#got a fair few fics on the back burner and i hope you enjoy them as much as my older ones if you choose to read any when they're posted anon

[lit-in-thy-heart]

I just discovered your blog and your merlin fics on archive of our own! They're so good and I really love your aus - especially the coffee shop ones (who doesn't love a coffee shop au, let's be real) :-) What's a fic that you've always wanted to exist but either can't force yourself to sit down and write or desperately want someone else to write first?

Hello there!! Please know this has made my night and I'm glad that my fics have been bringing you a bit of joy <3 costa criminals my beloved, they're so much fun to write and, good news anon, I have got another one in the series partially written and a rather chaotic follow-up planned, I'm just currently jumping between about 4 different wips so the posting process is a little slower than usual

Oooh that's a great question! One fic idea that I've had for two years now but have never been able to sit down and write past vague vibes is my Gwaincelot Bridgerton AU (posted about here and here). There are a few Merthur ones on ao3 and some general Regency AUs, but Gwaincelot could be so much fun...I've just never got around to actually writing it 😅 another one is a merwaincelot assassin au that would be cool but, again, I've just never found the time for

Thank you for dropping by anon, hope you have a great day! 💜

[yinyanchan]

I just have to say, I've been literally obsessed with a lot of your fanfics lately! After you posted an update for a lot of your fanfics in April, I decided to give them a shot and I absolutely don't regret my decision! Your writing just seems to draw me in and before I know it, I've finished all the available chapters of the fanfic I was reading! Your characterization of these characters are different but very appealing, especially your Swapfell Red Sans (I love that little sucker so much)! All the fluffy and weird situations that happen with the MC and the skeletons either has me cooing at the heartwarming moments or laughing my ass off at the absurd shenanigans the MC and the skeletons get into. Like that moment in "Dire Wolf" where Fang hides MC in his body so she can see Dire and Wolf but it just ends up getting worse and worse for Fang, that entire moment had me laughing like a banshee because it was so funny to me!

Sorry for the rambling but I needed to word vomit about your fanfics. I do have a question though, are some of your fanfics discontinued? Specifically "Dire Wolf" and "Gremlins".

Thank you so much! As much as I fell in love with Underfell Sans in the beginning... Swapfell Red Sans has definitely stolen my heart and I was a little sad not seeing more of him out there when I had initially started writing. I very much enjoyed writing his yandere chapter in Yandere Oneshots, talk about a smooth operator. I'm very proud of that moment with Fang in Dire Wolf! I like to say "what horribly embarrassing thing that I can do to them that could be absolutely possible due to them being monsters?" Then giggle maniacally as I write it. Embarrassment tropes were my thing back in the day and I'm glad it has stuck with me for my undertale writings...

I only have one fic on indefinite hiatus and that is All or Nothing. I got overwhelmed with everything I was trying to fit into, what I was hoping to be, a short story and got very burned out. As it stands I have published over 20 different stories on AO3 and that's not even including the ones that I've written that I haven't brought to light. I was hoping to budget my time the year before last as I had a schedule that allowed me to do so but that changed. I've been through a lot of major life happenings and accidents that it put a lot of things on the back burner... not to mention to many ideas that like to pop into my head that grabs my attention away. I also have a physically demanding job as of now, though I much enjoy it, I'm very exhausted by the time I get home. It's one of the reasons I will not have a Patreon for my work. Not that I don't like a few ko-fi's here and there for my writing, and just writing for the fun of it, but I don't want to be put on a deadline as that will only make things not flow and be considered work. It also wouldn't be fair for everyone to get half baked chapters and be paying for it. There are some days that I have to put certain fics away because nothing was flowing right and that doesn't mean I haven't written future things waiting to be upcoming chapters... it's when I finally have that "Ah HA!" moment and something can finally go together the way I envisioned it. Unfortunately it takes time for me and I can't miss a day of work with the bills I've got... Especially after getting rear ended by that uninsured motorist... that took a lot of money to fix and they have straight up disappeared so there is nothing I can do but have a warrant for their arrest for evading trial. Out of all the things that happened this year that's the one that cost the most and took far more of my time than I would have liked. (Sorry for the vent, I literally just got my car back today and the accident was in late March.)

Gremlins has a chapter coming once I get the right words on a certain situation and Dire Wolf was at a good stopping place for the moment. Dire Wolf is probably going to have story arcs if I go into depth with every single skeleton but the main two are my primary focus.

As for the others I find myself editing and then not liking how something was written or the placement in time setting and it goes back to being worked on a bit more.

I thank you all for your patience with me! I am trying and hopefully *looks around, knocks on wood, offers prayers to the universe* that I can get my calendar situated and I can actually give you a better idea of posts and more frequent posts. Soon overtime will just be a distant memory... I hope... and more free time rather than a few paragraphs I can fit in during lunch.

[dollslayer]

Please continue the Scandal-based Steve fic, you write the best angst ever!!!!

A/N: As you wish! Thank you so much for reading, hope this is up to par 💖 (ps- if you commented on the first one I'm tagging you for this follow up, no permanent tags tho don't worry!)

Pairings: Steve Rogers x Reader, Steve Rogers x Peggy Carter

Warnings: pseudo-cheating, angst, alcohol consumption, swearing, love triangle, secret relationship

Part One HERE I Main Masterlist

It’s been an entire week since you walked out on Steve. He never did find the words to tell you that he wasn’t going to leave Peggy, but you never found the words to explicitly leave him, either. You were both in a game of chicken that you’d unknowingly started and neither of you had found the courage to finish it.

It was so easy when you were swept up in the moment, a storm of anger and hurt that finally came to a breaking point. But now you were past it and found yourself lost. The only thing making you feel better was seeing that Steve was having just as hard a time as you were. He wasn’t as outgoing, he was making dumb mistakes, he was off his game. You didn’t necessarily want Steve to suffer but it was reassuring in some way, to know that he felt anything for you. You just wanted this entire mess to be over.

But when the mess was over, what would you want to come of it? Do you even want to be with Steve any more? Or do you just not want him to be with Peggy? Thinking it through, what you felt for Steve was real, real enough to pull on your heartstrings and real enough to hurt. After all of the grief that Steve has caused you you’re not sure that you could properly forgive him. Maybe over time but you couldn’t see yourself trying to rebuild your relationship when the two of you had so much else to focus on.

So now you were caught in some sort of relationship purgatory because you were too afraid to end it. And he was too much of a coward to admit he’s been in the wrong this whole time. Honestly you can’t justify Steve’s actions on any level when it came down to it. His men are in the midst of war and fighting Hydra and he really thinks that a relationship is going to be their saving grace and reassurance? Bull.

On some level, no matter how deep it is, Steve saw something for her that he didn’t see in you and he felt some affection for her. Maybe saying that the relationship was just a front was his way of covering his real feelings for her. But he’d be damned if he thought he could have his cake and eat it too. You’d spent many a night cycling through this thought process and ending up right where you started.

Getting nowhere in your deliberating you decided to bury yourself in your work. You’d always felt that it was fulfilling work, you helped civilians and military alike with your work and you were damn good at it. So you plunged head-first into your codebreaking and strategy-forming and put your in-limbo relationship on the back burner.

Throwing yourself head first into work turned out to be in your best interest for the time being. The last two missions had been a success but per usual, you had gone unrecognized. That’s fine, you didn’t need to be patted on the back every time you excelled but every once in a while it would be nice. And thanks to your codebreaking, once again, you find yourself stuck in the corner of the dingy pub you had lost your mind in just a week ago. Unappreciated. Or so you thought.

You sat back thinking Steve wasn’t under Peggy’s thumb this time but he was trying his best to make the most of the moment over a pint with the rest of the commandos. And you were back in what was becoming your usual corner of the pub, sipping on a dry red wine. It was bitter on your tongue but after the week you’ve had you needed a drink, even if it meant seeing them.

“You did good back there, thank you” Bucky’s voice shook you from your thoughts. “Okay if I sit?”

You were so caught off guard by anyone really speaking to you, let alone praising you that you couldn’t find anything to say. You just stared at Bucky with wide eyes before nodding slowly. He settled into the chair next to you and took a swig from his bottle.

“You know, on the outside you don’t seem like you’re gonna be much but when you put yourself to work… it’s somethin’ else. You’re a natural.” Bucky told you.

“Um, thanks, I guess?” You brushed off the compliment to give him one of your own, “We wouldn’t be sitting here right now if it weren’t for you all. I’m just some codebreaker, you’re the one doing the leg work”

“Give yourself some credit, you deserve it.” Bucky patted you on the shoulder and for the first time in weeks you felt a spark of genuine happiness. You shyly smiled up at Bucky and took a sip of your wine.

“So, you wanna tell me what’s got Steve snappin’ his cap at everyone? You two break up?”

Your eyes rounded in surprise. You were so sure that no one had known. You were so sure Steve didn’t want anyone to so it didn’t occur to you that Bucky might’ve known.

“Did… Steve tell you? About us?”

“Didn’t have to. I ran after him to talk a few weeks ago and found you two smoochin’”

Your face heated in slight embarrassment but you nodded in understanding.

“I just… it’s not fair that he should show her off like she’s his sweetheart while I’m treated like some dirty secret. I gave him a piece of my mind and he wasn’t able to cope. But I don’t know where this leaves us. He didn’t split but there’s just no way we could go on like this.”

Bucky looked a little miffed but grunted in affirmation. He shook his head and clenched his jaw.

“I knew he and Peggy weren’t for real but what he’s been doin’ to ya ain’t right. Sorry Steve’s been such a knucklehead. My two cents, you go back to him and confront him. And if he’s too much of a punk to see what he’s got you walk.”

You shakily exhale and take another gulp before setting your palms flat against the table.

“Easier said than done, but you’re right”

“I love him, he’s my brother but forget him if he’s too much of a jerk to know what he’s got. But for now let’s just get pleasantly drunk, whaddya say?”

Rather than giving him an answer you downed the rest of your glass and put it down on the table. Bucky was looking at you with a toothy grin.

“Atta girl”

____

The evening had been as promised, you were pleasantly drunk and for the first time in weeks you were letting yourself enjoy the moment. Bucky was funny and kind to you when no one else had even batted an eye and you found yourself grateful for his company that night.

You were humming to yourself as you walked back to your room but just when you reached for the door a hand reached out for your wrist. You didn’t need to look up to know that the hand belonged to Steve. You denied yourself the comfort you found in physical contact and reminded yourself of the situation. You sighed and looked up to him expectantly.

“You and Buck? Just what the hell’s going on?” Steve demanded.

“Oh so now you want to talk to me? You only care now that you’re not my main focus?” You shot right back at him. You swayed slightly, tipsy still from the wine.

Steve’s jaw tensed and he schooled his features though you could tell he was simmering on the inside.

“No”, he said calmly, “I just wanted to know. If you’re trying to make me jealous it’s not going to work.”

“Well I wasn’t trying but apparently it is working.”

Steve’s hands balled into fists and you could see veins beginning to spout in his hands. He didn’t say anything so you continued.

“I give you an ultimatum and tell you how much you’ve hurt me and you only come back once I turn my attention to your best friend? He’s the only one that’s said a nice word to me this whole time. The rest have been caught up in the lie you’ve been spinning with Peggy!”

Your anger was getting the better of you but you were letting it. Anger got you through it the first time, it’ll get you out no matter how it ends.

“That’s not fair-”

“You’re not fair, Steve. The way you’ve been treating me, it isn’t right! I gave you a choice and you’ve been dragging your feet. I’m going to ask you one more time, Steve. Me? Or Her?”

Steve was silent again, you could tell he wasn’t thinking about what he wanted, but he was forming an answer. Deep down you knew it would come to this. He’s never going to hold your hand in public, there’s never going to be an apartment in Brooklyn, there’s never going to be an us between you. Maybe there never was.

Steve started to call your name but you shook your head and scrunched your eyes closed in a mixture of frustration and pain. Tears were welling in your eyes but you’d be damned if Steve Rogers would see a single one fall. He doesn’t deserve it. He doesn’t deserve you, he never did.

“I’m sorry…” Steve offered lamely.

“No, you’re not.” Maybe that wasn’t fair of you to say, Steve did look to be in genuine emotional pain over this but right now you didn’t care. If he had felt any true remorse he wouldn’t have let himself get anywhere with Peggy in the first place.

“I really did want all of that with you, I still do. We could still have it, we just need to get through this, please.”

You shook your head and started ushering him towards the door.

“No, Steve. That’s all gone now. You had your chance but I’m worth more than how you treat me.”

You opened the door and waited for him to leave.

“I think you should go. I don’t have anything left to say to you.”

With that Steve sighed heavily but left with his head hung between his shoulders. You could’ve sworn he was crying but you didn’t care if he was. He made this happen and he didn’t treat you right. So this is what happened.

Tears finally make their way down your face but you don’t feel sad. It’s cathartic almost, like a weight lifted. You’d probably put in for a transfer with the SSR just to save the team the grief but for now you’d keep your head down, keep working. Damn Steve Rogers for not seeing in you what you saw in yourself and damn anyone else that didn’t either.

[tanyawritesstories]

Slip Up | Hardcase x Reader

I'm going on vacation soon so here's a fic before I go. I've still got zero motivation and ideas, that's why I have not put out a fic in so long, I'm sorry to everyone. I hope you enjoy this one 😊

Word count: 3.1k

Warnings: NSFW, smut, shower sex, biting, accidental creampie, no birth control, fluff, playful banter, mischief, Kix knows too much

•••

You knew you should probably get the bedroom decorated like you planned but you were afraid to leave the kitchen with food on the stove. You were still a rookie at cooking and given that you were making Hardcase's favorite, so it would be ready when he came home, made you not want to take your eyes off of it.

He had been on the front for a month, and you wanted him to return to a nice dinner and some much needed relaxation. You had pulled out all the stops for your favorite trooper and boyfriend. You spent your last paycheck on new silk sheets you thought he'd like and some comfy civvie clothes for him to wear around your apartment. Going a little over your normal budget buying the ingredients for his favorite meal, that you were desperately trying not to fuck up.

You didn’t have an exact time that he would arrive but you knew it was sometime tonight. He had commed you earlier and told you he was coming home. He then proceeded to send you messages every time something interesting happened. He had sent you around 36 of them. Telling you when they went into hyperspace, what he had to eat, approximately how long they had before they reached Coruscant air space, and giving you every detail of the arm wrestling competition that Jesse had started. You missed him.

During your momentary lapse in concentration, you had failed to notice that the food had started simmering a little too much. You realized it just in time to sweep the pan off the burner and save it from utter destruction. You finished the dish without any further mishaps and set it in the oven on a low temperature to keep warm. Only then were you able to relax and get to setting up the bedroom the way you pictured it in your mind.

You put the new sheets on the bed and dimmed the lights to a warm hue. You also lit a small scented candle to complete the atmosphere. You had turned up the heating device so your apartment was a tad warmer than usual. Hardcase always complained about how cold it was in space and he preferred your apartment warmer.

You had just finished setting the table when you heard the door open. You turned and saw your boyfriend toss his helmet and backpack to the ground before running towards you. He picked you up and spun you around, huge smiles on both of your faces. He pulled you into a tight embrace once he set you back down and you did your best to hug back just as tight. You pressed kisses to his entire face before kissing him hard on the lips. You finally parted, panting and happy to be in each other's presence once again.

"I missed you," you breathed. He laughed, "I missed you too, doll. More than you know."

"I think the 39 messages you sent me are a good indication," you laughed back. Hardcase kissed you again and you held each other until you were both content to let go. "It smells good in here, are you cooking something?" He asked. "Your favorite," you beamed at him, watching the joy spread across his face. "Please tell me it's done already, I don't know how long I'll be able to wait knowing that you're making my favorite." You nodded, "It's in the oven staying warm. Go sit down and I'll bring it out." That was probably one of the only times Hardcase would willingly let you out of his arms.

You journeyed to the kitchen carefully retrieving the dish and bringing it out to the table. Hardcase was fidgeting in his seat, like he always did when he was excited. He had gotten a slight handle on it since you started dating but ultimately it wasn't something he could get rid of, and you didn't want him to. You loved how energetic he was, how even little things like his favorite food could make him so happy he couldn't sit still. It was goddamn adorable and you wouldn't trade it for anything.

You served him first, far be it from you to keep him waiting, before helping yourself. You watched him take his first few bites and literally moan at how it tasted. "It's s'good," he said with his mouth full. You chuckled at him and watched as he shoveled more food into his mouth. He was happy and so you let his iffy manners slide. "Kriffin' fantastic," he mumbled between bites.

By the time you were both done he had eaten about three quarters of it and was finally full. "Thank you for making that, babe. It was delicious," he said, patting his belly at the same time. "You're welcome, my love." You stood up and started gathering the dishes when he jumped out of his seat and all but yanked them from your hands.

"Nah, I'll do the dishes. You made dinner, it's only fair that I clean up," he insisted. "Babe, you just got back, you should be relaxing, not working. I'll do them," you replied. "Nuh uh, you're not doing the dishes," he said walking into the kitchen. You laughed and followed him, "I will do them, you need to relax. I bought you some fancy soap, go take a nice hot shower while I do this," you said while reaching for the dishes. He pulled them away from your hands. "No," he said, a teasing and childish tone in his voice, "I'm gonna do it."

"Babe," you whined, "let me do something nice for you." Hardcase set the dishes in the sink and shielded them from your grabby hands. "You already did something nice for me, let me do this. Don't make me tickle you," he threatened with a smile. You made a dramatic gasping sound, teasing him back, "you wouldn't dare."

"How about," he turned the sink on and put the plug in the drain, "We let the dishes soak and you and I shower together?" You thought for a second before dragging your arms around his neck. "That sounds delightful." He pecked your lips and turned you around in the direction of the refresher. He lightly smacked your ass when he thought you weren't moving fast enough and you giggled. You gifted him the new casual clothes you had bought him and set them on the vanity, along with some comfy clothes for yourself.

Hardcase got in the shower first, adjusting the temperature until it was perfect before beckoning you in. You stripped and joined him, hugging him from behind once you got in. You hummed happily, pressing your lips to the bruises and scars on his back. He turned around in your arms and held you back, kissing the top of your head. You stayed still, holding each other under the warm cascading water. Just enjoying the feeling of one another’s skin and comfort.

But with Hardcase, there wasn’t peace and quiet for very long. He tilted your chin up and kissed you passionately, you snaked your arms around his neck and pressed yourself impossibly closer to him. He moved his hands down to your ass and began kneading and squeezing it. Hardcase was definitely an ass man and he loved to play with yours. A few moments later you felt his hard length poke at your thigh. You pulled away and smiled at him, biting your lip. “Someone’s eager.”

“Can you blame him? If you were seeing what I’m seeing right now, you would understand,” he chuckled. Hardcase brought his lips back to yours as he hoisted you up and pressed you against the shower wall. His lips journeyed down to the side of your neck and began leaving bruise-worthy bites and suction marks. You had wrapped your legs around his waist to keep yourself up and now slowly began moving your hips to grind against him, small gasps and whines leaving your swollen lips.

Hardcase groaned into your neck and his tongue traveled across your collarbone, licking up the water droplets that had stopped there. He paused for a second to take in the feeling of your warm, wet folds sliding deliciously across his cock. “Are you wet enough to take me, sugar? Don’t know if I can wait any longer,” he sighed out. You took one of his hands and spit into his palm before directing it down to your cunt. He slathered it all around your hole and slid two fingers easily inside, scissoring you just to be sure. He removed his fingers and licked them clean, afterwards lining himself up and thrusting all the way inside.

You let out a noise that was a mix between a moan and a scream as Hardcase immediately set a brutal pace. “Fuck, sugar, you feel fuckin’ amazing,” he growled into your neck. You dug your nails into his back and moved your hips in time with his fast paced thrusts. Hardcase had you at the precipice of an orgasm in what felt like seconds, he knew just how to work your body into submission. You nearly screamed when he hit that special spot inside you that made your vision blurry and your toes curl up.

“Oh, ‘Case baby, I’m gonna cum, fuck!” You squealed, unable to hold back any longer. Your high crashed over you hard, your walls clenching around your boyfriend’s dick. It took every ounce of restraint Hardcase had in him not to come with you and to just stay seated inside until you came down from bliss. He pulled out and shut off the water, setting you down on wobbly legs. “Sorry, babe. I wanna continue this on the bed, that ok? Wanna lay you down and make love to you properly.”

“Ever the gentlemen,” you smiled, you brought him into a heated kiss and exited the shower. “Hurry up,” you whispered as you brushed by him, spanking his ass on the way.

You quickly dried off and abandoned the clothes you had got out, instead laying down in the center of the bed. The new sheets you had put on felt lovely against your skin and you had the passing thought that maybe you should have bought some lingerie too. However you quickly dismissed the thought, knowing that Hardcase would just rip it off anyways.

You didn’t have to wait long, Hardcase sauntered out of the refresher, a hand lazily stroking his cock. You took in the impressive sight of him standing at the end of your bed, tall and muscular, the blue lines weaving intricate patterns across his chest. He was gorgeous. You could feel your body heat back up and your juices leak out of you.

“Kriffin’ hells, you are something to behold, sweetness,” he said. You smiled temptingly and beckoned him forward. He got on his hands and knees and crawled up till he was hovering above you. “Hello trooper,” you said cheekily, “Care to show a lady a good time?” Your question was silently answered when Hardcase circled his fingers around your clit. You gasped and grabbed onto the sheets in a death grip. Hardcase moved his head down to your breasts and sucked a nipple into his mouth. Your other hand flew to the back of his head, urging him to keep going.

He once again slid two fingers into you up to his knuckles and began pumping them, his thumb now giving your bundle of nerves the attention it needed. The only noises spewing from your mouth were gasps and moans of varying volume, with his name mixed in. Hardcase turned his attention to your other breast, licking over your nipple before sucking that one into his mouth and giving it the same treatment as the other.

You were aware he hadn’t cum yet and was probably hard as a rock from all the stimulation without any release. “Hardcase, I need you inside me, now.” He released your nipple with a lewd pop and kissed you, bringing his tongue into your mouth. “Anything for you, babe,” he said. He reluctantly took away his fingers, this time bringing them to your mouth and you sucked generously on them. He lined up and slid inside slower this time, relishing the way your walls fluttered around his cock. He let out a guttural groan and tried not to move right away, but his erection was almost painful and he wanted to cum badly.

“I know you need to cum, baby,” You said, taking his face in your hands, “Fuck me as hard as you want, you deserve to be greedy.” You could swear you heard a whine come from his throat as you watched his eyes darken as he was given permission to ruin you. Hardcase pulled out almost all the way before he slammed back in, causing you to yelp. He stilled for a second, thinking he had hurt you until you assured him that he didn’t and you would tell him if it became too much. After that, he was gone. He gave in to his impulses and set an energetic and bruising pace.

“Holy maker do you feel good, squeezin’ me so tight even when I’m goin’ so fast,” he praised. You moaned out his name and clawed at his back, definitely leaving scratch marks. Your actions caused Hardcase to growl in your ear, sending you hurling towards your next orgasm. “Hardcase, I’m close,” you warned through a moan. “Me too, baby, me too,” he sighed, locking eyes onto yours, “Where do you want it?” “My mouth,” you answered, sticking your tongue out. He closed his lips over your tongue and playfully nibbled it. He moved one hand down to your clit and furiously rubbed, his actions sending you over the edge and he released your lips to hear you scream his name. Your nails dug into his back once more and your back arched off the bed, your silky walls clenched around Hardcase so tight he couldn’t contain himself. He thrusted a few more times and stilled as he shot his hot seed deep into your pussy. You were so blissed out you didn’t even register that he came inside you. Hardcase rested his head in the crook of your neck, breathing heavily, it was several minutes before you both settled down. Only then did the realization hit you.

“Hardcase?” He hummed in response. “Did you just cum inside me?” You felt his eyelashes skim across the skin of your neck as his eyes opened wide in horror. He sat up quickly and pulled out of you, seeing his cum slowly dripping out of you. “Aw shit, I did,” he said, running his hands down his face, “I’m sorry, baby.” You hid your face in your hands and groaned desperately, “What are we going to do? I’m not on birth control!” His hands ran up and down your arms soothingly. “Don’t worry, we’ll find you some.” “How? I need to take it as soon as possible and I have no idea where to get any,” you sighed.

Hardcase thought for a minute. “Hey, I have an idea. I’m taking you to the barracks.” You looked confused, “The barracks? Why?” Hardcase climbed out of the bed and set about getting dressed in his blacks, tossing you some clothes in the process. “Kix has some of every medication in existence in his medbay. I can keep the boys occupied while you sneak in and rummage around for some.” You donned the clothes, looking concerned, “Babe, isn’t that stealing from the Republic?” Hardcase paused and appeared to be thinking. "Technically no because we are using them to provide civilian aid," he finally said. You sighed.

"Just make sure I don't get caught."

~~~~

You looked through the numerous boxes with various medication names on the front. You still hadn't found any birth control, or anything remotely like it. Hardcase was keeping his brothers distracted while you searched through Kix's supplies. You felt bad raiding it like this and tried to put everything back the way you found it. It was taking a while and you hoped Hardcase had the situation under control out there.

You were so deep into your search you didn't hear the door open.

"Y/N?"

You stood up as fast as you could, kicking the drawer you were looking through closed with your foot. You plastered a fake smile on your face and leaned against the desk. Kix stood just inside the door, a very suspicious look on his face. "What are you doing in here?"

"Umm, nothing just.. organizing." That was the worst excuse you could have possibly come up with. The medic raised an eyebrow suspiciously. There was no way he believed you. "Were you looking for something?" He prodded, beginning to walk towards you. "Mm, yes! I think I left something here last time.."

"You never came by the medbay when you were here last," Kix concluded. You looked to the ceiling, desperately trying to come up with something. "What's that?"

Your gaze swiftly returned to Kix as he walked to stand next to you. "What?" He turned your head to the side and appeared to be looking at something on your neck. His inspection was followed with a sigh as he turned your head to meet his eyes.

"Did Hardcase accidently cum inside you again?"

Your eyes widened in horror and you smacked Kix on his armored shoulder, which hurt you more than him. "Kix!" The man shrugged like it was no big deal. "What? He mentions it sometimes, not my fault he can't keep his mouth shut, he likes to brag about you." A small smile found its way to your face and you heard Kix sigh again.

"I saw the marks on his neck and figured you two had been at it again, so I snuck away and grabbed these," Kix explained, holding out a pill bottle, "I was going to bring them to him to give to you when I heard noises coming from the medbay and decided to check it out."

You had been looking at the floor in embarrassment until he mentioned the pills. "You went to get them specially for me?" You asked hesitantly. Kix nodded with a smirk, "How else do you think he got them for you all the other times?"

A smile broke out on your face and you hugged Kix, murmuring a thank you into his shoulder. He patted your back. "I would ask for a favor in return, but I don't think Hardcase would like sharing," he said with a smug grin. You gave him a strange look and he shrugged it off, handing you the bottle of pills.

"Take 'em, the last thing we need is miniature Hardcase's running around. One is bad enough."

[accioxreparo]

baby fever | g.w.

part one // baby fever

synopsis: It came out of nowhere for both you and George. Maybe, just maybe, it might be something to consider

pairing: George Weasley x reader

warnings: none

a/n: Hi so this popped into my head and I had to get it out there cause it’s cute and sure maybe its a little self indulgent cause my cousin just had a baby and she’s adorable and here I am lol. This part is a little shorter but the next one is...well let’s just say it’s definitely longer. Also there may or may not be nine planned parts to this hc/fic hybrid series so...

tagging note: I know this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and just to be safe I was thinking of making a separate tag list for this so hmu if you want to be added!

~~~~~~

It wasn’t fair really. You never stood a chance. 

Teddy, your godson, had just turned a year old and it seemed like he was growing more and more every day. He had such a bubbly personality and despite the fact that he reminded you so much of his parents, ones who had felt so much like your own, he never failed to bring a smile to your face 

Two afternoons a week you’d go straight from work to Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes where George was more often than not carrying Teddy, who would always be wearing a tiny little suit that perfectly complimented his, in a baby carrier strapped across his chest. Whenever you mentioned the fact that Teddy was close to walking by himself now he only smiled and gave you a shrug, “He walks too slow.”

You knew, though. Knew that he enjoyed the days you two had Teddy more than anything. The fact that he was growing right before your eyes made him want to hold on as much as possible.  

That day was different. It felt different from the moment you woke up early in the morning to find George with Teddy (who Harry had just dropped off) hoisted up on his shoulders, talking to him as if he could understand him while making breakfast. 

“Alright Ted, here’s our to do list. We have a new shipment coming in today with the materials we need for the skiving snackboxes. Just in time too, everyone’s gonna start shopping for school soon. We need to get on it if we want to have these done by July. - What was that? - No you cannot try these candies. Not yet anyway.” 

The sight has you beaming at them and stirs something inside you that you can’t quite pinpoint. You don’t even say anything until Teddy sees you and babbles while reaching for you. Then George is the one who smiles as you take Teddy from him, his hair turning bubblegum pink as you toss him in the air once before hugging him tightly

You think about that scene in the kitchen all day long. Every now and then you find yourself grinning and it’s only intensified when you’re sent to help out in the Infant and Children Wing of St. Mungo’s. The kids make you smile and you can’t help the lingering thought that you can’t wait to have one of your own. 

It surprises you. You’d thought about it, even talked about it with George before you got married but until then it’d sort of been put on the back burner. Still, the thought stays very much present in your head all day long. 

Then you’re sent to the Ministry to drop off some paperwork and that’s when you run into Bill. He looks quite flustered as he holds little three month old Victoire in his arms with a backpack thrown over his shoulder. When he sees you he shouts your name across the Atrium, catching the attention of several people. “I went to find you at work and they said you’d be here. You wouldn’t be able to do me a huge favor would you?”

For a moment you pay no attention to his words, simply cooing at Victoire who’s wide awake and giving you a toothless smile. “That depends, what is it?” You finally answer, happily taking Victoire from and smiling when she giggles as you gently rock her back and forth. 

“That actually,” Bill says as he drops the bag to the floor and sighs heavily. “There’s this ministry gala today that I totally forgot about that Fleur and I have to go to. I’d take Vic to mums but her and dad also have to go and you know how picky she is about everyone else. Adores you and George, though. You wouldn’t mind taking her would you?” 

Your answer is immediate “Not at all. Me and George have Teddy today too. I’m sure they’ll love seeing each other again.”

Bill looks relieved and he hands you the bag, “Perfect! We’ll be at yours later tonight then.” He says a quick goodbye to Victoire and hugs you before starting to walk away, shouting another quick thanks behind him as he disappears down the Atrium once more. 

When you step out of the floo and into your apartment you almost immediately feel a small pair of arms wrapping around your legs

“Why hello there, love,” You smile and kneel down on the floor, pressing a kiss to Teddy’s forehead. He peers into the bundle of blankets holding Victoire and his hair turns a variety of colors before settling on pink once again. “Look who came to visit.”

You don’t fail to notice how easily everything comes to you. It’s completely naturally that you and George move around your house together over the next few hours, chasing after Teddy, entertaining Victoire, making dinner together as the kids sit nearby. 

You quickly fall in love with both the sight and the feeling

You’re not too sure what time it is when Teddy finally falls asleep on the couch and you carry him to the room. Once he’s settled you head back to the living room to find George rocking Victoire to sleep while Bill digs through your kitchen and Fleur makes herself comfortable on one of the couches. 

When she sees you she motions you over and you take a set next to her. Her head falls onto your shoulder and you laugh a little. “Long day, huh?” “The longest.” She lazily motions over to where Vic is almost fast asleep and she shakes her head. “She never falls asleep that easily. George is a natural,” Fleur then turns to look at you and gives a sly smirk. “I hear you both are.”

You smile and look down at your lap, suddenly finding your wedding ring very fascinating. “I guess so.” You honestly have no idea how she does it but Fleur knows exactly what you’re thinking. “You’re debating it, aren’t you?” She sits up and turns to face you, leaning close in an attempt to keep your conversation private from your respective husbands. “Having a baby.”

You shrug and try to wave her off. “Probably just baby fever or something.” 

“It’s okay, you know,” Fleur sets her hand on your arm and you see the genuine, caring smile on her face. It comforts you, makes you really believe that maybe you are ready for a baby. “If being a mom is what you want then I know you of all people would be an amazing one.”

“You think so?” You find yourself asking as your eyes wander back to George who smiles at you when he finds you looking. Fleur nods as soon as the words leave your mouth. “I know so.” 

It’s then that you decide that maybe it is time to have a very important conversation with George. You only hope it goes as well as you find yourself wanting it to. 

>>> part two: the Talk

[erin-bo-berin]

Jealousy

MASTERLIST

I wrote this fic AGES ago back when I first watched the season 14 finale, but for some reason its been sitting on the back burner as I wasn’t quite happy with it. But anyway, now it’s finally seeing the light of day and was heavily inspired by the poker game at the beginning of the episode, as you can probably tell by tge gif. I hope you enjoy some more Spencer feels.

Spencer Reid/Reader

Rating: Mature (smut)

Word Count: 2,913

“Pair of kings, pair of sevens. Oh I’m sorry, three sevens.”

Everyone groaned, throwing down their cards as they surrendered to the normality of Dr. Spencer Reid winning another hand of poker.

It was after hours at the BAU and a few of you decided to unwind in the briefing room by playing poker. So far, Spencer had won every round. But the night was early and you all were only a few hands in. 

“I wanna know how Y/N was taught by you, yet still can’t beat you.” Luke shook his head.

“Sorry, but the brains also helps with the wins,” Spencer chuckled.

You mock scowled, before laughing yourself. Not long ago you’d asked Dr. Reid to teach you how to play poker since he was the best and you had zero knowledge of the game. That and it was a good excuse to spend time with him since you’d been harboring a crush on him. 

“I don’t know about you guys, but I am determined to beat Spence,” JJ grinned.

“Oh, I'd love to see the lady try,” he smirked at her.

You felt a twinge of jealousy, probably irrationally so since it was obvious to you that he’d had a crush on JJ forever. You couldn’t blame him exactly; even if your best friend was married, she was still stunning.

“Let’s go then,” Luke said, dispersing new cards around the table.

•

“I’m all in,” Spencer said, pushing his candy towards the pile in the middle of the table.

You had to resist the urge to groan. Your hand of cards were absolute shit.

“I fold.” You put your cards down, thankful that you didn’t have anything to lose this hand.

“Same here,” Luke said, tossing his hand, “Hey Y/N maybe we should start the worst poker players club. You in?”

You laughed, pushing your hair back over your shoulder, “As long as I’m the president.”

“Deal.”

Across the table, you noticed Spencer’s eyes squint—like he did when he was analyzing something—as he watched the two of you. You weren’t exactly sure what that was about.

You watched as JJ pushed her pile of change and candy towards the pot.

“I’m all in.”

Spencer’s focus turned back to her as he made a tsking sound, while JJ flashed an innocent smile.

“Okay show us your cards,” Luke waved his hand, anxious to see who would win. You had to admit the suspense was killing you as well.

“Four of a kind!” Spencer beamed when his cards touched the table, showing his four 5’s. 

Your and Luke’s head immediately swiveled the opposite direction as JJ set her cards down with a flourish. It was a straight flush.

Luke whooped and your jaw dropped. Spencer was speechless. 

“No. Way.” You said, in awe, watching JJ pull all her earnings towards herself.

“It finally happened!” Luke grinned, high fiving you, “I owe you 20 bucks Y/N.”

“You guys bet on me losing?!”

“It had to happen sometime Spencer,” you said.

“Come on, it’s my turn to beat the doc,” Luke said, reaching for the cards to shuffle again.

“Okay one more hand and I gotta go. I promised Garcia I’d be home before it got too late. Hopefully the boys aren’t driving her crazy,” JJ said reaching for her new cards.

“Oh please, you know she loves them,” you grin.

You pick up your cards, pretending to sneak a peek at Luke’s cards.

“Hey, no peeping!” he laughed, trying to move them out of your sight, making you try to lean further over to see.

“I’m just trying to see if the Vice President of the Worst Poker Players club has a chance,” you smirked at him.

“You madam President are too nosy for your own good,” Luke grins.

“Can we just get on with the game?” Spencer retorted, his voice unnaturally harsh.

Your gaze shot to Spencer, shocked to hear the sharp tone in his voice. You very rarely ever saw him mad or even irritable for that matter.

“Uh, sure,” you said, going first, placing your bet.

A few minutes after everyone else placed their starting bets, Spencer challenges you, raising your bet, his glare fixed on you. You make yourself resist physically flinching. You have no idea why his mood had darkened so suddenly and only at you.

You glance at JJ to see if she’s noticed and she gives you a small shrug, just as baffled as you are. As your best friend, she of course knew about your feelings for him. She gives you a questioning look as if assessing if you’re okay. You give a quick nod and return to your cards, trying not to feel hurt. Tuning back into the game you notice Luke has folded, JJ soon follows. Before you know it, it’s just you against Spencer.

“Ah, teacher against student. The tension is real.” Luke drums his fingers against the table.

You set your hand down. It wasn’t the best, but you were hoping somehow Spencer would have a worse hand. No such luck. Once again, your jaw drops when you see his own straight flush spread out in front of him.

“Damnit,” you mumble.

“You’re never gonna beat me Y/N. I’d stop trying if I were you.”

This time you did flinch. Your brows furrow, irritated, both at him and the fact you can’t beat him.

“Hey, I did,” JJ pointed out as she stood to pull on her jacket, “I gotta run guys.”

“Yeah, me too,” Luke says, standing up and stretching, “Spence? Y/N?”

“No, I think I’m gonna stay a bit longer. I’m determined to beat him.”

“Good luck,” Luke said heading to the door.

See you guys Monday and hopefully not sooner!” He calls as he walks out of the room.

“Tell me how it turns out,” JJ says, giving you a look only another woman could decipher, clearing meaning she meant more than just the game.

After giving both of you hugs and saying goodbye once again, you and Spencer are settled back at the round table, ready for another game.

“Sure you’re up to this?” he smirked, looking you up and down.

“Yes.” Your tone is clipped, determined, “I was taught well you know.”

“It’s going to get boring winning hand after hand you know.”

“Fine. Then let’s make it interesting why don’t we?”

“I’m listening.” He sits back, clasping his hands behind his head, watching you.

“Strip poker. You know the rules. Losing hand removes an article of clothing.”

“You’re on.”

Half an hour later you’re sitting next to a pile of your belongings. Deciding to count accessories since you had on a lot less layers than he did, you had managed to already have removed your hair clip, watch, necklace and shoes. Spencer had only lost his watch. At least that was a small victory, your one win.

“One win out of five games. I’d say I’m impressed, but that’s a measly 5% of your wins in our total of games so far.” 

Your eyes blazed and you glared at him.

“What’s your problem?”

He looked up at you, clearly taken aback. You stifle a snort, annoyed at the fact that he had the audacity to look surprised.

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you mad at me?”

“I’m not.” You look up from your cards to say something else, but he goes back to the game before you can ask any further questions.

“Damn,” he mutters, putting down his hand of random assorted cards.

Your face lights up and you slam down your three of a kind.

“Pay up. Something comes off.”

He shakes his head, pulling his tie off. Unfortunately for you, the next game isn’t in your favor and your shirt comes off, leaving you in just your bra and pants. You look up and deal to begin the next game, noticing his eyes suddenly are intensely focused on the tabletop.

You lay your head in your hand as you look at your cards before reaching from one for the deck, not noticing how the movement makes your breasts even more visible to him. What you do notice though is his slight shift in stance. 

“So uh, you and Alvez huh?”

Now it was your turn to look startled.

“What about me and Luke?”

“I don’t- I just- I mean,” he cleared his throat trying to stop his stammering, “You guys just seem really friendly all of a sudden.”

“Yeah, we get along great. He’s a good friend.”

“Oh, I see.”

Suddenly it clicked.

“Why? Are you jealous?”

He doesn’t answer, just drops his hand on the table, the cards splayed out.

“Well, shit.”

“Another four of a kind.”

You sigh, standing up, unbuttoning your pants. 

“This isn’t fair, you know,” you say, unzipping them.

You look over at him when you realize he hasn’t answered you and find his eyes on you, his tongue moving over his lips. Your stomach tightened, a sight you would never get over seeing. He did that single motion more times during a single case alone, than you could count.

You dropped your pants on the pile of your belongings, not exactly caring where it landed or the fact that you just happened to be half naked. It was like a magnetic force pulling you closer towards him. You drag your hand across the table as you approach him, your teeth sinking into your bottom lip. His eyes don’t leave you as you approach him, the game long forgotten.

“You were jealous. Weren’t you?” Your voice is barely a whisper as if you’re afraid that if you spoke the words too loud they wouldn’t be true.

Smoother than you thought he could be, he’d reached out for you and pulled you into his lap.

“Yes.” 

Next thing you knew his hands are in your hair and his lips are on yours and you’re kissing him back with such intensity that you had to pull away after a moment, just to get air back to your lungs and clarity to your mind.

“But I thought you-” 

“Liked JJ?”

“I, uh-” you momentarily blank on what you were saying as his hand moves up your arm and pulls one bra strap down, slowly.

“Yeah,” you finish.

“I did.” His lips met your shoulder, kissing it, “Until the day you walked through those doors.”

You felt your jaw slacken a bit as his lips traveled up your neck, stopping every few moments to suck on one spot or another. The realization had dawned on you that that specific event was more than six years ago.

“Oh,” you breathed, both in response to his confession and his gentle suckling.

His hands reached behind you and unfastened your bra in one swift movement.

“Why Dr. Reid aren’t you suave?”

He groaned, low in his throat. Whether it was because of the sight of your bare breasts or you calling him doctor, you weren’t sure. Your arousal was obvious, your nipples already pinched.

You lifted your head to kiss him again, loving the way his scruff was slightly scratchy against your face and the feeling of his lips moving simultaneously with yours.

You weren’t sure how long you’d been kissing when you felt his hands glide up your thighs, fingers brushing against the side of your underwear. Just the feeling of him touching you through the thin fabric of your underwear was enough to make you shiver. Your lips were traveling along his jaw when you felt him lift you. 

“What are you-”

He placed you on the table as easily as he could before pulling your last article of clothing off. His arms hooked under your thighs, lifting you up and pulling you to the edge of the table, sending the deck of cards flying.

“Oh my god,” you moaned, feeling his mouth on you. Never in a million years would you have imagined his mouth to be this impactful.

You couldn’t see his expression, but somehow you knew Spencer was smirking. His tongue moved agonizingly slow over your slit, just barely brushing your clit.

“Spencer for God’s sake,” you whined already feeling tension building throughout every inch of your body, his touch sending your entire being into overload.

Your head fell backwards when his tongue flicked your clit repeatedly before flattening his tongue against it. Your breathing was heavy as you managed to sit up on your elbows, looking down at him. The sight of Dr. Spencer Reid, the resident genius, with his head between your legs, doing magical things with his mouth was almost enough to send you spiralling out of control. 

When you felt his touch completely disappear you opened your mouth to protest until you felt his fingers on you again. One finger slid in as he watched your expression, his eyes squinted again, his tongue moistening his lips.

“I swear to God if you don’t stop licking your lips I’m gonna cum right this second,” you practically growled at him.

His only response was a chuckle before he added a second finger to the mix and his mouth was back on you again. His tongue moved against you before finally sucking on your sensitive bundle of nerves.

“Oh fuck, oh yes. Speeeence,” you moaned, “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

You couldn’t tell if it was just your thighs or your entire body that was shaking, but you were pretty sure it was both at this rate. You gripped the edge of the table hard, the mound of tension in the pit of your stomach unraveling faster and faster.

“Please don’t stop,” you begged breathlessly, desperate for the sweet release that was so close you could almost reach.

Like a balloon bursting after being filled with too much air, your body feels the same as your orgasm coursed through it, rendering you breathless mid-moan.

You’re pretty sure you hadn’t cursed as much as you did in the seconds following.

“Holy shit Spencer,” you groaned, trying to gain some control in your body again.

He pulled you toward the edge of the table, helping you down so you were leaning against it. Your legs were shaking too much to be able to stand on your own anyway. His hand cupped your face as he kissed you again, this time a lot softer than the previous kisses you’d shared. It was then when you had an idea.

“Sit back.” You took his hand off your face, lightly pushing his shoulders for him to sit back in the chair.

“Why?” 

“Just do it.” You kissed the base of his throat, fingers fumbling over the buttons of his shirt.

With each button released, your lips moved lower over his skin.

Finally getting the gist of your movements, his hand caught your wrist when your fingers reached the waist of his pants.

“You don’t have to.”

“I know. But I’m a lady and I always return a good deed,” you grinned slyly.

He bit his lip as if trying to assess your face just to be sure.

“I want to.”

He released his grip and you continued your task, wasting no time until he was in his boxers. Your lips moved in line above his waistband your palm pressing against the noticeable bulge.

A grunt came above you encouraging you. You pulled the fabric enough out of the way, your hand wrapping around his cock. He inhaled sharply, watching you intently. Your hand moved slowly back and forth making him suffer just as much as he did to you.

“Y/N I think I’m wound up enough. Cut out the fucking teasing,” came through gritted teeth.

“My apologies, Doctor.” 

You flashed a quick smirk up at him then leaned down, tongue swirling around his head. His hips jerked slightly when you took him in your mouth, your tongue swirling before settling on sucking.

“Fuck!” Spencer groaned loudly.

You peeked upwards to see his head fall back and his eyes close. You couldn’t help but feel the satisfaction at knowing you’re the one causing him to react like this.

You feel his hand in your hair, his grip tightening the longer you’re on your knees.

“After listening to you Y/N, I’m not gonna last long,” he groans as you hum your response.

Using one hand to pump him, you suck on his head long enough for him to give you the warning of his impending release. Seconds later it hit him, hot liquid filling your mouth. You sat back swallowing like a champ and wiping your mouth. You looked up at the wrecked Dr. Reid, panting above you. It was a good look on him.

“Did you let me win?” 

“What?”

“Earlier. During the game; that last hand I won. Did you let me win?” You asked as you grabbed your own clothes, both of you trying to look presentable again.

“Y/N, you can win all the poker games you want as long as we can do that again.”

“You got a deal.”

“There’s only one problem now,” he groaned.

“You mean besides the deck of cards scattered on the floor?”

“Yes. Cause now when we have a new case I’m going to have to resist the urge to imagine bending you over this table.”

You swallowed hard, the image in your mind doing things to you as well. You looked him in the eye before responding, earnestly.

“Guess that’s gonna have to wait until the next poker game.”

[fiddlepickdouglas]

To The Wick - Bobby’s Birthday

Disclaimer: I’m not usually a fic writer, I tend to stick to original stuff, but I just felt like I had to write this for Bobby today. I definitely wrote this in one go and did no proofreading, so I’m very sorry for that.

Summary: 2.3k wd. Bobby celebrates with Rose and Ray while still dealing with survivors guilt. Lots of fire imagery and comparisons.

WARNINGS: deals with death, symptoms similar to anxiety or PTSD, funeral mentions, survivor’s guilt

Staring at the flame, he fought every impulse to snuff it out with his fingers. For a moment, he contemplated on its gentle flickering, not unlike himself at this time. Every moment of its existence a fight against very strong currents, against all but one element surrounding it. All it knew was heat and the need to grow outward, but not being able to without the permission of exterior forces.

The words to the Beatles’ birthday song drummed on his ears, but his mind was in the back of the cavern where the music could only echo at a distance. Shaking his head and pulling his mind out of the depths of the cave, Bobby let a small smile loose for Rose and Ray and blew out the candle on the cupcake before him.

His friends cheered and they all bit into their own homemade cupcakes. Rose had been perfecting her recipe, and so far these were the best.

“You’re going to open a bakery,” Bobby told her through a mouthful. “And I’m going to be your most faithful customer.”

“But I get to do all the taste-testing, right amor?” Ray teased, earning a hand messing up his hair from Rose.

“Mi abuela didn’t pass this down and I didn’t tweak it so you could eat it for free all the time,” she said in a sassy tone, kissing his cheek.

Ray raised his eyebrows. “Noted,” he replied with a smirk.

Bobby finished his cupcake, entertained by the two lovebirds.

“So,” Rose started saying. “Now it’s time to open gifts!” She leaned away from her seat and grabbed an object from the counter a few feet away, then handed it to Bobby.

Tearing apart the purple wrapping and blue ribbon, he looked down at the small stack of CDs. Meditation Sunrise, The 7th Chakra, and Celtic Wind sat in his hands like rectangular dumbbells, each weighing heavier on his heart than he cared to admit. Suddenly, Ray was draping something over his head, and as he looked down he found himself wearing a necklace of prayer beads.

“You guys!” he chuckled, trying to sound genuine. It was his birthday, he was supposed to enjoy all of this. The gifts were actually great, too. “Thanks, this is awesome. You’ll both have to join me in a session, you know.”

“We were thinking we could do it with you today, if you wanted to,” Rose told him.

Bobby sat back in surprise.

“O-okay,” he stammered. He caught the look in her eyes that was hoping this wasn’t too much, to which he gave her a small smile of assurance. It was impossible to blame them for anything he felt today, especially when she and Ray were putting in so much effort to make it full of the joy and happiness it was meant for. It didn’t mean he hadn’t subconsciously stuck his hand in his pocket to where he kept a lighter. Just to feel that it was there, of course.

“Is it okay if we do it later tonight?” he asked. “I just have a quick meeting with my producer and a couple other things afterward to do. And I can pick up some incense while I’m out.”

“Great plan!” Ray exclaimed. He didn’t elaborate, but Bobby could guess that all the eye contact with Rose meant something he needed no part in. He got up from the table and grabbed another cupcake for the road.

“Say we meet back at, like, eight or nine?” he asked, grabbing his leather jacket and keys.

Rose looked up from being halfway embraced with Ray, barely paying attention. “Sounds perfect!”

********

“So, after talking with Jedd we decided we wanna cut out the second repeat of the chorus in Long Weekend. It makes it easier to put into radio time.”

Bobby stared at Callum, his producer, in disbelief.

“But we can just do a radio edit, then, why cut it off the album track?”

Callum blinked condescendingly.

“You think you’re just going to get radio edits out like that before you have an album out, kid?”

“Have you listened to it?” Bobby challenged. “That album is gonna shoot through the charts and I know you know that.”

“Tch,” Callum acted like he’d been shot by a Nerf gun. “That’s a bold statement from a guy who didn’t write these songs.”

A fireball seemed to form inside his chest, and Bobby wished he could open his mouth and shoot it toward the man. He clenched his teeth.

“You signed the deal, you recorded these songs, and you are getting this opportunity from us. We - need I say this - are professionals. Trust me, I’ve dealt with music written by dead people before. You’ll thank me in a few years.”

He was trembling to keep the fireball from burning down the entire room, and clenched his fists. Focusing on a stupid paisley design on the carpet, he avoided eye contact with Callum. There was no way he was letting Luke’s songs go any different than what they had played together for so many years. He had read the contract well enough, hadn’t he? It was hard enough not crediting the rest of them, but it was honor Luke with letting his music connect to people or honor Luke by letting him keep his songs to the few who heard them from the source. Not to mention Alex and Reggie being equal parts in that equation.

“Fine,” he forced out. “Make the cut. See how it does. I’ll bet you that when I make a remaster in twenty years with greater freedoms because I’m a respected artist, fans will ask why you cut it to begin with. I’ve got better people to see than you right now.”

He only saw Callum shaking his head out of the corner of his eye as he pushed through the door of the studio, flipping the bird behind him. It would’ve been nice to simply say over my dead body, but he was already bulldozing over his three best friends and it wasn’t fair.

It wasn’t fair that he could walk along the street, get into his car, and drive off in a huff. Not fair that he could go to the abandoned grocery store parking lot and yell until his lungs were sore. It was absolutely inadequate that he remained on this earth, soul inside his body, light in his eyes, breath and blood and bones and all. He screamed in that parking lot until he was dizzy.

Bobby laid in his seat, exhausted, until twilight approached, and then started the engine again. The route was so well-known now that he knew exactly when the lights turned so he never had to make a stop. He came to the right stop and parked on the shoulder, looking wistfully out the window.

So far, he hadn’t managed to set foot on the grounds again after the funerals had passed. Still, he came and made sure his line of sight at the closest angle to get a proper look at them. They were all in a row, even though only two stood vertically. Reggie’s parents had cremated him and only gotten a stone plaque that acted as a placeholder while they kept his urn with them at home. It was nice of them to at least contribute to keep the three together.

Today still wasn’t the day he was going to venture closer to them. Bobby wasn’t going to handle it well after the conversation he’d just left. He pulled the lighter out of his pocket and flicked it off and on. It hadn’t really been a habit he had before, but there was something weirdly comforting about it. For something that couldn’t think, it really understood him. He didn’t want to use it on anything, he just wanted to watch it exist before disappearing. The fire was them. But he could control it.

Taking in a deep breath, he went to get some incense.

********

Mats were spread in the backyard with tiki torches and a camping lantern in the center, more paper lanterns hanging from the tree above. Bobby had gotten a nice incense burner a few weeks back and was excited to put it on display. Ray was in his swim shorts, already seated with his legs crossed and repeatedly going “oommmm” and breaking it with giggles when Rose swatted at him playfully.

“We’re not doing that kind, tontoroso,” she teased.

“Pero me quiero - ah!” Ray cried as she accidentally thumped him with the boombox she’d been carrying out.

“Oh, lo siento mi amor, me desculpes!” she cried, setting it down to address the minor bump now forming on his head.

Bobby sat patiently as they babbled for a moment ensuring that Ray wasn’t harmed too much, smirking a little. He didn’t really mind being the third wheel on his own birthday - it helped take away from some of the guilt.

“Okay!” Rose said finally, standing and adjusting the bottom of her tank top. “I think we should try the Meditation Sunrise, so it will guide us through every motion and we don’t have to think.”

“Agreed,” Bobby nodded, with Ray doing the same. “The less thinking the better.”

Rose pressed play on the first track as all three of them sat in their assumed meditative positions with their eyes shut. Calm, synthesized music floated out of the speakers of the boombox, with light chimes twinkling here and there.

“Welcome to Meditation Sunrise. This first exercise is to help you free yourself from resentments and embrace forgiveness. Listen to my words. Focus on my voice and soon you will be free of anything that stirs up anger. This can be anger toward another person, anger toward a higher being, or even anger toward yourself…”

Bobby felt his heartbeat increasing and strained to keep his eyes closed. He tried to sit up straighter so that he could breathe in even deeper. He could hear Ray and Rose exhaling, sounding so calm and relaxed, and let out his own breath hoping it came out the same way.

“Forgive faults. Resentment comes from Latin, meaning ‘to feel again’. We all have these feelings, and they all visit us from time to time. Sometimes we hold onto things in the past that have caused harm. These things were painful. Letting these feelings continually visit us repeats that pain. In this exercise we are here to let it go…”

Taking a careful peek through his eyelashes, Bobby checked to see what Rose and Ray looked like. They sat close together, holding hands with the remaining ones shaped in circles. Rose had her head tilted back, so free and open to the sky, so light from the weight that wasn’t sitting on her chest. The flames from the tiki torches flickered and Bobby squeezed his eyes shut so he wouldn’t focus on them instead.

“Now we are going to envision that we have a shovel in our hands. We’re going to dig. Get that shovel deep into the rich soil and lift it up. Set the soil to the side. Smell the fresh, upturned earth. If you want to, you can kneel down and take some into your hands. Let the soft, rich earth be cool to the touch. Let it calm you.

“Imagine you are digging in a garden and planting a seed. It’s a seed of happiness. It’s small right now, but will grow as we continue through our meditation. We just need to go a little deeper into the ground…”

Bobby’s mind was transported back to the cemetery he’d visited earlier. It travelled all the way to the funerals - open ground, lowering cheap wooden boxes. His hand filled with a small amount of dirt.

“Stop,” he muttered, eyes remaining closed. Rose and Ray were still entranced.

“Stop, stop, turn it off, I can’t -” He felt his breathing get uneven, and Rose was already in front of him, cradling his face and wiping away tears that he didn’t realize had escaped. He jerked away from her touch. Ray rushed to stop the playback on the CD.

All he felt was heat rising everywhere. In his veins, all over his skin, the fireball growing like a small sun in his chest, and apparently tears could be hot, too. There was too much rage building up inside. Bobby let out a frustrated cry and kicked over the incense burner, the camping lantern doing down with it. Turning, he almost hit a paper lantern and he whacked it off the tree as he headed back inside the house.

Rose caught up to him and frantically tried to block his path.

“Bobby, I sincerely apologize, I did not know it was going to be like that,” she placated. He paused as she stood before him, pleading. “If you need me to, I can get you a different present, I just wanted to do this because you had seemed interested and thought we would have a fun night together - Bobby, I am so sorry!”

Looking back at her, he sighed heavily and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“You don’t need to get me anything else,” he told her solemnly.

Ray had joined them and put an arm around each of them. A twinge of reminder came to Bobby as he recalled Luke doing the same thing for him. But coming from Ray, it still had the warmth and love connected to it that he needed. He looked between the two of them.

“That was a bust,” he said. They all chuckled a little, albeit with heavy hearts. “But having you guys still made it a good birthday.”

His friends both muttered an “aw” and they came together in a group hug. Bobby sighed as they both squeezed him so tightly before breaking away.

“So what do we wanna do, then?” he asked.

“We could watch Wayne’s World,” Ray suggested.

“Baby,” Rose objected, giving him a look.

“What?” he lifted his hands defensively. “I could make a dip, we could grab some tortilla chips, you know I love dips.”

“But Bob -”

“No, I like that idea,” Bobby interrupted. “Ray makes some good dip, I’ll give him that. I think we can hold off on the meditation for now. Wayne’s World it is.”

[meetmeinthematinee]

Anything But Red: Serve and Service Part 2  John Wick x Fem!Reader

A/N: A ridiculously long time ago I got a request from @cynic-spirit​ for a pt 2 to Serve and Service. I hope that you enjoy this long, long, long awaited story even though I did change things a teeny bit from your request. 

Warnings: Mentions of alcohol, a guy too forward on hitting on someone, mild swears? Do I need to warn for fluff? It’s just fluff mostly. 

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

“Shit.” You muttered as you leaned forward and pressed your fingers into your forehead.

“You’re doing it again.”

“Doing what again, John?”

“Your super worried but suffer in silence thing.” John said as he gently pulled you back against the chair and worked his fingers into the tense muscles of your shoulders. You relaxed into his touch and let out a sigh.

“I thought that was YOUR thing.”

“Suppose so. It’s your thing too.” John said pointedly.

His hands stilled their soothing motions and you finally relented. 

“The barback just quit. Without notice.”

“Steve?” 

“Mmhmm. I don’t even know what we’re going to do. It's Saturday for fucks sake. I mean--I…”

“You mean you wish you had a really strong guy that takes direction well and can work tonight?” John said as he resumed working each and every knot out of your shoulders. 

“Exactly. Wait. What?”

“I’m saying I’m happy to help out in the restaurant tonight.” He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to your temple. 

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

John wiped the bar down. The cloth slid along the polished wood surface in his large hand. It was hard to not get caught up in watching him move. The way his rolled up shirt sleeves allowed you to see his forearms flexing as he lifted the trays of clean glasses. The way his shirt drew tight across his muscled back as he slid the wine glasses into the rack above the bar. The bulge of his biceps as he heaved the beer kegs into place. Your attention was always split twenty different ways when you were in the restaurant but your eyes were always drawn back to him tonight.

In the turnover between the 2nd and 3rd seatings of the night you had time to check in with him out in the alley where he’d asked you out all those years ago. “I think you might be the best barback we’ve ever had.” 

“It’s because I want to impress the boss.”

“Oh--she’s impressed. And grateful. Very grateful.” You said as you worked your hands into his back pockets. 

He shrugged and smiled sheepishly. John never knew what to do with your compliments but that never stopped you from giving them freely. 

He leaned down and kissed you. Capturing your lower lip softly between his teeth and humming lowly before letting you go again.

“Alright. We better get back in there.”

“Yes, chef!” He answered as he held the door open for you.

You made your way through the buzzing dining room, stopping at a few tables to say hello to some familiar faces before you checked in with your front of house staff. This time of the evening was your favourite. The worst of the rush was behind you and on a good night the kitchen had settled into a comfortable rhythm. After the host ran over the state of the bookings with you you migrated over to the bar. 

“How’s working the bar with John?” You asked Janice. You always could trust her judgement -- she’d been less than thrilled with the work ethic of your last barback and had said as much -- but before you even had a chance to let him go he’d quit on you.

“I’m not just saying this because you’re married to him -- I’d be overjoyed if you could find someone who works like he does.” She said with a wide smile. 

“That’s a tall order.” You replied. “But I found you--so I think it’s doable. I’m hoping he’s ok with filling in until I find someone.”

You both looked down to the other end of the bar where John was busily prepping lemons and limes for garnish. 

“Looks like he might be ok with that.” Janice said before she got back to work making the next round of orders for a table. 

You were making your way back to the kitchen when someone got your attention. 

“‘Scuse me -- you’re the chef here right?” A blond middle aged man said, grabbing you by the wrist as you made your way past him at the bar. You steeled yourself for what you knew was coming and smiled politely at him while gently attempting to pull out of his grasp. “Yes, this is my restaurant.” 

“You should let go of her buddy.” John said without looking up from where he was slicing citrus across from the man.

“Oh, yeah sorry.” He said as he dropped his hand from your wrist. 

“He’s a bit rude, hmm? Anyway.” You semi-tuned out the man in front of you and your eyes kept drifting over to John. 

“I wouldn’t say he’s rude. He’s new. A great hire I think.”

“A woman like you doesn’t need to have someone speak on your behalf.”

You smiled cooly. “I don’t think that was his intent.”

“Anyways, I was going to say a gorgeous woman like you should have a night off once in a while. I’d like to help you unwind sometime.”

You inwardly cringed. Thinking and there it is to yourself. This happened every once in a while and you always hated it.

“Usually I save my time off for my husband.”

“I don’t see a ring.” The man answered, his ruddy face showing exactly how many glasses of wine he’d had. 

You glanced again at John and his mouth was drawn into a tight line, one palm planted firmly on the burnished wood of the bar. 

“I’m a chef. I don’t wear it when I’m working. Is there anything else I can get you?”

“Aside from you?” 

You rolled your eyes. “Yes, aside from me.”

“Maybe another glass of red.”

“One red.” You called to Janice and she grimaced when she saw who you were pointing at. 

“Enjoy the rest of your night. I have to go.” You said as you walked away.

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

“Hey, mouthy.”

“Excuse me?” John said.

“Is she really married? I feel like that’s a line. She seemed really into me.”

“You think so?” 

“Definitely.” The man said before he took a big swig of his wine. 

“Then you should go for it. I mean, I’m new here--I don’t know much about her personal life. Give it a shot.” John said as he ignored the laugh coming from behind him. 

“Why’s she laughing?” The blond asked about Janice who was pressing the back of her hand to her mouth. Trying and failing to suppress her laughter.

“Beats me. Women, you know?” John said with a shrug.

“Fair enough.” 

“Do you want me to ask her to come back? Any man would be lucky to be with her. Happy to help a guy out.”

“You’d do that?”

“Yeah, no problem.”

John headed back toward the kitchen. A wicked grin on his face as soon as his back was turned to the semi-drunk louse.

He came back with a folded napkin and set it down on the bar in front of the man. 

“What’s it say?”

“I don’t read things not meant for me.”

“Huh. You know, you’re not a bad guy. Sorry I called you rude earlier.”

“Don’t mention it.” John said as he went back to putting away glasses. 

“Looks like I was right! See ya later!” 

“Later.” 

Janice never brought up what happened to the man for the rest of the night. They were hit by a sudden rush of customers and everyone was too busy to wonder about where that awful man had gone to. 

You came out for one last round of checking in on customers and stopped at the bar when you saw the creepy man from before was gone. “Uh, thank god that guy’s gone. He was way too handsy and way too creepy.” You said to Janice--who suddenly broke into laughter.

Your host came through on their way to leave for the night. 

“Are you talking about that weird blond man?” They asked.

“Yeah -- he was hitting on Chef here right in front of John.”

“Oh. OH! That makes so much sense now. That dude came back and tried to get in again and he was ranting and raving about being tricked and falling into the alleyway. He just seemed really drunk so I refused him entry.”

All eyes turned to John who was quietly wiping down the bar. 

“John?” You asked cautiously.

“Hmm?”

“Did you toss that man into the alley?”

“No. But I did write a note that suggested you’d be waiting for him through the door by the washroom....”

Janice slapped John on the arm. “YOU DIDN’T! I wouldn’t have pegged you as the jealous type.” 

“Listen, I’m not going to let some creep stay here and bother everyone, let alone my wife. I heard the way he was bothering you all night and then he escalated things to getting handsy. I didn’t want there to be a big scene. I just…...helped him out the door a little.”

“Well, next time maybe just let me know when you’re going to help someone out the back door again so I don’t bear the brunt of that messiness, John.” The host said with an exasperated but amused sigh. 

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

Soon it was just you and John. He was straightening up the bar, making sure everything was clean and ready to go for tomorrow. You fished around in your pocket, frantically as always, before your fingers closed on the familiar smooth, cool metal. You carefully slid the ring back onto your finger. 

“Do you want a drink before we head upstairs?” John asked with a gentle grin. His eyes scanned down and caught the way the light glinted off your wedding band. He never tired of seeing that on you. The sign that you were a matched set. 

You shook your head. “Nah, I’d rather head upstairs and unwind with something on the couch with you.”

“What do you want to drink?” He asked as he guided you to the exit with his hand on your lower back.

“I think….anything but red.”

------------------------------------xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-------------------------------

Thanks for reading!

Next up I have a Bill & Ted fic on the burner and I have another long, long, long ago request I’m chipping away at. My requests are closed so even though it’s incredibly flattering to be asked to write something I’m not able to take on any right now. 

I’m also forgoing the whole taglist thing now -- not because I don’t love you my ever generous and kind readers--but because they don’t even work half the time. 

Hope that you’re all holding up as ok as you can be during this incredibly bonkers time. 

xoxo

[lexicals]

Liner notes for An Echo, An Answer

Okay let's give this a go I guess? I may add more to this if I remember things too lol

Fair warning this is an exceedingly long post. It has ~subheadings~ (ooh). These cover: 

Fun Facts

Notes about mira

Notes on actual writing/plot

Post-canon tidbits (to be supplemented by actual post-canon oneshot coming maybe not soon but definitely at some point probably)

Needless to say this contains some BIG OL’ SPOILERS. Please enjoy o:

Some general Fun Facts™:

When I posted the first few chapters of this fic, I didn't have a fucking clue where it was going. I didn't even know how kravitz died until I'd already posted like 10 chapters lmao. This was a stressful way to write and I am never doing that again

In terms of inspo, I remember there being a fic in which taako was a ghost and kravitz was a medium (if anyone knows what fic this is PLEASE tell me I cannot find it) and I think I subconsciously took inspiration from this. Also I’d already written a vampire au and I wanted more undead boyfriend shenanigans, I looove playing with the liminal aspects of kravitz being a dead-but-not-dead character

There was a goof version of this fic where kravitz wasn't from the 1900s at all and died in like. The early 2000s or something. He died having come back from/at a costume party, people assumed he was an actual ye olde victorian ghost, and he decided to just lean into it. Cue fake accent. This was scrapped mainly because I loved the ‘sleepy hollow’-esque man-out-of-time shenanigans way too much and also because I know very little about the early-2000s US but do you know what I do know a moderate amount about? 1900s england

I have not read the cask of amontillado and I did not know what it was until seeing the memes, which was after I wrote the basement body twist. I just wanted to have a cheesy secret basement behind a bookcase c'mon it's a murder mystery in an old spooky house let me have this

Anyone who's followed my content for a while probably knows that I'm a big trans kravitz stan, but I dithered over making him trans in this fic a Lot. This was mostly down to self-doubt abt a story ft. a trans man living as his preferred gender in that time period would be deemed "unrealistic" but in the end I said fuck it I want this & I think that was the correct move. Also I read a fair bit about absolute legend dr james barry & that made me a bit more confident about committing to the decision bc these people did exist & they deserve their rep

You may notice that all of the major OCs created for this fic are women. This was an accident but also I stand by it bc I think it helps to balance out the fact that so much of the ‘screentime’ is being dominated by the male leads (inc. angus, who probably has the 3rd most screentime after taako & krav). They’re also all just, absolutely indomitable people. I have a type when it comes to OCs. Speaking of:

Notes on mira:

Mira was very much a character created to serve a purpose, but she ended up becoming a lot more than that and I'm glad people warmed up to her while reading as much as I did while writing. She wasn't going to have anywhere near as much screen time initially as she did in the end but I just loved her & how her relationship with kravitz turned out so much that I ended up writing a bunch of snippets with the two of them just for me, which eventually turned into the fragment chapters because I wanted to share how gd cute they were. Also they ended up being pretty useful for plot too lol

She and flossy were actually kind of the same character to begin with, being kravitz's best friend who he lived with in a kind of lavender marriage with neither of them interested in the other but being happy enough being friends & pretending. I scrapped this pretty early for a lot of reasons but she was still the cause of his death in that version, whether or not she actively killed him. I think there was a gambling debts element at some point

Whatever iteration of the story, she was always going to be the cause of death. I ruled out actual murder pretty early on because I didn't want to tell a story about a gay, black trans man getting murdered in cold blood in his own home, which in a ghost story only really leaves manslaughter, and an accidental killing by a loved one was an idea that followed pretty hot on the heels of that decision - it's very sad, but there's no hatred behind it, so it's not too outright depressing for what is most likely an audience with a high population of marginalised people. That bittersweetness of tone - sad events, but almost always with loving intentions behind or around them - ended up being a real touchstone for the story as a whole

In terms of post-canon content for her, or I guess just stuff that wasn't mentioned in-fic lol, my idea of how her life played out is that she was a pretty solid pillar of her community for a very long time. She took what kravitz said about thinking about what she wanted to add to the world very much to heart, and her answer was for her to be to as many kids and vulnerable people as possible what kravitz was to her. Obviously in the end she poured a lot of herself into helping others out of guilt for having killed a man who she likely remembered a little rose-tinted, but the intent was always there before that too

I don't know how much this came across in the actual text but mira is mixed race (Black/white), though she is Black-coded in terms of how people see and respond to her (please tell me if I’m using these terms incorrectly). I downplayed a lot of the racial elements of this fic bc I don’t feel like it’s my place as a white writer to delve into those areas, but it is an element of her story that ties into anti-miscegenation laws and general societal attitudes and I didn’t just want to entirely gloss over those aspects, bc that wouldn’t be right of me either, so I can only hope the balance ended up working here, and for kravitz’s story too. I did a lot of the writing for mira’s story before even really thinking about this angle which is something I’ve learnt from now bc oh boy should I have thought about it sooner lmao........

Anyway. I love her. I’m very glad that other people love her too

In terms of story writing:

I used to watch A LOT of crime dramas when I was younger, and got so familiar with the structure of them that I used to predict who the killer was going to be about a quarter of the way into them almost every time. Most of the time the killer is someone introduced early on as someone fairly innocuous, but still notable, before the narrative doubles down on a red herring suspect who's proven innocent about 3/4 of the way through, paving the way for the real twist killer. You see where I took my base structure from here

So, mira is introduced early on as someone important to kravitz, who was involved in his life (& death) somehow, but in general she's more suggested to be a victim than a culprit - because of course she is, she’s a child and she loves him! I'm only just realising now that this is a "person of interest" style plot twist here. (Remember what I said about the crime dramas? Just so many of them.) But then in the end she suffered just as much as anyone else, so I guess you could say she's both a victim and a culprit, even by accident.......

Structurally I'm actually really happy with how this turned out. In my head (BECAUSE OH BOY I DID NOT WRITE ANY OF THIS DOWN! Or at least not in a coherent way) the story was split into three mini arcs - the enemies section ending with the kitchen blowout, the friends section ending with the the bay window scene, and the lovers section which covers the rest of the fic. This ended up integrating really well with the main mysteries/pulls of the story - the first being the will-they-won't-they (they will, it’s fanfiction, but how?) of the romance element, and then once that's tapering off starting to dig more into the murder mystery element, which had been more of a subplot up until then, while the romance moves onto the back burner a little bit. The dual genre was an interesting challenge to try to balance and I think it turned out pretty well!

While I'm on this, setting up my breadcrumb trails for the plot twists was simultaneously very stressful and very rewarding. Trying to keep things obvious enough to be noted but subtle enough not to give the whole game away? Gave me so many headaches lmao. I actually thought for sure that some people would twig about the body in the cellar sooner than ch42, but then actually in ch42 way more people picked up on fisher's sniffing around than I expected. Clues are hard!! But at the same time seeing the handful of people who called mira as an adoptive daughter, or the fact that krav fell down the stairs, or the fact that mira's og parents were involved was very cool and it made me very happy to see people picking up the little stuff and putting it together

QUITE A FEW PEOPLE SAID NICE THINGS TO ME ABOUT HOW CLEVER THE PIANO TUNING ANGLE WAS. I CANNOT TAKE COMPLETE CREDIT FOR THIS. IT WAS A PLOT HOLE THAT I SUDDENLY REGISTERED OUT OF NOWHERE WHILE I WAS IN THE SHOWER & THEN ENDED UP WORKING IN SO I GUESS IT TURNED OUT FOR THE BEST & MADE ME LOOK VERY SMART BUT IT WAS AN ACCIDENT

Something else that a couple of people have noted & that I only realised in the process of writing was the fact that a lot of kravitz's ghostliness in this fic has the potential to be read as an allegory for chronic illness/disability. This was something I only caught onto myself while I was writing the scene on the porch at the end of ch42 when I was writing kravitz's dialogue and was like..... oh shit that's a thing huh. Bc he is, y'know, quite literally housebound and limited in what he can do in a lot of ways, which is part of the reason I really tried to hammer home in that chapter that even though the fic ends with him being 'cured' (because that ending was always the intention from day one before I ever thought about this reading), they would have been happy together regardless. Love is not conditional!

Post-canon thoughts:

Taako and kravitz go into the house. Kravitz says oh my god what is that smell. Taako says he made blueberry pie earlier. Kravitz says okay we're putting bedroom fun times on hold I need that RIGHT NOW

Kravitz eats way too much too fast and spends the rest of the afternoon curled up on the sofa with a horrible stomach ache. He is not used to that much rich food. Taako is not impressed with this

He rolls his eyes and they watch a movie and talk instead and get to the bedroom fun times later

On the topic of food you Know krav ends up with a bit of a tummy from taako spoiling him. He looks & feels great and taako loves how comfy he is

Also on the topic of bodies I think krav does a lot of experimenting initially with what feels good now that he has a lot more freedom in presentation. He likes to mess with his hair a lot. Dresses and skirts are still a bad feel but a little makeup is fun sometimes. Kravitz living his best undeath 2k18 (I took so long to finish this fic it’s set 2 years ago now lmaoooo)

Kravitz lets taako drive him somewhere exactly Once before vowing NEVER AGAIN taako's driving privileges are REVOKED kravitz is going to get magnus to teach him to drive instead.

Taako says what the hell are you gonna do if you get pulled over you are a hundred and thirty and also dead you can't get a license. (He could get him a fake one, but he's not going to, because he's being petty about kravitz insulting his driving.) Kravitz says fine show me yours then. Taako says no but kravitz steals it anyway. A minute later he’s produced his own undoubtedly fake license out of nowhere complete with a fake DOB and a very nice picture

Taako says gasp kravitz that's ILLEGAL. Also you know you have to make this picture worse if you want it to be convincing right

Kravitz starts giving angus music lessons. Angus isn’t a natural by any means but he works hard and that gets him a long way

OH ACTUALLY I SHOULD PROBABLY SAY SMTH ABOUT THE REUNIONS HUH. GINNY THESE ARE FOR YOU:

Maybe it's weird to start with barry but the poor man has to have a sit down. He has so many questions. Kravitz what is the afterlife like it's fine you can tell him just give him a hint please and also can he maybe get like. A blood sample or something. No that's not weird it's for science what are you talking about taako bring him back

Kravitz is fully expecting lup to wreck his shit, and she acts like she's going to right up until she's close enough to give him a big ol hug instead. She says she missed him a lot & that he's much nicer to hug now that he's not a freezy boy, and kravitz goes ;_;

It's a very tight hug though. In some ways it is still a punishment

Also could he maybe hook her up with this death goddess of his? Lup would like to be immortal too, kravitz. Kravitz can you get a resume to your boss and could you write lup a reference while you're at it

Angus!! He’s so happy to have his other uncle back!! There’s a new caleb cleveland book he needs to read so they can talk about it!! All of this after a lot of crying and hugging.

I think at some point they do go over to visit mira’s descendants. Taako says hi remember me? I brought my boyfriend to visit! Unnamed great great grandchild #1 is like um he looks kind of familiar. Kravitz says well yes there is kind of a reason for that and it’s because I’m in that picture on the wall over there, hi I’m your great great grandfather nice to meet you

The family is a little weirded out by this at first but eventually they’re like. Well alright I guess do you want a coffee

Kravitz says yes please god do you know how many people keep offering me tea

He babysits for the youngest ones sometimes. The kids love him and the adults are happy to give him stories in exchange for his time, seeing as that’s all he asks for

Taako says ask them for money and contribute to this household kravitz. Kravitz says absolutely not they’re family and you’re already getting my youtube ad revenue

Yes kravitz has a youtube channel and is also very involved in the local music scene. He can’t do anything that would technically be classed as interfering with the flow of the living world but no-one said he can’t anonymously share some of his music here and there

Johann gets him a gig conducting for his orchestra every now and then. Kravitz is fucking ecstatic and finally gets to conduct some of his own pieces in front of an audience. Maybe they actually get to that biography johann mentioned at some point. Idk I haven’t thought about that part too much

Okay I wrote WAY more than I meant to here but I hope at least some of it was interesting and feel free to ask me questions if there are elements I’ve missed off of here that you want to hear more about! (Bearing in mind some of the answers may be “actual post canon content coming soon/later” lol.) As you can tell I have a lot of things to say about this fic & I’m always more than happy to hear that people are interested!! o:

[weathergirl8]

Pranks and Tempers (3/3)

I thought about adding more to this, but for now I like where it ended. Enjoy! I’m in college and working fulltime, but trying to work on a sequel to my story Always the Hero. I’ve also got another disaster angsty Alan and Gordon fic in the back burner that hopefully some day I’ll finish.

Part 1 | Part 2

~~~~~~~~~

Jeff sat quietly at his desk as he tried to process the morning’s events. Running an exasperated hand over his face, he composed himself. Turning to the computer monitor, he initiated a line with Thunderbird 5.

“Hey, Dad,” John’s cheerful image appeared upon the screen before him. “A little early for our noon update, aren’t we?” the blonde inquired as he noticed it was barely eleven o’clock in the morning Tracy Island time.

Jeff chuckled. “Got anything to report?”

“Not much,” the astronaut informed. “There’s a typhoon off the coast of the Philippines heading for the open ocean, and a 2.1 magnitude earthquake hit Japan, but the authorities have it under control.”

“Looks like our quiet streak continues for now,” Jeff acknowledged.

“It does!” John smiled, watching his father. Hidden lines of worry were etched upon the patriarch’s face. “This isn’t just a formal call, is it, Dad?”

Jeff smirked at his always insightful second born. “No, John. It isn’t.”

“What happened?” John frowned.

Jeff sighed for what felt like the umpteenth time this morning. “Gordon is on medical leave for the next twenty-four hours at least, and then light duty for a few days after.”

“Is he okay?”

“He will be,” Jeff reassured as he met John’s concerned features. “He has a mild concussion. He and Alan got hurt during an altercation.”

“Altercation?” John asked, confused. “Between each other?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have all the facts yet, only Scott’s account of things,” Jeff explained. “It appears Gordon pulled a prank on your older brother, and as you can imagine, it wasn’t well received.”

John gave his father a curious look. “What’d the little creep do this time?”

“Paint in the showerhead,” Jeff chuckled, unable to hide his amusement.

“My new paint I just ordered, I might add,” Virgil’s voice suddenly echoed as he walked up, joining them.

John shook his head, picturing the image. “Let me guess, it was yellow?” the blonde said, putting a hand to his face.

“How’d you know?” Virgil questioned from behind Jeff.

“While you were heading to the cockpit on the last call, Gordon was securing the equipment. I might’ve allowed him to vent about Scott’s nit-picking on the previous rescue. He was pretty adamant about making our older brother pay for his remarks about Four and his criticizing.”

Virgil groaned. “Of course, he was.”

“So, what happened, and how did Alan get involved?” John asked, still trying to understand the situation.

“Well, as Dad had Scott’s point of view, I got Alan’s,” Virgil said, putting a hand on his father’s chair. “Alan told me Scott confronted Gordon right outside his bedroom. When Alan opened his door to see what was going on, Scott started in on the two of them. Words were said, and Scott shoved the two of them on his way to tell Dad. Both were standing on the ledge of the landing and lost their balance. Gordo smacked his head on the old armoire. Alan hit his back on the edge of the other table and has some cuts and scrapes from a glass vase that broke.”

“Wow,” John whistled, amazed. “That definitely could’ve gone better. How are Scott and Alan?”

“I had to separate them,” Jeff said. “Both were ready to go at each other.”

“They’re too much alike,” John replied, rubbing his neck.

Jeff nodded in agreement. “I’m giving everyone a moment to step back, and then we will talk about what happened. You boys know I don’t like violence. This can’t happen again.”

“Do you want me to talk to Scott?” Virgil asked, looking down at his father.

“No,” Jeff shook his head. “Let’s just let them be for now. Both Scott and Alan do better if you just give them space to cool down.”

“Gordon say anything to you, Virg?” John wondered.

“Not much. Gordy’s feeling pretty guilty, and dare I say stupid at the moment,” Virgil answered honestly.

“Never a dull moment around here is there?” John said, trying to lighten the mood.

“Never,” Jeff exhaled, grinning.

“This too shall pass, Dad,” Virgil said, squeezing their father’s shoulder.

“It’s been a rough week and a half of tough rescues. Tensions are just high. These last few days have been our first real break in some time. Something was bound to happen,” John said. “We’ll be laughing about this by next week.”

Jeff allowed a small smile to graze his features, grateful for their words. “I can only hope.”

-TB-  

Alan walked along the beach, taking in the warm late afternoon breeze as he was making every effort to distract his mind. He watched each wave roll toward the shoreline, it’s sound relaxing him.

As he strolled along the sand, he felt his foot land on a rock. Pausing, he went to reach for it but stopped as he looked at his bandaged hands. Groaning in annoyance, he kicked the object instead, knowing Virgil wouldn’t be happy with him if he got his hands infected with sand.

Noticing he was approaching the path that led back to the house, the youngest Tracy followed it. He’d spent a solid hour wandering the island, and the blonde knew that if he didn’t return soon, Virgil would send a search party.

It had taken some coaxing and sneaking to get his older brother to allow him out of the house. Alan knew Virgil was just overcautious and concerned. Whenever the medic went into doctor mode, nothing was safe from scrutiny. Alan loved his brother for caring, but as he calmly tried to explain, his injuries were superficial. Just a bruise on his back and a few small deep cuts on his hands and knees. He wasn’t dying anytime soon, and a walk around the beach wouldn’t hurt anyone.

He was fine.

Gordon was the one Virgil needed to fuss over. Alan had only been allowed to see Gordon once since the early morning events, and it frustrated him beyond words. It was no secret how close he was to the swimmer of the family, and Gordon was the main person he went to when he needed to vent. Unfortunately, his person was off-limits right now as the ginger’s aching head needed some peace and quiet.

Sure, he could’ve reached out to John as a substitute. John was a great listener and generally had a way with words. An asset the youngest Tracy had utilized often while he had been away at school. Today, Alan didn’t feel like troubling John with his issues. He didn’t need another brother getting drawn into it.

Walking up the steps that led to the pool deck, Alan froze as he came face to face with his eldest brother. The pair stared at one another, unsure who should speak first. Alan made a quick decision and moved to side-step Scott, intent on heading inside without a word.

“Alan, wait,” Scott pleaded.

“Not now, Scott.”

“Alan, would you just quit and listen for once?” Scott cried in frustration.

Alan stopped and immediately turned around. “I’m the one that needs to listen?” the youngest scoffed. “That’s really rich, Scott. Especially coming from you on today of all days.”

“I said I was sorry. What more do you want from me? It’s not like I did it on purpose!”

“No, but it happened didn’t it,” Alan muttered.

“If you two would just grow up and quit your stupid immature games, maybe it wouldn’t have,” Scott fumed.

Alan walked toward his oldest brother, meeting him head-on. “Don’t tell me I’m immature and need to grow up, when after today you are no better. I might get angry and blow up, but I’ve NEVER hurt anyone.” Alan clenched his fists in an effort to keep himself in check, backing away marginally from Scott. “You always do this, Scott! You’ve always made it us against you. Gordon and I labeled just too young and immature to ever understand or be on your level when something doesn’t go your way. I’ve been putting up with it for years, and I’m done!” Alan yelled.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Scott seethed.

“It means I’m sick of it! I can’t speak for Gordon, but something has to give. All I’ve ever wanted is to be seen as your equal and damn it all if I haven’t tried, Scott. I’m definitely not perfect, and I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but you can’t always hold them over my head. I might be the youngest, but I’m not an idiot. I’m not a kid anymore, and you can’t keep treating me like I am.”

Scott remained silent as he took in his baby brother’s words. Relaxing his body, he ran a weary hand over his face. “Is that what you really think? That I think so little of you?”

“Why not?” Alan scoffed. “Ever since I returned from college, you’ve made it hard not to see otherwise. Almost every decision I’ve made on a mission you’ve shot down, rebuked, or called crazy. For the record, there’s more than one solution to a problem. I might not always be right, but haven’t I earned the right to at least be heard?”

“Does Gordon feel the same way?” Scott asked quietly.

Alan shrugged. “I can’t say for certain, but he’s vented to me after a few calls when I was at Harvard.” Alan watched his older brother as Scott took in his words. “Look, Scott. I’m not trying to make you feel like an ass, but I’m just stating facts. You tell me I need to listen more, but so do you. You accused me of being apart of Gordon’s prank this morning when I didn’t have a single hand in it. You wouldn’t even let me get a word in. You had your mind made up, and that was it. What happened after that was well…” Alan paused as he fiddled with the bandages on his hands. “I know you didn’t mean to hurt Gordo and me, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I feel betrayed.”

“I feel horrible, Alan. I would never intentionally hurt one of you, but it appears I’ve been doing just that for a while,” Scott said solemnly. “Allie, I had no idea you felt that way. I’ve been an idiot.”

Alan looked up at Scott in shock. “Scott…”

“No, Al, I have,” Scott started, meeting Alan’s eyes. “You’re right, this is all my fault, and I need to listen more. I need to step back. It’s not easy...”

“Believe me, I know how hard it can be,” Alan smirked.

“When did you get so wise?” Scott said with a suspicious stare.

“I’ve always been, you guys just never let me show it,” Alan chuckled.

Scott studied his baby brother’s features once more. Closing the gap between them, he placed a hand along Alan’s left shoulder. “Allie, I guess it boils down to the fact that it’s hard for me to accept that you are as old as you are. That you’ve become an adult and that Gordon is an adult.”

“Sometimes,” Alan laughed.

“Yeah, sometimes,” Scott smirked, returning the laugh. “To me, you’ll both always be my kid brothers - especially you, Allie. I just want to protect you at all costs, and in doing so, I lose sight of what’s standing right in front of me. It’s my job as field commander to make sure all of you make it home from a rescue, and sometimes that blinds me. I’ll work on it, okay? It’s not going to be easy, but I’ll try. Deal?”

Alan smiled. “Deal.”

“Come here,” Scott said as he enveloped Alan in a hug. “Thanks for giving me a kick in the pants and sorry for hurting you guys.”

“It’s okay, Scooter,” Alan replied, returning the hug.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” the brunette asked, as he pulled Alan away to get a good look at him. “Dad forced me out before I saw the rest of the damage I inflicted.”

“It’s nothing but a raised bruise that Virgil is making a thing out of,” Alan laughed. “I’ll live.”

Scott scowled. “Hands?”

“Again, I’ll be fine,” Alan said, swatting away his brother’s hand as he reached for the bandages. “Honestly, there’s maybe four or five cuts that are worth all this white gauze. If you ask me, it’s overkill.”

Scott smirked. “That’s our Doc. Virgil is anything but not thorough.”

“Yea. Um,” Alan paused as he looked at his watch. “Speaking of, Virg. If Gordon is feeling better, he should be released from the infirmary by now. If you wanted to see him, that is.”

“I need to talk to him too. Clear the air, you know,” Scott acknowledged.

“I could go with you,” Alan offered. “Maybe help keep the peace for once.”

“Now there’s a first,” Scott bellowed, ruffling the youngster’s blonde mop.

“Fine, I take it back,” Alan pouted.

“Thanks, kiddo, but I think this is one I need to handle on my own,” Scott said, putting an arm around Alan’s back as they headed inside the house.

“Okay, well, you know where to find me,” Alan said. Both looked up to see their father approaching them with a questioning gaze. “Hey, Dad!”

“Everything good here?” Jeff questioned warily.

“All good, Dad. Sorry again about all this,” Scott said.

“Me too,” Alan agreed. “Won’t happen again.”

“It better not,” Jeff said sternly. “I won’t tolerate violence in any form from any of you. Especially at home.”

“Have you seen Gordon?” Alan asked.

“I just came from the infirmary. Virgil allowed him to leave the infirmary as long as he took it easy. Gordon said he was headed to his room for a bit. He wasn’t too keen on the pool being off-limits to him until tomorrow,” Jeff said. “I’ve got a business call in my office if you need me. Be good, boys.”

“No pool, huh?” Alan grimaced as they approached their bedrooms. “Are you sure you want to go it alone?”

Scott playfully shoved his little brother into his room. “Don’t rub it in, brat. I’ve got this.”

“Alright,” Alan smirked. “But if I hear shouting, don’t expect me to come running this time.”

Scott glared at him as Alan quickly shut his door before he could comment. Taking in a deep breath, the brunette knocked on Gordon’s door. “Gordon?”

After a few seconds, the redhead opened the door. “Scott?” he asked, surprised.

“Hey,” Scott greeted. “Can I come in?”

“Sure, I guess,” Gordon responded, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

“I’m not here to yell,” Scott tried to reassure. “I’m here to apologize and to check on you.”

Gordon took a seat on his bed, remaining quiet. He was unsure of how to respond. “Have you spoken to Alan?”

“I have,” Scott said, leaning against Gordon’s door. “We’re good, Gordon. Now I need to make it up to you. I never meant to hurt you, kid. I never should’ve reacted that way.”

“It’s not entirely all your fault,” Gordon added, studying his brother.

“No, but I’m the reason you’ve got that headache,” Scott replied. “Alan also made sure to remind me how much of an idiot I’ve been.”

Gordon looked up at his eldest brother in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“It’s been brought to my attention that I’m a horrible listener,” Scott smirked, earning a chuckle from his brother. “Allie pointed out I’ve also been a tyrant in the field lately.”

“What else did Alan say?”

“He made it pretty clear I’ve been a jerk all around, Gordo. To you and him,” Scott said, as he moved forward to join Gordon on the bed. “I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel anything less than a valued member of the team. That was the last thing I meant to do.”

“The rescues over the last few months, unfortunately, have required a lot of tough calls on my behalf. It’s not an excuse, but it’s my job to make sure you make it back here, Gordon. In performing that job, I also got in my head. Bottled a lot of the bad stuff up, and it just exploded. Sadly, you bore the brunt of that. I can’t tell you how sorry I sincerely am for hurting you and Allie.”

“I accept your apology, but only if you’ll accept mine as well,” Gordon replied, meeting his brother’s sapphire eyes. “Wow, that must’ve been some talk the Sprout gave you,” Gordon chuckled.

“More screamed at me, but he opened my eyes,” Scott sobered. “I mean it, Gordon. I’m going to try to be better at listening to you guys. I never want you to feel like your opinion doesn’t matter on a call. I might not always see the merits to your perspective, but as Alan pointed out, you deserve to be heard.”

“Even when you’re an asshole?” Gordon asked, honestly.

“Yes, especially then,” Scott simpered. “I’m sure you’ll be the first to remind me.”

“You bet I will,” Gordon smiled with glee.

“How’s the head?” Scott asked as he placed a gentle hand on his younger brother’s forehead.

“Throbs every once and awhile, but I’ve dealt with worse,” Gordon confessed. “Quit beating yourself up about it. What’s done is done. I’ll be good as new in a day or so, and this will just be another cherished memory.”

“It could’ve been worse.”

“Scott, just let it go,” Gordon groaned. “Or do I need to find Allie to knock some more sense into you?”

“No, I’m good,” Scott laughed. “Can’t let Alan get too big a head, now can we?”

“I think that ship sailed long ago, big brother.”

Scott chuckled and stood up from the bed, making his way toward the door. “I’ll let you get some more rest. Need anything?”

“No, I’m good. Besides, I give Virgil an hour before he checks in on me,” the redhead reassured.

“Take it easy and don’t give Virgil too hard a time,” Scott ordered, giving his brother a knowing look. “I’m headed to do some work in the silos. Never know when we’ll get our next call.”

“F.A.B,” Gordon saluted, earning an eye roll from his older brother. “Oh, and Scott? Just remember who has the better Thunderbird,” the redhead winked as Scott left his room, muttering about him being delusional.

Maybe another prank was in his future….

FIN 

[disneydreamlights]

Cendrillon

FFN | AO3

Summary:  Gula's job as a mercenary for hire means he never turns down a job, even if that job is killing the heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Vulpes. [GulAva]

A/N: Inspired by this. Originally this was written for the 2019 rarepairs zine but the tight deadlines combined with my busy work and class schedule did not work out, so I had to drop the zine and left this on the back burner for a while. Cue a sudden burst of creative energy this month and some determination and I returned to this fic to finally finish it almost a year later. 

Gula pulled down on the mask once more, giving it a firm tug to make sure his face couldn’t be seen underneath the leopard styled mask. The masquerade ball tonight was important after all, Lady Ava of the Vulpes kingdom was going to be making her grand debut, and it would be best to make a good impression.

Or at least, that would be what most would be thinking as they prepared for tonight, but as Gula straightened out the tie on his golden yellow suit, he had a lot more pressing matters to be thinking about. The knife, hidden in his socks felt cold, just one of many hidden, but hired killers had to be prepared. It really was nothing against his mark, she probably was a fine girl, but this was his job.

“Name?” Gula smiled as the guard looked at him with no more scrutiny than any of the stuffy royals that had entered into ballroom that night. 

“Ventus, of the Kingdom of Leopardus.” The guard nodded, likely assuming he was simply a lower noble. Which was fair, royalty in Leopardus changed often enough that even in the kingdom of its closest allies, it was difficult to keep track. As he officially entered the ballroom, he couldn’t help but reflect on how that had been a part of why he had been brought into the ball in the first place.

The man had entered Gula’s home about two weeks ago, shortly after Gula had returned home from his last mission. He was dressed in a black cloak, with his face fully hidden in its shadows. “Why hello there, it took you long enough to get here.”

“How did you get into my house? What do you want?”

“Easy there Tiger, I’m not here to make any enemies. I just need a favor, heard that you’re willing to do any jobs, legal or illegal, if the pay is high enough.”

“Most of my clients don’t stop by my home.”

“Yeah, well mine is a special task.”

Gula had raised an eyebrow at that. “What did you have in mind.”

A bag was placed on his desk, holding what looked like well over a few hundred thousand munny after a quick investigation of its contents.

“I need you to kill the crown princess of Vulpes, Lady Ava.”

The plan was most definitely simple enough. Sneak into the ball in her honor, find her, stab her, get out. Leave the leopard mask behind to implicate Leopardus. War would allow for whatever his name (X? He was pretty sure that was some part of the name given) to take over the kingdom, reinstate peace. Murder admittedly was not one of Gula’s usual tasks, but money talked, and true to the meaning of his name, he was never satisfied with what he had. Not to mention, there was so much wrong with the nobility anyways, even if an innocent had to die, a new ruler might mean a new chance to fix the world, he couldn’t complain about that. He wandered the floor aimlessly, enjoying the party for what it was, listening in on the conversations of the various nobles and sneaking some of the food while he waited for the princess’s presentation.

“Why aren’t you talking with the rest of the guests?” A girl’s voice rang caught his attention, as a young girl around his age stood in front of him. He hadn’t even noticed her approach. He took in any details about her he could. If he got caught and needed to clear up the loose ends, he would need to remember any details. She had pink hair, and a fox’s mask covering almost as much of her face as his own leopard mask.

“I’m not one for small talk, it doesn’t really have much point.” And it was true, small talk was hard to maintain, and he had no interest in learning about any of the nobles who would be out for his blood before the clock struck midnight.

The girl gave him a confused look. “If you don’t like small talk, then why are you at the party?”

“I like to dance.” It was the first excuse he could come up with, but she seemed amused by the way her mouth threatened to turn into a smile. This was bad, he didn't want to be remembered here. “I understand social niceties, even if they aren’t my favorite thing,” he added on afterwards, hoping she’d buy it.

She did, seeing as she nodded. “Who are you anyways, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lord with blond hair as messy as yours.” She poked at one of the many spikes coming from his head, it was one of the few things of his natural appearance he’d retained. 

“Ventus.” Gula used the same fake name he’d used for the guard earlier. Best to keep it simple.

“My name’s…” The girl hesitated for a moment, as though holding the knowledge of her name close to her. For the first time, he was actually intrigued by her. Why was this girl holding back her name? Was it possible that she, too, was an uninvited guest to the party.

“Fox.” He supplied the name for her, surprising himself. ���You wear a fox mask, if you want to avoid using your name at the ball, why not go by the name of the animal you’re wearing a mask of.”

She nodded, her face brightening. “Fox is good!” She paused for a moment, almost as though she was unsure of what to talk about with him. For a moment, Gula was almost sure she had the intention to find the next sulking partygoer, but she seemed to stay quiet.

“It was a pleasure meeting you Fox, but I can’t stay and talk for--”

“Wait.” Gula stopped, letting the girl talk. “Could I have just one dance?” He was about to answer no, but she continued. “You did say that dancing was the main reason you came, don’t you want to?”

He could tell her no, but placating the girl would better serve his interests better. It would be better if she remembered the unknown lord as a good person, rather than poorly. Then he wouldn’t have to take out any more people than necessary. Fox had been nice enough anyways to him.

“I suppose one dance won’t take too much time out of my night.” And before he knew it, he was pulled out of his corner by Fox, who seemed to take a natural lead as she put her hand on his shoulder, clasping one of his with her second. He settled for a hand on her waist, sharing the dance floor as he chose to let the girl lead. She moved swiftly and gracefully, but she was a noble. It wasn’t a surprise that she knew how to dance. The two fell into a natural silence, following the rhythm of the music, following through each step.

“You know, for a self proclaimed dance lover, I’m surprised you’re letting me lead.” A small smile formed on Fox’s face as she teased him. 

“You’re the noble, I’m just the party crasher who likes a good waltz. Leading’s in your job description.” It was true enough. Besides, he’d rather not risk leading her in the dance on the off chance she saw through his flimsy lie. The fact that she’d bought it so far was a surprise enough. “It gives me a chance to see if you’d be a better one than all the others here so far.”

“Not a fan of the current ruling party?” Fox turned a corner, pulling him with her and keeping them moving in the same pattern as earlier. “I can’t say I blame you, I know a lot of the commoners aren’t very fond of us either.” 

For a moment, Gula couldn’t help but wonder if there was something different about Fox than the rest of the nobility she was a part of. The frown she wore on her face seemed genuinely upset at the thought of not being loved by the people she ruled over, but he dismissed it. Nobility didn't care for everybody else. That’s why he needed to take jobs like this in the first place. “I don’t care for them, no. Life in Leopardus isn’t easy, but I’ve heard life in Vulpes is worse.” 

“Maybe Lady Ava will change that?” Fox spoke in a small voice. 

“Maybe.” Maybe she could’ve, but she wouldn’t get that chance for sure. He raised his arm, allowing Fox underneath it while she spun. “But nobody knows what she’s like. Perhaps she asked for her grand debut to be something as glamorous as this ball, and she’s worse than both her parents.”

Fox’s face scrunched up in disgust at that thought. Despite being a look of disgust, Gula couldn’t help but find it cute in a way. “It’s a terrible way to make a public appearance. All it does it make a show, like some display of power. I can’t imagine anyone liking it.”

“Not a fan of balls I take it?” Gula asked. 

“I’d like them more if they were events for fun for everybody. A party only allowing nobility...like I said, it doesn’t do anybody good.” She shook her head. “I know the commoners don’t like this ball at all. My friend, Ephemer, he said--” She stopped herself the moment she realized the song ended. “I’m sorry, I asked you for a dance and instead I spent the whole song rambling to you about why I don’t even like the ball.”

If Gula was honest, he hadn’t minded the Fox’s rambling. In general, she seemed to dislike the way other nobles ran things. Perhaps he could negotiate with his boss for her to get a higher up position after the fallout, have her help make change. “Ramble away, your opinion is a breath of fresh air compared to most of the others I’ll hear tonight.”

“Oh?” She looked at him, surprised. “Why’s that?”

“I’m not the biggest fan of balls either.” And he wasn’t. “Truth be told, it wasn’t even my choice to come here.” She’d been honest with him, a random stranger at a ball. And she at least seemed to give half a mind about commoners. He owed her a small part of the truth.

“But you said you liked dancing.” She tilted her head, though somehow he got the feeling that it was just for show than not knowing as though urging him to continue. “So if it wasn’t dancing that brought you, what did?”

Gula released her hand for a moment as they continued their dance, and put his finger to his lips. “I’m not allowed to say. That’s going to stay a secret.”

“Hey! I won’t tell!” Fox protested, and the serious girl who’d shared her political views on all of this snobbery was gone. “There’s no reason I can’t know.”

He chuckled, finding her energy endearing. “It’s not a secret if you include somebody else in on it.” Besides, it was better that she didn't know. Forgetting that she would become a liability, it’d put her in real danger. She’d be a conspirator, and somebody like her being involved in a murder plot wasn’t what he wanted. 

“Sure it is. That’s what makes it a secret, when it’s shared between two friends.” Mentally, Gula cursed. He hadn’t wanted to make a friend. He hadn’t wanted to be seen. Somehow, this girl had managed to throw a wrench into all of his plans. She’d be able to point them to Lady Ava’s killer in an instant.

Somehow, none of it bothered him.

“You’ll know before the night is done, don’t worry.” He pet her on the head, watching her pout. “In the meantime, maybe I could learn more about you.” He was searching for any conversation topic. “I have until midnight before I can complete my task, and I’m sure you’ve got a lot of interesting things to say.” 

And so they talked, and in spite of himself, he found himself listening to her every word attentively. About her stubborn and overprotective mother, her overbearing father with no sense of what the world needed, her best friend Ephemer who was a commoner she had befriended while sneaking away unnoticed, who told her all about the world and how hard things were. And in turn, he shared with her what he could about himself. About his older brother Aced and how they didn't talk much anymore since Aced didn't approve of his job (not that he said what that job was), how Aced’s husband would check up on him, make sure he was doing okay, and he even threw in a few tales of his more noble deeds. 

A small voice in his head whispered that Fox was a liability, that she was learning too much about him, but he didn't care. She was by far one of the most genuine nobles he’d ever met, and as they continued to share dance after dance, he couldn’t bring himself to regret this friendship they’d struck up.

“Ventus, do you think we could leave the floor for a bit?” Fox smiled. And for the first time, Gula noticed how tired she looked. They had been dancing for a while.

“Of course, my lady.” The words left his mouth as a part of the character he was playing, but he still couldn’t help but wince at how they sounded. She didn’t seem to mind as she led him out to the balcony, away from the dancing party. In the distance, he could see a clocktower, proclaiming the time as 11:30. A half hour until the mysterious princess would reveal herself, and Gula could finally take out his target.

At first, they sat in silence before Fox walked over to the edge, looking down at the plaza below as she leaned on the railing. “You know, I didn’t think I’d have any fun at tonight’s party.” He was surprised at her honesty, but then again, he shouldn’t have been. The whole night Fox had been nothing but open with him. 

“So why did you come?” As much as it turned out he definitely didn’t hate her, he still wished she hadn’t. He still berated himself for letting himself be so clearly recognizable to her. He walked next to her by the railing. “You could’ve been off, sneaking around with...Ephemera?”

“Ephemer,” Fox corrected him before turning to face him. “I would’ve skipped it if I had a choice, but I’m obligated to be here.” Gula remained silent, waiting for her to elaborate. She chose not to. “I’m glad I got to meet you, if nothing else, it means I get to have at least one more friend.” She reached her hand out tentatively, resting it on his.

He looked at Fox, noticing her smile. “I can’t say I hear that often, but I’m glad we met too.” And it was the truth. There would be problems, but it was nothing he couldn’t try to smooth over with his boss later. They fell into a companionable silence, just enjoying being in the other’s presence.

Finally, Gula spoke once more as the minute hand slowly got closer to the nine. 11:45. He needed to get into position. “Fox I–”

A small gasp sounded from behind them, causing both Gula and Fox to separate. “There you are Lady Ava! Your father’s looking for you!”

Lady Ava!?

If it wasn’t for the fact that the servant had come in, Gula would’ve uttered every curse he could think of. What did she mean Lady Ava? That...no, that could not be right. Ava was his target. And if Fox was Ava…

“I’ll be out in a minute.” Fox...Ava? gave the servant girl a small smile and watched as she left before sighing. “I guess this means our night has come to an end.”

“You’re Lady Ava.” Gula could only repeat those words emptily, as though changing them would somehow allow him to change the fate he would be forced to give her. As though she could go back to being Fox. The worst part was, this was perfect. Ava was his target. Ava was right here. He could complete the crime, leave no loose ends, and nobody would even know. It might not be as showy as his client wanted, but it would do. Ava would be dead and it might stir up more talk about the quiet assassin who managed to kill the princess without anybody having seen her.

But she was also Fox. The girl who had approached him because she’d thought he was lonely and ended up deciding to bug him enough to show him a small piece of her life, and got him to open up about his in return. She was a noble who he was so sure would bring about change in the world, and he was going to have to be the one to end her life. End the spark before it could even begin.

“Ventus?” Evidently Ava had been talking to him while he’d been lost in thought trying to comprehend what that meant. “Ventus!”

Gula shook himself from his thoughts and looked at Ava, still trying to figure out what he was going to do about all this. “Sorry, what did you say?”

“I was apologizing.” After a moment of silence, she added, “For lying to you about who I was. I didn’t mean anything by it, it’s just there’s so many expectations on me tonight. I’m sure you know why this ball is being held, and you know my distaste for it.” She stopped. “I just wanted to have a normal night before my anonymity is permanently ruined.”

“It’s alright.” It wasn’t alright. He now had an attachment to his target. It was unprofessional and embarrassing. Murder may not have been his field of choice, but that doesn’t make the fact that it happened any less of a problem. But he didn’t want to make any of this worse. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

Ava gave him a smile, a genuine one, and he felt his heart skip a beat. “It was nice meeting you, Ventus. I had a wonderful night with you. I know you’re not really here as an invited guest, but I hope I’ll get to see you again anyways.”

Had this been anybody else, Gula would have let her walk out the door and back into her dance. He would’ve gotten into position and waited for her to be presented, and then taken her down and escaped. But this wasn’t anybody else, and in that moment, the conflict he was experiencing came to a resolution. “Gula.”

She paused at the door and turned back to look at Gula. “What?”

“My real name,” he said, “it’s not Ventus. It’s Gula.” Ava turned around and closed the door back into the ballroom, which he took as a sign to continue. “I’m not who I said I was, Fox.”

Rather than flee, Ava walked back over to him and sat on the railing. “I have ten minutes before my father starts the ceremony.” She was willing to hear him out.

He could possibly save her.

“I mentioned my brother doesn’t normally approve of my job. That’s because I don’t just do odds and ends jobs that I can find. I’m a mercenary.” Once the words left his mouth, it wasn’t long before Gula told her everything about tonight. How he’d been hired by somebody to kill her, how at midnight, when she was presented, he was to do his job. She remained silent throughout, wanting to hear him out on what he said.

“I don’t want to kill you, Lady Ava. I’ve enjoyed the night we’ve shared, and I think you might be what this kingdom needs to finally start getting things right. To fix this broken world.” And he did, he believed in Ava as hard as it was to say.

“So don’t. You don’t have to do anything.” He couldn’t say he was surprised. Ava may have had a friend or two, but her lifestyle had been horribly sheltered. It was unlikely that she would understand the choice in front of him. “You may have been hired to kill me, but you can refuse the job.”

“It’s not that simple.” So long as his client knew about him and his brother, so long as Ava breathed, he wouldn’t be safe. “If you’re still able to take the throne come the end of the night, then my client will know I failed. It would cause problems.” Problems he couldn’t afford. Problems Aced couldn’t afford.

“There’s always a third choice Gula, one that doesn’t result in death.” Well he could always kill the person who hired him, but somehow, that option didn’t seem like one Ava would approve of. 

As Gula went to respond, the clocktower’s bell went off, ringing one drawn out bell at a time. They had run out of time. “It’s midnight.”

Ava nodded. The two looked at each other, unable to look away for fear that if they did, then Gula would make the decision to kill Ava. 

“...What if the world thinks I’m dead?” Ava spoke so quietly, it was almost impossible for Gula to hear what she had said at first. But the moment he realized it, he couldn’t stop the small smile that appeared on his face. 

“It’s perfect.” If the world thought Ava was dead, then that fulfilled his contract. It would be more difficult for her to change the world if she was no longer the crown princess of Vulpes, but it would save her life. 

But it would also end everything about her life as it is now. Lady Ava of Vulpes would be dead to all but himself. “If we do this, you can’t go back. The world has to think you’re dead.”

“I know.” Her voice was soft as she acknowledged what he said. “But I don’t want you to be in danger either.” She took off her mask and looked up at him. Able to see her whole face, he looked her over for any hint that she wasn’t sincere. That she was lying just for the sake of her own life. Instead he found nothing but sadness for what she would be losing, and determination to save them both.

Gula smiled. “Then let’s get started.”

[gasp-iwrotesomething]

vivi tang as a model,, and mc being her painter/photographer. after flirting through many projects, finally mc just snaps and has to stop painting/taking pictures and just begs vivi to fuck her. preferably a fic thank you !!!!

Sure thing, anon, I’d be happy to write this for you! Thanks for requesting and I hope you enjoy!

Summary: Famous model Vivienne Tang is in the midst of being painted nude by her trustworthy painter when one particular comment sends MC into a frenzy and the task at hand flying to the back burner...

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Vivienne was impossibly beautiful and almost staggeringly sexy in her pose, slumped on a couch with a posture that reeked of strong feminine power. Her body was embellished in nothing at all unless the air counted as an article of clothing; yet she still looked better than most of the women MC had painted. On the far side of the room sat a very distressed MC, whose hands were busy painting a picture of the seductive woman in front of her. She found herself wanting to be busy touching Vivienne and not merely painting her--she wanted an in depth examination of her anatomy in ways that would definitely be a recalcitrant towards her professionalism. But the painter had fair reason to desire this when the subject of her painting continuously teased and seduced her throughout the entire painting process. “You’re taking much longer today than you did the last time you painted me,” Vivienne’s smirk is palpable even from the distance MC was sequestered in, “has my body changed overnight enough that you need a thorough viewing?” The model’s voice is a rumble so feline that MC swore she could sense her sentence nuzzling against her leg purring. MC frowns at the painting before her, the warm hues of Vivienne smiling back as if jeering. It appeared that no matter where MC turned, Vivienne’s ethereal beauty followed to haunt her mind and blot her gaze. “No, just want to get this right. It’s been a week since I’ve painted you, remember?” 

She swipes a crimson grin across the length of Vivienne’s thigh, manifesting the sublime couch beneath the even more sublime woman. Behind the canvas, Vivienne’s lips curl and she lifts a hand to sweep aside a strand of hair from her forehead. Even that brief movement persuades MC’s eyes away from the painting. “That’s fair. But you’ve painted me naked countless times and each portrait came out to be impeccably gorgeous, so that argument doesn’t exactly withstand, MC,” the artist’s name is both a prayer and a curse all at once as it dances past Vivienne’s scarlet lips, casting a spell on MC that shouldn’t have been feasible for any other person except Vivienne Tang, “perhaps your hands long to cherish what your eyes can’t?” Vivienne’s brown eyes bore into MC harder than the looming presence of her nudity, which is reimbursed each time the artist swings her eyes away from the painting to drink the model’s illustrious form. By the way, how the hell did she just vocalize the thoughts circulating in my head? Yeah, she’s a bit mysterious and reclusive but a mind-reader? That sounds so absurd. Vivienne drags a blood-tinted fingernail along the salivating curve of her hip and MC struggles to tear her gaze away. ...Absurdly sexy, apparently. 

MC realizes all too late that her cheeks are inflamed and when she speaks again, her tone is lopsided without the confidence there to bite Vivienne back. “That’s... I’m not-! Listen, do you want your painting finished or not?” The model in question grins at MC’s clipped voice and she tempts a fingernail between her teeth coyly. ‘Coy’ wasn’t exactly an adjective MC would use to describe Vivienne Tang but in this moment that was the only term that could appropriately prescribe the view. A flare of heat splashes within MC and she swallows as a rush of rouge scurries up her nape. “Of course I want this painting finished... if it entails more of your admiring stares. I feel like a subject to your wanton apodyopsis, MC.” She tucks her hair over her shoulder, simultaneously exposing more of her wondrously pale skin, and MC’s breath hitches. Her hand stills against the canvas flooded with Vivienne’s palette. “Apodyopsis? I’m hardly imagining you naked, Vivienne,” the artists keens as she gestures to Vivienne’s lack of clothing, “everything I’d want to see is right here in front of me.”

Vivienne’s grin morphs into something borderline fond and vexatious approval that unleashed a swarm of butterflies in MC’s belly. She almost expected Vivienne to rise from the couch and come over to her but the model stays posed, her posture barely shifting. Instead it’s her words that approach MC--challenging her just the way she hoped. “Oh? All of what you want on display is right in front of you at this moment, hmmm? If so, then why aren’t you acting on the easy exhibit? Why not feast from this buffet when you do so with your eyes constantly?”

There it was. The criticism that would surely tear down the walls MC had carefully constructed--the ones meant to shelter her from falling for Vivienne’s incessant flirting. All of it deflated in a matter of seconds. And Vivienne most likely knew this with the way her eyes flashed with satisfaction.

“Alright, that’s it.” MC sets her brush down roughly and hops off of the stool she was perched on, her arms crossing against her paint-spattered chest. “You talk boldly for someone who just wants to model, Vivienne. I’m starting to get the incentive that you want to walk away with more than just a portrait.” The artist’s admonishment is composed of akrasia, her dark eyes pools of irritation and desire all mixed into one. Vivienne’s brows raise in the slightest hint of shock... before her features slink inwards suggestively. “My, that’s a strong opinion to have, MC,” she says this as if feigning offense even though MC could read the show she was pulling, like a magician performing a trick able to debunked on the spot, “you seem passionate about your resolve. Tell me, darling, am I wrong?” Vivienne levels MC with a dashing look of impishness. Her question is pressing and MC gulps down the rest of her reservations, deciding that if there was any other opportunity as propitious as this one that she’d act with no questions asked.

“What if I asked you to ditch this painting and fuck me instead?”

The question is bashing the moment it breaches the air between them but MC could hardly care, her body coming to life with the thrilling promise of touching Vivienne Tang. This time the model’s eyes widen in tune with her eyebrows hiking and MC finds it hard not to feel gratified. Not many people can claim that they’ve made Vivienne make that kind of face before, can they? In the next moment, Vivienne’s face is composed in that of a mask of a seductress on the prowl. Her pose finally shatters as she whisks her long legs over the side of the couch. MC’s confidence falters as she watches Vivienne’s legs cross sinuously, as if in seldom invitation; not to mention the sudden shift her breasts experience, now solemnly unaffected by gravity. “Is that a challenge? Because if so,” Vivienne’s purr trails off as she leans back on her palms, inviting MC to gawk at her, “I won’t hesitate to push aside the painting for now.” Seeing an entrance, MC scoffs despite the flush embodying her face. “For now? How long do you plan on keeping me here, Vivienne Tang?” She asks this as she slowly nears Vivienne, her hips swaying suggestively. A sense of accomplishment blooms in her chest as she catches the model’s eyes flare with interest beyond what she had already been displaying, tracing the movement intently. “As long as it takes to make you scream my name, which shouldn’t be very long.”

“Oh? You’ve got a track record to back up that claim or what, Miss Tang? Or is that all talk for the sake of getting me naked faster?” MC taunts, her hands planted on her hips. All Vivienne gives in response is a feral grin and a sharp tug, sprawling MC into her nude arms. “I do, in fact, have a track record of just that. Under an hour in most of the woman I bed.” Vivienne flaunts as her hands slide around MC’s back, reaching for the binding that was holding her floral dress in place. MC shivers at how Vivienne’s breath feels against her neck and curls her arms around the model’s neck, her cheeks reddening. “Prove it,” is all the artist manages to murmur as Vivienne finds her vantage point into MC’s dress, her hands transcending the boundaries MC had longed her to breach for the longest time. It was almost an orgasm in and of itself--so satisfying it felt mind-melting.

And true to MC’s request, Vivienne spends the next few hours providing evidence to back her bragging; even going as far as succeeding in stroking her bellowed name out of MC in just thirty-six minutes flat.

A new record for model Vivienne Tang to flaunt to the rest of the world.

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Thank you for your request! I loved writing this for you, it was a lot of fun to write Vivienne again!

If you want to request something, here’s the Prompt List, here are the Guidelines, here’s Who I Write For, and here is where you can Request me.

[suitofvibraniumarmor]

Yours Truly [Part Seventeen]

Summary: The school year begins; Sadie accepts a date with a co-worker. Pairing: Chris Pratt x OFC, Chris Evans x OFC Word Count: 1580 Warnings: None? A/N: This fic was previously posted on my multi-fandom account; in honor of OC Appreciation Day, I figured I would queue it all up for your reading pleasure throughout the day! This was a collab with @captain-s-rogers , and I will link her chapters at the end of all of my posts! Some GIFs were difficult to find again, so if there’s no credit, they’re from Google Image Search or from the original post. 

August 12

Caroline,

It’s the first day of school, which means we can officially make phone calls to each other at will! I’m sure our letters will be more sporadic, but I’m still enjoying writing them.

Speaking of, forgive me that it’s been a while since my last letter. With inservices last week and nothing to do between but read and forget about Farmer Pratt on my downtime, there hasn’t been much to tell. I want to do like you say and go for it, but I look at Layla and I know how much it would mean to her to have her whole family back. Doesn’t mean I can’t sit for her every now and again, and I’m sure I’ll see her at the school. You’d be proud of me if you knew what I said to Chris on open house night, though. I’ll tell you about it when we actually talk on the phone, which I’m hoping will be soon.

I’m so excited for you – getting the President’s endorsement is HUGE! Chris deserves it though … about as much as you deserve him. I suppose I can’t really comment on that right now in my current situation, can I? I’m guessing that after the latest debacle (yeah, I did catch that much on the news) that you and Charlie have called it quits for good. So, hey, there’s the silver lining in all of this!

Well, I suppose I should touch up my lip gloss and head to the school. The kindergartners will come in small groups for just a couple of hours today, and then tomorrow it’s on to full days. Can’t wait to start teaching these little ones!

Yours truly,

Sadie

Having small groups of kids on the first day helped orient the kindergarteners to the new daily routine. Sadie could review the classroom procedures and rules with four or five of them at a time and it was far easier to manage than the whole class at once – especially for the ones who had not attended preschool and weren’t accustomed to being away from their parents in such a structured environment.

After her second group, Sadie had a lunch break and some plan time. She re-filled her water cup, ate a sandwich, and then set to work straightening a few things in the classroom. A knock on her door caught her attention just as she was getting ready to go meet the kids from her third group at the front of the school.

“Mr. Denning,” Sadie smiled. “How’s your first day going?”

The P.E. teacher smiled back. “Not too bad – always a little boring, going over rules and whatnot, you know. Especially for the older kids.”

“I would imagine,” Sadie nodded.

“You know, you can call me Cooper,” he told her. “That’s my first name. And maybe I could call you Sadie?”

“Of course. I don’t mind it at all, but I never know who prefers to stay on a last-name basis when I’m in a new building.”

“Fair enough,” Cooper nodded. “Listen, I don’t mean to be forward or come out of nowhere, but I enjoyed getting to know you a little better at inservices last week. Would you maybe like to have dinner with me tonight? No pressure or anything, just a friendly back-to-school meal at the diner. If that goes well, then maybe we can see where things goes next.”

Sadie considered him carefully. Cooper Denning was nice, a gentleman, and didn’t give her any creepy vibes. His offer was more than reasonable; not even necessarily a request for a date, just a simple invitation for dinner with the possibility of a date another time. Taking a deep breath and deciding it was time to move forward, Sadie gave him a polite smile and a confident nod. If nothing else, perhaps she could make a new friend.

“That would be nice.”

Cooper smiled, too. “Great. In the interest of keeping it friendly, how about if I meet you there at six o’ clock?”

“Sounds great,” Sadie agreed. “I need to go get my kiddos from out front, but I’ll see you tonight.”

Cooper waved and headed back for the gym. Sadie couldn’t say she was excited for her dinner with him, but she was looking forward to doing something besides spending the evening alone.

At the end of the day, Sadie was feeling better than she had in weeks. All of her small groups had done so well, and she was going to be able to get out of the house for supper. Chris and Layla were still on her mind, but she seemed able to push them to the back burner for now. They were figuring out their lives, and she had to figure out hers.

Of course, her peace couldn’t last. She didn’t mind in the least that it was interrupted by Layla excitedly running up to her in the hallway outside the main office, but she would have been happier had Emily not accompanied Layla.

“I have my own desk!” Layla said, jumping up and down excitedly. “And this is my backpack and ‘member this dress? You made it for me!”

“That I did,” Sadie said, unable to stop her smile. “Your first day must have been really good, you are full of energy!”

“Yep!” Layla said, galloping in circles around Sadie.

Emily spoke up then, telling Layla to calm down, and taking the girl by the hand. “Sadie, I’m glad we ran into you. Chris was going to call, but since we’re all here – are you available to babysit Friday night? Chris and I have a – a thing, and Layla’s been asking to spend time with you.”

Sadie nodded, although she felt somewhat hesitant. “Yes, of course. I’d love to.”

“Yay!” Layla cheered, beginning her galloping again.

Emily looked slightly irritated. “Layla, sweetheart, calm down, please. I already asked you once. Let’s get home.”

“Bye Adie! See you tomorrow at school and Friday at my house!” Layla called over her shoulder.

Sadie couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. It was nice to know that in the midst of everything changing, Layla was exactly the same.

The diner wasn’t terribly busy when Sadie pulled up, still dressed in the same clothes she had been for the school day. She had touched up her makeup once at home, fluffed her hair, and readied a few things for the next day before heading back to town.

Cooper was waiting for her on the sidewalk in front of the diner. He gave her a modest side hug when he saw her, then opened the door, letting Sadie pass by first before following her to a booth by the window.

They chatted casually about their respective first days, made their orders when the waitress came by the table, and then Cooper launched into telling her about some of the older kids in the school, starting with the ones who had younger siblings in kindergarten. Sadie appreciated having the background on her students, and Cooper made the stories especially entertaining.

In the middle of their meal, the bell over the door rang. The sound caught Sadie’s attention, and her eyes darted from Cooper to the door. The two people she had pushed to the back of her mind were once again at the forefront as she watched the Pratt family walk into the diner.

Chris and Emily were on either side of Layla, each of them holding her hand. Layla was grinning, Chris was smiling, and Emily was about as happy as Sadie had seen her in any of their few interactions. Once they got up to the counter to make their to-go order, Chris lifted Layla into his arms, balancing her on one arm while placing one hand at the small of Emily’s back to guide her closer to the counter.

Sadie’s attention was no longer on Cooper at all, and he noticed. He waved his hand in front of her face; she snapped back to attention.

“Sorry,” she said, blushing. “I, uh, got distracted.”

Cooper gave her a sympathetic smile. “Sadie. You can be honest with me. I know about you and Chris – thanks to Libby Anderson, I think the whole school probably does.”

“Fantastic,” Sadie sighed.

“Hey,” he said, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “Don’t be embarrassed. We all know that Libby is a gossip. I’m just sorry you had to be the subject of her gossip this time. I do want us to be friends, and if that’s all this becomes, then that’s just fine.”

Sadie couldn’t have been more grateful for how understanding Cooper was about the entire situation. She kept her eyes focused on him for the remainder of the time the Pratts were in the diner, and that helped to cope with the presence of the seemingly happy family.  

Once the table was cleared, the new friends didn’t linger. Cooper walked her to her car and thanked her for a good evening.

“Thank you, too,” Sadie replied. “I’m sorry if I made things weird, or disappointed you at all.”

Cooper waved her off. “We both have a new friend, that’s a good thing. I’ll see you at school tomorrow, yeah?”

Sadie nodded. “Yeah, for sure. Thanks again.”

“Anytime.”

She got in her car and left then, anxious to work through her new feelings over seeing the Pratt family in the diner, but not so anxious for loneliness to set in again once she was home.

Part Eighteen

[strangely-constructed-soul]

Not My Enemy Chapter III

Fic Masterlist/ Main Masterlist/Ao3 version(Tumblr version is better)

Feyre

“This is not good. This is not good.” Mor muttered as she paced the apartment. Feyre couldn’t have agreed more; the demands Hybern had made of Rhys were almost driving Feyre to tears of frustration.

Feyre couldn’t keep her mind off of the threat that was clearly aimed at her.

“If you aren’t out of Rhys’s cabal by the end of the week, we’re going to have some issues, aren’t we Elain?” Hybern was such a devil. Feyre’s sister had been put on the line after Feyre had demanded to hear it from her lips so she knew that what Hybern had said was true. “Feyre? Feyre, is that you? Please, he’s got me locked up, I” She was cut off as Hybern drawled again from his side of the line. “That’s enough from you, little doe. You have five days.” With that, the line had cut off.

Now, about six hours later, Feyre was shaking slightly, and she couldn’t seem to get rid of the sickening chill that had crawled its was up her spine. Her hope was starting to fade, and that left her feeling like she was about to pass out.

Luckily, Rhys noticed the shift and ushered Mor into the dining room, murmuring something into her ear that Feyre was barely to make out other than when Rhys said “Call Az.” Mor nodded and vanished from the apartment, presumably to find a burner phone.

Rhys returned a few moments later with a mug of hot tea. He walked her over to the couch and she leaned against him for support. He tensed slightly before sliding an arm around her shoulders.

“Let’s go find her.” Feyre stated with determination. Rhys agreed readily, and despite some hesitation from Mor, set off to go find Elain.

That’s how they ended up in the darkest, dirtiest part of the slums of Velaris. Feyre sighed as she remembered when she was a child how beautiful the city had been when it was led by a royal family, their names forgotten by time and erased from the minds of most people who lived in Velaris. Her own mother had died just before the uprising, so she never had to see her beloved city or husband fall into despair. The Spring gang had killed the ruling lord, his wife, and their two children; some said that Tamlin himself had killed them.

Tamlin was thirty six to her twenty four. She had been fifteen, less than a year younger than the lord’s eldest son had been, when the gangs took over after slowly gaining power for several decades. Would Elain be slaughtered too, just like the lord and lady’s children had been? Feyre shook the thought out of her mind.

As if reading her thoughts, Rhys slowed his efficient walking pace to a stroll, and turned to her.

Rhys

“I miss it too. The music, the lights,” He murmured, a remorseful look crossing over his face, “I lost everyone I loved that night.” The gangs had been ruthless, unforgiving in their path to controlling the city. Feyre remained silent until she tentatively reached out and took his hand. He sighed, glad that she hadn’t asked more about his confession, knowing how risky it would be to reveal his secrets in such a place.

Suddenly, there was a distinct crunching sound, the sound of one carelessly loud footstep. Rhys dropped Feyre’s hand and continued walking for a few moments. He pretended to ignore the Hybernian guard stalking them, Feyre following suit. He knew what he needed to do; he took Feyre by the waist and presses her up against a nearby wall and kissed her.

Feyre

Rhys was kissing her. Rhys was kissing her, and she was kissing him back. The footsteps stopped. Feyre wove her fingers into his hair, just as she had dreamed of doing ever since he had woken up from the injury. Rhys ran his tongue over her lower lip, and she opened her mouth. Feyre groaned into his mouth and his hands tightened around her waist. There was the unmistakable sound of someone turning around and practically running in the other direction. Rhys pulled away too quickly, something sad and something like shame flashed in his eyes as he averted them. Feyre quickly realized what she had done, and she couldn’t bring herself to look at him. After what he had been through, he probably never wanted to be touched again, let alone be kissed. Rhys had told her in a loose explanation of what Amarantha had done to him. Then again, he had initiated the kiss, even though he probably didn’t want anything like that from her. Feyre felt like she had jumped from a precipice, and she could only hope that something would stop her from her guilt and loneliness before it was too late. Because kissing Rhys had made her feel something that made her want to hold on.

They walked in silence the rest of the way to Hybern’s lair.

Azriel

In spite of their disguises, Azriel knew the minute Feyre and Rhysand walked into the darkness of the converted hotel that Hybern had turned into his own sick version of a palace. To be fair, Mor had called him ahead of time, but he would have recognized one of his closest friends and “the Huntress”, or as he knew her, Feyre Archeron.

Az had been in deep cover for the past few weeks, scouting out Hybern’s defense system and helping captives escape. Hybern had no reason to suspect his new security ‘lackey’ was Rhysand’s highest level spy. He reported everything he learned directly to Mor.

Azriel had been incredibly surprised to find that the beautiful young woman that Tamlin had dragged into the main cavern was, in fact, Feyre’s sister Elain. Morrigan had filled him in on the situation.

Most surprising of anything was the way that Rhys was looking at Feyre. Somehow, in the past month that he’d been in this gilded hellhole, Rhysand had fallen for the most elusive assassin in the city.

Azriel didn’t have to question why Feyre could mean enough to Rhys for him to risk everything for her sister, no, he questioned why Lucien cringed every time Tamlin’s hand reached out to graze Elain’s shoulder. He didn’t have to wait long to find out. Because it was then that Tamlin leaned down to kiss Elain, and she kissed him back.

Rhys

Feyre hadn’t even tried to be subtle when she fled from the lobby, and Rhys hadn’t hesitated for a second when he followed her. Even though two onyx eyes that haunted his nightmares had followed his every movement, her red lips twisting into a sadistic smirk as she saw how his face paled when she dragged her nails dug groves into the wood of her chair.

Amarantha

Rhysand had no idea of the deliciously dreadful things Amarantha planned to do to him and his Feyre. She stifled her cough until she got out of the throne room and into her private suite. The napkin that she used to cover her mouth came up bloody. She grinned at her reflection in the mirror, well, it was less of a grin and more of a scowl. With the blood dripping down the corner of her mouth and the hard look in her onyx eyes, she looked and felt ready to take down the Night gang and it’s lordling, even if it was the last thing she would ever do. Another coughing fit overcame her, and she collapsed onto her bed.

Elain

Elain squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed her temples when Tamlin finally let her return to her room. The tiny hotel room on the top floor of the hotel felt less like a room than a cage.

The events of the past week flew through her mind as she struggled to recall anything other than the pure terror she had felt when Tamlin told her that she would be killed if she didn’t accompany him to Hybern’s… residence.

Only at night did she let the tears fall. Only at night did she let herself mourn her parents and the life she once had. Before all of this, before Hybern took everything away.

There was a knock on the door, and Elain brushed her tears away quickly. No one here knocked. Ever. The man pushed the door open, and she saw someone she didn’t expect. The handsome man who had been watching her in the hotel lobby closed the door behind him with a resounding click. His hazel eyes softened as he took in her disheveled appearance.

“Miss Elain? I’m Azriel. I’m here to help you.”

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

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A/N: So it turns out I can write angst? Who knew? Certainly not me. Ahh I need sleep. Anyway, let me know what you think about this chapter, and/or if you want to be tagged! Feel free to message me or ask about my writing, or anything else, I’ll be here(probably). I have some ideas for chapter four and I think I’m going to make a masterlist for this. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! :)

[fluffyunicornofdanger]

Roller Coaster

A/N: I hope to be getting a few more one-shots out this week. We’ll see if that happens. I got a few requests and I will be getting to those soon, so don’t you guys worry. I have decided to start writing for Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses, so please send in requests for those. I hope you guys enjoy this fic and let me know how you guys like it. I love hearing from you guys.

*~~~~~*

Masterlist

Roger Taylor x Reader

Requested by: @waymorecake4me

Summary: Everyone has bad days. No one can go without, but Y/n seems to have them more often than not. They go away, she knows that, but she also know that nothing can make them better. That is until her best friend, Roger Taylor, comes over during one of her bad days. 

Word Count: 1.9k

Warnings: Language

*~~~~*

Everything was spinning out of control. One minute, the world stood still, allowing everyone to go about their day at a normal pace. Never rushing, never pushing people over the edge. And then the next minute, the world was spinning out of control, everything becoming ten times harder as people tried to hold on. In a world like that, it seemed that the calm, steady moments went unnoticed in all the chaos. At least, that’s how Y/n saw it.

Life had always been a roller coaster for her. Up and down, up and down, up and down. She would be on top of the world one second and down in the dumps the next. That’s just how life was, everyone’s life was a roller coaster. But it seemed that Y/n ended up in the dumps more than other people.

She hadn’t thought much of it when she was a child. She brushed it off as having a bad day, everyone had those. But it seemed that as she grew up, she wasn’t simply having a bad day. It was more of a bad week or a bad month. An all-around bad time, if she were to be honest. One thing, even the smallest of things, would be enough to ruin her day. It wasn’t fair, but that was just the way her life was going. She tried as much as she could to make every day a good day, but sometimes there was nothing she could do.

And that was how today had gone.

Y/n huffed, fumbling with her keys in an attempt to unlock her front door. “There we go,” she smiled as she heard the sound of the door unlocking.

Opening the door, she shrugged off her jacket, placing it on the hook near the door and threw off her shoes before shutting the door. She was finally home.

Letting out a deep sigh, Y/n trudged into the living room, giving into to the horrible mood that had followed her home like a lost puppy. She threw herself on the couch, running her hand over her face. Today was not her day.

Work had been hell. It always was, but today was worse than any other by far. Y/n was good at her job, some would even say great. She was a primary teacher at one of London’s best schools, the job was great and so was the pay so she never complained. She loved children, making teaching an ideal job for her. But she didn’t love their parents and that is what often caused her day to go downhill.

This time in particular was… Insanely unprofessional. There was one kid that she taught that didn’t know what to do when he didn’t get his way. Whether it be the chair he wanted to the crayon, he threw a fit. It was easy for Y/n to manage. Classroom management was something she covered in school, but parent management wasn’t. This kid, not only was he not used to getting his way but it seemed that his parents always made sure that he got exactly what he wanted. No matter what.

Whatever he had said to his parents didn’t matter. Not when they marched into Y/n’s classroom after school had ended and demand that she give him what he wanted as he was ‘a good kid.’ Y/n tried her best to explain that no child deserves special treatment like that and that he needed to learn how to share, but his parents weren’t having it. It seemed that they hadn’t heard a thing she’d said as they attempted to rip her head off using their words.

On her walk home, Y/n had tried to tell herself that she had done what any teacher in her position would do. That all the choices she had made were the right ones. If it had been any other day, she would have believed that. But it was one of her bad days and she was having a hard time believing much of anything.

The kid's parents were out of line, she knew that, but if she had only handled the situation differently… maybe they wouldn’t have yelled at her. Who knows? Maybe they would have done that either way.

Y/n didn’t know how long she had been lying on the couch, she didn’t really care. Seeing as how she didn’t feel like getting up, it didn’t matter. But a knock at the door caused her to groan. She wasn’t in the mood for visitors nor getting up.

Her eyes fluttered shut, hoping that whoever was at the door would go away and that maybe she would be able to get some sleep. That clearly wasn’t going to happen as the person behind the door knocked again.

“Y/n, I know you’re in there.”

Sucking in a breath, Y/n opened her eyes. It was Roger. The last person she wanted to see.

Well… that wasn’t entirely true. Roger was Y/n’s best friend. They had known each other since university and were the best of friends. Y/n was there for Roger while Queen was struggling to live and he was there for her when she freaked out about starting her job. They were always there for each other, but she didn’t want that right now.

Truth be told, she loved the man. She didn’t love him like a friend like she did Brian or John or any of her other friends. It was more than that. It was a type of love that she had never felt before and one she wasn’t sure she was comfortable with. Especially since it was towards someone she was sure only viewed her as a friend.

Besides her feelings towards him, she didn’t want Roger to see her like this. When she had rough days she wasn’t the friendliest of people. Or the most willing. She normally just landed somewhere in her flat and waited for a new day to start. She never socialized or did anything that took much effort when she was having one of those days. And she didn’t want Roger to see that side of her. It was most definitely not her best side.

“Y/n!” he called through the door. “I’m not leaving until you open this door.”

Forcing herself into a sitting postion, she weighed her options. She could stay on the couch and pray that he leaves or open the door and invite him in. Either way, she would still feel horrible.

She stood from the couch, slowly making her way to the door. Grabbing the knob, she prayed that he only had a few minutes to spare and that he would be in and out in seconds. Pulling the door open, she smiled as best she could at him. “Hey.”

Roger smiled back, concern etched in his features. “Hey, what took so long?”

Fully opening the door, Y/n gestured for him to enter. Once he was in, she shut the door and lead him to the kitchen. Maybe some tea would make her feel better.

“I… um, was preoccupied.”

Roger raised a brow as Y/n grabbed two cups out of the cupboard and turned on the burner where the teapot sat. “With what?”

Y/n let out a sigh, placing the cups on the counter. How many more questions was he going to ask until he was satisfied with her answer?

“Y/n, is everything alright? You seem, I don’t know, out of it,” he took a seat on one of the stools.

Turning to face him, Y/n shrugged. “I’m having a day, alright?”

“Tell me about it.”

Y/n rolled her eyes. It wasn’t that simple. It wasn’t just what that had happened earlier that day that had caused everything to go downhill. It was everything that had happened that week. That month. Everything that had ever happened to her had come back. It always did when she was having a bad day. So, she couldn’t simply explain being yelled at for 30 minutes straight because it was much more than that. She wasn’t even sure what it was. There were so many emotions racing through her veins that it made it hard to pin down a single one.

“Y/n, you know you can tell me anything,” he tried to get her to open up.

Blowing out air, Y/n shook her head. “I can’t do that, Roger. I can’t simply tell you anything. It’s not that easy.”

“What do you mean, Y/n?”

Y/n hated the hurt look in his eyes. “Because… because I love you, alright? Is that a good enough answer for you? I fucking love and I don’t want to have to explain that I’m having a shit day for no other reason than I just am. Okay? Because there is nothing you can do about it, there isn’t even anything I can do about it,” she tried to explain, rushing over her words.

Exhaling, Y/n realized how good that horrible confession felt. It didn’t make her day better, wiping away all that had brought her down, but it had taken some of the weight off. It wasn’t exactly how she wanted to confess her feelings to Roger; standing in her kitchen, trying to keep herself together but it was better than nothing. It was better than not telling him at all, which was what she was originally going to do.

There was silence for a few seconds. The only sound being that of boiling water.

Y/n turned back to the cups she had set down, pulling to tea bags from a cabinet and putting them in the cups. The silence, though it was short, only seconds long, was unbearable.

“Y/n…”

She shook her head, turning the stove off and pouring the steaming water into the two cups. “It’s alright if you don’t feel the same, Roger. Really.”

A warm laugh came from the man causing Y/n to turn to him with a confused look. She didn’t think it was a laughing matter. “If you had given me time to formulate a sentence you would know that it's okay to not be able to explain how you feel and that I love you, too.”

Y/n handed him his cup before taking a sip from her own. “You do?”

He laughed a little, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand, cheeks reddening. “Yeah, yeah. I do. I just didn’t think it was appropriate to tell you. Seeing as how we’re friends and all.”

She smiled at him. The day was sure taking a turn. “Well, maybe we can be more than friends.”

He nodded, setting his cup on the counter. “Maybe we can be.”

Y/n smiled at the ground. It didn’t make her bad day go away, but it sure as hell made her feel better. Life was one hell of a roller coaster, throwing people for a round every now and then, but she sure as hell wasn’t expecting anything like what just happened. And for once in her life, she was glad today wasn’t one of the good days. Because if it had been then maybe Roger would never know how she felt about him and she would have never known that he felt the same.

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[maealbert]

Clues // The Liaison

NEW!

A/N: So there was this prompt I found online so instead of making it a separate fic, I just made it part of The Liaison. Basically someone hands a note to Lucy sending her on a serial scavenger hunt. The Liaison Master List

tag list:  @literallyreid @idkbutspencer @literallyprentissstwin @remember-me-forever-silent-angel @cynbx @tenaciousarcadeexpert @rawritsmolly @dontshootmespence @princesswagger15 @drspencerreider @illegalcerebral @marvelfanlife @rt8815 @punkpenguin2019 @extremeobsessions101

It was a chilly, November morning. Not quite Winter but definitely not feeling Fall. Parking her car in the last spot on the side of the road, she puts in her five dollars to pay for the spot before crossing the street. She didn’t always stop by the cafe in town before work, she always grabbed something quick on your way out of the house. But this morning was different. Emily allowed the team to come in an hour later due to no cases. Lucy took the opportunity to stop by the cafe and get her usual order after dropping the girls off at school.

Opening the door of the cafe, she could feel the warm air hitting her face. She sighed embracing the warmth as She stepped inside. “Long time, no see.” One of the workers called from the counter.

“I actually have time this morning to enjoy my coffee before work.” She says approaching the counter.

“Coming right up.” The worker says as she starts to make Lucy’s drink. She pulls out her debit card to pay for her order but she stops her. “No need. It’s on the house.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I am! One order isn’t going to hurt anything.” She hands Lucy her coffee and muffin. “Enjoy, (Y/N).” She says giving her a small smile before going back to cleaning the counters.

Walking over to a booth by the window, Lucy scrolls through her emails before taking a drink of her coffee. She feels a presence approaching her table. Before she had the chance to look up, she heard the ringing of the bells and the feeling was gone. Resting on the table beside her coffee, she sees a note. Picking it up she unfolds it to find an address written on it.

‘I know who you are. I know where you work, Agent De Luca. Go here to find your next clue. You have two days before the blood is in your hands.’Grabbing her phone, she sends a text to Emily before running out of the cafe. She runs across the street nearly being hit by a car. The horn blared in her ears as she yelled an apology and quick jumped into her SUV.

________

“I had Garcia run the address and it’s a cabin that belongs to Gibbs.” Emily says once the doors open.

“Wait, why would Gibbs’ cabin be involved?” Lucy says as she and Emily head to her office.

“Do you still have the note?” Emily asks as she steps inside Lucy’s office.

“Uh yeah, right here.” Lucy says taking it out of her pocket. “I stuck it in a plastic bag that my muffin came in.” She adds before handing it to Emily. “I was hoping to send it down to the lab to get tested for fingerprints….you know, other than mine.”

“Great minds think alike.” Emily says taking the bag from Lucy. “I’ll have Anderson take this down to the lab. You, I want to head to the cabin. They want you to be on this case.”

Lucy nods her head as she tosses her bag underneath her desk. Pulling off her blazer, she straps on her bulletproof vest before slipping on the FBI windbreaker. Adjusting her gun on her hip, she sent a quick text to the nanny before grabbing her creds and wallet out of her bag and slipping them into the back pockets of her jeans. Getting down to her car, she puts the address into the map app on her phone and drove out of the parking garage.

____________________

Knowing Gibbs didn’t put in a driveway, she shut off the engine to her car and climbs out. Walking around to the trunk she pulls open the door and grabs the backpack that Garcia had packed for her. Strapping it onto her back she starts to make the hike to the cabin. Knowing his cabin was being used as part of a case, he met Lucy halfway to the cabin to drop off his keys to his cabin.

Seeing the cabin come into view, she heads up to the door. Unlocking the doors, she slowly opens it and immediately hit with the smell of decomposing flesh. “Oh gosh…” Lucy says pulling the collar on her shirt up above her nose and mouth as she turns on her flashlight. She looks around the room. Three different bodies laid on the floor. All three were hacked to death. “Gibbs is going to hate scrubbing the blood stains out of these floors.” Lucy spoke to herself. Holding her flashlight in one hand and opening the camera on her phone, she starts to take photos before sending them all to Garcia. After sending the photos, she starts to leave the cabin when she sees an envelope taped to the back of the door with her name written on it. Pulling it off the door, she opens the envelope and pulls out another note.

‘Gibbs has a nice cabin. Secluded and no one will ever hear someone screaming. How are you feeling? Good? Great. Glad to know. Here’s your next clue. I’m a tall monument.’

Lucy groans as she leans against the door. She takes a picture of the note and send it to Emily. Her phone beeps and she lifts her phone to see a reply from Emily. ‘We’re on our way to th cabin, but make your way to the next place and fill us in.’

Putting the note away in her pocket, she pulls open the door the cabin again and makes her way out and back to her car.

______________________

Staring up at the monument, she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. “What does a tall building have to do with this?” Sitting down on the steps leading up to the Washington Monument, Lucy looks around. That’s when she saw it. Peeking out from the bushes a few feet away from the monument. Standing up, she walks over to the bushes and pulls apart the bushes to find another victim hacked to pieces just like the three in the cabin. She took pictures again and sent to them Garcia and Emily. Seconds later her phone rings. Unknown number. “Hello?”

“Lucy, Lucy, Lucy. How are you?”

“Let me guess…”

“You are smart.”

“Who are you?”

“Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of this game?”

“Game?!” Lucy exclaims. “You’re murdering innocent people.”

“In case your technical analyst hasn’t brought you up to speed yet, but these people aren’t exactly innocent.”

Lucy hangs up and dials Garcia’s number. “Hi, you’re fast. What’s the next clue?”

“I don’t have one yet. Who are our victims?”

“Well let’s just say that uh… They have more of a record than you did in high school.”

“Hey!”

“Well you asked.”

“So our victims are criminals?”

“You have no idea. Murder, robbery, rape.”

“I got the idea.”

“So any idea as to who our unsub is?”

“The defeats the purpose.” Lucy mocks the unsub as she rolls her eyes. “But she sure know who I am.”

“So it’s a woman?”

“Yup.” Lucy says as she looks around the area. “Hey, can you do me a favor?”

“That’s what I’m here for. I can do any favor, except change dirty diapers and clean toilets.”

“Fair enough. So I don’t have a number, but I was wondering if you could ping the location of the last call to my phone.”

“Ping. McGee.”

“Garcia…”

“I’m on it.” She says. Lucy could hear her typing away through the phone. “Okay, i have your records… Wow, you and Emily text a lot… And then I do this… Hit these buttons and now I have the location… Oh boy..”

“What is it?”

“It literally shows me that she’s on C St. SW.”

“That’s literally in front of me.” Lucy says. “But I can’t leave the--”

“Luce?” Turning around she sees Will and a couple other officers.

“Will!”

“Emily called and we came as soon as we could.”

“Awesome, great, perfect. Do what you do best and send all of it to Garcia. I have to go.” She says before running down the small mound and towards C St. “Garcia.”

“You’re not far from her. Twenty feet..ten feet..you’re on top of her!”

Lucy stops and looks around her. “What? Where?”

“Right there! She’s right there!”

“Okay, I am getting really frustrated here.”

“Okay well there’s nothing I can tell you. I don’t have eyes there.”

Lucy continued looking around when her eyes landed on a trash bin. Walking over she dips her hand in and pulls out a cell phone. “I am really hating this…” She says.

“Burner phone?”

“Yep,” Lucy sticks the phone in her back pocket before heading back down the street to the crime scene. “Has the lab got any fingerprints off of the note?”

“Several,” Garcia responds. “Our unsub is Lois O’Conner.”

“I know that name.”

“You should. She was in your senior class.” Garcia says staring at Lois’ picture.

//

“I think I’m going to be sick…” Lucy says as she covers her mouth.

“Oh come on, it isn’t that bad,” Lois says as she picks up the butcher’s knife and cuts the frog in half. “I do this all the time.”

“That’s because your father owns a butcher shop,” Lucy says as she plugs her nose. “Gosh that smells bad.”

“You get used to the stink.” Lois says as she begins dissecting the frog even more.

//

“Well that explains the hacking of the victims.” Garcia says. “And how she knows you so well.”

“Matt’s Meats,” Lucy says as she crosses the street. “Her father owned that butcher shop. It’s been in the family for generations. It should still be open here in D.C.”

“You are correct,” Garcia says. “It is now owned by the oldest son, Mark, and the youngest daughter….” Garcia’s voice trailed off. “Lois.”

“Alert the team that I’m on my way there now,” Lucy says as she approaches the monument. “Will!”

“Yeah?” He says walking up to her.

“I’m going to need your help.”

____________

Lucy parked the car in the alleyway as she and Will got out. “You walk in front, I’ll cover the back.” Will nods his head and walks around the corner of the building. Pulling out her gun, Lucy slowly approaches the back door of the building. Slowly opening the door, she steps in to hear Mark talking to Will.

“No, she’s not working today. Can I ask what this is about?”

Will continued to talk to Mark as Lucy made her way to the basement door. Slowly opening the door, she quietly shuts it behind her before turning on the light. “Mark? What did they want?” Lucy kept quiet as she descended the stairs. “Mark?” Reaching the last step, she came gun-to-face with Lois.

“Hello, Lois.”

“Ahhh, you really are good at your job.” Lois says, her hand tightening around the knife.

“Drop the knife.”

“What are you going to if I don’t?”

Lucy takes the safety off of the gun. “Drop the knife, Lois. It’s over.”

“It’s not over.” She hears Mark behind her. She feels his arm wrap around her neck, the cold metal of the knife resting against her skin. “Drop the gun.” She puts the safety back on before dropping it to the floor. Mark kicks it to Lois and she picks it up. Mark directs Lucy over to a chair and sits her down as Lois begins to tie her hands and legs to the chair.

“Where’s Will?”

“Oh you mean the cop upstairs?” Mark says. “Don’t worry, he’s still alive….”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Because, Lucy…” Mark says as he walks up to her, his face only an inch from her face. “It’s what we do.” Lois hands him a roll of duct tape and Mark covers her mouth.

The two of them walk over to a curtain. Mark pulls it back revealing a young man tied to a table. “Mark, she got here before the time was up…” Lois says. “You made a promise.”

“Promises can be broken, little sister.” Mark says as he walks towards the table gripping the knife tightly in his hands.

“But you Mark, you promised to stop if she got here before the time was up.”

“Shut up!” Mark says hitting Lois across the face. Lois held the side of her face in pain. Lucy could see her jaw clenching. Walking over to the workbench on the other side of the room, Lois picks up a different knife before going back to her brother. There wasn’t anything that Lucy could do except watch in horror. Before Lois could raise her hand, Mark swung the hand holding the butcher’s knife at Lois. Her head coming clean off. Lucy screamed but it was only muffled. What’s to stop him from killing the man and her?

“Matt, Tara, go through the back.” Emily says while the team was still huddled behind Lucy’s SUV. “JJ and myself will go through the front.” As they split up, JJ and Emily head inside the shop when JJ finds Will on the floor.

“Oh my god, Will.” She says running over to him. Turning him over, she sees a big welt on his forehead.

“You stay here with him, I’ll go find Lucy.” Emily says as she pulls out her gun and walks around the counter to the back room where she met up with Matt and Tara. “Will’s down out front.” She says as Tara walks over to the basement door. She nods her head towards before opening the door. Emily and Matt head down the stairs first.

“FBI!” Emily shouts. “Drop the knife!”

Mark drops the knife as he steps away from the table. Emily goes over to him and handcuffs his hands together. Tara runs over to Lucy and carefully lifts her head. Lucy’s eyes slowly opened. “Hey, you’re alright.” She slowly takes the tape off of Lucy’s mouth.

“He… He…”

“Relax,” Tara says before she unties Lucy from the chair. “We’re gonna get you out of here.” She says helping Lucy out of the chair.

“I think I’m gonna be sick.” Lucy says.

Matt runs a bucket over just in time as Lucy falls to the floor and throwing up in the bucket. Emily pulls the curtain off of the rod and drapes it over Lois as Matt unties the man from the table and taking him upstairs.

When she was finished, Lucy sits on the floor. “Will… Where is he?”

“He’ll be just fine,” Emily says as she bends down in front of Lucy. “Feeling good enough to walk upstairs?”

Lucy shakes her head. “He dosed me… With morphine… Enough to knock me out…” Her eyes start to droop. “Spencer…” But her voice trailed off and she laid her head on Emily’s shoulder.

“I got her.” Matt says walking back down the stairs. He wraps his arms underneath Lucy and picks her up off the floor and carries her upstairs to an ambulance.

______________

“How’s Lucy feeling?” Rossi says he walks up to Emily in the break area.

“Still a little out of it. The medic said the narcan will reverse the effects of the morphine but she’ll still be a little groggy when she wakes up.” Emily explains as she takes a drink of her coffee. “Spencer left the kids with the nanny until Lucy’s back to her normal self.”

“Did anyone ever find out why those siblings did all of that?”

Emily shakes her head. “One won’t talk and the other one is dead.” She says heading up to her office. Walking in she finds Hotch sitting on the couch. “What brings you by?”

“I know that I’m only in every now and then so I thought I’d drop in for a visit but I quickly found out that you all were on a case.” He says standing up and walking over to her.

“Something tells me that you’re not just here for a visit.”

“What gave it away?”

“Hmmmmm, the subtle clues in your voice.” Emily says as she sits down at her desk. “What’s up?”

“I’ve been thinking about this for some time now…”

“Let me guess…”

“It’s that obvious?”

Emily sadly nods her head. “I love you, Emily. I always have but… I don’t want to lose that friendship..”

“And you waited a whole year before bringing it up?”

“I’m sorry, I just…. I can’t pretending that I can do this..”

“Because you still love Haley..” Emily says.

“Emily, I still--”

“--care about you, love you, and still wish you all the best..” Emily says rolling her eyes. “Not like I haven’t heard that one before.” Hotch’s phone buzzed in his pocket and he pulled it out.

“I have to go… Jack’s practice just ended..”

“Yeah..of course..” Emily says as she leans on her desk. As Hotch walked out of the office, Emily stood up from her desk and closed the door.

“Hey Hotch!” She hears Lucy call. Luc gives him a high five before heading up to Emily’s office. Opening the door to Emily’s office, she steps inside but her smile fades when she sees Emily sitting on the couch with her head in her hands. “What’s wrong?” She says sitting down on the couch.

“Do I even need to tell you?” Emily says as she wipes her sleeve across her eyes.

“No… But he… And I just... Why?”

“Haley…”

“You’re kidding, right?”

Emily scoffs shaking her head. “I wish I were.. I was right…”

“Wow…”

“Why are you here anyways? You just got dosed with morphine.”

Lucy giggles. “I left half my stuff here. Plus, Spencer doesn’t know I’m here.” Lucy leans back against the couch. “You got dumped.” Emily couldn’t stop herself from smiling. “Damn..”

“And you got dosed,” Emily shot back. “Damn..”

“Haha funny.” Lucy says as she stands up from the couch. She stumbled a couple feet before catching herself Emily’s desk.

“Okay, you’re not driving home. I’m taking you.” Emily says as she grabs hold of Lucy from behind.

“No, no..” Lucy says shaking her head. “I’m fine.”

“Luce.. You’re not fine. You almost knocked yourself out on my desk..” Emily says. “I’m driving you home.”

“But my car..”

“You can get it the morning when you and Spencer come in in the morning.” Emily says. “You are going back home. Let’s go.”

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