#fun stuff excited to hear the next session's recording
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ambermeh · 7 months ago
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During a car video
head cannons for Matt, Nick and Chris
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Matt:
⋆ So Matt would be driving and him being in the front seat is a bit of a problem if you aren't sat next to him. If Chris is in the front (because it makes sense for the video) I can just imagine Matt reaching his hand back to hold yours from time to time. Just to feel a bit closer to you.
⋆ When he is around you he speaks more. He wants to make you laugh, and he also knows that if he speaks you're more likely to and he can also ask you questions and stuff just to hear you and get you more engaged in the conversation
'hey didn't you have a story from the other day y/n?'
'oohhh yeah that was so weird so this guy...'
⋆ Would make sure that they got your favourite food when they could for the car videos. There is nothing more fun to Matt than watching his girl getting all excited and happy for food
⋆ Any weird things happening when they are recording then he is out of that parking lot in a flash because he's not risking your safety for a video
⋆ After he's dropped the others off, the two of you just go for an intimate little drive where you two just share some food and talk (and have a little make out session)
'fuck sweetheart, you look so pretty riding me'
Nick;
⋆ This is his time to shine, like Matt all he wants to do is to make you laugh (and he succeeds every time). I feel like he would be a bit more quieter than usual just because he is more for listening to you and not just telling his stories.
⋆ Chris, you and Matt would gang up on Nick and just bully him, in a loving way of course.
'Y/N you are supposed to be on my side'
'sorry nick, but Matt had a point'
⋆ The amount of treats that Nick has packed away in the back is unreal, he is just pulling out everything from ice cream and doughnuts. Every time he does the look on your face just gives him the feeling of wanting to do it again.
⋆ because the two of you are in the back, there will definitely be some teasing going on, Nick or you giving each other certain looks or his hand getting a bit too high up your knees.
'Nick stop the video will pick it up'
⋆ He gets you to film the outro because he says he wants there to be more edits of you
⋆ After the video, the two of you just go to bed and laugh about some of the stories you had told.
Chris;
⋆ He will have given you a top of his to wear and honestly would have been drooling over you the entire time
'Chris can you look any where other than me for three seconds'
'nah ma you look too good in my top jus' want you to bend over the seat' he whispered in your ear, while you glared and blushed, looking at him smirk.
⋆ Makes Nick go in the front so you two can be in the back
⋆ every comment is literally about how in love Chris is with you, he does not stop giggling and blushing when you two look at each other
⋆ becomes even more talkative because he just talks about what the two of you have been up to
⋆ On the way back, Matt gives you the aux and when chris hears you playing one of the songs he likes he will be so proud
'y/n this is from my playlist'
'yeah thought it was really good'
'that's my girl'
⋆ After the video is filmed, this man is having soft sex with you while expressing the love he has for you in his clothes
(thank you @enchanthings for the divider)
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blue-jisungs · 2 years ago
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hihi!! for an xdh request maybe one about when they teach you to play their instrument?? or maybe one where reader also knows how to play an instrument and they have a jam session together ><
them teaching you how to play their instrument ♡
a/n. waaaah thank you for requesting <3 i have so many ideas for xdh but for the love of god i just cannot get them done idk why….
also bare w me bc i don’t know shit about playing instruments :3 i used to play a flute in my elementary school and i SUCKED so uhhhh yeah ☝️
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┆彡 GUNIL [ 건일 ]
i feel like he’d be so so excited when you told him u wanna learn how to play the drums
would smooch your face before even starting
and would talk you through the basics, giggling when you ask him when you’re gonna start
maybe not a patient teacher but it takes one (1) kiss to get him to be calm again 🙄
he’s not too hard on you but it might get stressful 😭
“you’re not doing it right 😑”
but. but hear me out.
sitting on his lap as he holds your hands and navigates them slowly to explain stuff
axe.exe stopped working
and once you’ve learnt the basics and play something he records you like a proud mom and then shows off to the boys <33
┆彡 GAON [ 가온 ]
he’d smirk and start talking abt how good of a teacher he’ll be
and he’ll talk for so long that you threatened to find a different teacher if he doesn’t shut up (it worked)
this is 50 chaotic and 50 cute
he’d be so soft and patient with explaining :(
the practical part tho oh lord
“who told u to put your fingers like that? bc definitely not me 😑”
if you manage to play a song, even with some mistakes that he’ll pretend they weren’t there, he’s very proud <3
and after each learning session it’s safe to say you have like +10 guitar picks on you
he’d make it his personal goal to teach you how to play at least two of your fav songs (and a couple of theirs >_<)
┆彡 JUNGSU [ 정수 ]
he’s so so happy that you asked him, eyes going wide
plays something to show off but says it’s only to “show you what you’re gonna learn” 🙄
midway of you practicing what he told you he just zones out bc you’re so happy and and you’re playing the instrument and vibing and and <\\\3
and you’re like “how did i do??? :D”
he doesn’t have the heart to tell you that he was busy staring at u so he just claps and assures you that you did well
then you just pull him closer and giggle while he plays at one end of the keyboard and you in the other
he could just stay like this forever
but then seungmin walks in and he’s like “what is this madness”
jungsu covers your ears before you can hear o.de saying how horrendously you play 😍
he kicks him out and then you’re back to vibing :D
┆彡 SEUNGMIN [ 승민 ]
excitement through the roof but he won’t let it show
“okay that’s cool🙄”
lets you have fun before actually starting the “tutoring lesson”
and he’s giggling at how happy you are just to play random chords
but oh boy.
very serious about teaching you
“it’s not just for funsies, it’s a serious deal you know?” huffs when you point out his poker face
get ready to be bombarded with professional language n special words
“… so this key?”
(o.de’s sigh of giving up) “yeah, this key….”
but all that facade drops as soon as the sounds you play start forming a song :D
┆彡 JUNHAN [ 준한 ]
he’d look around to check if you really meant him 😭😭😭
and you’re like “ofc i meant u you’re my bf >:(“
junnie would melt on spot and need a moment before actually starting
he’d ask you a couple of times if you understand everything or if you have any questions before moving on
you kept on placing your fingers wrong and even though he was shy he felt the urge to fix them
so u ended up sitting next to each other as close as possible :”)
it’s a slow process but he’s praising you for every single strum you manage to make 🥹
he’s so so happy when he can see that you’re finally getting it
and he feels like he’s falling in love over and over again the longer he looks at u playing his guitar <33
┆彡 JOOYEON [ 주연 ]
he just gives you the guitar and??? expects you to play it???
and you’re like 🧍‍♀️
he can’t stay serious for even a moment it’s like a rollercoaster
one moment he’s praising you bc you’re doing well and then bursts out laughing when you play off tune
when you threaten him to hit him with the guitar he just loses it 💔💔💔
but in the end you somehow manage
and while you’re super focused on playing he’a actually melting n grabbing his phone to capture it
ofc the camera is shaking and his giggles in the background barely record the song
and then he just lets you vibe with the guitar, watching you with an amused smile <333
AND HE JOINS U LATER <33333
[ masterlist <3 ]
taglist. @geniejunn ,, @luvhyun3 ,, @starlostseungmin ,, @elviransworld ,, @jnks6r ,, @sieunsgf ,, @ethereallino ,, @laylasbunbunny ,, @duolingofanaccount ,, @slytherinshua ,, @stxrseungs,, @ka-ni-ma ,, @iliveforlixie ,, @ameliesaysshoo ,, @dazzlingligth ,, @mark-geolli ,, @l3visbby ,, @w3bqrl ,, @ddeonudepressions ,, @yourfavoritefreakyhan ,, @cinnamoroxie ,, @kazmura
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black-arcana · 5 days ago
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ARCH ENEMY Shares Music Video For 'Paper Tiger' Song From Upcoming 'Blood Dynasty' Album
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Swedish/Canadian/American extreme metal titans ARCH ENEMY have released the video for a new song called "Paper Tiger". The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Blood Dynasty", which is slated due on March 28 via Century Media Records.
ARCH ENEMY founder and guitarist Michael Amott states: "With 'Blood Dynasty' almost here, we thought we'd sneak in another single for you. 'Paper Tiger' is a personal favorite — these riffs are so much fun to play. The accompanying video was shot on a German airfield last summer with our visionary friend Mumpi. Turn it up and let it roar!"
Following the surprise drop of their single "Dream Stealer" in July 2024, the subsequent release of "Liars & Thieves" in October 2024 and the "Blood Dynasty" title track in December, "Paper Tiger" marks the fourth single offering from the highly anticipated album.
Amott previously stated about "Blood Dynasty": "This new album pushes the boundaries of what we've done before — it's everything you've come to expect from this band, and then some! We can't wait for you to hear it and feel the energy we've poured into every track. Welcome to the 'Blood Dynasty'!"
"Blood Dynasty" track listing:
01. Dream Stealer 02. Illuminate the Path 03. March Of the Miscreants 04. A Million Suns 05. Don't Look Down 06. Presage 07. Blood Dynasty 08. Paper Tiger 09. Vivre Libre 10. The Pendulum 11. Liars & Thieves
Next to the limited deluxe editions that feature two exclusive bonus tracks, fans can direct their attention to the limited liquid blood vinyl that is exclusively available in the band stores and limited to 666 copies.
"Dream Stealer" marked ARCH ENEMY's first new music since the release of the "Deceivers" album, which came out in August 2022.
"Dream Stealer" was mixed by Jens Bogren and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios. The video was directed and produced by Patric Ullaeus.
Six months ago, Amott told Pulp Magazine about "Dream Stealer" and ARCH ENEMY's plans for new music: "We've been staying busy for sure and are really focused on writing and recording new stuff in between the touring we're doing. I'm kind of always coming up with new musical and lyrical ideas though — I just keep going as it's what I enjoy doing anyway. Making music is a natural process, and it's pretty much a daily thing, so it can be hard to pinpoint exactly when everything was conceived. I do, however, actually remember that the initial seed for 'Dream Stealer' was written during a songwriting session I did with Daniel [Erlandsson, drums] in Los Angeles, California, two years ago, and then it's been rearranged and updated a lot till it reached its final state that you're now hearing."
Asked if it was a conscious decision to go back to the "classic ARCH ENEMY" direction and approach with "Dream Stealer", Amott said: "I've seen some seriously great feedback from the fans, and that's always very encouraging, of course. Personally, I don't know if I’d necessarily say 'Dream Stealer' is a throwback to the sound of the past, but I get what they mean — the song has the energy and speed that is very exciting and infectious. Maybe there is a hint of vintage ARCH ENEMY in there, and why not? I'm looking forward to playing it live on stage — I think it is going to be intense as hell."
ARCH ENEMY played its first concert with new guitarist Joey Concepcion on April 24, 2024 at Musinsa Garage in Seoul, South Korea. The show was part of ARCH ENEMY's 2024 Asian tour.
In December 2023, ARCH ENEMY announced that it had "amicably" parted ways with longtime guitarist Jeff Loomis.
Jeff, who was the main songwriter in his previous group, NEVERMORE, joined ARCH ENEMY in late 2014, but was not involved in the writing for the latter act's last two albums, 2017's "Will To Power" and the aforementioned "Deceivers".
ARCH ENEMY is:
Alissa White-Gluz - Vocals Michael Amott - Guitar Joey Concepcion - Guitar Sharlee D'Angelo - Bass Daniel Erlandsson - Drums
Photo credit: Katja Kuhl
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sadly-in-active · 8 months ago
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when you have time could you do a vampire reader x butter roll? I feel like he'd be really excited about it for "some" reason xD
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Butter Roll Cookie x Vampiric Reader hcs
Summary: You, a vampire, had been searching for a new victim for quite some time. However, you didn't expect your next meal to be a scientist named Butter Roll. Strange name, but you happily followed him back to his place. Unfortunately, you didn’t realize he already knew you were a vampire. Well, he was a mad scientist, so of course he was clever. He proposed a deal: you let him study you, and you get to drink his blood. Totally normal, right? Just try not to mind that he can be... a bit vocal while you drink his blood.
TW: Obvious blood, vampire stuff, you guys NEED to get a room with soundproof walls because all the other researchers can hear you two, bickering, nothing is proofread and I forgot to save so now I have to redo this entire thing omg-
Right from the start, Butter Roll makes it crystal clear: you're essentially his test subject, and this arrangement heavily favors him. He's never encountered a real vampire before, just read about them in books, so he's eager to learn how you came to be. Prepare for a barrage of questions.
During the day, you're confined to his private study while he conducts his experiments. But at night, the real "fun" begins—though it's a stretch to call it that. You're only permitted out three times a week, so make each blood-drinking session count.
When it's time to feed, he casually places you on his lap, seemingly unfazed. Expect him to ramble about the future of science while you drink, and afterwards, he meticulously records the effects and quantity consumed. And let's not overlook his ongoing commentary, especially when you playfully lick the remaining droplets from his neck and shoulder. He insists it's for "research," but who's to say he isn't just messing with you?
“Oh, y/n, are you sure that you’re eager for the blood? Or, are you just savoring it all because it’s me? I know you like to lick for more then you have to…”
“Shut up…”
“Is that a new reaction? Oh! Do I have to write ‘gets flustered and tightens grip’ after some harmless teasing?”
After the sessions, things usually quiet down. You often appear drunk from the blood, and he's equally drained. Wrapping up his notes in his journal, he gently wipes away any drool and blood from your lips before carrying you to his bed. Since he doesn't typically sleep, he lets you rest there while he continues his work at his desk.
Occasionally, you become a bit clingy afterward, attempting to coax him into bed. Initially, he brushes it off with a laugh, pushing you away. However, as these encounters become more frequent, he eventually gives in and joins you. Sometimes, witnessing your blissful, intoxicated expression as he climbs into bed with you makes him feel…almost attached, in a way. But then again, you were merely a part of an experiment...right?
...right?
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sanguinaryviper · 2 years ago
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A Supreme Leaders Panta
“Shumaiiii~~ open your door!” Kokichi impatiently said while rapidly knocking on the door. The purple haired gremlin had arrived for his and Shuichi’s weekly Saturday ‘session’. Of course the word session is subjective, in this case it refers to how Kokichi bloats or stuffs himself with Shuichi there to help. Since they’ve been doing it for about two months now it’s obviously had an effect on Kokichi’s waistline, turning it into a cute little muffin top when he wore his old clothes (which he was still insistent that he could wear fine). Love handles would spill over his tight fitting trousers when he removed his shirt, although all you’d hear from Kokichi is denial.
The door opened with Shuichi letting out a small smile at the sight of Kokichi. He enjoyed these sessions and in more ways then one, this time though he was going to push Kokichi. “Shumai!! You finally answered, I was gonna die of boredom y’know?!”
“… It took me eleven seconds to get here Kokichi.” He said sarcastically with a deadpanned expression, knowing Kokichi was using hyperbole to his advantage. It was something he always did and it was something Shuichi didn’t mind. Though it was admittedly fun to catch him out on his lies.
“Umm, yeh! Eleven seconds of me rapidly approaching my death bed!!! How could you Shumai?!” He dramatically let out as crocodile tears flooded out his eyes, this was short lived however as he then lifted his hand up to show he was holding a two litre bottle of grape panta. “Anyways, I got this for me to have! I know my little, well big in this case, pervert loves if when I can’t control my hiccups~” He teased as he stood on his tip toes and leant in close to Shuichi, his face turning red at the remark. Though he had grown used to Kokichi’s teasing, moments like that would always embarrass him.
“R-right… come on in.” Shuichi nervously said, sweeping that topic under the rug as he stood by the side of the door. Kokichi immediately nodded and skipped through, a happy go lucky expression plastered onto his face as he immediately made himself comfortable on Shuichi’s couch. Directly in the center, almost taking up a third of it… but both of them knew it would be much more then that sooner then expected.
With the sound of the door closing evident in Kokichi’s ears, he swayed back and forth on the couch while seeing Shuichi walk into the room. He sat down next to the smaller boy who was resting the panta on his lap. “Ok… your record is from the first session… about 1.25 litres. You ready?” Shuichi would ask, pulling out a small notebook which he would record the results of the sessions in. This was their ninth session now and he wanted to see if Kokichi could down all two litres.
“Hey!! I take offense to that! Don’t underestimate a Supreme Leader and his appetite nishishi~” He would comment as his stomach let out an audible growl. Truth be told, Kokichi hadn’t eaten today just so he could drink as much as possible for this session. He was starving, and that would be an understatement. “Calm down~ Look at all this belly-chan, you’ll be so full and jiggly in no time~” He’d audibly tease just to fluster Shuichi, which it did.
And then the bottle of panta found it’s cap being unscrewed with a small fizz when it had been done so. The carbonation making itself evident as Shuichi watched with curiosity, excitement and some slight lust. That’s when it started, Kokichi lifted up the bottle and started to chug it. His throat bulging out after each mouthful which he rapidly took due to it being his favorite drink, he could never get tired of it.
Gulp, Gulp, Gulp.
Kokichi purposefully made his mouthfuls as loud as possible, just to fluster poor Shuichi even further as he just watched in adoration. They weren’t dating, but both wished they were, Shuichi worried this was just a friend thing and Kokichi secretly afraid of rejection. What cut Shuichi out of his thought though was the noise of Kokichi letting the bottle out his mouth. “Phew!~ That’s probably the most I’ve chugged in one go.” Kokichi proclaimed in a seductive manner, smirking as he did so. A third of the bottle was down and Shuichi was just shocked, that only took him a minute.
“Is it really…?” Shuichi would curiously out, wanting to be the one to thank for pushing Kokichi’s skills so far. Whenever he got full after all he would push. Though Kokichi definitely wasn’t at that point yet. Letting out another smirk, Kokichi nodded and then opened his mouth.
“URRRRUP!! Woo~ excuse meee~” Kokichi audibly teased, knowing Shuichi loved his signs of gluttony. His shocked expression plastered with his blush only confirmed this as the carbonation just made itself known. Not wanting Kokichi to tease him about it, Shuichi lifted up the bottle to Kokichi’s lips. In turn he opened his lips with an audible ‘ahhhh’ before allowing it to be inserted in. Now Kokichi could feel his stomach starting to fill up as he neared the meter mark, though unlike the last time they tried this, it was no where near painful left. Kokichi could just feel his stomach starting to get comfortably full.
Shuichi allowed his hand to curiously crawl up Kokichi’s shirt which he met no resistance to. Both of them had come to enjoy the sensation of Shuichi’s hands gently kneading Kokichi’s fleshy dough of a stomach. Shuichi felt a faint line of red cover his cheeks as he felt how soft it was, Kokichi was definitely past halfway done and they could both tell. The way Shuichi’s hand sunk into his stomach and the way it would even slosh depending on what Shuichi did… it felt so nice, even making the Supreme Leader start to blush. Of course the Detective noticed as the roles started to change.
“Enjoying it…? Keep going and so will I.” With each session, Shuichi had become more dominant as Kokichi’s feeder, though everywhere else Kokichi was definitely the assertive one. The thing that gave Shuichi power over him though was how nice his hands felt upon his skin. It was always able to motivate Kokichi just like this time. He released himself from the bottle just for a moment so he could catch his breath, followed by a soft hic, he then put it back into his mouth and began on the last quarter.
Kokichi was already past his record, and Shuichi could tell from his stomach starting to bloat into his fingers. It wasn’t tight yet though so there was definitely more room, they’d find it and they would fill it. No questions asked. “You’re doing so well Kok…” He thought for a moment before deciding to turn the tables. “Kichi, keep it up.” Shuichi would softly tease with a new name, it made Kokichi’s heart flutter and filled him with a new motivation even though he was comfortably full now. He could at least finish this last quarter. So with new found determination, his chugging went quicker and louder, just to let his feeder know that he loved it.
The first time Kokichi grew submissive in one of their sessions, he was heavily embarrassed and ashamed… but the more he did it, the less he minded. It was just him and Shuichi… what was the harm in allowing his true desires to take over?
Testing something, Shuichi removed his hands from Kokichi’s shirt and loved what he saw. A bit of underbelly was visible under his shirt from the bloating. “Almost there Kichi…” He encouraged as the last mouthful made it’s way down Kokichi’s throat. He removed the bottle and panted for a moment while holding his stomach with one hand.
“Hahhh… t-that was the hic stuff…” Kokichi’s stomach started to audibly rumble and growl as the carbonation built up, both of them knowing what was coming as Kokichi laid down on Shuichi’s lap and faced upwards at him. “BWOOOOOOARP!” Shuichi felt his face turn red as Kokichi let out a cheeky grin after his belch, soft little hiccups following afterwards as Shuichi decided to be bold. Tugging on the bottom of Kokichi’s shirt, he saw no resistance as he took it off. Kokichi truly was growing a muffin top and it was beautiful, the love handles spilling over his trousers… the carbonated and loud belly that pushed out much further then normal. Not to forget his adorable navel which had grown quite deep.
Resting a hand on Kokichi’s belly, he put his index finger in his navel and gently rubbed. Soft little moans coming from Kokichi’s lips as they filled the silence between the two. No words were needed, hands tending to Kokichi’s overfilled belly and a finger gently playing with his navel. No words needed to be exchanged between the two.
“Huff… So… same n-next time Shumai…? BUURUP!” He questioned and let out as Shuichi chuckled and shook his head while fingering his navel.
“I believe a Supreme Leader can do half a gallon. Well, not can, but will.” He dominantly commanded as Kokichi squirmed in his lap pillow, both from the navel fingering and the commanding nature of his feeder.
“Ooooh~ now you get us leaders~ hic…” Kokichi teased back as he closed his eyes, allowing the bliss of Shuichi’s hands to take over… he needed as much room as possible for dinner after all.
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concidineart · 5 years ago
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Started listening to Toonkind DnD and really enjoyed the first session of A Sketchy Situation.
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hangovercurse · 4 years ago
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Favorites
You work at the preschool next to Casie’s middle school. One day, you catch Colson’s eyes while working, and lucky for him you happen to know his daughter.
Request: “Hi!! Let me start out by saying that you are so so so talented!! I was wondering if you’d write something about colson falling for a preschool teacher? like he just sees her one day while he’s picking up casey from the middle school and he’s all soft seeing her interact with the kids and he makes up excuses to keep coming to see you!?”
Colson X Reader
Warnings: Cursing (maybe?)
A/N: I did that thing where I write too much… again.
Word Count: 2394
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Colson tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, drumming softly to the beat of the music coming from his radio. He pulled into the school parking lot, the line already a million cars long it seemed. But he promised Casie he would pick her up whenever he wasn’t working so she didn’t have to take the bus. If that meant spending thirty minutes in a line of slow-moving cars, so be it.
As he was jamming, he glanced out the passenger window, finding a smaller building with a chain link fence outside, surrounding a child’s playground. The door happened to swing open while he was looking, and from there time seemed to move in slow motion.
Out of the door came a dozen or so toddlers, waddling their way outside, surrounding the most beautiful person he’d ever seen. The sun bounced off of your skin perfectly, making everything around you seem so much brighter.
Your skirt flowed with the slight breeze, making the scene more picturesque. He watched as you reached down, picking up one of the toddlers and holding him in your arms. The small boy seemed to be crying, over what Colson couldn’t tell.
You seemed to be speaking to the boy, bouncing him up and down in your arms to comfort him. Meanwhile, a little girl with pigtails made her way over to you. You spoke to her brightly, reaching the arm that wasn’t holding the boy to hold her hand.
Colson’s eyes followed you as you let her drag you over to the playground. You supported her as she climbed the small rock-climbing wall and reach the landing for the slide. You then smiled as she made her way down the slide, telling her good job when she made it to the bottom.
You then turned your attention back to the boy in your arms, making silly faces at him until he laughed.
All it took was those few moments for Colson to get hooked. If there was one thing he found attractive above all else, it was women who loved children. He refused to date anyone who wasn’t supportive of his relationship with Casie, so you were already ahead of everyone on his list. It also helped that you were breathtakingly beautiful.
Colson just got good vibes from you. From his brief observation of you, he could tell you were compassionate and kind, but also childlike and fun, much like himself.
The blonde man was pulled from his thoughts as the car in front of him started moving, signaling the line was moving.
 The next day, Colson had a plan. Instead of driving into the school parking lot, he pulled into the pre-school. He checked himself out in the mirror, praying he would see you working. He stepped out of the car, putting on his best confused dad face, and walked into the building.
And by some miracle, you happened to be speaking with the woman at the front desk.
You were even prettier up close, eyes meeting his and stopping him dead in his tracks. You smiled kindly, voice ringing out, “can I help you, sir.”
He returned your smile, “I was looking for the middle school but I have a feeling I ended up in the wrong place.”
You giggled slightly, “just a little. The middle school is just next door.” You pointed to your right. “Are you picking up a sibling?” You asked.
Truthfully, the man had caught your eye the moment he stepped into the door. It was rare you saw someone your own age, and he was exponentially more attractive than most men. What would it hurt if you got to know him a little bit?
“My daughter, actually.” He spoke, fiddling with the key in his hand. You tilted your head, his face seeming vaguely familiar.
You hesitated before speaking, “who’s your daughter? I substitute over there sometimes and you look vaguely familiar.”
He bit his lip, hoping he hadn’t blown his cover. “Casie Baker.” But surely, he’d have remembered you if he’d met you.
Your eyes widened at the name, “Casie? She’s my absolute favorite!” You grinned at the man, realizing immediately that their similar features made him feel familiar. “She’s awesome.”
Colson smiled, letting out a nervous chuckle, “thank you. Yeah, she’s great.”
“She tells me about you. Whenever I sub in her classes, she talks about how cool you are.”
Colson blushed lightly, rubbing his neck. “I’m Colson.” He reached out an arm to shake your hand, mentally kicking himself as soon as he did it.
You found it endearing, shaking his hand “Y/N.”
 A few days passed and Colson still couldn’t get over how soft your hands were, or how your touch sent electricity running through his body.
He felt ridiculous, leaving rehearsals and recording sessions to pick Casie up with the hope that he gets a glimpse of you.
After a few days of nothing, he almost loses that hope. Until he happens to arrive at the school a little bit early, windows rolled down to let the cool air in. He hears the sudden sound of children laughing, pulling his attention to the playground next door.
And there you are, in all your beautiful glory. Guiding the kids out, helping them into swings and onto the stairs.
Colson must’ve pleased some God because you looked over your shoulder and found him. Of all the cars in the line, you found his, eyes locking immediately. You smiled softly, reaching a hand over to him and waving. He waved back, trying to keep his cool. But really, he was freaking out.
He thought about saying something, or mouthing something, rather, as you were too far away to hear him, but he was stopped by the beautiful brown hair of his favorite girl in the world. Casie plopped herself down on the seat next to him, her backpack falling to the floor with a frown on her face.
She looked up to her dad, about to complain about her day when she saw his preoccupation. She followed his eyes, finding you in the playground. Immediately her mood was lifted, and she turned back to her dad with a grin on her face.
“Daaad?” She questioned, her voice lifting at the end of her question. The blond man looked down to her a soft smile in his face.
“Hey Case, how was school?”
“You think she’s pretty, right?” Casie ignored his question.
Colson scoffed, rolling his eyes, and shifting his car into gear. “She’s… pretty. I guess.” He mumbled, pressing lightly on the gas.
Casie continued smiling up at him, “that’s Ms. Y/N. She’s the coolest.”
“Put your seatbelt on.” He said, pulling out of the parking lot. “And I know, I met her the other day.”
Casie’s eyes lit up at the thought of her two favorite adults meeting. “Really? How? Did you like her?”
Colson chuckled at his daughter, “I went into the pre-school parking lot by accident and she showed me how to get here.” He blushed, knowing Casie would easily spot his lie.
And that she did, “I’ve been going here for almost two years, how did you accidentally go into the wrong parking lot? You pick me up all the time.”
Colson coughed nervously, “so, how was school?” He tried to change the subject.
Casie gasped, “did you go to the preschool just to see her? You like her!”
“I just met her Casie.”
“You like Ms. Y/N!” she sang, dancing in her seat.
“How was school, loser?” He asked, laughing at her.
She ignored him, again. “Does she know you’re my dad? Did she say anything about me?”
He rolled his eyes, chuckling to himself at her excitement. “Yes, she does, and yes, she did.”
“What did she say?” Casie practically yelled.
“She said you were the worst student she’s ever substituted for.” He smirked, flinching lightly as Casie slapped his arm.
“She did not say that!” The girl pouted, “Ms. Y/N is my favorite teacher in the whole world.”
He couldn’t help but smile at her affection for you. “She’s not even technically your teacher. But she did say that you were her favorite student.”
Her eyes twinkled, “really?”
Colson nodded, “she also told me that you talk about me in class.” He looked at the girl, raising an eyebrow, “any reason why?”
Casie sunk into her seat, a guilty expression on her face. “No.” Colson looked back to the road, but his eyebrow was still raised, “Okay, fine. I just think it’d be really cool if my favorite dad and my favorite teacher were… friends.”
Colson laughed, “I am your only dad, first of all, and second… don’t be weird.”
“But you said you liked her!” Casie pointed out, making the man’s ears turn red.
“I said she was pretty, that’s not the same thing.”
Casie sang again, “whatever you say.”
He rolled his eyes again, letting out a sigh and dropping the conversation, knowing he would lose. “Are you gonna tell me how school was or not?”
Casie sighed, hitting her back against the seat, “Mr. Clemmons was being mean today again. He said he’s not gonna curve our test even though only 2 people got an A on it.” She crossed her arms and huffed.
Colson pouted, bringing a hand to rub her shoulder, “what’d you get on it?”
She mumbled out, “a B.”
His eyes went wide, “dude, what? That’s awesome, that’s above average. You should be proud of that!” He always tried to encourage Casie, knowing the insane amount of pressure people put on their kids nowadays and not wanting her to feel that.
Casie shrugged, “yeah but my guidance counselor says if I want to get into a magnet program in high school, I have to get all A’s. And I have to get in a magnet program high school to get into a good college.”
His eyes went wide as he pulled into his driveway, “woah, woah, woah. You’re 11 years old! You don’t need to worry about that stuff and whoever is telling you that is wrong. Getting a B or even a C isn’t gonna stop you from getting into whatever program you want, I promise.”
Casie sighed, opening the door, and sliding out. “I don’t wanna talk about this anymore. Can we go back to talking about how you like Ms. Y/N?” She asked, her shoulders slumped.
Colson rolled his eyes, climbing out of the car and following her inside. “I don’t like Ms. Y/N.” He groaned.
“Whatever, but next time she substitutes my class, I’m texting you and you’re gonna bring me lunch and talk to her.” Casie said, going to her room and throwing her backpack onto her bed.
 A week and a half later, Colson was sitting in his car in the school parking lot, staring at himself through his rearview mirror. He looked at the bag of chick-fil-a in the passenger side seat and sighed. His phone buzzed, a text from Casie coming through.
Lunch is starting, where are you???
He chuckled and texted back.
Going to the office now, calm down
He grabbed the bags and drinks, opening his door and stepping out. He made his way through the office, getting his visitor’s badge, and moving towards the cafeteria. He opened the door, searching through the sea of children for his daughter, only to find your eyes instead.
You smiled brightly, head tilting as if to ask why he’s here. He returned the smile, holding up the bags to answer your question. Casie appeared next to you, waving her hand. Colson made his way through the pre-teens, trying not to crush any of them.
Casie and you giggled at his struggle, joking with each other. Eventually he reached you two, setting the food on the table that Casie had reserved just for you three. The girl took her place across from him, motioning you to sit down next to him. You laughed but followed her directions.
Colson took the food out of the bag, passing Casie her sandwich and fries and pulling his food out of the bag. He turned to you, a smile on his face. “Woah, they must’ve given me an extra sandwich.” He held it out for you to take.
You obliged, giggling lightly. “How strange.” You commented, your smile never leaving.
“Oh, right. Ms. Y/N, this is my dad, Colson. Dad, this is Ms. Y/N, the best substitute ever.” Casie said, pointing between the two.
Colson chuckled, “yes, Casie. We’ve met.” He looked over to you, hiding his laugh behind his sandwich.
“Yep. Someone got lost and found me at the preschool.” You said, your voice exaggerating. Shit, Colson thought, you were onto him. “Speaking of, Casie. I know you’ve been talking about needing volunteer hours. If you want you can come by after school some days and help me with the aftercare program? I can take you home afterwards if your dad can’t pick you up.”
Casie smiled brightly, nodding her head. “Yes! Yes, yes, yes!”
Colson watched the interaction, fondness in his eyes. If he wasn’t sure before, he was now. He was falling hard.
You turned to him, kindness in your eyes, “if it’s okay with your dad.” You said and he nodded.
“Yeah, if you don’t mind having her around. I’m cool with it.” He tried to hide the blush on his cheeks as you continued to look at him, taking in his features.
Casie squealed, “thank you!”
You simply smiled and shrugged, “it’s not a big deal. I get some extra help and I get to spend some more time with my favorite 11-year-old. Maybe her dad can even stop by and help sometime.”
You turned to the man next to you, who was sure he’d turned very red. He was never this nervous around women, but something about you made him incredibly self-conscious, like he had to impress you.
He mumbled out a quick “huh?” before registering your question. “Uh, yeah, sure. If you want me to come help. I’d be cool with that.” He turned to meet your eyes.
You giggled, holding the eye contact, “I do want you to. I’d like it a lot if you did.”
Casie looked between you two, suddenly regretting what she’d done, “are you two done? I’m trying to eat my sandwich.”
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Day Three- Game Night/Conflict
Can’t believe we’re already at day three of Moceit Week! I had a lot of fun with this one shot, this week is really helping me get back into writing.
So, @the-duke-of-nuts and I have been writing an AU based on the game ‘Prop Hunt’ and I was technically going to be doing this for tomorrow... since it was a Game Night prompt, I couldn’t resist doing it today!
I hope I’ve done it justice, Vin, and surprise! ��️💚🖤💚
Writing taglist: @lost-in-thought-20 @red-imeanblue @jwillowwolf @psychedelicships @writerwithtoomanyships @the-duke-of-nuts @lily-janus
@moceit-appreciation-week
Warnings: Weapon mention, kind of violence in game
Get Over Here and Play a Video Game
Patton was excited for game night with the rest of the guys. When they all found common ground with playing video games, it brought them all closer together as housemates. They had even recently started recording themselves doing lets plays to put them onto YouTube. It was strange to watch the view count shoot up every day, people seemed to be enjoying them… but they are a chaotic bunch, especially because Remus is involved. The games were fun to record, even if Patton had to have the controls explained to him multiple times by a very patient Janus. He was grateful that Janus would support him throughout the whole recording, it made him feel safe while the cameras were rolling, and it made the whole thing much more fun.
He took out his phone and re-watched the latest video of ‘Golf With Your Friends’ that they recorded last week. He had to admit that giving Remus and Logan editing rights was the best decision possible. Patton found himself laughing at Roman who was getting angrier by the second when he couldn’t reach the hole on a water level, he laughed even more when a Snickers bar flew across the screen, pretending to hit Roman in the face. The next part was something he didn’t expect, in the recording session, Patton was having a hard time while his golf ball was shaped like a cube. Janus came over without a word to see what was going on, when his hand rested on Patton’s to show he what to do, Patton blushed again as he saw cartoon hearts fly around the two of them.
They had only started dating a few months ago, but it had felt like so much longer. He smiled as he watched the flirting take place between the two of them, and the editing seemed to just spur it on. Hearts, love heart arrows, all that usual stuff. It was cute, which made Patton all too aware that he was falling hard and fast, faster than he ever had before. He was snapped out of his thoughts by a text notification at the top of his screen from Logan.
‘Greetings everyone. Hope you are all ready for game night tonight. I’ve been reading the comments of the latest video, and Prop Hunt seems to be the latest request. So shall we attempt it?’
Patton looked at his phone in confusion. Prop Hunt? What the heck is that? It already sounds so confusing, but everyone else apparently knows it and has played it before according to the replies coming through. He couldn’t be the odd one out, thankfully him and Janus had the day off from work, so he headed over to Janus’ room. He could hear the soft, classical music seeping into the hallway and he knocked on the door tentatively when he saw Janus lying on the bed.
“This had better be important-” Janus sighed as he pushed himself up, but stopped himself when he saw it was Patton, then smiled warmly. “Ah, sorry darling. I thought it was Remus bothering me again.” He remarked jokingly before patting the space next to him on the bed. Patton before sitting next to him, and yelped as Janus wrapped his arms around him before pulling him into a tight hug. He giggled and Janus chuckled in response.
“What can I do for you, darling? You looked a bit worried at my door.” Janus’ voice had hints of concern weaved through it.
“It’s nothing big… It’s just Logan has said we’re gonna play a new game tonight… and I have no idea how to play…” Patton trailed off, unsure whether he could really ask for help. He didn’t want Janus to judge him or anything. Janus just squeezed his hand in reassurance, something that made Patton’s heart skip a beat each time.
“I’ll go get our laptops set up. You-“ Janus booped his nose causing Patton to giggle again. “Wait right here. I’ll be back in a minute.” Patton nodded and looked around Janus’ room, one thing caught his eye. There were new photos of the two of them on the walls, and the card Patton made for him to ask him out was sitting pride of place on the table next to the bed. He felt his laptop be placed gently on his lap, and he rested his head on Janus’ shoulder while the game was set up for him.
“Okay. So you’re going to be the hunter to start with. I’m going to be hidden as an object in the map. You have to wait for a couple of minutes.” Patton tried to sneak a look at Janus’ screen, but he felt a gloved hand gently cover his eyes.
“Nooo, darling. That would be cheating.” Patton faked a pout before giggling and waited for Janus’ hand to stop covering his eyes. He felt a light kiss on his forehead before the light flooded back onto his face. He looked down at his laptop, confused as to what to do now. He tried to move, but nothing was working. Janus placed his hand over Patton’s, guiding his hand to the right place.
“Arrow keys, my dear. You move with the arrow keys. So now you have to try and find me! Look for something that doesn’t belong. I know you can do it.” He kissed Patton’s cheek and he tried to ignore the blush that was threatening to spread across his cheeks. He tried to concentrate on the map, but someone was proving to be a very significant distraction, especially when that someone interlocked his free hand with Patton’s free hand. He eventually managed to focus and almost spun around in circles trying to find his way around the huge map, until he came across a large box that stood very out of place. Janus smirked as he saw Patton carefully move towards the box.
“You need to shoot the box, darling. Left click.” Janus leant over and whispered in Patton’s ear. He tried to ignore the shiver he felt, and hesitated at this part of the game.
“B-but I don’t wanna hurt you, sweetie.” His finger hovered over the left click, and he then clicked it once, looking away from the screen. Janus smiled and squeezed Patton’s hand.
“You did it, darling! You don’t hurt me, it’s only the game. Can you see your health points? Did your health go down when you shot the box?” Patton hesitantly looked at the screen, and shook his head as he noticed that the health points remained at 100. Janus took Patton’s hand and lifted it to his lips quickly.
“Go on then, my dear. Win the round.” Patton blushed yet again, and then clicked countless times until the box disappeared, and a little message came up reading ‘Hunters Win!’ Patton stared at it, then smiled when he finally realised what it meant. He clapped his hands together excitedly, and Janus chuckled as he watched Patton enjoy the game.
“Sooo… Do I now hide as a prop or something?” Patton asked curiously. He had forgotten what he was so nervous about in the first place, he was having so much fun learning the game from Janus. Janus nodded and covered his own eyes which made Patton giggle.
“Indeed you do, so like before… you use the arrow keys and wander around the map until you find an object. Press E when you’re next to object, and then you turn into it.” Patton hummed in affirmation, and started to move around the map. He found a paint can and laughed when his character turned into the object. His mind came up with a perfect pun, but he was going to save that kind of thing for when they were playing as the group tonight. He tapped Janus on the shoulder to show that he was ready.
Janus turned back round and looked at Patton warmly.
“I’ve found you.” He smiled as Patton looked confused by the statement.
“But… I’ve only just hidden, how could you have found me already?” Patton looked at his screen before he felt Janus softly place his fingers under Patton’s chin, gently encouraging him to look up. He gazed into Janus’ eyes and matched the soft smile on his lips.
“Oh I’m sorry, darling. I wasn’t talking about the prop anymore. I was talking about the person that I’m pretty sure is the love of my life.” He kissed Patton softly which was happily reciprocated before he was pulled into Janus’ arms once again. Only one thought remained on his mind.
This was the best start to game night ever.
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2jaeh · 4 years ago
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SESSIONS | LUCAS WONG
genre: fluff, mature themes,
warnings: suggestive grinding, groping
Words: 1,5k
You’re WayVs assistant and you’re incredibly whipped for their charismatic rapper after he stole a steamy kiss from you a year ago.
——————————————————————————
You went through your schedule frantically, realizing that you needed to be somewhere right now. Most of of the staff rooms were empty and you couldn’t find any of the NCT boys anywhere. Being an assistant manager for WayV at SM seemed like a dream job but why have the past couple of months been literal hell ?
SM had hired you to watch over the WayV unit during the resonance promotions seeing as you were the most capable at mandarin than the rest of the assistants, and frankly the only one who hadn’t complained about their recklessness or the farm that was developing at their dorm.
The only issue with being assigned to WayV right now was an attachment to one of the members you wish you’d forgotten. Wong Yukhei, or better known by his stage name Lucas. Ever since you laid eyes on him you felt giddy, like a school girl going through her first crush.
Lucas was so nice to you from the very beginning. He made you comfortable enough to joke around them and always treated you like a friend rather than an employee. The problem though started at SM’s Christmas party a year back.
“Y/n what are you doing here ?” He said, that familiar grin spread across his face as he approached you.
“Hey-y I’m just getting some fresh air” you had responded shyly, leaning against the wall as his huge frame stood in front of you.
“Hey-y I’m just getting some fresh air” you had responded shyly, leaning against the wall as his huge frame stood in front of you.
You couldn’t remember much of how the rest of the conversation went but you do remember at some point Lucas had pinned you against the wall and kissed you. You remembered his large hands grope your thighs as he groaned into the kiss, whispering sweet nothings into your ear. He smelled like tequila and his usual Tom Ford cologne, having him that close was intoxicating. You also remembered when it came to an end, his band mate Yangyang had shouted for him, and Lucas’s last words to you that night was “let me know if you wanna do that again sometime.”
After that night he moved on like nothing happened. It’s not like he didn’t talk to you but he had completely erased that you two had shared an intimate moment together. You hated that after that night your feelings for him had only escalated and unfortunately you couldn’t do anything about that.
You dragged your feet across the floor as you made your way over to the recording studio as that’s where your schedule needed you to be right now. WayV was recording their individual track for the resonance album and you had to make sure all their needs during recording were met.
Opening the door you were greeted by WinWin and Xiaojun, WinWin in the booth and Xiaojun on the couch memorizing his lines.
You playfully nudged him as you took your seat, “you need any snacks or water ?”
“I’m good thanks, the producer just got us drinks too” Xiaojun smiled sweetly.
You nodded and slumped into the couch as he now took his turn and WinWin waved you a goodbye before leaving the studio. Something in you hoped that you missed Lucas’s recording, but a little part of you didn’t.
You got your answer pretty soon when the door flung open and Lucas walked in, sporting a simple black tank top and jeans. His hair was pushed out of his face and he wore clear spectacles. He was effortlessly hot and he knew it.
You had no idea how long you were checking him out but Lucas had noticed and waved his hand in front of your face.
“Hey you” he giggled and awaited a high 5 from you.
You pressed your lips together and hi5ed him, hating that he was still so nice instead of being a dick about the whole situation. Lucas was cocky but not in the way where he would’ve boasted about kissing you or mocked your little crush on him. But it still hurt how normal he was. It hurt so much.
“Alright Lucas we’ll take it from your verse” the producer said as Lucas stepped into the booth and placed the headphones on his head.
He sucked in his lip as his eyebrows knitted together, reading the words before nodding his head to the music that began to fade in.
You knew about their song Nectar. The words, the innuendos, the whole message behind it and it didn’t surprise you that the boys were quite excited to perform this song.
Lucas was his usual playful self, dancing along to the beat and just having fun with the recording. You unconsciously bit down on your lip as Lucas lifted up his shirt in order to feel the cool breeze of the a/c, still dancing along to the beat.
“Great stuff man, hey I’m gonna go meet with the main producers real quick I’ll be back in an hour or so” the producer turned back to you and you nodded.
Suddenly there was an uncomfortable tension in the air as Lucas emerged from the booth and grabbed a bottle of water from the coffee table. You watched as he downed the whole bottle, the veins in his neck became prominent as he swallowed.
You diverted your attention to your phone, hoping he didn’t catch you staring or notice your reddened ears.
“What did you think ?” Lucas asked as he took a seat on the coffee table in front of you, wiping away the small beads of sweat from his forehead.
You looked up at him, “of what...?”
“My recording, stupid” he chuckled and playfully knocked his knee against yours.
“Oh it was good” you replied shyly, his eyes were practically burning into yours as he talked.
Lucas sat back placing his hands behind him for support and spread his legs as he cocked his head to the side.
“I thought you liked me...is it just good?”
“Huh w-what I don’t like you...what” you were a stuttering mess as you tried to compose yourself.
Lucas laughed loud and ran his fingers through his hair, “you’re so cute oh my God it’s insane you know that ?”
You kept quiet, afraid to make yourself look stupid in front of him again when you felt him lean in and place his index finger under your chin, lifting it to meet his gaze once more.
“Those innocent eyes drive me crazy, just like that night we...were together. You remember ?” He licked his bottom lip.
“Y-yeah I do” you murmured placing your hands in your lap and twirled your rings nervously.
“I was waiting for you to let me know when you wanted to do that again and you never did” Lucas pouted and stroked your cheek, “you don’t like me ?”
“No that’s not it!” You blurted and he chuckled. You sighed and swallowed hard, “I do like you Lucas but you just kinda ignored me after so I thought you didn’t like me...”
Lucas’s eyes widened and his lips curled into a smile as he his hands moved to your lap and laced his fingers with yours.
“I clearly remembered telling you to let me know if you wanted to, I thought me kissing you was enough to let you know how I felt about you y/n” Lucas sighed, “when you didn’t respond after I assumed you weren’t into it.”
You groaned loudly and playfully shoved him, “well next time be more clear will you ?!”
Lucas grabbed your face and pulled you into a passionate kiss, quickly dominating it and cheekily bit on your bottom lip before pulling away.
“Is that clear enough for you ?” He said lowly as his hands moved to your sides and drew circles on your hips.
“I meant be more vocal Lucas” you rolled your eyes yet still flushed from his incredible kiss.
Lucas moved from the coffee table to the couch and in one Swift movement he had you on his lap, straddling him.
He laid his head back as he looked at you through hooded eyes and wet his bottom lip with his tongue.
“Vocal huh ?” He mused.
You tried your best not to move on top of him, the last thing you wanted was to get a tiny taste of friction and going all the way in your workplace studio.
“I don’t want to be just a fuck buddy if that’s what you’re into...”
“Now where the hell did I say that damn y/n what do you think of me?” Lucas chuckled and fake cried into his hands.
“I’m sorry I just wanted to put it out there” you bit down on your lip and played with the material of his shirt.
“I want more, Ofcourse I want more” Lucas groaned and pulled you closer, “you know Johnny hyung told me you’re out of my league”
“I-I’m out of y-your league ?”
“I mean he’s kinda right though, you’re perfect I’m sure any of the guys were waiting to get to you” Lucas pouted and placed a soft peck on your neck.
“Well I only want you...” you mumbled not noticing Lucas’s eyes brighten, all you felt was him bear hugging you and placed butterfly kisses all over your face and neck.
“Good!” Lucas grinned before his eyes became dark again, “so now that I’m vocal, I want to hear a different type of vocal from you y/n.”
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stalksbyakuyatogami · 4 years ago
Note
Could I have the V3 boys reacting to their GN!S/O successfully summoning the ghost of their long dead, but benevolent, ancestor to help them out (whether it be in the killing game or with something mandane in a non-despair AU is up to you)? Like, their S/O is finished, for a few seconds nothing happens and they then hear someone yell "WHO SUMMONED ME!?!" followed by them turning around to see a medival looking ghost.
Summoning An Ancestor With V3 Boys!
Let's have it in a killing game because it's low-key fun
fair warning: this might be a long read
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Shuichi Saihara
•He thought at first that this was a kinda bad idea, but a good one at the same time. He never agreed to help you, but he's there to join you at least.
•You both quickly turned around. It was both unnerving and exciting that you managed to summon your ancestor.
•You were amazed that finally, you get to have some guidance.
•Shuichi however, was still terrified and his insides were trembling. He thinks that it's best to not quiver in front of such a powerful spirit.
•Shuichi keeps quiet the whole time you asked for advice. And said thank you when you two were leaving and saying farewell to the spirit. His way of acknowledging the spirit because he didn't even interact with it.
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Kaito Momota
•You told him that you needed him for something since he told you that he'll help you with anything.
•You knew your boyfriend could never deal with things like ghosts, curses, and such. That's why you told him to come without telling him your agenda.
•So you lead him into the empty rooms on the third floor. He was wondering why there were such strange items on the floor. And he just got more suspicious when you were using them. His heart was now beating rapidly now that he hears you chanting. He wanted to leave so bad, but he wanted to get your permission first, in case it disrupted your ritual.
•He regained his composure when you finished chanting and nothing came out. Thank goodness no one came out. But that relief instantly went away when a booming voice echoed throughout the room, and a transparent body made its way up the ground. He fucking lost it and fainted. Good thing you caught him though.
•You did the negotiation on your own. Your ancestor was intrigued by the limp boy on your hands, and you explained what happened. Ancestor said they won't let their grandchild marry a man like that lmaoooooo.
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Kokichi Ouma
•Was totally up for it. You can see the sparkles in his eyes. He even drags you to where you would hold your ritual. He's more excited than you are. It's gonna be his first time performing something like this. And seeing a spirit? So cool!
•While you worked, he asks all kinds of stuff. How you do it, how to use the materials, did you bring him to sacrifice him, even as far as dissing your ancestor. You told him to save the dissing when they actually appear.
•When the spirit did appear, he took time to scan everything about it before deciding to point out its flaws. He was low-key trembling, to be honest. Now it kinda looked like he was just boasting to show that he wasn't afraid that the spirit might curse him.
•He just stood there listening to all your ramblings towards the spirit. He didn't utter a single word, nor did he move an inch. He just had his eye focused on the spirit, assuring that it doesn't do anything suspicious. Good thing he made it until the end.
•As soon as you were finished, he made sure the spirit was gone and rushed back to his room. His farewell might sound jolly, but he's just gonna bury himself in his blanket and have hours of overthinking. Poor Kokichi.
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Ryoma Hoshi
•He was actually pretty chill when you told him what you plan to do. He was okay with it. But he didn't really enjoy things like that, so he said he'll pass. But because you begged him to be with you, it can't be helped.
•He just stood there smoking while you arranged and performed everything necessary. Ryoma was a bit weirded put when you started chanting. You could summon a demon with that, you know (which is more or less the goal here).
•His jaw and cigarette both fell as the spirit came looming over you two. He couldn't believe his eyes. He doesn't know whether he'd stay or run. But he froze in place, that's for sure.
•You were conversing with your ancestor about everything. Ryoma thinks it's a good thing that you get guidance from your ancestors, but creepy at the same time. While you were at it, he slowly backed up and you didn't notice him going out of the room.
•You finished your session and went out of the room. Ryoma was nowhere to be seen. He was in his room. He told you that you did well, but the next time you do it, he doubts that he'll ever join you again.
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Korekiyo Shuinguuji
•He was actually very very excited when you told him that you were gonna perform some kind of summoning. It was different from a seance, but he was still willing to help you. He didn't say no, and he even asked when you're gonna do it. He couldn't contain his excitement and immediately asked you to lead him to where you'd perform it.
•He helps you in arranging things. He even suggests methods that would make the spirit stay a little longer and summon the correct spirit. There was no one more helpful than Kiyo is. He's an expert in this after all.
•The spirit emerged a bit early than expected. And Kiyo was definitely amazed. He was gazing up your ancestor, admiration glossing his eyes. He's fighting the urge to say his catchphrase, honestly. He has all the thoughts in his mind. •While you were conversing, it looked like he was just standing there, but in reality, he's taking note of everything going on. How the spirit speaks, its mannerisms, and intrusive thoughts like what would happen if he disturbed your ritual. Would the spirit curse you two or something?
•He was muttering to himself by the time you finished. You approached him to ask him what's wrong. He held you by the shoulders and looked straight into your eyes saying that you two should do it again. Hell, he would even help you summon two or more of the spirits. You, of course, were encouraged since you were seeing more of your ancestors.
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Rantaro Amami
•He thought you were joking at first and just lightly laughed it off but he stopped doing so when he realized that you were serious. He agreed to your plan or ritual or whatever it is. He guaranteed that he won't be that much of a help, but he's gonna do whatever you ask him to.
•You instructed him to prepare other materials which were simple to prepare. You did the other side of the tasks. He was very careful of handling these things because he thinks he might mess your ritual up.
•The spirit has emerged. It awed Rantaro in every way. How you managed to summon it, who they were, and overall how it came from just chants. Your ancestor noticed him and assumed that he was your boyfriend. The spirit then thought what everyone first thought of Rantaro. He definitely looks like a playboy and they were in doubt. But you reassured them that it was just his looks and not his attitude. Weirdly enough, your ancestor believed you.
•You sought out guidance, just like what you needed to do. Rantaro was just there supporting you, and even guiding you to ask something important about the killing game. Istg he's the most chill guy around. It sure is creepy, but he's also curious.
•By the time you finished, he'd tell you that you did a good job of staying rational and calm the whole session. He'd definitely accompany you the next time you do this again. He isn't terrified? Poggers!
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Gonta Gokuhara
•Gonta is very very confused about... pretty much everything. What's ritual? Summoning?! Isn't that a bad thing? What if you summon bad spirit? Would not that be bad? After all of this, you guarantee Gonta that everything is gonna be fine because you pretty much knew how to do it. Gonta trusts you with his whole heart.
•He saw all the tools you had laid out and he inspected every one of them. He made sure not to touch anything though. Istg, he's very very anxious about all these. He asks you how you use all of these. It was actually confusing for him, but he promised to do his best despite not knowing how to do this.
•When the spirit arrived, he was startled to see it that he instinctively grabbed something invisible and threatened to hit the phantom. The phantom was surprised in return. He eventually apologized for startling them.
•While you were talking, he was listening attentively. He'd do anything to stop this killing game after all. He would even casually butt in to ask his own questions. He tried to not ask too much, avoiding making the spirit angry.
•When you two were finished, he even told you that he'd gladly accompany you when you do this kind of thing again. He was fascinated by the fact that you successfully summoned an ancestor. His eyes sparkled tbh.
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K1-b0
•Summoning?! Big no! Not because he was afraid of ghosts or something of the sort, he's afraid of the curse it will unleash. But you told him many times that you would know how to handle it. You "would" wasn't enough for him, so you rephrased it. This time with an overflowing amount of assurance. He eventually agreed.
•He is familiar with all the things that you had laid out. He asked you if he was the sacrifice, and if that was the case, he'd never forgive you. You told him that robots can't be sacrificed, so he didn't have to worry. "That's robophobic!". Then what are you supposed to—
•When your ancestor emerged he was a bit terrified. The presence was new to him, and also the form. So he partially hid behind your back, to show fear and respect. He is so going to record this whole thing. It might help any research on paranormal areas, you know.
•He stood there proudly without even budging an inch. It was either out of fear, anxiety, or just plain formality because he doesn't know how to act around these entities. It's his first time facing one, after all. He made sure that as soon as the spirit causes you harm, he'll be there to defend you. Which was sweet of him.
•When you ended, he told you about how mind-blowing and bizarre the experience was. You felt the same as him since it was your first time too. He is a bit weirded out, but he will definitely accompany you again next time.
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Please this took so long and i went fucking overboard. Thank you for requesting, anon!
-Mod Toko
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storiesforallfandoms · 4 years ago
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sister’s approval ~ machine gun kelly
word count: 1415
request?: yes!
“Machine gun Kelly x female reader. The reader is Kells younger sister who’s a singer and who’s really close to kells. When kells and Megan start dating people start saying how Megan is trying to push her out of kells life, trying to make kells forget about his sister even though Megan and kells sister immediately became best friends when kells introduced them. She finally has enough of people saying stuff about Megan and she posts on social media saying that she’s tired of people saying stuff that isn’t true and that her and Megan are best friends and she doesn’t hate Megan and that she’s really happy that her brother found someone as amazing as Megan. Please and thank you”
description: in which the tabloids are trying to paint her brother’s girlfriend as a bad person, so she decides to set the record straight
pairing: machine gun kelly x sister!reader
warnings: swearing
masterlist (one, two)
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She ran right past her brother and immediately tackled his girlfriend instead. Megan chuckled and hugged (Y/N) back as Colson watched with amusement.
“Good to see you too, sis,” he said.
“Yeah, yeah, you’re cool I guess,” (Y/N) said, waving Colson’s comment away. “We both know I’m here for Megan.”
“Weird, I thought you were here to record a song with me.”
“That’s like the side quest, the main mission is Megan.”
Colson rolled his eyes. (Y/N) made her way to his home studio, basically making herself at home in his house.
Despite both of them being in the music business for over 10 years, neither of the Baker siblings had ever done a song together. With the production of his next album, Colson insisted that (Y/N) made a feature on the album. She said yes on the condition that they both kept it an absolute secret until it was released to which Colson agreed.
(Y/N) threw herself down onto the couch in Colson’s home studio and pulled her songwriting notebook from her bag. “I have a few different verses written just because when I started writing I couldn’t stop. You choose one that sounds best with the rest of the song.”
“I’m sure all of them would work.
“Yeah but we can’t do a six verse song, that’s just too long. Pick one and I’ll use the others for a different song.”
Colson took the notebook and read through the verses. (Y/N) took her phone to look through social media while he read them. Megan was sat next to her, sending each other 8 Ball games back and forth between social media sessions.
After scrolling through Instagram for a while, (Y/N) switched to Twitter to find her own name trending. Confused, she clicked it to find an article at the top of the trend. The title read: “MGK blows off sister again! The rapper stands up (Y/N) for Megan Fox yet again”, accompanied by a picture of (Y/N) sat alone outside of a restaurant.
She didn’t have to read the rest of the article to know it was bullshit. The picture was of (Y/N) waiting on a friend outside the restaurant, not Colson, and the headline was so false that (Y/N)’s hands started to shake.
“(Y/N)? You good?”
Colson’s voice brought (Y/N) out of her enraged trance. She looked up to see him and Megan looking at her, expectantly.
“Yeah, I’m good,” she responded. However, another brief glance at her phone brought her anger back. “Actually, no, I’m not. I’ll be right back.”
She got up and walked out of the studio. She went to the living room, far enough away that she knew they wouldn’t be able to hear her as she filmed her video.
The press had been trying to pin (Y/B) and Megan against one another since she and Colson started dating. (Y/N) and Colson had always been close, but once Colson started dating Megan, the paparazzi started taking pictures of just the two of them or just (Y/N), totally ignoring the fact that (Y/N) was constantly posting pictures and tweets about Megan, and that all three of them spent time together often.
(Y/N) had had enough of the lies and the clickbait just to make Megan and Colson look like bad people. She was about to set the record straight, whether people wanted to hear it and believe it or not.
She switched her phone to Instagram again and went to her story. She held her phone up so that she was framed perfectly in the shot and held down on the button to begin recording.
“Hey everyone! I just wanted to address something really quick,” she started. She held the phone out so that the camera would pick up the background. “You see this behind me? This living room I’m in? This is Colson’s living room, because I am in Colson’s house. I am here spending time with him and with Megan, as I do almost every day. I am bringing this up because I just saw yet another article trying to make it out as if Colson has stopped spending time with me due to Megan. These articles are nothing but clickbait and lies to try and grab reader’s attention, especially the attention of my fans.
“Colson and I have not had any sort of falling out. There are no ill wishes from me towards Megan, and vice versa. In fact, Megan is my best friend. I like her more than I like Colson. And no, Colson has not stood me up or dumped me for Megan. Does he like to have his alone time with her? Of course! All couples do! But we still spend time together and we still talk to one another. There’s no bad blood between any of us. To the tabloids that have been spewing this bullshit for nearly a year now, I’d like for you all to kindly and politely shut the fuck up and move on. If I keep seeing this slander about my family, I will not hesitate to take legal action. To any of my fans who actually believe this and are sending hateful messages to Colson and Megan, I also beg you to stop. They are my family, and by hurting them you are hurting me. Whether you choose to believe this video or not is totally up to you, but this is the truth. All three of us, we’re a family. So fuck off of my family.”
(Y/N)’s hands were still shaking as she pressed “post”. She watched the videos load one by one before they were all posted to her story. The moment they went up, the views came flooding in, as did the positive messages. Many of her fans sent her private messages in response to the story, telling her they were sorry that she and Colson had to deal with that and assuring her that the real fans knew there was no ill intentions between the three of them.
Satisfied that she had finally gotten that off her chest, (Y/N) went to Colson’s kitchen and poured herself a glass of water before going back to the home studio. As she walked through the door, both Colson and Megan’s heads turned to look at her.
“Did you guys want water, too?” she asked, trying to lighten the mood.
“You could’ve told us you were going to film that video,” Colson said. “We could’ve addressed the rumors, too.”
(Y/N) sighed and took her spot on the couch again. “I know that, but I felt like it had to be me addressing it. I was the one being made out to be a victim. If you guys said anything before I did, everyone would just think you’re trying to cover your own asses. You can make statements if you want, but I felt like I had to be the first one to speak up about this.”
“She’s right,” Megan agreed. “If we came out about it first it would just be fuel to the tabloid’s fire. Although, I don’t think we should have to make any sort of statement about it. The fact that anyone believes that shit makes no sense to me.”
“People like to demonize celebrities they don’t like,” (Y/N) responded. “Whether it’s true or not. Chances are that video will be taken out of context to fit their agenda, but whatever. I said my piece, I’m moving on.” She nodded to her notebook in Colson’s hand. “Did you choose a verse?”
Colson looked down at the notebook before passing it back to (Y/N). “They’re all really good, so I thought maybe, instead of one single, we do an entire album together.”
(Y/N)’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? Like you actually wanna do that?”
Colson nodded. “Yeah! I think it’ll be a fun surprise to both of our fanbases, and it’ll definitely make up for the last ten years where we haven’t worked together.”
(Y/N) was basically bouncing with excitement. “Oh my God, this album is gonna be so fucking awesome! We should give it a really cheesy name, like Baker’s Dozen.”
“No,” Colson said.
“Yes!” Megan retorted.
“Two against one, it’s being called Baker’s Dozen,” (Y/N) decided. She and Megan high fived while Colson buried his head in his hands and let out a groan.
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fakeloveaskblog · 3 years ago
Note
Janus!!!! You and Remus should go to play Lasertag!!! (is that how it's spelled? is that what it's called?) I'm sure Remus would love that!
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Janus: "Hmmm while I am not a big fan of the idea of lasertag it does sound like something he would like.......I shall give it a try"
Remus was banging on the vending machine right outside Picani's office to try and get some candy out. Janus was telling the vending machine it was a stupid piece of shit in support. They had just gotten out of their fake therapy session.
“HAHA!” Remus let out a triumphant laugh as he got the candy. He immediately lunged his goblin mouth down into the bag. Only stopping to ask if his friend wanted any. He said no.
“So...” Janus began. He fiddled with his gloves out of nervousness “I kind of had a falling out with a...friend a few days ago and I could- I mean- Maybe hanging out would I uhm help me to think of something else. IF You want to?! I am totally forcing you to hang out. No saying no allowed totally. Maybe lasertag would be fun?”
His friend had sugar all around his lips as he grinned “Of course J-anus! Anything for my snakey! Hey you can pretend the other people are your friend and fuck them up!!”
Janus didn’t get a chance to respond, his crush had already started to walk towards the entrance. He had a skip in his step and he was flapping his hands around.
“Oh I know a lasertag place not far away! I think I still have one of the highscores there!”
They took the bus to the place. They sat so they were facing each other instead of beside each other. Janus didn’t want to intrude too much on his personal space.
The lasertag place was half filled with teenagers and friend groups. Energy drinks and chips could be bought. On the wall a display of the records of the day, month and all time stood. On the tenth place on the all time records stood BUTTMASTER420.
“Aww I was on the 7th place the last time I was here” Remus pouted.
“It just means you have to get a new record today” Janus replied with a smile.
“That’s the spirit snakey!”
Remus once again paid for everything without giving his friend a chance to pay for himself. Janus felt a little embarrassed putting on the laser tag gear but seeing the stupidly big grin on his crush’s face easily made up for any negative feelings.
The game room was dark with only a few neon lights here and there. The fake walls and obstacles made so the players could duck from lasers were also clad in black. Hell even the fake pirate ship sitting in the corner for some reason was all in black!
The dudes were on the same team, the blue one. Along with some strangers. Even more strangers made up the red team. They had 30 seconds to find a starting position in the room before the 15 minute game started.
The moment they were let in Remus took Janus’ hand. He intertwined their fingers while holding his lasergun steadily in his other hand. He ran into the room, pulling his friend along, towards the pirate ship. To Jan’s surprise he ran past it and instead made them both hunch down behind a box.
“We can wait until some bitches have taken over the ship and then destroy them!! That way it’ll be even more exhilarating!” Remus whispered to him.
“Ah yes. The old stealing ship strategy. Done that many times” He replied sarcastically.
The signal went off showing the match had started. Remus let out a delighted squeal and shot up from the cover to shoot at people. His friend stayed hidden. 
He saw a stranger running and stopped when they saw them. They aimed towards Remus who was currently laughing like a maniac. Janus aimed back at the stranger and somehow shot right on their chest. Before getting up and pulling his crush along to the nearest other cover, which happened to be a fake pillar.
Janus had a small smile on his face as adrenalin rushed through his veins “This is actually kind of...fun”
“Right??? I knew you’d like it!!”
Remus hit his ear a few times and kept blinking rapildy. There was so much sensory stuff going on it was making his skin feel like static. He usually had his headphones with him, but being with his friend was easily making up for the discomfort.
“Seems like a good time for mutiny” Janus suggested while glancing over to the pirate ship.
“Perfect time!”
They ran between covers. Remus was shooting at every single person he saw. Even blue ones. Janus’s gear beeped a few times showing he’d been shot. By the time he’d gotten to the pirate ship his crush was already crawling up the side of it like a rabid spider.
Janus let out a few panting breathes before walking up onto the ship. “Face your doom fuckers!” Remus was yelling while sprinting up to the people on the top of the ship.
A truly epic battle of shouting joking insults and shooting lasers began. No one was paying attention to Janus so he sneaked around them and sat down right at the highest point of the ship. He could see the whole room. Ah yes! This was true power!!! He proceeded to snipe at any little bitch he saw while his crush playfully barked at the other people until they gave up and left the ship.
Remus sat down and leaned his back against Janus’ so he had full sight of the other side of the room. He let out a cackle every time he hit someone. His laugh was like a chainsaw but Jan still adored it.
“This is almost as exciting as getting to plot revenge against people I will never actually hurt” Jan said.
“Indeed. There’s barely any difference between lasers and poison anyway!”
A few minutes went by, just enough so Janus could properly catch his goddamn breathe. before Remus suddenly jumped up on his feet and pulled in Janus’ shirt to get him to move as well.
“C’mon snakey just sitting safely isn’t exciting enough! We gotta jump back into the battlefield! Dive into the ocean of laser and lava!!”
Janus let out a sigh before holding out his hand so his crush could take it and pull him along to wherever he wanted. Which Remus promptly did. They jumped down from the ship and zigzagged across the room while lasers went here and there.
He slid to a stop against a wall. A loud beeping was going off to show it was only 2 minutes left. Remus let go of his friend to cover his ears. He still held up his smile.
“You feeling okay?” Jan asked.
“Mhm” He nodded and moved his hands away from his ears to instead aim at a few people from the red team “We gotta get in a few more points before it ends right”
“Right on it comrade”
They aimed at as many people as possible. Remus seemed a bit out of it but still chuckled when he got in a good hit.
A stranger ran past them. They stumbled against Remus for just a moment. Their hand landed on his lower back but they quickly continued past them to hide behind a cover. 
The sudden push made Remus stumble forward. He froze. The gun hang in the wire connected to his gear. His eyes were wide as he stared down into the floor.
Janus stopped and looked back when he didn’t hear his crush’s laughter anymore. He let go of the gun when he saw the way Remus was holding his hand over his mouth and the way his chest was barely moving.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I...I can’t breathe” Remus let out between gasping breathes for air.
“Is the binder too tight? Ehm is it a sensory overload? What should I-” He rambled out in a panic.
“I can’t....I can’t breathe” Was all he could get out.
“Right. Right...Remus I am going to grab onto your shirt and lead you out of here okay? I won’t do anything more than that”
He waited for his friend to nod before lightly taking ahold of the arm of his shirt and walking through the room to the exit. He didn’t give any of the players running around as much as a chance of accientally touching Remus.
They left the lasertag building and sat down on the sidewalk behind it. Janus let go of his friend and gave him a bit of space. Remus buried his head in his hands while gasping for air.
“Do you need help with-” Janus began.
“I can...I can handle it” Remus interrupted.
His shoulders was shaking and his nails were digging down into his skin. Tears formed in his eyes and he immediately tried to force them away.
“This is so stupid” He mumbled “It was- They barely even touched me- it was an accident- It’s so stupid- so stupid”
“Don’t say that. Sensory overload isn’t anything stupid. It’s not something you can just force away with willpower. All the lights and sound was a bit much for me as well to be honest. So it’s not stupid for you to be overwhelemed either” Janus said in a soothing tone.
The tears kept buldiing up “No. No. It’s so stupid- It happened over a year ago- I should be past it- It’s so stupid”
A cold feeling spread through Janus as he realized it might not only have been a sensory overload but maybe something more close to a flashback. He scooted slightly closer while fiddling with his gloves. He was unsure of how to comfort him.
“I...When....” Janus took a deep breathe “It’s been almost a year since I moved out from my parent’s house...But when I had a window open a few nights ago and the wind suddenly made it slam shut...I...It reminded me so much of doors being slammed shut and....and....So all I could do for the next hours was hide under my blanket with my snake plushie. I knew I was alone in my own apartement...But my body still reacted like I was a teenager”
He stopped to regain his compuser.
“So Remus I promise that whatever you’re reacting to it’s not stupid. Nor is the way you are reacting. I know what’s it like”
Remus looked over at him, his eyes red from crying. “Can I hug you?” He asked with a hoarse voice.
Janus didn’t respond. He simply opened his arms and let Remus cuddle up against his chest. Jan moved his hand up and down his back and and pressed his face into his crush’s fluffy mess of a hair.
They sat in silence for a bit. Every now and then Remus sniffled but he didn’t try to move away. Sometimes Janus mumbled something meaningless but comforting.
Eventually Remus moved back. The tears had dried on his cheeks and his breathing was steady. He stood up and rubbed his palms against his eyes before standing up. Janus did as well.
“You should probably drink some water when you come home. So you don’t get a headache from the crying” He suggested.
“Thanks snakey” Remus let up into a small smile. He suddenly took out his phone and typed something “I ehm...I’m sending my adress to you. I know you’ve already walked me there. but in case you’d forgotten. And in which apartment number I live. I don’t have any job and i don’t sleep much so you can come at like anytime! Just to hang out. If you want!”
“Oh no I would absolutely despise having to spend time with a person I’ve already choosen to spend several very fun hours with”
Remus’ smile moved into a grin “Great! And uh next time we hang out after therapy we can do something you want. I know these past times we’ve done stuff I’m mostly interested so you can choose!”
Butterflies flied around in Janus’ chest “I would love to!”
“Maybe we can invite Remy as well!”
Both of them sighed at the same time “They’re so pretty”
They glanced at each other with blushing cheeks before letting up into laughter and giggling. By the end of it all the bad feelings left by the breakdown we’re gone.
Remus reached out and held Janus’ hand for a moment “Well I shall see you next time! Don’t die!”
He let go and started to walk away, a skip still in his step. “I’ll do my best!” Janus replied.
He stood still with a big goofy grin on his lips and with blush reaching up to his ears. He looked over to you with an excited look on his eyes.
Janus: “Did you see that!? He really does seem to like being with me! Oh I wonder where I’ll take Remy and Remus to hang out. Maybe a museum? Oh and his adress! Exscuse me I am not usually this excited but ahhh I can just go over and hang out?? Whenever I want to??? Should I? I want to! Should I go over to him this weekend? Is that normal? Is that okay?”
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formeandmyfics · 4 years ago
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Jugenea Fic
I’LL NEVER STOP WANTING YOU
When an almost divorced, and recently dumped, Judy goes out looking for a good time at an unfamiliar nightclub, Gene refuses to let her leave with a stranger.
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The streets of Metro’s east lot were quiet and empty as Gene walked down the black pavement waving through a lawn between rehearsal halls. The pavement was dewy as it just finished raining and the July air was muggy, sounds of crickets filled his ears.
He had his hands in his pockets and his steps were slow. It was after nine o’clock but he wasn’t in a hurry to get to his car. In fact, he wasn’t in a hurry to get home either. Like everyone else on a Friday evening, normally he would have already been out of there, but that was when he had something exciting to get to.
Judy crossed his mind. This time last year, while filming ‘My Gal’, the two couldn’t wait to meet up at Ciro’s on a Friday evening. They would dance and laugh and have fun with friends then end the night rolling around the back seat of his car like love struck teenagers. Frequently he would get off to her BJ or she to his fingers, but rarely they’d actually make love in the vehicle. That was mostly done in their trailers at the studio where they had privacy.  
Lately, the only thing he looked forward to after work was Kerry. But right now she was out east with his parents for a few weeks, letting his family spend time with her during the summer.  
He had just gotten back from filming in Europe and he and Betsy seemed to be off track again. He wanted to get back on it, but his determination that he had to fix his marriage, back when they had the baby last October, just wasn’t there as much as it used to be. He didn’t even feel like going to Ciro’s. If Judy was there, he was afraid he’d slip right back into what he tried so hard to avoid to work on his marriage. But, if she ended up not being there, he knew he’d also be disappointed. She was still his friend and gave him so much joy. He missed her sense of humor.  
After the new year, they ended their affair. He wanted it more than her, he could tell, but she wanted one last shot at saving her new, but defeating marriage to Dave. Shortly after, he heard about her nervous collapse on the set of ‘Girl, Crazy’ followed by three weeks of rest. Roger informed him, over coffee in the commissary one day, that it was that God-damn Busby that was the result. Gene suspected their split was a part of it as well, though he never asked her. Never had a chance.  
In March they reunited to record a radio adaptation of their picture, and Judy sent him flirtatious signals that only he would recognize, but he made a point to ignore them. She remained cordial.  
Four months.  
He hadn’t seen her, or spoken to her, for four months. He read about her in the paper, spoke of her with mutual friends, heard her on the radio, but hadn’t seen her lovely face since then. Gene knew one thing; he was coming off a withdrawal from Judy Garland and it wasn’t fun. It was a total downer.  
Gene jingled his car keys in his pocket as he could see the east parking lot up ahead, but he felt something in that moment that people rarely felt there: peace. It was the most deserted and silent he had ever heard Metro. Except for a janitor or construction worker rolling by on a golf cart, he was alone. It felt nice.   He sat down on a bench outside Goldwyn Hall, a two-story brick building, named after one of the studio’s founding fathers. Upstairs were vocal rehearsal rooms and downstairs were songwriter and lyricist's offices. Gene had spent a lot of time in that building when he first came to Metro last year.
After Gene sat down, he bent his head forward, as he rested his elbows on his knees, and spun his keys around his finger. But, an echo of music started playing behind him. It was piano. He quickly grasped his keys to silence them when he heard Judy’s voice. His first initial reaction was that someone had the radio on or was playing back a recording, but her voice went from faint then got stronger.
Gene lifted his head when he heard her stop, then start over again. That was her. He turned around on the bench and looked up at the second story window that was open and the light was on. He felt his heart flutter when he realized she was up there. Gene double checked his watch. She wasn’t working this late was she? Maybe with Roger? His office was downstairs. Curious, but also failing to stop the urge to see her again, he got up and walked inside.  
Judy was sitting alone at the piano in one of the small rehearsal rooms, her beautiful and distinctive voice bouncing off of every corner, as she sang, and played, ‘But Not For Me’.
Gene was leaning his shoulder on the wall, behind the see-through, glass door as he watched her. Even though the door was shut, he could still clearly hear her. She was lost in the song, playing by heart, singing with certain expressions; it was as if she were still in front of the cameras.  
When Judy mindlessly glanced up, she did a double take, seeing him. Through the sound of music, she could suddenly hear her own heartbeat thudding. She was surprised to see him, but at the same time, wasn’t. He tended to show up at places like this, at the strangest of times. She noted how handsome, and relaxed he looked leaning there behind the glass watching her.
She genuinely smiled through a lyric acknowledging him. Her voice didn’t falter nor did the keys.  
He had been spotted, Gene thought, and he pulled the door open. She continued the song, her eyes following him as he slowly walked over to the piano. He seemed so shy that his steps were careless, his heels scuffling against the floor.  
Leaning his elbows on the piano his eyes didn’t quite catch hers as he listened. Instead, he glanced at the music on top of the piano. He knew she couldn’t read a note of music, that’s why she wasn’t using it. She had this uncanny way of knowing how to sing a song, and play it on piano, once hearing the melody only once, twice at most. Something only he, and a very few others knew, was that she played the piano. She refused to have that small pleasure taken away to be a money making venture.  
When her fingers played the last few notes of her current song, she kept her eyes glued on Gene who looked a little melancholy, tapping his pointed finger against the sheet music, obviously lost in his thoughts. It made her feel a little uneasy, and sad, so she purposely started playing the beginning to ‘For Me and My Gal’. Gene instantly smiled before looking over at her. She smiled back.
“Ding, Dong, Ding, Dong...” she sang the opening verse.
“Do you hear the bells go ding dong,” he chimed while singing with her.
They both chuckled and she stopped playing as she sat on the bench next to her.
“How are you, darling,” she asked.
“Oh, just swell. You?”
“Oh, life’s just a bowl of cherries.”
She sounded cheery, but he knew her comment was more sarcastic. He had read about her separation from her husband and that she had just recently moved into a house up in Bel Air. He also heard about her short-lived affair with Joe Mackiewicz out in Palm Springs where she had filmed the rest of her Mickey picture. Rumor was that married Mackiewicz just wanted fun but Judy wanted more. Gene didn’t usually pay much attention to gossip, but this time he had a feeling it was true. It could almost be the same thing that happened to them, though Gene didn’t just see her as a piece of ass, like he was sure a man like Joe did, Gene had fallen for her; mind, body and soul.  
“What are you doing up here all alone, toots?”
“I have a radio show tomorrow night to promote ‘Girl, Crazy’. I was just going over a few songs. What about you? You’re never at the studio this late.”
“I was doing some post-ADR for my picture. Then got caught up in a choreography session for a film I might do for Columbia in a few months.”
“Columbia,” Judy said shocked, “I’m surprised Mr. Mayer is letting them borrow you.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because studios usually don’t like to hand out their big stars.”
“I’m no Gable, sweetheart.”
“Yet,” she emphasized confidently, with her finger up, “Each film you’ve done so far has been big box office draws and you’ve gotten raves in the papers.”
“Yeah, all three of them,” he rolled his eyes, “Our film was a hit because of you, baby, and ‘Pilot #5’ egh, first dramatic role, wasn’t too great in it. And you know ‘DuBarry’ was all Red and Lucy Ball.”
“That isn’t true.”
“It is. When ‘Thousands Cheer’ comes out I’m sure it will be a hit because, as you know, it’s a star-studded film. I’m sure this war film I just finished will be better than the first dramatic film I did, we’ll see.”
Judy stared at him not believing her ears and he sat there so casually.
“Gene,” she said quite sternly.
“Huh?”
“You know, you’re making me a little angry,” she giggled but was serious.
“Why,” he chuckled back.
“You really need to give yourself more credit.”
“I don’t care about any of that stuff, Judy. I just want to choreograph and dance and work with other great actors. Reviews and box office draws don’t mean a thing to me.”
“Let me ask you something. If our film sank, after how hard we worked on it, wouldn’t you have been disappointed?”
“No, because it brought me to you,” he said smiling cheekily.
She laughed, “I’m serious. Put me out of the equation.”
“Impossible,” he interrupted.
“Really, though. Darling, when you’re passionate about a film, when you really believe in it, and you worked your butt off, and you want it to be something great, and then it tanks, it can be really disheartening.”
“You sound like you’ve been through this before.”
She nodded, “‘Wizard of Oz’. You don’t know how long I worked on that film. It was fun but really hard. By the end, I just knew we had something great. Then when I went to see it, and it didn’t have the reaction we all hoped, it kinda broke my heart. I always thought that it was me, that it would have done better if they had stuck with Shirley.”
“Shirley who?”
“Temple.”
“Get out of here.”
“Mm hm. They were juggling us back and forth but Fox wouldn’t let Shirley go back then.”
“She’s a sweetie pie, but she’s a baby actor and dancer, not a singer. ‘Over the Rainbow’,” he gave her a silly look showing her that it was destined to be a Judy Garland song only, “Please.”
Judy giggled, “See. And that’s what always wins...music. Even if a film doesn’t do well, or the story is not that great, a good musical number or song will always be remembered. Rainbow is mine. What will be yours?”
Gene looked at her taken back a bit, though he wasn’t all surprised. She always came off beyond wise for her years.
“I will always take pride in my dancing. I did the same on Broadway.”
“Ok. And hold onto that, because your dancing, or a particular musical number of yours, will be the heart of even the worst of films,” she teased. “It only takes 2 minutes of you tap dancing like you did in ‘DuBarry’ that will be remembered out of a 90 minute film. Be proud of it and don’t hold yourself short. And if you find yourself disappointed, that means you’re passionate about it, and that’s ok, too.”
Gene looked at her slyly and pressed a few keys on the piano, his ego shooting through the roof.
“My biggest fan.”
Judy wrapped her arms around his bicep and leaned her cheek against his shoulder, “Are you mine?”
Gene stiffened a bit. Her question was bouncing from his statement, but her voice suggested something entirely different.  
“You know I’ll always be your biggest fan, Judy.  Always gonna stand by and root for ya, honey.”
“I’ve missed you,” she said sweetly, raising her head to rest her chin on his shoulder now, staring at the side of him as he looked away from her angelic face.
“I know. I’ve been busy with work. I’ve been out promoting the last film and then I was across the pond filming ‘Cross of Lorraine’. I just got back last week. I haven’t even been out to any clubs. I know you were filming out on location, too.”
Judy’s face dropped a bit, “That’s not what I meant.” 
He sighed, “No, I didn’t think so.”
“Haven’t you missed me?”
“I’ve missed my best friend.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes. I can’t cross that line.”
“What line,” she asked annoyed.
“The line you’re on, baby,” he said looking back at her trying to make his point clear without hurting her feelings. But, it was already too late.
Judy slid her arms from his and sat up straight. She tried to distract herself as she played some keys, pretending to get back to rehearsing. Gene also read her point cloud and clear.
“I’m glad I got to see you again. I’ll tell ya one thing,” he said reaching under her chin to have her look up at him, “I’ve missed that face.”
Judy just blinked, no expression present, but he could read her eyes, she was upset. But she had to get over it, over him.
“Go home and get some rest.”
“It’s lonely there, you know.”
“Then distract yourself. Go out with some friends, go to Ciro’s. You love that and you don’t have to be here tomorrow.”
Judy brushed his hand off of her and went back to playing.
Gene was silent a moment before he leaned down and kissed her cheek, “Good night.
When the door shut behind him, Judy pound her hands on the keys and stood up, “Fine. I will go out. I’m going to go out and find a man who will actually want me,” she said to herself as she collected her purse.
Gene pulled up at a red light on Venice Boulevard, his head and his heart in an emotional battle, when he heard a honk. Looking over, his buddy Van Johnson was smiling, motioning for him to roll his window down. Gene smiled back, and leaned far over to roll the passenger side down.
"Hey buddy," Van said cheerfully.
"What are you doing out in this part of town this late? You're usually out hob-knobbing on Friday nights."
"Had a late dinner with Evie and a couple of her girlfriends. She wanted to stay, so I high-tailed it out of there."
Gene looked ahead making sure the light was still red, "Too much cock in the hen house?"
"Exactly. What are you doing out this way?"
"Just left the studio," Gene motioned behind him, where the studio stood a few minutes back.
"This late?" Gene nodded and Van continued, "Damn. Well, you got any plans?”
"Nope."
"You wanna go out and have a few?"
"Yeah, that sounds good. But let's do one of the joints on Melrose. I don't feel like swinging with Hollywood tonight."
The light turned green so they quickly ended their conversation.
"How about Blue Martini, Melrose and La Cienega?"
"I gotta go home and change first. I'll meet you there," Gene shouted as they started rolling as cars honked behind both of them.
He chuckled when he saw Van, in his rearview mirror, throw his hand out the window at the car behind him.
When Gene arrived home, the house was dark and quiet. Upstairs, Betsy was curled in bed with a book and the radio going next to her.  
"Hi."
"Hi. You're home late."
"I know. I stayed and worked on some ideas for that 'Cover Girl' picture coming up. And I ran into Judy when I was leaving," he said casually as he started to unbutton his shirt.
"Oh yeah? How's she doing," Betsy asked a bit uninterested as she continued to read her suspense book.
"Fine. Didn't talk too long. She just got back from filming on location, too."
"I'm surprised you didn't catch up with her. You haven't seen her for a while, right," Betsy said now placing the book in her lap, "You two became good friends back on your picture. Maybe we can arrange to all have dinner sometime."
Gene froze for a moment before walking into the walk-in closet. He had mentioned Judy casually, to keep it unsuspecting, but now the conversation was going further than he meant.
Speaking up from the closet he changed the subject real fast, "Van pulled up next to me at a red light. Invited me out for a few drinks right now," he poked his head out, "I know you're all comfy, but do you want to come with me?"
"No, thanks," she said smiling sheepishly as she snuggled further into bed to hint to him that she was very comfy, "But you go ahead."  
Gene leaned back and raised his eyebrows to himself as he picked out a fresh dress shirt. He wasn't surprised at her response. She rarely liked to go out lately, not since they moved to Los Angeles. He understood at first. Perhaps she was shy. He was always able to persuade her then though. Then pregnancy happened, then the baby was born. He understood that as well. But Kerry was nine months old now. His wife could at least try but she got way too comfortable being a homebody while Gene enjoyed the nightlife.
June Allyson held hands with Judy as she led her through the crowded nightclub called the Blue Martini on Melrose not too far from Paramount Studios. Judy knew most of her pals were at The Player’s Club or Ciro’s or another joint on the Sunset Strip. She wanted to go out and have a night of flirtatious fun with someone she didn’t know. Judy knew if she were to go to Ciro’s, as Gene suggested, which was one of her favorite places, then word would get back to Mr. Mayer of her indiscretions and she didn’t feel like spending Monday morning in his office getting another talking to.
Judy didn’t want to show up somewhere alone, and she didn’t know many other bars, so she didn’t want to end up in some dive. She had to think of someone whom she trusted that would know where to go. That brought her to her new friend, June. She was new to Metro and had a small part in ‘Girl, Crazy’. They had hit it off right away. June had the same sense of humor as Judy. And even though on the outside she was the ‘girl next door’, June had street smarts from working on Broadway and living alone in New York. Judy, of course, didn’t know June well enough to tell her of her goal for the night; to have a one-night stand, or at least a good time with a handsome stranger. But, June knew exactly where to go. She described the club as a little jazz gem away from the high-ballers. That’s exactly what Judy wanted.  
The club was much smaller than the other places she was used to, but it was still charming, and sexy. The smoke-filled nightclub had an ambience of blue lighting and there was a gorgeous, lit up fountain in the middle of the club.
Judy looked around as June led her swiftly towards a free table over by the bar. She passed many people, ones she didn’t recognize, but they still had an elegant look to them which relaxed her a bit. She definitely was not in some drunkard’s dive.
As they passed a booth of men in suites talking over Brandy, Judy caught a man’s eye. He smiled and looked her up and down as she was rushed by. Judy had just enough time to glance back at him over her shoulder smiling back. She wasn’t sure if he recognized her or not, but she didn’t care at that point. She was already ahead of her goal and he was very handsome.
“Thank goodness we got a table, it’s almost standing room only,” June said sitting down.
“This is great. Where on earth did you find this place?”
“I came here with Lucy a few months ago when we were filming ‘Best Foot Forward’. Her husband was playing here with his band for a few weeks during ‘Rumba’ night. I thought it was a cute place.”
“It’s just what I needed. And look, no cameras going off in your face.”
“That must be hard, to try to have a good time and then you have cameramen running up to you.”
“I really don’t mind it all that much. I guess I’ve gotten used to it, but tonight I wanted to be away from all that. You, darling, will soon find out what it feels like.”
“I’ll be on my way up, that’s what they tell me. I don’t mind though, you know? I’m just happy to be here at the studio working. And,” June said, reaching over to grab Judy’s hand warmly, “To have made friends with you.”
“Me, too. You’re a doll.”
“Cocktails, ladies,” a waitress in a sleek, black uniform asked.
“A glass of red Cabernet for me, please.”
“Top shelf whiskey sour.”
“You got it.”
Chatter filled the nightclub as the band went on break. Judy looked back over her shoulder at the table. She saw the man look at her but he was immersed in his conversation in the booth. She decided to let some cocktails sink in, and music come back, before she got more courage to continue her quest.  
“I heard from Arthur that he wants L.B. to put you on contract, that’s a sure thing of being on your way up.”
“He’s talking about having me star in some film with Van Johnson. Until then, I'm still doing my side parts, but I've met so many greats. I really don’t care if I climb up or not. I do hope maybe one day we can work together.”
“I would love that. I would love to sing with you. You sound like a bell.”
“Me,” June sarcastically said, pointing to herself reminding them of who just made that compliment. Both ladies giggled.
“I swear, between you and Gene, it’s like you have no confidence in your talent.”
“Gene?”
“Kelly. Have you met him yet?”
“Not yet. I’ve seen your picture though. It was swell and looked like fun.”
“It was a lot of fun. That was his first picture, you know.”
“I know. I heard that you helped him get it.”
“I wanted him for it and I’m glad the studio listened. His talent is beyond amazing, June, it really is. And we became very good friends.”
“Oh, I could tell that. I would see you two hanging out together outside your sound stages in between takes. I think you were both doing separate films. Ya, he was doing a film with Lucy.”
“Yah. You should have come hung out with us.”
“I didn’t want to intrude. Besides, I was still so new and shy. I’d see you and duck into a stairwell.”
“Oh, stop,” Judy laughed. “You know, Gene was just talking to me earlier about not caring if he gets ahead, all he wants to do is dance and work.”
“I suppose that’s what being green in this industry is all about.”
“Here you are, ladies.”
“Thank you.”
June held up her glass, “To being green.”
“But having confidence in your talent,” Judy said back and the girls clinked glasses before sipping.
June made a noise as she sipped and quickly took her glass away from her lips, “Speak of the devil.”
“What?”
“Gene Kelly just walked in.”
Judy giggled, wiping her pink-polished fingers on her cocktail napkin to rid the wetness of her glass’s condensation. Clearly, June was teasing.  
“Van Johnson is with him, too.”
Judy’s eyes widened as she looked up at June, who stared over her shoulder with curious eyes taking another sip of her wine.  
“No, they aren’t,” Judy mumbled to herself and turned to look herself.  
Yes, they were.  
Judy watched as the men figured out where to go in the crowded room. She turned back around and closed her eyes. After Gene’s rejection, he was the last person she wanted to see right now.  
“Want to go say hi?”
“You know, I- I’m sure they came here for the same reason we did...to not be bothered. Let’s just leave them alone.”
“Too late, honey, Van’s pointed at us,” she lowered her voice in a deep undertone to be playful, “You’ve been spotted.”
Gene was steps behind Van as he bee lined for the small table for two where Judy sat with a woman that he kind of recognized. He was a bit shell-shocked to see Judy at this joint and it showed plain as day on his face.  
“Hiya sweet cheeks,” Van said as he made no hesitation in cuddling Judy hard from the side, to where her chair even scooted with the force of the embrace, and he planted a big kiss on her cheek.
She giggled, and glanced up at Gene, a smile on her face, but she didn’t look too thrilled. Gene could see that.
“You know my buddy here,” Van said sarcastically introducing Gene to Judy.
“Clark Gable,” Gene replied, “I think we’ve met once or twice before,” he replied just as sarcastically.
“I don’t recall,” she said a bit cattily, smiling and batting her lashes.
Gene’s smile dropped but June spoke up, “And I do recall that I haven't met you yet, Mr. Kelly.”
Gene turned his attention to June, “And who might you be, my dear?”
“June Allyson,” Van replied, “Up and rising star at our alma mater. And hopefully my next leading lady.”
“Hopefully.”
“Yes, I’ve seen you around the lot. How do you do, Miss Allyson?”
“June.”
“Then it’s Gene to you.”
“I was just telling Judy how wonderful I thought your film was.”
“Which film is that?”
He shot Judy a look at his intentional remark and it was Judy’s turn to look at Gene sans smile.  
Judy perched her lips irritated before nearly speaking through her teeth, a forced smile plastered, “The one we did together, darling.”
“Oh, yes. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Van, buddy, how about we head to the bar? There’s two seats at the end.”
“Ladies, would you like some company? Two women alone in the bar calls for two gentleman callers.”
“Unfortunately, this is a table for two, sweetie,” Judy replied sweetly.  
“There’s always our laps,” Van winked.
Judy nervously scratched her neck and chuckled, turning red. She knew which lap she’d end up on and was afraid Gene would push her off.
“And where is Evie,” June asked, mischievously bringing up his girlfriend’s name.  
“Hey, I can look but not touch right?”
“Down boy,” Gene said, grabbing Van’s bicep, “I think we might’ve intruded on girl’s night.”
“Then I shall bow out gracefully.”
“Thank you,” Judy said, smiling genuinely and accepted a peck on the lips from her friend.  
After Van kissed Judy goodbye, he gave June’s hand a kiss and followed Gene to the bar.
As time went by, even though Judy could feel Gene’s eyes on her, she refused to turn to look at him. Luckily, a few of Van’s friends showed up and the five of the men got lost in conversation, taking Gene’s attention away from her. At one point, Judy could even hear Gene’s laughter from across the way as the men got rowdy.
June and Judy got lost in gossip and anecdotes and enjoyed each other's company along with the live music.
After the waitress put down another fresh drink for Judy, June smiled sheepishly as she just took the last sip of her 2nd glass of wine.
“How are you feeling?”
“Mm, good. How about you?”
“Fine, but I’m not the one drinking my cocktails like water.”
Judy blushed, “They’re good.”
June giggled. She knew well enough that Judy Garland wasn’t an alcoholic. She just needed a well-deserved night off, but June decided that they’d probably be best taking a cab home instead of Judy’s personal chauffeur who had dropped them off. June was still new to this side of business, and didn’t know if she could trust him. Last thing Judy needed was word to get out from her driver that MGM’s ‘it’ girl got inebriated.
Judy looked over at the booth, where the man she first made eyes with was, but he was no longer there. She didn’t notice Gene looking at her as she leaned far back in her chair to look past his group. Curious, he looked behind him to see what or who she was looking at.
Seeing that booth now vacant, Judy decided she’d have to find someone else to flirt with, but first was going to freshen up.
“I’m going to use the washroom,” she said standing up, “I’ll be right back.”
Before June could even respond, Judy lost her balance a bit and June quickly grabbed Judy’s arm and the table that wobbled. Judy found it hilarious as she steadied herself, her infectious laugh louder than anyone else’s in the room.
Her laugh even got Gene’s attention as he watched her walk away from the table. Catching eyes with June, she made a funny drinking motion to tell him Judy was ok but drank too much. He sighed heavily through his nose giving her a nod in acknowledgement.
Judy returned a few minutes later and tried to sit down elegantly, but ended up wobbling the table again.
“Oops.”
“Have you eaten anything?”
“No.”
“I’ll order an appetizer. You gotta eat when you drink.”
“Yes, mother,” she giggled, “I didn’t realize how fast it hit me until I went to the bathroom.”
“That’s usually how it happens.”
“See any cute men walk by while I was gone?”
“I haven’t really paid attention. Why? Are you looking?”
“Maybe,” Judy said back innocently.
Just then they heard a male’s voice next to them, “Sorry to intrude…”
Judy and June both looked up to find the same man that had made eyes at Judy earlier. Judy was pleasantly surprised. He looked to be in his 30's, was tall, great posture, with dark blonde hair and a pearly white smile.
“I don’t normally do this, but Miss Garland, would you mind terribly if I asked for an autograph?”
That answered Judy’s question whether he had recognized her or not.
“I’d love to.”
He handed her a pen and grabbed a clean cocktail napkin on their table sliding it in front of her.
She smiled amused, “Is it for anyone in particular?”
“Myself. Just your name is fine.”
After signing, Judy handed it back to him.
“Lovely,” he said looking at her beautiful signature and folded it up putting it in his pocket, “My name is Tom, but I just used this as an excuse to come over and talk to you especially since we noticed one another when you walked in.”
Judy smiled flirtatiously, very amused now at his frankness. June saw the look on Judy’s face, she tried to suppress her giggle.
“I don’t mind. But I am curious as to why it took you so long to come over.”
The man’s smile widened, his eyes sparkling back, and June cleared her throat.
“I’m going to see what the boys are up to,” she said, grabbing her wine glass.
“Miss,” he said as June smiled at Judy and slipped on by them.
Tom immediately sat down in her seat without asking, “I, ah, I hope your friend doesn’t mind.”
“She doesn’t,” Judy said leaning her chin on her hands, “She can tell I’m interested.”
Judy was never this brave off the bat but the alcohol was helping tremendously and she wanted to have fun. Not only that, she was more confident knowing the man was interested back and her body craved attention.
“Are you now,” he said, his ego boosted.
“Mm hm. You’re very handsome, you know.”
“Well, I always thought you were cute on screen, but you’re even more beautiful in person.”
“Thank you.”
“I mean it. You’re a dish,” his eyes seductively eyed her up and down, “How about another drink?”
“I really shouldn’t,” she said in her most adorable voice. It was definitely an act, but it never failed to get her what she wanted, “I’m already quite tipsy.”
“I see no problem with that, honey,” he said back suggestively. To others, the comment would be seen as a red flag, but it flew right over Judy’s intoxicated head.
“I’ll finish this drink and start drinking water. So, Tom, what do you do?”
“I’m a lawyer downtown. But work-talk is boring.”
“Oh, good. I despise small talk.”
“Then ask me something interesting.”
“Mm, are you single?”
He leaned forward on his elbows like she was, “I am...currently. You?”
“Uh...currently.”
“Maybe we can change that.”
“Yeah,” she asked intrigued, thinking they could possibly go to another nightclub alone, “Well, what are you doing after this?”
“Hopefully I’m looking at it.”
Judy looked at him a little taken back but she was definitely not displeased nor insulted.
“How about a dance, sugar?”
“I’d love it,” she replied and took his hand.
She was lightheaded but feeling very good and let him guide her to the dance floor where other couples were currently slow dancing.
Gene’s eyes stayed glued on Judy and the man as they embraced closely on the dancefloor as everyone around him were rowdy and took no notice. They were too close for Gene’s comfort, especially since he didn't recognize the man. By now, he had become accustomed to all her mutual friends.
“June,” Gene asked as her back was turned to him while she spoke with Van.
“Hm?”
“Who is that dancing with Judy?”
“I don’t know. He came up asking for an autograph just so he could talk to her. That’s why I came over here. They were pretty flirty.”
Gene watched them intently. He could definitely see Judy was not uncomfortable in his arms, but she was drunk. The man knew that, too, and he was sure that he was using it to his advantage.
When the third dance started, their faces were inches apart as they spoke. Gene was becoming more alert and more worked up. He didn’t care if Judy was coming onto the man, it wasn’t right. She was under the influence, feeling vulnerable, not to mention she was a famous celebrity. She couldn’t just go around with random men. It would get her into trouble, in more ways than one. He wasn’t thinking as a jealous ex-lover, he was thinking as her best friend.
When Judy slipped her arms around the guy's neck suggestively as their hips slowly swayed, his hand slid down her ass, cupping the bottom of it. When she didn’t move his hand away, Gene placed his glass on the bar with a loud thump. It was so loud that it got June’s attention. She looked to where Gene was staring.
Gene didn’t even notice June until he saw her walk up to Judy.
“Judy,” June asked, tapping Judy’s back.
The couple turned to her but remained in their stance.
“Hm?”
“Can I talk to you for a moment,” June politely looked at the man, “Sorry.”
Tom didn’t falter and looked down at Judy completely turned on.
“Is it an emergency,” Judy asked concerned.
“No.”
“Well, then, as you can see I’m a little busy right now, darling,” she said, placing her hand on the man’s chest as they started twirling again, “I’ll talk to you later…” she then gave a slurred giggle, “...or more like tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” the man agreed.
As an irritated June walked back towards the bar she mumbled, “Should’ve lied and said it was an emergency.”
Gene was paying his bill when June came back up to him.
“Gene, uh, I know we don’t know each other, but we’re both Judy’s friends, and I have to tell you, I don’t like what’s going on over there.”
“No,” he simply said, agreeing, as he threw down a hefty tip on the edge of the bar for the bartender.
“I realize she’s a grown woman, and separated from her husband, but she’s had too much to drink, you know? She’s not thinking straight.”
“Yep,” he said, as it was nothing new to what had already gone through his mind, “What did she say when you went over?”
“Didn’t want to talk to me. They seem pretty intent on leaving together and I don’t think it’s a good idea especially in her state. What if she regrets it or something bad happens?”
“Nothing’s going to happen.”
“It won’t?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m not going to let it. She’s too good a friend of mine for me to let her leave with some guy she doesn’t know. Plus,” he emphasized, “she’s Judy Garland.”
“That was my thought, too,” June looked over to the dance floor and didn’t see them. She looked at their table which was still empty, “Gene, where did they go?”
Gene quickly looked around and didn’t see them either. When he whipped his body towards the door, it was just enough time for him to see them exit holding hands.
“Oh, nope,” he said sternly as he grabbed his fedora, “Nope.”
June watched as she saw Gene swiftly head towards the door.
Gene didn’t see them when he first walked out the doors but he heard her loud laugh echo from around the corner and his steps became longer and faster. When he turned the corner, he saw Judy wobble on her heels but the man laughed with her and secured an arm around her waist. Tom reached down, giving her a kiss on the cheek as they headed towards a black Cadillac.
That son-of-a-bitch, Gene thought as his steps became angry the closer he got to them. Before he knew it, he grabbed Judy's free hand.
“Thanks,” he said to the other man as he started pulling her away, but Judy quickly resisted.
“Gene, what are you doing?”
Her horrified voice made Tom quickly grab her again around the waist to hold her back to him and she didn’t resist him.
“You’re coming with me,” Gene stated calmly.
“I am what,” she laughed ridiculously.
“Who is this joker,” Tom asked her, not recognizing him.
“It’s alright, Tom. He’s a friend of mine,” Judy looked at Gene angrily, “And if he doesn’t back off, he won’t be any longer.”
Gene didn’t falter, “Judy, let’s go.”
“I am going. I’m going with my new friend here.”
“Going to do what?”
“I don’t think that is any of your business.”
“It’s definitely not his business,” Tom added.
“Would you really like to know, Gene,” she said with that intentional voice of hers, egging him on.
“Oh, yeah?” Gene asked and took a step towards her, challenging her and his voice came out disgusted, “I bet you don’t even know his last name.”
Even through glassy eyes, she suddenly showed guilt, and was quiet.
“Look, back off, Bud. She’s a big girl.”
Gene’s eyes didn’t leave Judy’s but she looked down almost ashamed and he spoke sternly but calmly, “Judy.”
“Don’t worry, Daddy, I’ll make sure she gets home safely,” Tom chuckled.
Judy had looked up at Gene with that last comment, and her expression showed horror. Even with the extremely fuzzy effects of the alcohol, she knew that to Gene those were fighting words.
Gene chuckled back, but then he took a step aside ready to fight, but Judy quickly placed her hands on his chest.
“Gene,” she pleaded.
“Come on, babe, let's go,” Tom said and turned to walk to his car.
“She’s not a *babe*, asshole, she’s a lady. Let’s go,” Gene suddenly bent down and swooped Judy over his shoulder. She gasped and held onto his back as he started walking them the other direction.
“Gene! PUT ME DOWN! GENE!”
He ignored her yells and her fists on his back, but when she suddenly kicked, her stiletto got a little too close.
“Judy, for Christ sakes, you almost kicked me in the head.”
He turned the corner back in front of the club where his car was parking in front and immediately saw June and Van run out.
“I should kick you in the balls for ruining my night,” Judy spat back.
“Van, open the back door of my car, will ya.”
Van seemed amused as he did what he was told. Gene set Judy down and tried to put her in the back seat but she again resisted.
“Get in there.”
“I’m not going in there. I came with June.”
“Judy, dammit, you’re testing my patience. Now, get in the goddamn back seat before I throw you in.”
Judy knew he was serious, but she still protested, “I swear, if you do this Gene, never come crawling back to me again. I mean it, we’re over for good. And we’re no longer friends either!”
“Crawling back to her,” Van asked, confused as hell.
Gene’s eyes widened at her before he turned around to face the confused pair, “I have no idea what gibberish she’s talking about. The booze has obviously made her mentally and verbally unstable.”
Judy shrieked insulted.
“Now GET IN THERE!”
“ALRIGHT,” she screeched back shocked from his angry yell at her and she went into the backseat.
Gene slammed the door before turning back to his friends exhausted.
“I’ll give Junie a ride home. Don’t worry about it,” Van said.
“Here. This is hers,” June smiled and handed him Judy’s small purse.
Gene looked at it and nodded before walking around to the drivers side. He tossed the purse in the backseat carelessly, almost hitting her, as he got in.
“Hey!”
Van and June both smiled as they heard Judy yell through the closed windows and then they watched them drive off.
The car was silent, not even the radio was on, as Gene’s eyes met hers though the rearview mirror as he rolled up to the first red light.
“You realize you almost ratted us out back there?”
Judy whimpered as she readjusted herself in the backseat, leaning her head back, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Van and June. You nearly told them about us.”
“We’re not together anymore. Who cares,” she said in a slurred speech.
“I care. You may not be with your husband anymore, but my wife would also care. Oh, she’d care a lot.”
“THEN GO HOME TO HER,” Judy suddenly yelled as she sat up with determination. It was obviously a sore spot.
“Would you lower your voice? Geez,” he said, wiggling his finger in his ear.
“Slow down,” she said leaning her head back again, “I’m dizzy. Better yet, just drop me off here. Then you can go back to your marriage.”
“Drop you off,” he chuckled, “on the corner of Melrose. I’m sorry, honey, but you don’t fit in with the prostitutes. And I’m not going back to my ‘marriage’ as you call it, until I know you’re ok.”
“You might want to rephrase that, Gene,” she said sadly.
He realized what he said and sighed, “What I meant to say was…”
“I know what you meant,” she replied, knowing he wouldn’t go back home until she was home herself.
When they arrived at her home in Bel Air, Judy was fast asleep. After he opened the passenger door, he stared at her angelic face for a moment. She sure was a spit fire, but right now she looked like such an innocent child. It was the same when he had stared at her asleep in his arms after they had just had a naughty and solicitous encounter or had one of their amusing arguments. So many emotions were running through him.
He got her keys out of her purse before lifting her in his arms. With a bit of a struggle, he did manage to get them both inside, but it wasn’t easy with her near flaccid body hanging off of him.  Gene stood there a moment. He knew where she lived but he had never been inside before. It was charming.
Once he got up the stairs, he headed straight into the first bedroom he came upon but stopped short. That wasn’t her room, he thought. It was fully furnished, but it didn’t seem like her. Figuring it was a guest room, he kept going down the hall. He walked past a bathroom and an office before heading straight for the open double doors at the end of the hall.
Oh, yes, this definitely was her room. The bed was large and opulent, with one of her slips laying in the middle of the floor and a chiffon scarf over her vanity’s mirror. It even smelled like her perfume.
After laying Judy on her bed, he carefully slipped off her slip on stilettos.
“Where am I,” she mumbled very sleepily.
“You’re home, in your bed,” he said as he walked over to set her Chanel shoes on the dresser. One, he knew how much she took care of her designer pieces, and two he didn’t want her to trip over them if she were to drunkenly wander out of bed. Last thing he needed was her to fall and hit her head on the dresser.
When he turned back around he saw her half sitting up trying to reach for the back of her zipper, but her movements were lazy and she couldn’t reach. He walked on over and unzipped the dress for her and helped her out of it. After it was off, wearing a two-piece white silk camisole and nude thigh high stockings, she fell back on the bed happy to go back to sleep.
Gene proceeded to cover her with a throw that was on the end of her bed, but she kicked it off.
“You need to lay on your side, sweetheart. Can you do that for me?”
Judy moaned, the skin between her eyes wrinkling in dissatisfaction, as he pulled her shoulder so she was on her side.
“Why?”
“Because if you get sick, you can choke.”
“Mmm, that’s all anyone needs to see...” she mumbled, arranging herself on her side, “...Louis B. Mayer’s ‘Darling Judy’ puking her brains out.”
Gene chuckled as he went into the master bedroom to get a glass of water for her, and a few aspirin. Setting it next to her, he looked around making sure everything was in order before he left.
“There’s water right here, Judy, if you need it, and aspirin. Do you need anything else before I go?”
“Don’t go, please.”
“You’re safe and sound in your bed now. Just get some sleep.”
“Please,” she said with her eyes closed and reached her hand up in the air for him. He took it in both his hands.
It was a moment before she spoke half-asleep, “My husband stopped wanting me, I was just a summer fling to Joe and Gene doesn't want me anymore. I miss him, doesn't he realize that?”
"Honey, I'm right here. I'm Gene."
"Why doesn't he want me anymore," she whimpered sadly.
Gene’s face fell as well. When her hand went limp and she didn’t continue, he knew she passed out. He sat down on the edge of her bed in a bit of sorrow. She really was more hurt than he thought.  He couldn’t leave her.
Gene turned off the light and left the door open as he walked to the guest room he had come across earlier. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he picked up the phone and dialed. As he waited, and hoped for the phone to be answered, he started untying his shoes.
“Hello?”
“Oh, Van, thank God you’re home already, man.”
“I just ran in to answer. Everything alright?”
“I’m at Judy’s. She’s pretty bad. I can’t leave her alone tonight in case something happens. Can you do me a favor?”
“Anything.”
“Can you call Betsy and tell her that I got drunk and passed out at your place so she doesn’t worry?”
“Uh...sure. But, why don’t you just tell her the truth?”
“Oh, you definitely ain’t a married man,” Gene laughed, “It doesn’t matter what the truth is, buddy, they’ll always jump to the conclusion that you’re fucking someone else.”
Gene bit his cheek and made a face at his own comment, as he did have an affair with Judy, but tonight wasn’t the case.
“Yeah, that does make sense,” Van chuckled, “No problem, buddy.”
“Thanks.”
When they hung up, Gene sighed and fell on his back. Running a hand over his face, he snickered.
What a night.
Rain hitting the window stirred Judy out of her sleep. She was laying face down on top of her bed, her neck length curls in disarray and her mascara smeared under her eyes. She looked up at the clock on her nightstand and moaned. It was nine-thirty. The skies were grey, making her room still cozy and dark, and all she wanted to do was go back to sleep but her body thought otherwise. Not to mention she was terribly hungry.
After ten minutes, Judy finally mustered the strength to pull herself out of bed. As she passed the window, she did a double take seeing a car that wasn’t hers in her driveway. Walking to the window to get a better view, she immediately recognized whose car that was.
Gene’s.
Why was he there? Judy thought back, remembering he was at the club and then...suddenly the night came back to her. She didn’t remember coming home, but she remembered him making her get into the back seat of his car.  Quite embarrassed, she dropped her face into her hands.
“Oh, no,” she mumbled.
Wait, she thought, as her head popped up, did they sleep together? She couldn’t remember. Quickly looking down at her body, she saw that she was still dressed in her matching camisole set. Then she looked around her floor and there were no signs of any of Gene’s clothes scattered around.
She relaxed when she instinctively knew they hadn't had sex. Good gracious, she would be horrified if she had and couldn't remember. Gene would be more embarrassed than her in that regard.
Judy had just walked out of her bedroom when she heard Gene’s morning cough from down the hall. She followed the shuffling sound until she saw him in the guest room.  
Securing his pants, he didn’t notice Judy as she leaned against the door crossing her arms. When he finished and looked up to grab his shirt, he did a double take on Judy. One of the straps on her camisole tank was off her shoulder, one of her thigh high stockings now lay in a pool around her ankle, her hair looked like a bird's nest and the makeup under her eyes made her look like 20’s Gothic actress Theda Bara.
"Gosh, you look so sexy in the morning," he joked. She didn’t look amused and he spoke in an army voice, “Wipe that smile off your face, soldier.”
Judy watched as he continued dressing, working his button up dress shirt.
“Why did you stay here?”
“You asked me to.”
“I did?"
He realized then that she probably didn’t remember much and decided to skip that conversation for now.
“How are you feeling?”
“Fine.”
“Really? You sure look hungover.”
“Well, I don’t feel it. I woke up around 4 and got sick but I took aspirin. I’m just tired, and very hungry.”
“Why don’t you take a shower and I’ll make us breakfast.”
Judy looked at him skeptically, “Why are you doing this?”
“Judy, just because we’re not together anymore, doesn’t mean I stopped caring,” he said coldly as he did up the last button.
It stunned her.
All she could do was muster up a soft, “Ok” before walking out to take her shower.
A little later, Gene was nearly finished setting the breakfast nook when Judy came in. Her voluminous curls were damp but she managed to put on a fresh, natural look to her makeup, and threw on a casual baby-blue romper dress. It was quite short, something she would most-likely play tennis in, and her feet were bare.  
The two didn’t say a word as she sat at the table and he set their pancakes and bacon on it along with his coffee and her tea and of course some OJ. Judy felt a bit awkward at the silence, but Gene seemed just fine as he sat opposite her and read the Saturday morning paper. She distracted herself by listening to a Bing Crosby rerun playing on the portable speaker throughout breakfast. Gene did notice that her usual giggles and laughter during her favorite radio show was absent during it, which was highly unusual.
After her shower, and eating, Judy felt back to normal and more energetic, not just physically but mentally as well. It gave her the courage to break their silence.
“Thank you for breakfast.”
“Welcome,” she heard him mumble behind the paper.
Judy bit her lower lip a moment before continuing, “What a sad-looking day, huh?”
“I kinda like it. Reminds me of New York. It doesn’t rain here often,” Gene said back, his tone a little more engaged than before.
“Yah,” she agreed, “But it doesn’t make for a good Saturday, does it? Not much to do in the rain.”
“No, but maybe a day inside relaxing is just what you need... especially after last night.”
Judy heard the tone in his voice change to more sly and she cocked her head and spoke confidently, “I had a great time last night.”
Gene peeked at her from the newspaper before he folded it back up, “What do you remember from last night?”
“I remember that you ruined my good time.”
Gene stared at her before speaking matter-of-factly, “I corrected your mistake before it was made.”
“Oh,” she giggled, “Is that what you call it?”
“So,” he said, placing his coffee back on its saucer with a bit of a noise, “You remember all of it.”
“I don’t recall actually coming home, but I remember the club just fine."
"And you had a great time?"
Judy knew what he was getting at, "Yes. I know what you want me to say, darling, but I don’t regret any of it. Not. One. Bit.”
“You’re joking,” he said, astonished.
“No.”
Gene looked at her as if he didn’t hear right, “You...don’t regret anything from last night?”
“Mm, well, I should've probably ate while drinking, but,” she leaned her jaw on her open hand challenging him with a sarcastic voice, “what exactly are you referring to, Gene?”
“Oh, God,” he said leaning back in his chair, “Do I really have to say it?”
“Why would I regret that? It’s what I came to the club for.”
The tone in her voice alerted Gene that she was serious about that quest.
“Why,” he asked, shocked.
“Do *I* really have to say it,” she asked amused now.
Gene crossed his arms and just stared at her as if he was trying to read her. When she giggled, he shook his head.
“You were doing that to get me jealous, weren’t you?”
“What?”
“Admit it.”
“Gene, give me a break. I didn’t even know you were going to be at that joint. I went there with my girlfriend so I could get away from the people I knew so they wouldn’t stop me from having fun. You admit it. You were jealous and that’s why you stopped me.”
"Hey, Sweetheart, I have no problem admitting when I’m jealous, it's perfectly natural, but that’s not why I stopped you. You were drunk and acting foolish.”
“I may have been drinking, but I was not foolish. I knew exactly what I was doing. The alcohol just made me more relaxed.”
“Oh, you were relaxed alright, about as relaxed as his hands were when they were all over your ass.”
Judy didn't hesitate, “Which I enjoyed.”
“Judy…”
“Did I once look like I was uncomfortable or push him away?" When Gene didn't answer she nodded 'yes' proving her point, "Ah huh. I was very much aware that I was leaving with him when you acted like a goddamn caveman.”
Though sloshed last night, Gene could see she was sober as a judge in her acclamation and it frightened him a bit, “Why would you do that? Why would you say yes to a stranger asking you to leave with him?”
“I didn’t. He said yes to me.”
Judy flinched just a tad when Gene suddenly screeched his chair back and grabbed his empty cup of coffee heading to the counter. He was obviously very uncomfortable. Judy didn’t enjoy the conversation either, but everything was the truth.
“Why are you getting so upset,” she asked, standing up and brought her empty plate over to the sink, “I am an adult, you know, I’m a single woman, not to mention a soon-to-be divorced woman. I think I can make my own decisions.”
“Make your own decisions, fine, just think about them beforehand.”
“I did.”
“No, you didn’t. You made a decision, but you didn’t think about the what if’s.”
“Oh, what are you going on about now,” she asked, almost uninterested as she head back to grab his empty plate.
“I get that you’re a single woman, Judy. Go out and have fun, you deserve it, but next time you feel the need to jump in the sac, do it with someone you know, or at least know of. I know plenty of guys in our arena that would be perfectly willing to have an encounter with you. And they would respect you afterwards and be discreet about it. They *know* the business.”
“I wanted to get away from that last night. Why do you think we came there in the first place? I wanted to have fun with someone I didn’t know, who didn’t know me, but wanted me anyways. I did think about it.”
Gene banged her utensil drawer closed so hard, it made her flinch.
“You don’t get it,” his voice raised frustrated, “This was a complete stranger. You didn’t know him. Something bad could have happened.”
“For instance,” she said, placing a hand on her hip in annoyance.
“Many reasons. For one, even though it was consensual, he could have ended up getting forceful or, God forbid, raping you. He could have been a woman beater or left you on the side of the road afterwards.”
Her look made him see that she didn’t believe anything he was saying, that nothing like that would have happened to her. She was gullible. He had to get back on her terms to make her understand.
“Alright. Say he was a decent enough man, what if you got pregnant? You were drunk, you could have gotten careless. Or what if he ended up bragging to everyone that Judy Garland was easy? News like that would spread around this town like wildfire and Louella would have a field day. Stuff like that has happened before. You’re not indestructible or invisible in that regard.”
Judy lowered her eyes as she fiddled with her nail, “I guess I didn’t think about it in that way.”
Gene’s temper simmered down as she got it now and he spoke caringly, “That’s why I stopped you, I was looking out for you.”
“Thank you,” was all that she could muster up as she turned the sink faucet on.
“If I did that because I was jealous, don’t you think I would have taken you to bed myself?”
Disappointment and anger flashed in her eyes, “No, I don’t.”
To hide her explanation of what she had replied back, Judy started working on the dishes, even though Rosie, her housekeeper, was due there in a few hours.
Gene stood there, hand on his hip, as he watched her in silence, “I’ll never stop wanting you, Judy.”
Her hands frozen in the soapy water, she looked at him over her shoulder, “What?”
“It’s true.”
Judy turned the water off and dried her hands on the dish towel before facing him, “Why did you just say that to me?”
“Because of what you said last night.”
She nervously cleared her throat, “What did I say?”
“Right before you fell asleep, I don’t think you knew who you were talking to, but you were wondering why I didn’t want you anymore. I do, I’m just trying to get back to some normalcy in my life. I have to give all my energy to my marriage right now, but that doesn’t mean my feelings for you have changed.”
“Haven’t they,” she insisted as if she didn’t believe him.
“For God's sake, falling out of feelings for someone like you doesn't just happen overnight."
“It doesn’t, huh,” she insisted again.
Gene didn’t like her tone of voice and wondered if she had even heard a word he had said. It saddened him that she wasn’t getting through to her. He turned to walk out of the kitchen, and made it to the door when she spoke up.
"Prove it,” her voice sounded persistent but nervous.
"What,” Gene asked, his back still to her as he froze.
"Prove it," Judy repeated. She knew he wouldn’t prove it, now that he had made up his mind on giving all his ‘energy’ to Betsy. Her voice became angry, “Prove it or get the hell out of my house.”
Gene’s exasperation for her, sexually, and in this conversation, was too much to bear. All he could do at that moment was hit his hand on the wall next to the door. Judy waited a long moment for him to either turn around, or walk out, but he didn’t either. He didn’t even speak. Emotionally exhausted, and disheartened, she shook her head and walked his way.
She brushed up against him as she squeezed by to walk out the kitchen door but before she could take even two steps further, Gene’s hand grabbed her wrist holding her back, her arm in a 90 degree angle. Turning her around to face him, he swiftly planted her body up against his and took the two steps himself until her back was to the wall. She gasped and looked up at him with wide eyes.
His lips remained dangerously close to hers as he huskily spoke, “I don’t have to prove anything to you. I want you to feel it instead.”
Gene refrained from kissing her as he waited for some response.
“What are you doing,” she breathed excitedly, as he had been so adamant not to be with her like this anymore.
“Forgetting about normalcy just this one last time.”
Judy opened her mouth to speak but his mouth quickly descended onto hers.
Gene focused on the relieved whimper that escaped her mouth as he kissed her. When his tongue swept against hers for the first time in a very long time, she clung onto him desperately, as if she were afraid he would pull back.
He wasn’t going to, not this time. He wanted to remind her what she still did to him, and what he still wanted to do to her no matter how far apart they had been. And, since she had obviously been looking for a good time in the wrong place, he decided to give her body its craving in the right place.
There, pressed against the wall as they shared the most deepest, sexual kiss he could ever remember having, in the back of Gene’s mind, he knew her satisfaction wouldn’t last, that she’d be out looking for another man sooner or later. He needed a promise from her.
Slowly pulling back from their lip lock, her lower lip snapped back from his mouth, and she let out a breath through her nose biting the bottom of that lip that he had just been sucking on. He forgot why she stopped for a moment as she was so turned on that it made his dick harden.
“Judy.”
“Mmm,” was all she could reply as she felt those erotic butterflies in her tummy spread up to her chest, tingling her nipples.
“Next time you go out, you have to be more careful, and selective. Don’t go searching for an every-day stranger,” Gene placed his pointer finger and thumb on her chin gently lifting her face, “Promise me.”
Judy lifted her eyes to his and looked at them back and forth with sincerity, “I promise.”
Without his eyes leaving hers, his hands slid over her bottom and reached down as they slid down back thighs. They both let out an aroused sound as he picked her up, her legs around his waist, and walked them down the hall.
The rain hitting the window? No. The echo of the radio from the kitchen playing? No. Gene’s mouth between her legs? Oh, yes.
That’s all she heard, even ignoring her own whimpers and cries, as he oh so skillfully made her feel so delicious and orgasmic. She was perched on the large, long, rectangle console table against the curved stairwell wall in the foyer. The table was heavy, or else it would have most-likely broken when he sat her on top of it. They weren’t exactly gentle when removing one another’s clothes against it, either. The decorative books that had been on top were now laying in disarray next to a kneeling Gene, but the vase with a bouquet of mixed flowers, surprisingly, hadn’t been affected.  
As Judy moved her leg up on his shoulder a bit, she felt her jumper dress slide off her ankle, where it had been dangling for a few minutes now. Gene’s right hand acknowledged her leg, and softly caressed her thigh there, not stopping his licks and sucks.
His knees started to feel the effects of the marble floor just then, but Gene didn’t care. The way her body, and her voice, were responding to him made it so fucking worth it. He had wanted to take her upstairs to her bed, but the passion and sexual frustration that had built up from not being together all this time, took its toll on them and they ended up there in the entry-way.
Gene let go of her thigh and reached down to caress himself with just enough pressure to relieve some tension. However, he didn’t realize how sensitive he had become and he groaned against her. It felt so good that he continued to caress his hard on.
He heard Judy giggle through a gasp as he continued to groan against her through his sucks. It was a different sensation for her that just heightened the experience. But he had to stop his wrist or he knew eventually he’d embarrass both of them. He wanted to get her there. When he adjusted himself for a more comfortable angle, he hit a sensitive spot for her. Gene heard another loud cry from her as her hand immediately squeezed his hair keeping his head in place.
Smiling to himself, he started flicking the area underneath her pearl back and forth that made her thighs quiver.
“That feels so good,” Judy breathlessly whimpered. When he stopped flicking that area, and started sucking on it instead, she gasped, “Oh my gosh.”
The place he focused on was so sensitive that it almost was a painful type of pleasure, but her rising orgasm made it feel unstoppable.
Continuing, he felt her body start to tense up and her cries skipped as she reached up behind her. Her knuckles turned white as she squeezed the white bars on the stairs. Hearing her squeak and her body still, Gene let his mouth off her and watched as her entrance contracted in a quick rhythm, getting even wetter. He thought he’d come right then and couldn’t wait to feel it himself.
Standing up, he remained in between her legs, as he gave her a peck on the lips. She immediately smiled and opened her eyes. Staring into his sparkling ones, she giggled amused from how amazing that was. He smiled back and gave her another kiss before lifting her off of the table. He didn’t want to fuck her here. But before he could even suggest moving, she immediately lowered onto her knees.
“Baby…” he protested but her mouth was already on him. He realized she was a giver as much as a taker during sex, and it pleased her as much to so, as much as did him, but he was far too ready.
Luckily, she was privy to his thoughts, and familiar with his body. Judy took it slow and didn’t concentrate on the most sensitive areas, unlike what he had just done, but his goal was different. Judy wanted him to come from being inside of her. When she felt his cock twitch, she stood back up. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she placed one hell of a kiss on him. He held her naked body closer and groaned happily at it.
Gene knew her legs were jelly, and his knees were pretty numb, but he managed to carry them up the stairs. He wanted to fuck her on her bed. Judy deserved that, especially since that other guy would have probably been a two-pump chump in the backseat of his Cadillac with her. Not him, though she didn’t make it any easier as her hips slowly slid up and down his shaft, which was nestled in between their lower belly’s as he walked them into her bedroom.
The rain had stopped, birds were now chirping outside her veranda doors and the sun was beginning to shine, as they made love on top of her luscious bed. The two enjoyed their closeness, as Gene laid fully on top of her, rhythmically moving his hips in and out in a timeless pace as they slowly kissed. But the heat from downstairs was very much present and soon his grinds got quicker, pushing his body against hers harder.
Just as the headboard started making a sound against the wall, so did Judy’s responses as she started moaning again. She was so slick and warm and tight, Gene found it excruciating to hold back. Fortunately, she answered his prayers.
“Fuck me,” she whispered.
They were having sex, but she knew the difference from making love and what she had just pleaded. At least she wasn’t naïve about that.
After giving her a kiss as if to say ‘ok’, he removed himself, which felt like a relief and frustration at the same time. Gene kneeled as she got up and turned around on her knees, holding onto the headboard. Both sated with natural lubrication, it was almost too easy as he slid into her center from behind. It always felt better this way, in a more naughty sensation.  
The sound of dogs barking outside and the ticking of her clock on her nightstand was muted by the pounding of their skin as he fucked her. It wasn’t even a full minute when he felt his balls start to tighten. Groaning and nearly holding his breath to keep himself from letting go, he started to feel her twitch around him and he wanted to cry out with relief that she was close. He was too focused on the sensations right now to pay attention to her moans. By now he was familiar with what each of her sounds meant, which was a good way for him to know which direction to go, but right now he didn’t have that kind of concentration.
Gene didn’t even hear her whimper that she was coming when all of a sudden his cock was being milked hard and fast by her orgasm and another rush of her arousal soaked him. Without warning, he felt his pre-cum and had just enough time to pull out. Moaning loudly over and over, he stroked himself frantically as his orgasm shot out onto her lower back.
The phone ringing woke both of them up. Judy lifted her head from Gene’s chest startled as he reached over sleepily picking up the receiver. He didn’t answer, obviously, he handed it to Judy. She had to get her bearings a moment, as she hadn’t realized she fell asleep, before answering.
“Hello?”
“Hi, sweetheart, it’s Van.”
“Oh, hi.”
“How you feelin’,” he asked amused.
“I’m fine.”
“Swell. Say, is Gene still there?”
Judy furrowed her brows and looked at Gene, “Uh, no, he’s not,” Gene mouthed ‘what’ and she continued, “Why?”
“Because his wife called me for a second time. First time I was able to tell her he was still sleeping but it’s the afternoon now. I told her he left but thought I’d try to see if he was still over there so I could warn him.”
“Oh, golly. No, he’s not here.”
“Alright. Well, I'm glad you feel ok,” Van laughed, “You should have seen you last night. You were…”
Judy hung up the phone annoyed.
“What,” Gene asked, sitting up curious.
“That was Van. He said Betsy has called him twice looking for you. He uh, he just told her you left. He was calling to see if you were still here.”
“I told him to cover my alibi so I could stay with you. I really should get going before someone sees my car out there,” he said and got out of bed.
She nodded and sat up, the sheets around her as she hugged her knees to her chest.
“Are you going to be alright?”
“Oh,” she smiled, “I am now.”
He leaned down, his hands pushing onto the mattress as he came nose to nose with her, “Remember what you promised me.”
“I know,” she said and placed her hand on his cheek as she kissed him, “Thank you.”
“Friends?”
Judy couldn’t hide the quick disappointment in her eyes but she respected him enough to respect his wishes of working on his marriage.
She smiled and nodded, pinching his cheek, “Friends.”
Right before Gene walked out, he looked back at her, “Judy.”
“Mm hm?”
“Maybe I was a little jealous.”
Her smile broke wide and he winked before walking out.
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bopbopstyles · 5 years ago
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1. December 26th, 2016
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SERIES RATING: M (sex)
CHAPTER WORD COUNT: 6.4k
MASTERLIST | INSPO TAG | ASK
Y/N promised herself she would never date a musician. It was her one rule–her only rule, actually–when it came to dating. But then, Harry Styles rolled into her life and asked her to break it, just this once. And this is what happened.
A/N: welcome to chapter one of THE ONLY EXCEPTION! i’m so flipping excited i could scream!!!!!! this fic is going to be a long boi so buckle up. also thank you to @meetmeinfleetwood​ for supporting this fic from the start ilysm!!!! xoxo, willa
pls reblog to spread the word about only exception! 🥰
Y/N’s dad had been having these Christmas parties for the past five years or so, each time on the 26th of December, each time packed with music industry people and lots of bottles of tequila and red wine. Her first time had been two years ago, and she had found it surprisingly enjoyable—she had expected it to be boring and to want to leave after the first hour. Instead, it was full of people she had known since she was a kid, musicians and producers and her dad’s old A&R guys who she had grown up hanging out with in recording studios and backstage at her dad’s shows. They had come to family dinners before and after her parents’ divorce, and so when she ran into them at the parties it was easy to catch them up on her life and suddenly it was after midnight and the party was emptying out. 
This year she had volunteered to help set up. Her dad had rented a massive house out in the hills and it came already decorated, but it was on Y/N to make sure there were chairs set up for the music circle, a massive bar laid out and plenty of glasses ready. Her dad’s friend was making the food, eager to use the opportunity to promote the new restaurant he was opening, so when Y/N opened the door it already smelled like garlic and olive oil, her favorite scents on earth. 
“Karl!” She called through the house, shutting the heavy oak door behind her. Her arms were laden with boxes of plastic glasses—her dad was too scared of the guests breaking glass ones—and she wandered into the kitchen. The tall ceilings of the entryway where a massive Christmas tree sat adorned with ornaments gave way to a modern, sleek kitchen. Karl twirled around to greet her, a grin on his face. “Smells delicious in here.”
He set down his spatula and came over, grabbing a box and giving her a kiss on each cheek. “Hello, darling. Are there more in the car?” 
She shook her head, unwinding her scarf from her neck and placing it on the counter. Karl had been her father’s college roommate and somehow they’d stayed close over the years, every one of Y/N’s birthdays spent at one of Karl’s restaurants with all of her favorite dishes made special, a birthday cannoli with a candle in it for her to blow out. “This is all of the glasses. Dad told me to get the bar ready—he’s bringing the booze in a bit.”
“Hope there’s a glass of wine in there for the chef,” Karl said and Y/N chuckled—there always was a bottle of Karl’s favorite expensive wine set aside when he did one of these things and he knew it. It was part of the pay, her father always said. “Want to taste test?”
“Always.” Y/N joined Karl at the stove, eagerly tasting the sauce he was cooking. It was a simple sage butter sauce, but Karl always excelled at the most simple dishes. “Delicious, as usual,” she said. 
Karl jabbered her ear off about the updates on the restaurant—they’d run into problems finding a good sous chef and he was about to do the job himself if he didn’t find someone soon—while Y/N decided where to set up the bar. Finally, she settled on a high table against the glass wall in the wide hallway between the kitchen and the sprawling dining room, which opened up onto the patio. She tugged open the accordion glass doors and breathed in the cool Los Angeles air, thankful for a relatively cold evening, since she always got overheated at parties like this, where people were crammed into every corner. Her dad seemed to know more people every year. Satisfied with the position of the table, she set out the glasses and paper napkins, before asking Karl if he had an extra cooler he’d brought with. She’d forgotten to ask her dad for one before she had left. She filled it with ice and set it next to the table with a scoop, and grabbed the special shot glasses her father had told her to bring, placing them on the table next to a bouquet of flowers. 
Her job done, she wandered through the rest of the house. It was gorgeous—she wondered how her father had found it. If she remembered correctly, he had said something about it being an official venue for music and parties, he’d done a private gig here a few years back and the owners had loved him enough to offer it for this party. It’s not like anyone really had gigs on December 26th anyway. She closed all the doors to the back bedrooms, remembering her father’s request, and set up a coat closet of sorts out of the bedroom closest to the front, before heading to change into her outfit for the evening. 
“Y/N!” She was securing her favorite pair of earrings in her ears when she heard her father’s voice through the halls of the house. “Where ya at, sweetheart?”
“One sec, Dad!” She grabbed the hanger she had kept her top on and shoved it into her massive purse, settling it into the back corner of the room for safety. Her father was waiting for her in the kitchen with Karl, also getting a sample of the sauce she had tried earlier. 
“Hi you,” her father said when she came in. His salt and pepper hair was balding a bit, but his bright smile was what drew people in, olive skin that tanned easily in the California sun. Y/N had selected his suit for the evening, a maroon red and a black tie, something a bit out of the ordinary for him, but Y/N loved it. “Look gorgeous.”
She hugged her father tightly. She had spent Christmas with her mother, as usual, so this was the first time she’d seen her dad during the holidays. “Not too bad yourself, captain.”
“Ha!” Her father pinched her cheek softly, just as he had when she was a child. “I’ve got your present in the car, come grab it with me?”
“Sure.” They had decided to exchange gifts at the party and Y/N had hers tucked in the back pocket of her jeans—dinner on her at Karl’s new restaurant, something she’d discussed with the owner a few weeks ago. Her father’s car sat in the driveway, trunk open where boxes of alcohol laid waiting to be carried inside. “That my gift?”
“You wish,” her dad answered, and Y/N gave him a pouty look that he just shook his head at. He reached into the glove compartment and pulled out an envelope. Y/N couldn’t help but hope it was cash—she needed a new computer and was running a bit short. She knew her dad would help if she asked, but she hated asking him for money. 
She took the envelope and opened it, a sheet of paper and something thicker hiding between its folds. She opened the letter and found a homemade coupon of sorts, just as she had done for him. 
TWO TICKETS TO ANY SHOW IN LA - NON-REFUNDABLE, FUN REQUIRED!
“Papa,” she said, giving him a beaming smile. “My favorite!” She threw her arms around his neck and he chuckled, hugging her right back. 
“Just give me a few weeks heads up, okay?”
Y/N nodded, and looked back down at the letter, eyes running over her dad’s sweet words of love and pride. It was their thing—homemade cards always, never store bought, despite that neither of them could draw. “Thank you.” 
“Welcome, sweetheart.”
“Now yours!” She reached into her pocket and pulled out his envelope, aptly addressed, Dad, and handed it over. Her father read her card as well, and chuckled at her drawing of them at dinner together. 
He kissed her forehead gently. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”
“Merry Christmas,” she said, squeezing his side. “Now let’s get all this booze out of your car before I drive away with it!” Her dad laughed and followed her to the back of the car, them each grabbing a carton of wine. There had to be enough for over a hundred people, Y/N thought to herself. Who would be new this year?
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The party was in full swing, her dad’s favorite music playing softly through the speaker system, people littered all over the house with the alcohol flowing. Karl was cooking up a storm in the kitchen, his food a massive hit, and Y/N couldn’t have been happier for him. She’d caught up with her dad’s friends and people who were essentially her godparents, sharing how her job was going (fine) and her relationship prospects (non-existent), sipping tequila and red wine on rotation. 
Y/N leaned against the patio railing overlooking the hills, a glass of tequila on the rocks settled in between her palms. She could hear her father’s voice in the distance calling people to come and start the music, the scrape of chairs and strumming of guitars. It was about time for her to go in, but she lingered, relishing the quiet of the night and the biting air wrapping around her. Since she didn’t play an instrument, despite her father’s attempts, this part of the evening was the part where she just sat back and observed. And also usually got quite drunk since all she had to do was drink and sing along. 
“Y/N, right?” She turned around, eyes focusing on the person standing a few feet away. “I’m Harry.”
Harry Styles. How had he ended up here, and how had she not seen him yet? “Nice to meet you,” she answered, standing up straight and taking a sip of her drink. “Not going in to play?”
He shook his head. “Bit nervous, if I’m honest. Lot of talent in that room.”
She cocked her head to the side as he joined her at the railing. “You’re plenty talented,” she told him. It was true. She was a huge fan of his, had been for a while, following his work in One Direction since its inception, and now in the solo career her dad had mentioned. He was recording with some guys out at The Village a few months ago and called her at the end of the day, saying he ran into Harry Styles in the middle of a session doing some solo stuff. Said it sounded good, which she wasn’t surprised by in the slightest. 
But Harry just chuckled. “Nah, those people are legends,” he said. She knew who he was talking about, too. One of the Dixie Chicks was there, some guys who had written with John Mayer and Kanye West, a dozen other Grammy-nominated musicians, some record label execs who had practically formed the industry as they knew it today, the A&R people who had found them. It was intimidating, definitely, but for Harry she didn’t think it would be. 
“Just people.” She sipped on her drink, studying him. He was in a long black coat, a loose black v-neck silk shirt and red and white plaid pants that tapered at the leg, his cropped curls falling into his face slightly. He also had a tequila on the rocks gripped in his hand, rings adorning every one of his fingers. A skull, a red stone, a silver band, amongst them. “Having fun?”
He smiles at her, thankful for the change of topic. “Loads. Haven’t been at a party like this in a while.”
“What do you mean?”
The breeze passed between them, ruffling his hair a bit. “I don’t know. Just, people who didn’t really give a shit about me, if you know what I mean? Holidays can be a bit much sometimes.”
She nodded as if she understood what it felt like to be a popstar of his fame, which she didn’t, but she could imagine. “Didn’t go home?”
“My mum and sister came here, actually,” he said. “They were craving a respite from the cold English winters.”
“Well, this is definitely a respite,” Y/N said, and Harry chuckled.
Silence stretched between them and Y/N tapped her fingernails against her cup. Maybe it was time to go inside, she thought. “So, Y/N, what do you do?”
His question pulled her out of her head easily. “Brand strategy,” she answered, thankful for a comfortable topic. “I work mostly with fashion and product companies, preferably sustainable ones.”
“You like it?”
“Love it.” She did. She loved her work—she’d gone to school for it and thrown herself into it after school, loving pitching projects for clients and helping them understand their core purpose and how they could grow and evolve  most authentically. “It was that or books, but I decided this was a bit more profitable. Also wasn’t too keen on living in New York.”
Harry nodded, twirling his glass in his hands. She took the opportunity to run her eyes across his face—he was gorgeous in this way that you weren’t sure was real. It was interesting to see how much he’d grown up. At 22, his cheekbones were cut and his jaw defined, his former long locks he had recently cut and Y/N liked these more, she decided. “What are your favorite writers?” He asked, pulling Y/N back into the conversation. 
“That’s like asking which one of your children is your favorite,” she joked, and he chuckled, the sound music to Y/N’s ears. “Dunno, really. I read so much it’s hard to choose, you know? Reading a Louise Erdrich book right now that’s absolutely stellar. The Round House—you should give it a go if you’ve got the time.”
He pulled out his phone and she watched him type in the name to his Notes app, the action making her smile. “Been looking for a new book,” he said. “Just been reading The New Yorker and my mum about took my head off for not reading enough.” They both laughed, the sound filling the night air. 
“Harry!” A man was standing in the doorway to the patio, a guitar in hand. “Come sing, mate.”
Harry glanced back at Y/N. “Coming?”
Y/N nodded and followed him inside, refilling her glass on the way. Harry handed her his, and she did the same, giving them both another glass of tequila to sip on while they listened to the circle of musicians. Someone had decided to do some Christmas tunes she Y/N smiled when she heard her father’s voice—he’d made it a bit country, just like he loved to do with popular songs. He’d grown up on a steady diet of folk music and country, just as Y/N had, and he always joked it was in his blood. Harry took a seat next to his friend who Y/N didn’t recognize—probably some producer her dad had met recently, maybe one of the guys from The Village if that was how they’d connected, and Y/N grabbed the seat her dad had saved for her next to him. 
She joined in immediately, knowing this rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy” by heart, since it was the same one he had made up when Y/N was eight or nine. Karl was in the circle too, a plate of food in his hands and his bottle of red wine on the ground, and he gave her a warm smile. This was her favorite part of the night—feeling a part of something her father loved so dearly. When he gave her a kiss to her temple and introduced her to the group, she couldn’t help but find Harry’s eyes, his irises twinkling back at her under the lights. 
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At one o’clock, people finally began filtering out of the party, and Harry decided it was probably time for him to head. Jeff, who had invited him to come with, had already left, exhausted from the holidays with family, but Harry had stayed, hoping to talk to Y/N for a little while longer. He had unfortunately failed to catch her, though, the music running long and after it had wrapped up people had tugged her in for hugs and conversation. Despite knowing who she was through her father, he was still in awe of how intimately she knew all of these people. He overheard snippets of her conversations, asking about children and partners, parents who had cancer and career-defining moments she’d missed out on because of work. Harry was in this world too, but many of the people at this party were a bit older than his usual set—they belonged to the group of his heroes, rather than necessarily people he felt were his peers. He was still getting his solo career together, still only a boyband member in their eyes. He tried not to feel less than, but sometimes it was hard when you were sat next to Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks with utterly nothing to say but awe-inspired ramblings. 
Finally, Y/N was alone, the older couple she was talking to having left for the door, and Harry seized the opportunity. “Y/N,” he said, and her head popped up from her phone to look at him. Her dark brown hair was soft against her skin, and he eagerly wondered what it felt like against his skin, brown eyes that searched his soul. “I loved talking to you earlier.”
She smiled and Harry loved it when she did. Lit up the whole room, just about. “Me too. Glad you came—with Jeff, yeah?”
He nodded. “He introduced me to your dad when we were at The Village.” Y/N nodded as well, obviously having figured out the story. “I—I was wondering, would you want to grab coffee sometime? I’d love to chat more, get to know you.” He restrained the urge to bounce on his heels, nervous in front of her. He felt like a kid asking out his crush, but that’s what this was, a crush. Even if it came to nothing, she was kind, interesting, and fit into the world he revolved in. It wasn’t the most important thing, but he appreciated it all the same. 
“Oh,” she said, tone somber. “Sorry, Harry, but I don’t date musicians. Get home safe, yeah?” She turned away from him, feet carrying her back into the living room, presumably finding her father.
What? She didn’t date musicians? “I’m sorry—what?”
Y/N turned back to look at him. “I just don’t. Bit of a rule.”
“Why?”
She shrugged. “Don’t feel the need to explain it. Bye, Harry.” Then, she walked away and Harry was left in shock. The abrupt change in tone was like whiplash—she had seemed so interested, involved in their conversation, only to tell him she didn’t date musicians? What the fuck kind of rule was that? 
He huffed and tugged out his phone to tell his driver he was ready, and went outside, leaving behind Y/N and her confusing rule. But this wouldn’t be the last time he saw her, he decided. He wanted to know why she had this rule, this stupid rule that was stopping her from getting to know him. It wasn’t like he even asked her to date him, just to get coffee for Pete’s sake. Harry sat down in the car and pulled out his phone, composing a text to Jeff. 
Could I write with Peter? Seemed like a great guy, really talented. Maybe if she got to Y/N’s dad, he could earn some brownie points. Maybe then she’d bend her rules for him, because despite their short conversation, Harry was intrigued. 
Definitely, Jeff replied. I’ll text him tomorrow.
Harry closed his phone and smiled. Hopefully this worked, because Harry was dying to know more about this rule of hers. 
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Y/N’s eyes narrowed when she pulled into her dad’s driveway. There was another car sat in the drive, a black 4-door SUV she’d never seen before, the windows tinted so she couldn’t see in. It reminded her of those cars the FBI drives in crime dramas, which obviously led her to a part of her brain that was not necessarily a hopeful place. She scrambled to grab her bag from work and her keys, launching herself from her car and towards her dad’s door. 
“Dad!” She called into the house, slamming the door shut behind her. “Whose car is in the drive? Didn’t tell me we’d be having company!” Gripping the wall for balance she toed off her shoes and set her bag on the floor next to the door, shrugging off her coat and setting it on a hook. “Dad?”
“He’s in the toilet.”
Her head whipped around and found Harry Styles standing in her hallway, hands shoved in the pockets of his jeans. As much as she had planned to forget about him after the party, never really expecting to see him again, she hadn’t been able to. And now he was in her house, hair pushed back from his face, a grin painted on his lips. It was irritating how gorgeous he was. “The fuck are you doing here?”
A hand went up to scratch the back of his neck and for a second Y/N regretted being quite so aggressive. “‘M writing with your dad,” he explained. “Guess he didn’t tell you.”
“No,” she answered. She brushed past him into the living room where, as Harry had said, it was obvious they had been writing. Her dad’s treasured old Gibson guitar leaning against his favorite armchair where he’d set it, computers out with GarageBand up for recording demos, papers with scribbles strewn across the coffee table. “Good session?” She decided that there was no way he was here just to pursue her—he was there for professional reasons, after all. Her dad and Harry must’ve hit it off at the party last week. There was also the fact that her dad was a really fucking good songwriter, so of course Harry would want to work with him. Ever since he’d stopped touring, her dad had started doing mainly writing, his songs appearing on records from everyone from up-and-coming artists the label found him to John Legend. 
Harry just nodded. Her eyes drifted to his own guitar, a soft brown wood that had obviously seen some heavy use and travel. She recognized it from her dad’s own guitars that he used to take on the road with him, the nicks and faded wood at the base of the bridge. 
“Y/N!” Her dad’s voice fell through the silence of the room as he re-entered. He was wearing his favorite old UCLA shirt, where she’d just graduated from not too long ago. “Home earlier than usual. Was going to give you a heads up about this one,” he pointed to Harry then, “but I see you’ve already found out.”
Her eyes drifted to Harry, who stood awkwardly next to the couch, unsure if he should sit or stand. “Finished my projects early and didn’t have any meetings, so thought I’d get out early and surprise you.”
“Well,” her father said, giving her a quick hug, “glad you did. I’m getting hungry, how about you?” She nodded, she was always ravenous after work. “Harry, would you want to stay for dinner?”
No, she thought. The last thing she wanted was to sit at a table with a guy she’d rejected and her father and eat an awkward dinner on a Friday night. She just wanted a massive glass of red wine, her delicious romance novel from her bedside table, and maybe lighting a fire in the pit in the backyard. 
Instead, Harry said, “Sure. Don’t want to impose though.”
“Nonsense! Y/N why don’t you go change and Harry and I can tidy up from working. We were about done anyway.” Her dad kissed the top of her head sweetly and she just did as he said, Harry a forgotten thought behind her as she went to her room upstairs. 
It was her childhood bedroom which she had been residing in for a month now. How her landlord could put her out for this long was beyond her, but she hadn’t had the energy to fight it—plus, it was an opportunity to spend some quality time with her workaholic father. So she was spending her evenings in her light blue colored room, sleeping between her soft pink sheets, and picking her work clothes that butted up against remnants from high school she’d left behind as memories. Y/N pulled on a pair of sweatpants and a loose white t-shirt that probably belonged to an ex-fling from college—Daniel maybe? Y/N couldn’t remember. Slipping on a pair of socks to keep her feet warm from the tile floors of the kitchen, she left her room, tugging her door shut so if Harry went exploring he wouldn’t stumble into her room. 
Downstairs, Harry was sat at the kitchen island with a glass of wine and a smile on his face, deep in conversation with her dad about Fleetwood Mac’s chord progressions. A glass of red was waiting for her on the counter and she picked it up, wandering over to where her dad was cooking
“Whatcha making?” She asked, peeking into the pot. 
“Pasta,” he replied. “Now stop being a nosy Nelly and talk to our guest while I try to focus on not burning the pasta.”
“Dad you haven’t even put it in yet.”
Her dad shooed her from the stove and she chuckled, backing away. “Get out of here, ya pest.”
She turned to Harry, realizing her dad was actively trying to get them to hang out. He was so annoying sometimes. “How do you feel about a fire?”
“Positively,” he answered and she led him outside into her backyard. 
It was chilly out, but nothing too bad. She set her glass on the table and went over to the stack of wood her dad kept against the fence, picking up some logs and carrying them over to the fire pit they’d had for years. At first it was so Y/N could roast marshmallows at home, her father trying to do anything to get her to come over to his house more after the divorce, and as time had gone on it had become her favorite place in the whole house. When her dad was out of town and she came over to check up on the house in high school, she’d bring her weed and smoke out here under the stars. 
Harry sidled up next to her and picked up a few logs, following her to the fire pit. “This is cool,” he said, words breaking their silence. 
Y/N dropped the logs into the fire and looked up at him. “Favorite part of the whole house.” A box of matches sat next to the door and she grabbed them, as well as some kindling, and brought it over to the logs, setting the kindling under the logs before lighting them. The fire leaped up, the wood nice and dry from the lack of rain recently. “So, who got in touch with who?”
Harry looked at her in confusion. “Huh?”
She settled into one of the chairs set by the fire, wine tucked between her fingers. “The writing. You or my dad?”
“Oh,” he answered, joining her in the chair next to her. “Me, actually. Through Jeff.”
As expected. “And?”
“He’s really good,” Harry said, to which Y/N chuckled. 
“That he is.”
“What was it like growing up with him as your dad?” He asked, breaking the silence between them.
Y/N shifted in her chair. She’d been asked this question so many times over the years, but it still was hard to answer. “Hard, if I’m being honest,” she told him, truth surprising her. But she had a feeling Harry would get it to a certain extent. He was a hugely popular star, after all. She’d heard rumors that he was a part of a movie coming out this year, something historical. “Like, my parents are divorced, which I assume you know.” He nodded,  probably having figured it out by now. “And with my dad’s tour schedule when I was in school, I didn’t see him all that much, especially in elementary and middle school. He was gone all the time, even missed my birthday a couple times because of tour dates, so I just didn’t really know him that well, I guess. Fuck, sorry, this is a lot,” she breathed out, realizing she was rambling. Harry was just surprisingly easy to talk to, his eyes steady on her, intently listening to her every word. Boys didn’t usually listen to her like this.
“S’fine,” he replied. “When did it change, if you don’t mind me asking? Seem so close now.”
The fire, having grown by now, crackled in front of them. “Late high school, but mainly when I was in college. My mom moved to San Francisco for a job and I went to UCLA, so my dad was closest. Came over to do my laundry sometimes, have a home cooked meal, he’d take me to dinner, that stuff. Came to football games with me, sometimes, which he always tried to be interested in but never succeeded.” Harry chuckled at that and Y/N smiled at the sound. Harry was obnoxiously pretty. Like, impossibly pretty in this way where you couldn’t help but look at him again to make sure that yes, he was a real person. And it was really fucking distracting. “His touring kind of stopped when I went into college too,” she added, trying to refocus on the conversation. “Started writing mainly, putting out music only when it suited him. He’s a lot happier now, I think.”
“That’s good,” he said, taking a sip of wine. “I’m glad you guys were able to have that kind of relationship, even if it was later.”
Y/N blinked at him, his words so kind and honest. “Me too.”
“Always been one of my fears, if I’m being honest,” he said, words soft in the cool night air. Sun was starting to set and it was getting dark around them, the light of the fire putting an orange ember to his face. “About having kids with my career, you know? I want to be a dad, but it’s like…how do I do that while being gone all the time?” His honesty shocked her, but then again Harry Styles seemed to be excelling at that in every regard. “Sorry, that’s a lot to unload on you.”
“No it isn’t,” she reassured him. “Just told you about all my daddy issues, yeah?” He chuckled, and it lightened the mood just enough. “You’ll figure it out.”
Harry nodded, taking another sip of his wine and she did the same. It was her favorite, the one her dad bought multiple of whenever she came to stay. Even though they’d gotten closer over the years, his desire to make his house perfect for her never seemed to fade. “Can I ask you something else?”
“Shoot.”
“The rule—I—why is that?”
Well, fuck. This was the exact conversation she didn’t want to have, the one she was hoping he wouldn’t bring up. “It’s actually related to what you were just saying,” she said slowly. He’d get it after everything she’d explained and the fears he shared, right? “I don’t date musicians because they’re always gone.”
Harry was quiet, absorbing her answer. It was true, they always were gone—she had every right to her rule, she told herself. She didn’t want a repeat of what her parents had experienced, what she’d experienced. Her dad’s job had ruined everything in their family, ripping her parents apart, keeping him away from her for more of the year than he was home. She didn’t want the same thing for her kids. “That’s a pretty broad stroke, isn’t it?” Harry said though, pushing back against her. “Like all musicians. Kinda a generalization ‘bout us.”
“You said it yourself,” she said, leaning forward in her chair and resting her elbows on her thighs. “You’re gone all the time. How do you build a life with someone who isn’t there half the time?”
“Devil’s advocate,” Harry said, setting his wine on the arm of his chair, “but hypothetically you’re dating someone who tours all the time. But they make you a priority, coming home and seeing you, putting your relationship first. That wouldn’t matter? You wouldn’t even take the chance that it could work out okay?”
This time it was Y/N who was quiet. “I mean, musicians only have so much control over their schedules,” she said, remembering the excuses her dad used to tell her. “Plus, it’s not the relationship that’s the problem. It’s the part when you get to marriage and kids.”
“…So it’s better to just avoid the whole thing entirely?”
Y/N nodded, her logic laid out in front of her. She’d never had to do this before—most times, guys just took her at her word and dropped it all together. Harry pushed though, wanting to understand in a way the others didn’t care enough to do. “It’s safer.”
“But then you miss out on the opportunity to fall in love with someone,” Harry says, his words like rocks in her stomach. “And what if that person was a musician?”
Y/N had a feeling they were no longer talking in hypotheticals. “We can fall in love with tons of different people.”
“No soulmates and shit for you, then?” She shook her head. She didn’t believe in all that crap, never had. Relationships were about work, effort, time. The person was important, but the life that person led mattered more to her. How much they’d prioritize the relationship, the kind of life they wanted to build. “That’s kind of depressing,” Harry said. 
The fire crackled and popped. “I don’t think so. It’s…practical.”
“Love isn’t supposed to be practical, Y/N.”
Y/N found herself speechless. She didn’t have an answer for him. She’d never been in love before, that was for sure. Hadn’t found that kind of love that people like Harry write songs about and she’d often found herself wondering when it was going to happen for her. There just hadn’t been any guys that were right for her yet. 
“Y/N! Harry!” She turned and her dad was in the doorway, pasta sauce splattered on his shirt. He’d always been a messy cook. “Dinner’s ready.”
Y/N took one last look at Harry before grabbing her wine and heading inside, Harry following at her heels. 
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After dinner, Harry decided this was his last chance at Y/N. He couldn’t exactly use the same excuse twice and after understanding her rule, he was determined to be the exception. He helped Y/N clear the plates while her dad settled in at the TV in the other room, telling them it was his time to watch the nightly news and they could clean up since he had cooked. Harry had missed being in a home like this, the kind where he got told to clean up from dinner and there was calm and normal conversation at the table, Y/N talking about her day at work and Harry sharing about his activities from his mum’s visit. It brought him a kind of peace he didn’t know he needed. 
The plate clattered on the counter as he set it down, Y/N turning, her hands soapy with the water from the dishes. “Gonna break our dishes,” she said with a snort. “Be careful, please.”
“Sorry,” Harry said sheepishly. He’d cleared the table, so he grabbed a dish rag from the peg and joined Y/N at the sink, taking the clean dishes from the rack and drying them, stacking them on the counter since he didn’t know where they belonged in the cabinets. 
They worked in silence, the only sound her dad’s TV from the other room. He could hear Rachel Maddow’s show on NBC, the same one he liked to watch, learning from her commentary on American politics that he was still trying to wrap his brain around. 
“Y/N,” he said when they’d finished the dishes. “I promise I heard everything you said earlier.” She looked at him with curiosity in her eyes, trying to figure out where he was going with this. Harry tried to pick his words delicately, wanting to make sure she knew he did hear her, he was just entranced by her and couldn’t give her up. “But what is the likelihood you would be willing to give it a shot? With me?”
She took the dish towel from his hands and dried her own, considering his words. The waiting was killing him, but he didn’t want to rush her. He knew what her worries were and he was asking her to put them aside. 
“We’ll take it slow,” he told her, stumbling over the words. “Promise. You set the pace, you decide about commitments. I just…” Can’t stop thinking about you.
But then Y/N surprised him by saying, “I know. I feel that way too.” His eyes widened, not believing the words from her mouth. “I’ll give it a shot,” she said slowly. “Better make the date good.”
“You sure?”
“I wouldn’t ask again unless you’d like me to change my mind.”
“Can I get your number then?” She nodded and read it off, Harry typing the numbers into his phone next to her name. Then Harry shut up and just smiled at her, following her like a puppy dog into the other room where her dad sat watching TV. She curled up on the couch, pulling the blanket her dad had so it would cover part of her and his heart softened at how sweet she looked. He loved seeing her like this, at home, comfortable in her space. “I’m going to head out,” he said. “Thank you so much for dinner, Peter.”
Y/N’s dad turned from the TV and gave him a wide smile. “Of course, Harry. You’re welcome anytime—wouldn’t want you to get lonely out here!”
His eyes drifted to Y/N and he knew that with her around, there was never anyway he could be lonely.
TAGLIST
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NEXT CHAPTER COMING JULY 4TH @ NOON CST
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onestowatch · 3 years ago
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Aidan Bissett Wants You to Know It’s Okay to Be Alone [Q&A]
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Photo: Brooke James
Aidan Bissett’s sunny and effortless disposition contrasts the chaotic ode to classic rock that is his latest track “Dumped.” The introspective and cathartic nature of his latest offering speaks to age-old feelings of heartbreak while doubling as an optimistic reminder that cloudy days cannot last forever.
Releasing soft-spoken tracks followed by headbanging, classic-rock inspired hits, this young artist’s music truly feels alive, shifting and evolving from one release to the next. With a soulful dedication to “music first, lyrics second,” Bissett is steadily creating his own lane defined by a relentless drive for experimentation. We had the chance to talk to Bissett about his creative approach, his latest single, “Dumped,” and plenty more. 
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Ones to Watch: So, tell me the story behind “Dumped?”
Aidan Bissett: Wow, that’s a good question. I wish when I wrote it, it came from like, I had just been dumped… Well, okay, I had sort of been dumped. I don’t know how to explain that, but let’s just say I was in a relationship, taking time off, in a sense. When we were writing it, it was me, my friends, Ryan and Sean, and we were writing in a zoom session for like three hours. It was not a good song, and none of the three of us wanted to say it was a bad song. So, we were like, “OK, we are going to go take a break for a little.” 
Then I pulled my guitar off the wall and started messing around, because when I get bored, especially in sessions, I like to try and take my mind off things. I’ll play random chords and sing random lyrics, like ad-lib over them just for fun. So, I started playing like three chords that are all throughout “Dumped,” singing this hook line that—it’s going to sound really weird—“I’m taking dumps all the time.” The guy I was producing it with was like, “OK, gross,” but that actually could be really cool… what if we change it to “I’m getting dumped all the time.” And I was like, “Woah.” That’s kind of how it started and we were on a roll and wrote the whole song in two hours.
And the song does mean a lot to me, because I have actually been dumped, multiple times. It sucks, it’s not a fun feeling, so every time I listen to it, it is kind of an “f you” type of song. Like, “yeah, I got dumped but I’m better off on my own anyway.” I always like that feeling better than wallowing in sadness. So, for anyone who does listen to it, I hope that it helps bring you out of the mourn and into a new light.
In the music video, you are seen reading an “Idiot's Guide To Love.” What was the last book you read?
I do love reading, I’ve always liked reading. I have not, in the past year, read a ton of books, which sucks because I actually do like reading. Well, okay, my senior year of high school I read like 13 books but a lot of them were for school. But they were still good books! I’m in the middle of reading Dune, which is very good so far. So, hopefully, I can finish that before the movie comes out. But yeah, I do like reading… when I have the time to sit down with my ADHD mind.
“Dumped” is a noted sonic transition for you. Can you tell me about how you approach your genre-spanning sound?
I don’t really like putting myself in one genre. I’m in a certain lane in the sense I do indie-pop, I do alternative, but I don't want to do straight pop. I feel like it's such a box, and it’s so limiting. I just love exploring different sounds, so even from the start, I put out “Different,” and then the second song was “Worst Girls Of All Time,” which was a completely different sound than the indie-pop wave that “Different” is. So, me putting out stuff like this after “Communication” is me exploring new sounds. To be honest, the things I like to hear always change, the bands that I’m listening to are always changing, and I take a lot of inspiration from a lot of different bands. I just love trying new things. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but it just keeps me on my toes instead of just doing the same formula over and over again.
What are you listening to right now?
That’s a good question, it’s kind of all over the place. There’s this one girl, Remi Wolf, who I’ve been non-stop listening to… I have been listening to her for a minute. When she put out her first EP, I loved it. But now, she’s putting out these new tracks and Solomonophonic, her producer, he’s just incredible and her voice is incredible. They are doing so many things that just aren’t normal in this time of music; it’s just so her own lane. I find that really inspiring in the sense that she’s carving her own path and not following in the line of others.
I feel like I’m always listening to Wallows no matter what. I always have them ready to go. COIN. Role Model’s rolling out new stuff so I’m excited for that, he’s kind of taking a change in his own discography. [The] sounds that he is doing are definitely a lot different from his earlier stuff. This guy, binki. He’s actually opening for Role Model on this tour. Oh my gosh! His music’s insane, so cool. It’s got so many sounds going on, similar to Remi Wolf, there’s so much going on, you’re like ‘wow.. I’ve never heard something like this before.’
For those who don’t know, you write, record and produce your music all by yourself. Can you walk me through your creative process?
Yeah, I’m very musically-driven. Everyone has their own thing, I feel like a lot of artists, like the Olivia Rodrigo types, are lyrically-driven. I’m definitely music first, lyrics second. So, when I sit down to write something I try and get something I latch onto. I’m like, “Oh, this sounds cool. Lyrics could sound cool over this.” Anytime I go into a session or I’m recording by myself, I try to lay down some form of music, and then I’ll freestyle lyrics or freestyle melodies over the top, or pick a melody I like and throw lyrics over that melody. Whether that’s a hook or a verse, that kind of just depends on how I’m feeling. It’s definitely a bit unconventional compared to other artists. I feel like artists are a bit more put together when it comes to writing music just because I’ve only been doing it for like a year-and-a-half. But I have my own process, and it works. Every time I write something I learn something new. I’m excited to see, even a year from now, what my process will be… and even if it's completely different or efficient, who knows?
Tell me about the influence of music in your childhood and the decision for you to be a musician at a young age - you started playing electric guitar very young - what was your household like? Musical family?
My dad wanted the kids in our family, I have two other siblings, to play an instrument for two years during our young adult life. He wanted us to play piano before we got to pick, so we had two years of piano and then we had to pick an instrument. So, my sister went and played two years of piano and didn’t really stick with it afterward. Then, it was my turn and I was like, “Well, I don’t really want to play piano, can I play guitar?” And since I was the only one who asked, who expressed interest in a different instrument, he was like, “Sure.” I started in second grade and I’ve stuck with it the entire time. I took lessons for years, and that’s how I kind of got into the classic rock scene. My dad was a huge classic rock fan so he showed me all greats… and that was all I listened to for years. It definitely had a large impact on what I did. I would even play in little recitals, and I always played classic rock songs like AC/DC or Guns N’ Roses.
It wasn’t necessarily a musical household, like my dad isn’t musical, my mom isn’t musical. The reason he wanted us to play an instrument is because his mom made him play an instrument as a kid, so he was like, “You guys get to do that, too.” But it is true, one of us ended up using it.
What do you want people to take away from “Dumped?”
It’s an amp-up song. I want them to feel energized, to be happy with yourself. Getting hurt in relationships happens all the time, but it's okay to get hurt in a relationship. It’s kind of how you bounce back, and I want this song to be like a bounce back. Like, you hear it and, “Oh! This is me bouncing back! I don’t need to sit and cry anymore, because that’s not fun.” Sitting and crying is okay, everyone’s done it, but there’s a point that you reach, in that break-up phase, when the crying needs to stop and you need to go out and live and be the person that you are, independently. So, I would hope that it inspires you to be your independent, wonderful self again.
Is there anything else you would like to say about your music, or in general, that you want to take the chance now to say?
Well, I’m sitting on a lot of songs. So, I’m excited to get all the rest out, and again, everything is so diverse. All the music is so diverse, I just feel like each song is its own thing, which I really enjoy. I feel that’s really unique to my own music, where you’re getting something new every time. I’m moving to LA. That’s the other thing. So, if anyone sees me in LA, please stop me and say hello!
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kaminobiwan · 5 years ago
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lost in translation
pairing: captain rex  x  engineer!reader
summary: an off day doesn’t always mean a bad day.
a/n: this one was very sweet to write :-) it’s part of my follower milestone celebration, and came from a request from an anon. the prompt was “catching someone doing something they’re not supposed to”, and I really didn’t expect this to take the form that it did! it’s a good thing, though. I really loved writing the fluff and rex deserves the entire world.
finally, here’s something new: my freshly made taglist form is done! as always, enjoy!
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He finds you crouched outside the barracks with a datapad in your hand.
It’s not something he’d usually consider abnormal, given everything that happens on the front lines in a single day of wartime, but the way you peek from behind the wall like you don’t want anyone to see you is noticeably out of the ordinary. 
He sneaks up on you pretty easily. It’s in his training, after all.
“What are you doing?”
You let out a surprised yelp, juggling the datapad for a few precarious seconds before catching it and shooting him an annoyed glare. “I could have dropped that.”
Rex tucks his helmet underneath his arm, shrugging indifferently. “Not like you couldn’t have fixed it.”
You shake your head at him the same way a teacher would to a misbehaving child, holding up a finger in correction. “I fix starships, not electronics.” Your voice drops conspiratorially. “It’s a completely different area of engineering.”
It doesn’t really matter that much to him. The math, or physics, or whatever you try to teach him always goes over his head, anyways. The way you’re glancing over your shoulder to see if any of the men can hear you, though, is something he’d like explained to him.
“Are you spying on them?”
“Shh!” You free a hand to clamp over his mouth, and Rex flinches at the sudden contact. Your hand is warm, no doubt from holding the datapad for too long. But he’s thankful, lest you feel the heat rising in his cheeks from your touch. “You’re gonna blow my cover. I’m on a mission.”
Rex’s voice is muffled, but his words come out clear enough. “What mission?” 
You usher him back down the hallway from where he came, dropping your arm from his face. “Can’t tell you,” you reply, gazing up at him with an intrepid grin. Even without your expression, it’s easy to see through your jest with your overtly joking tone. “It’s top secret. Goes all the way up to the top.”
Rex raises an eyebrow. That is new. It’s not often you’ll hide something from him. You’ve always been an open book around the 501st, saying it helps the boys comfortably emote after the trauma of the battlefield. You’re naturally trusting, and it encourages reciprocation without force. Even the General had noticed and enjoyed the calming presence you’d had on his men, hence your current station as head engineer of their mobile base. Good thing, too — Rex is pretty deep in his feelings for you. Has been since the moment you’d stuck out a surprisingly calloused hand and introduced yourself to him. To the benefit of everyone, his command is noticeably more effective after a late night in your private quarters or his separated bunk.
“I think I’d know if you were assigned on a mission,” he holds the door open for you as you duck inside your room. “Seeing as how I’m your C.O.”
“Is that the case?” you tuck the datapad on a bookshelf next to your bed. You turn to speak over your shoulder, obviously attempting to conceal the information you’d been recording from him. “Didn’t realize I’d be dating my boss when I got involved with you.”
Rex stumbles on his own two feet at that, and you laugh at him outwardly.
He’s still not the best with confronting the relationship between the two of you, as under wraps as it may be. After losing so many brothers to the war that birthed them, it’s hard to be vulnerable the way you ask him to be. He wants the same thing you do, but being open about how he feels is almost impossible for him.
Thank the maker you’re patient, though, and can put up with his inability to call himself your boyfriend. It doesn’t stop you from showering him in affection.
“Well, I do outrank you, even if you are a civvie tech.” Recovered from his blunder, he eases himself down on your cot, undoing the straps of his armor. “So, I could just order you to tell me what you were doing.”
A pout materializes. “You’re no fun.”
“Got me mixed up with Fives if that’s what you’re looking for.”
You sigh dramatically, plopping into your favorite sitting corner next to his feet. The stool you usually prop your feet up on is missing, though he suspects it’s in the refresher since you seem to be too short to reach the cabinet there. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Rex lets a corner of his mouth rise in a half smile. He enjoys the way you let your reactions show, exercising the full range of your emotions. You pick up the slack he leaves in that regard, and he braces as he turns, leaning his elbows on his knees as he tells you, “You do know you were holding the datapad backwards earlier, right? I clocked the screen in the hall.”
Your frown deepens, and you cross your arms at him. “Rex.”
“What’re you lookin’ up Mando’a for, anyway?”
He’d immediately recognized the script of the language on your pad. You blow a strand of hair away from your face, the remnants of your so-called mission story falling away with the conversation. “I wanted to learn it, obviously.”
Rex casts his eyes to the ceiling. “Obviously. My question was why.”
You fix him with a thoughtful stare that lasts a second longer than normal, and he extends a hand to you in your corner. When you take it, he guides you to the bed next to him, resting your legs in his lap. His fingers tap your ankle in impatient waiting. 
“Does there have to be a reason?” You flex your toes, wiggling them as you speak. “Maybe I just want to understand you better.” 
“Sweetheart, you understand us plenty. Jesse said you gave him a hell of a therapy session just last week.”
You raise a brow at him, mimicking his expression from before. “I want to understand you, Mr. Brooding-and-closed-off,” you sit up from leaning on your hands, and poke him in the shoulder pointedly. It’s true that he relies on his mother tongue much more than the rest of his brothers. He’ll sometimes unknowingly switch from Basic, to your endless confusion. “I seem to be able to help everyone but you.” You purse your lips before peering at him amusedly. “And I think you mean psychoanalysis, not a therapy session.”
Rex makes a dismissive face. “Whatever.”
You drop your gaze, absently trailing your hand down his shoulder, and he grimaces internally. He can tell you’re already used to him pushing you away. You’re visibly preparing for it, even now.
He’s really bad with words — it’s ironic, considering how efficient he can be when he assumes command. Although he’s known for thinking on his feet, that doesn’t necessarily transfer to his communication skills. He’s never had the patience for conversation like Cody, or the power to convey his thoughts with threatening glares like Wolffe.
But he is good at taking action. And he’s tired of disappointing you.
He takes your hand, squeezing it gently as he brushes his thumb across your wrist. Hopefully, his intentions are obvious enough by the way he pulls you closer and looks you straight on. “You know you can always ask me what stuff means,” he says, “instead of trying to listen to Fives’ annoying voice.”
You laugh, and his heart flips in his chest. His brain reminds him to get it together, but he allows himself to relax into your touch. “He does speak too fast for me to decipher,” you wrap an arm around his waist, almost chin to chin with him. “Though it doesn’t take a protocol droid to figure out that haar’chak is a curse word.” You imitate the foreign word with decent accuracy, Rex notes. Maybe he really could teach you.
“It is. And kaysh mirsh solus is ‘he’s an idiot’.” He pauses. “Well, it actually means ‘his brain cell is lonely’. But that’s a little wordy.”
Your eyes light up, both at his seamless transition into the language and his correct anticipation of your first question. It’s his most used phrase, especially around his brothers. Though, the sincerity and circumstance in which he uses it varies wildly.
“There’s another one similar to that,” you press on, and he drinks in your excitement. It’s awfully endearing, even to Rex. “Hardcase says it a lot. It ends with ‘kee-rah-mood’?”
“Kaysh mirsh’kyramud,” Rex grins at your attempt. “‘He’s a brain assassin’. It just means someone’s boring.” A realization dawns on him as you giggle at the literal translations. “Wait, when has he said that?”
You shrink back a little, suddenly more conscious amidst your amusement. “Um…”
He looks at you flatly. “It’s after my briefings, isn’t it.”
“Yep.”
“Or’dinii.” After a beat, you nudge him. “‘Moron’.”
Another laugh breaks past your lips, and you lean your head against him. Despite his grumbling, he tucks you under him and kisses your temple, his face dissolving into a contented expression. You’re happily indulging him with the physical contact he’s always craving, and he silently offers you the first concession he’s given since you kissed him for the first time in the hangars before battle all those months ago. Ni kar’tayl gar darasuum.
“What’s that mean?”
Rex jerks up in surprise, angling his neck down to see you watching him curiously. He hadn’t realized he’d said it aloud.
It’s not like him to be so out of his head, but then again, this hasn’t exactly been a regular day. He sucks in a breath, committing fully to the sentiment. He’s never made the first move with you. You’ve had to elicit every last moment from him, breaking down wall after rebuilt wall.
Not this time.
“I love you,” he murmurs, but you hear him, loud and clear. “It means I love you.”
Your eyes blaze with something he can’t get a read on, but you respond with an alarmingly straight face. “Is that what it means literally?”
Rex blinks. “Um, no. It means — ”
“I’m joking,” your facade drops immediately, and you break out into that wide, face-splitting smile he loves so damn much. “Rex, I love you.” You reach up to gather his jaw in your hands, and drag him down into a sweet kiss, and he swears he’s never felt happier. “I love you too, Rex, stars.”
Against your lips, he mumbles it again, the words glistening on his tongue. “I love you.”
Nothing he’s ever said has sounded better.
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