#he found some peace from his abuser in the company of his father's abuser

[the-winters-prince]

Ishraq pulling out a ouiji board and contacting Medraut: T-h-i-s, i-s, a-l-l, y-o-u-r, f-a-u-l-t!

G-o-n-n-a, g-o, k-i-l-l, y-o-u-r, m-o-m, n-o-w!

L-o-l

(I don't actually know if Morgause is still alive or not)

she should be alive so she can high-five Lleu for entering his groomer era and Lleu can act disgusted

"We are not so different you and I. Medraut has always been too soft-hearted and that cost him his life, but you, you are different. You are fighting ruthlessly for your desires and are even willing to drag the dead from their graves and make them dance for your own amusement. Had you two not been born four years apart, I would not be surprised to find out the thoughtless nurse switched our sons at birth. Sometimes I wish you had been mine."

[charlie-lec-stories]

Nightmares // CL16 & MV1

Pairing: Charles Leclerc / Original Female Character / Max Verstappen

Summary: Everyone deals with their own battle, but they are always easier faced together.

Warnings: Abusive parenting, homophobia, abandonment issues, sexism, grief and childhood trauma.

Author’s Note: This is about companionship, we all deal with our own pain and we all have a past that still haunts us. This is about facing those battles hand in hand with the people you love. I wrote this some time ago, listening to 'Return the favor' and 'Therapy', both by All Time Low, and 'The only exception' by Paramore. I highly recommend listen to those tracks. I hope you like the story. Rate: +16 (descriptions of violence)

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The cold wind from outside filtered through a small dent on Max's bedroom window and the contact it made with his uncovered skin made him shiver. He thought about all the other punishments he had endured before over his 16 years of life and he assured himself that it could have gotten worse. Spending the winter night on his bedroom floor, in underwear, was way better than when he had to spend a week sleeping in the back yard because he came in second on an important race. It was also better than when his father left him alone in that gas station, the fear so intense that he ended up crying on the bathroom floor, hiding from the strangers around. At least he was in his home, in his room and he had his stuffed lion to keep him company. He gripped it tightly, feeling a little stupid for keeping such a childish object when he was that old, but it was the only thing that brought him a little comfort. He thought about his mother, who gave him the lion, and wondered what his life would be like if he had stayed with his mom and sister instead of his father. Would he be happier? Would he be as good at racing as he was? Would his mother have accepted him for who he was? He had an answer for that one: Yes. His mother would have chosen to love him anyways, he was sure of that. He wished, with his whole heart, to close his eyes and wake up in a better place, where he was loved for who he was. So he closed his eyes and waited for his wish to come true.

Max woke up in a cold sweat, he could still feel his fingers and toes frozen, the floor against his bare legs. A decade had passed from that night, but he still had nightmares about it once in a while. His childhood always came back whenever he was stressed or with low batteries. It was like his brain tried to sabotage him, filling him with more pain than he already felt. He looked to his left and found Charles sound asleep, his arms under the pillow, bringing it closer to his face, a peaceful look adorning his features. He knew that Charles had his own battles, and that he dreamed of his own nightmares, but how he wished he had the kind of father Charles had. Hervé was a loving husband and parent and even though he left this Earth way too early, he left a wonderful mark on everyone who knew him. His children loved him, his wife Pascale loved him. What did his father do? He also left marks, his mom had an order of protection against him, his sister was terrified of him, and Max did everything he could to run away as far as possible so he didn't have to be near him. If he could, he would bring back Hervé and give up his father. With a sigh and feeling a little guilty for his thoughts, he finally got up. He had to look for his girl, who was definitely hiding somewhere instead of being in bed with them.

The sky was still pretty dark outside, the stars shining on Monaco's natural ceiling, the full moon big over the Mediterranean Sea. He found her sitting on the floor of the balcony, a cigarette between her lips and her eyes lost in the waves that crashed rhythmically on the beach. Charles hated when she smoked, so she did it outside, so the stick of the nicotine wouldn't stay on her clothes. Max didn't like it either, but he tolerated the habit because he knew that it helped her calm down, one day he would make her switch to something healthier. Some day. Before stepping out, he caught a glimpse of the beloved lion on one of the living room shelves, so he grabbed it and hugged it close, a familiar calmness running all over his body. If she heard him walk out, she didn't show, but she must definitely have noticed his presence when he sat down next to her. They were used to the silent conversations, they had had them their whole friendship. Secret gazes, millimetric gestures that only they could read, the changes on each other's skins when the other was around. They were used to the effect they had on each other, so he knew that she felt him there when the hairs of her arms stood up and her breathing changed, because even if she didn't say anything, her body did.

"Which one was it this time?". She asked, not even looking at him.

"The night I came out". He had said it so many times that his voice didn't break anymore.

"That one is tough". The comment was swallowed by the poof she gave to the cigarette, but he got it.

"It was. It always comes back whenever I'm happy with you, but angry at racing". And it made sense, after all the punishment wasn't only for coming out of the closet, it was also because Jos was sure that 'the queerness' of Max would make him a mediocre driver.

"You know that losing this championship wasn't your lack of concentration or skill. Charles is as great as us, and for the love of God, Ferrari finally did things right for once". He knew that, still, he lost and he always had a hard time losing. He lost in 2024 against her, he lost in 2025 against Charles, would he ever be able to win again? "You are a 3 times World Champion, Max. You don't owe anything to anyone, and I can assure you that you're not mediocre".

He pulled her close and took her cigarette away, she was about to complain when he pressed his lips against hers, kissing her deeply. He believed her, every word, and he was grateful that he had her to remind him of the amazing person he was and could be. They pulled apart when they heard movement inside, the curtains of the living room moving aside as Charles walked out to the balcony. Sleep was still written all over his face, but he woke up fully pretty quickly when he felt the dense atmosphere that wrapped them up. He walked over to them, a mixture of curiousness and worry in his eyes as he scanned them over. They pulled apart to make some room for him to sit in the middle, Charles noticed the lion and the cigarettes, understanding the situation. Resting his back against the building's wall, he pulled them to his chest and ran his hands up and down their arms, hoping for it to be enough. He saw Max's grip tighten around the old stuffed animal, the marks of his pyton's grip over the years clear on it. Charles pulled him a little bit closer and kissed his head.

"You're anything but ordinary".

She did all she could to get loose, but the grip on her arm was so tight it was impossible to break. She screamed and kicked as her mother dragged her to the room, she wished that her racing suit was ticker, so her arm wouldn't hurt that much. Her father was crying and pleading behind them, asking for his wife to finally let go, but it was pointless, when had she ever listened to anything he had to say? The mud of her shoes drew patterns on their living room floor as they neared her bedroom and she wondered if her mother was actually going to use the chancla on her. Her body made contact with the carpeted floor of her room and her mother grabbed her face to make her look at her. She screamed at her face, about how she was a disgrace, a 'marimacho', a 'zorra' playing with the boys instead of being a 'señorita', she went on and on about the shame she brought to the family. She reminded her that no daughter of hers would do something like racing, wear the clothes she wore and go around covered in mud and filth like she did. But the girl just muted the rest of the screams, she just let her say whatever she wanted, because she was not going to stop her from chasing her dream. She had just met the best boys in the world and she was going to race those boys for the rest of her life. No matter what. She felt the chancla hit her back, but it didn't hurt her anymore, no when she knew that it was the price to pay for sneaking out to race. Her mother would change her mind one day, but for that day to come, she had to take it today. No. Matter. What.

She woke up to the sound of the front door closing. Max and Charles were probably back from the supermarket. She sighed as he got up from the couch, the feeling of the chancla still lingering on her skin. It was the worst, the rubber hitting on the same place, over and over again, but it was more hurtful to her pride. The humiliation that came with the beating, the screams, the words, the hate on her mother's eyes. She remembered that beating like it was yesterday, because it was the one that changed everything. It was the first time that, when she was finally left alone in her room, she wasn't scared anymore. That week she met Pierre and he introduced her to Max and Charles the very same day that her mother gave her that beating. Meeting the boys and winning a race against them gave her the push she needed to hold on to her dream and never let go. Her motto was born that day: 'No matter what'. She took it to heart, and kept pushing and pushing, she took as many more beatings as she had, but she kept sneaking out, even if her mother dropped the chancla to grab the wooden spoon from the kitchen, even if the skin of her hands was red and burning from the hard wood against it. She kept pushing, and she became world champion. A hand on her back brought her back to reality and she relaxed against Charles' hand once his scent made her aware of his presence.

"Which one was it?". He asked softly as he ran his hand up and down her back.

"The day we met". She admitted, Max placed the bags on the floor and walked up to them.

"It's okay, Schat, you're safe now". She smiled softly at them.

"I know. It's just that her birthday is in a few days". Charles nodded, understanding.

"You know you don't have to go if you don't want to, Amour". It was her turn to nod.

"I also know that. But she changed a lot over the years. I know that we still have out problems and that she's not a fan of our relationship, but I can see that she's trying". Max was a lot less forgiving, but he was also aware that he wasn't the one with the best record of family choices, he still visited his father.

"I agree that she seems to be trying, Amour, and I admire you a lot for being able to see that and be so forgiving. I still want you to put yourself above everything. Take care of yourself, because you're not any of those things she said. You're wonderful, and we are beyond proud of who you are, okay?". Charles placed his hand against her cheek and she snuggled against it. "We are so very proud, Amour".

Charles rubbed his nose with hers, making her giggle a little, and bringing a smile to Max's lips. It always worked, because if there was something that she needed was softness. It was something that her dad did, treat her with gentleness, with love and with trust. He always believed in her, even if he was so afraid of his wife and had to take even more beatings and insults than her. She didn't blame him, but she was sure that she would never make the same mistakes her dad made. So she looked for gentle men, men with nice words and tender touches, nothing like her mother, nothing like who her dad settled for. And she found Charles and Max, the embodiment of kindness, enough for her heart to skip a beat and her shoulders to relax under their touch. It felt good, being able to be loved, laughing on a daily basis, relying on them when she needed and giving herself the chance of being an open book, unafraid and never judged. A lonely tear fell down her cheek and Max caught it before it made it to her jaw, wiping it away with a swift movement of his thumb. It made her look at him, his blue eyes looking back at her with the same adoration they have been for the past decade. Her heart made a few jumps inside her chest. Max pressed his forehead gently against hers, making her close her eyes with him, the feeling of Charles' hand agains the skin of her back, where the burning of the chancla was just a bitter memory in the back of her mind. Max's lips barely touch hers.

"You're a dream come true".

Charles ran, his lungs burning as the air coming inside was not enough to keep his body moving. The fog around the graveyard and the darkness of the night made his heart race faster, the feeling of it threatening to jump out of his ribcage. He called their names into the silence of the dead, but he couldn't hear anything. Does sound really exist if there's no one to hear it? He passed gravestone after gravestone, the names of his family and friends written in each one of them. He cried, the tears blurring his vision as he desperately looked for their names. He didn't want to be alone, in the dark, in the cold, with the dead. The place seemed to never end, filled with all the people he loved but weren't there anymore, the air felt tight around his body, sour inside his mouth, painful coming into his lungs. He kept searching. What would he do if he couldn't find them? How could he keep on living if they weren't by his side? He couldn't be alone, he didn't want to. He needed them, he needed his friends, his family. He kept searching, because it was the only thing he could do, and as the names kept appearing he felt like his heart just couldn't take it anymore. He fell to his knees, two stones right in front of him. Suddenly, he couldn't breathe anymore, the feeling of his lungs contracting for air but nothing going in. There they were, the names he hoped to never see graved in stone, right in front of his eyes. Charles clawed at the grass, removed the dirt, he felt the cold and humid soil under his fingertips as clear as he felt the daggers inside his chest. He just wanted to pass out, to turn to dust right there so he could join them wherever they were, because no life was worth living without them. But he had had this nightmare before, so he knew, he knew that he was never going to pass out, because this was his biggest fear: living the rest of his life mourning his own.

He woke up alone in the hotel room bed, a halo of cold sweat around him and he inhaled as hard as he could to keep his lungs full. He felt a rush of calm run down his spine when he felt the air come in. He searched for the dirt under his fingernails, only to find them as clean as they were when he went to sleep last night. Getting up, he gave up the longest sigh as he gathered everything he needed to jump in the shower. He needed it, he needed to get rid of the stench of the graveyard that still lingered on his nose, the humidity of the air clenched to his skin, but mostly, he needed to wash away the feeling of loneliness that haunted him still. As the water ran down his body, cleansing him like a religious ritual taking away his sins, he felt the same tug in his heart as he did a few years back. The guilt of that feeling settled inside his belly, like a parasite eating him inside out. He remembered the fear of closeness, how he refused to accept that he loved Max and Y/N because he was terrified of ever losing them, how he had found solace in keeping a comfortable distance, how he convinced himself that he was content with loneliness. He refused to love someone because he knew that the grief is as great as the love you feel. But they found their way into his heart and now he couldn't kick them out. He was destined to suffer, to live in pain. To be alone. He heard movement outside the bathroom as he stepped out of the shower. He opened the door to find his partners changing the bedding. They knew that he hated to be alone in the hotel rooms, he ended up getting sick and tired of sleeping alone over the weekend.

"Which one was it, Poopie?". Max asked, even though the messy sheets and the shower were a big hint. He just wanted to be sure.

"The graveyard". He sat on the bed, the smell of clean sheets comforting against the odor of the humid dirt that he could still remember.

"We're still here, Charlie". She reassured him, her hand on his tight applying a little pressure to ground him there.

"But you'll leave". He replayed softly. She pressed her hand more, a little proof to his heart that they were there.

"Everyone leaves, Poopie, but that doesn't mean you'll be alone". Max sat by his side and ran his finger through his hair, a gesture that brought some warmth to his chest.

"You can't know that". The risk was just so much, too great. "The more I love you the more it'll hurt".

"We know that, because we love just as much, Charles". Max pulled him into a side hug, his head resting against the Dutchman's collarbones. "Loving is a risk and we are all afraid of taking that risk. But, I have known since I met you, that there's just one person that everyone is willing to take the risk for, and that person is you. You're the greatest man I know. Loyal, just, kind, hardworking, you are the epitome of greatness. It's impossible for someone like you to ever be alone".

It wasn't just the words, but how they reverberated inside Max's chest, in sync with his heartbeat that made Charles believe him. It was the warm feeling of Y/N's hand still on his tight. They were there, they were worth it, the fear, the pain. He would rather spend his life mourning them if it gave him the chance to have them for as long as Death allowed him. He was still a work in progress, but he was on his way to believing, trusting, risking. He felt Y/N moving to sit on his lap, her hands carefully adjusting the towel around his hips so it wouldn't loose. She pulled him away from Max and placed his head against her chest, her own heartbeat now strongly pumping against his face. It gave him peace of mind. The feeling of them there, Max's hand still on his hair, her soft hands on his face. They made him feel loved, they made him feel like there was hope in life, no matter how hard the road was. And he finally felt like he may be that special person Max told him he was. Maybe he was one of those people that'll never be alone. Maybe, just maybe, he didn't need to be so scared. Y/N pulled him away and pressed her lips to his forehead, erasing the frown that tinted his features. Maybe, he was the reason why they were willing to take the risk of loving, even if their whole lives they had only met pain and hurt. Maybe the risk was as great for them as it was for him, so maybe he was the one they risked it all for, even if they said they would never. Maybe, he was comfortable with loneliness, except when it came to them. And he knew, the moment she mumbled against him, that he was...

"You're the only exception".

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I hope you guys like this one. It's really hurt/comfort and I feel like it turned out great. Like, reblog and comment, like you guys always do. Much love!

[homicidal-slvt]

"No Longer On Eggshells"

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MDNI

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Simon Riley x F!Reader

Civilian|Y/N

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Warnings: Abuse, Toxic Father, Written as Platonic but can be read as Romantic, Big age gap I guess.

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Walking on eggshells is how it felt in your home, always waiting for bombs to go off.

Explosive rage and fire burning at your skin, set aflame by the person who was supposed to love you.

I love you

Your father loved selfishly, he cared for himself first. He didn't care how his words dug into your heart like a dagger. Only how the world was supposed to revolve around him.

He knew how to hide this fact around others though.

••

Simon Riley- one of your father's friends. You weren't sure how they met and didn't really care.

At first you didn't think much about the ominous man, even when it was announced he was moving in next door.

Though over time you found you gravitated towards him, you weren't sure why but there was something comforting.

He found he was quite fond of your company as well, just sitting on the porch with you and talking over a cup of hot tea.

Sometimes you would just sit in comfortable silence. It never felt awkward- just peaceful.

••

You seemed to be trying to escape something.

Simon picked up on that as you came to his house often, you hid the pain well but there was still that tenseness.

That hurt he knew all too well.

He didn't want to press for information as he respected your privacy- but he wanted to know what you were running from.

Why did you always seek refuge in his home?

You felt safe with him. Rough around the edges but gentle in his own right- calm.

Not a bomb just waiting to go off at any given inconvenience.

It was nice.

••

You were home alone with your father- everything was fine. He was being nice today.

Then it happened- one of the animals did something they weren't supposed to and he erupted.

Yelling.

You hid in your room trying to drown it all out, your lungs straining feeling as though your heart would cave in.

Shakily without giving it much thought you called Simon.

"Simon... I... I'm sorry I just..."

You didn't know what to say as you fought your tears, your father's yelling in the background faintly heard through the phone.

Simon's heart sank at the noise and understood immediately, the moment he heard your distress he was slipping on his boots.

"I'll be there in a minute, love. Hold on."

He wanted to bust your dad's head in for making you feel this way.

For putting you through this.

However he was aware that wouldn't help and tried to calm his rage, true to his word he was there in a minute.

Curled up in your room you heard talking in the other room, eventually it died down.

Simon made up a lie that he had some books he wanted you to go through with him, of course your father had masked his rage the moment Simon had came to the door and knocked.

The act only made hate burn more in his core but he kept a poker face.

Once you were out of there and walking with him to his house, he glanced down at you and wrapped an arm around you.

The gesture was warm and gentle, seeing you so shaken up made his heart ache. You didn't deserve this.

You deserved to feel safe.

"You can stay with me for awhile."

"Are you sure? What would I tell my family...?"

"Just say you're staying with a friend."

He wasn't going to just leave you to fend for yourself. He'd never do that to you- he knew what that felt like and he'd be damned if you went through it too.

"Thank you..."

"No need to thank me."

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{This whole thing is just written for my own comfort based off my experiences.}

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{Written quickly on a whim based off a dream I had.}

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{ @sofasoap }

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{More Content}

[perfectprofessorloverapricot]

•| A not so stolen youth |•

Stranger things / chapter 3

Summary: Everything in life seemed limited to walls of whites and rainbows. Caged within the confines of the lab. But an accident that involved a group of teenagers and the upside down world finally let him free. In a funny turn of events he found himself hiding in a step sibling's shed. A redhead that loves video games and a blond that spends his time making sure to keep his good looks.

Character: Male child OC

Warnings: Possible to descriptive scenes, child abuse, use of drugs and bad language.

A/N: I ask you to take into account that I lack experience writing in English and there'll be some grammatical mistakes because my native language is Spanish.

Prev part - Masterlist - Next part

It was early in the morning, every kid was either at school or at home because they’re sick. All except for one.

Thirteen walked with tranquility through the groups of trees scattered all over the town. He found that the only onces that walked there were a few really young kids, other than that, the coast is completely clear.

But what is not completely clear is his mind. The day before he saw something that brought back awful memories. He found out, his father is not the only man like that in the world and he isn’t the only one like him out there. He would like to say that he doesn’t understand Billy completely, but he does.

The teenage has moments of calmness when he usually keeps to himself or even glances at him as if inspecting his soul, and moments of complete chaos when he is hostile against anything and anyone near him.

Billy was angry at his father, that much was evident, but he couldn’t do a thing because he knew it was useless. That was a feeling he could relate a little bit to well.

It happened too often to him in the lab. Loosing his papa’s respect brought a lot of punishment with it and answering it only left him in pain. His only solution was to hold back and resist. But that led to future explosions where he sent his guards flying or breaking an entire room with a scream.

He was labeled as dangerous and forced to stay isolated.

He was thinking of ways to help make him feel better but nothing came to mind other than a present.

But what?

Or maybe, some company? That’s what he wanted when he was in the lab. Maybe that’s what Billy needs at home.

Before he could think about other options, his senses detected something. He heard a pair of soft footsteps quite some distance further in front of him but instead of dreading to find the person a familiar feeling made itself present in the back of his mind. He waited.

As silent as ever, he walked cautiously towards the sound.

Both kids that found themselves in front of one another gasped in surprise. They know each other.

The curly haired girl smiled at the boy receiving a smile in return.

“Eleven.” Whispered the boy, walking closer to her.

“Thirteen.” Once close enough they engulfed each other in a big hug, giggling, happy to realize they both basically survived.

The kids pulled away, still connected by their arms, smiling like no other day.

They had so much to talk about.

“-and then, she taught how to skateboard.” Commented the boy with glee.

They have been talking for about an hour about what’s happened the last year after escaping the lab and getting in contact with the upside down. So far, everything’s been peaceful.

He was happy to know that she was also taken care off by a good guy, even though she puts a kind of weird expression when she mentions him, she stills seems to trust him a lot too.

“But…” he made a pause and sunk in the log they were both seating at the reminder of what happened a few hours ago. “Her papa…” he turned his eyes from his joined hands to the attentive look of eleven. “He is like our papa.”

Eleven gasped softly at the revelation.

“She and Billy hide me.” His lips curved a little at the sides. He always gets a warm and fluffy feeling in his chest at the reminder of people that care about his safety. “She gave me clothes.” He gripped the fabric of the blue hoodie in his chest. The same that keeps his body heat from escaping. “And a name. Magnus.”

Eleven gave him a close-lipped smile. They don’t know each other as well as she would like too because they were separated in the lab. They met only after the rest of the kids disappeared and their father needed more power to connect with the unknown world. But couldn’t interact that much in a friendly way under the scrutinizing eyes of their handlers. He always wore a frown accompanied with tired eyes. So she is happy to see him finally smile, even in the slightest.

“And you?” He asked, giving her the opportunity to express something that might be bothering her.

“Hopper is good.” She nodded. “But he lies.” The kid raised his eyebrows in surprise. “He says, one day I’ll leave to see my friends but that never happens. He promised soon, but soon never comes.”

Thirteen lowered his head in sadness. He knows that feeling, or he knew, before living with his only friend.

“He says it’s dangerous, that it’s for my protection.” The kid wrapped an arm around her in a side hug to comfort her.

In moments like that he wished he was more like magneto and fight for their freedom.

But he couldn’t, he was just a kid after all. All he could do was make her aware that she’s not alone.

A certain blonde haired teenage boy was currently tightening a screw on the engine of his blue baby Camaro.

He was finishing changing the air filter. After what happened the day before with his father he has been looking for ways to release some pent-up pressure. He already said goodbye to his last hook up an hour ago, he doesn’t know where Max is because she was late and he left her to skate home alone and he already worked out in the living room but nothing seemed to make his anger decrease.

Billy huffed once he was finished, cleaning the sweat in his forehead with the back of his dirtied hand. It wasn’t enough but that’ll have to do.

“Jesus.” Exclaimed the blond once he turned around and found the boy behind him, startling him. Weirdly attentive to what he was doing. “What the hell are you doing there? Are you a creep?” He asked with annoyance. He had almost sent the tool in his hand flying.

The kid just kept looking at him and the car with his big blue eyes and shrugged. He didn’t know what ‘creep’ means.

Billy raised a brow at the look of wonder in the kids face. He has seen it a few times before, directed to him, like trying to figure him out, which makes him edgy, but this time it was directed more to his car. “Never seen a car before?” He asked mockingly.

Unknown to him, the first time the boy saw a car was when he escaped from the lab. Ever since that day, the younger one has been greatly interested in the weird machines that roll faster than any adult he has ever seen runs.

Billy furrowed his brows when the only answer he got was the kid leaning his head to the side, still looking at the car.

Was he really that stupid? No, he couldn’t be. They would have already found him if that was the case, but he would have to live under a rock to not know what a car is.

“What, cat got your tongue, brat?” Thirteen shook his head and stick his tongue out to demostrarte it was still there making Billy huffed and turned to his car.

What a weird kid.

He grabbed the car’s hood and slam it shut to make sure it was closed.

“Cool.” Alluded the boy walking closer to the drivers side.

“What?” Thirteen glanced at Billy for a moment before returning to the inside of the vehicle repeating his word.

“Cool.” He is not completely sure if his using correctly the word Max taught him. ‘A word to describe something that’s better than amazing.’ Is what she said, and that is exactly what he thinks about the car.

“Huh, at least you have taste.” Said Billy as he wiped his hands in a towel he had hanging from his short’s waistband. Until he got an idea. Something that would help him destress and he used to do it a lot in California. “Hey brat.”

Thirteen turned towards Billy, not knowing what ‘brat’ means but understanding he wanted his attention. He blinked a few times, watching the weird look in the teenager’s eyes. He had an idea.

Billy would never in his life know what led him to do what he did, but the next thing he knows, he is driving top speed in one of the many lonely roads in the outer sides of Hawkins with the kid in the copilot seat. He loves to use the backroads.

He thought the kid would be scared shitless, however, the kid was grasping the seatbelt like his life depends on it (because it does) with the biggest smile Billy has ever seen.

But he doesn’t care that the kid didn’t get scared he was too concentrated in the adrenaline coursing through his veins at the speed to actually pay attention. He didn’t even light the cigarette between his lips because it wasn’t needed.

Billy whooped in ecstasy and bobbed along the surprisingly not so loud music. It was more important the roar of the engine than the beat coming from the stereo.

“That’s what I’m talking about.” Cheered Billy with his always sharp smile.

But that wasn’t the best part, he was waiting for the right moment to put his car modifications to the test. In a way he couldn’t in the crowded city of California.

His smile widened when he saw what he was looking for. A wide straight doble lane road.

It’s show time.

He stepped on the break and pulled the hand brake simultaneously, then turned the wheel completely to one side in a second. The car instantly followed the action, turning with so much force skidding the tires in the street. Making a U turn by drifting.

Billy laughed loudly while the kid beside him screamed for his life. The wheels scraped the floor until the vehicle came to a stop in the other side of the road. Facing the opposite direction.

Not waiting for anything, he pushed the hand break back down and step on the gas. The wheels screeched against the ground, leaving marks, before moving at full speed back to the house.

At the speed he was driving it only took him 10 minutes to arrive.

He got out of the car after killing the engine and lit the cigarette between his lips, taking a drag as if it was pure oxygen he was inhaling. Finally he felt a little bit better.

So lost in his relief he didn’t pay attention to the passenger in his car. He only turned his head back when he heard a thud. He found the passenger seat empty and the door opened. He huffed thinking the kid just left without closing the door but he stop when he went around the car and found the kid basically face planted in the dirt while giggling.

Billy scoffed a laugh almost sending the cigarette in mouth flying. He was positive the kid was high with adrenaline. He saw the kid try to stand up in his jelly legs only to fall on his side.

“What the hell?” Billy didn’t need to turn around to know who that was. He merely rolled his eyes when the redhead rushed by him to get to the kid. “What did you do to him?” She asked when the kid tried to stand up again with her help but stumbled to the side like he was drunk. She got even more confused when she heard him giggle.

“I fixed your damn brat.” He grumbled taking a drag of his cigarette before throwing it to the ground and returning to the house. He wanted to take a shower.

Max looked between the retreating back of her step brother and the kid seating in the dirt with a big smile in his face.

Could it be possible that Billy changed his mind?

No, that is not something Billy could ever do.

But either way, she was relieved that he was at least tolerating the kid’s presence.

If Max thought they had made a progress with Billy after the ride he had with Magnus. She was wrong.

The very next day his anger returned when he saw her talking to Lucas. There was no problem with that, she didn’t plan to be part of their club of hypocrites anyway.

Well, that was her plan, until the very next day she wanted to go to the arcade to play dig dug and forget everything only to be tricked in to the breakroom by Lucas himself. They argued about the veracity of the fanciful story Lucas told her ensuring that it was the truth.

Leaving the arcade Billy saw him at the door. At first he acted eerily calm while accusing her of disobeying and lying. But a silent threat was made evident later in the afternoon when Billy broke her skateboard when reversing in his car.

It was his way of telling her he could ‘accidentally’ break something without a problem.

He became a ticking time bomb and she didn’t want to be there to see it explode because she would be the collateral damage, and possibly with her, Magnus too. Even though he has mostly ignored the kid in the last days, it was obvious the anger he was holding in.

Taking every posible outcome Max took a decision. She’ll go back to Cali to her father and she’ll take Magnus with her.

The kid already had a new name, and no one will be looking for a kid in another city, miles away from were he was.

That’s how she found herself in this position. Fidgeting with her fingers inside her hoodie pockets, feeling the money between her fingers and watching attentively at Magnus sitting in her bed and messing with her Walkman.

She got the money by telling her mother that she wanted to buy a new shirt but she wanted the money to buy it herself and avoid any kind of harsh comments from Neil if she went with them to the mall in the neighboring town. Her mother, illusioned with the possibility of her daughter buying something more feminine, gladly gave her double the money she needed to buy the shirt. She thanked the heavens her mother did because she forgot the amount of money it’ll cost to buy two bus tickets.

She forgot a slight detail. The distance between her and her father was much more now that she is in Hawkins than when she was in Cali, and the tickets would be more expensive.

She already prepared two bags with things for her and Magnus. In that precise moment she has the perfect opportunity to leave with him. Her parents aren’t home and they’ll come back until night and Billy was too busy working on his muscles for his next hook up of the night to notice.

Gaining some courage Max sat next to the kid in her bed. She took a breath and spoke. “Mag-“

She was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell, someone calling at the door.

The kid raised his head, looking between Max and the bedroom’s closed door. He was to concentrated on the Walkman that he didn’t pay attention to the footsteps at the front door. It’s not like Billy’s blasting music trough the house helped at all.

He was already used to the volume of the music, but hearing it with the door open still hurt his head. At least the wood helps to drown out the sound. But he was still relieved that it’s not as loud as the alarms in the lab. That was a real headache.

He jumped from the bed when doorbell sounded again. He needed to hide. He turned to the window but stopped, if the person in the door somehow comes to the backside of the house he’ll be screwed. He turned to the bed. He doesn’t fit under it. As his last and only option, the kid threw himself inside the closet and closed the door, always leaving a crack to let the light come inside.

Max pressed her lips together trying to suppress a laugh. For a moment he looked like a headless chicken.

Her poorly covered smile disappeared when she heard her stepbrother yell at the next ring. “Max, are you getting that or what?”

Exasperated with him she yelled her answered “Okay.” She opened stood up stomping her way out of the room, closing the door behind her

“I swear to God Max.” Fumed the blond getting an eye roll and a glare from his sister when she walked by him. He just proceeded to lift the weights again.

From the closet, Magnus could slightly hear the door opening and closing over the music, along with Max’s voice from the other side of the door, indicating that now she was outside with whoever was at the door. He couldn’t tell what they were talking about because the music muffled their voices.

He waited for a moment, relieved that Max at least sounded like she knew the person outside. He was also aware that it wasn’t Neil, he could have heard his truck parking or his gruff voice booming in the house.

He waited a little while until she finally came back, closing the door behind her. She turned to Magnus watching the window in wariness. She knew why. Lucas was outside of the window. “Magnus.” She called for his attention.

He turned to her, blinking a few times.

“I… ammm.” She fidget in her place looking for the words to say. She didn’t know why she was so nervous, she just made up her mind and decided she’ll find out what’s really happening with Lucas and his group because deep down she still wishes to have friends. “I’ll live with the stalker for a few hours. He says he has proof or something.”

“Where?” Came the silent question from the kid. Max almost didn’t hear it with Billy’s blasting music coming through the door.

“To the old junkyard.” Magnus lifted a brown and tilted his head slightly to the side. There was nothing in there other than trash and forgotten stuff. Nevertheless, he nodded, understanding that she is going there like really few other teenagers do. “Okay, then. I’ll be back.” She said, making the reference of the terminator movie even though Magnus didn’t catch it.

She turned to one of the two opened windows. The one closest to the bed. She stepped on the woodshed outside before stopping and turning to Magnus who was seating in her closet.

“Don’t talk with Billy if he doesn’t talk to you, by the way. He’s not in the mood and can get cranky.” Magnus smiled at the thought but nodded again.

Don’t talk to Billy. Copy.

Max said a soft goodbye before exiting when she heard the boy outside telling her to speed up. He even heard her commenting that whatever they were doing better be worth it.

Minutes later after she left, Magnus stayed in her closet. He was to engrossed in the Walkman she borrowed him.

The interest came when he returned from the store he likes to visit (steal from) with a cassette tape he found behind the garbage dump.

He put on the headphones and changed the tapes the way Max instructed him to. He pressed play instantly jumping in his place and accidentally trowing the headphones. The volume was too high. Even with the headphones in the floor he could hear it clearly.

He decreased the volume to the minimum before putting the headphones back on. The rhythm of the music was somewhat similar to the songs Billy hears when exercising but not as scandalous. He turned the Walkman over to see the tape through the see through cover. The letters in the side said ‘Call Me by blondie’ and something else he couldn’t read due to the blurred sharpie. He likes it though.

He bobbed his head to the rhythm of the music, not caring that he could hear Billy’s music through the headphones. He liked it. He found his taste in music.

Still moving his head to the beat, he stood up and walked to the window farthest from the bed. He sat on the window sill dangling his feet for a couple of second before jumping out. He looked at the full woodshed beside him before returning to the shed. Walkman in hand.

He’ll wait for Max in there.

It’s been a few hours and Max still hasn’t retuned. Magnus got bored since he doesn’t know where Max’s tapes are and he can’t read so well, so he decided to steal an apple from the Hargroves’ fridge.

Meanwhile, the blond teenager was done exercising, taking a shower and currently sharpening his look before his date (hook up). He sprayed hair product in the hair locks that fell on his forehead. Turning over the bottle of colon, he spread a few drops of the liquid in his wrist, even going as far as to spread a little bit in the southern area.

He turned and posed in front of the mirror, smiling with satisfaction at the result. Taking a drag from his previously lit cigarette he leaned forward and blew the smoke against his reflexión, winking. Yep, he was ready.

His smile was erased once he heard someone calling at the door. He noticed the rush in the knock even over his blasting music. “Billy?” He knew that voice. The reason for witch his father decided it was a good idea to move.

Kind of.

“Yeah, I’m a little bit busy in here, Susan.” He answered uninterestedly.

“Open the door. Right now.” He mentally cursed when he heard his father’s commanding voice in the other side. There was no way around this.

Genuinely curious he finally opened the door finding his father frowning face and the always present worried face of Susan shielding herself behind the man.

“What’s wrong?” He cut to the chase.

Neil wasn’t at all impressed by his son’s bluntness. “Why don’t you tell us?”

“Because I don’t know.” He answered with obviousness in his tone. They just appeared in his door insinuating something that he isn’t aware of and yet, he is not surprised. Everything that goes wrong for Neil is always somehow his fault. No matter what.

“We can’t find Maxine-” Said Susan.

“And her window’s open.” Interrupted the man like the boss that he believes himself. Billy faltered for a second, looking in another direction before regaining himself. Even he was surprised. She was in her room with the brat a few hours ago. “Where is she?” Commanded Neil.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” Scoffed the Man like his son was the worst dumbass in the world, annoying the younger.

“Look, I’m sure she just, I don’t know, went to the arcade or something.” Explained Billy, still not finding the force in his voice, kicking himself for it, and panicking internally. To avoid looking at the rising anger in his father eyes he went to the closet to retrieve his previously selected leather jacket. “I’m sure she is fine.”

Nike wasn’t having any of it. “You were supposed to watch her.” He commented, like he was just making an obvious observation.

Billy could clearly hear the covered anger under those words. But he couldn’t stop himself from arguing. He was getting annoyed.

He sighed. “I know dad. I was. It’s just you guys were three hours late, and, well, I have a date.” He slipped on the jacket and turned towards the man ready to face it and just leave. “I’m sorry, okay?”

“So that’s why you’ve been staring at yourself in the mirror like some faggot instead of watching your sister?”

That did it.

“I have been looking after her all week, dad. Okay?” He snapped. “She wants to run off, then that’s her problem, all right?” Neil licked the interior of his cheek, concealing his anger with an eerie façade. “She’s 13 years old. She shouldn’t need a full-time babysitter. And she is not my sister.” He turned to the radio. Stopping the music abruptly only to feel his heart drop to his stomach when Neil grabbed him by the colar of his shirt and slammed him against the shelves beside the closet.

“What did we talk about?” Asked Neil in a condescending tone. Practically whispering it in Billy’s face.

The teenager panted in anger and fear. He couldn’t answer fast enough when Neil slapped him in his left cheek, making him groan.

Susan, who once again couldn’t leave the scenario only looked the other way, feeling guilty for putting him in that situation but not doing anything fearing she could be in his position.

Neil grabbed Billy’s chin to force him to look at him before pointing with the same hand. “What. Did. We… talked about?” He made emphasis in each word.

“Respect and responsibility.”

“That is right.” Answered the man, pleased to have him under control once again. “Now, apologies to Susan.”

There was silence for a few seconds. Neil waiting for Billy while the blonde swallowed his pride and fear. “I’m sorry, Susan.” He said, never tacking his eyes from his father’s.

“It’s okay, Neil, really-“ she was interrupted when the man once again rises his voice.

“No, it’s not okay. Nothing about his behavior is okay. But he’s gonna make up for it.” He grumbled the last part. He finally stepped back to turn to look at Susan. “He’s gonna call whatever whore he’s seeing tonight and cancel their date.” He said as if it was the most normal thing to say. “And then he’s gonna go find his sister. Like the good, kind, respecting brother that he is.” He turned once again to his son, already finished with the humiliation. “Isn’t that right, Billy?”

Billy looked at his father with watery eyes hiding all that hate and anger he harbors towards the man. If only he could make him pay or just leave.

“It’s that right?” Yelled Neil when his first answer was only silence.

“Yes, sir.” He said softly.

Neil sighted in annoyance, leaning closer to his son. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you.”

“Yes. Sir.” He repeated. This time with more courage.

“Find max.” Demanded Neil with finality turning around and leaving the room, intimidating Susan enough for her to step away from his way.

Billy finally let the tears spill once the door was slammed close and hit the wall beside him. He hated him with all his being. He wanted to fight back, punch him or something, but the last time he tried to do it didn’t end well for him.

Sucking his feelings up and drying his tears, he left his room to the back of the house. He thanked the heavens he parked the car in the back really close to were he needs to go. The shed.

Faster than he thought, Billy reached the wooden door and gentler than he wanted to, he opened the door (still slamming it open). “Hey, brat.” He grumbled once inside.

Magnus raised his head looking at him with wide eyes. He knew it was Billy the one walking (stomping) towards the shed. But it still surprised him when the teenage barged in the shed and called for his attention, loudly.

Billy opened his mouth about to yell but stopped. He didn’t want to scare the kid that looked like a frightened rabbit ready to bolt and end up running around like a headless chicken looking for Max for scaring him, or for his father to find him hiding a kid in the shed and get his butt kicked.

Instead he took a breath before talking. “Where’s Max?”

The answer he got was the kid blinking in bewilderment hugging a comic to his chest.

“Ugh, for fucks…” he mumbled under his breath. “Do you know where is Max?” He repeated in a gentler voice, clearly containing his annoyance.

Magnus nodded his head slowly. Max told him to not talk to Billy if he didn’t speak to him first, she didn’t say anything about not telling him where she is.

Billy raised his eyebrows expectantly. “Okay, and?”

“The old junkyard.” He answered softly.

Damn. Now he is in trouble. He doesn’t know where that is. He slightly fidgeted in his place. “Do you know how to get there?”

Magnus nodded a slowly, still with the comic in his hands.

“Okay, then get in the car.”

Magnus instantly light up. He didn’t care that Billy used a commanding voice, he was just happy to get a raid again.

The kid quickly rushed out of the shed as silent as a mouse with an annoyed teenager following him.

Billy was already donde for the night, but unfortunately and unknown for him, it would be the longest and most eventful life of his entire life.

Hope you like the new rout I’m taking with this story.

[annegrey]

Hola primero que nada muchas gracias por el one shot que escribiste de "dos por el precio de uno" me encantó por cierto ❤️‍🔥te podría pedir otro(?) , como reaccionarian las 3 familias al enterarse de la relación de ellos 3(?) Y como se tomarían la noticia del bebé en camino , como reaccionarian los fans de la f1 (?) , red bull como reaccionarian (?) De ante mano muchas gracias 💥❣️

I am really happy you liked it! ❤️

For this request I felt like a (longer) headcanon approach would fit better than a story. I hope you enjoy it just as much! And honestly, keep sending requests, it makes me incredibly happy and even though I can't write all the time, your requests keep me motivated to get back as soon as possible!

How would the world react to the news of your child, and the thereby inevitable reveal of your relationship - Max x Reader x Kelly:

To be honest, you were terrified of Jos. And as much as you loved Max, you weren’t sure he would be able to stand up to his abusive father. Trauma could make the strongest man crumble. But that never came up, because the second he frowned, Kelly ripped him a new one. She protected both of you, and your pregnancy hormones made you sob, ugly. But your lovers supported and protected you from the most terrifying man you knew. Because when you started to cry, and Jos scoffed, Max told him to shove it, and pulled you against his chest. That was the moment you knew, no matter what happened, you and your child would be safe.

Sophie was never a problem, as well as Victoria. You told them even before you were pregnant, and they included you as easily as they included Kelly, and Max actually regretted introducing you to them, because now four women were teaming up against him whenever he did something stupid. Being told up by his mom, his sister and both his girlfriends wasn’t funny at all…

Your family was like “Oh? Okay… Are you happy? Yes? Okay, fine!” They honestly already found peace with the fact that you would never procreate, because you were… special. The fact that you simply needed both a girl- and boyfriend to feel fulfilled might have surprised them a bit, and the fact that one of them was quite a bit older and already had a child was hard to swallow. But when they saw you when you got together with Max and Kelly, they were just happy that you practically radiated peace and happiness whenever you were with your loved ones. Or even just talked about them. (Your grandma needed a bit more time and explanation, but she was old, and tried her best. In the end, she just accepted that you were happy, and you decided to ignore her more oblivious, borderline rude questions for the sake of peace.)

Kelly’s family was similar to your grandmother. They needed a bit, but they were worried about the press and publicity, which you understood. What you also understood was, they weren’t against the relationship, or the child. They were worried about the reaction of everyone outside of the family. And they were the first to contact lawyers, to make sure all three (or rather five, with Baby P and your unborn child included) were taken care of and save when it came to the crazy press and fans.

Now, Red Bull was a bit more difficult. They wanted to be a safe brand, and polyamory wasn’t exactly safe. Especially when the current FIA boss was from the UAE and half of their brand was owned by a Thai business. You understood them, you truly did, but you were also furious. Who did they think they were to interfere with your private life?! But they shut up really quick when Max more or less threatened to switch to Mercedes, a truly European owned company that would just love to prove how progressive they were. So, you were still allowed to the garage and to everything else Kelly was, but whenever possible you were pushed to the background. All three of you agreed that was actually the best, giving you some form of privacy while not starting a fight with a multi-million company.

The fans were crazy. Of course there were the occasional assholes, both of the kind that insulted you, complaining that you were immoral, and corrupt every child that met you with your abnormal tendencies, and the kind that was making lewd comments on how you and Kelly were Max’ sluts, his harem, and other “creative” names, but those would always exist. Most would simply count down the days until Max’ child would be born. You were worried about how Kelly would feel when you were the one to give birth to his biological child, even before you went public, but she simply told you that as long as you and Max loved her, she was more than able to brush everything else off. Being the girlfriend of a Formula-1-champion required some thick skin. (You had the feeling she kept some comments she read and heard about you to herself. Both her and Max.) So everything you saw was incredibly supportive, and lovely, and sometimes brought you to tears because of how sweet the fans were.  

And the fact that there were enough videos of you and Penelope, where she put her hands and ear on your growing stomach, very obviously excited for her little sibling, or telling your baby how she was going to be the best big sister, and they would always play together, helped a lot of people to overcome their hesitancy and get excited for you all.

[thetavolution]

Modern Day AU

I spent a moment to think what everyone would be up to in a modern day AU.

Astarion: He was pre-law when he got caught up with Cazador. It's less a vampire spawn situation and a more straightforward abuse situation. I think in the AU he was also much younger when Cazador found him. Once he breaks free of Cazador, he might go back into law. He'd end up in therapy and he'd probably have to take a step back to re-evaluate what he wants in life.

Gale: Of course he's a professor. With magic off the table in this particular AU, he'd probably teach as many subjects as they'd let him. Students would constantly have deja vu seeing him in so many classes. He'd be teaching somewhere like Cambridge or Oxford. The subjects that came to mind were English, History of Art, Linguistics, Philosophy, and for reasons I can't explain, German.

Shadowheart: Her ass would be in a cult. She was kidnapped into some kind of Gloriavale situation as a kid. She'd eventually get a taste of freedom and leave the cult for good, especially if a Tav comes her way. Then she'd write a tell-all book and do a lot of Ted Talks about it. As she got older, she'd become more reclusive. She'd write books from her little countryside house full of animals.

Halsin: Halsin would still be a tree-hugging hippy. He'd have an environmentalism related job, like wind turbine technician, environmental technician, or solar installer. (I imagine he'd want something very hands on.) He'd 100% be part of a nudist colony. He'd still be poly, and he'd be very choosey about who he lets into the polycule.

Lae'zel: She'd go to university where she'd be expanding her world. It would force her to unpack her unhealthy home life is. She was probably raised in a jingoistic family. After discovering the power of friendship and self-discovery, she'd make better choices for herself. She'd still be INCREDIBLY disciplined so I imagine she'd be an athlete. Either she'd do professional rugby or MMA. She might do pro wrestling. She wouldn't join the theatrics on purpose. They'd just tap into her natural persona for her character.

Karlach: She worked for Gortash before he made a name for himself in politics. I'm still trying to work out exactly what would happen to her. I imagine he framed her in this universe and she spent 10 years in prison instead of Avernus. Now she's out and wants revenge... but also would love to get her life back. Possibly she has a chronic illness that, if untreated, could kill her. It's not a 1-to-1 for her heart situation, but close.

Jaheira: She refuses to ever retire from her work. She's been a part of almost every humanitarian world org that'll have her, like The Peace Corps. She now runs her own organization that travels the world for humanitarian efforts. She's a widow and she's still the mother to several adopted children.

Wyll: He was on track to make his father proud. He was going to Oxford to study politics until he realized how much he hated it. His father is the mayor of a major city. I'm hesitant to say London because it feels too obvious. Instead, Wyll drops out to pursue humanitarian work. This is where his path crosses with Jaheira as he joins her organization. His father just doesn't get it and they're at odds over it.

Minthara: Military brat who grew up to join the British Military. In her off time, she's in the BDSM scene.

Orin: She is either running a true crime podcast or being talked about on one. Either that or she's a CEO of a drug company a la The Fall of the House of Usher (2023).

Gortash: This dude is running as a Tory and you know it. He left a huge trail of problematic behavior on his Twitter. He made an anonymous Reddit account to post relationship problems on, but everyone figured out it was him almost immediately.

Barcus: This poor man is so tired. He never found his "dream" and he's been going from job to job for decades. After he starts to stand up for himself, he opens an online store based on all his interests and thrives.

I might do more later, but this is all I could think of for now.

[aneenasevla]

Red Velvet - Chapter 8 part 1

MasterList / Akane’s profile / Last chapter here

Chapter 8 - Christmas Party (part 1)

When she woke up, the first rays of sunlight were beginning to appear, and she felt the bed warm. She looked up, a little groggy, and… she couldn't see very well, she didn't have her glasses or lenses on and she was always more myopic in the morning when she had just woken up. But she recognized the man's bleached hair, his closed eyes and his peaceful expression. And she felt a slight urge to smile, but the smile died when she remembered some things.

Akane, from a very early age, had a certain luck in attracting men. It wasn't as easy as snapping your fingers, or as if you had some kind of magnetism. No, but she knew she was beautiful, that she had attributes that made her stand out, and she also had this analytical side to her that knew how to recognize the first signs of interest, and what was interesting about her to attract them, and how to manipulate them to get what she wanted. It had always been like that, with the boys from her neighborhood, her father's friends when she was a child, with her own friends during her childhood, and even with the boys in elementary and high school. When she started to discover sex, things only quadrupled, but that also earned her a bad reputation.

The bitch, the slut, the backstabber, the rotten picker. She didn't care, so to speak, since she was confident in herself to get what she wanted, even if it was a lollipop from a handsome boy. She could make him bend over and kiss her feet, following her like a drone would follow a queen bee. 

And then everything started to go downhill. After graduating high school and starting to worry about what to do with her life, she ended up returning to stay all the time in the neighborhood where her seamstress mother lived, and after her death, she started, of course, having flings left and right to get what she wanted. But as the saying goes, what goes around, comes around. And some of these men began to think she belonged to them. 

And if she didn't, she wouldn't belong to no one else.

She really didn't want to remember those dark times, a few years ago. She ended up hugging Rihito a little tighter, making him stir in his sleep. She was a little tense, but when he didn't wake up, she sighed in relief. 

It had been a huge problem, involving the cops, a jury and even jail time for one of these men  because of those abuses. That kind of experience had destroyed her inside. All the nonsense about relationships, romance and love that she craved for deep inside; she believed it was all dead and buried, far beyond her reach. Good for those who could find it, but what kind of relationship could a slut like her have?

Mrs. Jin's salon was one of the few places where she felt welcomed after what happened. That old lady was the one who helped her get back on her feet, along with Tomori, Hiro, and even Kanami, when she returned from the United States. In the same hood where she had survived, she found a family that made her blossom again. 

Nowadays, she was very happy having some flings here and there, but the rotten picker she had acquired still remained, so she didn't resort to having more than one relationship at a time like she did in her late teens. 

Then her old friend comes to her and asks her to broke down the ego of a human gorilla who seemed very interested in her. For this friend, she would do it, with pleasure... but... she wondered at what point she stopped playing around and started just going with the flow, and actually enjoying this man's company.

And said man was there now, right next to her, sleeping in absolute peace and having no idea that he was the object of her close scrutiny and one of the subjects of her unpleasant thoughts and depressive memories. The man who had been described to her as a helpless womanizer, with too much ego and too little intelligence, and who needed the life lesson that only she knew how to give more than anyone else.

And said life lesson had worked out so well that it had caused a gradual but noticeable transformation in him, right before her eyes. He hadn't necessarily changed his way of being over those two months of coexistence; he had only toned the bravado down to a tolerable point and allowed himself to show more of the person he was behind the façade of a prideful fighter who was too obsessed with appearing manly. Deep down, that man lying under her covers was one of the most adorable, gentle and soft-hearted creatures she had ever met in recent years, so different from the idiotic thugs that infested that neighborhood, and at the same time at the same time so capable of going toe to toe with them without breaking a sweat. A mixture of monstrous brute strength and sweet gentleness that made her feel protected, rather than intimidated.

She wondered why he hid that side of his, why was he so afraid of showing who he really was, preferring to maintain all his macho posturing and his perverted ways as a way of protecting himself from the world. He, like her, seemed to have some unresolved traumas. And just like her, he only allowed himself to reveal that fragility there, on a lazy winter morning, while he slept peacefully. Thinking that he felt so comfortable around her to unconsciously express that vulnerability made her feel a funny and kind of scary warmth in her chest.

One she knew too well, and that scared her more than any rival she could have. He sat down on the bed slowly, without waking him, and sighed. Why couldn't he be just a fuck-buddy and nothing more? Why did he have to be so cute like that? She felt angry at herself for being stupid and foolish for wanting anything like that. 

It wasn't something she had the right to ask for. 

A slut like her didn't deserve no one's love.

He moved, and she was startled again, but he just turned around and hugged her waist, still asleep, with the same stupid smile on his lips, grunting quietly with satisfaction. She sighed again, and stroked his hair. 

She had to do something; sitting on the fence wouldn't get her anywhere. But for now, she didn't need to make a decision. He seemed to be one of those idiots who, if you didn't say anything, he wouldn't see what was right in front of him, even if he himself was interested in something more. And that was one of the things she found adorable about him, despite being dangerous. 

He lets out another grunt, this one a little louder and clearer, from someone who probably wouldn't take long to wake up. She thinks for a second if it wouldn't be best for her to get out of bed, to try to put her thoughts in order away from him... until she feels a large hand rest lazily on her left boob, that stupid smile still there, plastered on his face.

Welp... adorable or not, a pervert would always be a pervert. She sighs, exasperated and at the same time wanting to laugh.

"Hnnn… Akane…" 

"Do you want me to blow the horn to wake you up? Since you already honked it and everything," She laughs, bending over to reach his balls, which were very close. "Or can I honk another one...?," she threatens while bringing her hand closer.

"Aaaiee!," He starts, his eyes getting wide, removing his hand from her boob immediately. "Alright, alright, I'm awake! I like it when you hold them, but this is a bit too much," He whimpers, and then laughs softly, stretching and looking at her lazily. "Good morning."

She laughs, moving her hand back to hold his face. "Good morning," She looks at the covers. "Haha, you ended up not even wearing the pants yet..."

"Huh, you're right. We kind of forgot about them. But there's no way I was going to wear them at any point during the night, because you wouldn't take long to take them off," He smiles mischievously, and then yawns, a hand over his mouth. "But I can put them on now..."

"Just so I don't feel tempted. I need to focus a little," She theatrically acts innocent. "Ooh, Father, let this cup pass from me!," and then she laughed without being able to maintain the character. She gets out of bed, combing her curly hair with her fingers. "It's somewhere around here. After we put something in, let's eat what you brought yesterday . I'm starving…"

He laughs at her antics, pretending to try to grab her to pull her back to the bed, which she easily escapes. He shakes his head with a smirk. "Yeah, I'm hungry too. I think this is proof of how banging you is addictive…"

She laughs.

Little did he know that he was also very addictive.

But she would never admit that.

…

"... Aaand we're done with this spot," Kanami sighs, clapping her hands together as she contemplates her newest masterpiece: a hearty Christmas dinner, with everything that such a meal entails. In addition to the hotpot, there was the traditional Japanese large pot, a large stuffed turkey, which she had had to stop Ohma from devouring with threats that he would have less dessert than usual after dinner. She smiles at her boyfriend when she sees him sitting on the living room couch with the cat; he used to wait for her while she cooked in that spot, since she had to forbid him from wandering around the kitchen while she was busy and couldn't protect the dishes. "Now we just have to take a bath, get ready and wait for everyone! C'mon, don't give me that look, you'll eat like a king todaty!" 

"Why do we have to wait until midnight to eat? It's all going to get cold...," He had Medeyami sitting on his shoulders, and the cat was hanging from there like a furry, living scarf. "I can understand waiting for the dessert because we eat it cold, but the dinner...," He makes a sad face that made Kanami sigh. It was as if she was starving him, but despite it being a genuine expression, it was also his way of toying with her.

"That's why everything stays in pans and tureens, covered with aluminum foil. It will maintain the temperature. And it's a tradition," She caresses Medeyami's head and then her boyfriend's hair, in a massage that she knew would make him go soft. "It makes the anticipation for Christmas even greater. Makes everything more special."

"Hhnm…," he closed his eyes at her caress, but he still didn't seem very convinced. "In that case we need to hide it from Medey too."

Oh, his rivalry with the cat…

"Ohma, the cat isn't going to touch the food. It's all inside the pans, and it's still hot," She says in a serious tone. "And Medey has already eaten his dinner, he's not a bottomless pit like you."

Ohma made a face, picked up the cat and held him by the armpits.

"Did you hear that?," He said in a warning. "You can't eat until midnight."

"Meooown…," And Medeyami replied.

"Hunf," he put him on the floor. Kanami felt like laughing.

"As much as I think it's cute when you interact with him like that," She puts her hands on her hips "just remember that, when people arrive and start making noise, he'll run away and hide. He's more introverted than you."

"Alright," He gets up from the couch. "We need to get ready, right?"

"Yes, it's that outfit I gave you."

"That wool coat?"

"Sweater," she corrects him. "And yes. I'll use mine too."

"And I have to use that red hat too?," He raises an eyebrow.

"Only if you want. I use it because I like it, but you don’t have to…"

"No, I'll use it," He nods. "I liked it."

She smiles "Look, if you're going to use it just to please me..."

"No, I'm serious," He smiles slightly. "It’s fun. And the hat is warm. And I like red."

She cups his cheeks, and he enjoys the feeling. She always did that when she was feeling affectionate and wanted to show it.

"Okay, if you keep it like this I'll hug you and we won't be ready in time. Let's go."

And he accompanies her.

…

"Oh my God, Ohma, look at you! Damn, Kanny, you actually convinced him to wear the sweater!," Tomori exclaims, excitedly, as soon as Okubo and her cross the arch of the door, he carrying bags with bottles, she carrying a large box, of what one could already assume was cookies of the most varied types. "See, Naoh? I told you you wouldn't be the only one, hahaha."

"Hey, Seaweed Head," He waves happily, showing off his blue sweater. "We’re matching!"

"No, mine is red, yours is blue. And convince me?," He looks at Tomori. He was wearing a typical Santa red hat "It's very warm, and it's cold outside..."

"Thank you Tomoh," Kanami takes the box from Tomori's hand and goes to put it in the kitchen. She then points to Okub. "Okubo, please, put the drinks in the fridge, I set aside a space in it just for them.

"Okay," He nods, reading to the kitchen. 

Ohma was about to follow him the baker's scream "HEY! You are prohibited from going there, sir!"

"Can't I just help?"

"No, you'll help by staying right here and fixing the video game cables with Tomori."

"Damn… what did you do, man?," Okubo asks him.

"He tried to eat the Christmas turkey while it was still raw, can tyou believe it?!," Kanami frowns.

"Raw?! Oh, Ohma... we have to get you some lessons about the dangers of raw food, salmonella and things like that," Tomori shakes her head.

"And he still eat the ham I bought for the cold cuts board…"

"Hey, I went to buy more, didn't I?," Ohma responds sulkily.

"Yes, but that first one was my aged ham with honey and spices. It took me a whole week to prepare, you feral animal!"

"I already apologized," He puts his hands in his pockets, frowning but head down. "I won't do it again."

"Did you hear that, babe? And you complain when I eat a cookie or two from one of your batches...," Okubo jokes.

"A cookie or two is no problem. It's a problem when you separate a quarter of the entire batch all for yourself," She jokes too, smiling sideways. "Your jealousy towards my cookies is cute, love, but this time the box I brought is for everyone. Yours is in the apartment."

"I'll behave, I promise," He smiles, after returning from the kitchen. "Come on, Ohma, we have to set the console up. I convinced Tomori to bring some horror games too."

Ohma opened his eyes in interest.

"It didn't even take that much convincing, seeing you guys playing horror games is so funny," She laughs. "I was only a bit hesitant because Kanny isn't a fan of them, and she's the host, hehe."

"Shut up," Kanami blushes. "I don’t like being scared, and the plots are too engaging."

"More than your arm around my neck?"

"Shut up, Ohma!," she pushes him into the living room, mortified, while he laughs softly.

The doorbell rings, and she turns her head. "Oh, someone's at the door! I'll answer it. Tomori, take over."

"She won't stop giving orders even on a night off, huh," Tomori jokes with an affectionate roll of her eyes, heading to the kitchens, while Kanami went to open the door.

"Good evening," Himuro greets her with a smile, carrying a bag also containing bottles in one hand, while the other was resting on the shoulder of a girl with straight black hair cut close to her neck, her bangs half tossed to the side. "I brought a plus-one, if it’s not too much trouble. She said she knows the hostess, haha."

"Hi, Kanami," The girl, who Kanami recognized as one of Tomori's former college classmates, Mariko, greets, a little shyly. "It's been a while, isn't it? Himuro invited me and assured me that there was no problem…"

"Ooh, hi, Mariko!," She smiles cordially. "Yeah, it's been a while, but don't worry! We're all friends and acquaintances here. Put the heavier coats on the rack here, please," She points to a series of hooks on the wall. "And the drinks are in the kitchen with Tomori, Himuro."

"Alright. I'm just going to greet everyone, and then I'll start," Himuro nods, noticing how Mariko looked at Kanami with an astonishment that she was trying to hide. He approaches her, asking quietly, "Is there a problem?"

"No, no. It's just that I haven't seen her since high school... and wow, she's so in shape. She used to be quite chubby, so I was surprised," She confides, also short, placing a hand over her mouth. Himuro blinks, caught a little out of guard. Okay, that was new…"

"Aah, Mari came! I'm here in the kitchen, girl!," Tomori’s voice is suddenly heard. Mariko starts a little, then smiles from ear to ear, turning to her companion. "Is it okay if I go to say hello? I promise I'll be back..."

"No sweat. It's been a while since you've seen each other other than inside the bakery," Himuro touches a strand of her hair, gently placing it behind her ear. The girl blushes, her dark eyes twinkling, before nodding and walking away. She then notices Ohma and Okubo in the room, her eyes widening a little," "Oh... you are Kanami and Tomoh's boyfriends, aren't you? Nice to meet you! I'll be right back to greet you better...," And she takes off to the kitchens. Himuro smiles sideways.

"Hey, guys. She's a little shy, but she knows how to make a Bloody Mary like a pro. And she sure thought you are handsome, Ohma.

Ohma rolls his eyes, not at all surprised, and goes back to work. Okubo had waved to the girl lightly, and raised his hand higher to Himuro.

"Hey, man!," He smiles. "Look who's finally got some time off during the Holidays!"

"So you’re going to spend the end of the year away from a counter," Ohma comments.

"Yeah, talk about a Christmas miracle. I was lucky that they were able to hire enough assistant bartenders to cover my shifts. Lots of kids looking to earn some money with a part-time job," Himuro takes off his coat, hanging it in the hangers next to the door. He also wore a sweater underneath, this one a soft ocher that contrasted with his tanned skin. It was almost infuriating how good he looked even while wearing that thing. "Anyway, did you bring anything good? We'll play Just Dance, right?"

"Yeah, and we also have Biohazard 8 and Outlast 2… The Evil Within… and there is Doom Eternal for when we get sick of almost shitting ourselves…"

"It's for after midnight," Ohma nods. "Horror games are nicer to play after midnight."

"Who told you that, Ohma?," Okubo looks at him, with an eyebrow raised.

"Everyone…," he blinks, confused.

"Well, whatever, you'tre right," Okubo smiles approvingly. "And it's also good because we're not going to be sober! It's always funnier with a load of alcohol..."

"… I remember when you guys told me how your friend, Mr. Kanoh, broke Okubo's TV, y'know," Kanami comments, in the hallway. "I don't want the same happening here, okay?"

"Oh, Agito wasn't drunk, he's just not tech-savvy," Okubo laughs loudly. "He bought me a new one later, so no hard feelings."

"... Seriously, it's a good thing Agito only drinks once in a blue moon. If he is a weapon of mass destruction while sober, imagine him while drunk," Himuro makes a face. "Anyway! Get a load of what I brought...," He smiles conspiratorially as he takes out, from inside the bag, a dark bottle, with a label printed with cherry blossom petals, which reads 'Kotozakura' in kanji. "Here it is."

Okubo makes an ‘o’ with his mouth, letting out an approving howl. "Woooh, man, that's what I'm talking about!"

Kanami widens her eyes in admiration. "What? Seriously, Himuro?! This sake is expensive as hell..."

"Don't worry, it was a gift from my employer. An extra as a thanks for the assets I won him," He confides, very satisfied. "He's filthy rich, so it wasn't a problem for him. But seriously, go easy on this baby here, it's strong stuff."

"Yeah, we'll be careful," She takes the bottle carefully from him and takes it to the kitchen. "Girls, look at what Himuro brought!"

Tomori appears from the kitchens with Mariko, both laughing quietly at each other. Tomori greets, "Hi, Himuro! And... is that a bottle of Kotozakura?!," Her eyes widen, her jaw dropping, to which Mariko nodded excitedly.

"I didn't believe it either when he showed it to me! You only brought quality stuff, we have enough for the whole night."

"I told you," Himuro combs his hair back a little in that charming way that always left Rihito and Okubo feeling twinges of envy, "So, shall we begin? These guys are dying to get drunk, haha!"

"Yes, I’m just going to greet everyone properly! Nice to meet you, Mr. Okubo! I was shocked when I saw Tomoh's Instagram posts about her dating one of her idols. You lucky girl," She plays with her friend, who laughs happily.

"I know!"

"And you're Kanami's boyfriend, right? It's a pleasure too! Wow, girl...," She speaks more quietly, to Kanami, very surprised. "Where did you get one of those? You and I have the same taste in men!" 

"Take your eyes off him," Kana jokes, smiling. "And he was the one who found me, just like my cat. I have two cats at home now, apparently."

"But I'm not a backstabber," Ohma looks at Kanami, making Okubo laugh.

"Damn, man, are you still calling the cat that just 'cause he stole your food?," he finishes fixing the cables.

"No, it's just my nickname for him. I also call him a 'thief'. If one day I have my own cat, I'll call it like that too."

Kanami sighs, shaking her head.

Mariko blinks, very confused, which only makes Tomori laugh and Himuro say, "Let's say Ohma has difficulty understanding certain social cues. But it's okay, we have fun with it, haha." 

Kanami confides, "it's one of the things I like most about him, actually. Look, he's not ashamed to wear a cute Christmas hat with cat ears."

"Oh... okay then. And really, that's a bonus. Handsome and confident, just like Himuro," She smiles, and Himuro playfully elbows Ohma's arm.

"You hear that? If only Okubo and Rihito had learned more from us from the beginning…"

"He would still be single, because I’m not looking for anything," Ohma smiles. "Is everything ready there, Okubo?"

"Yeah, I'll just let Tomori change the settings because she's better at it than me, but the consoles are all installed," He turns on the TV and gets up. "Tomori, your turn!"

"I'm going to the kitchen, Tomoh!," Kanami says. "Can you answer the door, Mariko?"

"Sure!," Mariko goes to the door, while Tomori bends down to help her boyfriend. She opens the door, smiling. But that smile becomes an expression of astonishment when she sees who just arrived. "Uh... Akane? Agata Akane?!" 

"Mariko?!," The girl opens her eyes wide, and then smiles brightly. "My goodness, it's been so long! Such a small world," She waves, laughing quietly. "How long has it been? A century and a half?"

"Uh... haha, yeah, pretty much! You're even more tanned than I remembered!," Mariko ends up smiling too, but still looking a little taken aback. "I didn’t know that Tomoh and Kanami had invited you to the hotpot…"

"Akane!," Tomori lifts her head from her work, smiling from ear to ear. "Come in, girl, it's freezing cold out there! And where is Rihito?"

"Oh, so this must be Miss Agata," Himuro comments, and Akane could finally see the famous 'hot tanned guy' from the photographs, with his arms crossed, standing calmly next to the guy she recognized as Kanami's boyfriend. "Nice to meet you."

"Oooh, so you guys are the Golden Boys in Tomoh's Instagram pics," She smiles. "Good to know that I don't need to worry about my friends because they are eating good, thank fucking God."

"Oh," Kanami looks seriously at Akane. "Hey, Bitch."

"Hey, Butch! Girl, you look hot as hell," She looks at her from top to bottom. "If you were still a 'vagitarian' I would think about giving you a chance..."

"Go suck a bag of dicks..."

"My favorite!" 

They stare at each other. And then they both laugh loudly, clapping their hands in a high-five.

Mariko blinks, a bit embarrassed, while Tomori rolls her eyes.

"And there they go again...," She says simply while the men can only stare in astonishment. Ohma looks a little confused, but he still raises his eyebrows.

"Ooh, so this is Canibal…," He nods. "Where’s Ichiro? Did you eat him before coming?"

"I would've loved to, but I was busy getting ready, honey," She fixes her hair. "Speaking of which, where is he? He still hasn't come in?"

"Hey, Himuro, pay up," Okubo extends his hand, speaking softly. "He ran away from her like the devil runs away from the cross. Told you so."

"Calm down, man. Lower your hand, we're still not sure," He responds quietly before raising his voice. "Rihito didn't come? Usually he would be the first one to enter through that door, singing the obscene version of some Christmas carol...," Himuro comments, to which Tomori answers, "No, he hasn't shown up yet. Did he really come with you, Akane?"

"Yeah, he did, I swear…," She blinks, looking over her shoulder. "Oooh, there you are! Seriously, man, you're embarrassing me here," And she laughs.

"Leave me alone, damn it! Do I really need to use this thing?," They hear Rihito's voice clearly, to which Himuro smiles triumphantly at Okubo.

"See? Don't count your chickens before they hatch."

Okubo pouts.

"Rihito?," Kanami calls. "Get out of the cold, man, everyone is wearing sweaters too!"

"But I doubt your sweaters look like glitter-filled marijuana paste!," He whines, and Himuro and Tomori laugh, the latter raising her voice, "But the fun about wearing these sweaters is joking about how tacky and ugly they are! Don't be so prideful, come on, even Ohma is wearing one!"

"Uh... yeah, now that I noticed, only the men are using those...," Mariko comments, blinking, to which Tomori laughs more.

"Kanny and I couldn't waste the joke, hahaha!"

"Hey, I'm also wearing one, are you kidding me?," Kanami laughs.

"You don’t count, Butch," Akane laughs too, showing off her manicured nails. "You have the best of both worlds."

"Fuck you," Kanami laughs louder.

"She's right," Ohma comments, and chuckles when she throws a pillow at him, defending himself calmly.

"Come on, Rihito, stop being dumb!," Himuro calls, cupping a hand next to his mouth. "Don't you want to take a pic of all of us lined up, like a football team, to send to Kaneda?"

"... Only if I can change sweaters with you!"

"No fucking way. Hold off on your marijuana paste until the party ends and try not to cover Miss Kanami's couch with glitter."

"For fuck's sake...," They hear Rihito's voice approaching, growling mortified, "I swear, woman, the things I do to make you laugh...," And he appears in front of the door, his face red, and the sight of the green, sparkling monstrosity that was that sweater, with the words ‘Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal’ on it, provoked general laughter.

"Ugh… Yeah, Merry Christmas to you too, you assholes," He snorts.

"I told you it would be funny," Akane laughs loudly. "Did you like it, girls?"

"Damn, Akane, you're terrible," Kanami smiles. "It looks great, Rihito. Relax, come in, everyone's wearing the same."

"He was going to buy one that had two deers fucking printed on the front, but I didn't let him in consideration for you guys, so you're welcome," Akane points to the baker.

"Leave me alone, Cockatoo! And the one with the deers fucking was funnier than this one. What's the point of an adult party if we can't even have a little fun?," Rihito pouts.

"Thank you for that," Kana nods. "Put the drinks in the kitchen, Rihito, and make yourself at home, Akane, but not too much and specially not with our men!"

"Man, you always spoil the fun! Thank fuck I brought one from home," She jokes, entering the living room. "Hey, dearies, I'm here."

"Hey, Miss Agata," Okubo laughs softly, shaking his head.

Akane was wearing a simple shirt with little cleavage (not that it made much difference) and jeans. She was also wearing heels and blue lenses, her hair neatly arranged and in a ponytail, showing her colorful locks. On her head there was a tiny Santa hat in a tiara.

"Girl, I love the tiara!," Tomori exclaims happily. "And I'll love taking a photo of you all as a souvenir! But let me do the introductions first. Mariko, this is Nakata Ichiro-"

"Rihito!"

"But he prefers to be called by his nickname. He's accompanying Akane today. And this is Ishikawa Mariko, a friend from college days," Tomori rolls her eyes a little, at which Rihito turns to Himuro's date. He smiles sideways, his eyes fixed on her, to which the girl looks away, a little shy. Himuro and Tomori immediately tense up. They didn't want to believe that idiot would start being inconvenient right now, and even more so when he was already accompanied-

"Nice to meet you, Miss Ishikawa!," He approaches, and Tomori was already preparing to intervene if he tried to grab her friend in another one of his rib-breaking hugs... but she suddenly stops when he just extends a huge hand. Mariko blinks, but soon recovers, more relieved, as she accepts the greeting.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Nakata."

"You can call me Rihito. You're Himuro's date, right?," He smiles smugly. "Be careful when you play Just Dance with him, okay? That GoGo Boy wannabe hypnotizes chicks with his Shakira-like moves," He jokes, and Mariko ends up giggling.

"You, the male version of a Brazilian funk dancer, are one to talk," Himuro snorts, but his expression was one of slight astonishment. He exchanges a brief discreet look with the others, seeing that everyone there shared the same thought.

Rihito, greeting a woman like a normal person, without harassing her? Was that the last Christmas before the end of the world?

"Hey, Ichiro," Ohma says; he seemed to be the only one who wasn't fazed by anything that was going on. "We're going to have some horror after midnight too."

"Horror?," Akane blinks. "We came to a Christmas party just to watch a movie?"

"Nah, he's talking about games," Okubo smiles.

"Wow, this is going to be interesting," Akane smiles a little, looking at Rihito.

"Ooh, nice! I'll be able to watch you guys embarrass yourselves in front of the girls, screaming like crazy at every jump scare!," He laughs, to which Himuro grumbles, "Look who's talking, the guy who gave the excuse that he had to go take a piss whenever Chris Walker appeared on screen to chase us."

"I drank too much that day, man, it just happened that these moments and the trips to the bathroom coincided!"

"Yeah, sure…"

"I'm a little scared of these games...," Mariko pouts, leaning against Himuro, who pats her shoulder with a satisfied half-smile. Rihito immediately turns to Akane with hopeful smugness.

"You can hold my hand if you get scared too, okay? You can even sit close to me if you want..."

"I'm kinda scared of them too, Mariko, at least you're not alone," Kanami says.

"And I'll pay the price for that," Ohma laughs, and when she gives him a dirty look he responds, "Relax, I like it."

"It seems he's the masochist type," Akane whispers to Rihito.

"You betcha. His girl puts him in a neck-breaking armbar and he just stays there, looking like he's actually getting a leglock," He whispers back.

"Well, since everyone is here, I think we can start with the drinks. Himuro, feel free to do the honors," Kanami said, always the eager hostess, with the air of a leader.

"Leave it to me. You coming, Mariko? They already know about my skills as a barman, but not yours. How about we show off a little?," He smiles at Mariko, whose face lights up.

"I’d love to!"

"And in the meantime we'll stay here, choosing the first games of the night," Tomori says as she kneels next to Okubo, whispering to him, "Do you want me to hug you this time while you're playing? I don't mind at all, hehe."

"Well, normally you’re the one who hugs me, but I’ll love it anyway," he smiles back at her.

"Hey Kana, where’s Hiro?," Akane asks. "Won't Satan's Spawn join us?"

"Oh, Hiro sent a message saying he won’t be able to show up. Apparently his current date is a bit too affectionate, and he decided he wanted to spend Christmas alone with him to see if he could score," Tomori explains, smiling scathingly.

Akane laughs coquettishly without opening her mouth "Wow, even him is getting it good. Tell him I'm sending him kisses. I miss him, he never showed up at my neighborhood again either. I miss us going out drinking, he was a better rat catcher than me, ahahahaha."

"Hey Himuro," Ohma calls, asking quietly. "What's a 'rat catcher'? Does Cannibal eat mice or something?"

Himuro lets out a high-pitched sound of barely contained laughter, quickly placing a hand over his mouth. "Ahaha! No, bro, that's how we call people who go around having casual relationships with anyone. Rihito is a male example."

"Shut up! I have great taste...," Rihito looks sideways at Akane, seeing her laughing and making jokes with her friends. And Himuro raises his eyebrows a little when he hears how his voice has softened almost imperceptibly.

"She's the one who has terrible taste," Okubo laughs to his friend. "Now you look like that marijuana cat from Pokemon."

"Stay there unwinding cables with your girl and don't fuck with me, Chrome Dome head!," Rihito growls while Himuro laughs heartily. Even Mariko chuckles, which only makes Rihito more embarrassed.

"I look like a cat too," Ohma says. In fact, he seemed a lot happier lately.

"A very cute one, by the way," Kanami says.

"Aaand we're done!," Okubo announces, finishing adjusting the cables with Tomori. "Let's choose what we'll play first."

"I was going to suggest Just Dance, but it gets a lot funnier with alcohol on our systems," Himuro comments while Mariko brings glasses from the kitchen. "Unless you guys want to start making asses of yourselves right away."

"Karaoke!," Ohma raises his hand. Kanami laughs.

"I down for karaoke too," Okubo votes.

"Yep, they really want to start making asses of themselves now," Himuro shakes his head. "Fine by me."

"Nah, they won't," Akane smiles. "Come on, I want to hear y'all."

"Aren't you also going to participate?," Okubo raises an eyebrow.

"With that voice of mine? Nah, I'll spare your ears," she smiles.

"Oh no, don't give me that! You’re going to embarrass yourself like everyone else," Kanami laughs. “You're not getting away this time.”

"Thanks," Ohma takes a drink from Himuro.

"Oh come on, I've heard you singing in the shower," Rihito pokes Akane's hip, smiling mischievously. "You're not bad at all," He accepts when Mariko offers him a drink too. "Thanks, Miss Ishikawa!," And he pours the drink into his mouth, shaking his head afterwards. "Wow, that was some strong shit!"

Mariko's eyes widen, and Himuro snorts, "Take it easy, you drunkard..."

"Karaoke sounds good to me!," Tomori raises a hand, excited.

"Then it's decided. Who goes first?"

"By the house rules, it's Kana," Ohma says. "She's the hostess after all…"

"But you also live here! That makes you a host too," she smiles mischievously at him. He widens his eyes, caught off guard.

"But you sing better than me," he tries to say, drinking afterwards.

"Du-et, du-et!," Akane starts to sing-song, clapping her hands.

"Yeah, get it going!," Rihito laughs and takes another drink, lifting it into the air. "And please choose some pretty sappy song, Auntie, I wanna see the Seaweed Head belting out until tears fall from his eyes!"

"This is easier to happen in Okubo and Tomori's case," Himuro jokes, and Mariko giggles when Tomori blushes a little.

"Come on Ohma, the sooner the better," she extends her hand to him. He looks at her, and then smiles a little.

He takes her hand and stands up, putting his drink aside. Akane claps, the others going along with her with applause and whistles. Rihito, as expected, was the one who whistled loudest, sticking his fingers in his mouth, making poor Mariko jump in fright and almost spill her drink on her skirt.

"Come on, Tokita, get this shit started!"

"Go Ohma, kick some ass!," Okubo laughs. "You too, Miss Kanami!"

"Go Butch, make your bitches proud!," Akane shouts.

Tomori laughed out loud, also drinking. Himuro just shook his head, immediately pulling his phone out of his pocket.

"Kaneda will love to see this..."

"Okay, let us choose," Kanami was blushing. She shows it to Ohma. "This is the one I showed you the other day..."

"Oh, I like this one," he nods. It doesn't take long before the music starts playing.

They start the vocals immediately, Kanami with her low-pitched voice, with Ohma joining her on the chorus. Akane's eyes widen while she grabs Rihito's arm.

"My God…," she whispers. "He sings in such a soft and low voice, how can he do that?"

"That bastard is full of surprises," Rihito laughs heartily. "We were amazed the first time we heard him singing. He could become a rockstar and go out banging every chick he wanted, if he didn't already have his girl, hehehe."

"And if he cared enough about that sort of thing," Himuro smiles while record the performance.

"Wow… handsome and good at singing… Kanami won the lottery," Mariko sighs.

"I told you guys, that bitch got it good, hahaha," Akane shrugs, and then she looks at Rihito, with a drink in his hand. Ohma and Kanami were starting to raise their voices; they looked firmly at each other, in tune. "Shit, they really are cute... now I feel like challenging these two. It's already started well, so let's dethrone them on Just Dance. What do you say?"

"A dance number of our own, huh? Count me in!," And there he goes, having another drink, as Himuro twists his mouth.

"Seriously, dude, slow your roll. This has Kotozakura in it…"

"Himuro, the greatest masterpieces in the world were created while their creators were stoned or as drunk as skunks! I need to be inspired if I want to reach that same level, dammit!," He scoffs, shaking his head again. "Are you going to get one too, Panther?"

"I already grabbed one, but if you don't want me puking on you while we're dancing, I need to take it easy," she smiles, showing her almost empty cup now. "Just one more and I'll be ready, Mr. Himuro, fill it up!," she points to the cup on her hand.

"Okay, Miss Agata... damn, that's what I'd call 'birds of a feather' "...," Himuro arches an eyebrow, filling her cup. Tomori laughs again, turning to Okubo and murmuring, "See why I was so sure that I would win our bet?"

"It's not over yet," Okubo says. "Don't count on it yet, my trip with you will still happen..."

Meanwhile Kanami and Ohma finished the song on a soft note, the last note coming out together,  and that earned them a pretty high score. She smiles and hugs him, all happy, and he laughs a little, hugging her back. Akane squeals in delight, clapping her hands.

"That's what I was talkin' about, my hot couple! I shipp it so much!," she exclaims, laughing out loud. "My God, I'm drooling, Rihito! I think I'm gonna cry, and the night hasn't even started yet...," She hides her face in his shoulder. "I'm glad my makeup is waterproof..."

Rihito laughs loudly, throwing his head back, choking a little as he brings her closer with an arm around her waist. "Calm your tits, Kane, or soon enough you'll be asking to be the bridesmaid or something, hahahaha!"

Himuro blinks. Kane? He exchanges a look with Okubo, arching an eyebrow, while Tomori was distracted taking another drink that Mariko offered her.

“Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”

Okubo raises his eyebrows, pouting as he nods, drinking as well. 

“Told ya, man, that woman is the fucking Devil”

Ohma and Kanami sit down again, side by side, and Kanami says, mortified, "Okay, okay, we've already done the opening show, who's next?"

"Oh, can we go, Himuro?," Mariko asks, to which Himuro nods, still looking at his phone.

"Sure. I'll just send this video here... done," He puts his phone aside, and then gets up. "That way Kaneda doesn't get bored with the tv shows that his grandpa likes to watch, hahaha."

While they were choosing a song on the karaoke machine, Rihito whispers to Akane," Look, we're going to have a tough competition with Himuro. He's possessed by the spirits of a hundred GoGo Boys, he twerks like a bitch with no bones."

"Oh, but he'll have to deal with other two bitches who dance like thet have no bones," she winks at him, smiling devilishly. Jeez.

Apparently she couldn't handle much alcohol without food.

"Bitches versus bitches. It's the battle of the century," He laughs mischievously, and his voice is no longer so firm either. Tomori looks at them from the side as the music starts, calling, "Guys, slow down with the drinks, especially when it's not time for dinner yet."

"I've already stopped," Akane puts her cup aside, now holding on to Rihito's arm. "I do tons of dumb shit when I'm too drunk, I don't want to give Daddy Satan any reasons pull me under too soon."

"I'm not touching any alcohol, Ohma," Kanami says when he offers her a cup. "I promised I wouldn't do that anymore."

"No problem," he shrugs. "I'm hungry, so this strawberry is doing it's job."

"Rihito shrugs. "I, on the other hand, see booze as a source of inspiration. Damn, when will we have the chance to drink rich people's sake again while watching Himuro sing pop music...," He laughs loudly while watching the other couple's performance, with Mariko still a little shy, but smiling while Himuro encourages her, even taking her by the hand to make her dance slowly with him. Damn, they weren't even playing Just Dance yet and he was already showing off like the conceited bastard he was. As if he needed that to make his date more eager to sleep with him. "Look, Akane, that's what I was talking about! Come on, let’s analyze our opponent’s movements coldly…"

And Tomori just laughed seeing him with that predatory smile. Was it just her or was he taking this dance competition thing seriously?

"I've been watching them since I came in, my dear," she looks devilishly at him. "You're just not aware... "

"Really? Woman, you're a goddamn hawk," He smiles back. "But were you analyzing your opponent's tactics or just admiring that incredibly tanned skin? Don't make me jealous, c'mon," And he laughed again, now drinking more slowly, as if the drink were a rare delicacy that he didn't want to end so soon.

"I looked at everyone, but I don't eat more than what's on my plate. And my skin is more tanned than that anyway," she laughs softly, pinching his nose.

"How about we go next?," Okubo asks Tomori. "Then we can enjoy their show next..."

"I'm in! And I have a feeling that we're going to have to tell these two to control themselves soon," Tomori responds with a giggle. "They're not even trying to hide their flirting. This party is for adults, but not for the films produced for them, haha."

"Heh, I'm loving the view," He smiles a little stupidly. "It's strangely cute, and despite the adult content, they're actually quite well-behaved."

The song ends and the two laugh, and the other couples in the room gave them an ovation.

"Very good, Mariko!," Kanami congratulates. "You did good."

"Although I'm sure she was mostly looking at Himuro's ass than singing," Akane whispers to Rihito, pretending to look at him with interest. Even drunk, that woman was an actress, Rihito thought. 

"Aawn, thanks!," Mariko blushes, all happy, while Himuro smiles, holding her hand and saying, "See? I said you have a beautiful voice. Do you believe in me now?"

The girl is completely disconcerted, blushing, her eyes shining. Rihito shakes his head, commenting quietly to Akane, "And you think that wasn't exactly what he wanted? He's a worthless womanizer too, he's just the one who gets the best luck in the group, hahaha..."

"I see... but you don't need to be jealous," She looks at him and smiles more, whispering. "I'm the one who has a knack for these things here..."

"And don't I know that? You're on another level, Panther...," He whispers with a mischievous smile, discreetly sliding his hand down her thigh.

"Okay, our turn, Tomoh!," Okubo jumps up and extends his hand to her. "You can choose," and he offers her the remote.

"Okay! I imagined you'd want to go for enka, I was already preparing to be your accompaniment," She jokes with a laugh as she holds his hand and checks the list. And Rihito scares the entire room when lets out that high-pitched whistle again, exclaiming, "Come on, you cheesy fools, do the gayest performance you can and make us proud!"

"I want the cutest, most sugary thing you can menage!," Akane coos, smiling with false innocence.

Himuro wastes no time, siting down again with a still shy Mariko at his side and pulling out his phone again, smiling mischievously.

"Himuro won’t run away from me next time," Ohma whispers to Kanami.

"Oh, I know," she smiles mischievously too, while watching Okubo and Tomori.

Okubo seemed a little shy at first, grinding his teeth at Rihito's antics, but Tomori's hand in his seemed to calm him down, making him smile tenderly at her. They intertwine their fingers, looking at each other as they sing, as if trying to ignore the presence of the others. There came a time when the plan seemed to work. Rihito, his head already a little foggy from all the booze, watches them, smiling a little.

"Just look at that, guys, I can't handle this much sugar! I'm gonna be sick! Get a room, you two!," He shouts, but it only sounded partially mocking. Akane could see genuine affection in the way he watched his friends interact. He probably wouldn't show his satisfaction with the couple's happiness so openly if he weren't already a little drunk. 

"I'm simply melting away with all this cuteness," She follows along, but more measuredly, making hearts with her hands. "My favorite couple keep giving me reasons to live! I love you guys!"

"She’s drunk, right?," Ohma asks his girlfriend softly, who nods. He becomes quiet again.

Tomori blushes at the comments, but she doesn't stop singing, and it's Okubo's turn to hold her hand more firmly to encourage her. Rihito laughs sharply before taking another sip of his drink.

"If I have one certainty in life, Akane," He says quietly to her suddenly "It's that that bald fuck won't wait more than a year to propose to this girl. I know him too well, haha. "

"I don't doubt it. She got what she wanted too, so I doubt she'll say no," she says in a sly voice. "And you like them together, right? You look all happy for them..."

"They make me wanna barf, and I kinda need to go on my nights out alone now," He shrugs, but the smile on his face doesn't diminish. "But I also gained a friend. And he's happy. Look at that stupid face. I've never seen him acting like this with anyone before... you must feel the same seeing her like this."

"I agree, I'm all giddy seeing them being cute together, enough to make me jealous of what they have, so much so that I wanna more booze, but our hot tanned friend closed the bar...," she looks at him. "No, you don't count, you're good but I want it only after dinner, so save that fire of yours for now."

He laughs sharply again. "Okay. But I was going to offer you my cup. Here, there's still half of it," He gives his cup to her. "Here's to all this cute fag shit, and here's to their fucking wedding because then we'll have all the free booze we could want, hahaha!"

She laughs and takes it, drinking promptly. "Thanks, honey," and she kisses his cheek.

He blushes, blinking his green eyes rapidly as he touches the place where she kissed him. He looks at her with fascination for a second... and then he laughs and asks, "What the hell, woman, are you gay?! Such a fag, hahaha!," And he pulls her towards him for a hug.

"Yeah, I am 'cause I can, so shut the fuck up," She hugs him back, laughing like an idiot.

"Not for long, 'cause we'll soon be playing horror games. We'll be screaming like little bitches!," He laughs again, his arm around her waist. At that point, they were no longer paying attention to their favorite couple's performance, nor noticing how the others were looking at them. Mariko blinks, surprised, and comments quietly to Himuro, "I didn't realize they were a couple..."

"They aren't," He responds bluntly, but he still looks sideways at Ohma and Kanami. He wasn't so sure about Ohma, but he was sure Kanami had noticed too.

Ohma was quiet, and Kanami smiled, seeing that he was leaning against her, with a frown and arms crossed, but not moving away in the slightest. They seemed too distracted to pay attention to anything, but Kanami occasionally looked at everyone else.

The song - which was actually prettty long - ends, and there was more clapping.

"Yesssss, please invite me to the wedding," Akane laughs coquettishly. "I love you two, please be together forever!"

Tomori just laughed with all the claps and whistles, a little shy, while Okubo scratched the back of his head. They were still holding hands. Rihito takes the opportunity to taunt, "Go on, man, seize the moment and propose now, since your hand seems to be glued to hers or something!"

"Screw you," Okubo turned extremely red. "You're the last person who should say those things to me! Get a grip," He looks at Tomori. "Just to make it clear, I love you, okay? It's this dumbass that's too damn inconvenient."

Tomori turns even redder, laughing sharply and leaning her head on his arm "I know, Naoh, I love you too, hahaha! Leave him be, I'm too happy to care," And she stays there, hugging him.

Rihito smiles even wider, giving Okubo a thumbs up. That idiot probably already owed him fifteen favors with regards to his girlfriend. These two would be lost without him...

Kanami laughs softly. "Speaking of convenience, it's your turn now. Or do you guys want something else?"

"Food," Ohma grunts, sulking.

"Soon, love, soon. You're even sulking, you poor thing," Kana laughs, and squeals when he pretends to bite her shoulder.

"And he says I'm a cannibal!," Akane points out, laughing loudly.

"I never said I wasn't," he laughs maliciously; the baker was mortified, her hands on her face.

Rihito chokes on the rest of his drink, laughing like a hyena, while Himuro just shakes his head.

"Told you. He's really been scaring me lately."

"If you can't stand me, go play some horror games," Ohma laughs more, still softly. He was clearly a little intoxicated, judging by the red cheeks.

"This is what I have to put up with every day," Kanami sighs, hugging him anyway. "What do I do with you?"

"I don't know, how about shutting me up with some food?," He smiles at her and she pouts.

"That way I’ll end up giving in, you naughty cat."

"That's the idea."

The two end up laughing, while she pushes him and he flinches, swaying as he lets out an idiotic but cute laugh. The idiots had never seen this side of him before. Normally he was always eating while also drinking, and he ate a lot, so it was difficult for him to get into that state.

"Are you seriously getting drunk already? I didn't even see you drink much... although you have an empty stomach too," Himuro comments, to which Rihito, still laughing his ass off, says, "It's the usual lack of habit, just like the Seaweed Head! C'mon, Kane, let's sing already so we can go eat and that creature can fill his stomach up before he gets hungry enough to eat everyone, hahaha!"

"How tempting," she laughs loudly. "But still scary, 'cause Butch would get mad. Let's go," She gets up and almost falls on her butt. "Oh my God!," she cries out before Rihito holds her. "Boy, I almost kissed the floor instead of you, so thanks a lot!"

"Damn, woman, you’re not in the middle of a fight to be kissing floors like that!," He shouts, worried, but still laughing out loud. "Here, lemme help, hahaha! Did you get hurt? Good thing you're so light...," And he helps her to compose herself; he himself felt a little dizzy. 

Tomori sighs with an exasperated smile, "That's what happens when you drink strong booze like it's water..."

"Will they be okay?," Mariko asks, worried, to which Himuro says, "Yeah, don’t worry. They'll just wake up with a hell of a hangover tomorrow. I said this thing could knock out a bull..."

"I'm not on the ground yet!," Akane leans on Lihito. "Wow, I knew you were big, but not wall-sized! I like it...," she smiles stupidly "Put on some... what will we sing, Rihito? I'm going to sing bad anyway, so it must be something equally bad. I'm down even for 'Barbie Girl' at this point."

"Alright, lemme see... holy shit, this one!," He exclaims happily while pointing to a specific song. "Since everyone decided to be sissies today, let's get with the program! If you wanna be my lover...," He hums in a falsetto, and Mariko gets a little startled when Himuro has a coughing fit, caused by laughter.

"Oh, fuck...! Sorry, Mariko, but I have to record this!," And he immediately pulls out his phone. "Kaneda would never forgive me if I didn’t…"

Tomori lets out a disbelieving laugh. "Spicy Girls? Really? Damn, he's drunker than I thought!"

Ohma looks interested at the scene, laughing a little. Kanami raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms, just waiting for shit to catch fire.

"Oh I love this one!," Akane laughs. "Man, this is going to be great!," She takes the mic.

The result was the most out of tune couple at the party, but also the funniest. 

The scene was so surreal that even Okubo pulled out his phone to record it, Himuro and he bursting out laughing as they watched Rihito, who loved to declare himself the bastion of manhood and virility, swaying his hips and even snapping his fingers while holding the mic in the other hand, singing as loud as he could, going out of tune in the high notes, and at one point even throwing his head back with one hand in his hair, his eyes closed tightly. And he couldn't seem to care less about the show he was putting on; his attention was all on Akane, both pointing at each other while singing, laughing loudly when one of them was out of tune, and swaying together even though it wasn't a dance song.

"C'mon, woman, move those hips, now it's the best part! Wooooh!," He throws his arms in the air when Akane rests her hands on her knees and raises her hips, his eyes wide as if that were the best view he could have. The rest of the party members were too busy trying not to piss themselves laughing.

The song ended and they were still dancing. Akane ended up falling on top of him, both of them laughing a lot. Then their laughter stoped and they looked at each other. Himuro even zoomed in on the recording, wanting to capture the moment in detail. Ohma widens his eyes and looks at the others, pointing. Okubo nodded a lot, and Kanami just laughed quietly at her half-drunk boyfriend's reaction. Tomori even grabs Okubo's arm, hiccuping after the fit of laughter, but her eyes are shining with how the two drunks were looking at each other. And Mariko could only think that this was probably the strangest Christmas party she had ever attended. But it wasn't like she wasn't having fun too.

"Hey...," Rihito says in a low voice, looking at the woman on top of him, his eyelids even drooping a little... and then he laughs loudly, exclaiming, "What kind of dance move was that, cockatoo? Attack of the Fat Ass? It's become my favorite move now!"

Akane laughs too. "Did you like it? I'm developing it further to take you down, you big dog," And she pushes him lightly, a little shyly. "Okay, quit the sissy shit, what time is it again?"

Kanami looks at her phone and then smiles. She shows it to Ohma, who blinks a little with the brightness of the screen. He then opens his eyes wide, smiling a lot, standing up suddenly in a burst of joy. "FUCKING FINALLY!!," He shouts, scaring everyone, immediately running to the kitchen. Kanami laughs loudly.

"Someone hold him, quickly! Or there will be nothing left for us!"

And everyone laughs together, running to the kitchen. Ohma gave a surprised yelp when all the men held him at once, so  Kanami could at least go ahead with the girls and set the table for everyone. Their fighting instincts suddenly took over, and the thing became an all out brawl. Those four huge men shouting and fighting each other in the hall was the icing on the cake of that pre-dinner party.

But the most impressive thing was Ohma taking them down one by one with absurd ease, even as a joke, with only food as motivation. Damn, and he wasn't even the biggest of them all! Akane looked at Kanami with an air of astonishment.

"What?," Kana shrugged, blushing.

"Girl, you knocked that man down with a leg lock! Damn, well done. You're a fucking badass."

Kanami was mortified when the others laughed, but everyone was scared when one of the mastodons crashed into the drywall and almost put a hole in it. 

Kanami widens her eyes in fury. The girls cower in both confusion and fear as the baker charges into the hall like a bull.

"THAT'S ENOUGH, ALL OF YOU," she gets in the middle of the four men. "COME ON, QUIT IT, YOU FUCKS! I SAID QUIT IT!," She holds Ohma and Rihito by their ears, and they flinch at the sudden pain.

"Ooouch!," they both complain, and when she lets go, they look at her with their tails between their legs.

"They started it!," Ohma defends himself, pointing to the others.

"Ow, Auntie, that hurts! Damn it, you seaweed head! You only managed to knock me down like that because I'm drunk!," Rihito points to Ohma, his face red red, massaging his sore ear. Himuro, panting, snorts, also red in the face, "He's drunk too, Rihito, did you forget? Shit, I need to train more…"

"Damn...! Tomori!," Okubo shrieks, mortified, looking up at his girlfriend. "I- I didn't look like a loser to you after taking a beating from Ohma, did I? He- He caught me by surprise, I wasn't even fighting seriously and-"

"Calm down, Naoh!," Tomori interrupts him, unable to contain herself and laughing, despite also being a little exasperated. "You're still the greatest to me, you know that."

"Really?!," His eyes shine. Then he also whimpers loudly when she approaches him and holds his earlobe, and with the size difference between them, he practically has to bend over. "Ouch!"

"But no more of these stupid shenanigans! If you want to play fight, go outside, okay?"

"... Okay, babe," Okubo pouts, and he looks furiously at Rihito and Himuro when they giggle. 

"Hunf. You still need a lot to take me down, you weaklings," Ohma shakes his head, his smile malicious, even while feeling pain on his ear. "You might give me some trouble when fighting three on one, but one only has brute strength and little technique," he points at Rihito, "a lot of technique and little strength," at Himuro, "and Okubo has both but not as much as me, so take that."

"That's enough, Ohma," Kanami raises her voice, and he stops immediately. "You four will fix what you broke, you hear me? I don't even want to see the damage to this hall before eating, otherwise I'll lose my appetite, and if this shit happens again, you go without eating. All of you will go without eating!," She points at the three idiots when they start to laugh. "This isn't a fucking madhouse, damn it! Next time go fight outside, do you understand me?"

"Yes ma'am," The three said at the same time, cowering, while Ohma still complained, "I wasn't even the one who started it..."

Kanami looks at him with acid eyes and he takes a step back, his eyes wide. Mariko just shakes her head, astonished.

"That was funny, cute and scary at the same time…"

"Even more so because the one who stopped the whole thing was Kanami, not the men," Akane adds, whispering, her cheeks flushing. "Damn, Butch, you almost made me wet my panties... in a good way."

Next chapter here

[solmints-messyocdiary]

PJ AU with Ophelia and Eric

Eric and Ophelia are intrinsically connected as they were left on the camp at the same time and age.

Name: Eric

Age: 17 (arrived at age 10)

Parents: Unnamed mother (alive - could care less for him) and Apollo, God of the arts, medicine, and prophecy.

-

His (fake) father dropkicked him to the camp the moment he found out he wasn't his real son. He was around 10 when that happened.

Eric's godfather Vincenzo took take care of him when he was abandoned by both his parents. He himself is a child of Athena, so he knows of the camp and is involved with it~

His mother was more interested in canoodling with Apollo to get hidden knowledge than sentiments of love for him. Eric was... an unexpected surprise for sure...

Because of Eric's gloomy and dark self, along with how quiet he is, people have confused him for a child of Hades rather than a child of Apollo.

You can find him in a quiet corner reading away or painting. He enjoys peace and solitude but wouldn't mind some company.

He is also an excellent archer and can evaluate situations well. One can say... he can glimpse into the future.

♡

Name: Ophelia

Age: 17 (arrived at age 10)

Parents: Unnamed father and Nemesis, goddess of retribution and vengeance (Ophelia hates them both)

-

Her mother Nemesis was the one who left her at the age of 10 on the camp grounds. Ophelia's relationship with her father wasn't the best. Much abuse happened in that household, both on the physical and mental side. Ophelia still wonders what on earth did her mother see in her father to even think of having a kid with him.

She resents her father the most, but she also hates her mother. She just wants to punish then and make them pay for their neglect.

Despite being the child of Nemesis, Ophelia is much more selfish. Only helping those she thinks can be of aid to her rather than for a just cause.

She's pretty much Regina George personality wise. The entire "You're so pretty!" - "Thank you." - "Oh, so you think that? You think you're really pretty?" Is her thing. She even has a black list journal where she writes all the names of people that have offended her.

Because of her looks and personality, she has been confused for a child of Aphrodite. However, she can't handle Aphrodite children as she sees them as vain lmao.

Her strength comes from her brains (manipulation) rather than strength, but she can punch... hard, and she plays dirty. She has a whip she can use well if needed.

[brynnterpretations]

Long Goes The Night (Longer The Day)

“Rebecca was good company."

🔗 Read on AO3

⌗ double drabble ⌗ implied/referenced drug abuse ⌗ canonical abuse ⌗ on the run ⌗ road trips... in quotation marks ⌗ implied/referenced kidnapping ⌗ unreliable narrator ⌗ it's eileen y'all ⌗ title from the demo version of "teclo" by pj harvey

Kids went on road trips when Eileen was younger, but Eileen never did. She never felt like she was missing out, though, because whenever Joyce or Mary or the other girls in her school talked about watching Massachusetts melt into Connecticut and sipping on Shirley Temples on, all she could think about was how unpleasant it would be to do any of that with her father. He couldn’t go on long drives without his medication. If he did, he’d get mean. Same with sleeping, and going out when the sun was bright enough to hurt his dilated eyes: Eileen, close the blinds, dammit!  

So, Eileen didn’t feel like anything was robbed from her, really , but still, she felt like she was filling in some sort of gap. Eileen didn’t travel. She didn’t drive anywhere, either, besides to the grocery store or work. She certainly didn’t drive with company, especially company as beautiful as Rebecca St. John.

And, of course, Rebecca was good company. She always was. She didn’t backseat-drive like her mother apparently used to, the reason why her dad said he’d started taking his medication in the first place. She sat with her hands in her lap, eyes looking very far away. She was peaceful. She knew where she belonged. She knew that she and Eileen were intertwined in fate, that everything was in its right place, and that they’d found each other like everyone did in fairytales, even in the dirt and grit of Moorehead.

“I’m going to stop and get some water,” said Eileen softly. “Do you want anything?”

Rebecca shook her head. Docile, peaceful, sleepy. She didn’t nag like her mother apparently used to, either, so Eileen smiled. Rebecca was good company. 

[i-am-all-lies]

Lost Butterfly

A story I wrote a while ago. TW: Child Abuse (in every sense).

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Today, I decided to start walking. I haven't done it for a while, I don't know how to do it anymore. But it shouldn't be that hard, right? Just… left foot, right foot. Yes… left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot, stumbling once, stumbling twice, I knew I was going to fall, but why is my knee hurting? Should I be falling when I'm already on the ground? My dad was wearing a necklace today, and a ring too! It's not Mom's ring, so I guess it's a new one. "Hey, *****." Dad called out to me. "Yes, Dad?" I said as I turned my head to the other side of the table, where his plate was, which had no more food on it, in contrast to mine, which was still full - not because I had more food - of course. "Get the wine," Dad ordered. I put my fork on my plate and got up to get the wine. With a turn of my head, I found the bottle, well, several bottles, but as they've been there for a while, I don't think they're the ones he asked for, so I took the one that looked fullest and approached him to deliver it. As I placed the bottle down, I felt the judgmental gaze that ran over every inch of my skin, bones, muscles, organs and mind, which only ended when a cough could be heard from Dad, who began to say: "You've gained a few kilos, haven't you? And that chest of yours is rather large for your age, don't you think?" I made my way to my seat while preparing an answer, at the same time trying to keep my skin dry: "Do I look like I've been eating too much? And what do you expect me to do about my chest? It's not something I have any control over..." he seemed rather displeased with the answer and made his usual snobbish comment which, by now, he has memorized, given the number of times he has repeated it; it's certainly something he rehearses in his room, "Well, you don't eat anything! You just spend the day in your room! You're really useless, you still manage to gain weight, it's a shame." Yes, a real shame, I couldn't agree more, Dad. Although this sarcasm doesn't get me anywhere in my mental space, it does help in the process of dealing with the situation. He hasn't touched my taste in music or anything I like so far, remarkable progress, I'd say. In response to his unpleasant comment, I simply sat in silence, eating the amount needed to get away from the table and back to my room.

A pleasant silence formed, the absence of the noise from the nearby street, the television that was turned off because Mum said it was "spoiling the family dinner experience", whatever that means, and, most importantly, Dad was silent. Peace was achieved, until Mom opened her mouth and announced that she had... I don't know what she said, since I had excused myself to go to the bathroom in order to ensure some fat loss, I'm sure that what Mom had to say wasn't really that interesting. I washed my hands and cleaned the toilet to avoid anyone noticing the traces of vomit, and went into the dining room to get the dishes and wash them in the kitchen. While I was doing the dishes, I heard the phone ring and my mother started talking to someone, who certainly wasn't my father, as the tone of his voice was much brighter and the content of the conversation was about her job, more specifically about how she was upset with the manager for promoting someone else instead of her, despite the fact that she had supposedly done a much better job than him, It's not that I'm particularly suspicious of my mother's claims about her performance, it's just that I hardly believe that she would be even remotely close to gaining a promotion in her "company", due to the simple fact that restaurants don't have promotions, and so I ignored the conversation in the living room and distracted myself with other thoughts, probably of less value than my mother's nonsense. That is, until these thoughts were interrupted by the solid grip I felt on my buttocks, large hands could be felt grabbing that part of my body, I don't remember this happening, so I had no reaction, looking to my right, I saw my father with a smile on his face, "Come to my room for the usual". I felt the souls of those who were waiting for me screaming inside me in agony. What is "the usual"? What's going on here? I stood there, paralyzed with a mixture of fear and... I don't know how to describe it, but it was unpleasant, that's a fact, a really horrible fact. If I had to say something close to that, it would be despair. That's right, despair. I can't prepare myself for what's to come next, is he going to hit me? Humiliate me? Kill me? I finished my work and went to Mom and Dad's room, as Dad had instructed. Every step on the stairs felt like a whole flight of stairs; should I run? Hide in my room and block the doors? No... There's no escaping the fate that lurks behind that door.

It must be what I want in the end, isn't it? I approached the door, the cold coursing through my body, anxiety coursing through my bloodstream as if it were a nutrient highly necessary to keep my body functioning. I opened the door and closed it behind me, took a deep breath and turned my body, revealing my destination. A father without any cover was now standing in front of the bed. I was paralyzed. He grabbed my arms and put me on the bed, pinning me down with his strength. I couldn't move. My legs were forced open and… The clothes that had once kept me hidden were now torn and no longer offered the security I had before. He came in. Blood dripped down the sheets and onto my flesh, purity was now something I could never seek. "I know you like it," yes, Dad, I like it as much as I like the pain of being stabbed a million times, it's really incredible, I like it as much as I like the feeling of termites in my eyes, I like it as much as I like the feeling of my flesh rotting from untreated wounds, I like it as much as I like you. I truly became a receptacle of despair, agony and terror. It seemed to last an hour, two hours, three, a month, a year, my whole corrupted life. When my father felt satisfied, he ordered me to leave his room and go to mine. I did as I was told and sat down on my bed. Now I remember. That's why I couldn't walk.

[line-of-fire]

One week where I'm not going absolutely insane over the twins would be pretty dang neat.

Just, the tragedy of never having a choice for so long that the very concept is completely foreign to them in adulthood. Of not knowing how much of their identity is who they truly are, and how much of it was formed either as a defense mechanism or in response to the years of training, neglect and abuse from their father. Wondering now if the discomfort from deviating from the norm is because it doesn't feel right for them, or if it's an ingrained fear response because to deviate was to risk punishment; a hardwired instinct they can't shake even now.

It's a little easier for Voitto. Alkka did what she could to preserve his gentle nature, helped him hide it while fostering it behind their fathers back. The medical textbooks hidden beneath floorboards, cover ups for his "failure", blame that was intentionally taken off him.. It was for his protection, ultimately, and it was more of a success than a failure. He has some grasp on who he is beyond what he was raised to become, and has found hobbies and interests he can find genuine peace and solace in.

But Alkka... She intentionally made herself conform to their fathers standards; not letting herself consider any other option because this was the option that preserved her twin. She learned how to act to get the results she wanted (Voitto safe and unharmed), even if it was at the cost of her own health and mental wellbeing. She became the closest thing to a 'golden child' in Thurstons eyes, even if it was everything she didn't want to be. Until she had been 'performing' for so long she became the role she took out of necessity; became what he wanted her to.

She's always let herself and her identity be defined by her ability to (seemingly) carry out her father's orders while also protecting her brother from his rage. She let herself be the forged blade to be wielded by someone else; an attack dog trained to obey, self taught to protect a single person. She doesn't know who she's supposed to be outside of that, even after she killed her father and joined Shadow Company. She is unable to see herself doing anything but kill and truthfully?

She still judges herself based on how safe and happy she's kept her brother and how skilled she is compared to her fathers standards. She's tried, but even now, anything that can't be utilized in the field somehow or in some tactical setting doesn't feel quite right. The few 'deviations' from that she's been able to get herself to take are more expressions of her gender identity- something that, oddly enough, is easier for her to grasp and understand than her identity regarding who she is outside of her role as a killer.

Just. Alkka needs some domestic hobbies and a sense of self that doesn't revolve around the concept of her being something to be commanded and/or used.

[not-krys]

58. Father (Houki, Thea, Abby, Clara, Miri)

The one I got a little too exited to write, so I ended up writing it during most of last month instead of this month, whoops.

This one features Houki reminiscing about her past, Thea, Arthur and Theo welcoming their bundles of joy into the world, a quite spicy Vincent and Abby about sharing the news with him about becoming a father, a little Clara seeking out Mr. Akatsuki in her time of need, and Miri talking to Lucifer about Lilith.

Regular warnings apply: incomplete, raw writing, suddenly cuts in places; oc lore building; oc x canon children; pregnancy; polyam relationship with Thea, Arthur, and Theo; Abby and Vincent's does get spicy with him partially stripping her, heavy kisses, wandering hands, and mentions of past cock-warming (with a lil implied somnophilia from that? idk); Clara's includes talks of domestic abuse and her being left behind by her parents; and Miri talks a little bit about Lilith's death and the circumstances surrounding it it, so mentions of death and possibly spoilers for season 1 of obey me, I guess.

Check out my masterlist!

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Houki

The moon cast a silvery glow over the small garden, the quiet of the night bringing peace over Azuchi. Houki sat on the veranda in Hideyoshi's palace, hands folded neatly in her lap as she gazed up at the moon, the light reflecting off her glasses.

A bundle of grey fur pushed against her elbow, not deterred until she found a comfortable spot on Houki's lap, her loud purrs of satisfaction rumbling against her legs. Houki smiled and scratched her ears, making purrs somehow louder.

"Are you lonely too, Miss Kitty?" Houki giggled softly. "Mitsunari will be back soon. Don't worry."

Kitty flicked her tail, curling it back into herself. Houki went back to scratching the cat's ears.

"…You know, my father and I used to look up at the moon like this… back when I still lived in Jiyel."

Kitty chirped, as if she understood what Houki was talking about.

"He was… a quiet sort of man, my father. He loved books just as much as I do. We would always talk about what we had read recently over snacks and tea. And he would sneak me books whenever Mother wasn't looking."

Houki looked down.

"He… was the one most opposed to me going to Vale Isle after Jiya had ran away. I was ill-prepared. I was not ready to be married to a stranger for the sake of alliances. I just wanted to stay home and read my books in peace."

She sighed.

"But… Mother won out in the end. We couldn't lose our good standing in the family, and I was the only girl of marrying age that could do it."

Kitty raised her head, curious as to why Houki had stopped petting her.

"It wasn't so bad, my brief time at Vale Isle. I met all sorts of nobles and royalty from all the seven kingdoms. I met a pirate lord and a warrior princess that taught me how to get away from… stinky kidnappers, as she called them. I even got to rescue another princess from a brutish prince from Revaire. Me, rescuing a princess."

Houki looked down again, looking at the white scar on her finger.

"Then, by some twist of fate, I ended up here, rescuing another person from a horrible fate. A warlord at that. Lord Nobunaga."

"It's strange… how different your life can go based on a single decision. How if my father had succeeded in keeping me in Jiyel, none of this could have happened. I couldn't have met with pirate lords or rescued princesses and warlords in peril. I wouldn't have met Mitsunari…"

Kitty rubbed her head against Houki's hand, making her smile.

"Or you, dear Kitty. How different my life would be, if I had stayed in Jiyel, kept company by my books…"

She let out a gentle laugh.

"It sounds a little boring and lonely when I say it out loud, does it not?"

Kitty flicked her tail again, staring up at her with her big purple eyes.

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Thea

Arthur couldn't stop the grin on his face even if he tried. Cradled carefully in his arms was a small pink bundle, little curls of teal hair peeking under the blanket. He could see marks of Thea all over this little one's face, her nose and her ears most notable, but this one, this one, she was a curious little bird, staring up at him with her baby blue eyes. His heart melted just looking at this little darling, his little darling.

Another soft cry caught his attention, taking his attention away for a brief moment, reminding that the sweet joy in his arms wasn't the only new happiness in his life.

Theo held a similarly swaddled bundle in a blue blanket, the man himself whispering soft, sweet things in Dutch, rocking the babe to soothe him.

Between the both of them was the love of his and Theo's life, Thea, new mother to a set of twins that, by some miracle, looked like himself and the younger Van Gogh. Twins weren't uncommon whenever he delivered babies in his doctor days, but this was the first time he'd seen two twins looking like their respective fathers. Maybe it was a vampire thing? Something to ask Comte and Leonardo about later.

For now, he leaned towards Thea, brushing back her sweat dampened bangs and kissed her forehead.

"They're perfect, luv." He said quietly with a smile.

Theo glowed with pride, his own grin not soon to leave his face.

"He's actually right. For once."

Thea gave a tired laughed.

"Save the arguing for when I'm not so tired and sore."

She glanced between the two of them, her exhausted smile warm and gentle.

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

Abby

Thunder boomed and rattled the windows of the apartment building, the only source of sound. It barely reached Abby's ears however. She stood at her front door, soaked to the bone and shivering. She knew she should go inside. She should take a hot shower and dry herself off, change into some warm pajamas. Eventually mop up the puddle she was leaving on the floor.

She could barely move, however. Not to enter her and Vincent's apartment. Not to face him when he would inevitably try and ask what was wrong.

She couldn't face him. She couldn't.

The rain dripping from her hair felt like tears running down her cheeks, though she knew she wasn't crying. Maybe. She wasn't completely sure.

She touched her stomach, her wet clothes clinging to her like a glove. Her breath shuddered as she touched herself.

It was too soon for any noticeable difference, far too soon. Yet resting her hand there, with her clothes clinging to her, she thought she felt a difference, a spark, something to make this real, to remind her that it was real.

Her breath shuddered again, her hands coming up to cover her face.

Suddenly, the door in front of her opened, the thud loud enough to mask the echoing thunder, filling the darkened hallway with light. Abby looked up, her eyes wide and shining.

Both stared at the other, struck to silence.

"Vin-" Abby's meek voice started to call to him, before she was lifted into the air and carried into the apartment, not stopping until her feet touched the fluffy yellow rug of their bathroom. Next thing she knew, his lips took hers, his fingers finding her shorts' fastener, almost ripping it from the denim cloth. He pulled her underwear down as well, his heated fingers pressing into her belly.

"Is it true, shatje?" he asked once he released her mouth, panting for breath.

She then saw the nearby trash can, five peculiar boxes filling it along with five little sticks. She froze. Vincent kissed her again, gentling his tone.

"That's where you went today, to make sure."

Abby nodded.

"Well? Are you?"

She closed her eyes, remembering seeing all those positive marks on all five of the tests. And the tests at the doctor's office.

"I-It makes sense, given the time frame." she said quietly. She could vividly remember the night she and Vincent had reunited, how he refused to leave her side, how waking the next morning he was still inside of her, rubbing her insides tenderly to not wake her. How very few nights after that rarely saw her alone in bed.

She then sneezed, reminding both of them that she was still in her wet clothes, chillier now thanks to Vincent removing her shorts and underwear. He gave a sheepish smile.

"First things first."

He reached behind her, to turn on the hot water in the shower. Abby took the opportunity to remove the rest of her wet clothes. She then looked at herself in the mirror, a full length one hanging on the back of the door reflecting her brown eyes back at her.

There was still no change, there couldn't be after only a few hours of confirming her suspicions with a doctor, she knew that in her heart of hearts. Yet she couldn't help but turn to the side, to see her curves and bumps in profile, and cup her hands under her belly as if there was a big change, something there for her to hold. She did the same as she turned forward, holding her hands over herself, holding what she assumed was the little life inside of her.

Hands larger than hers, rougher from years of painting and hard work, joined her petite ones, forming a little heart with his thumbs and forefingers. Vincent chuckled and kissed her cheek.

"You're still beautiful, you know."

He broke his little heart, one hand resting fully on her belly, warming her chilled skin. His other hand, however, had other ideas as it traveled south, tracing a line down to her inner thighs.

--------

Clara

Mr. Akatsuki, owner of a specialty book store in Rhodolite, was locking up for the night. A quiet day was ending just as quietly as it had began. He turned his sign around to closed and was about to lock the door when he heard a peculiar sound.

It sounded like crying. A young girl crying in fact.

The most peculiar thing was that it was coming from inside his shop. How strange.

After securing the door, he walked amongst his shelves and tomes from across the kingdoms. The sobs grew louder as he drew closer, finding a small girl with twin braids framing her head and an orange pinafore dress hiding her sobs. Mr. Akatsuki blinked.

"Miss Clara?" he asked.

He knew the little girl. She and her mother visited his shop frequently because of the young one's voracious reading habits. She had already gone through his selection of Jade fairy tales and children stories and had been looking to sink her little hands into some Benitoite pirate tales as of late.

But it was far too late in the day for a young child to be left unattended. Mr. Akatsuki knelt in front of her.

"What are you doing here so late, young one? Your mother is bound to be worried about you."

The little girl sniffed and wiped her nose on her sleeve.

"Mama's not home."

"She's not?"

"No…" Clara sniffed again, "she said she was going far away… and that she was taking Papa with her."

"Taking your Papa with her?"

Mr. Akatsuki rarely saw the father with the little girl before him. Before, he would always see the woman and child that came to his bookshop, eager to see his latest findings. He saw the man so infrequently that he wondered if her mother was widowed or separated for some reason from her husband.

The times he did see him however, Clara's mother always wore scarves and long sleeves, down over her wrists. She also walked with a limp sometimes, making him suspicious of something foul going on behind closed doors.

"Papa… said some things to Mama. Mean, hurtful things." The little girl shuddered, "then he… he hit her."

"He hit her?"

"Uh huh."

Mr. Akatsuki brought his light closer, seeing a dark red mark across the child's cheek. He could feel his blood starting to boil.

"Did he hit you too?"

Clara nodded, cradling her sore cheek.

"I wanted him to stop hitting Mama, so I pulled on his leg, trying to stop him and…" Her tears were starting to fall again.

"Did I do something wrong, Mr. Akatsuki? To make Papa so angry?"

He pulled his sleeve down to wipe her eyes.

"It matters not if you did any wrong-doing, Miss Clara." He pulled her to her feet, "Your papa shouldn't have struck you or your mother for that matter."

Clara sniffled.

"I want my mama back."

Mr. Akatsuki frowned, glancing at the shelves that contained countless tales of love and bravery behind the young girl.

"If you promise to stay with Mrs. Baker tonight, I can go look for your mama."

"It's really noisy at Mrs. Baker's place," Clara made a face. "She's got a lot of kids."

"You… could make some friends there?"

"They're loud and once tore the pages of my favorite book."

Mr. Akatsuki sighed. He hadn't been established in the little town for long, and the Bakers were the first people he thought of that wouldn't mind looking after a little one overnight, but it seemed little Miss Clara had some opinions about them.

"Just for one night? If it takes longer to find your mama, I'll ask someone else in town."

"Can't I just stay with you, Mr. Akatsuki?"

"Me?"

"I don't need much. I like reading so I'll be really quiet if you want me to be.. I can even clean up good if you want me too!"

"Miss Clara, I-!"

A little orange ball was soon clinging to his leg, her tiny arms surprisingly strong for someone of her size and age.

"Please, Mr. Akatsuki? I don't want you to leave me too."

-------

Miri

"I get it what you're saying." Miri clenched her hands, her fist trembling. "It's still not fair… that she had to lose her life because she wanted to help someone she loved."

"It was the rule, Miriam." Lucifer said with a stern tone. "it was what Father said, and his word was law."

"Lilith didn't have to die for it!"

"I know she didn't!"

He closed his eyes, his brows scrunching as if he was in pain. "She wasn't at fault for what she did out of her love for humans. But not everyone saw it that way. It was just…"

"How things were." Miri finished, looking down and sighing. "Sorry. It's a touchy subject. For everyone. And I was being insensitive."

"You're not at fault." Lucifer turned towards her. "She would have said the same thing. Love is a lot stronger than we give it credit for."

"And… neither of us would be here without her." Miri said gently. "You would still be in the Celestial Realm with everyone and I would- well, I wouldn-…"

Lucifer snorted derisively.

"Don't think too hard about it, little sheep." he smirked, "you are a light in all of our lives and I, for one, am thankful for your continued existence, regardless of the circumstances that brought you into existence."

[heroes-of-olympus-next-gen]

Day 8: Christmas Day

Part 3: Farewell Hope you all enjoy my last Christmas one shot <3

“Hey Alexa, play Christmas hits on Spotify.” Percy said as he started cooking for their Christmas meal.

“What do you want me to do?” Annabeth asked him as she left the baby monitor on the kitchen counter. “I can wash the vegetables or something.”

“You don’t have to do anything. Just sit here and keep me company.”

“So, I’m the moral support. No problem.” She sat relieved on the kitchen table and started drinking her coffee. “How do you feel about the lunch arrangement for this year?”

“What do you mean?” He started chopping some onions and turned on the stove.

“I mean my dad and your family all together in one house for Christmas.” Annabeth explained. Her father had asked if they could spend Charlie’s and Zoe’s first Christmas together so Annabeth preferred to invite them all as she could see that her dad was trying to be a better man.

“I’m sure everything is going to be alright. You have nothing to worry about.” He turned to face her. “It’s a peace offering after all these years. And if it doesn’t go well, we just never repeat the meal.”

“He sounded sincere on the phone. Bobby and Matthew wanted us to spend the day together as well. Besides, I want Charlie and Zoe to have everything I didn’t have growing up.”

“Me too, love. We have already broken the cycle of abuse. And we are way past healing. I’m proud of us.” Percy reassured her. He really did believe that they were doing the whole parenthood thing well. “I am excited about hosting a big Christmas feast. I never had one of these as a kid. It was just me and my mum.”

“It’s a shame that Zoe and Charlie won’t remember their first Christmas.”

That was one of the many Christmases Percy arranged through the years they were married. But every year, the people around the table were multiplying and more memories were being made.

They were happy that their kids felt comfortable and welcome in their childhood home even after they moved out and grown up. Annabeth had never wished to spend the holidays with her dad. Sally’s home made her feel more welcome that she ever had with her dad. Most importantly she believed that she was a decent mother-in-law and later grandmother.

The house was bustling from the noise. Annabeth saw Charlie sitting on a couch in deep thought. “Penny for your thoughts?” She asked as she sat next to him.

“Bianca and I are trying to find a way to explain Eliot that his birthday isn’t a national holiday and Santa doesn’t give his birthday gifts without hurting his feelings.” Charlie replied. “Any ideas?”

Annabeth smiled thinking that her kids had kids of their own. “He’s young to fully understand it. But you’re doing a great job celebrating both his birthday and Christmas without confusing him even more.”

“Thank you. So you say we just completely divide the two holidays and explain it to him?”

“I’m sure that’s the key to success.” Annabeth got up and looked around. “Do you know where your dad is?”

“Last time I checked he was going upstairs with Theo and Eloise.” Charlie replied before he went outside.

“I’ll be back soon.” She said and started going upstairs. The staircase was wall was filled with decades memories and moments Annabeth never wanted to forget. She passed Charlie’s old room where Bianca and Zoe were talking quietly as they had just put down for a nap Eliot and Xander. Theo’s door was half-open and before she could even knock Theo opened the door. “Hey, mum.”

“Is dad around here? Charlie told me he was upstairs with you.”

“He was talking to Tom and Lottie, wasn’t he?” Theo asked Renée. Renée was the only person that managed to make Theo fall hopelessly in love. He was too rational to ever put his guards down to fall in love. But Renée managed to do the undoable.

“No, he said he was going to get something from your bedroom.” Renée replied to her mother-in-law.

“Thank you. In five minutes, Eliot will blow his candles and we’ll eat desert.”

“Copied that.”

Annabeth at last found Percy. “Hey, stranger.” She leaned on the door frame. “I’ve been looking all over the place for you.”

“I was trying to get you, your Christmas present.” Percy explained and gave her a wrapped box.

“You bought me a present?”

“Of course, I only have one wife. The best wife. Now open your gift.”

Annabeth couldn’t contain her happiness. Not because she had gotten a gift. Her kids and grandkids had already done more than enough for her. But Percy always made her feel like she was the most special woman in the world. She ripped the wrapping paper only to reveal a signature red box. “Percy, what did you do?”

“Open it.” He said smirking.

Annabeth opened the box to reveal a trinity necklace. She was speechless. The day Zoe and Charlie were born, he had gifted her the trinity ring and after all these years he decided to give her the necklace. “You shouldn’t have. Thank you so much.”

Percy took the necklace and helped her put it on. “Not a day has gone by since you removed the ring. It only seemed right for you to have the necklace.”

Annabeth leaned in and kissed him. “What have I done to deserve you?”

“I should be asking that question.”

They heard steps from outside which were most likely Zoe and Bianca with Eliot and Xander. “Did Santa bring my birthday present?” Eliot asked.

“Santa bought you your Christmas present. We gave you your birthday present.”

“Santa isn’t real?” Xander replied petrified.

“No! He’s real. But today it’s also Eliot’s birthday. Which means he gets more gifts. Like you get on your birthday.” Zoe explained to her son. Annabeth and Percy couldn’t see their expressions, but they were sure Xander was very confused.

“Can we eat cake?” Eliot asked again.

“After you blow your candles. Come on, let’s go downstairs.” Bianca encouraged him.

“This is the best gift you could have given me.” Annabeth said to her husband. “Our big and very loud family.”

“Always my pleasure. I love spending Christmas with you.”

“Now only another 365 days before the next one…” She laughed as she opened their bedroom door.

fin

[gilparry]

[ dylan arnold | cis man | he/him | twenty-seven ] ——   welcome to grimrose, gilbert rhys parry. it’s cool that you’re here, you know. haven’t you heard of the history of this place… anyway, how’s being a newcomer who has been in town for one month, especially since you spend most of your days as an assistant manager at radioshack and part-time archivist at town hall? also, not that it’s a bad thing, of course, but i’ve heard people say you can be a little critical more than you are thoughtful… but that’s just coming from people who are bored here, i promise. to me, you remind me of how soon is now? by the smiths and secondhand flannels with patches on the elbows, a worn leather messenger bag, and the soft whispering call of the forest... hope to see you around, gil.

PINTEREST | PLAYLIST | inspos: haku (spirited away), kat stratford (10 things i hate about you), andy dufresne (shawshank redemption), marco alisdair (the night circus), gene forrester (a separate peace), alice quinn (the magicians)

full name — gilbert rhys parry nickname(s) — gil, previously rhys name meaning — bright promise age — twenty-seven date of birth — july 3rd place of birth — ossipee, new hampshire current location — grimrose, new hampshire religion — atheist with agnostic tendencies sexuality — bisexual education level — believe it or not... but this guy's got a law degree residence — old-home-turned-apartment-building in the evergreen forest neighborhood family — jim parry (father) and margaret parry (mother). he knows his mom has a sister somewhere out there, possibly in vermont, but they cut ties when gil was just a toddler. so maybe he has an uncle or cousins too, but he's never felt the urge to go out and look for them. finances — right now he is the most financially comfortable he's been in his entire life. he quit his job at a law firm a few months ago, so he's still sitting on some savings from that gig. not rich, but not living in the kind of poverty he grew up with. spoken languages — english ability — cebrukineses (the ability to manipulate the brain and its functions)

overview. (tw: child abuse)

gilbert was born to jim and margaret parry in ossipee, new hampshire. growing up, he lived in a trailer in a mobile home park a hop, skip, and a jump from ossipee lake. looking far back enough, he can remember the three of them sitting down for dinner; his mom pushing his dad's hair out of his eyes with a wide smile; a shiny, tinsel-laden christmas tree in the corner; and a small terrier mix named rocky at his feet. what they had was meager, but gil didn't notice yet. he could remember a time when they felt like a real family, and maybe that's what made everything that followed so much harder. after a series of layoffs at the factory jim worked at, there was a long period of unemployment. gil was too young to remember much of what exactly happened during that time, but what he knew was that nothing was ever the same. dinner became a game of scrounging for whatever was in the kitchen. his mom's eyes never crinkled up with a smile. no holiday decorations. his dog was gone. and his dad started to hit him.

always a smart boy and a hard worker, gil managed to secure himself a scholarship to a private school in nearby wolfeboro. the problem was that the scholarship was only partial. he took on a few part-time jobs (working in the warehouse of a tractor supply company, as a stocker at the circle k, and dog walking) to make up the difference. the more time he worked the less time he had to spend in his family's trailer, so he found he didn't have much to complain about other than the constant exhaustion and social alienation. all was going pretty well until his dad found out just how much money gil was making. what followed was their biggest fight yet (though whether or not you could call it a fight when gil never retaliated, well...). huddled in the corner, near the front door of the trailer, gil watched as his dad lifted his fist. he squeezed his eyes closed and waited for the impact. it never came. all he hear was a loud, resounding thud, and the sound of his dad cursing. upon opening his eyes, gil saw his dad's fist connected with the wall. what he didn't know is that he made that happen. :o

fast-forward and one of gil's coworkers rented him a room above his garage for a small rent price, where gil ended up living to finish out his senior year. come fall, he attended boston college (full ride, baby!), and then after that, he turned his eye toward law school (boston college again -- go eagles!). his time in college, socially, was marked by a lot of lies and ducking around the truth about his family and past. he didn't want his new classmates to see him as gil parry: trailer trash. gil parry: poor. gil parry: victim. so he made stuff up until it became too much. all hopes of having a stable friend group in college came to a crashing halt at the beginning of junior year. he ghosted them all. but that's fine. he was certain he was never very good at being a friend anyway.

after law school, gil got a job at a law firm in providence, rhode island. there, he worked in corporate law. very quickly, he became what many of his fellow law school grads called a "corporate lackey" and it was about as soul-sucking as you can imagine -- nevermind the ethics of constantly finding yourself defending and working for corporations, who have no real care in the world for how they damage society and the environment. basically, gil was due for an existential crisis, and twenty-seven years old and with all the things he worked his whole life for and dreamed about and kept him going through the worst of it... well, that ended up being the perfect time to have it.

in a rare show of impulse, gil quit after a nasty case. he didn't like his job. he didn't like his colleagues. and he didn't even like providence. he had once sworn he'd never return to new hampshire, but he couldn't get it out of his head. he started having weird dreams. he's dreamt of trees and faces in them. sounds and voices. one voice sounds like his mother, who he hasn't spoken to in a decade. and they're whispering so softly that he can't make out what they're saying, but he has this feeling deep in his gut. and it keeps waking him up and telling him to go outside. to go north. to go into the woods. he packed up his shit in his apartment and drove his shoddy station wagon until he ran out of gas. and then he was in grimrose. it felt like a sign (though he very rarely believed in those -- though that will quickly change).

he's been in grimrose for a month and he was only able to stomach unemployment for three days. as the vigilant and no-nonsense dude that he is, he quickly found work. radioshack was hiring an assistant manager and though they were skeptical about why a guy with his qualifications wanted the job, he got it. and more recently, he managed to wrangle a job helping out with some archival work at town hall. it'd take up a good chunk of his weekends but since he spent most of his life with multiple jobs, the lack of time off doesn't bother him too much. actually, being motionless might kill him. like a shark. and it's better to work and think about work and nothing else than try to look too hard at whatever the hell he's actually doing with his life.

personality.

first and foremost: intj kinngggg

anyway, gil is logical and pragmatic and intelligent and a bit cynical. he values independence and self-reliance to a truly coocoo degree and because things that should've come freely and easily at home growing up were always treated as a transaction or as something he should feel bad about. he usually does not and will not accept help from anyone, because that means he owes them something in return and he'd rather chew his own hand off than be indebted to someone.

constantly fighting this internal war of like sheer, utter, mind-numbing contempt for people from places of privilege and arrogance while also desperate to be part of their world.

introverted overall ig, he's always like ~observing people and learning a lot about how he wants to be perceived by what he sees and then wants to make a good first impression so no one can ever guess he feels like he doesn't belong/is white trash. secret internal mean streak and i hate to be a millennial about this but def a slytherin.

but to say something kind about him, i'll say he's cautious and he makes deliberate efforts to be kinder and more understanding and more patient. he's just trying his darndest. xoxo

misc headcanons.

gil has an innate green thumb. when you walk into his apartment, you’ll see rows of pots and plants by the windows. it started when an ex-girlfriend gifted him a little cactus in college; it was a low-maintenance plant, but he found that his instincts when it came to the care and upkeep of it came very easily. he quickly expanded his collection of small plants until his roommate voiced a complaint.

he's a big fan of art rock (talking heads, kate bush, brian eno, etc.) and usually has his cassette player and headphones in his bag.

three words: human garbage disposal. if you're not finishing that plate of food, and you make a point to say it's just gonna get thrown out, have no fear... gil is gonna gobble up those scraps. sandwich crust, pickles, a half-eaten side of fries. they're all fair game.

ummmm and that's it. sorry for writing so much. if you made it this far, i'm sending you a virtual kiss to your forehead. :-*

[mystery-orphans-club]

Snice I am working on the rewrite and it might take a while until It's done, here is the rewrites' exacts in their profile(basically little notes or fun facts about them). I will not include the two new characters in this post.

Tw: for Bulling, child abuse, aboundment, assassins, starvation, Miscarriages and more that I can't exactly remember as It's almost 2 where I am at. You have been warned.

Aisuru Itami Fukawa

Extra: He has a habit of people-watching sometimes. He would just watch what they do and observe their habits. He also may accidentally scare people by saying things they didn’t think he knew about them, but found out by being observant. He never means to scare people though.  

Ash Harukawa

Extra: He, Vehol, and Shinpi used to be best friends as kids but after their parents went missing, he grew away from them. He fell for Shinpi after a few months of watching over her from afar. He joined the Assassin Company his mother was in to make enough money to live, and he gave some of his money to charity.  He flirts with Shinpi a lot during their fights, he likes seeing her flustered.

Azul Asahina

Extra: He tries his best to help Mokusei(Jupiter) to get closer to Kum(Cloud). He plays the piano while Shinpi plays the Violin. He and Muri are very close friends, sometimes people would mistake them for siblings. He was the one to confess to Mokusei back in Middle school.

Muri Hagakure

Extra: Don't try to use her, her kindness is a privilege, not a right. She has a crush on Cloud who also likes her back. She isn't the best at confessing her emotions as she wishes not to be a bother to anyone else. She hates her mother for the abuse she had to face at the woman's hands due to her gifts.

Buttercup Nevermind

Extra: Her name was originally Vincent but she changed it. She had gender reassignment surgery and her driver's licence states her gender as Female. She enjoys learning about history. She knows how to use a sword.

Vehol Yumeno(He/Them for the rewrite please)

Extra: He can only do Ice and Fire magic but is trying to expand their spells and types of magic. They often have to patch themselves up due to him trying to learn magic on their own. He thinks his father left him because he thought they wouldn't be able to use magic

Mokusei/Jupiter Togami Kirigiri Naegi

Extra: He was forced to take over the family company. He grew up with his grandfather but grew to hate him for what he did to his sister. He wants to get closer to her but doesn't know how to. He is dating Azul and has been since middle school

Kumo/Cloud Naegi Kirigiri Togami

Extra: After her parents' disappearance, she was kicked to the curb by her Grandfather, and she had to fend for herself. She often hunts to eat and still goes to school. She also made herself a makeshift home to live in. She and her twin Brother aren't close anymore and she doesn't know how to talk to him anymore. She was taken back in by her Grandfather as soon as she inherited the Family Business from her father

Tetsuko Soda

Extra: she gets bullied a lot. She makes Monomaids and Monosirs to help her out in the shop, as well as make some for the club and the Kuzuryu Clan. She sees Ryūki as her cousin. She messes with things a lot.

Shinpi Saihara

Extra: Her fear of blood came from the miscarriage her mother had. She was covered in what should have been her baby brother's blood while she tried to help her mom. Her left hand is the only part of her body that didn't heal from the abuse but she doesn't change to be right-handed. She is starved and prevented from sleeping to get better at painting against her will. She grew to love despair as it was the only sense of peace she got in the dark moments of her life.

[rafescoke]

hi! i just saw how amazing your writing is and i needed to ask if it's okay for you to write some angst with jj? like, they're best friends but both of their parents are not really the best so they found comfort on each other? sorry for my english and thank uu!!

With You ; JJ Maybank

Pairing: JJ Maybank x reader

Summary: Maybe running away with someone doesn’t sound too bad, especially if it’s JJ Maybank.

Warnings: Abuse, tiger-parenting, swearing, sweetheart JJ

A/N: for a better ride throughout this fic, i recommend hearing this song! anyways, y’all know what i’m about to say; ily, thank you so much for 300+ followers?? it hasn’t even been a week since i created this blog <33 you guys are the best, truly. also my story isn’t align with what was requested & i’m truly sorry if this isn’t what you had in your mind, you can drop in a new request anytime if it’s bad to you!! @gabiatthedisco

p.s, drop in any fic ideas, i’ll give you my best (hopefully) :))

“Hey, princess.”

(Y/N)’s thoughts were interrupted by the sudden gruff voice behind her, and she quickly looked at the figure in case it was her father looking for her. She let out a breath of relief when it was none other than a boy her age, his mouth forming a warm smile.

“I can’t talk to you,” she mumbled, and continued to oversee the ocean before her. The sound of waves thrummed against her eardrums, creating peace for her in the middle of that particular night where there was nobody else but her. And JJ.

“Why? Is it because I’m a pogue?” He asked, raising his brows. There was something challenging in his tone, and he looked almost amused that she was willing to not talk to him just because of their money status, and made his way to stand right next to the big rock she was sitting on.

(Y/N) rolled her eyes, and god, JJ had never felt prouder that he got her all worked up just by his words. He expressed that charming smile of his, and placed himself beside her. She groaned, but she scooted to the side anyways.

She realised how much she needed company.

“What made you come down here, princess?” He started, staring at the ocean. The sky was full with bright stars, illuminating the surface of the ocean. It was the perfect night for a mindless stroll along the beach.

He waited for a few more seconds for her to answer his question, but by the time he could hear the third wave crashing, he realised that she won’t be talking to him anytime soon. So he did what he always do;

He kept talking.

“I was walking around, you know,” he said, using his two fingers to mimic a person walking, “And I was like, what the fuck? Who the fuck is sitting on that fucking rock? And I thought it was a ghost, because it’s like 12 in the morning. I came down here to see the identity closely, and you know, if I got lucky, maybe I can send it to some kind of a ghostbuster. But all I can see now is you.”

He finished with a bright smile, his teeth showing. She didn’t make any reaction, still staring at the ocean, and JJ thought about making another one last joke before he’ll finally leave her alone.

He opened his mouth and looked at her again, but his gaze fell on her bloody shirt, and he freaked out. When he first saw her, he didn’t realise the blood stain on her shirt, perhaps since it was dark, but he had a clear view of it now, and all he could think about was if she was okay.

“Are you okay?” He asked, and (Y/N) looked at him before looking down to her shirt, noticing how he was staring at it. She groaned, covering her chest with her arms and sighed.

“Ignore it.”

“What happened?” JJ asked, because he knew that look. He had had that same expression on his face before, with the same mark staining almost half of his shirts. “You can tell me about it, you know.”

“No,” was all she said, and JJ watched as she jumped from the rock onto the sand, walking towards the land with her slippers in her hands. He never saw her since then, even when he was delivering groceries to her neighbourhood. Their meeting was brief, but JJ couldn’t help but think about her sometimes.

“Do you think Rafe beats his girlfriend?” He had asked his friend during one particular evening while they were mindlessly strolling down the stream in the HMS Pogue.

“Maybe,” Kie answered. “Man’s crazy. Why are you asking?”

“Oh, I don’t know, just curious,” he said, but he thought about what Kie had said. Rafe has a well known addiction, so there was a chance if (Y/N) was abused by him, and that will explain the bloody shirt from the previous night.

“I know that look, JJ,” John B said, sighing. “No. Not worth it. Not a kook.”

“What?” He scoffed, rolling his eyes and trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach at the thought of her. “No. Remember our rule? No kooks.”

“Atta boy,” Pope laughed, patting him on his back as he made his way to the back of the boat.

But to hell with that rule.

So he began coming down to the beach everyday, sometimes strolling around the beach and glancing at the big rock where they had their brief meeting, but to not avail. It was like she completely disappeared, and he didn’t know what to do to talk to her.

He didn’t have her number, or any form of ways to contact her. He had been requesting her Instagram account since god knows when, but every time he tried to check, he was still in her requests list.

Until one day, he saw her on that rock again. He was late to the beach that night, having to clean his father’s mess and listened to his father’s angry remarks to him. He was used to it, but it didn’t mean it hurt him less.

“Hey,” he greeted her, and when she turned around, he saw her busted lip.

JJ gasped, walking close to her and asking if she was okay immediately, but all she did was nod at his question, and looked at the scene before her again.

But it was progress, sure, because she didn’t leave him until it was 2 in the morning. They stayed in complete silence, enjoying each other’s company, the only sound coming from the waves crashing.

“Hey,” he whispered to her, and he watched as she tilted her head to look at him. Their fingers were displayed on the hard surface of the rock for balance, and their thumbs were almost touching.

“You know you can trust me, right?”

(Y/N) nodded, hearing countless of boys saying the same thing to her before but with no effort to prove so. “Thanks.”

One thing she couldn’t deny was the calming effect absorbing into her when she was right next to JJ, hearing his breathing and his inconsistent sniffs.

They reunited a few days after, when JJ had to make a grocery run for the kitchen of the country club. (Y/N) was watching her little sister play, bored out of her mind as she stared at the green landscape and hearing the constant sound of metal hitting a ball.

She turned for a change in scenery, and to her surprise, she saw a jogging JJ with a total of five plastic bags hanging from his arms.

“Hey,” she greeted when he came out of the kitchen, and he smiled when he saw the beautiful girl in front of him.

It’s definitely progress.

“What are you doing here?” She asked, smiling. JJ stared down to her mini polo skirt and tried to conceal his red face.

“Delivery,” he replied, and (Y/N) nodded before giving him another soft smile, and JJ noticed the dimples on her cheeks.

“Hey, um,” he raised a hand, awkwardly scratching the back of his head as she raised a brow. “Can I, um, can I get your number?”

(Y/N) laughed with her head tilted to one side, and god, JJ had never seen someone as beautiful as her before. Her skin was glowing under the scorching sun and she was sweating under her polo shirt, but she still looked perfect to him.

“No,” was all she said, and she continued to giggle as she made her way back towards the waiting area. JJ stopped in his tracks, trying to process the fact that he had just gotten rejected by the girl he likes, and thought about how this was the first time a girl didn’t leave with him their phone number.

And that made him want her even more.

“Dad, please, just leave me be,” (Y/N) cried, putting both of her hands against her ears as she rested her back against the wall. She could hear her little sister crying in the background, but she too felt like crying herself.

“Why would you end things with that son of Ward?” Her father scolded, banging his fist against the dinner table as she closed her eyes from the fear of seeing his face. “You’re so stupid. You’re lucky Rafe even stayed with you until recently.”

She could feel her tears against her cheeks now and her throat was hurting. She wanted to walk away, but she knew the consequences if she does so. “He’s a drug addict, dad. You don’t get it, I don’t want to be with him.”

Her father laughed, and his voice echoed throughout the empty hallways of the (Y/L/N)s household. (Y/N) flinched, knowing what was coming next, and just like what she had expected, a rough slap was given by her father and she fell to the floor, yelping as she tried to apply pressure to her cheeks, lessening the pain.

“I don’t care how you do it-” he continued, pointing his finger at her, “But make up with him. Say how you’ve changed your mind and you’ll be with him. He’s our only choice, do you get that?”

(Y/N) nodded, too afraid to speak up, and watched as her father sighed, closing his eyes and massaging his temples. “Go up to your room.”

She didn’t waste anymore time as she sprinted to her bedroom, picking up her car keys and jumping off from her bedroom window to the backyard. The first time they moved into the house, she had complained about her room being only a few feet away from the ground but as she grew up, she took it as a blessing from the gods above.

As usual, she drove her car to the beach to stay in her usual spot, overlooking the ocean. She looked around when she safely placed herself on the rock, and realised how she had been looking for the blonde boy.

Oh god.

“There you are,” he appeared half an hour later, and (Y/N) saw his bloody knuckles. He hid them behind his back when he caught her looking at them, and gave her the sweetest smile ever. She couldn’t help but smiled at him back, and scooted to the side even more to give him some space.

“Wanna start first?” He asked, and (Y/N) turned to look at him with a quizzical expression. JJ laughed, and cleared his throat.

“Which one of us would like to explain what happened to their body first,” he explained, and watched as she stifled a laugh.

“I’m perfectly fine, Maybank.”

“Are you saying-” he leaned onto her, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear before grazing his finger across the red mark on her cheeks. Her breath hitched, feeling his soft touch against her skin. “This is nothing?”

She sighed, wrapping her cardigan tighter. “It’s complicated.”

“Yeah, I get you,” he nodded, stretching his fingers and feeling the pain from his bruised knuckles spreading through his vein. He bit his lips at the stinging feeling, but he noticed how he kinda liked it.

“You do?” She questioned, “Why don’t you go first; how did you get your knuckles all bloody?”

“My dad,” he shrugged, and watched her. “But I love him, you know. I can’t do much.”

She nodded, but she couldn’t help feeling sorry for him. She was not surprised, having the rumour of Luke Maybank abusing his son circulating around her school before the summer started, but she didn’t put her thoughts into it that much before.

“Did Rafe do that to you?”

“What?” She asked, disbelief written all over her face. She couldn’t help but let out the loudest laugh ever, and she felt good after keeping the pressure inside of her for a really long time. It felt good to laugh, with him by her side.

“God, if Rafe ever put his hands on me-” she laughed again, “I’ll kill him.”

JJ smiled, but his mind was not making any sense. If not Rafe, then. . .

“It’s my dad,” she shrugged, and she almost screamed from the sudden relief releasing out of her. She didn’t know why she felt it, but she guessed it must’ve been from finally confiding in someone after a really long time of keeping the secret to herself.

“I’m sorry,” he said, and he hesitated to pull her into a hug. He settled with his hand above hers, and he was glad she didn’t move away.

All his life, he always thought of the kooks to have a somewhat perfect life he sees on the internet. (Y/N) always look like she’s enjoying life; having the perfect kook boyfriend and a perfect kook mansion, living in the most elite area of Obx and being a member of the exclusive country club, but he finally realised how lonely she must have felt all those times.

“It’s okay, I’m used to it,” she said, and gave him a weak smile. “Guess we’re the same, huh?”

“The same,” he nodded, and they sat in the silence for a few more minutes again. She shifted a few moments later and JJ watched her, in case she needed him for anything, but he was surprised to see her handing him her phone.

“Um. . . yeah?”

“Oh,” she smiled, “Your number. For future purposes.”

“Future purposes?” He smiled, and took it with a soaring heart. He typed in his number nervously, having to press the delete button a few times as he kept messing his number up. (Y/N) laughed, and she felt the difference between him and Rafe.

Rafe would always make her feel lonely, even when they were together. He never laid his hands on her, yes, but the countless times he’ve yelled at her over the smallest things in the world left her in a depressing state until the day he apologised, but that would probably be 2 weeks after. When they didn’t agree on a topic the usual quarrel in the car will occur that always resulted into Rafe leaving the car stranded and ordering an Uber and (Y/N) having to drive his car with her trembling fingers and blurry eyes from the tears back home.

The only reason she was with Rafe was to please her parents, who wanted to be on the good side of Ward Cameron. (Y/N) never loved Rafe, and she knew Rafe never liked her anyways, only loving the attention of being with the untouchable kook princess. She knew the amount of times he cheated on her with his college friends, but she never said anything to him.

She felt his fingers on top of hers again, and the warmth radiating from his toned body spread throughout her body. She wished she could stay in this exact position until forever, close to the blonde boy and having to think about nothing.

The next morning, she woke up with a small smile on her face, and she realised how light she felt when she walked towards the bathroom to pee. Her head wasn’t heavy anymore, and she could feel the edges of her eyes lifting. Whatever JJ had done to her yesterday, it was working.

She went to the country club to accompany her little sister for her daily golf lessons, hoping with all of her heart to bump into JJ again. But she didn’t see him, and felt her good mood slowly evaporating into the thin air.

JJ wasn’t there, but when she reached home with a squealing little sister, so hyperactive even after an hour of practicing golf under the sun, the figure of Rafe Cameron and his father appeared in the living room.

(Y/N) stayed glued on her spot, her eyes fleeing from Rafe to her father, and she finally understood what was happening.

And how she wished she had run off with the boy living on the other side of the island yesterday.

“Hey,” Rafe said weakly, giving her a grim smile. She didn’t return his gesture, and instead giving a questioning look to her father’s way, to which he accepted as his daughter finally trying to do some good to the family.

“What’s going on?” She asked, and Ward sighed before delivering the news.

“(Y/N), I know this is hard for you, but, um, let’s think about it, okay?” He breathed, “We’re thinking of sending you off to the same college as Rafe in.”

“What?” She widened her eyes, not wanting to believe her ears. “Dad, this is ridiculous. I can’t, and I won’t go to the same college as Rafe.”

“(Y/N),” her dad warned, but she didn’t care. She felt like crying right here and right then, and she didn’t care if any of them will think of her as weak.

“We just think it’s better if you stay close to each other.”

“Dad, please,” she sighed, “You know it has been my dream since forever to go to New York for my studies, dad, you can’t do this to me.”

But she knew that look in his eyes; the final decision that could never be changed. She fell to the sofa, feeling so weak, and felt her heart shattered.

All of this, just for money.

“I have to go,” she mumbled, and before anyone could stop her; with Rafe running after her and her dad screaming her name, she got into her car and drove off to JJ Maybank’s small house located in the outer side of The Cut, her fingers trembling and her eyes watery.

JJ pulled her into a hug as soon as she heard a car pulling up, letting her sobs filled the air as he held her close, his chin on top of her head. They stayed in the position for a few more minutes, and when she pulled apart from him, JJ could guessed the words that was about to come out of her mouth.

“I’m going off to college with Rafe,” she said, and bit her lips to stop her tears from falling. “JJ, please, can we go somewhere? Just us two?”

JJ always do everything alone, he prefers it that way, including his plans to escape from all of the bullshit in his life and run off to Italy or somewhere far. He looked into her red eyes, seeing her pain, and the words that left his mouth right after came out as a surprise even to him.

“Okay, okay, we’ll run,” he said, his mind starting to work out a new plan. “Just us two, okay? We’ll run before they can find us.”

(Y/N) nodded, intertwining their fingers together. She felt right, doing this, although she knew the consequences that she might have to face after. But she didn’t care; she was tired of being an object to please everyone and for once, she felt like making her own decisions too.

“We’ll leave now, just, just-” he ran to the door into his home, and she heard him shout. “Let me get a few things!”

She sighed, her heart beating so fast she felt like fainting. She got closer to her car, waiting for him, and when she saw him coming towards her with a backpack, she never felt so free.

Just them two now.

-

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