbing she tosses his way. There's a resolution between the two that isn't shaken until En Ami's trickery (which... was a topic all its own, post here) and all things's doubts.

Then we arrive at Closure. This episode is the resolution to Mulder's character arc-- not only because he found his sister and, effectively, laid her to rest, but because he learned to trust to her happy ending without needing Scully to believe him. For the first time, he exercises a "conscience", if you will, separately from Scully-- she is his touchstone, still, but not his whole being. A monumental change from Redux II and Folie a Deux and Fight the Future: then, it was "I knew you'd tell me if I was making a mistake" and "no one else" on earth believes him and "I don't want to do this alone. I don't even know if I can." Now, she remains his touchstone, his realignment; but he can stand on his own two feet without curling into whatever shape will earn him love from others.

all things is to Scully what Closure was to Mulder. Her touchstone claimed her as his in Amor Fati; and Scully thought this meant Mulder promised to always be there when she navigated strange waters... and then he ditches her for crop circles in England. Mulder doesn't understand why she's making a big deal of weekend work now instead of every weekend before; and the two separate in not bad but not great spirits (ala Never Again.) Feeling adrift, Scully runs into Daniel Waterston, and we know what happens from there. In short, all things forces Scully to have distance from Mulder's influence-- as Amor Fati had forced him from her-- in order to choose, with a clear conscience, if this path, this touchstone, is the right one for her. all things finally sets her free from her inhibitions: she guides Mulder back to their apartment and lets him ramble on and on without feeling displaced or devalued by his split focus.

Scully wouldn't be driven to this crossroads and its resolution had not Mulder calmed her self-reproach and claimed her as his "touchstone", allowing her to come back to and lean on that truth in her darkest hours. As we know, she's always relied on Mulder's strength-- Irresistible, Memento Mori, Elegy, etc.-- but had yet to rely on her own. all things, finally, guides her into her own strength and abilities.

COULD A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THEM HAVE WORKED BEFORE?

Realistically, anything can work with enough dedication and elbow grease (from both parties.) But, actually factually, the reciprocity needed for an intimate relationship wouldn't have been equal until after Mulder's return from "another life, another world." While they loved each other, Mulder's mercurial ways would wear on Scully's security, and Scully's sudden doubts and distance would dig Mulder's insecurities deeper in.

Mulder, the FBI profiler, was more strongly aware of this than Scully; while Scully, the scientific medical doctor, was more alertly aware of Mulder's constant retreat and instability than her own conflicting, distancing, brewing emotions. He had to learn to stand on his own two feet: a man who railed against the sky and stood up to his superiors and welcomed an existence as a pariah; and who would crumble the instant love was offered then revoked. She had to learn to trust her own instincts: a woman who rigidly tried to rein in her insecurities through facts and detached logical thinking; and who would implode with doubt the instant someone she respected or trusted questioned her decisions or intuition.

Could it or would it have worked? Yes, I think so. But Mulder and Scully were, I believe, happiest to begin a relationship when they did, on their own terms. They needed to be each other's touchstone first, not his "one-in-five-billion" or her "strength."

Partners, in all things.

CONCLUSION

"My touchstone" was the awakening for both: of how far Mulder had come, and much farther Scully had to go. Moreover, it solidified the nature of their relationship: unshakeable reliance and dependable trust, even if the whole world was (is) falling apart.

In short, Anon? Yes.

Thanks for reading~

Enjoy!

[thursdayinspace]

You know what really kills me about the hallway scene? That it's not them consciously and intentionally making the choice to act on this pull between them, but that it's their defences crumbling away. Their hearts have beaten themselves sore with longing and suppressed all-consuming love. And now she is trying to leave, but it hurts to even just stretch that bond between them. And he's confessing his feelings because she needs to know that his world makes no sense without her.

When she steps into that hug and closes her eyes, she's powerless against everything she feels for him. When she looks into his eyes, she's not offering him her heart, she's admitting that it's already his.

The look in his eyes, asking her if she really doesn't know? His soul is wide open, there is not a single protective wall in place. He doesn't have the strength. He's pleading, hurting, and completely and utterly hers.

They're powerless, helpless; weak and bruised and aching from keeping this secret straining against the confines of their hearts for so long. There's only one way forward that won't break them. And regardless of what happens next, they admit they want to take that step, enough to keep them from shattering.

It's the absolute anguish in the moments before they start leaning in for the kiss that makes it so overwhelming. They try so hard not to for years. But when it comes to walking away, their bodies and souls rebel so hard they can no longer pretend.

[dazeddoodles]

Since you hate the way the fandom does, how would you describe Willow?

I'll try to keep it as short as possible as to not cheat (It's supposed to be a description not a character analysis)

But Willow seems to not value in herself due to years of bullying, which is why early on she doesn't see her potential.

And why she puts others needs above her own, because she doesn't see herself as important. As we see in FTF when she keeps avoiding how she's feeling instead focusing on others.

Part of the reason she breaks down at the end of the episode is her bottling up her emotions but also because she thinks that she failed everyone/put them all in danger.

One of the last things she was about to say about herself is that she's still Half a Witch Willow. Until Hunter snaps her out of it and comforts her. The opposite of what she was trying to do for him earlier in the ep.

The problem is alot of fans also only value her if she's being a friend (or girlfriend to Hunter) to the other characters they care about more. So that's what they chalk up her entire character as.

See what I mentioned earlier about how people hate on her for "only being Hunter's girlfriend" when that's outright a lie. She didn't even know him for half the show, and their relationship in the show was pretty lowkey. It's just that people only remember her when she's interacting with the more popular characters.

In reality she's tough but goofy and a friend to others sometimes to her own detriment. And she actually has feelings outside of worrying about others.

People tend to forget how many time we see her rightfully get angry over how she's being treated. She not a "perfect uwu victim". Instead paying more attention to "Omg but how do the people who hurt her feel? 🥺"

Something should also be said about how people see a female character be nice to people the same age range as her and immediately think "mom" but idk

In conclusion:

[twogravesinsomecemetery]

Ftf is really two entire hours of mulder internally screaming 'at a time like this????' as he goes around dealing with 27 million things at once and y'know what I love that about it actually

[serenaxsmythe]

You fondle my trigger then blame my gun || Serena and Eva

TAGGING: Serena Smythe and Eva Anderson @anderseva

LOCATION: PSU Cafeteria

TIME FRAME: 10/17 evening

WARNINGS: None

SUMMARY: Serena and Eva meet for the first time and instantly clash over… well, Serena would say it’s because of Eva’s awful personality. Eva, on the other hand, says it’s over their mutual involvement with the same man. Eva is right. Tension runs high as veiled insults and passive aggressive remarks fuel their rivalry.

Serena

Serena made her way over to the water station, her steps slower than usual, her mind still swirling with everything that had happened. The crowd at the shelter was starting to feel suffocating, but she couldn’t avoid the necessity of getting some water. With Sadie napping for the moment, it felt like her only chance for a quick break. She grabbed a bottle and twisted the cap off. The noise of conversations buzzed in the background, but she focused on her bottle, not wanting to catch any attention. Maybe, if she was lucky, she’d make it back to her corner without anyone bothering her.

Eva

While Eva had been avoiding as many people as she could, and silently fuming over the fact that they were still here, she'd grown far too bored for her own liking. Between avoiding Morgan, trying not to get wrapped up in Cooper bragging about himself or Dalton sulking in a corner, she'd settled on just going for a walk. Most of these couple and sibling reunions went from cute to repulsive in a matter of minutes, but it couldn't be all sunshines and rainbows so she'd settled for scouting the room for some drama. It looked pretty fucking dry until she spotted a woman who looked vaguely familiar, and after staring at her for a few moments, it all made sense. Chewing on the inside of her cheek, Eva sauntered right over to her. "Serena, right?" She hummed. "Guess Mother Nature figured it was time we officially met. I'm Eva, but should I assume you already knew that?"

Serena

Serena felt her stomach tighten the moment Eva approached. Great. Face to face with the one person she had absolutely no desire to interact with. Her grip on the bottle in her hand tightened as she quickly masked the flash of irritation that crossed her face. Her lips pressed into a thin, almost forced smile as she turned her head slowly to meet Eva’s gaze. “Yeah, I’ve heard there's an Anderson that's not totally an embarrassment,” she replied, her voice even but with that familiar hint of sharpness she couldn’t quite suppress. Her eyes flicked down, then back up, guarded and unreadable, though a storm of feelings swirled beneath the surface—jealousy, discomfort and exhaustion. She shifted her weight, crossing her arms over her chest. “Guess this lockdown brought all kinds of people together.”

Eva

Eva didn't know Serena, or know why she was straining her face to hide her true emotions, but she was already over this bitch. Before this moment, she didn't really have any ill feelings towards the woman. She knew what she'd been told, and she hadn't bothered to ask two men any questions in regards to the woman when she knew they'd have to meet eventually. But the second she opened that wide mouth of hers and attempted to insult her family, she now had an issue with her. "For someone who played it fast and loose with her cooch and is now just someone's thirsty baby mama, you should tread lightly with calling anyone else an embarrassment." She stated as disrespectfully as she could. All of her pent up frustration about their current situation was bubbling over now, and Serena had somehow managed to piss her off just enough to get a reaction out of her. Rolling her eyes at the weak stance, Eva shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly as she stepped closer to Serena. "I don't know what beef you have with my siblings, and I'd advise you to drop whatever it is anyways, but if your problem with me has to do with Morgan, we can settle this right here, right now. I genuinely just came over to meet Morgan's little damsel for myself, to put a face to the name or whatever, but if you have a problem with me because of him, air that shit out now so we can dead it."

Serena

Serena's whole body felt heavy, weighed down by exhaustion and the emotions that had been churning inside her for days. Maybe because of that, Eva’s jab about her pregnancy cut deeper than it should have. It wasn’t the first time someone had thrown that at her, but it was the first time after a week of cold showers and sleeping on the floor. She flinched, her hands clenching momentarily, before closing her eyes for a second and taking a deep breath. When she opened them, she squared her shoulders, lifted her chin and stepped into Eva’s personal space without hesitation. The air between them crackled as Serena stared her down, one eyebrow arching. “You know,” she began, her voice cool but edged with steel, “I assumed, with how sweet both Morgan and Puck are that I’d meet someone who was above slinging cheap insults. Turns out we’ve got more in common than I thought.” Her lips curled into a small, biting smile. “Your brother wears bowties and hair gel. Molly was Infuriatingly dense in college with that hobbit body of hers. Cooper’s arrogantly insufferable. So no, it’s not exactly beef. I actually tried to help them improve by offering helpful criticism.” Her eyes flicked to Eva’s lips, a smirk forming. “You’re as hot as I am, though. You might not admit it now, but at some point you had to know they were embarrassing too.” She took a step back, swallowing hard. The subject of Morgan was more delicate than she liked to admit. “Morgan is...” someone she was desperate to sleep with on every available surface, “just a friend. So, no, there’s no reason for me to be territorial about him like you’re implying.” And yet she had done it here, but she blamed this fucking place for it. “I don’t do that. Not with friends, not with people I’m casually sleeping with. Maybe that’s something more people should be aware of when sleeping around.” Her voice sharpened, her smile turning sharp as a blade.

Eva

At this point in life, Eva couldn't think of a single thing anyone could say to her that would get to her, so seeing Serena's body language shift at her dig was already stroking her ego. The smug grin on her face as Serena clearly had to think of a rebuttal only remained in place as the other woman stepped closer and started to muster up some ridiculous thing to say, and the fact that she would even remotely think they shared anything in common was baffling. "I highly doubt that." She hummed. It was quite disappointing that this is the Serena she was getting, but the woman still had a chance to try and turn things around in her favor. However, as Eva listened to her take shots at most of her siblings, any hope of Serena Smythe living up to her hype was diminished, and now she was bored. Before she could even dismiss this unfair battle of sharp (well one sharp and one dull) tongues, the other brunette was insinuating that their attractiveness was on the same scale, and she burst into a fit of laughter. "Clearly being cooped up in here is making you delusional if you think we're even close when it comes to looks. And you sure do pay a lot of attention to my siblings, almost like you're a fan, or a hater — it's pathetic either way, so I'm sure you can understand why they didn't take advice from you, right?" Watching her take a step back, Eva would have just dropped this altogether and walked away if this 'beef' had been for any other reason, but knowing that she had somehow gotten under the woman's skin to this extent over a man spurred her on. As Serena talked about him, and paused before declaring that he was just a friend, that was the only answer she needed, and she didn't even listen to anything else Serena said after that. "You clearly don't like me, and I can only assume it's because he wants me and not you? How is that not territorial, Serena?" She questioned curiously. "Or if there's some other reason, now's the time to air your grievances."

Serena

While Eva was saying God knows what, Serena’s mind flashed back to high school, back when she genuinely thought she was people’s worst nightmare (and enjoyed every moment of it). And then college had introduced her to people like Eva. People who didn’t just throw casual insults or make snide remarks but used something personal, something deep and private, to cut right to the bone. Serena had never been good at arguing with people like that. She’d be there having fun mocking fashion choices while they'd wield personal trauma like a weapon. Suddenly, she felt herself calming down. The weight of the last few days finally lifted from her shoulders. It was almost funny, realizing that she wasn’t the worst person in the room after everything that had happened recently. If Morgan really preferred Eva, then honestly, it was his loss. And with that understanding, Serena straightened, her aloofness settling in naturally. This wasn’t worth her energy. “When people are loud and annoying, it’s hard not to notice," Serena said, guessing Eva was still talking about her siblings. "So let’s not pretend it’s that deep. They were never that interesting, Eva. And neither are you." She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. "And Morgan?" Serena raised a brow, a small, almost amused smile tugging at her lips. “I’ll be completely honest with you now and say this was never really about him. I think I just wanted to know I was better than you because, like I just implied, I was afraid I wasn’t.” Her eyes flicked over Eva’s features, lingering for a moment before she smiled sharply. “But I don’t feel like that anymore. And hey, I didn’t even need to sleep with him for that. So I think it’s safe to say we’ve cleared everything now, huh?”

Eva

Eva should have felt somewhat bad for going for Serena's jugular, but she couldn't have even if she'd wanted to. The woman had asked for it the second she start attacking her siblings, and turning up that ridiculous nose at her all over a man. She would have understood it more if she had like 'stolen' Morgan from the other woman, but considering that Serena had never been able to get her hideous claws in him, that wasn't the case. Instead, she was just jealous that her feeble attempts to bed him hadn't worked and was lashing out at Eva, the female in his bed. Pathetic, much? Everything Serena said about her siblings went in one ear and out the other, for now. Her only saving grace there was that her kid was somewhere in this stuff cafeteria, so she let her ramble off some more bullshit without interrupting her. Nothing she said was even of any substance now that Eva knew just how weak she truly was. She even let her spew something about being better than her, and had to hold off from laughing in her face yet again. "You done?" She taunted once Serena finally stopped running that mouth of hers. "Since I would hate for your crotch goblin to watch you get your ass beat, let this be the last time you have any one of the Andersons' names in your mouth, got it?" Eva hissed. "Sorry, not sorry that we're more superior than you, and that you couldn't even handle this little face off with me. I mean seriously, I almost feel bad that all it took was a few remarks to weaken you and your responses, but I'll get over that. Your first assumption was right and I am better than you — always will be, judging by this encounter. But if you want to keep embarrassing yourself by being rejected repeatedly, suit yourself. Just stay away from me and my siblings. I kept it to a verbal lashing this time, but I can promise you that I won't be so nice next time. Now go be a *mother*." And with that, Eva rolled her eyes as she stormed off.

[mir-iamwilde]

Tonight I’m making deals with the devil || Patrick & Midge

WHO: @patrick-flanagan, @mir-iamwilde

WHERE: The Spare Room

WHEN: The 31st of October

WHY: Patrick and Midge run into each other at the Halloween party and verge on discussing feelings.

WARNINGS: Mentions of smut.

Patrick Flanagan

[With a glass of whiskey in hand, Patrick looks around the crowded room and spots Midge. He smirks slightly as he walks over to her.] I'm surprised to see you still standing after yesterday. 

Midge Wilde

[Eyes widening slightly] It’s no easy feat, trust me. [pointing lazy at his horns] Those might fit a little too well, don’t you think? What’s that Taylor Swift line? ‘He looks up grinning like a devil’?

Patrick Flanagan

[A pleased smirk grows on his face.] Let me know if you need any support. [He gestures with his hands to her ass.] I don't know who that is, but I approve of that line. Is he a poet, or something?

Midge Wilde

[Letting out something resembling a chuckle] An elevator is one thing, but a crowded bar filled with your colleagues and my siblings is a bit much, even for me. [Laughing genuinely] She’s a singer. [Stepping closer] Don’t worry, though, I’m wearing panties tonight, last night was a special occasion just for you.

Patrick Flanagan

Yeah, you're right, we've got a few other places to build up that kind of trust, before I fuck you senseless in a bar with people who know us. [He grins and takes a sip of his whiskey.] Oh? [His eyebrow lifts.] That's a shame. But I do enjoy that that's just something you for me now. [He looks her body over, easy to check up on her skin in that costume of hers.] No marks or bruises from the iron bars then?

Midge Wilde

Sounds like you have plans, I can’t wait to hear about them. [Tilting her head] It’s something I can do for you regularly if that’s what you want. [Trying not to shiver under his stare] None so far, maybe next time you should try branding me. [Reaching for his hand and placing a kiss to his palm before smelling his fingers] Mmm, still smells like me, am I just too good to wash off?

Patrick Flanagan

Oh, you have no idea. [He smirks at her, keeping his blue eyes connected on hers.] Is it now? What on earth did I do to deserve that kind of special treatment? [Stepping in closer, he can smell her perfume.] Maybe I should. [His smirk fades as she kisses his hand and a shiver runs down his spine.] I figured you'd be too sore for me to call you this morning, when I kept thinking about you and all the noises you made yesterday, so the scent of you, and my other hand would have to do. [He leans in, his lips brushing against her earlobe.] You're so fucking delicious, Midge.

Midge Wilde

[Not fighting the shiver this time] Well, throwing my legs over your shoulders in an elevator may have gained you a few points, but maybe I just like you having quick access. [Resting a hand against his chest, for stability, or to keep a safe distance, she didn't know] My mouth isn't sore, you could have called her up. Those noises might have been a bit more muffled, but I bet you still would have liked them. [Letting out a shaky breath.] Is that why you look so hungry right now?

Patrick Flanagan

And that's the kind of effect you have on me, I hope you're aware of that. [He feels the fire from her small hand on his chest radiating through his entire body.] I'll keep that in mind for next time. Because trust me, this is a regular occurrence. [His lips are ghosting over her neck and he takes in her scent, from her perfume to her shampoo, and nods.] Is it that obvious?

Midge Wilde

I didn't know I had any kind of effect on you, Patrick, I thought you were so in control all the time that you were this way with everyone. [Letting her hand slip down his midsection a few inches] Is that a threat or a promise? [Tilting her head further to the side to give him more access to her neck] Maybe not, I think I'm just starting to read you a little bit better. But I don't want to freak you out by saying that, so maybe you'll just have trust me a little bit now.

Patrick Flanagan

[He looks down at her hand and smirks.] You've seen the tent in my pants each time we've been together, Midge, don't play coy with me now. [He takes the last sip of his whiskey, his arm snaking around Midge's body so he can set the glass down, proceeding to trap her between the table and his body.] It can be both, if you let me. [Chuckling quietly against her skin, he proceeds to pull back slightly.] It takes more than that to freak me out, don't worry. But I have no doubt that you're able to come up with a few good ideas to get me to trust you now.

Midge Wilde

[Laughing softly, and nodding] Well, if that's what you mean, then I have that effect on most men, but most don't dare to try and eat me alive in public. [Not able to stop the quick moan as he presses her into the table] You don't play fair, do you? [Meeting his eyes] What makes you think I deserve your trust?

Patrick Flanagan

[He grins at her laughs, and shrugs his shoulders.] I did tell you that you're fucking delicious, Midge. I'm not the type of guy who holds back on something I like. And I like the taste of you, a lot. [He looks into her eyes.] I'm not knowing for fair, Midge. I'll just disappoint you if you believe that. [His smirk fades, and his eyes roam over her face.] Because you're reading me like an open book, when I'm trying my hardest to remain closed. I don't know how, but somehow, you've managed to do what not a lot of people have before.

Midge Wilde

You sure you don't say this to all the girls? [Her smirk looking more confident than she felt] I never suspected you'd play fair, don't worry. And if I had I would have known better after last night. [She felt the same fear she'd described to him that first day in his bed returning to her at his words, causing her to look away from him, her eyes fixed on the ground now] Do you ever think...[She paused, wondering why her mind was even moving in this direction] Do you ever think maybe being a shitty person gives you an edge over the people who are better than you? Maybe that's why I can read you, because you're a better person than me.

Patrick Flanagan

[He rolls his eyes and smirks at her growing confidence, his hand moving to her lower abdomen, gently pressing her back against the table as he leaned in again.] I say it to every girl. [He's teasing her, pulling back again, to show her that cheeky smirk of his. He hears her hesitation, his eyes raking over those features of hers, and growing slightly worried about what's coming next. He then scoffs.] I don't think you understand what it means me be a shitty person. There are things you will never know about me, and what I have done before, because it makes you a million times better than me.

Midge Wilde

[Wanted to take his words as a joke, but it was too easy for her to feel expendable to muster more than a fake smile. She can’t help but wonder what he means, but knows that her own past isn’t exactly a field of wild flowers.] You don’t know that, the good girls aren’t the ones letting men who are practically strangers fuck them in an elevator, are they? [Standing up straighter] Maybe I should go, sorry for killing the mood.

Patrick Flanagan

[He licks his lips as he watches Midge's mood dampen, and he grabs her hand gently, hoping it grounds her enough to catch her attention.] I've already shared more with you, than I have with 99% of the people in my life. And that one percentage was my mum and my ex, Midge. Don't put yourself down like that.

Midge Wilde

[Frowning, trying not to let her mood sour everything.] Look, I know I made the joke first, but I don’t do well with jokes about being like every other girl. I know that’s not fair, but it’s a sore spot for me. [Biting her lip as she considered the rest of what he had to say, her hand cupping his cheek] You should let me plan our next night out, if you’re still interested in spending time with me, that is.

Patrick Flanagan

[Looking into her eyes, he can see the gears turning in her head. He's not scared of being rejected, but he likes spending time with Midge. So when she cups his cheek, he clenches his jaw, but nods after a moment.] Just say the word. I'll be there.

Midge Wilde

[Feeling him tense under her touch she pulled her hand away.] I should go, before I ruin your impression of me even more, but I’ll plan something, I’ll let you know.

Patrick Flanagan

[He feels her pull her hand away, and he sighs, but his hand that's holding hers pulls her back, and he leans in to press a soft kiss to her cheek.] I mean it. I'll always be here. For you.

Midge Wilde

[She should be walking away, but feels herself stopping, staring at him for a moment longer than she maybe should] Why? Why me? Why be here for me, or share anything with me?

Patrick Flanagan

[There is no hesitation from Patrick, after hearing Midge's question. He knows exactly what to answer.] Because there's more to you than the 15-year old selling pictures to men; there's more to you than just getting fucked in an elevator; there's more to you than just someone I'm fucking. The sex, while at first was just sex, it's changed now. Getting to know you more and more, the sex has become about trust. And I like that trust. I only have that with you. I'm not willing to give up on that and whatever it might become.

Midge Wilde

[Understood immediately why she was afraid of him, but that didn’t stop her from leaning forward to press her lips to his, just for a second before pulling back] Okay. Then how about Saturday? I’ll come over and cook for you, and we can keep working on this whole trust thing, okay?

Patrick Flanagan

[He quickly kisses her back, wanting more but knowing this isn't the right place or the right time and he nods.] I look forward to it. [His voice is sincere, and he gives her hand a soft squeeze before finally letting her go.]

[lollytea]

Huntlow situationship gives me such intense brain termites you don't get it

[carefulfears]

the scully of fight the future who doesn’t want a career in the bureau at all if she can’t do it with him. who debated even telling him that she’s quitting in person, and feels like her loss won’t even make a difference: he doesn’t need her, she only holds him back. the scully who doesn’t even make it to the elevator. the way that as soon as he starts speaking, she goes silent. she can’t even respond. this is not a debate. tears just pour down her face, as he tells her that she owes nothing. that she has made her favorite person, a “whole” person. that she has saved him “a thousand times over.” and she stays completely silent. all she can do is cry, and hold him, and kiss his forehead. how small she must feel sometimes…being dragged from one spot to the next, following along. the way her face just collapses as she moves from holding onto his shoulder to pull him down to her. he breaks her open sometimes.