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nervousladytraveler · 3 years ago

Note

removing your lover's tie, putting it behind their head, pulling them into a kiss

Thanks @veryflowerobservation for the prompt. I know you requested this ages ago. But there I was, chipping away at a new chapter of Like Someone, and Ross started loosening his tie...and well, here we are!

(A proper update to that fic is coming soon)

---

“Demelza?” Ross knocked softly, listening for any sounds within that might signal an invitation to enter.

“Ross? It’s unlocked,” Demelza called. “You don't have to be so formal you know.” She smiled a bright but tired smile as he filled the door frame. “This room is yours too at least as long as we’ve guests in the main house.”

She hopped closer to him and closed the door behind them both. No one else was letting the other barn rooms but he appreciated the extra layer of privacy all the same. He kissed her lips then her forehead lingering a little to take in the softness of her hair.

“Busy day?” he asked.

“Yes but...it was satisfyin’. I'll tell you about it later, after you’ve had a chance to unwind,” she said. “Did you eat?”

“I did--and you? Tell me you didn't just have ramen?” he asked, looking at the remnants of the meagre supper on her desk.

“I didn't feel like dealin’ with other people and sharin’ the kitchen,” she shrugged. “This was fine. I like soup on rainy days.”

Ross was going to quip back that a foam cup of instant noodles wasn’t the same as soup--not like her usual savoury soups anyway--but he decided instead to let it go, grateful that she hadn't asked him exactly what he’d eaten. Or where.

It wasn’t that he was hiding where he’d been, he’d told her his plans that morning--hadn’t he? But maybe it was still better left undiscussed for the moment. Like she’d just said, until after he’d had a chance to unwind. Hopefully that would happen soon.

The truth was, even after his solitary drive home, Ross was still a little unnerved by today’s visit to the other Poldarks in Trenwith Road. It wasn’t that Elizabeth was thorny or icy or even needy, she was in fact very even-keeled and reasonable. Nice even. Perhaps the last few weeks with her husband in hospital had finally given her some mature perspective. But the experience of having a pleasant, genuine conversation with Elizabeth had left Ross feeling off guard.

It had been far easier to categorize her as an enemy, to dismiss her entirely, rather than really engage her. And to think of her as a friend or even as family, which she had been legally to Ross for years now, brought even further complications.

Better not to dwell on that now, Ross thought to himself and without meaning to, sighed aloud.

He sat down on Demelza’s bed and slipped off his stiff shoes, then loosened his necktie. The number of days he was wearing one of those seemed to be growing. If it had been just him and Tonkin today he wouldn't have bothered, but that morning they'd met with the accountants as well. Ross felt like he wore the tie as part of a costume to convince others--and himself--that he was really fit for the role of responsible businessman.

And yet it was curious--he did seem to be growing used to it, so much so that he hadn’t removed the tie when he visited the Trenwith Poldarks. No one there had commented but they must have found it a striking contrast to his usual farm attire of muddy boots, dirty jeans, worn flannel shirts.

Maybe that’s why everyone there was friendlier today, he thought sourly.

“Demelza?” Ross asked, suddenly looking around him. “What’s all this?”

She’d set up the clothes drying rack in the corner but on just about every other possible surface, wet laundry had been draped. On hangers, his shirts--the business attire not the checked ones--hung hooked over the top of the window frame.

“I did a wash today but the tumble dryer isn’t workin’ properly,” she said. “Let’s hope the guests weren’t needin’ it. I’ll let them know tomorrow and if so, I can haul their clothes to the launderette in Perranporth.”

“You’ll do no such thing,” he said more sharply than he’d intended. That she’d been washing his clothes and eating ramen alone in her room while he dined on braised lamb at Elizabeth's well-laid table rankled him. Of course it was himself he should be angry with or the general unfairness of the situation, not Demelza. It had come out wrong. It often did. “Why don’t you let Prudie help you with these chores?”

“She never hangs your shirts properly and then they need a full ironin’ afterwards instead of just a touch up,” she explained. “Besides, there’s…” She darted her eyes across the collection of fine underwear she’d acquired over the past months. Lace, silk--Ross was well acquainted with how they felt to his touch and how they looked stretched against the curves of Demelza’s firm flesh. Of course, she’d want to keep those private.

“Well then, we’ll have to get a new tumble dryer,” he said firmly.

“You keep spendin’ money we don’t have,” she laughed.

We. It wasn’t lost on him that she took his burdens on as her own.

“Maybe I can fix it,” he sighed again. “Is it not heating or not turning properly?”

“Heatin’...it wasn’t that bad a few weeks ago--just took a little longer but now there’s no heat at all…” she explained and moved a pair of his wet jeans from the bed to a chair by the desk.

“You knew this weeks ago? And you didn't tell me?”

“Ross, you’ve been so busy…”

“And you have too!” He hadn’t intended it to sound like an accusation.

“I just meant it didn't seem a priority. The weather has been nice up til now so hangin’ the wash outside wasn’t a problem. And you know how it is--if you ignore somethin’ long enough sometimes it fixes itself.”

She laughed and he was instantly grateful that she’d somehow remained impervious to his grey mood.

The whole room felt damp and smelled like wet laundry but somehow through it all, he could make out her own distinct scent. It moved him and he took her hand in his.

“Demelza, you tell me if you really believe that,” he said and pulled her down next to him on the bed.

“Well, sometimes that’s the easier approach. Besides you can’t take on all the world’s burdens and fix everythin’ all the time, Ross. You just gotta focus on improvin’ your own little corner of the world,” she said softly while further undoing his tie. She pulled the tie off entirely then playfully put it behind his head, pulling him into a kiss.

“My own little corner?” he laughed.

With the rain beating down steadily and his house occupied by paying guests, his life that evening had very much been reduced to one tiny corner--her room.

But with her warm, familiar company he felt at that moment, he had more than enough.

"I like that corner very much," he said and kissed her again.

#writing prompts #poldark fanfic #ross poldark #demelza carne #Ask nervousladytraveler #Like Someone Who Would Know Her Own Mind sneak peek

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we-are-inevitable · 4 years ago

Text

not moving on, not looking back // ch. 9

A/N: FINALLY GOT ANOTHER CHAPTER UP AHHAHAHAAAA i hope you guys like this!!

Read On AO3!

“David! I’m getting a divorce!”

That is decidedly not what David had expected to hear at 7:45 on a Thursday morning, but at least Katherine seems happy about it. It takes a few moments for him to fully process the gravity of the situation, but David is quick to adapt, raising a brow and staring at her with a confused smile. “Uh- huh, that… Wow? Good? Oh no? How- How do I respond to that?”

“Good! It’s good!” Katherine squeals as she sits down, on top of one of the spare desks stored in David’s room. She already looks different, more carefree; she’s wearing her hair up, has on bolder makeup than usual, and is wearing a pair of fitted slacks, heels, a blush colored blouse and a blazer rather than her typical dress. “I’m checking in at the motel for a while until I can find myself somewhere to stay, but we talked it out and he agreed with me and everything is fine, so, yeah! Last night was the last time we’re ever going to sleep together, so it was a special occasion and I’m a little hungover, but don’t tell anyone,” Katherine chirps quickly, looking at David with a wide grin.

That is a lot to take in. He looks at her as he leans back against his desk, crossing his arms in front of him. “I’m sorry, did you say you slept with Jack after agreeing to divorce? Like, slept in the same bed?”

“Nope. We fucked.”

“I-- Wow, okay. Kath, that’s not a mental picture I needed to see.”

“Unless you think about Jack alone, right?”

David nods before he can stop himself. As soon as he does so, his eyes widen and he immediately shakes his head, staring at Katherine as his jaw drops. “Wait, no! No, no, I don’t-- What? No, that isn’t-- I’m not-- No!”

Katherine doesn’t look convinced.

David hesitates for a moment before giving in and sighing, hiding his face in his hands. “Look, Kath, I am so sorry… It’s just- It’s a stupid little crush. Nothing substantial, and nothing happened, I promise. He doesn't even know, and--"

“Wait, you think I’m upset?” She asks with an amused tone. “David, this is the best thing that’s ever happened to us! I think you two would be really good for each other.”

“Shouldn’t you be the one to know that your husband is straight?” David asks with a raised brow, then blinks. “Unless-- No, no, I don’t want to hear any more. If something is going to happen, then I want to hear it from him first. I don’t want to speculate.” He runs a hand through his hair and sighs, then looks at Katherine. “What… What are you trying to say?”

“I’m trying to say that this is something I give you permission to pursue. Not that you need it, of course; you’re a grown man. You can do what you want,” She says simply, before standing and taking a few strides toward David. “But if you like Jack, then I want you to go for it. I won’t mind. I don’t know how he’ll feel, I don't know if he'll feel the same way, but… it’s worth a shot.”

David looks down at her with a hesitant look, before giving a sharp nod. “Noted. Thank you… I just-- If and only if he feels the same. I... don’t want to be a rebound? I’ve been in that situation. It’s never, ever good for my mental health.”

“Then take things slow and see where it leads," Katherine says gently, then bites her lip. "But I’ve known Jack since sophomore year, Davey, and he isn’t the kind of guy to do something like that. I promise,” She murmurs sincerely, gently squeezing David’s shoulder. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go do some paperwork.”

David watches as she walks toward the classroom door. He thinks for just a moment, and opens his mouth before he can stop himself. “Hey, Kat?”

“Hm?”

“Stay with me until you find a place,” David says simply, looking at her with a grin. “Don’t waste your money on a motel. I have a spare bedroom you can take, so… Stay with me. It’s the least I could do, since you’ve helped me so much these last few weeks. I-- My sister is coming into town this weekend, so I’ll be sleeping on the couch, but the spare room is yours.”

Katherine considers it, then smirks. “I hope you’re ready for all night Gossip Girl marathons.”

“As long as we throw a few episodes of Glee in, I’m down.”

“Trashy reality TV?”

“A must have, obviously. Sappy romcoms?”

“I have a whole box of DVDs,” Katherine grins, then gives David a wave and walks toward the door. “I’m staying with Hannah tonight- she's a friend of mine. Works with Jack," She explains with a broad sweep of her hand. "But I’ll see you tomorrow! Get ready for some Blake Lively action!” With that, she leaves the room, giggling down the hall.

David shakes his head as she walks away, letting out a content sigh. For once, he feels... Good. Excited. He’s looking forward to Katherine staying over, for as long as she needs to, of course. It would be good. He has… a friend.

That’s the first time it really hits him that he has a friend. Katherine and Jack are his friends, his real friends, and David is so glad to have them in his life.

But he needs to check up on Jack.

That afternoon, David says goodbye to Katherine in the office before heading outside the front doors. He walks down the sidewalk for a few moments, but stops in his tracks when he sees a familiar deep blue truck in the parking lot, and hears a familiar deep voice softly singing along to an old Johnny Cash song.

David grins to himself and walks toward the truck. His smile only grows wider when Jack notices him and rolls the driver’s side window down, waving. “Davey! Hi!”

David shakes his head, hurrying toward the truck. “What are you doing here, cowboy?”

“Well, ya see, I was gonna pick up my ex, but she told me she was workin’ late while I was already here, so I decided to stay and pick up the only adult I know who doesn’t own a car,” Jack says with a smirk, hanging one arm out of the window. He’s still in his professional "I'm A College Professor, Respect Me" clothes- navy slacks, a white button up with the sleeves rolled to his forearms, and a navy vest. He seems to have already taken off his tie, but he’s wearing glasses and oh, God, David is weak at the knees.

“See, I knew not owning a car would come in handy,” David teases back, leaning up against the door of the truck. “I am the responsible and economically-friendly adult who doesn’t own a truck that emits tons of carbon emissions into the atmosphere each year that you’re talking about, right?”

“That’s the gayest thing I’ve ever heard you say. Get in the truck before I leave you here, dumbass.”

“Yes, sir,” David replies with a chuckle, walking around the vehicle to climb in. He sighs as he sits down and leans back, buckling up as Jack pulls out of the parking spot. “Hey, so, I... I know that the whole Katherine thing didn’t work out. How’re you holding up?”

“I think I’m doin’ good,” Jack replies with a sigh, looking straight ahead at the road in front of them. “It’s… It’s a good thing. Right? I mean, it’s an amicable split. We aren’t fighting over the house, ‘cause it belonged to my family, and we already figured out who gets to keep what last night after... yeah. Plus, this’ll be good for… me. Give me the chance to, uh, figure some things out. Self exploration, that’s what Kath said.”

That sounds promising, but David refuses to get his hopes up. “Well, if you need anything, let me know. I'm here for you, Jackie,” David offers with a soft elbow nudge, grinning. “So, the house belongs to your family?”

“Belonged. Past tense. They’re all, uh, gone.”

“Oh, shit, I'm sorry. I didn't realize."

“No, hey, it’s chill. I kinda figured Kath would tell you about it, but I guess not,” Jack says with a shrug and a glance toward David, offering him a sad smile. “My mamá, her family owned it. They moved to America in the ‘30s. Stayed in Texas for a while, but they came up this way for work. My great grandfather worked here in Tarrytown, and actually helped build the house, plus a few others around town. There were some… family issues regarding ownership of the house, so it was sold to a different couple when I, uh… moved, but Kath and I bought it after we got out of college. It’s been renovated, but it’s a piece of history.”

“I figured that you were hispanic, but I didn’t want to assume,” David says softly. It feels really nice to learn a little bit more about Jack in such an intimate way. "That-- Sorry, I just... yeah. The house is really cool."

“Ya don't gotta be sorry for wonderin', Davey. I'm Mexican,” Jack clarifies with a grin. “If ya can’t tell by me bein’, y’know, brown. My great grandpa, Francisco- he and his wife, Dorotea, brought their three kids over. My abuela met my abuelo here in Tarrytown and had my ma. My mother’s maiden name was Maria Velásquez, but she married a guy named Daniel Kelly, so that’s where I come in,” Jack explains with a deep chuckle, shaking his head. His smile soon fades, though. “She passed when I was ten, and my dad… He’s gone. My adoptive mom lives in Connecticut now, too, so now it’s just… me.”

“Shit, Jack…” David bites his lip, looking over at him with a concerned expression. He rubs the back of his neck, gulping hard. “If it’s any consolation, I’m glad you were able to get the house. To, y’know, have something of your family. I'm sorry you had it so rough, though.”

“Thanks, Dave,” Jack says with a grin, then shrugs. “And don’t get all down on me now. It’s been eighteen years since that shit went down, so I’m good. Really,” He nods, and there are a few moments of silence that pass before Jack turns to look him in the eyes. “Hey, are you free for a little bit?”

David really should have said no. He really should have avoided being anywhere alone with Jack for a prolonged amount of time, because this was only going to end in heartbreak.

But, then again, David has been through worse.

“I’m all yours.”

#jack kelly #davey jacobs #david jacobs #katherine pulitzer #katherine plumber #newsies musical #newsies #newsies fic #newsies live #livesies #katherine plumber pulitzer #jac writes #tarrytown au

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kelieah · 5 years ago

Text

sunset boy (shawn mendes x reader)

warnings: this is based off a dream i had !! takes place around sophomore year and shawn isn't famous, i also apologize if it's all over the place !

a/n: this is a really old imagine lol im sorry if its cringe

pov: first, y/n

masterlist

I speed down the locker rooms and into the auditorium, for theatre practice. I quickly sit down in one of the seats, unaware of who was next to me.

"Didn't want to be late huh?" I hear a soft voice ask next to me.

I jump slightly, putting my hand on my heart, "J-Jesus, you scared me," I giggle, while he lets out a chuckle.

"Uhm, yeah. I just, lost track of time and I didn't want to be late to the first practice," I tuck a hair behind my ear, looking over at the person.

"I get it. I'm Shawn," he says, tilting his head to the side and smiling. I smile back, my cheeks burning from embarrassment.

"I'm Y/n," I rub my arm sheepishly.

"Well, Y/n. I hope you know you're thirty minutes early," Shawn grins, motioning to the somewhat empty auditorium, with barely any people.

"Are you serious? M-my friend told me," I rub my forehead and then groan softly, as Shawn let out another quiet laugh.

"Anyways," I gush, "What's your role in the play?" I ask, looking over at him.

"I have one of the principal roles, uhm, Daniel," he says.

"Oh, me too! I'm Evangeline," I grab my folder from my backpack, taking out the script.

"Hm, I wonder why I haven't seen you around," Shawn mentions, leaning back and staring at me.

I shrug avoiding his gaze, "I'm not t-that noticeable, probably."

"C'mon, don't say that. I wouldn't forget a pretty face like yours," he winks and I laugh, pushing him gently. "What? It's true!" "T-thanks, so anyways, it seems like we're rivals in the play?" I skim through my script.

"Who falls in love at the end," he adds, also reading over his own script.

"I never actually read over the whole plot, what's it about?" I ask.

"Well," he began to explain the whole story to me.

After we went over lines and practiced songs, theatre practice went by faster. Practice gave me the advantage to get to know Shawn better, thankfully. Shawn had an amazing voice and I have to admit it's attractive. Not just his looks, his voice, and his personality.

Soon, everyone left and it was just us. "I'm gonna put this away," Shawn motions to the prop boxes, picking them up and walking off. I nod softly, leaning back and looking around.

"Shawn! Mom says to hurry up!" I hear a small voice coming from the entrance door. I look over to see a young girl, having similar features like Shawn.

I smile widely, "Hi," I say, catching her attention.

She waves and rubs her arm sheepishly, "Woah, you’re pretty. Hi, I'm Aailyah."

"Thanks cutie, what’s up?" I giggle, grabbing my bag and walking over to her.

"Just picking up my brother..." she trails off, "Who is taking forever!" she yells out.

"Shut up!" Shawn groans, continuing to fix up things backstage.

I laugh softly, "I'm Y/n, I'm part of the play, and Shawn's basically my partner,"

"Ooh, partner. I see," she teases while I shake my head.

"Nothing like that, we just met," I bite my lip.

"Sure that's what they all say-" she began, as Shawn walks over and ruffled her hair roughly. Aailyah groans, pushing Shawn way.

"Sorry about this little booger," Shawn glares at Aailyah playfully.

"It's fine, I have to head home anyways," I nod.

Shawn smiles, "See you tomorrow?" he asks.

"Of course," I grin. As I walk off, I felt a small hand grab my arm.

"What's your number?" Aailyah grins, while Shawn shoves her shoulder. Aailyah whines, rubbing her shoulder.

"It's not for me," she whispers, looking over at Shawn and then winking at me.

"Alright alright," I wink back as Shawn looks at the two of us confused. I grab my notebook, writing my number and tearing out the small piece of paper, giving it to her.

"Thanks!" she says as I wave, walking off.

Shawn looked over at Aailyah dumbfounded, "Did- did you just, get her number?" he huffs.

"Jealous?"

"No."

"It's for you anyways," she rolls his eyes, stuffing it into Shawn's pocket.

"Oh, thanks," Shawn grins, grabbing him and ruffling her hair.

Hey, this is Shawn!

oh?

did your sister give you my number?

Haha yeahh

sorry about that

it's fine!

im not complaining :P

Good :)

So, what's up?

just workin on some homework, then I think I'll go over some lines later

Wanna go over lines together, later?

wow wow

mendes, are you already asking me on a date?

It's only one if you make it one

;)

hmm depends lol

it's somewhat late

Somewhat late? Sheesh mom its only 7

iTs OnLy 7

Cmon

my mom wouldn't let me

Then I'll come over?

desperate aren't you

Nah

Just gotta practice lines, aye?

mhm

fine

come over in 20

sunset dr 18

See you soon

Evangeline

right back at you daniel

read 6:52pm

I get up from my bed quickly, stuffing some random clothes underneath my bed and tidying up the room. "Since when was a guy coming over, and in my room?" I murmur to myself, groaning.

I tie my hair up into a ponytail, spritzing on some perfume and pacing around my room. "I only met the dude! W-why is he even coming over?" I look at myself in the mirror.

"Sweetie! Dad's working night shift and I got called over to the hospital, don't stay up any later please!" I heard my mom call out.

"Of course, mom!" I yell, "If only she knew," I shake my head. I lean on the wall, looking out the window to see her drive off.

I breathe out, closing my eyes. "I'm crazy, I just invited a super attractive guy to my place."

I check my phone quickly, seeing Shawn's text mentioning that he's arrived. I look around my room, seeing it's somewhat tidy. I head downstairs and open the door, looking up at Shawn.

"Hi there," he grins, leaning on the doorframe. I chuckle, shaking my head and letting him in.

"Nice place you got here," he murmurs, hands in his pockets as he roams around. I closed the door behind me, heading towards the stairs.

"Shawn, my room's upstairs, if you want," I rub my arm sheepishly.

He walks over, "Sweet, already going to your room," he jokes, following me.

I roll my eyes, heading inside and flopping onto my bed, "Ah, the infamous Y/n's room."

"Not what I expected, to be honest," he shrugs, checking out posters and pictures sprawled out around.

"What? Did you expect makeup and barbies to be lying around?" I amuse while he lets out a chuckle.

"Nah, I knew you were different from the moment you ran into the auditorium," he mumbles softly, making my heart skip a beat.

"Oh," I tuck a hair behind my ear, "In a bad, or good way?" I smirk, sitting up.

"Depends, let me get to know you more, L/n."

After going over a couple of lines, we began to casually talk. "Gross! You like tomatoes?" Shawn groans, leaning back against my wall.

"They're not that bad! I don't mind them on my burgers or sandwiches," I shrug, flipping through my script.

"They're disgusting, y'know what's better though?" he grins, lying down and looking up at me.

"What?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Muffins."

"Dork.”

He sits up, checking the clock and then looking out the window, "Can you get out of your window?" he asks out of the blue.

"Uhm, yeah. But I'm not going anywhere-" I began as he walks over to the window, opening it widely.

He runs a hand through his hair, a breeze gushing throughout the room. "Let's go."

"Like I said, I'm not going anywhere. I may have agreed for you to come over but sneaking out crosses the line even more," I cross my arms. "Blah blah blah, is all I hear," he walks over, grinning and grabbing my arm softly, lifting me up. I pout, looking up at him.

"F-follow me," I noticed his cheeks warm up, as he leads me outside and onto the roof.

I shiver slightly, watching as our hands intertwined. He brings me higher, sitting down.

I plop down next to him, "What?" I ask, my eyes never leaving his face. I gulp, looking away.

"Look," he sighs softly, pointing out and motioning to the sunset.

"Oh," I murmur, looking at the beautiful scenery. At this moment, everything felt perfect.

"I love sunsets, everything about them is so, mesmerizing," he bites his lip, looking down at our intertwined hands and blushing.

I didn't let go, leaning my head against his shoulder. Shawn tenses slightly but relaxes soon enough and smiles.

"Do you?"

"There's a lot to learn about me, sunset boy."

#shawn mendes #shawn mendes imagines #shawn mendes fluff #shawn mendes x reader #shawn mendes x y/n #shawn mendes x reader #shawn mendes x you #shawn mendes smut #shawn mendes blurb #writing #imagine #imagines #fanfiction #kelly's fluff #kelly's long reads

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stusbunker · 5 years ago

Text

He Is, Therefore I Am

A Supernatural Fan-fiction

Featuring: Dean and Sam Winchester

Written for: @impala-dreamer‘s Make Me Feel It Challenge

Beta’d by the amazing: @itmighthavebeenintentional

Inspired by: Brandi Carlile’s The Story

Warnings: Show level violence and angst.

^*^*^*^

I am struggling here, which is kind of funny when you think about it. In one way or another, my life has been a perpetual struggle. But that’s all Chuck’s fault, isn’t it? Everything I’ve done to push back the tide has only opened another fissure somewhere else. Because that’s what he wanted, he liked to keep us dancing for him. There might be no way out of this now, but there is one thing I know for certain: it’s not going to end on his terms. Sam and I aren’t going to off each other. That’s not Chuck’s call, that one never was.

----

Dean’s tired. I feel it almost as much as I feel my own exhaustion, like a shell around him. He nods as I explain my plans for the day, but he’s not really hearing me. I can’t keep the chuckle from my voice when I tell him I’ll wake him up if I find anything. He hums a response and I raise my voice and shake him a bit to wake him enough to make it the last ten feet from the door jam to the bed. I don’t even taste the coffee once it’s finished brewing.

----

Sam’s been quiet since Eileen’s not around. Sucks; kid had that genuine lightness to him from the moment she had been brought back. And now, it’s fraying. If anybody deserves somebody, it’s Sammy. I know it’s impossible with what we do, hell I’ve proven it is. But he should get some happily ever after crap, even if it’s just happily for as long as possible. Another thing Chuck needs to be punched over, honestly, just fuck that fucking asshole.

I’ve been tryin’ to keep him smiling, or at least out of his head when we’re on the road. Laying on the bad notes more than necessary, he doesn’t need to know I’m doing it on purpose. Some songs were made to be belted out, ‘snot my fault. I catch a glimpse of my eyes in the rearview; shit, when’d the wrinkles start sticking?

But Sammy’s singing along now, and I forget my vanity. Because this is my happily-for-as-long-as-possible.

----

It’s so fucking dark that I close my eyes and listen, silently begging to find them first, to pull myself together, to find a way out. My gun’s in my hand, lightweight and familiar, brick wall biting into my back as I creep around into the next room. Even though I can barely see, I can feel the space expanding out in front of me, gaping with possibility. Somewhere, metal crashes and I stop being cautious.

“DEAN?!” No one answers.

I’m nearing some scaffolding, try to step around it without rocking it, but there’s someone else here now. I can feel their eyes in the dark, but I still can’t see them. They don’t seem to even breathe. Maybe they’re not werewolves. And suddenly I feel very exposed. I turn on the spot, anticipating the ambush. It doesn’t come. Everything goes quiet, then a shot rings out somewhere outside. I give up on quiet and bolt for the industrial sized door at the far end of the warehouse.

Another shot is fired, but I don’t register it because there’s more than two after all.

----

Sam shoulda cleared the building already, it’s practically empty from the remodeling anyhow. The tarps in the windows rustle in the wind high above my head as I keep to the perimeter. I’m banking on it being a bust, but then I hear him scream my name and I’m running. The gravel is loose, so I gotta slow down to keep from biting it. As I round the corner, aiming for the service entrance connecting the two buildings, I spook one of them.

He’s big but fast, and he gets me with his claws as I land a right hook. My shoulder’s screaming as I land on it. I roll and quickly get a shot off. It only slows him down. I kick away and fire again.

----

I sidestep right before reaching the crumbling pavement, throwing the one on my heels out with their own momentum. The one that had been watching me goes for my knees and, I’m already aiming, but all-too-soon missing him.

“Sammy!” Dean’s hollering, but he’s somewhere on the other end of the building and I’m falling.

He’s okay.

It’s going to be okay; keep fighting.

The cement floor gets me hard and I am struggling to get another shot off. But the one I dodged is on me again, and all I can see is the mass of his torso and the floor. I choke on the stench of them. The demon knife bites into my lower back as I twist to reach it. My hand crumbles beneath a heavy boot. I’m screaming in pain and then, almost in slow motion, I see him reach wide, a clawed hand ready to swipe at my throat. My eyes slam shut.

----

Sam musta found the other one because there’s matching shots seconds after I put the big one down. I call for him, but don’t hear anything back. Instantly, I’m booking it to the far end where I am hoping they are. The crunch of gravel is giving me away, but soon I reach a derelict parking lot that gets me to the bend where I can see a stocky wolf stumble back inside a delivery door.

I hit the gas, gun tight in my sweaty hand.

When I reach the door, I scream at the heap that is half my brother. The guy flinches enough for me to get three in his chest. But then I’m on my ass, again! Wrestling the third one Sam had insisted existed. I pin an arm behind his back, but he’s getting too close with his fangs now. I roll and try and get him in a leg lock, his free hand nearly gutting me. I hear Sam behind me, so I roll again, presenting his back for a clear shot. Like a fucking meat shield.

I can’t help but laugh, Sam shot lefty and we still got ‘em.

“Anymore?” I’m riding the high that only comes from almost biting it.

“Not that I’ve seen,” Sam groans, shaking out his right hand. My victory is short lived as I internally panic over his injury. ‘What the hell happened’ screams in my head, a voice that I won’t ever completely lose berating me.

“You alright?” I check, but don’t get all mother hen about it. He’s standing for god’s sake.

“Think it’s broken,” Sam huffed. Fucking hospitals.

We make it back to my baby and I try, “you think Jack could---?”

Sam shakes his head and grimaces, it’s bad. I stop asking questions and high tail it back to town.

----

Newly minted insurance cards from the juice we got from Fortuna ended up saving us a lot of time and energy. I swear I’m the only one who gets their hands taken from them; Dean’s playing at trying not to gloat. But if he wasn’t so smug, I know he’d be internalizing it as his fault, so I shake my head at him and give him the finger behind the nurse’s back as I wait. Finally, I can dole out the information for the pharmacy closest to the bunker to the woman at the desk.

My hand’s plastered and I dry swallow the first round of painkillers before we make it home. All I want is to pass the fuck out, but I’ve got wolf guts in my hair and I can smell my own dried sweat as I haul myself out of the Impala. This night will never end.

Dean beat me to the shower, but he doesn’t turn on the water. I give him five minutes until I can barely stand upright and pound with the side of my cast and immediately regret it.

“Dude! Hurry up already!”

He pulls the door open, fully clothed with a plastic shopping bag strung through one fist.

“Took you long enough, come here.” He beckons me in, takes my bum wrist and threads my hand through the bag until he can tie it off. Dean whips a roll of first aid tape out of his back pocket and proceeds to seal off the bag while ensuring that I lose the most amount of arm hair when unraveling it. He slaps the closure and I groan without looking at him.

I thank him before he leaves me alone, but he just waves it off, heads to his room and gives me the first shower. Tonight could have been so much worse and I try not to overanalyze it as I let the hot water add to my wooziness. I keep afloat until I pass as clean. I fall into bed not five minutes later, safe and sound once again because my brother had my back. How the fuck can Chuck think that is going to change?

-----

I gotta drag Sam’s fucking goldy locks out of the drain before I can even start my shower. Gross. But the water pressure does its magic. I almost pass out standing up, I feel so relaxed. Glad I sucked down that second coffee over dinner, it was a bitch driving in. I glance in Sammy’s room as I pass, he’s already snoring. Drugs must be workin’.

Cas and Jack are on some trail and at this point I don’t know if I want to know. Between Billie and the hearts, it’s just another fucking ordeal. Another flaming hoop. But, at least the kid’s alive, and Cas has eyes on him this go ‘round. My shirt feels tight around the collar, so I pull it off. I bury myself in my sheets, fighting to get comfortable.

The hunt flashes before my eyes, everything over with in the blink of an eye. Just like yesterday and tomorrow. And every miserable fucking day of my entire life. Except we pulled it off. We keep pulling it off, and with whatever Chuck’s got comin’ I’m lucky because I’ve got Sam in my corner. Because without him, I’d be dead. Without me? He’d probably hit another dog, at the very least.

It’s quiet, I eye the light creepin’ beneath the door. Exhaustion burrows into my memories, but instead of darkness, it surfaces with only the steady echo of Sam’s heavy breathing in some motel room, every motel room. The familiar rhythm settles something inside me, finally letting me sleep.

^*^*^

Tags: @flamencodiva @dolphincliffs @dontshootmespence @thoughtslikeaminefield @fangirlxwritesx67 @dawnie1988 @mrswhozeewhatsis @cosicas-cuquis @foxyjwls007 @tumbler-tidbits @defenderrosetyler @ericaprice2008 @princessofthefandomrealm @awesomesusiebstuff @wingedcatninja

#supernatural fanfiction #spn fanfic #dean angst #sam angst #sam and dean #soulmates #brotp #song insired

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dolphin-enthusiast · 4 years ago

Note

hello sugarplum!! 🌸☀🍭 (i was working all day, running on little sleep, so today's letter will be much shorter than usual, my apologies!!) (1/5)

"it's a shame to hear your sleeping patterns aren't on par, mine are going down the drain too actually,, sleep disorders are quite the enigma, no? hehe, at least you aren't dealing with it alone!! i know that feeling of slow, stagnant days all too well,, but i know that in time, things will pick up! we just gotta stick it out until then, and if you do need some cheering up or motivation, you can always come to me deary!! 💕 (2/5)

today has exhausted me, i spent most of the day tailoring and fixing more of my family's clothes, i worked for 5 hours straight and wasn't able to get any breaks,, now my hands are quite bruised up :( but i'm patching them up right now, so i think i'll be okay!! (3/5)

not to mention that i had to cook a ton more today,, even though i do love cooking, it's very tiring when i'm doing it non-stop! i think i need a day where i can just lay in bed and relax (and to watch more of our show!!) hopefully we both can be stress-free soon~! 🌺 and sadly i had to deal with some random strangers asking me out today,, i don't know their motive at all, it's quite strange for 3 people to do so in one day!!! boh,, i do wish i could just be left alone 😅 (4/5)

oh well, i do believe that soon enough, things will be better for the both of us to some degree!! we just have to make it there! i can't wait to return tomorrow darling, sleep well my love!! 💘 - love always, your very adoring waifu xoxo 💌💕✨🌹💖❤💋💘😘💗💓💞 ps: chinotto, the godfather, and anime hm?? sounds like a date my dear,, i'll even cook for the two of us~ and i think you'd absolutely love the godfather trilogy 😌💗💗💗 (5/5)"

Schleep disorders r indeed wack dear....to be fair i havent been able to properly sleep since i was in 4th or 5th grade which is sayin a l o t🤡🤡🤡 like my dumbass (esp during vacations) just schleeps during the day instead which is dhdhxgxhs

Honestly u sound like u really have been workin ur ass off severely these past days, why dont u ask for a little break? Surely it must be hella tiring to do things such as tailoring and cooking all day everyday even if u like it 👁️ but as long as ur ok then thats all that matters

Also i dont understand what would take to make ppl leave u alone like why constantly ask someone out and pressure them like that bruh🤡🔪 i sadly aint got any advice since no one ever asked me out ever sjshchch but all i can say is that im finna doing some erasing once again i just need za locations👀

And i really do hope we can both be left alone for once in order to just chill and v i b e cuz i really cant wait for u to watch more of our amazing show jsxhhdsh i myself have so much stuff i wanna watch rip i started watching mf haykiuu bc of my friend which i thought i wouldnt even remotely like at first since sports anime aint my thing at all but 🅱️ O I was i wrong and 🅱️ O I am i simping🤡🤡 but thats another story for another time, may we have our chinotto marathon date soon my darling

#clown army....a s s e m b l e #we got 3 new targets🔪👀🔎#the confessional

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malewifegradyruewen · 5 years ago

Text

Tomorrow's Gonna Come and Change Everythin'

Ok...I know I just posted a story but I wrote this one almost two weeks ago right after my first story and I just didn’t have the confidence to share it. I got a pretty positive response to my first story, so I figured I’d post this one right away. Hope you enjoy it!

March 17, 1900

As the newsies approached the circulation gates, Jack couldn’t help but stop in the middle of the street to gaze up at The World. After a winter when Jack always seemed to undersell, he’d taken Pulitzer up on the job he’d offered the previous August. Tomorrow, Jack would start his new job as a cartoon artist at The World. For the first time in nine years, Jack wouldn’t go home with the boys. He wouldn’t hand over his hard-earned cash for dinner and a bed in the lodging house. He wouldn’t call the boys and wake them up tomorrow. Jack would go home to the apartment he and Katherine were renting and they’d come to The World the next day for work, but they’d go inside, not just to the window outside. As excited as he was to start a new chapter in his life, Jack was scared as well. He’d been a newsie for nine years, and he didn’t know anything else. All of a sudden, a loud “Papes for the newsies!” jolted him back to reality. He jogged up to the circulation window where the boys had saved his spot in front.

“Heya, mornin’ Weasel,” he said as he picked up a paper. “Howzit goin’?”

“Wiesel! Or even just Mistah Weasel!” Wiesel said, already exasperated at the boys.

“Well, it don’t much matta’ now, do it? It ain’t like I’s comin’ back tomorrow,” Jack said as he read the headlines. Finally he passed the paper to Race and said, “Hundred papes. One last time.”

“Well, I s’pose it’s been a pleasure doin’ business with ya, Kelly,” Wiesel said as Oscar slid Jack his papers.

“You too, Weasel. You too.” Jack sighed as he dropped six dimes in the box in front of Morris and shoved the papers in his bag. Even though he knew he was wasting daylight, he waited outside the gates and watched the boys still waiting to buy their papes. He saw Elmer jump on Henry’s back, nearly knocking them both over, and Romeo and Buttons trying to hold Mike and Ike back from attacking each other, and JoJo and Finch spitting Spanish at each other so fast their mouths could barely keep up. In turn, each boy bought their papers and passed Jack on their way out. Jack said goodbye to every single one, but he grabbed Race and pulled him aside before he could leave.

“Hey, I’s gonna miss the mornin’ races, Jack!” Race exclaimed.

“Whateva’. You’s gonna miss me more,” Jack said. Race’s face fell a bit as he became more serious. “Not only you, though. I’s been the leader here longer than some a’ these boys’ve been around. They’s gonna miss me too, an’ they ain’t gonna have a leader. That’s why-”

“You want me to lead them?” Race interjected. “I can’t do that. I can’t even read the headlines for ‘em, an’ they don’t trust me, an’ I ain’t on good terms with Brooklyn, either!”

Jack smiled as Race worked himself up. “Those are such lies. That ain’t even improvin’ the truth. You’s just makin’ stuff up!” Jack grabbed Race and looked him right in the eye. “You don’t gotta be able to read the headlines. An’ you n’ Spot is on the best terms. An’ they do trust you. Romeo don’t come to me when he’s got bad dreams. Tommy Boy don’t come askin’ me stuff in Italian. Albert don’t much like anyone touchin’ him, not even Crutchie! But you can always steal his hat an’ ya put ‘im in a good mood.” Jack pulled Race into a side hug as they started walking towards the Brooklyn Bridge. “I ain’t gonna be that far, either. Ya got questions, or some’n, you can ask me.”

Race began to relax a bit with every step, but he was still tense. He’d known this day was coming for months now, and he had guessed Jack would ask him to take over. He just hadn’t expected it to be so soon. “Are ya sure ya want me, though? Why don’tcha ask Specs, or Mush, or Henry, or Tommy Boy? They’re all older than me.”

“Yeah, an’ they’s lookin’ ta head out sometime soon. Specs found a job working for the railroads, so he’s gonna head West pretty soon. Mush is gonna find work in Harlem by next winter. Henry’s been saving to open up his own deli since he was eleven, an’ Jacobi’s offered him a job an’ a place to stay until he can open up his own. Tommy Boy’s older, sure, but he ain’t been around as long an’ the boys don’t trust him the way they trust you.” Jack tried to be the strong, fearless leader he was for the boys, but he couldn’t help it as his voice broke. “Look, kid, I ain’t gonna lie and tell you that bein’ a newsie was the best thing that ever happened to me. Makin’ pennies a day, workin’ in awful cold ‘n hot,” he said. “But I gotta fam’ly here. You boys is my brothas. You gotta be there for ‘em, Race, ‘cause I can’t be there anymore.”

Race looked at the sadness in Jack’s eyes. He thought about how Jack had been the first one to welcome him to the newsies of Lower Manhattan, almost five years before. He thought about how Jack had been the clear leader when the previous leader had left. He thought about how Jack had led them through the strike last summer, and how he’d made the deal with Pulitzer. Race didn’t know how he’d live up to such high standards, but he was willing to try for Jack, and for the rest of the boys. “Ok,” he said with a sigh, not realizing that they’d made it to the Brooklyn Bridge.

“Well,” said Jack, “it ain’t official.” Jack spit into his hand and held it out for Race. “Ready?”

Race stared at Jack’s waiting hand for a moment before pulling his cigar out of his mouth and spitting in his own palm. “Ready as I’ll ever be,” he said as he grabbed Jack’s hand and shook it. They smiled at each other before Jack pulled him into a hug. “I’ll miss ya,” he whispered to Race. They pulled out of their hug as Race said, “Well, ya ain’t gonna be far anyways. Now, go sell ya papes or get offa my terf!” He flashed one more grin at Jack before heading across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Jack chuckled to himself as he watched Race fade into the distance. “He’ll be alright. They all will.”

#newsies #newsies on broadway #fanfic #jack kelly #racetrack higgins #newsies fanfiction #newsies fanfic

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sweets-fanfics · 5 years ago

Text

Homecoming 19

Title: Time to abandon ship

Word count: 3676

Warnings: bit a violence, some gross as fluff, the usual

Tag: @rollyjogerjones

AN: Remeber you can read Homecoming and more on my AO3:

AO3

And read my Original Novel, Sky Titans, on Wattpad:

wattpad

______________

You and Arthur stayed silent for a while. Mainly because you had just got Bea to sleep and none of you wanted to wake her again. You sighed and took Arthur’s hand. “I thought you died…” You admit to him and yourself.

“You know I’m hard to kill.” He said, trying to lighten the mood.

“And I don’t want you to blame yourself for missing Bea… She was a surprise to us all.” You smiled at him, “I’m actually relieved you weren’t here. I was sick all the time and emotional.” You look at your shoes embarrassed. “I was sure the camp wanted me gone for a bit. After she was born I realized I may have been a bit of a bitch.”

You both chuckle. “Well you were makin’ one good lookin’ baby girl, so I think they forgave you.”

“I did, didn’t I.” You brush some hair from her face. “She has your beautiful eyes.”

“I don’t know about my eyes bein’ beautiful.”

You give him a look and he smiles, “Arthur Morgan, do you realize how good looking you are?” He rolled his eyes. “I’m serious. The first time I saw you I’m pretty sure I got feelings for you right away.”

Arthur’s face started turning red. “Oh… come on now Y/N don’t play with me.”

“I ain’t playing with ya. Have I ever lied to you?”

He pretended to think about it for a moment. “Well… I ain’t too sure.” You smacked his arm as he chuckled and pulled you into a kiss. “You know you’re beautiful right? You’re the most beautiful being I’ve ever seen.”

You began to tell him he was now messing with you when you both heard noises.

“Mr. Van Der Linde, I’ll give you the count of three before we begin firing.” You pick up Bea as Arthur peaks out the curtain.

“They are facin’ the house where everyone is. I don’t think they know we are in here.” He whispers to you.

“My guns, they are by the door.” You point to them as a Gatling gun begins firing. You drop to the ground with Bea even though the shooting isn’t coming for you.

A moment later the hatch under the house opens and Sadie hops in. “You two okay?”

“They don’t know we’re in here.” You say hugging Bea to you tightly. You glance under your bed and see Bear shaking. “I want to help..”

“No. Stay with Bea. Sadie and I got this.” Arthur says before kicking the door open and instantly taking out six men.

You crawled under the bed while Bea began to cry. “Shhh…” You tried to calm her. “It’s okay baby. It’s going to be okay.”

The firing on the Gatling gun stopped but you could still hear shooting nearby. You crawled out still keeping low to the ground. Bea tried to crawl out too but you pushed her back under. “No, no baby. I’m just grabbing my gun just in case. Stay with Bear.” Bea gave you sad eyes that almost broke your heart but she listened and crawled back under.

When you were sure she was far enough under you ran to your pistol, almost tripping over Bea’s doll. You yanked the gun out of the holster that was hanging off of an old dresser and checked to make sure there were bullets. You peeked out the window to see an agent stalking towards the house. You gasped and hurried to a dark corner where he wouldn’t see you right away.

“Beatrice Morgan you stay under that bed, you hear me?” You whisper to her.

You watched her put her hands over her eyes and hide her face into Bear’s fur just as the man opened the door. He walked in with his gun ready as he searched around.

“If anyone’s hiding in here, you are under arrest.” He gruffed.

You held your breath hoping he wouldn’t see you or Bea and just leave but as you watched him glance and head towards the bed you knew it wasn’t happening.

You cocked back the hammer and fired hitting him in the back of the head before he could even glance underneath. The body fell on to the bed with a thump.

“Bea, come here baby. But don’t look.” She crawled out and ran to you. You picked her up and held her face into your neck so she wouldn’t see. “Bear let’s go.”

Bear crawled out and got into protection mode. He followed you as you glanced outside still clutching Bea tightly. You had been so distracted in the short amount of time you hadn’t noticed the shooting ended.

Arthur ran up and pulled both of you into his arms. “You both okay?” He mumbled before looking you both over. He spotted a bit of the man’s blood on Bea’s shoe and began to panic.

“There’s a body on my bed. I was hidden in the corner and she was under the bed with Bear when I shot him.” Arthur let out a sigh of relief and kissed your head and the back of Bea’s head.

“Charles and I will take care of it.” He says as Dutch hurries up.

“How did they find us?” he asks, angry. Bea’s grip on you tightens at the sound of his angry voice.

“I have an idea.” You glare at Micah from across the camp who smirks.

“Will you drop that preposterous idea already, Y/N.” Dutch rubs his chin and sighs, “Is Bea okay?”

“She’s just really scared at the moment.” You don’t stop petting her hair and trying to calm her down. “I think we gotta move. It was an almost peaceful two years but we have to move before the Pinkertons come back.” Susan and Pearson nod and begin getting stuff ready to go. Dutch looked at them a bit angry that they listened to you and didn’t wait for his orders. “I believe Charles and I had found a potential new camp near Annesburg.” You explain to him.

“Then we’ll go there. But it’ll just be a stepping stone. All we need is a bit of cash and then we can get out of here.” You hold an eye roll at him going back to his plan.

“Father, it’s been two years. Maybe we should give up the entire Tahiti idea and just try to get everyone somewhere safe.” You try to explain as Henry and Micah walk up and cut you off.

“Father, Micah and I can go make sure we got everyone while the others get ready to go.” You glare at your brother who ignores you.

“Perfect idea, son. You two go do that.” Dutch agreed immediately.

“They are just tryin’ to get out of packing.” You groan.

“Not now Y/N. Not now.” Dutch walks away leaving you fuming next to Arthur.

Abigail walks up to the three of you. “You and Bea can sleep with Jack and me tonight if you want.” She says softly.

“Thank you, Abigail. Can you take Bea in, I gotta talk to Arthur.”

She nods, takes Bea from you and heads inside. “Arthur we gotta go.” You say as soon as you both are alone.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean we gotta leave the gang. Luca and his wife still say they’d help us get a small place. We could build a ranch and get away from all this. John and Abigail have been talkin’ about doin’ that as well.”

Arthur rubs his chin and thinks, “We can’t just abandon Dutch and the gang.”

“He’s already abandoned us, Arthur. It’s Micah, he has my father and my brother wrapped around his finger. It would be better to abandon ship now.” You grab his hand so he’d look at you. “Please think about it. I’ll take Bea into the city tomorrow, visit Luca and see if they can help.”

“Why are you taking Bea?” He asks. His eyebrows move together in frustration.

“Luca and his wife Jill had a son. I can say it’s a play date.” You explain.

Arthur thought a bit longer but sighed, “Alright, I’ll talk to John and see if he and Abigail still want out as well. Maybe if Dutch sees how much of us want to stop he’ll snap out of it.”

You kissed Arthur’s cheek and smiled, “Thank you. I’m sorry your day back has been so… much.”

Your husband shrugs as if it’s a normal day. “You go try to sleep, I’m gonna help clean up and maybe go say hi to Athena.”

“Goodnight, cowboy.” You say as you began to head for the cabin.

“Goodnight, my love.” Your face heats up since you had fully expected him to call you ‘princess’ as he always did. You turn and give him another smile before heading inside.

Bea is still awake and runs up to you. “You should be asleep, missy.” You sigh and pick her up.

“She just kept saying your name.” Karen groaned. You glance at her and see the sitting against the wall with a bottle in hand.

“Why are you drinkin’? You said you’d give it up.”

Karen rolls her eyes and takes another swig, “Shut up. Your father is back so you are no longer in charge.”

You decide to ignore her and walk towards Abigail who’s getting comfortable next to an already sleeping Jack. “Don’t mind her.” Abigail sighs as you sit next to her slowly rocking Bea.

“I won’t… I’ve just had a bad feeling in my gut since I spoke to my father before everything happened just now.” Abigail rubs your shoulder in a comforting way. “He accused me and John of workin’ for the Pinkertons.”

“He’s insane. That Micah has probably been getting in his head the entire time they were gone.”

“He even yelled at Arthur saying that if he hadn’t married me the bank job in Saint Denise would have gone ok.” You run your hand through your hair in frustration. “I’m not sure I wanna be near him anymore.” You say in a lower voice so only she hears.

“Get some sleep and we can talk tomorrow.” She glances at Bill who is getting ready to sleep.

“Alright. Thank you, Abigail.”

___________________

When you wake up in the morning you feel around for Bea. You shoot up fast when you realize she isn’t there. You glance around the small cabin that everyone was now sharing out of fear of the Pinkertons coming back. Karen is still asleep. Mary-beth and Tilly are both talking softly to each other. But it’s just you four inside.

“Mary-beth, Tilly, do you know where Bea is?” You ask softly to not wake Karen.

“Arthur took her outside about an hour or so ago.” Tilly smiles, “He said he wanted you to sleep a little more.”

You let out a sigh of relief which makes both girls giggle. “You were sleepin’ so soundly, none of us had the heart to wake ya,” Mary-beth adds.

“Thank you, girls. I’ll go check on them.”

You head outside and are blinded by the sudden late morning sunlight hitting you. The muggy-ness of the swamp doesn’t annoy you as much anymore, but you still don’t like it. You glance around at the place you had called home for two years, it was now riddled with bullet holes and everyone looked on edge. Javier is pouring a cup of coffee near where Pearson cooks.

“Good morning Javier. How are you feeling?” You ask him.

“Fine.” He says flatly and walks away leaving you confused.

“Are you looking for Arthur?” Charles asks walking up to you.

“Yes.”

“He and Bea are looking at the horses. Be ready to go later. Arthur and I were able to clear out the campsite last night.”

“Was it difficult?”

“Just had to clear out some cannibals.” He says as if it’s normal.

“Thank you for your hard work Charles.” You say before walking towards the horses.

You can hear Bea giggling as Arthur softly talks to her. “Were you takin’ care of Athena for me while I was gone?”

“No, Momma.” Bea mumbles.

“Momma, huh? Guess we’ll have to say thank you to her.” You put a hand on his shoulder making him turn and smile. “Here she is.” He kissed your cheek as Bea reached for you.

“Hi, Momma.”

“Hi, baby. Were you helpin’ daddy?” She nods and also kisses your cheek. “You wanna go visit Uncle Luca with momma?” Bea smiles and nods.

“Will you two be okay?” Arthur asks.

“Yeah, She loves going for rides on Suzie.”

“I think we are gonna move the camp to the new place today.” He explains.

“I heard it was not a very pleasant place.”

“Yeah, they had a girl in there they were torturing, I made sure she got home okay.”

You put your free hand on his cheek which he leans his face into and kisses your palm. “You are a good man.”

“I’m not, but I’m tryin’ to get better for you and Bea.” He leans in and kisses your lips softly which makes Bea giggle.

“You are a good man, and one day I hope you see it.” You both walk up to Suzie with Arthur’s hand softly placed on the small of your back.

He takes Bea as you climb up and then places her in front of you. “Now, Little Bea, you gotta watch momma’s back today okay?”

Bea gave a firm nod. “Love you.” She says to him softly making him completely turn into putty.

“I love you too.” He kisses her nose. You can see the look in his eyes of how in love he is with his daughter. “I’ll come get ya once I have them all moved in.”

“Thank you, honey.” He kisses your hand once more before stepping back and letting you and Bea take off.

__________

You hitch Suzie at the Bronte mansion. Luca had moved in once his father… ‘mysteriously’ disappeared. He took over all of his father's work and actually turned it around for good and not mob work.

Luca and Jill were already outside with their son, Nick, as you grabbed Bea off of Suzie. You let Bea run to Nick and the two instantly forgot that anyone was around and they went to play.

“Mrs. Morgan!” Jill called to you with a smile. “I was hoping you’d come today.”

“Y/N, what’s wrong?” Luca notices immediately.

“I need to speak to you both if it’s okay.”

Luca nods and asks one of the maids to watch the kids while we went into the study. Luca and Jill both watched as you looked out the window at Bea. “What’s the matter?”

“Arthur came home.”

The couple smiles, “This great news!” Jill cheers, “We must have you both over for supper one night.”

As Jill continues getting excited Luca notices you don’t smile and puts a hand on his wife’s to calm her, “What else happened?” He asks.

“My father, he’s different. He yelled at me, accusing me of being a rat.”

“If it’s about our friendship you know we’d never say anything.”

“I don’t even think it’s that. He’s just so much more paranoid, and then the Pinkertons showed up last night.”

Luca sits up alarmed, “What? Are you hurt?”

“No, and we didn’t lose anyone… But I think Micah told them. I thought maybe two years away he’d die or Dutch would find out. But no, it’s like he got to land and went straight to them.” You run your fingers through your hair. “Maybe I should have just shot him those years ago.”

Jill, forgetting you run with a dangerous gang is taken aback before letting her self catch up to what you said. You knew she was always too sweet for her own good.

“Well… if you need an out. We can hide you three here.” Luca suggests and Jill agrees, nodding.

“Thank you. But we have people we can’t abandon… And I’m not sure you all could fit us here…” You glance at their home. “On second thought..”

Luca smiles at your attempt of humor. “Well how about what I offered that night years ago?”

“That’s why I’m here.” You sit in the chair across from them. “I’m hopin’ you both can still help us. I know for most certain it would be my family and another family of three. I’m not quite sure about others. If you have any farmland so we can try to earn our keep and pay you both back…”

Luca put his hand up to stop you, “Y/N, I’d never ask you to pay us back,”

“But I know for certain my husband will want to. And that I will want to,” You take a deep breath and wipe a few tears that are slipping out. “I want Beatrice to have a life that isn’t revolved around her crazy grandfather. I used to dream about running with him and his gang as a young girl… but after bein’ apart of it, it’s done nothin’ but make me want out. Arthur and Bea are the only ones I’m fighting for, along with helping Abigail and John get out too.”

Luca nods and stands going to his desk and writing something, “I’ll start looking at our properties If I find one where can I find you?”

“Near Annesburg.”

Jill gasps, “Annesburg? It’s not safe for travelers in those areas.”

“I know, but we gotta hide from the law up there.” You can tell she was still worried, “You know I’m a tough girl who can shoot down a few rednecks.” She sighs and smiles. You can still see the fear.

_____________

You end up letting Bea play until late into the afternoon. Bea and Nick are playing with some of Nick’s toys on the floor with you and Jill watching over them while enjoying tea. That’s when you hear a knock at the door. You glance at the door worried as a servant walks up and opens it. You let out a sigh of relief when you see Arthur's broad shoulders behind the tiny servant.

He awkwardly follows the servant into the room, taking his hat off and pushing his hair away from his face. “A Mr. Morgan here Ma’am.” The servant hums.

“Thank you, Robert.” Jill smiles. The servant bows and walks away as Arthur stands next to the couch your on. Jill giggles, “Mr. Morgan, please have a seat.”

“Your seat looks very clean, Mrs. Bronte,” Arthur says glancing at his dusty pants.

“Oh I have a son, Arthur, nothing is clean. Please have a seat and relax. Y/N was telling me about your adventure to Guarma.” Arthur nods and sits next to you taking your hand. “Would you like some tea? Setting slaves free must be tiring.”

Arthur chuckles and nods. “Thank you very much, Mrs.”

“Oh please call my Jill. Your wife has been so kind to us in the past years. Helped us clean out all of the mob in this dreaded… family business.” She rolled her eyes.

Bea at the point had noticed Arthur and her smile got wide as she pulled Nick’s sleeve. “Daddy!” She exclaimed.

“Oh, she learns ‘daddy’ in one day.” You sigh sarcastically as Arthur gives you a look.

“Don’t three-year-olds usually talk a bit more?” He asks you and Jill making you both laugh.

“Oh yeah, Bea talks all the time. She acts like she doesn’t but she didn’t stop talking the entire ride here. And she and Nick talk.” You smile as Bea gives you a smug smile before running back to Nick.

“Soon she’ll talk your ear off too Mr. Morgan.” Jill smiles sweetly.

“Arthur!” Luca says walking in and shaking his hand. “I’m glad you're okay. You had us all worried. I even sent a boat out to look for you. I sadly admit I feared the worst when they came back empty-handed.”

“Thank you for helping Y/N and Bea while I was away.”

“All Jill and I did was be a friend, your wife is too tough to truly ever need help.” He sits next to Jill and hands you a stack of papers. “Y/N, look these properties over.”

“Properties?” Arthur asks glancing.

“You own all of these?” You ask looking at the stack of at least five different places.

“Well, My father did. I’m sure your family will put better use to whatever my father had wanted to do.” He puts an arm around his wife and kisses her cheek. “I love this whole vigilante work.”

You sigh and shake your head, “Hardly vigilante work, Luca.” You fold the papers and slip them in Arthurs satchel, “We’ll look them over later. For now… we should probably go help unpack.”

Arthur can see how much you don’t want to do that. “Your right, I guess.”

“I hope you two stay safe. I’ll come to see you if I think of anything else that will help.”

_________________

You hop on to Suzie and begin to reach for Bea in Arthur’s arms. “Wanna ride with Daddy,” Bea announces as she latches on to Arthur’s shirt.

“You sure? You’re gonna break Suzie’s heart.”

Bea smiles and hugs her small arms around his neck. “Daddy.” She says as firmly as a three-year-old can be.

“Fine, then how about a race.” You smirk. Arthur smiles knowing he can never turn down a challenge.

“You sure about that, princess?” He says coyly.

“Me and Suzie versus you, Bea and Athena.”

Arthur hops onto Athena balancing Bea in one hand. “You are on.”

“You ready, set, go.”

Arthur and Bea take off and you act like you are having trouble getting Suzie to go until they are out of sight. You quickly pull your pistol out and turn to aim it behind you. “What do you want?”

Micah comes out with hands up and smirking. “We gotta have a talk. Heard you ratted me out to your old man, Princess.”

#homecoming #rdr2 #rdr #rdr2 fandom #rdr2 fanfic #arthur morgan #arthur morgan x reader #arthur morgan x female reader #arthur morgan (father)#dutch x daughter!reader #father!arthur morgan #fanfiction #creative writing #write #writing #ao3 #wattpad

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rizlowwritessortof · 5 years ago

Text

I’m Good

This is the fic that was published in the Seasons Supernatural short stories anthology a couple of years ago. I realized the other day that I had never posted it on here. Beta’d by my lovely @star-spangled-man-with-a-plan (before that was her url :D)

Characters: Bobby Singer (Bobby’s POV)

Word Count: 1242

Warnings: None, a little angst maybe

Summertime was always my favorite.

Of course, South Dakota has unforgiving winters that last way into spring some years, and fall that usually ends early with a blizzard. Summer’s where all of my good memories live. I married Karen in the summer. Why she ever married me, I’ll never understand. But we loved each other somethin’ fierce, and I always considered myself damn lucky to have her. I mean, after all- I was never anything but a grease monkey with a salvage yard, and the house was smack-dab in the middle of all that. But she always seemed content.

She was always on me for workin’ too hard. She’d come out to the shop, yellin’ my name until I stopped pounding around and looked up. There she’d be, hands on her hips, that stern look on her face. “Bobby Singer, I did not just spend two hours in the kitchen for this food to sit on the table and get cold. Now get to the house, it’s supper time.” I could never help but smile at her, scowling at me like an angry kitten, and then she’d march off to the house. She always got so mad at me when I’d come up behind her and swat her on the butt. “Damn it, Bobby, if you got grease on my dress, I swear...” and I’d just laugh, and give her a kiss, and she never stayed mad very long. That fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh baked biscuits, and pie for dessert… I can almost taste it.

Then there’s the summer John Winchester left his boys with me. Not quite the whole summer, but close enough. That was the summer I started to think of them as my boys.

John loved those kids. He did. But he was a driven man, determined to find and kill what took his Mary away from him and the boys. There were just things he had to do that kids couldn’t be around to witness. So in his own way, he was trying to protect them.

I’ll never forget the day they walked in. Sammy was still just a kid, ten years old or so, all arms and legs and awkward smiles. And Dean... No fourteen-year-old should look that burdened, that worn. I decided, right then and there, that while the boys were here- they were gonna be kids.

Dean even tried to argue with me at first. “But Dad said...” I never even let him finish his sentence.

“Look. While you’re here, you follow my rules. And I say you two are gonna get the hell out of this house and go have some fun. Take the poles, go fishing. Or just go exploring. Now get outta here, and don’t let me see your faces again until supper.” And when Dean looked at me, still hesitant, I added, “Don’t worry, kid. As far as your Dad will know, you did exactly what he said while he was gone. Okay?”

Dean took Sam with him everywhere. They came home one day, excited about exploring the abandoned farm down the road, making their own little hideaway in the old barn. They went fishing in the creek, even caught enough for a meal a couple of times. Sometimes I’d look out the window and see the boys just lying in the grass and watching the clouds.

Sure, I asked Dean to help me overhaul an engine or two, give me a hand doing some body work, like his face didn’t light up at the suggestion. Dean was right at home under a hood, or beneath a car, lost himself completely in the challenge of figuring out why it was doing what it was doing. There was pure joy in his eyes at the sound of that broken-down Plymouth sputtering to life when he turned the key. That thing ran just as smooth as when it was new. And when I clapped a hand on the boy’s shoulder, told him, “Good job, son” - that kid’s face just glowed.

Sam asked a lot of questions. I answered him as well as I knew how, leaving out all the details that I could, tried to cushion the blow. I tiptoed around the big stuff, and taught him what I could about the lore. Sam never asked his questions in front of Dean. I didn’t know at the time if that was Sam sparing himself an ass-chewing, or sparing his big brother the worry. Knowing those two as well as I do now, I know it was the latter.

Yeah, Dean put on a good act. He liked to tell stories about John’s hunts, about the few he’d been there for, like it was all some big adventure. Like watching his dad battle some monster out of every kid’s nightmares, helping patch up John’s injuries, didn’t scare the hell out of him. He’d put on like he’d take Sam apart if he didn’t toe the line, but Dean would never let anything hurt Sam if he could throw himself in front of it first. I could read him right from the start, see the heart underneath all that tough guy bullshit, the part Dean didn’t want anyone to see.

Like the deer hunting incident. I took the boys out in the woods one day. Dean had a bead on a beauty, a big doe, but he wouldn’t pull the trigger. I watched that kid chew at his lip, refusing to look me in the eye, as he claimed he didn’t have a shot.

“She bolted right when I was gonna pull the trigger, Bobby. I didn’t have a shot, okay?” The kid was embarrassed, and half-pissed off, and I put my hand on his shoulder, gave it a squeeze to let him know it was okay.

“Hey, kid, no big deal. Do you know how many deer I’ve actually shot at and missed? Hell, happens to all of us.”

And the night I overheard the boys talking after they’d crawled into bed for the night. I could hear Sam, sounded like he was crying. Dean’s voice was quiet, but I heard every word.

“Sammy, Dad’s fine. He’ll be back. Promise. Sometimes he just gets busy, he forgets how long he’s been gone. But he’ll be back.”

“But what if one of those monsters he hunts… what if something killed him?”

Dean snorted. “Shit, Sam. No monster’s gonna kill Dad. He’s the best hunter there is. Just ask Bobby tomorrow, I bet he’ll tell you the same thing. Dad’ll be back as soon as he can, Sammy. Just stop worrying, okay?”

Yeah. That was a good summer.

And then there were the hunting trips with Rufus, that son of a bitch. “Bobby, that is not how you kill a rugaru. I oughta know, I’ve killed enough of ‘em.”

“Right. Like you’ve ever even seen one. You gotta burn ‘em, dumbass.”

“Fine, we’ll try it your way. But when you find out I’m right, you owe me a bottle of the good stuff.”

“And when I find out you’re wrong?”

“Well, there’s a first time for everything.”

We never did anything but argue, but damned if he wasn’t the best friend I ever had.

I guess my Heaven don’t look like much to most people. But I got some Johnny Cash on the old radio, my comfy chair, a glass of Jack, and an eternity to spend on my memories. I’m good.

~~~~~~~~~~

@saenalife @deanscarlett @misswhizzy @jinkieswouldyoulookatthis @deansdirtylittlesecretsblog @geeklibrarian @leatherwhiskeycoffeeplaid @aprofoundbondwithdean @mamapeterson @mrswhozeewhatsis @littlegreenplasticsoldier @sleep-silent-angel @darcia22 @winchesterprincessbride @ackeviddlestan @ellen-reincarnated1967 @eyes-of-a-disney-princess @deanslittleangel2y5 @melanie451 @lovin-ackles @spectaculacular-sammy @bookchic20 @jodyri @selma-jean @savingapplepie-eatingthings @angelofwinchester17 @kittenofdoomage @masked-maiden42 @lean-mean-deanwinchester @ericuhlorain @undecided-garden @ceeceewinchester @typicalweirdbookworm @callmesweetheartifyoumeanit @youtoldalie @tanithlowisabamf @deandoesthingstome @jxackles @nerdwholikesword @soivebuiltupaworldofmagic @kreweofimp @gabavaldman @chaos-and-the-calm67 @darkx143 @disassociativedogma @ioanashalala @jencharlan @deansthirst @dorky-and-i-know-it @mischief-maker1 @hamartiamacguffin @winchestersandwordprocessors @percussiongirl2017 @bringmesomepie56 @akshi8278 @spn-dean-and-sam-winchester @torn-and-frayed @sandlee44 @kathaswings @evansrogerskitten @emoryhemsworth @peaceinourtime82

#i'm good #bobby fic #gen fic #from seasons spn short story anthology #angst #weechesters #bobby's memories

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something-tofightfor · 6 years ago

Text

Just a Place - Part 2

Pairing: Ryan Brenner x Reader

Word Count: 5100

Rating: M (language)

Summary: Your trip to New York City entails a lot of fun - and a little pushback from one of Ryan’s best friends...

** You will not understand a darn thing in this if you haven’t read “Neon Lights”, which can be found on my masterlist page **

Author’s Note: This is not at all what I expected from this part, and it got a litle out of hand... but part 3 will be the part I have been itching to write since the first time I watched Jackie and Ryan.

Tag list: @agent-bossypants @ooo-barff-ooo @likethetailofacomet @traeumerinwitzhelden @mfackenthal @songtoyou @obscurilicious @elanor-of-imladris @thesumofmychoices @suchatinyinfinity

Let me know if you want me to tag you in on this one!

POV: Ryan

“What do you mean?” He’d frowned at Georgie, who was staring down at your dad’s guitar before glancing over at you, hoping that you hadn’t heard the remark. “This one’s not mine, I just brought it with me because I restrung it and want to break the strings in.” He shook his head, narrowing his eyes. “My guitar is back in Pennsylvania, Georgie, this one’s hers.” He looked back at you, noticing the tight lipped expression on your face and stood, leaving the guitar in the case and stepping over to you, reaching out to touch your face before leaning in and putting his lips next to your ear. She heard. Shit. “Sorry about him.” You shook your head before finally smiling at Ryan, letting him know that you were going to take pictures throughout the park while he sat down with his friends and played. “Alright. Take your time, OK?” You nodded and Ryan reached down, squeezing your hand once before watching as you walked away, camera held tightly in one hand.

He turned back to Georgie, Matt and Jack, licking his lips as his hands closed around the neck of the guitar. “You gonna tell us about her, Ryan?” Georgie spoke again, the edge still apparent in his voice, and Ryan looked up at him, thinking about what to say. What does he want to know? What… “She came with you? You’ve never introduced any of us to your friends before, Ryan. Is this one special?” Very. Ryan took a deep breath, rolling his neck and shaking his shoulders out.

“Yeah, she is. We’re… we found each other after months, and this one’s different, Georgie.” Ryan began strumming the guitar, adjusting the tuning slightly as he spoke. “She’s had a rough couple of years, and this whole thing is different, you know? I can’t explain it, but it’s like…” He trailed off, eyes searching in the direction that you’d walked off in, but Ryan couldn’t see you. “She makes me happy.” He shrugged his shoulders, nodding his head - more for himself than for any of this friends. “We gonna play or what?” Matthew laughed and Jack agreed, but Georgie stared at Ryan for long seconds, a slight frown on his face. “Can’t exactly record if we’re rusty, am I right?” Without another word, Georgie looked away, taking a breath - and then the three other men began playing. After a few moments, Ryan joined in, immediately recognizing the song.

After nearly an hour of playing, the four of them had fallen back into a rhythm, and Ryan was enjoying himself, the warm summer air and fading sunlight hitting his skin as he strummed, singing for the people that walked by. Some of them stopped, tapping their toes and nodding their heads before dropping tips - and a few phone numbers - into the guitar case and heading off, others simply walked by, offering smiles to the men as they went about their day. Ryan glanced around the park as they played, taking stock of his surroundings and even though he was enjoying the feeling of his fingers against the strings, the way the guitar felt against his thighs, he wasn’t playing with the same fervor that he had previously. Ryan engaged in conversations with the people that stopped to speak to them, grinning and running a hand through his hair as the group laughed together, but something was off. This is weird. This is… why does it feel like this?

After a while, Ryan noticed that you had wandered back and were taking pictures of the four of them from a distance, not trying to be intrusive. “Hey.” He yelled over to you, waving with one arm. “C’mon, I’m going to play one of your favorites.” You smiled, making your way over to where they stood and Ryan turned to the other men. “You wanna record something good tomorrow?” They all nodded, looking at him with interest. “I’ve been workin’ on this one for a long time, maybe we can lay this one down.” He started playing, closing his eyes and getting lost in the song - and about halfway through, when Georgie and the others had joined in, Ryan realized what had been off: he was unhappy playing simplified covers of old folk songs. Yeah, they might be what people know, but it’s not what I want. He opened his eyes at the end of the song, immediately seeing that you were beaming at him, and Ryan felt his heart swell. I can make my own music. I can make my own way. He took a breath and looked back at the guys, who were all talking excitedly, asking questions about the song itself, the arrangement and if Ryan had any ideas for them.

You settled down onto the bench of the table next to them, scrolling through your camera and though Ryan was invested in the conversation, he kept half an eye on you, but you were absorbed in your own task, and after a while, he allowed himself to focus on his friends. Gotta go out with a bang, right? They played for a while longer, trying to figure out the best ways to incorporate all of them into Ryan’s song, and when that was done, they played a few more covers, a few more originals, and then Ryan watched as Georgie began flexing his fingers, shaking his head.

“That’s gotta be enough for the night, right Ryan?” Ryan nodded, licking his lips and running a hand against his beard. “We record at noon tomorrow, I’ll text you the address. It’ll be good practice for the show on Friday night.” Ryan straightened up again before carefully handing the guitar off to you, your fingers lovingly stroking the neck as he leaned down to collect the money that was in the case. “What are you doing?” Georgie’s voice was quiet but surprised as Ryan handed him the bills and coins along with the folded bits of paper while shrugging his shoulders.

“I’m good, you guys did all the work. And I won’t be using any of those numbers, so...” He leaned over, taking the guitar back from you and winking before he leaned down to put it back into the case. “Besides, you got us the studio time. You guys keep it.” Ryan thought of his bank account, the debit card in his wallet, the few thousand dollars that he’d managed to save during the months in St. Louis, and was surprised at how content he felt. It’s not much, but it’s mine. The four of them talked for a few more minutes and then you cut in, scooting over to sit next to Ryan, his arm going around your shoulders as his hand fell against the top of your arm.

“Can I buy you guys dinner?” You spoke quietly, looking at each of them in turn. You don’t need to do that. “I’d love to get to know all of you better, and it’s the least I can do since you guys haven’t seen each other in a while.” Matthew and Jack agreed almost immediately, but Georgie was silent for longer, looking at you with interest. “You guys pick, whatever you want.” The man finally nodded and Ryan felt himself relax, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. I’m not sure what his problem is, but…

As a group, you stood, Jack and Matthew talking about a Mexican barbecue place that they’d passed on their way to the park - and that’s where you’d ended up. The place was cozy, and Ryan watched as you easily fell into conversation with Matthew and Jack, ordering a bunch of different appetizers and drinks for the table almost as soon as you’d sat down. She fits right in here, with them. The three of you talked and joked together, going through multiple bowls of chips and salsa while Ryan and Georgie caught up, the younger man filling Ryan in on what he’d been up to and what he was looking forward to; plans that included heading back west after New York, meeting up with the people he knew in Chicago before heading to Texas for a while. “Maybe you can meet me there, Ryan. Texas has always been good to us.” With a non-committal smile, Ryan picked up his beer and sipped it, changing the subject. I’ll tell him after we record. Ryan felt himself relaxing throughout the meal, which felt (at times) like an inquisition by his friends, but you cheerfully answered the questions they asked - where you were from, what you did… all the basics, with the majority of the inquiries coming from Georgie, who had never been shy.

By the time that the bill came, the five of you were all laughing together, you having asked the three men about themselves as well and Ryan watched as you reached out for the envelope it came in, barely looking at the paper before reaching into your wallet for your debit card. Jack and Matthew both tried to stop you, but you shook your head, waving them off. “I offered. This is on me.” Ryan saw that Georgie was again watching intently but silently, eyes focused on you as the waitress took and then brought the card back, along with a pen, setting it down on the table. Signing it and then leaving a large cash tip, you leaned back in your chair, fingers idly playing with the hair at the nape of Ryan’s neck, and he felt himself leaning in to your touch. This is normal. This is what the future is going to be like. I won’t be traveling by train, but I can… we can meet friends like this. Is this what a normal life is like?

You said your goodbyes outside of the restaurant, the three men turning and walking in the opposite direction as the two of you. Ryan wrapped his fingers around yours as you walked, pulling you close - much the way he had as you ambled down the Strip. By the time you’d gotten back to the hotel room and had gotten into bed, Georgie had texted the address of the recording studio. Ryan was thrilled to learn that it was only a few blocks away from where you were staying, meaning that he could sleep in, which he’d relayed to you as you pressed your body against his. “Ryan, I don’t think…” You shook your head before leaning it against his shoulder and trailing your fingers up and down his abdomen. “I don’t think Georgie likes me much.” He froze, but Ryan could hear the apprehension in your voice. What? Why? “What did he mean about the guitar?” Shit. He paused for a minute before answering, taking a deep breath and tightening his fingers against your bare hip.

“Well, I had a Washburn that I’d taken everywhere with me for a long time. Had that and my banjo, and then I met Jackie.” He flinched at using her name, but you didn’t react aside from nodding once. “She saw me playin’ this real nice guitar in a music shop in her hometown, and right before I left the first time, as a thank you, she bought it for me… so I left the Washburn with her daughter when I went to Portland, took the new one with me.” He shook his head. “I never asked for it, was gonna try to buy it myself, and she just…” Tried to buy me? Tried to give me a tie to her every time I played it? “She wanted me to have it, and wanted me to make music on it, and I think she wanted me to think about her whenever I played it.” And I did.

“It’s a nice guitar, Ryan. I can tell it means a lot to you.” Your voice was quiet, fingers low on his belly, the tips of them moving slowly back and forth. “I’m not… you don’t think I’m… Ryan, I know that you don’t want or need someone to take care of you, but…” You sighed and Ryan’s hand moved up from your hip to your side, sliding around to your back and trailing up and down the center of it. “That’s not why I told you to play my dad’s whenever you want…”

“I know.” He turned his head, looking down at you in the darkness of the room. “I know you aren’t, you never were.” Ryan sighed. “After Vegas, I... “ Do I really say this? “Every time I played, I thought of you. Jackie was a passing thing, a distraction.” He looked down, using his free hand to tilt your chin up, brushing his lips against yours. “She gave me the guitar, and I’m thankful for it, but I don’t think about her anymore.” Unless people bring her up. You shifted next to him, hooking a leg over his and he tugged on your hip, pulling you toward him. “What are you doin’?” With a shrug of your shoulders, you moved further, swinging your leg all the way over his, bringing your entire body directly into his line of sight as you wrapped your arms around his shoulders, leaning in.

“Making sure you’re definitely not thinking about anyone else, Ryan.” You grinned at him, and Ryan’s fingers tightened on one hip, the other hand sliding up the back of your thigh. Definitely not.

---

POV: You

You stretched out in the bed, arm reaching over to the space where Ryan had been only a few hours earlier and smiled. He’d headed out early in the morning, not sleeping in much after all, and carrying your guitar so that he could clear his head before heading to the studio. You’d understood why he had needed to go alone, and planned on joining him - and Matthew, Georgie and Jack at around 2 in the studio to catch the tail end of the session. Though you were used to going to bed late - and getting up even later, thanks to Ryan’s enthusiasm and desire to make up for almost a year’s worth of separation, sleeping in that morning had felt different. I woke up and he was gone… and it didn’t bother me.

Ryan’s side of the bed was cold now, sure, but he’d kissed you goodbye, his lips lingering at your temple, your response a mumbled “I love you, Ry” without even opening your eyes. His fingertips had trailed over your face, his own response clear - that he loved you more - before you’d heard the sound of the door closing softly behind him, and then you’d immediately drifted back off. Sitting up and stretching, you looked around the room, the smile on your face growing as you took in Ryan’s clothing scattered on the desk and dresser, your own stuff mixed in. It’s like it’s been this way forever. Quickly getting dressed, you checked the time and saw that it was still early enough for you to grab a coffee on the way to the studio, and with one last look around you, you left the room, purse in hand.

New York City was alive around you, the sounds and smells different from Philadelphia - and even from many of the other cities that you’d visited, and you relished it, taking everything in. After the relative silence you’d spent the previous few months in, it was a welcome change. Carrying your coffee in one hand, you typed in the address of the studio into your phone and made your way toward it, letting the receptionist know that you were there for the session in room 5, that you were a guest of Ryan Brenner. She led you back to the room, opening the door and motioning for you to keep quiet as you slipped past her.

As you took a seat on a stool in the back of the room, you watched Ryan and the other three through the glass, joking and laughing with each other between takes. Ryan was wearing your shirt, his muscles flexing as he strummed the instrument on his lap, his eyes closed as he leaned into the microphone, singing his heart out. I love him so much. You felt your chest tighten, hearing the way that the played - by himself and with the band - and you were almost overwhelmed at the strength of the feeling, and with a jolt, you realized something important. This is the way that he felt seeing me with my pictures. This is…

He looked at home with the guitar on his knee, the microphone in front of his face, the others playing with him. He looked comfortable, content and in control, and you - not for the first time - wondered if he was making the right decision to stop traveling, to stop giving himself the opportunity to learn and grow. He says he wants to do this. He says it’s the right call. I have to believe him. You took a breath, eyes on Ryan - always on Ryan - and watched as they finished the song, Jack and Matthew breaking into a round of applause as the final notes died away, a look of pride on Ryan’s face. “That’s great, guys. We’ll call it a day, I think we got what we needed!” The technician pressed the button, giving the four men a chance to respond, and Georgie was the first to stand, flipping a thumbs up in the direction of the board and monitors before turning to Ryan, who was putting the guitar back into its case, his arms moving animatedly as he recapped what they’d just finished recording.

“So they’ll give us the master copy of that, and then we can…” Georgie was excited, his enthusiasm spreading to Ryan and the other two men, and you leaned back against the wall, sipping your coffee and smiling. Good for him. This was the first time Ryan had really played since his hand had healed, and you knew that it was a big moment for him, though you also knew that he’d spend hours picking apart his playing later as he listened back to the recording. The men exited the recording booth, still talking to each other, and Matthew squeezed Ryan’s shoulder tightly, thanking him…but then Ryan’s eyes landed on you and his face brightened even further, which you didn’t think was possible.

“You made it!” He hurried over to you, the strap of the carrying case over his shoulder and you nodded, feeling a smile overtake your face. “How much did you hear?” You shrugged, reaching out to squeeze his hand even as he leaned in to kiss you, his lips brushing against yours for only the briefest of seconds.

“Just the last two, I slept in.” You shrugged, looking around Ryan and at where the other men were standing, talking amongst themselves and to the sound engineer. “You guys sounded great.” You cleared your throat. “Georgie, you’re impressive on that fiddle.” The other man’s eyes flashed as he turned his attention to you, but he kept smiling, nodding gratefully as he called Ryan over to where they were huddled. I knew it.

After a few minutes, the engineer told the group that he’d get copies of the recordings made for each of them, reaching out to shake hands with all four men in turn. You watched as his eyes traveled to Ryan, reaching out with his opposite hand to gesture to the equipment next to him. “You’re one talented dude.” Ryan’s face reddened slightly and he ducked his head, his hand going up to the back of his neck. He’s not wrong. “You ever wanna record again, if you’re back in the city, please get in touch with me, I’d be more than happy to work with you.” Oh, Ryan.

“Well, thank you, sir.” Ryan cleared his throat and licked his lips, brow furrowing. As he brought his face back to level with the other man, he spoke again. “That means a lot, I’m sure you hear a ton of talented people every day.”

“You’re right, but…” The man shook his head, and you noticed that Georgie, Matthew and Jack were all watching, their own conversation stopped. “There’s a difference between talent and authenticity.” Ryan’s eyes widened. “You aren’t just singing, you’ve… lived these things.” You blew out a breath, your body growing warm with pride again as the man reaffirmed what you already knew, what Ryan refused to believe about himself. “You’d have a great career, Ryan. Writing more stuff like the last two you performed? Damn.” Even as the man spoke, Ryan’s eyes flicked to you, settling on your face.

“Yeah?” The man nodded, and Ryan spoke again. “I guess we’ll have to see what happens.” The conversation finished, Ryan stepped over toward you again and held out a hand to you, pulling you from the stool you were sitting on. You followed him out of the room and into the hallway, through the lobby and out into the sunshine, blinking at the bright light before sliding sunglasses down off the top of your head. “Where you guys headed now?” The five of you stood on the sidewalk, but Ryan was talking to Georgie, the younger man’s face set into a frown. Why is he upset? They just…

“Probably going to go out tonight and play some more, catch the crowds in Central Park for a while and then lay low before the show tomorrow night.” Georgie’s eyes slid over to you, and though he was speaking to Ryan, he didn’t drop his gaze. “She gonna let you come out and play with us, or do you have plans?” I…

“I’m just here because Ryan asked me to be.” You spoke before Ryan had the chance, shrugging your shoulders. “I’m more than capable of spending a night in New York City alone, and Ryan can do whatever he wants to.” You reached over, laying a hand on Ryan’s arm, feeling him turn slightly toward you. “He came here to see you guys.” He sure did. “I don’t make his decisions for him.” Taken aback by the tone of your voice, Georgie straightened up and Jack’s eyes widened, but Ryan’s entire body stiffened next to yours.

“Not sure what the problem is, Georgie, but I’m gonna do what I want to do.” He turned to face you, the warmth from earlier all but gone from his eyes. “You ready to go back to the room?” You nodded once, not knowing what to say, and as Ryan’s arm went around your shoulders, you moved closer to him. He’s claiming me, but why? “I’ll get ahold of you later tonight and find out what you are - maybe come out for a little while.” Ryan sighed, and you could hear the disappointment in the sound.

“Sounds good, Brenner.” Jack offered the two of you a smile and a nod. “Just call one of us and we’ll work it out.” As you turned in the opposite direction - back to your hotel - neither of you spoke, but Ryan’s arm fell away from your shoulders, his hand finding yours and your fingers linking together.

“Kinda like in Vegas, hmm?” He spoke after a minute or two, but he was so quiet that you had to lean in closer to hear him. “‘Cept this time I’m not carryin’ around a crate with me.” You laughed, and after a second, you heard him join in - and the tension broke. “You don’t mind if I go play with them tonight, do you?” He sounded slightly anxious, and you pressed your lips together. You thought for a minute, trying to figure out how to say what you were thinking without it coming out wrong.

“No. Of course not.” You sighed, opening the door to your hotel’s lobby and stepping inside. Ryan followed close behind, still silent. “You guys sounded great today, but if you play tonight, they’ll have more practice with your songs, and … I want you to have fun.” I want you to be sure that this is the right call for you. You pressed the button for the elevator, swallowing. “And I don’t think you’ll have as good a time if I’m hanging around with you.” Because Georgie hates me. He was silent as the elevator arrived and you stepped into it, the doors closing behind you. “I’ll order room service and watch a movie or something.” Ryan still didn’t respond, and when you looked over at him, you saw a frown on his face.

He didn’t speak until you were back in the room, setting the guitar case down and then turning to face you, the frown still there. “You know if you want to come, I wouldn’t ever tell you no, right?” You closed your eyes, nodding. “You being there with me while I play is… God, It’s all I’ve wanted for the last…” He swallowed again, stepping closer, and you felt his fingers trailing up your arm slowly. “Today was…” He sighed. “Those guys are great, you know?” He was speaking quietly, the cadence of his voice almost as soothing as if he was singing. “We mesh well together, but they’ve all got… nothin’ to lose.” He closed his fingers around your upper arm, pulling you closer, and you reached out, hands resting on his sides as you pressed your cheek against his chest. “And a year ago, I woulda said the same.” He tilted his head down, lips finding the crown of your head. “But now? I can’t think that way anymore.” He said your name quietly, and you straightened up, tilting your head back to look up at him. “I got everything to lose now.” You opened your mouth to speak, but he shook his head once, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I used to ask myself a question - every day. I’d say ‘where am I goin’ next and how am I gonna get there?’ … and the only times I’ve never asked myself that are the days I’ve been with you, because... I don’t need to go anywhere else.”

You were stunned, eyes wide and you could only stare at him as he looked down at you. One hand came up, the backs of his fingers ghosting over your cheek, and he searched your face with his eyes, tongue poking out slightly. Without saying another word, he lowered his face toward yours, eyes closing as his lips made contact. You lost yourself in the kiss almost immediately, your fingers closing against the material of his shirt, feeling the hand that wasn’t on your face pressing against your lower back as he pulled you closer. When he pulled away, his eyes were bright again and filled with life - the look was one that you loved to see on his face. “What, Ryan?” He shook his head, thumb moving over your jaw as he leaned in his kiss you on the forehead, exhaling.

“Nothin’. You just make me happy.” When he stood back up, he raised one eyebrow, cocking his head to the side. “I think you might be right about Georgie, though.” You laughed, grinning and rolling your eyes. “I don’t think he likes you very much… but it’s just because he’s not used to havin’ to share me.” That’s not quite it, but… “So.” He spoke again, lazily circling his fingers on the skin directly beneath the hem of your shirt. “Not to change the conversation or anything, but…” You bit down on your lower lip, knowing exactly where he was going due to the change in his voice and the look in his eyes. Play along… “They’re not gonna expect me to call for a few hours, which means…”

Pushing him away from you, you reached down, pulling your shirt off in one motion and turning away from Ryan, headed toward the bathroom. “How about a shower?” You looked back over your shoulder at him, pleasantly surprised to see that he’d already removed his shirt, too, and had taken a step toward you, desire written all over his face as he dropped the material onto the floor.

---

The next afternoon, you were sitting near the front of the crowd on the grass of Prospect Park atop of one of the hotel bed’s blankets, camera at your side. Ryan had been out until nearly midnight the previous night, slipping back into the room quietly, leaning the guitar case against the wall before disappearing into the bathroom and reappearing a few minutes later, dressed only in his boxers. His hand ran through his hair as he’d asked you quietly if you were awake, climbing into bed without ever turning on a light, his body sliding against yours like it was made to. The two of you had talked quietly for nearly an hour, trading kisses in the dark, his hands sliding across your abdomen and sides and yours over his bare back and shoulders. He’d come back to you - and though he’d told you he was going to, actually having it happen meant more to you than he could even know.

Ryan was scheduled to perform with the other guys at 7:45, so you’d taken an Uber over to Brooklyn at 3:30, wanting to catch some of the earlier bands. For a few hours, you’d sat on the blanket with Ryan, nestled between his legs, his arms wrapped around you as you listened to the people onstage. It was a gorgeous early summer day, the sun was perfectly warm - and you were content, happy to be there with Ryan, to get to experience him playing for such a large crowd. He’d left you at 7, hugging you tightly and walking off confidently, guitar case over his shoulder and you’d followed him with your eyes until he disappeared into the crowd. At 7:35, you got a text from him, smiling as you read the few words on the screen. Five songs. Done at 8:15. You responded back, equally as brief. Knock ‘em dead, Ry. Once that was sent, you busied yourself setting up your camera on the tripod, careful to keep it low enough that it wouldn’t block anyone’s view. To your knowledge, Ryan had never played for a crowd so large, and you wanted him to be able to look back at the performance whenever he wanted.

Settling back down onto the blanket and drawing your knees up to your chest, you waited until he took the stage - dressed simply in a pair of dark jeans and a white t-shirt, followed by Georgie, Jack and Matthew - to press the record button. They took a few moments to adjust their instruments, and then you watched as Ryan looked over, nodding at the others and then leaned forward, clearing his throat as he spoke into the microphone. “My name’s Ryan, and these are my friends.” He paused, eyes looking out over the crowd and a huge smile on his face. He turned his head, easily finding you and you watched as he sat up straighter, the hand that wasn’t resting atop the body of your guitar gripping the microphone. “We’re gonna play you some songs.” He licked his lips, letting go of the mic and closing his eyes before he leaned back in, strumming once. “Hope you like ‘em.”

---

#ryan brenner x reader #ryan brenner #ryan brenner x reader imagine #ryan brenner x reader story #ryan brenner x you #ryan brenner x reader fanfic #ben barnes character imagine #ben barnes character #ryan brenner imagine #ryan brenner x reader fic #ryan brenner x you imagine #neon lights #neon lights sequel #just a place

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ladyshandioftheendless · 5 years ago

Text

StarChild Assassin: The Final Part

So..it’s come to an end at last.. Thank you all for taking this ride with me~ I appreciate all of your encouragement and your love for the crazy stuff I’ve written~ You guys rock!

~Shandi

While settling into their new jobs, Peter encounters a familiar face from his past, while Eric gives Paul a wonderful surprise.

LIPS LIKE POISON Part 20

Out of all the possible places for them to end up, Peter never dreamed getting away from his former turbulent life was what it would take to finally bring him to Vegas. It was everything he’d always hoped it would be. Big. Flashy. Loud. His holy land. It still amazed him that Eric remembered. The two-floor townhouse they lived in was only a few miles away from the bright lights of the Strip (Mostly to make the commute to work easier. Gene had a head for practicality after all). He found himself looking out the window every night with an excitement he hadn’t felt in a long time. Tomorrow he and Eric would be starting their new jobs.

One floor below Eric and Paul were settling into bed. Eric was still wearing a huge smile as he cuddled his boyfriend. “Did you see the look on Peter’s face? I hadn’t seen him look like that in years. It was just like the good old days~” Paul lazily stroked his boyfriend’s hair. “It makes me happy to see you happy, baby~ You excited to be playing again?” Eric sighed happily. “I can’t tell you how happy I am~ I’m not just playing alone, I’m playing with Peter! I…I think I’m gonna cry..”

“Awww, baby you are crying~”

“I’m emotional! Hold me!”

Paul laughed and held his boyfriend close, kissing his cheek and his lips. “Don’t lose it completely before you even start..I haven’t had a chance to watch you and yell ‘that’s my baby’~” Turning off the lights he stroked Eric’s chin to calm him, drifting off to sleep to the gentle sounds of his purrs.

In the morning Eric sat in front of the vanity mirror while Paul brushed and pinned up his hair. “I dunno how I feel about wearing a wig..” Paul huffed. “I will not have you doing terrible things to your gorgeous golden mane, baby. Besides..you can just think of it as part of your costume~”

“Well..yeah I guess that works for me~”

“I hoped you’d say that~” Paul took out the wig from its box and placed it on Eric’s head, adjusting it until it fit just right. “That feel okay? Not too tight?” Eric studied his reflection. He never thought shorter black hair would fit him so well. “It feels just fine, babe. Thanks~” Paul took a few steps back to admire his boyfriend from afar. “Nobody will ever be able to tell that’s not your real hair. I am good~” Eric grinned, grabbing his boyfriend’s waist and pulling him closer for a kiss. “You’re better than good, babe..you’re incredible~” He glanced up at the clock. “Oh shit we’re gonna be late if we don’t leave right now! Sorry to kiss and run! Seeya tonight!” He grabbed his keys, giving Paul one last kiss before rushing out the door…and nearly running into Peter. “‘Bout time y’got the lead out your ass! We gotta go!”

“I know..my fault..”

“Have a good day, you two~”

Peter’s eyes went wide as they turned onto the Strip. “Holy shit…everything is so much bigger than I imagined as a kid. There’s a wild energy in this place that you can feel as soon as you enter. I’m here. I’m workin’ here. If this is a dream I don’t ever wanna wake up.” Eric smiled. “Even if it is a dream I’m glad we’re sharing it~”

“Me too, Little Cat~”

‘Little Cat’. Hearing that nickname no longer hurt. And hearing Peter say it now gave Eric the most joy he’d felt since he met Paul. As they pulled into the hotel’s garage Peter caught sight of a very familiar statue. “W-what is this..? Where are we..?” Eric couldn’t keep himself from smiling any longer. “This is where we’re working now! The New York, New York! Thought I’d keep it a secret as a surprise~ You like?” Peter could only nod his head in stunned silence. “It’s like..being home away from home. You had this all planned out from the beginning didn’t ya?”

“Guilty as charged~”

“Bet your ass I got some words. But later cause we gotta get in there!”

After finally finding a parking space they booked it into the hotel in search of the Event Coordinator. A half an hour of getting totally lost later they managed to find her. “Excuse us!!” Eric yelled, completely out of breath. “Really sorry..ahh..we’re uh…Eric Mensinger and George Criscuola..we..applied for the stage show positions..?” The Coordinator huffed and them with her hands on her hips. “It’s about time you got here..I was about to mark you down as no-shows! Dressing rooms are this way! You got 15 minutes to get ready! Rehearsal’s in 20 and don’t worry about the makeup we’ll figure that out later!” Eric and Peter glanced at each other. So much for a no-pressure job. Once they were shown to their room they got to work picking out costumes. “Oh I like these~” Eric said, taking two that he favored off the rack. Here ya go..Panther~” Peter looked his costume over with amusement. “Panther eh? And what are you gonna be?” Eric grinned, holding up his shredded and spotted costume. “I’m Jaguar~”

“The Untamed Cats are loose again~”

Rehearsals went better than they expected. They were even applauded for their skills with their drum sets. Peter felt re-energized and Eric was just plain overjoyed. He knew his mentor hadn’t lost it completely. With their jobs secured they went back to their dressing room to change and celebrate with a drink. A feeling nagged at Eric that something wasn’t right. “I..didn’t leave the door open..did you..?” Peter shook his head. “I’ll check it out.” He pushed the door open slowly. Whoever was inside had their back turned to him, but he’d recognize those curves from fifty feet away.

“It really is a small world isn’t it..?”

“Vinnie..”

“Even with a different hair color I recognized you.” Vinnie turned to him, his face an impassive mask. “I like to visit the other hotels to watch the rehearsals for their new shows. I couldn’t believe it was you. I had to see for myself.” Peter nodded the all-clear to Eric and closed the door. They needed some time alone. “I’d ask how you got back here but I think I already know the answer. Are you..stayin’ here too?” Vinnie nodded. “I work at the Luxor. Quite a ways from here but something compelled me to come.”

“God knows why after all the shit I did to ya.”

“If you actually believe that what you did was wrong, you’ve already taken the first steps to changing.” Vinnie took a few steps closer. “For a long time I believed you were perfect. That your abuse was love. When you hurt me..I thought I deserved it. I was convinced I couldn’t do better. It takes an even longer time to see reality for what it truly is after your blinders are taken off.” Peter sighed deeply. “Can’t disagree there..”

“I never thought I’d hear you say those words. You really have changed~”

Peter sat in his chair at stared at himself in the mirror. “For a long time I kept tellin’ myself there was worth to what I did. I was takin’ my revenge out on the world for the shit I’d done to myself. I used people. I killed em. I stole. I cheated. And I didn’t give a damn about the consequences cause I thought I couldn’t be touched.” He pointed to the door. “That kid out there..he was the only one who saw through it all. He chased after me..he begged me to let him help me..even though I’d been tryin’ to kill him. If that’s not a fuckin’ wake up call I dunno what is.” Vinnie sat in the chair beside him. “Call me crazy but..in some strange way..maybe we were meant to meet again like this. Just to..show each other how much we’ve grown..” He reached out to touch Peter’s hair. “I want to try again with you. Even after everything…I thought my feelings for you would disappear..but seeing you again now just brought them all rushing back like a tidal wave. Let’s…let’s give ourselves a chance to love each other the right way..” At that moment Peter couldn’t find the words to reply. He just pulled Vinnie into a tight embrace. “You’re a fuckin’ jewel, Baby Doll and you deserve to be treated like one. If you really think I’m worth it then all I can give you is my word that I won’t fuck it up this time.” Vinnie nuzzled his neck. “Come see me at the Luxor tonight~ Room 1135.” When the door opened again Eric jerked his head up. Seeing Vinnie nod to him and leave he went inside. “Peter? Everything okay?” Peter was quiet for a while before he answered. “Hm? Oh yeah, fine. Just had to repair some bridges. Let’s get out of this stuff and get outta here huh? I wanna go home and freshen up for later.” Eric smirked. “Ohhhhh I see~” Peter sighed, already picturing the relentless teasing he’d have to put up with on the drive back home.

“Welcome home boys~!” Paul hugged them as soon as they walked in the door. “I hope you’re both hungry cause I ordered pizza!” Eric smiled and pulled his boyfriend close for a kiss. “Mm..you’re so thoughtful, babe. I’m starving~ Peter however..he’s got a date~” Paul’s eyes lit up. “You don’t say~?” They heard Peter stomp up the stairs in a huff. “Dammit Eric don’t make me smack your Little Cat ass!!” After hearing the door slam they burst into laughter. Kicking their own door closed, Eric ripped off his wig and tossed it onto the couch. “Ugggggh freedom!! I dunno how people can wear these things all the time..especially if they still have hair! They make your head sweat..and itch!” Paul helped him pull out the ridiculous amount of hairpins he’d used earlier that morning. “Poor baby~ Why don’t we eat..and then we can take a niiiice cool shower~?” Eric nodded eagerly. “Ohhhh babe that sounds goooood~ Let’s get into that pizza then cause I want in that shower like..hours ago.” While they had dinner Peter let himself in, dressed in a crisp white button up shirt with pinstriped slacks and vest, complete with his favorite black leather shoes. Paul had to do a double take. “Ohhhh my, baby..I didn’t know your Big Cat cleaned up so nicely~ Maybe I should have him take me out sometime~” Peter chuckled. “Sure why not? With you an’ Vinnie on my arms lookin’ pretty I’d be the envy of Vegas~” Paul choked on his drink. “Did you say Vinnie?!”

“Yeah I did. Met up with him earlier. I’m goin’ over to the Luxor to see him. Borrowin’ the car. Don’t wait up for me, kids~” He picked up the keys and was gone without another word. Paul was still in shock. “H-he didn’t just say Vinnie..did he..?”

“Yep. He did.”

“So it’s true?”

“Yep. Saw him myself.”

“Well, what are the odds..?”

“Astronomical..but here we are.”

“Oh this’ll be fun to tease him about~”

“I get to do it first~”

“No fair! You got to do it while you drove back here!”

Eric shot his boyfriend a suggestive look. “I’ll wrestle you for it~” Paul laughed. “You’re more than welcome to pin me to the floor..but..shower first~” He got up from his chair and grabbed his boyfriend’s arm, leading him to the bathroom. “Lemme take care of you, Pussy-Cat..I’ll even wash your hair~” Eric was already half way undressed. “Can’t say no to an offer like that~” Once the shower was ready Eric stepped in, closed his eyes and let himself relax. The cool water felt amazing. His boyfriend’s gentle hands just made the experience even better. He purred like a contented house cat while his hair was being washed which amused Paul to no end. “I hope I can get you purring like that in bed tonight~” Eric reached back to stroke his boyfriend’s thigh. “You keep using your hands like that and it’s all but guaranteed~” He groaned as his boyfriend grasped his cock and nibbled at his ear. “Why don’t we get a head start right now~?”

“Fuck yes…make me really purr, babe~”

They ended up staying in the shower for much longer than they intended.

Eric and Peter fell into their routine pretty easily. They rehearsed daily until the show was to open two months later. The morning of opening night Paul helped Eric apply his makeup and wig. “I saw a commercial for the show earlier~” Paul said as he painted on Eric’s ‘whiskers’. “’Come experience the Music of the Wild! Only at the New York, New York Hotel & Casino, the biggest urban jungle on the Strip!’ I can’t wait to see you tonight, baby..I’m so proud of you~” Eric’s blush was well hidden by his white facepaint. “Thanks, babe~ I’m so damn nervous but I’m excited too! Looking over at Peter always helps me calm down though, you know? I think as long as I do that I’ll be alright~” Paul kissed the top of his head. “You’re both gonna go up on stage and you’re gonna rock that show. I just know it. And I’ll be right there cheering you on~” There was a knock at the bathroom door. “Just me, Little Cat!” Peter said. “I’m ready to go whenever you are!” Eric exhaled, looking himself over in the mirror one last time. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, I guess. Almost done! Be right out! Babe, since Peter’s got his own car now I’m gonna drive over with him so you can take our car to the show tonight. Don’t forget to get there early~” Paul took both of his boyfriend’s hands and squeezed them tightly. “I won’t, promise~ Go out there and kill ‘em, Jaguar~”

Driving over to the Strip was nothing short of chaotic, but by some miracle Paul managed it. After parking in the garage he raced into the hotel. While standing in line he reached into his jacket to find his ticket. Feeling someone tap his shoulder he turned, coming face to face with Vinnie. “You!”

“Yes. Me.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Why do you think I’m here?”

“My guess is to see Peter.”

“Your guess is correct~”

Paul sighed and let his shoulders relax. “Of course you are. Sorry..sometimes I forget we’re not still in real New York. This place..brings back a lot of memories..” Vinnie nodded slowly. “It certainly does. Fortunately for us, our pasts were left back in real New York. I’m willing to forgive and forget if you are.” Paul took Vinnie’s hand and shook it. “We’ve come too far to let whatever happened fuck anything up now. It’s forgotten~” They handed over their tickets and went inside. The interior was beautiful and elaborately decorated to look like a jungle. Paul looked around in awe. “Wow..they really do go very big here don’t they?” Vinnie chuckled. “Well..it is Vegas~” While looking for their seats in the front row they discovered they sat only a small distance away from each other. Paul raised a curious eyebrow. “I’d say this was a coincidence but I don’t buy that for a second. Do you?” Vinnie shook his head. “No way in hell~” They both laughed quietly as the theater went dark.

The show was quite the spectacle. The dancers were beautifully painted to look like various jungle animals. The band was lined across the back of the stage with Eric and Peter’s drum sets on opposite ends. As the crowd applauded and cheered for them Paul struggled to fight back his tears. They were both incredible. And together they were magic. In the middle of the second act some of the dancers leapt from the stage prowled through the aisles, looking for people to take with them. Paul was completely caught off guard when one of the zebras took his hands and lifted him out of his seat. Before he knew it he was on the stage with a few other bewildered people, not knowing what they should do. He was so distracted by the other dancers he didn’t notice Eric climb down from his drum set and approach him. Only when his hand was taken did he stop looking around frantically and realize his boyfriend was there. “Oh my god, Eric what’s going on?!” he shouted, not even sure if he could be heard over the loud music. Eric just smiled and got down on one knee in front of him.

HE WASN’T!!

Sure enough Eric took a small box out of one of the pouches on his costume and opened it, revealing a gorgeous silver ring lined with small diamonds. Paul was struck absolutely speechless. He covered his mouth with a shaky hand, using all of the self control he could possibly manage to nod his head. It all seemed like a hazy dream. Eric stood, taking the ring from its box and slipping it onto his finger. The crowd cheered loudly. The dancers jumped around the stage in celebration. Paul saw none of it. All he saw was the man he was now engaged to. As they kissed the crowd went wild.

To everyone else this was just Vegas.

To Paul it was the most wonderful day of his entire life.

~END~

#Shandi's drabbles #KISS AU writings #the StarChild Assassin #LAST CHAPTER I'M CRYING #Eric and Paul are adorable bfs~#Peter gets some closure #haha I said I wasn't gonna give this a happy sappy ending~#OOPS #ANOTHER SUPER LONG ONE ENJOY

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boogiewrites · 6 years ago

Text

Choking On Sapphires 69

Title & Song: The Boy I Love

Characters: Alfie Solomons x Genevieve (OFC)

Word Count: 5000+

Summary: Gen takes a job with Tommy and Alfie, as always, sticks his nose into it. Coming to an agreement to put the bad blood between them to bed, Tommy gives Alfie and Gen a more official sort of job to do together.

Warnings/Tags: Language. Canon-typical violence.

**Chapter song is The Boy I Love Is Up In The Gallery (very old song, don’t know the origin. It’s on Spotify.**

Click on my icon then go to my Mobile Masterlist in my bio for my other works and chapters. (Had to do this since Tumblr killed links, sorry.)

You give curt nods to the boys in the bakery, your feet moving fast towards Alfie's office.

"Does he have a spare moment Ollie?" you ask sweetly, a smile that's always relieved at your presence comes over the tall boys face.

"He does, go on in." he gives you a nod, going back to taking his pen to the papers.

You give a knock and open the door. "I'm looking for Mr. Solomons but you're far too handsome to be him." you giggle and shut the door behind you. "You've had your spring trim early, darling." you chirp, moving to him as he stands, his beard trimmed and tamed, his hair shorter on the sides, no longer the messy and unruly nest it had been.

"Gotta keep up wif you now don't I?" he says, leaning down to kiss you as you hold his cheeks.

"I do love you looking much like a beast but this version is unfairly handsome as well. Before I wanted to eat myself silly and hibernate with you and now I want you to take me out to a nice dinner and then make me be unladylike behind closed doors." you give him a giggle, your tongue peeking out from between your teeth.

"I can do both, love." he laughs as you scratch his face gently. "What do I owe the pleasure, pet?" he asks, his arms moving to wrap around your waist.

"I was on the way out of town. Wanted to see you before I left."

"Where ya goin'?" his brow lowers and he gives you an accusatory look.

"I have a job tonight, remember?"

"Ah. Yes." he nods slowly.

"Well at least I know you won't have me followed since you forgot." you laugh.

"Can't very well send me men after you if you don't tell me where ya goin'."

"Well it's a job, sweetheart, you know I don't tell you my paid work. Business confidentiality and all." you give him a shrug and kiss to his grumpy face. "I'll be home in the early morning I believe. So you can come over for afternoon tea and we'll spend some time together, yes?" you tilt your head up at him, trying to butter him up. Your hands run up and down his chest as you coo sweetly at him.

"I suppose I could come see ya. Workin' on Shabbat though." he tsks and grins.

"We've both done far worse." you wrinkle your nose affectionately at him. "I think I can be excused as it's money to put away for the wedding." you say with a bashful smile.

"Ya savin' up are ya?"

"I am." you nod. "I've been taking some extra jobs to give us a good nest egg to start with."

"I thought I was supposed to be the one supportin' you."

"We are untraditional and modern in our approach, Alfie. If I work hard, it'll only make us richer. You aren't expecting me to stay home and do nothing but wait to have babies are you?"

"'Course not, don't be daft, love. You'd never go for that. No matter if I wanted it or not." he grins and leans down to kiss you.

"Is that what you want?" you ask with a surprised tone in your voice.

"Not realistically no. But let an old man have his fantasies, eh?" he chuckles and kisses your cheek.

"I can play a good little wife and mum for you. Don't have to worry about that." you nuzzle into him. "I couldn't go about my regular criminal work while pregnant anyway, could I? So perhaps you'll get to live your fantasy for a bit, hmmm?"

"Comin' home to you in such a state is somefin I've given more thought to as of late." he speaks softly against your skin.

"Is it now?"

"Been puttin' together plans for an engagement, a wedding, gets a man thinkin' 'bout what might come after ya know."

"I do adore it when you speak of a future together." you hum contently. "And as much as I'd like to sit and fantasize with you I must be off, darling. Perhaps we'll indulge in it tomorrow night?" you say cheerfully, hands back to his face to swipe your thumbs across his cheeks.

"Gimmie a proper kiss before you leave now, pet." he playfully pouts and you laugh into the kiss you share before he pulls you close and runs his fingers through your hair.

"With kisses like that I may very well want to stay home and have you try to put a baby in me." you laugh and he gives you a charming grin. "I love you, darling. No need to worry, won't be in any danger tonight. So rest well and say hello to the pup for me. I'll see you both again soon."

"Not soon enough." he gives your bum a good squeeze and taps his finger to the tip of you nose. "Love you Genny Bee, you be safe, yeah? Don't take any shite from anyone."

"Do I ever?" you say with a confused tilt of your head before blowing him a kiss and giving him a wink before leaving.

Alfie sits back at his desk, putting his glasses back to his nose. "Give you lads enough time to find out where she's goin'?" he asks gruffly as Ollie walks into the room.

"You did." Ollie nods.

"Talk about marriage and babies with her and she'll titter on. Almost feel guilty for it. Too easy." he grins.

"Well, you do plan to-?" Ollie asks with concern.

"OF COURSE I FUCKIN' DO!" he shouts. "Don't be so bloody thick, lad. Not that it's any of your concern." he shakes his head, face looking disappointed. "So where's she goin'?" his voice returns to normal.

"A job in Birmingham, sir." Ollie informs him. Having one of the boys talk to your driver to find out where you were headed. He wouldn't have you followed without prior knowledge now, but he wasn't going to be left in the dark about where you were going.

"Fuckin' Birmingham?" he says with a snarled lip, looking over to the other man.

"Yes. A Shelby job apparently. She's off to the Garrison." he informs.

"Fuckin' Shelby's." he grumbles. "Don't trust 'em, mate. Don't fuckin' trust that Tommy." he shakes his head and rubs between his eyes.

"Should I ready the car for a trip to Birmingham sir?" Ollie says knowingly, hiding a smirk.

"Yeah. I ain't leavin' her in Tommy's hands. Don't care if he's a fuckin' member of Parliment now or not. Don't trust the lyin' gypsy. Give her time to get outta the city. Let me finish 'is and we'll go." he waves him away and returns to the contract he was looking over.

----------- Tommy had given you a call to do a quick kill in his hometown for him. He was a member of Parliment now and didn't want to get his hands dirty personally, even though he had personal qualms with the man. The man, as was all the men he asked you to kill for him, was known to hurt women. You perkily accepted, feeling like it'd been too long since you'd gotten to take down an abuser.

"Hello, darling." you say as you lean in to kiss his cheek before sliding to stand next to him in the back room of the Garrison. "Did the wife and baby get the gifts I sent?" you inquire when he gives you his signature subtle smile, the best you would get from Tommy.

"They did. Lizzie sends her thanks." he gives a slow nod looking out across the bar.

"So is this gentleman here?" you ask quietly, your hands clasped in front of you.

"He will be shortly. I knew some people who wanted to see you before you had to work and leave."

"Oh, who's that?"

He turns and gives you a smirk before turning his face back towards the door. "They'll be here in just a moment. If they are in fact on time." he gives a quick look to his watch. "It is nice to see you though, Gen." he gives a calm nod your way.

"I'm happy to see you as well. You look well." you motion to his pressed new suit. "Work and the new family suiting you it seems." you give him a sweet smile. You wanted to let him know you would never hold it against him for moving on from Grace. You would support Lizzie and Ruby just the same as you did him and Charlie while they were solo. You were happy Charlie got a little sister to care for, the boy was rather sweet and she should have a constant playmate.

"It's going just fine, Gen. I could ask the same of you." another smirk comes across his face.

"So you have heard then?" you say with a smirk that suggests the same.

"Everyone has."

"And anything you'd like to say now so I can work out my anger for your snide remarks later in the evening?" you joke.

"No." he presses his lips together, his face still calm and collected.

"That's all? No?" you put one of your hands on your hip. "I pair off with one of the big scary London boys and that's all I get?" you chuckle.

"I did know it was bound to happen. You two living together and all that." his words are smooth and omniscient. "I did help you secure his trust if you recall."

"I do and thank you for that. It's helped ease my mind tremendously."

"You do look happy though." he finally shifts his eyes to meet yours, a more sincere look shared.

"I am happy."

"And that's all that matters, eh?" he quirks a brow.

"You know that is entirely not the truth."

He hums in amusement. "Good to see you still have your wits about you."

"I may love the stubborn beast but I am still very much aware of who I am as an individual and my place as a woman in this life we lead, Tommy."

"Reassuring, that." he gives you another nod. "So it's love now is it?" another smirk.

"Yes. We're in love." you say in a defensive but playful way. "No one was more surprised than I was about it." you huff out a laugh.

"And what of marriage?"

"We've discussed it and I'm waiting on him to ask formally. Seems I've rubbed off on him, says he wants to do it properly in a fashion I would approve of."

"Knows to keep his woman happy." he nods. "Perhaps there's hope for him yet." he grins and you see him raise his glass to someone across the room.

Before you're lifted in the air, triggering a squeal from you as you hear the deep throaty voice of Arthur making a happy roar as he squeezed you.

"GENNY! LOVE! I THOUGHT I'S NEVER TO SEE YA AGAIN!" he says sitting you down and moving you in for a proper hug.

"Hello my darling peach." you coo, patting his face and giving him a kiss to the cheek. "I didn't know you would be here!"

"We all try 'n come to the Garrison from time to time since Tommy's a big man now 'n all. Keep up appearances he says." he gives a nod as you straighten his jacket back.

"And you," you say with a big grin. "Did you get the gifts I sent for Esme and the new baby?" you ask as you wrap your arms around John's neck.

"We did, they send their thanks. As always." he says with a shake of his head. "Mrs. Solomons." he grins.

"I am not yet a Solomons. But it would seem I will in time. Don't jump the gun on that." you wag a finger at him and give him a scolding.

"I heard you two's been snuggled up like a couple 'a pups in his club. Snoggin' away and drinkin' wine. Who knew the old man had it in him to have a good time." Arthur laughs.

"Old man? You're the same age, Arthur." you snort out a laugh. "How would you like it if I started calling you old man?"

"I'd fuckin' agree!" he laughs.

"Well none of you look old in these new suits, I must say." you praise and they peacock a bit.

"Come with the new territory. Like fuckin' henchmen nowadays." John snorts and shoots a look to Tommy.

"So same as always?" you say with a sassy smile and they both grumble and smile at you.

"Heard you's here for work, sweetheart?" Arthur asks.

"I am."

"Anyfing I can help with?"

"No, this is a Shelby hands-off production I'm afraid. Just a little woman defending herself from a big drunk, handsy bloke." you say with a delicate delivery.

"Anyone that knows you knows 'ats a lie."

"Good thing I don't know anyone but you boys here then, hmmm?" you grin. --------

The man eventually shows and you sit and titter about and gossip with the boys, letting the man get good and drunk. Not only would it make fighting easier, but the more belligerent the man got the more your story would check out, and the higher the alcohol content in his system the faster he would bleed out. So it was win-win really. You got to catch up with your boys, getting to meet Michael who had been overseas and spend some time with Finn who hadn't been out on jobs as he'd been too young, but he seemed to be coming up nicely, despite the company he kept.

Once you had a moment alone with Tommy, you go out for some air, the smoke getting to you as you weren't accustomed to it, seeing as Alfie didn't allow his men to smoke in the bakery due to the explosive nature of the bread. You share a cigarette with Arthur, him making fun of your coughing but you wanted a boost before you offed this fellow.

"Do you recognize that car over there Arthur? Look but don't be obvious, please." you say taking a drag.

"They all bloody look alike anymore don't they?" he laughs, having a stretch and taking a look.

"Much smoother than I thought that was going to go." you snort.

"Oh fuck off, Genny I do have grace when I'm able."

"My apologies, dear." you grin.

"I don't recognize it. But the fellow has those little curls like your people dunnit he?"

"I noticed that as well." you say, passing the cigarette back to him. "Looks as if my misses might be in a spot of trouble with me if that's what I think it is." you say with an annoyed look on your face.

"Anyfing wrong? Need me to go run 'em off?"

"No, no." you shake your head. "Could be nothing. Don't know why any Jews would be here though. We don't own anything in this area. Smells like pig all the time too." you laugh. "We'll wait it out. I've got a job to do." you say with a pat to his cheek and moving back inside the Garrison.

"Tommy." you call out calmly. "I might have visitors."

"Eh?" he says turning to face you.

"There is a car that is vaguely familiar and I see a Jewish gentleman in it outside. I do not recognize him but just in case they hear a ruckus and come in to help me, you can have someone at the door to hold them off."

"Why are they hear and why would they come in?" he asks with a low brow.

"Alfie has the tendency to have me followed so I don't get kidnapped or hurt."

"Smart man."

"I knew you'd say that. You two are alike in the most controlling, annoying sort of ways." you roll your eyes. "I'm assuming he found out I was here, although I didn't tell him as to avoid such a thing. But just in case..." you shrug. "I wanted to let you know. Could be nothing though." you say reassuringly.

"I know no other reason but you that there would be any of your people up here."

"Those were my thoughts as well. But I'm being transparent with you."

"Yes." he nods. "And what if it's Solomons himself eh? Come to save you from the devious Shelby?" he smirks.

"Oh hell," you grumble. "If it is perhaps I'll need you to do a bit of lying for me. An act of solidarity between us to ease his stubborn arse and suspicions?"

"How many bullets are in that gun of guilt of yours Genny?" he gives you a subtle smile.

"As many as it takes." you return the expression.

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

It was entirely easy for you to have the man come onto you. You removed your fur coat and let your red dress flash and catch his attention. The man was large and had drawn attention as you slapped away his big greasy paws as they tried to touch you. It went all as usual with these types, telling him to stop or you would defend yourself. Some crude comment on your appearance, wishing you would come at him. You warn him again, telling him he will not like what you will do to him. He ignores your words. You shout out that you are going to act in self-defense if he does not cease, and a handful of men around the pub look your way. Mostly drunk and slowly comprehending what was happening, not moving as their glazed eyes got distracted by your brightly colored appearance.

"Have it your way." you say, reaching back and grabbing a bottle, breaking it over his head, only to daze him. It would take a good bit of effort to finish off a man this big, but with his hands touching you and his crude words too near your face and too close to threats you let the knowledge of his previous harm to women fuel you and you take him down. Slashes about his face with the broken end of the bottle, before jabbing it into his neck and twisting, taking him down as you growl out declarations of vengeance for the women that couldn't fight back.

You stand, a splattering of blood across your face and you set the makeshift knife on the bar top where it's taken delicately by a barkeep who hands you a towel.

"Well then." you nod give a nod and take a deep breath, standing back up straight and looking out in the crowd of faces still in shock. "That's that." you say with a cheerful disposition and the crowd breaks out into messy applause. You laugh and see Arthur leading them on, clapping loudly.

"Show 'em no one fucks with ya Genny!" he hollers, and whoops, revving up the crowd.

"Fuckin' 'ave 'im lassie!" you hear loudly and take a little bow and curtsy that leads to whistles and you let out a charming laugh.

"Whayyyy!" men cheer as you sit perched on the bar, taking shots and getting high off attention and drunk off gin like the old days. It'd been so very long since you'd had this sort of male attention and you were feeling terribly nostalgic. The piano is playing and drinking songs are sung by the men, a glorious time was being had all around.

"Play the one I used to sing in the pubs with her!" you shout to Tommy. He knew exactly who and which you meant. A smile that reflects less sadness than it used to is shared between the two of you.

"The boy I love is up in the gallery." he says to the man at the piano, a nod as he sighs and takes a drink. He raises his glass to you and you do the same, handing it off to a random man close to you as you stand up on the bar top.

"I'm a young girl and I've just come over..." you begin with a big breath, eyes shut and singing loudly, feet walking across the bar with men looking up at you and you putting on a show. This moment of showmanship, lost so entirely in the attention of a crowd must've been why you didn't see Alfie walk in. The crowd doesn't pay him much mind, even though his wide hat and scowling, ready to be defensive face set him apart from everyone else.

He sees you and quirks a brow and huffs out a laugh. So much for you being in trouble, he thought. He could tell you were drunk, but you did have a lovely singing voice and he hadn't seen your face this certain kind of happy before. He sees Tommy from across the bar and gives a nod that they share, he then motions with his hand to you and Tommy shrugs, giving a smile.

As you spin to walk down the bartop facing the other way you open your eyes and see the boy you loved. "And amongst the boys I've got me a lover..." you say with a big bright smile that he has to work hard to not give back to you. He keeps a scolding face and you stay bright and cheery, walking over to the end of the bar closest to him and pointing and singing to him. He pretends to be annoyed, he wasn't used to this sort of behavior in you and even if you did look lovely and were being very doting he wasn't sure how to handle it. He was among men and had an image to keep up. But what sort of man would he be to ignore the affections of a woman like you? "The boy I love is looking now at me..." you bat your lashes and put your hand to your chest and laugh, making another walk back and forth, having to mind to stop singing due to his appearance. "The boy I love they call him a baker, but he is not a baker allow me to state." you give a big corny wink to him and you see Tommy hide a laugh into his glass as you change the words to the original to better suit him. You hear John and Arthur's laughs above the crowd, sat on a table in a booth that held an amused look Michael and Finn. "Alfie is a tradesman and he works in the borough..." you slide and spin, changing the name to his as he gives you his signature scowl, lip disappearing under his mustache. You continue the song, singing straight to Alfie who is giving you a side eye. "Now If I were a duchess and had lots of money, I'd give it to the boy that's gonna marry me." you tap the end of his nose and he swats your hand away as your nose wrinkles in a giddy and delighted expression. His scowl softening but lips still tight. "But I haven't got a penny so we live on love and kisses." you blow kisses his way and the man he's with is now chuckling and looking at his boss. You stand and sing dramatically the last lines, lifting your arms and belting it out, the men in the crowd now singing along. "I'm afraid the boy I love has come to break up the fun!" you say to the crowd who gives a playful and very drunken noise of disapproval.

"Come down ya mad, drunken little bird." Alfie gruffs, shaking his head and holding his hand out to you.

"Goodnight you lovely boys!" you say, moving to bow and slipping on some discarded liquor as you were about to step down. Alfie moves quickly and catches you, your wide eyes meeting his lovingly disapproving ones as the crowd shouts 'whhayyyyy!" in celebration again.

"My hero!" you giggle and wraps your arms around his neck, kissing his cheek and leaving lipstick on his face.

"Ridiculous." he grumbles, a small smile showing through as he carries you to the booth the Shelby's were sitting in.

Tommy holds back and watches Alfie with you, seeing him hide his adoration as you wiped the lips prints off his face with your bright and adoring eyes sparkling at him. He sees you truly did love him and he did you. He was touched for the briefest of moments. The music and singing in the bar not having been around since Grace, seeing you happy which was something his Grace had always wanted for you. He takes a deep breath before walking over to join you in the booth.

"Some fuckin' job 'is is, eh?" he says, holding your chin and examining the state of your eyes.

"She already did her part of the deal. I was letting the lass have her fun." Tommy says.

"I'm relieved she is not workin' as a showgirl for ya, yeah?" he says with pursed lips in his usual gruff delivery.

"You followed me up here you naughty boy!" you say patting his cheek.

"I did. Because 'a you doin' somefin fuckin' mad like 'is, love." he says obviously sighing and putting his arm around you as you snuggled up to him. "And because frankly, I don't know if I trust you, mate." he wags a finger at Tommy.

"Darling, you can."

"Can I? After what he tried to do to you?" he says looking down at your pouting face.

"Perhaps its time we came clean, Gen." Tommy says, looking over to you.

"Perhaps." you say sitting back up straight.

"What the fuck is 'is?" he grunts, his brow lowering and mouth frowning.

"I have known Gen longer than you, yeah? I feel protective over her in a way, as it is what Grace would've wanted," he says quietly, Alfie's face turns slightly confused at the mention of Tommy's deceased ex-wife. "I told her not to trust you," he states clearly. "For reasons, I'm sure you understand." he snarks.

"Yeah, and?" he gruffs out.

"So I suggested a plan to test your loyalty to her."

Alfie blinks. "Ya fuckin' wot?"

"I knew what your weakness would be if you were not to be trusted. So I played off of that and Gen agreed to it."

"I had to know if I could trust you, darling. Women don't get second chances in this line of work." you say, your eyes large and full of apologies.

He sighs and grits his teeth, looking back over to Tommy. "I told her I'd test you for her. As a means to make it up to her for losing the egg."

"He owed me." you say with a smirk to Tommy.

"I did. And I knew she was starting to like you, eh? I didn't want her getting hurt. In either business or a personal sense."

"Grace would've come back to haunt him if he let me get hurt I'm certain of it." you smile and sigh, fondly remembering her worry for your choices in lifestyle, particularly after she married Tommy.

"I'm not entirely sure you're wrong." he says with a nod before returning his eyes to Alfie.

"You 'n your gypsy nonsense." Alfie grumbles and you poke his side hard.

"I know you've held it against me. But I have some business that I'd like both of you to be involved with and I'd like to be able to put this misunderstanding behind us. As long as Gen is with you, I will be an ally to you, Alfie."

"And what if we aren't together?" he lifts his chin and narrows his eyes.

"Then we can go back to fucking each other over can't we?" he smiles with his eyes in response behind his gold-framed glasses.

Alfie grunts, his eyes narrowed in consideration, staring at Tommy who doesn't flinch until he turns his face to you. "You didn't trust me?" he asks, no hurt about it in his face.

"Would you have trusted you if you were me?" you ask with a tilt of your head and a press of your lips.

"Mmmph." he nods, continuing to stare at you.

"When I told you that night..." you lean in to whisper. "In the bathtub. I meant it. Because I knew I could. All that was true. I couldn't give myself over or open up to you fully until I knew the truth. Everyone was telling me not to trust you. And your track record is shit. Even you must admit that."

He nods and thumbs his nose.

"I have to protect myself as a woman and a business owner. As someone with a lot to lose. I couldn't have some man come in and make a fool of me. I'd never forgive myself. And I trust you now." you put your hand on his stomach and give him a look that you know to soften him. "I couldn't let a man take away all the rewards my hard work have given me. And you are not known for your loyalty, Alfie."

"I hear your reasons." he gruffs out, eyes moving across the table, showing uncertainty. "I'm not thrilled with your means of action but..." he shrugs and returns his face to yours. "We aren't alotted room for error. Especially not a woman." he agrees, lips tight.

"And I trust you now. I hope you trust me as well."

"I know." he answers simply. "Wouldn't be with you if I didn't, yeah?" he raises his brows obviously. "You innit the only one with somefin to lose."

"That's why trust is so important." you say sweetly.

"And it was your doin'?" he turns to Tommy, his arched brow high and intimidation set face back.

"Yes." he nods once and keeps a straight face. "In the spirit of trust, I have some information I'd like to share with you both. If you're willing to hear it, Alfie."

"Alright." he picks at his beard. "I'm listenin'."

"Arthur." he motions his head to his brother who is standing by the archway to the room. He pulls the curtains to. "I can't tell you this in any official capacity. But I'm sure you've heard of the fascists trying to start their party and get footing here in Britain." he says with a quiet voice and serious face.

"Aye." Alfie nods, his voice cautious, you elect to nod in agreement.

"In Germany, as I'm sure you've heard, the Nazi party is gaining power and starting to reach out to like-minded individuals here. Teaming up with the fascists and trying to get power here under a different name, but the same sort of ideas."

"Aye." Alfie gruffs out, fully aware and as always full of thousands of years of rage for the mention of antisemitism.

"There is a man who is being a bit too public with his connections to Germany and the Nazi's for my, and many others in my positions liking. We cannot be linked to anything. As I'm sure you understand. But I thought you two, being who you were... might be interested in helping us out."

"Go on." Alfie groans.

"This man is trying to get in with Osley, and with the people already starting to make noise about him, we'd like to put an end to this so we only have to deal with Osley and not bring the Nazi's into it as well. We don't need Germany involved."

"I'd fuckin' say not." Alfie muses and shifts his weight.

"So would you be interested in sending a very, very clear message to this man and his supporters here in Britain?"

"How clear of a message?" you give him a smile.

"Painfully clear."

"Deadly clear?" Alfie grins.

"Painfully, bloody, deadly, no room for misunderstanding clear." Tommy speaks slowly and clearly. "I can give you men to help. I can give you everything you'll need to do it, all the information as to what club he owns and can tell you when his supporters will be there. I will have to give you that information at another time, as our inside men can only work as fast as the information is given. But I thought it suited to give two Jewish forces first shot at it."

"They'll be comin' after the gypsy's too ya know." Alfie says, lowering his chin.

"I am aware of that Alfie." Tommy says, sitting back in his seat. "But I believe they have been more vocal about your people."

He nods.

"So?" Tommy asks

You and Alfie both look at each other. "Wanna kill some fuckin' Nazi's love?" he grins, knowing the answer.

You turn to Tommy with a wicked smile. "Consider them already dead."

@fangirlfreakingout @jaegeeeeer @cosettewinchester @lookuptheskyisfalling-blog @brianaisasongbird @cry5t4l-w4rri0r @iliveonchocolateandnetflix @jess2464 @hardygal69 @thegarrisonpublichouse @a-flock-of-angry-pigeons @pootle @negansdirtygirl22 @musingsby-night@wtf-is-wrong-with-this @shine-dont-shadow @inkinterrupted @vale0413 @lafayettes-baguettes-1 @sxlomons @aphnxrising @emerald-bijou @elaenom @give-jack-a-lightsaber @anrm1 @ultrablackwidower @tinastarkandco @arrowswithwifi @marvelgirl7 @they-are-not-just-stories @ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes

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totallyrhettro · 7 years ago

Text

Another Me, Chapter 16

Word Count: 2240 Rating: PG-13 Warnings: none Summary: This time, Rhett was really going to do it. He had tried maybe a thousand times over the past thirty-odd years to tell Link how he really felt, but this time he was finally going to actually succeed. At least, that was the plan, but when another version of the six-foot seven bearded internetainer appears out of nowhere during their weekend getaway, Rhett’s carefully laid plans are quickly pushed aside. Notes: AU, Present day, Rhett and Link aren’t married

Also available on ao3!

First Chapter Previous Chapter

Link and Nick spent much of the night talking about what had happened over the past few days, Link catching Nick up on the doings of their mutual friend and Nick telling him about the manhunt happening on this site. Link also told him of his plans to speak with his alternate self and was happy that Nick was fully on-board. They took the first plane out of England back to the US the next morning; there was no time to waste.

‘I can’t believe I’m doing this,’ Link thought to himself, over and over again. He grew less and less certain that this had been a good idea, but there was no going back now. He was committed and there was no way he wasn’t going to follow through.

On the plane Nick tried to keep Link's mind off whatever was clearly bothering him by asking about the other universe. Link did his best to talk about the three years that were different on his side, but every time he spoke about Rhett and their time together, he felt a growing lump in his throat.

‘This has gotta work,’ he reminded himself. ‘For Rhett’s sake.’

~ ~ ~

“We can’t just wait around for Link to come back,” Rhett was arguing. Ever since he saw his beloved friend vanish before his eyes, he couldn’t stop thinking about where he had ended up, if he was safe. It had been a foolish and rash choice to touch the stone instead of the other Rhett, and now there was no telling if he was going to ever make it back.

“There’s not much else we can do,” his copy countered. “Whatever gateway, or portal, or whatever carries us from one universe to the other, is closed for now. Chances are it’s not gonna open until tomorrow evening.”

“But what if Link didn’t go to your universe?” Rhett pushed, his fear spilling out into his voice. “What if he went to a different one, or ended up on another planet? Or-”

“There would still be nothing we could do about it.” The fact was cold and harsh, but undeniably true. They barely knew how this whole transfer even worked, there was no way they’d be able to use it to their advantage. Until 9:31 pm rolled around once more, or Link popped back into this universe on his own, the two Rhett’s couldn’t do anything but wait, and it was driving them both crazy.

“Goddammit, Link,” Rhett cursed, balling his fist in his hair. He hated the not knowing, the feeling of being absolutely powerless to help the man he loved. The man he was seriously furious with right now. “Why did you have to go and be an idiot?”

“Because he’s Link,” his alternate answered, receiving a sharp look for his comment. “You know what I mean,” he continued with a kind smile. “He’s Link. He does things without thinking. He’s rash and impulsive. But he’s also kind and smart. I’m sure he thought he was doing the right thing.”

“He’s not always right,” Rhett murmured, sitting back on the hotel bed. It was the only place the two Rhett could be alone together, and talk about this stuff, without fans listening in or finding them both together. “He’s clumsy and thick-headed. Stubborn and foolish.”

“And you love him,” the alternate reminded him. Rhett sighed, dropping his face into his hands.

“More than anything.” It was true and always would be. His heart couldn’t stop loving Link if he tried. “Why did he do this? What could he possibly be thinking?” His copy sat down beside him, and from this distance Rhett finally saw the bags under his eyes, the dried tears down his cheeks. He was as distraught as Rhett, but that made sense. They were both Rhett. They both loved Link, either Link. Rhett was Rhett and Link was Link and in any iteration, Rhett would love Link. There was no other way for the universe to unfold, it seemed.

“I don’t know,” the alternate admitted. “Nick has to still be in England. He must be racking his brain trying to figure out where I went. He probably called the police, he’d have to after all this time.”

“But what good would come out of Link going over there? What is there to find?” The questions seemed endless, and all of them without answers. Of course, one of the biggest questions Rhett had he left unsaid, but continued to think it all the same.

‘Why would he leave me?’

~ ~ ~

Link had been working for Belcon for a few years now and while he found it to be somewhat satisfying work, there were days when he dearly missed working back in California, if not because he missed Rhett but because he missed being able to use his more creative side. Those days, when he found himself daydreaming of filming Good Mythical Morning, or any of their other numerous projects, seemed to happen more and more often as time went on. Yet every time he thought about doing the one thing he felt might change his life back to what it was, calling Rhett, he found he was too scared to even pick up the phone. He couldn’t face him, not now, and every day he didn’t it got harder and harder to even try.

So he trudged along, burying himself in his work, hoping to shut out the pain of the past, the thoughts that plagued him in the early hours of the morning, and forget that he ever knew a man named Rhett. Link hoped that by forgetting Rhett he could soothe his soul, move on with what was left of his life. Most days he could convince himself that he had succeeded. Most days.

When he moved back to North Carolina, giving up his nearly decade-long YouTube career, his parents were nothing but supportive, though neither could truly understand. His mother was the most worried, trying to figure out who had broken her baby’s heart, but Link refused to say. How could he? How could he tell anyone that he had run away from a dream job, a dream life, because a man kissed him? No. He resolved to let them believe that he had just grown tired of the show, that he just wanted a simple life again. A simple, old-fashioned southern life. That’s what he tried to portray, at any rate.

He lost track of everyone from California -the crew, his friends out west- but it had been his choice. He knew that many of them would want him to patch things up with Rhett, to not give up on the show, to come back, but he wasn’t willing, ready, or able to do any of those things. He just wanted to shut out anything and anyone from that life, not to be cruel but to protect himself from having to deal with the turmoil he felt inside. He missed all of them, all of the work, the show, the people, all of it, but he couldn’t go back now. There was no going back. There was only his new life in Fuquay, and his desire to make it work, no matter how dull and mind-numbing it got.

In the evenings he would go home, have a plain supper of one cereal or another, then go right to bed. In sleep he could turn off all his thoughts for a few hours until the morning back once again. In dreams he could escape the reality of his existence and not worry about anything. Of course, sometimes even his dreams were against him, sending him visions of the man who had turned his life upside down, more than once. They reminded him of the life he had before and the mistakes that led to this new one. They reminded him of what he had lost, what he had inevitably given up.

Still he trudged on, day by day, week by week, year by year. He had dulled himself to the world and he had caged his heart from emotions, lest it shatter from their weight, and in the end the routine of going to work and little else was somewhat comforting. In the end he relied on routine, on the boring repetitive life he had built for himself and so, when one evening he pulled into his driveway and saw his friend Nick getting out of a car, he didn’t know what to do. He froze, hands clenched on the steering wheel, afraid of what other parts of his old life were soon to return.

Finally, knowing he couldn’t hide in his truck forever, he took a deep breath and stepped out, hoping he was ready to tell Nick that whatever his friend wanted, he wasn’t interested. It wasn’t going to be easy, but he had to, for his own sake.

“Hey, Link,” Nick greeted. His tone was soft and low, like one might use on someone that had lost a family member recently. “How, how are you?” He offered a hand and Link took it, politely but with little enthusiasm.

“Workin’,” he replied, honestly. Neither ‘fine’ or ‘okay’ seemed to fit, as he wasn’t either. Then he cut to the chase. “What are you doing here? You fly all the way across the country to ask me how I am?”

“Not exactly,” Nick shrugged, glancing at his car. Link followed his gaze; there was someone else in the car. Link’s heart stopped, his blood turned to ice. It couldn’t be.

‘Please, no,’ he prayed, while simultaneously praying ‘please, yes.’

“I have someone here who wants to talk to you,” Nick continued, looking more nervous by the second. “And I guarantee, it’s not who you think it is.”

“Nick,” Link managed, his throat threatening to close at any moment. “I don’t want to talk to anyone, right now.” Or ever, really. The passenger side car door opened and Link flinched. His heart began to race now. His mind, too; hundreds of guesses as to whom it might be flooding through like a torrent, and all of them washed aside by the one person he most wanted, the one person he most dreaded.

“Please, Link,” Nick pressed, as the other man got out, facing away from them both. “I think he’s the one person you need to listen to.” The stranger had dark hair, going grey, but Link didn’t recognize the hair cut. Then he turned around.

“Hey, Link,” the stranger greeted. “I’ve come a long walk to talk to ya.” Link didn’t know what to say; his jaw hung loose on his face. Nick almost wanted to laugh from the site of Link seeing another version of himself standing before him, but he understood the gravity of the situation. Besides, it had been an excruciatingly long flight and he was dearly looking forward to a real chair.

“Let’s go inside,” he suggested, motioning towards Link’s house. “It’s a bit of a long story.”

“Wha, but-” Link stumbled, trying to remember how to form words again. “Who? What? Who is that?” The stranger -the other Link- smiled in understanding. He felt strange, being the outsider in this universe. Now he was the alternate version between the two of them.

“I promise,” he began, gently. “I’ll explain everything. Mind if we come in and sit? You might want to sit, too,” he suggested, seeing his other self looking a bit weak in the knees. He definitely could have fainted at any moment from the shock of seeing someone who looked nearly identical to himself.

“But… who are you?” He didn’t have a twin, as far as he knew, and the voice was too similar to be a double. What other explanation could there be?

“It’s a long story but I… I’m Link.” The words didn’t settle, didn’t make sense. Link shook his head in disbelief.

“No. No, I’m Link. I’m Link Neal and you-”

“I’m also Link Neal,” the other Link insisted, trying to make his duplicate stop and listen. “I came here to talk to you about Rhett.” That stuck and the Link from this universe stared at him again.

“Rhett?” His heart stopped. “What about Rhett?”

Next Chapter

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#rhett #link #rhink #fic #fanfic #fanfiction #another me #who is the alternate now?

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agent-houdini · 7 years ago

Text

Drowned | pt. 1

in which i revisit this but... with lies and lessons.

here’s your major warning for drowning, and ptsd?? tbh because i am sorry, whiskey, but you’re gonna get broken.

part one of two.

Houdini was... a secret, to say the least.

A secret weapon, a secret lover --

Well, not that much of a secret. Not with the way Whiskey looked at her. Champ could read it a mile away.

It was why he had to address something... very seriously.

"Agent Houdini --" he started, that usual half-smile on his face as he leaned back in his chair.

Houdini had warmed up to Champagne in the last year, despite most of her instincts telling her that he'd leave at some point or another.

"I have something that.. may be of importance for you."

"Huh?" Her nose wrinkled. She wasn't sent off on fancy missions, nor requested for fieldwork. She quite liked her office views and training lessons for agents new and old, and her days of surveillance were usually rather relaxing.

"I need you to help us with the new recruits."

"Don't I already do that?" Houdini tilted her head, hands in her back pockets. Champ chuckled; she looked like she could be his daughter with the streaks of grey popping through her hair. Whiskey would about die if he heard his boss admit that.

"I did a little diggin' on ya, seems to me you used to be a lifeguard?"

She nodded; it was a job before things really turned sour in her life, before college and before... well...

"You need someone to watch the pool for their training? My cert's outta date but --"

"I know you didn't go through their training, but there's something we do a bit differently at Statesman. I'm surprised Whiskey hasn't told you about it yet, it's his favorite test for the large group," Champ explained, sitting up in his chair. "But we do a bit of teambuildin' with our large group. It's nice to shock them into workin' together."

"Explain, sir."

Champ chucked at the formality. "We do a bit of drownin'. Not real drowning, that would just be bad publicity. No one would ever want to join their ranks if someone died every time we went looking for new recruits. An' I understand that you used to do that sort of thing during your lifeguarding."

Houdini paled slightly; yes, she pretended to drown, but... "I was fully conscious the entire time."

"Don't sweat that part. We usually used one of our Seal friends, but seems to me they've been called away for their own work and can't help out. Ginger watches your vitals the entire time, you will never - and I mean, never - be in harm's way," he explained, elbows leaning against the desk. "I just know out of everyone in this entire organization, you're our best candidate."

She blinked for a moment; for once, Champ confirmed that she was good at what she did. Houdini nodded, chewing on her lip as Champ smiled softly.

"I don't mean to press you. But the timing falls just right; and don't you worry about Jack. I'll take care of him personally."

Houdini's paled face soon turned tomato-red; clearly, the secret was out. Champ had, in reality, known for months with the way Jack wouldn't shut up about their new 'find' and how she managed to drive herself into being better at just about everything.

"I -- uh --" she stammered, biting into her cheek.

"Don't you worry about a thing. If you're comfortable, go meet with Ginger down in the training center. She'll go over everything with you. I'll go make sure our Silver Pony gets taken out for a ride." Champ grinned, placing his hat back on his head.

Houdini nodded and scrambled out, her cheeks hot as she made her way towards the training center. Hopefully, Champ did mean he'd take care of things with Whiskey... if he found out she'd be drowning, well...

"Darlin'! There you are. I was lookin' for you, what --" Whiskey said, bending down to press a kiss to Houdini's lips after checking the hallway was clear.

"Champ said he needed you for something!" she said, pulling back.

"I know, that's why I'm headin' this way, but what's the rush?" His thumb stroked her cheek and she felt her heart hiccup in her chest.

"He said it was urgent you saw him, that's why. I don't know much, only that it may be a day or two," Houdini said, looking rather worried. She hated lying to Jack but.. it was for his own good. He panicked enough when she was going out for surveillance.

"What? It didn't sound so urgent to me..." he objected, thumb still stroking gentle circles into her cheek.

"You should go see what it's about, Jack. I gotta go check on that video file I asked Ginger for." Houdini hopped up and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek, her hand lingering against his forearm before skipping down the hallway.

Whatever Champ told Houdini wasn't sitting right with Whiskey.

In just under an hour, Houdini and Ginger had crafted an identity, a background, and even a file within the Statesman computer system as a potential trainee.

"This way, everyone else involved will know," Ginger said, and Houdini nodded in agreement. "Speaking of knowing. Did you want to be alerted when the water would be rising?"

"No. I want to have as much of a genuine reaction as possible. Me knowing would just make things seem suspicious if someone in there knows what to look for," Houdini said, shaking her head.

"You're giving these recruits way too much credit, but I know you'll be fine. We monitor trainee vitals anyway, so there won't be any reason to hide the tracker."

"Great! I'll go pack a bag --"

"No need, we provide everything for trainees. You just get to pick a color..." Ginger chuckled, "though I assume it'll be purple?"

"You know me so well."

"Listen, I'll be back sometime tomorrow night. Champ just wants me to fly out towards some area in Montana. Eastwood will keep you company tonight, okay?" Whiskey said, practically shouting over the sounds of the hangar.

"I've told you a thousand times. I'll be fine." Houdini retorted, putting her hands on her hips.

"Make sure you don't go too hard on those new recruits!" Whiskey added, chuckling.

"I don't see them for a few weeks, Jack. Be safe."

"See you soon."

With the chatter around them, the couple quickly shared a goodbye kiss hidden behind the wings of the Silver Pony.

Houdini prayed he'd be back after everything was said and done.

"Good evening, everyone. My name is Ginger Ale, and welcome to Statesman. You have been selected to be among the best in our nation, to serve and fight the unknown. This training will not be easy - for some of you, it may even mean death. Remember what got you here, your drive, and you will be successful. But know, only one of you can take the title of Agent Vodka..."

Ginger greeted the agents with a persona that felt right at home, her high-tech clipboard tucked under her arm. The expectations, as well as the procedures for failure, were also swiftly explained. Recruits of different backgrounds, ages and clearly from across the country relaxed as soon as Ginger left the room, moving to unpack their given belongings.

"Quite the techie they've got --"

"I think the term is Quartermaster?"

"Oh, so like Q! I knew this place was James Bonds-y when we got here..."

Houdini had to restrain herself with her reply; "I think what you're looking for is Mission Impossible."

"You think they've got masks? I'm sure they have to, I mean, it is --"

The few male agents discussing what agency Statesman was most like were cut off by Ginger's voice over the loudspeaker.

"Wake-up is at 0700 tomorrow. Be ready for anything!"

Houdini chuckled at how cheery Ginger sounded.

Morning came as quickly as the rest of the day had gone; Houdini wondered where Whiskey had flown off to and when he'd turn back around. Hopefully, it'd be another full day - late at night - when he would return. The recruits went off running as a warmup before heading to the firing range. In the back of her mind, she wondered when Ginger would trigger the button. While they were sleeping seemed to be the best case and really get them by surprise...

It wasn't until after lunch, when they were handed books and binders, did the other recruits quiet down. Tim, Jared, and David seemed to be unable to keep their mouths quiet about the theories and themselves. Amanda and Imani, two of the four female recruits, organized a small circle and welcomed Houdini into it, binders and books surrounding them.

"I think we should stick together. We all seem to have a good set of skills and good heads on our shoulders," Amanda smiled, glancing over at the group of three men.

"I think they're all former Marines. That's why they found themselves so easily," Imani commented, shaking her head.

"Well, let's get reading. I'd feel better getting a chunk of this work out of the way," Houdini smiled, opening her own copies as the other women agreed.

Whiskey, speeding along in the Silver Pony, noted some odd markings on his map along with some curious radio chatter. Something about 'Eden's Gate' continuously repeated, as if a warning. He quickly called it in before being given the command from headquarters to turn back; the phrase seemed questionable according to the few in the command station. It pinged a few searches with even more questionable material; Whiskey hummed to himself as a chill slipped down his spine.

"Good t'know, folks. Be sure to send Champ this info. Whiskey, out."

Ginger watched from the control room, tapping away at her clipboard. It was past dinner, and many of the agents were winding down in their beds. The day seemed to take a toll on them, meaning it was nearly time.

"Champagne, sir, we've got a message for you pertaining the work you sent Agent Whiskey out for?" One of the radio comms said, paging in from the control tower.

"Go ahead."

"We're clearing him for landing now. We tried to reach you earlier, but that Montana business is much messier than expected. Key phrase 'Eden's Gate' popped up over radio chatter multiple times. Seemed better to return than to engage in their airspace."

"Keep him away from the training center. That is an order."

"Ginger, we've got a situation --" Champ had paged in just as the water began to rise. Most recruits were asleep, some with their arms and legs hanging off the edge of the bed.

All vitals appeared on one of the larger screens, beeping away happily. It was important to monitor Houdini's, given her role in tonight's production. Ginger ignored Champ's page as she watched carefully, waiting for the water to safely and completely rise before responding.

The water had reached the bottom of the mattress as the speed doubled. No one had reacted yet, many still fast asleep.

The door to the control room swung open and Whiskey wandered in, helmet under his arm. "Well, seems to me I'm gettin' a good show tonight!"

Ginger slammed end on the pager and snapped around. "What are you doing back? You know you shouldn't be in here."

"Seems that our Montana problem is a bit bigger than expected. Works out better this way, now I can get a show before dinner! Where's Houdini? She should really see this for herself. Girl's lucky she never..." Whiskey dropped his helmet, staring at the screen where he saw Houdini's name and picture along with normal vitals.

"Ginger, what in the fuckin' hell is Houdini doing on this monitor?" His tone was harsh, sharp against the soft waves of the rising water.

"Whiskey, I told you, you can't be in here..." Ginger warned.

"Ginger, you best not be playing any fuckin' games with me." His heart was pounding, matching the rate of Houdini's on the screen as she jolted upright, water up to her neck.

"Whiskey, listen --" Ginger pleaded, trying to pull his attention away from the window and the screens. "Listen to me. Everything is fine, this is just routine and you know that --"

"Don't you fucking do this! Stop the water right now. She can't be in there, she --"

"Jack."

He was getting frantic, pressing his hands to the glass, looking for any signs of his girl.

The water was rising up faster, soon swallowing the room up. The recruits struggled, and many only looked out for themselves as they swam towards the mirror. Houdini felt her own panic rise as she took one last breath, head bobbing against the ceiling before the room was completely filled.

"Damn it! Give the controls to me, Ginger. I'm getting Laura out of there."

"No, you're not." The Quartermaster replied sternly, watching as Houdini was left on the other side of the room, her leg tangled in the sheets as she tried to swim away.

Her hair had fanned out around her, dark and inky as Jack watched in absolute horror, unable to stop anything from happening. Houdini's vitals slowed, a cue for Ginger to prepare the draining system. No one managed to break the mirror, which would have dropped them into a smaller holding room; surprising, given a few of the recruits and their skills.

Jack clenched his fists so hard, his knuckles turned white.

Not again.

He couldn't watch the one he loved fade away - but he couldn't turn from the window. His upper lip twitched and he nearly bit the inside of his cheek off as the water level slowly dropped, Houdini's body floating back down. Jack felt sick to his stomach, watching as the recruits realized she had been drowned, and knowing that they did nothing did not help their case as prospective agents. He would have rushed in and grabbed Laura if he knew Ginger wasn't waiting with the tranquilizer hidden in their watches... instead, he kicked the lone chair across the room, leaving a dent in the wall.

“Fuck!”

"You can meet her in the medical wing," was all Ginger said before leaving the room.

#writing #wh oops #i promise comfort is coming

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wandschrankheld · 7 years ago

Text

Lousy Weather, Clear Skies

Characters: APH Russia, APH America, APH Canada; Minor: APH Australia, APH Seychelles Relationships: Rus/US Wordcount: 3.2k Summary: During the preparations for a family get-together in a remote Alaskan cottage, Alfred and Ivan get surprised by a blizzard and lose contact with the outside world for a week.

My gift for @bella-voce1812 for the @rusame-secret-santa-2017! It’s fairly obvious which of your prompts I chose, but I hope I managed to create something you’ll like! I’m pretty satisfied with it myself - so here’s my gift to you, six pages of established relationship fluff.

There was a last „- and don’t eat all the ham-!“ before the line fizzled out and Alfred was left with silence.

„Dead“, he sighed and dropped his phone on the couch with a soft thud. „Telephone poles must’ve given out under the snow. Not that the reception here is anything to write home about in the first place...“, he muttered under his breath, frowning. „Mattie says they ain’t comin‘ through, not tonight, anyway. Set up camp in, uh, Eagle Village – y’know, the tiny lil‘ town we drove through on the way here?“

Ivan gave a low hum from the other side of the couch and flipped the page of his magazine.

„Everyone else wasn’t gonna be here before the day after tomorrow anyway, so“, another sigh, deeper this time, as he sank back into the leather cushions and the supposedly real fur throws, „looks like we’re stuck here. Alone.“

Ivan hummed again, neverminding Al’s dejected tone.

„Dude. Seroiusly?“

Ivan looked up, eyebrows raised in question.

„How can you be so calm?“

He chuckled, and placed his lecture on his lap. „It’s just snow, Alfred.“

Alfred did not appreciate that comment. His fingers found the hem of the throw he was leaning against and started combing through its strands, twiddling them between his index finger and thumb. „It’s a fuckton of snow, is what it is.“ He turned his head to the side and backwards to look out of one of the large, square windows lining the sides of his cottage, and groaned. „And it ain’t stopping! Are you seeing this shit? These flakes are as big as my head!“

Ivan, amused, tilted his head to the side to watch the snowflakes dance in a wild flurry. It was getting hard to see the landscape as their dance grew more and more rapid with each passing second. „Ah, but your head is very tiny, you see.“

“Haha”, Alfred pulled on the fur and played with the threads that would come loose before letting them go over the edge of the couch and watching them fall to the floor slowly. “Very funny, big guy. I’m serious. There could be a blizzard comin’, and you’re sitting around reading Teen Vogue!”

“I’m not reading Teen Vogue-“, Ivan protested, a smile still lingering on the corners of his mouth, and was cut off promptly by Alfred jumping off the couch. He started marching towards the opposite end of the room, where the kitchen was, then changed his mind and turned on his heels to dart off to the right. He went straight for his jacket, and before Ivan had the opportunity to ask him what he was doing, Alfred had thrown him his coat and scarf.

“C’mon, buddy. We gotta blizzard-proof the house while we still can.”

Ivan reluctantly arose from his comfortable spot on the sofa, and together they layered up before venturing outside. It took them the better part of two hours to carry firewood, gas canisters, LED lamps and the emergency generator upstairs, most of the time which was spend looking for things Alfred was sure he’d stocked the house with only for him to remember he had given them all away years ago, or to find them broken and untended to. After they were forced to leave the gutters rudimentarily cleaned due to the heavy snow obscuring their sight and the harsh winds biting at their skin, they double checked the locks of each window and door, and finally the insulation on the pipes.

By the end of it even Ivan was ready to admit that, just maybe, the ongoing snowfall would pose more than just an inconvenience.

They cooked up a feast to reward themselves for their hard work – “As long as the electricity’s still workin’, right?” – and ate it listening to the old radio that looked like a brick and had its weight too Alfred still had from the cold war era. They bickered over whether to listen to festive, kitschy Christmas music or ancient, soothing classical tunes, and had a heated game of rock-paper-scissors decide who could choose the channel for each course.

After their plates were clean and the radio started playing white noise rather than music, they strolled back to the living room sofa. They curled up on the sofa, Ivan with a book as thick as his hand was broad, Alfred with this quarter’s copy of the “Reviews of modern Physics”, and soon were entangled in a snug embrace. Ivan was lying on his back, his feet reaching over the armrest on the opposite end, his arms slung tight around his boyfriend – who, in turn, had his legs entwined with Ivan’s and his head resting on his chest, and was turned to the side. His hair was ticking Ivan’s nose, and Ivan’s elbow jabbed into Alfred’s sides every now and then, but it was warm and cozy, so neither minded all too much.

With Ivan’s hand softly petting his hair, and his cute cheeks and soft lips just within kissing distance, Alfred nearly forgot about the storm raging outside. He stopped fumbling with the edge of every new page, stopped pulling and folding until thin tears rendered the top of the page almost unreadable; he stopped fidgeting, and started to relax. Maybe this whole storm thing wasn’t even so bad. Maybe, having some alone time – even if it was forced on them – would do them some good.

Alfred pressed a soft kiss to Ivan’s lips, delighting at the surprised noise he produced.

Yeah, maybe this wasn’t gonna go bad at all.

That was day one.

On day two, the snow did not stop falling. It laid on the earth as a blanket so thick they couldn’t pry the front door open, and Alfred emptied a pot of coffee in less than two hours. Ivan, concerned, held his hand and cracked a joke about being used to it snowing harder than this in July. Alfred, feeling the caffeine, insisted on opening a window so he could run outside to grab more firewood. Ivan had to block the window with his body, and no amount of whining, pleading and prophesizing of their cold, frozen deaths would move him. He finally persuaded Alfred to channel his energies into something less likely to give him frostbite, and they danced to the trickle of music the radio played, danced whatever they could still remember the steps to – Charleston, Lindy Hopp, Polka, Sudarushka.

They ended in a waltz, Alfred’s hand on Ivan’s hip, Ivan’s hand on Alfred’s shoulder, and their joined hands clasped tightly, swaying to the beat. The radio had fizzled out, producing nothing more than static, so they hummed their own melody – one two three, one to three - and Ivan would chide Alfred ever so gently for growing too impatient and messing up the rhythm.

They danced until Alfred crashed from the caffeine, and Ivan let him sleep in his lap while he bravely ventured on through his book.

On day three, Alfred drew a mistletoe on a sheet of paper, and held it over every doorway Ivan attempted to pass through. It was cute at first, but got annoying fast, so Ivan retaliated by simply lifting Alfred up, turning around 180 degrees, and putting him down where he stood before walking through the door. Alfred found it hilarious, and demanded he kiss him anyway. Ivan obliged every time.

In the afternoon the snow stopped, and they cleaned as much of it off the roof as they could and scraped snow and ice from the gutter and the windows. Back inside, Ivan produced an old deck of cards from his luggage, and they spent the rest of the day playing Durak and Canasta, with brief instances in-between games of Alfred trying to teach Ivan Minnesota Whist, and Ivan doing the same with Bura. They kept going back to the familiar games, and ended up playing poker for pennies and kopecks until deep in the night. When the electricity finally gave out, they lit some candles and turned on the LED lamps they had brought up from the basement, and played until Ivan fell asleep with his cards still in his hands.

On day four, Alfred was bored. He had exhausted the batteries of both his phone and tablet listening to audiobooks and podcasts he had downloaded for the trip, and Alfred himself had insisted just hours before that they only use the emergency generator for essentials when Ivan had wanted to plug in his kindle. Books were boring, dancing was boring, cards were boring and Ivan – Ivan was boring too, for wanting to stay in bed and cuddle.

Alfred cleaned out the storage closet and wiped down every surface in the house. He dusted his shelves, and rearranged every book and DVD by color, and every item by the degree to which it made him smile. He re-arranged the furniture in living room and guest room each four separate times and still wasn’t happy with it, but before he could do it a fifth time, Ivan emerged from the bedroom and announced his body was demanding sustenance. They threw canned goods in a pot until it smelled good, and Alfred threw in diced ham – “To refine the taste” – and corn – “Just cause I like it”. Ivan burnt his tongue scarfing down the stew, and Alfred gladly kissed it better.

In the afternoon, Alfred remembered that he had an attic, and set out to explore. He brought down an old, dusty carton that reeked faintly of mold filled with VHS tapes spanning the genre gap from “7 years in Tibet” to “The Rescuers Down Under”. “This is a necessity”, he declared, and Ivan agreed as long as he could pick the movie. They lounged on and in front of the couch watching “Meet Joe Black”, and dozed off to “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.

On day five, it was Ivan’s turn to mope. The snow had started up again, and was falling in a thick sheet. Ivan did not care for it. He didn’t want to get up at all, and hid under his blanket until Alfred made him poke his head out and listen to him tell a funny story about what happened last time Arthur tried to order knitting wool online. He clung to Alfred’s sides and whined until he pet his hair, and soaked up his warmth like a leech. They stayed in bed until well in the afternoon, living off protein bars and candy from their pockets, and the care package Yekaterina had made Ivan bring, just in case. It’s fun, and it’s soothing and it’s reassuring, having each other completely for themselves after all the time they had spent apart.

They migrate to the TV some time in the afternoon for another VHS session, and heat up the leftovers from yesterday. They build a house of cards on the floor, a romcom chattering away in the background, and talked about what they should have brought with.

“I wish I had my chess set here… you still know how to play, yes?”

“Duh. It wouldn’t have ended well for you – be careful – I wish I’d brought another book…”

“I have a book you could –“

“An interesting book, Ivy. Oh, and my toothbrush.”

“ – What?!”

“Just kidding. Or am I?” Ivan punched him in the arm, and knocked over their house of cards. “Aw.”

On day six, things did not start out well. The snow stopped falling, but ice made it hard to see out of the windows, and the wind was going strong, still. Ivan wanted to stay in bed, and Alfred was itching to play full contact football or do literally anything else that would get his blood pumping and his muscles aching – and Ivan was extremely not in the mood. So, Alfred put on sturdy gloves, goggles and two jackets, and started shoveling snow off the winding path to the cottage possessed by an impatient spirit. Ivan slept an uneasy sleep, tossing and turning in the polka dotted bedsheets.

When he crept down the stairs, there were bags under his eyes, and he looked as if he hadn’t slept all week. Alfred was exhausted as well, but jittery and hungry and with an insatiable need to tell Ivan all about the snow he had just spent many futile hours shoveling here and there.

It started with off-hand comments, throwaway lines that on any other day would be less than irritating, and soon they turned to specifically targeted jabs, exploiting their long relationship to the fullest to hit where it truly hurt. Neither of them started screaming – Alfred had a loud voice by nature, and found it enough to drive home his points; Ivan grew more and more quiet, his eyes like needles and his mouth a blade. They broke apart when one of Ivan’s comments had Alfred stagger back, dumbfounded, and he grabbed his wooly hat and goggles to storm outside once more.

He slept on the couch that night, arms crossed and thoughts racing.

On the seventh day, the skies finally cleared. The snow stopped falling, the wind ceased blowing, and the radio spat out more than static again. They listened to the weather forecast in silence, and they plugged in their phones so that the others could reach them. Alfred was the first to apologize, not looking at Ivan once during the speech he’d rehearsed in his mind all morning. Ivan took his hand, pulled him closer and kissed his forehead. “ I am sorry, too.”

They held each other for a while, needing but not wanting to talk about what had happened the day before. It wasn’t the right time for it. Finally, they broke apart, and Ivan suggested they go outside and build a snowman. It turned into a competition, each of them piling more and more snow onto their creations until neither of them was recognizable as a snowman anymore. Alfred insisted his was a sasquatch, while Ivan thought it was quite obvious that he had build a snow Snegurochka – the other insisted all he could see was a blob, and so they started over, and over, and over again.

It was dark by the time the cold drove them back inside. They set up a kettle of tea and pooled the last of their candy and sweets, and settled down on the couch once more.

“You’re cold”, Ivan said and pressed a soft kiss to Alfred’s icy nose. It tickled, and Alfred hat do laugh.

“So are you”, he said and returned the gesture. Ivan denied it firmly, but his nose was just as red as Alfred’s. Alfred snuck a hand up Ivan’s sweater and placed his icy fingers on his warm skin, and laughed at his boyfriend trying to hide the shiver going up his spine.

“Y’know, Ivy?”

“Hm?”

“You’re real cute.”

Alfred flashed him a wide smile, and watched in delight as Ivan’s cheeks grew a faint pink.

“Am not.”

“Mhm. Yeah.”

“Stupid”, Ivan pulled him close to his chest, not giving him enough time to protest being smothered. “You know flattery will get you nowhere, yes?”

“It got me in your arms, though, babe – “

Ivan squeezed him tightly until Alfred giggled out a “No, Stop-!”, and tried squirming out of his embrace, a big smile on his face. He only let go of him for a few seconds to let him catch his breath before going on the offense again and tackling him, so he was lying with his back on the couch.

“You are cute!”, he said, and placed a flurry of butterfly kisses to Alfred’s neck, who was still trying to wiggle free, laughing, his hands grabbing at Ivan’s shoulders.

“You’re being unfair – let go –“, he giggled as Ivan nibbled at his skin, and softly pulled at his hair to guide his head up. Ivan kissed the underside of his jaw before obliging, and looked down on him with eyes so warm they could melt glaciers. Alfred was breathless.

“I love you. More than you could ever hope to know.”

Their next kiss was soft and gentle, at first, Alfred’s hands in Ivan’s hair and Ivan’s weight resting comfortably on his legs, his stomach, and his arms were wrapped around him. It grew deeper soon, lips parting to make way for breath, and tongues and teeth and finally they were holding onto each other for dear life, their hearts beating against their chests in unison and icy cold hands sliding up scratchy, soft sweaters on both sides.

“Ivy-“, Alfred gasped, trailing his thumb down his cheeks.

The door flew open.

“Are you two alright - ?!”

Ivan and Alfred scrambled apart. Ivan knocked an empty cup off the table, and Alfred lost his balance and toppled over the arm rest and onto the floor. There was a loud thud, footsteps and snickering, and Alfred heard Matthew sigh.

“Seriously?” he shook the snow off his boots before stepping forward, and set a large bag of groceries down on the floor. Behind him, Nicholas and Victoire were both wearing the same shit-eating grin, as well as lovingly hand crafted beanies. “We thought you died.”

“For real, we even had a bet going –“

“The two of you did, don’t drag me into that.”

“Oh yeah? You owe me a five, Mr. “Died of starvation” Williams.” Victoire mocked, and cleared the snow off her thick hoodie. Nicholas gasped and slipped out of what looked suspiciously like a pair of moon boots.

“They even got snickers, see?”, he pointed at the sweets piled on the table, “I told you my ice bear theory was more realistic. “

Matthew grumbled and sighed, and headed straight to the kitchen. “Whatever”. He ruffled Alfred’s hair as he walked past him, and Alfred thought he saw something like relief wash over his brother’s face. That nerd. As if anything here could kill him – well, apart from Ivan, maybe.

Ivan shot him a puzzled, but amused look, and extended a hand to help Alfred off the floor. He’s up on his legs soon enough, and pressed a last kiss to Ivan’s cheek before walking past him, following Matthew into the kitchen. Ivan, cheeks still red, righted the collar of his turtle neck and nodded “Yes” when Nicholas asked him if he reckoned it was OK with Alfred if he took one of his candy bars.

“Al, where’s the ham?”, they could hear Matthew say from the kitchen, and Victoire and Nicholas started snickering again.

“We ate it.”

“….You ate it.”

“Yup.”

“All of it?!”

“We were gonna die, Mattie! I was gonna die of starvation if I hadn’t eaten that ham – your own brother! – Ack, no, that’s unfair-!” The telling noise of skin smacking against skin, and Alfred came rushing out of the kitchen with a big laugh on his face, holding his recently viciously poked at sides.

“My ham-!”, Matthew came out after him, hands at the ready.

Ivan watched, laughing to himself until Alfred decided to use his body as a meat shield and hid behind him. They chased each other around the living room until Matthew tripped and Alfred caught him, nearly losing balance himself. Matthew gave him a good hard knock on his head with his own, and pulled him in a huffy hug.

“Naw Mattie, y’know you shouldn’t have left me alone with that ham. Sorry”, Alfred laughed and patted his shoulders. Ivan watched his boyfriend closely, a smile settling on his face.

“I know”. He points to one of the plastic bags bursting at the seams. “That’s why I brought two more.”

#hetalia #rusame #aph russia #aph america #rusame secret santa 2017 #food ment #i love..... establishd relationship fluff #this was a great opportunity to explore some 'downtime' headcanons #i hope the format i chose helped the exploration of their relationship like i intended to #id love to hear yalls thoughts #my writing

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