#he gets married in a few months and I think. maybe he forgot and she I think is maybe over my random silence

[queer-fag]

it’s my birthday tomorrow…

[couldeatthatgirlforlunch]

Please can we have more Yan justice league?

Maybe the reader has a boyfriend in the military so she doesn't see him much and when he comes back to visit, the go on a fancy date before they crash it?

It would make it even better if they reacted to the boyfriend about to propose to her!

A Day in Life: Heartbreaks

Synopsis: A day in your life where your yanderes find a secret of yours and tell you another one.

Pairing: Yandere!Justice League X Assistant!Gn!Reader; Modern!40s!Bucky Barnes X Reader

Tw: Bucky you’re one of my fav characters from Marvel, I'm so sorry I did u dirty😭; Heavy mentions of cheating and NO forgiving; Stalking; English isn’t my 1st language.

Word count: 1k

Requested? Duh.

Extra notes: I should be studying instead of writing this. Also omg I got so many requests in just a few hours, thank you very much!! I'm writing them all!!

General masterlist | A Day in Life - Series masterlist

Since most of your days became filled with stress and anxiety, you started appreciating even more moments where you could just forget all your problems, from small ones — like, lack of motivation to go to the gym, bad hair days and an ingredient you forgot at your fridge and became rotten—, and big, out of your control ones — like seven superheroes, who you see almost everyday, stalking you.

Your boyfriend getting back was one of the best dic(k)strations.

Bucky was a sergeant, he spent weeks, even months, away from you on missions. It was hard, but you were both busy people, so your mind was usually too stimulated to think about boy problems only all day, most adults were, and you believed the hard work would be worth it one day. The future was hopefully bright.

The League never mentioned him. Actually, some of them implied more than once that they thought you were available, so they probably didn't know about your relationship. You didn't use much social media and your boyfriend got especially busy this year, so it made sense.

He paid for you to get your nails done earlier and took you to a nice restaurant. After that, Bucky took you for a walk around the city, lively and beautiful even at night, and stopped at the park where your first date happened. Everything was fine, until he got on his knees. Suddenly, seven, mostly colorful, figures descended upon you from out of nowhere, screaming.

— (Y/N)! YOU CAN'T MARRY HIM! — Flash’s voice startled you, confirming your suspicions to who the group was.

You growled.

— SERIOUSLY? LEAVE ME ALONE! IT'S MY DAY OFF! — Bucky, who had swiftly gotten up with his fast reflexes as soon as the heroes charged, blinked at the sight. He looked between you all.

— Doll? What’s this? — You looked apologetic at him.

— Sorry, Bucky. Since I got my job, my bosses got… Protective over me… — You didn't want him to get hurt. Bucky and his friends had a great sense of justice and hated bullies. He would surely want to do something if he knew the true extent of things. You also didn't want to ruin the vision he had of his idols.

Since their obsessive behavior started, you just counted your lucky stars that they would just get tired of you one day or wouldn't sabotage your relationships. They seemed fine with you having friends, but dating was different.

You turned to the League.

— Go! — They shook their heads.

— You can't trust this bastard, darling. We have proof of his betrayal to you. — You looked at Wonder Woman skeptically and crossed your arms. Bucky gulped.

— Oh, really? How so? — You raised an eyebrow.

Batman fiddled with his wrist computer, a second later, a protection was shown and different pictures and videos of your man talking and being very intimate with someone very familiar to you appeared. Your stomach churned and your heart ached.

— This is fake! Doll, you have to believe me! — Bucky cried out and got in front of you, holding your shoulders, trying to cover your vision from the images. You took a step back and kept looking at the images.

The League had more than enough means necessary to fake all of this, but you knew Natasha was Bucky’s ex, and they were still friends and coworkers, even with their intense heartbreak. You sometimes got insecure and worried since they spent so much time together, but he always told you you had nothing to worry about…

You gulped.

The League was all glaring at his back while he shouted a hundred words per minute, desperately trying to convince you he was telling the truth.

Superman growled and walked forward until he grabbed Bucky by his shoulders and pulled him away from you.

— Stay away from them, you asshole. (Y/N), I would never do that to you. — You ignored Green Lantern's words, like you were doing since the pacifier incident. You knew he was getting desperate and that made you specially scared, but at least he gave you some distance.

— Not now. — Batman took a step forward. — A few hours ago, we discovered your relationship. For security reasons, we searched, and found these pictures and conversations from his second social accounts, that he uses to commit his cheating.

— He didn't try to hide much, he thought he wouldn't get caught. — Flash stated.

— I-I need more proof… These could be old… — Your first words spoken made Bucky shut up. Mind scrambling for something.

— Let the Lasso of Truth speak for him. — In a second, the Lasso was thrown around Bucky's torso and he was squirming. — Speak, you worthless mortal! — Wonder Woman ordered.

Bucky was able to struggle for a few seconds, before he blurted out.

— It's truth! It's truth! I told her we broke up and started dating her again! I thought I could have you both at the same time!

You gasped. Your hand shot to your chest.

Flash was on your side in a second, trying to hug and comfort you, but you pushed him away. You started crying from heartbreak and anger.

— HOW COULD YOU?! — You glared at him and pointed at his face.

— Doll… I swear I love you both. But I'm also narcissistic, insecure and look down on women. — The Lasso was really doing its job. You laughed humorlessly.

You had nothing to say anymore. No reason to stay. You took advantage of his tied arms and got close, punched his nose, and stomped away.

The League contemplated going after you and trying to bring you comfort, but Batman and Martian Manhunter decided to just let Bucky go (after intimidating him so as to not get close to you again) and follow you discreetly, watching you from the shadows, intervening only if necessary.

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@wandalfnation

[shanastoryteller]

Happy birthday! I would love some more rarepair dot/jack and miss fisher's murder mysteries. You write them amazingly 💚

Dot feels guilty for agreeing to go on this date. Her divorce from Hugh has only just been finalized, never mind that they’ve been living separately for the last year. She’s grateful it’s over with now – she doesn’t know how she would have felt if they’d been separated for longer than they’d been married under one roof, and that’s exactly what would have happened if everything had taken a couple more months.

It still feels too early, and it’s not like she’s ever dated before, Hugh having been her first relationship. But her neighbor Andrea had insisted that this would be good for her, and that her brother’s friend was perfect for her, and Dot is running low enough on friends that she hadn’t wanted to offend her and risk this new friendship collapsing in on itself.

She’d kept Jane and Mr. Butler, and Burt and Cec, of course, but all their other friends had landed firmly on Hugh’s side in everything, which she can’t even say is unfair, considering. But it is a little lonely. There’s a reason one of the first things she’d done was move back to Melbourne, toward the people who still liked her and away from everyone else. Her mother is appalled, but her priest is excited enough at having her back that he’s apparently willing to overlook the whole divorced bit.

She resists the urge to smooth back her hair again, wonders if she should have chosen a dress with a longer hem, but being a divorced woman provides so few benefits that it seems only fair that she take advantage of them.

“Dorothy?”

She looks up, breaking out into a smile at the familiar face. “Detective! How are you?” She gets to her feet, although she still has to crane her neck to look up at him. She forgot how tall he was. “You look well.”

“As do you, Miss Williams,” he says, a teasing lilt to his voice.

She flushes. She never would have worn anything like this a few years ago, but lots of things were different then. Besides, Miss Fisher is always encouraging her to take risks in her letters. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Well,” he says, lips pulled up on one side. On a second look, it seems like she can figure that out for herself. He doesn’t look old, really, but he does look tired, something weary about his eyes and shoulders that he didn’t have when she saw him last.

“What are you doing here?” she asks, cutting off whatever answer he would have grave.

The relief on his face makes her think she made the right decision. “I’m meeting someone, actually, although I’m not sure who. Andrea wouldn’t even give me her name.”

Dot blinks once, twice, then raises her hand to her mouth, heat crawling it’s way up her neck. “I’m going to kill her.”

It only takes Jack a second to catch on. “Ah. But,” his eyes flicker down to her hand, “I see.”

Hugh hadn’t told him, then. He’d called her Miss Williams, but that could have been habit more than anything else. Maybe they don’t talk. She assumed they did, but she’d assumed a lot of things.

Jack’s hesitating. If she lets him, he’ll make some sort of excuse and she won’t see him again unless she starts stalking crime scenes again.

“I’ll tell you the dirt details, if you like,” she offers, sitting back down looking expectantly to the chair across from her. He takes it, some of his hesitance bleeding away as he leans forward. “It’s not that exciting, I’m afraid.”

He smiles at her. He really is very handsome. “I bet I can guess.”

Dot raises an eyebrow, waiting.

“You outgrew him,” he says. “He was always struggling to keep up with you.”

It sounds so cruel put like that, but it’s also entirely correct. Hugh’s a good man and he’ll probably be a good husband – to someone else. To someone like she used to be, perhaps, but not at all for who she is now. “Well, I wish someone had told me that.”

“It didn’t seem appropriate,” he says, almost apologetic, and his eyes start to dip lower before guiltily jerking back up to her face.

“No,” she says, almost breathless. “I suppose not.”

[poppy-metal]

poppyyyyy i’m gonna cry not the thing i sent you being turned into an au and i have no more ideas for it 😭😭 this is hell. all i have to offer is this ( https://pin.it/4XElozLiD ) is nepo brats wedding dress in my head and it was one of those ones that’s shot by vogue and like sponsored by harry winston and they have a breakfast at tiffany’s themed rehearsal dinner like just a massive networking event essentially that she only agreed to bc she REALLY wanted artashi to see and react and bust down her door to beg for her back. also love the idea of a shitty marriage, i imagine it’s like when blair got married in gossip girl and she thought everything was perfect (on the outside at least) and then when they had their first dance he essentially was like “play your fucking part and this will be so much easier for you” and she was like oooooh shit what did i do 😐 called tashi in tears and she charters her a plane and lets her stay at their penthouse for a few days…..i wanna sit on their couch in a big gown with tears streaming down my face and have them take care of me even tho they’re pissed :( doesn’t mean they wanna see me hurt this badly :( need to try to apologize through sobs and have art say we’ll talk about this in the morning as tashi brushes hair off my forehead and pauses like she’s gonna kiss it :(

OR you could have her freeze up after he pops her little perfect marriage delusion and have her go along with it for months, maybe there’s a fan account that follows your every move that tashi checks daily on a burner. she notices the dwindling amount of times you’re seen with friends, essentially the only time you’re seen now is with that man by your side. over the months your personality snuffs out entirely, looking to him before you speak, smiling along to whatever he says. people make jokes about how your PR team finally broke you. one day art is standing in the corner of their living room, face twisted up, doesn’t look up when tashi makes an inquisitive sound. walks over to her and turns his phone around to show her a photo of you walking hand in hand with your husband into a restaurant, faint bruises up your arm, hair covering your eye intentionally. she stares at the phone with no reaction. finishes getting ready to go, says she forgot something as they get in their car and runs upstairs and barely makes it to the bathroom before she throws up. you’ve changed assistants by now but she finds their information within the hour, loosely threatens them with telling her where you’ll be for the rest of the day, rolls her eyes hard when she hears a “they” instead of “you”. doesn’t change anything she has planned. she makes a call to her legal team after hanging up with your assistant because there’s no way your husband will let you out of this without a fight, one that she’s prepared to hold your hand through the entire way. she shoots her husband a text and lets him know to get the guest bedroom ready.

AUR.

i think..... both can happen. you run to tashi as soon as the wedding is over - still in your dress, though its ripped in places - show up on her doorstep because you know the code to the gate - shivering in the cold and when the door opens tashi is looks so soft. like she'd just gotten ready for bed. hair a little damp and curling at the ends. a pale peach robe tied around her waist. she's beautiful.

she doesn't look happy to see you. "what are you doing here?" said so coldly. like you're not welcome. and why would you be? its so different to face her anger through miles and miles of distance. all you've wanted for months was for her to just - notice you. give you attention. you'd even say sorry, take the blame, take every word back, if she'd asked. but she's looking at you like you're an annoying reporter. a nuisance shown up at her door.

you break down in tears. full body sobs that have you kneeling at her door, at her feet, head in your hands as you shake with all your bottled up emotions. "i messed up." you choke - "i - i - i - its all wrong - tashi - "

you can't speak through your tears, heaving through wet flem in your throat. she'd have every right to toss you out. you wondered how pitiful you looked right now, crumpled like this. still in your wedding dress. your new husband probably buried in some other woman for the night. he wouldn't miss you. you didn't want to go to your new home with him.

you feel warmth at your elbows. tashi's hands, cupping you. "come on." her tone isn't warm, but its lost its chill. she tugs you up. "come in - you'll get fucking pneumonia out here."

she brings you in - one hand at the small of your back to guide you. you sniffle. look around. her home still looks the same. familiar. you're brought to their big expansive kitchen - where art had been scrolling through his phone in sweats and a simple cotton shirt - finishing off a bowl of fruit - when you come into view his fork pauses in the bowl. his expression is completely unreadable. but its not very welcoming.

he looks at tashi, dismissing you. you try not to flinch.

"what's this about?"

tashi leaves you at the kitchen island to open the fridge. she fishes out a bottle of water and brings it over to you. "drink this." she tells you. to art she simply shrugs. "dont know." and she looks at you. "what's this about?"

you struggle to open the bottle. your hands trembling. after a few failed attempts art rolls his eyes, yanks the water from you and opens it with one twist of his wrist around the cap. quick and easy. he slides it back over to you and looks at you blankly.

under both their stares you feel the weight of all the months between you. all the shit you talked about them on social media. the things you'd said.... your bottom lip wobbles. eyes filling with tears. "im sorry." you say, softly. you cant think of what else to say. "im - im sorry for coming - i- ill go."

tashi reaches out. you're startled by how strong her grip is on your arm. her nails almost dig into your flesh. you welcome the sting. a show of emotion. even if its anger. her claws coming out.

"no." she snaps. "you dont get to show up here after the shitshow you've made of this year - in your fucking wedding dress - sniveling like some sort of damsel at our home and then just leave." she points to a stool. "sit. explain why you came."

her tone leaves no room for argument. you find your ass in the stool before you even realize you'd made the conscious decision to move there. like a doll on her strings. it'd always been easy to take her orders.

you try to explain but you're pitiful at it. you keep crying when you bring up your husband - the way he'd treated you. how trapped you feel. how you came here because - despite everything, this was your safe space - you'd never seen it any differently. and you knew, no matter what, tashi would answer the door when she saw it was you on the other side.

they're quiet after that. art works his jaw like hes rolling thoughts around in his head, but his distrust is obvious. you know if he'd been the one to see you at the door, he'd have never answered. that knowledge hurts deeply - to know he's completely detached himself from you. that you'd lost him. his care and his love.

you wondered if you'd be thrown out regardless but tashi rubs at her temple. suddenly looking very worn out and tired. "this is a fucking mess." she says and your stomach twists. you were always complicating things for them. being a burden. she drops her hand. looks down at you like you're a puzzle with a few pieces missing.

you guys are the missing piece, you think.

"you can stay the night." she finally settles on, shares a look with art who looks like he wants to say something about that but she silences him. "we'll talk more about this in the morning. you need..... you need to get out of that god awful dress. and too sleep."

art watches tashi guide you to their guest room with a frown. he doesn't like this. tashi is such a strong front on the outside, but she was alot more vulnerable than people realized. and you'd really hurt her. you'd hurt both of them, but arts feelings..... they didn't matter here. at least, not to him. he could shove down the heartbreak and the anger and the betrayal and everything else he felt about you to make room for the world of hurt tashi was going through. he had to be strong for her. and you being here - showing back up - pouring salt in an open wound - god. you were such a selfish fucking brat. always had been. he used to find it endearing. now he just wanted to throttle you.

in the guest room - tashi helps you out of the dress. her knuckles skim down your spine when she unzips you. kneeling down to help you out of your heels. you hiss when she turns your foot - assessing the blisters. "jesus." she huffs. stands and gets you some of her things to wear. a soft tank top and some shorts. arts boxers, actually. you flush when you put them on, under tashi's watchful gaze. she points to the bed when you're done, a silent command.

you sink down onto the comforter. bite your lip when she comes back into the room with a jar of ointment for your feet. "here -" she sits next to you, and a waft of her scent hits your nose. sophisticated and clean. she props your foot on her lap as she gently rubs the cream into the abused skin. you swallow, as you watch her. this gentleness. you'd missed it.

all your life you'd been 'taken care of' but only in the most clinical of ways. you had all the money you could want, maids to pamper you if you wanted, but it was nothing compared to being...... treated like a human. being cared for by someone who actually cares about you intimately.

"stop doing that." tashi says. she doesn't look up from her work.

"doing what?"

"looking at me like that." she tells you. she finishes and cups the lid back on the jar, and she looks at you. brown eyes.... sad. "we're not - " she breathes. shakes her head. "you can't look at me like that."

you scoot closer to her on the bed. she doesn't move away. "its the way I've always looked at you." you tell her.

she glances at you. glances down where your - her - shirt has slipped off your shoulder and its bare. so close to her mouth. she'd pressed alot of kisses there. left alot of marks.

"things have changed." she tells you. "you know that - you're responsible for it."

you place a hand on her thigh, just under her robe. lean in. "i know and im sorry." you slip to the floor then, on your knees before her. "i didn't mean any of it." you tell her, looking up at her. "i miss you, tashi. i miss art. i miss - us. i - i want you back."

tashi looks down at you. her hand comes out and she catches a strand of your hair between her fingers. rubs it. "you're married."

"I'll leave him."

her eyebrows jump. "you've been a very bad girl to me and my husband."

the way she says it.... bad girl. familiar warmth pools between your legs.

"i know." you whisper. "and im sorry." you lean more forward, and her legs slide open - her robe inching up her thighs. she watches you. heat in her eyes. she still wants you. yes. "let me make it up to you - to you both - i will - you know i can."

she studies you for some time. then she parts her legs wider. "show me, then. show me how sorry you are."

you dont have to be told twice - ducking your head down - diving between her soft thighs - you moan when you discover she's not wearing any panties. your mouth finding her pussy already wet and slick.

more wet than usual - but when you pull back - her hand comes down - tangles in your hair to keep you pressed against her bare cunt. you look up and meet her eyes as you allow your tongue to investigate - "that's it." she purrs. "you know what to do with that tongue -"

you gasp when you part her folds - a warm flood of salty fluid pouring into your mouth. a zap goes through your body at the realization.

arts cum.

she sees you realize it and bites her bottom lip. rocks herself into your face. "he's been so pent up lately." she tells you, hooks one of her long legs over your shoulder. "and its your fault - so -"

her nails dig into your scalp - "clean it up."

you do. whimpering into her pussy as you tongue the remaints of her husbands cum, scooping it into your mouth and swallowing greedily. you missed his taste so much. you wish he was here, pushing you into her pussy. slipping a hand down your shorts to pet through your wet slit. he'd make you eat every last drop before he sank a finger inside.

when everything is gone, tashi adjusts her grip. using you now. rubbing her clit against your nose and working her hips against your mouth exactly how she likes it. "fuck." she pants. she looks down at you and both her hands cup your cheeks. her thumbs rub into the skin. "pretty girl -" she breathes, and you whine, "this is what - fuck - what your mouth should be doing - instead of running off online -"

her grip turns vicious - her movements more forceful. properly fucking your face with her pussy. you just lay your tongue out and take it.

"you're such a goddamm brat." she hisses and her clit pulses as she starts to cum. "but - god, i missed you. yes -"

you lap up everything she gives you. eagerly. her hands carding through your hair as she comes down. she sits up, detaching your lips from between her legs and you look at eachother, lost in a moment together.

her fingers trace your wet mouth. and you part your lips for her instantly. looking up at her like shes a goddess - because she is. she strokes across your tongue with her fingers. your eyes flutter as you start to suck around the digits. mouth blessedly full. you bob your head up and down them, taking her past the knuckle.

your teeth catch on her wedding band and her breath hitches when you swirl your tongue around it. her mouth parted in wonder - like she cant believe you're really here again.

this is where you should be. always. at either her or arts feet. taking some part of them inside you. its what you're meant for. not money and wealth and jewelry but this. this, this, this.

tashi pulls her fingers back suddenly. her ring clicks against the back of your teeth.

her face shudders. closes off.

"that -" she licks her lips. "that shouldn't have happened." she stands, and you fall back on your ass. look up at her dumbfounded.

"tashi -"

"a mistake." she retightens the sash around her waist. rubs a hand down her face. looks down at you. winces. "don't cry."

but how can you not?

"but we just.... you said -"

"do you really think head is enough of an apology?" she tells you, and that tone is back. the cold one. she crosses her arms. "god, you've dragged my name through the mud. the damage you've done to arts career - we had to take a break, did you know that? he missed matches that could have changed his life. all of that, on hold, because you decided to throw a tantrum because what -" she laughs. "- you couldn't handle a break up? grow up."

she shakes her head. lips pressed tightly together. she cant look at you. if she sees your watery eyes she'll fold again. take you into her arms and forgert the past year entirely. fall back into bed with you and make you cum over and over until you were nothing but the shaking mess she missed seeing. god, she'd just cheated on art. fantastic.

"I'll help you get a divorce if thats what you want." she tells you, already walking away. "but after that? we're done. for good, this time."

the click of the door sounds like a bullet in your ears. you stay kneeled on the floor for a long, long time.

and the next morning - when tashi goes to wake you up. she finds the room empty but a note left on the bed. she almost doesn't want to read it. art is in the kitchen - making breakfast for four. because as mad as he pretends to be for her sake, he still thinks about you. cares about you. misses you as much as she does. it'll break him to learn about what she'd let happen - but only because he didn't get a chance to feel you one last time himself.

tashi was really the selfish one.

she picked up the note. read it.

i want you to know meeting you in that coffee shop was the best thing to ever happen to me. I'm a spoiled rotten brat, i know. but you taught me to be more. you let me into your life. gave me another person to love in art, and you both took care of me and treated me better than i deserved. im truly sorry for how things ended. and im sorry for how i acted after. i was hurt. i thought you didn't care about me. that maybe you never did. and i lashed out. im sorry. im taking back all my statements in an interview next week. i hope it can restore some of the damage I've done to you and art. you're two of the most wonderful people I've ever met. and im lucky to have fallen in love with both of you. im not divorcing my husband. i think maybe i can try to make it work. you dont need to worry about me, either of you, you've done enough of that. I'll be fine. love - your tinkerbell.

the note flutters to the ground limply. art calls that breakfast is ready.

tashi isn't hungry.

[fandomnerd9602]

So, how about Wanda and Yn had a one night stand months ago and Yn is now Pietro's friend because they work together and he introduced Yn to Wanda, not knowing that Yn is the guy who she talked about

You never thought you’d see her again. It was a happy accident that you met the most beautiful woman that night in the club. She told you her name and the rest of the night was a euphoric blur. You woke up the next day with a lipstick kiss on your neck, a parting gift from Wanda. You had hoped that maybe there might be something more, maybe you could treat her to a home cooked breakfast, maybe see where things could go from there. But no, she had slipped away before the sun’s early morning light could pierce your window.

You tried not to let the heartbreak of it get to you. So you went about your life. You went to work, befriended the new recruit at your accounting office. He was a nice guy by the name of Pietro Maximoff. Maximoff, the name seemed to ring a bell.

You and Piet, as he preferred to be called, became inseparable. Two peas in a pod, cut from the same cloth.

And then it happened. One day as you and Piet were hanging out at the office. She came in. The woman you had tried not to think about. Wanda.

She came in and hugged Piet tight. “Pietro” she said, her Sokovian accent that entranced you hanging in the air, “you goof, you forgot your lunch”

“If it’s your cooking, I’ll pass” he joked before giving her a noogie. He turned to you with a laugh, “sorry (Y/N), this is my sister Wanda.”

It was then that she locked eyes with you. They contained both shock but also adoration.

“I think you two would like each other” He said, “I’ll leave you to meet and yeah…” And with that Piet left you alone with the woman of your dreams.

“You look good” Wanda said with a little embarrassed.

“You look even better without the lights” you said with a sad smile. “I-I don’t know what to say”

“I’m sorry I left” she says with a sigh, “I was scared. You were so nice and sweet and…” Wanda began to tear up

You gently took her face in your hand, gently wiping away her tears with your thumbs.

“How about I treat you to a home cooked meal.” you offered.

Wanda simply giggled, “I’d like that”

And so you and the woman of your dreams reconnected and began dating. With a few months, you became engaged, and then married. Piet was thrilled to be your best man and then have you for an in-law.

[fanfictiongirlie]

Twilight: Some Soulmate - Chapter Four

Click here for masterlist

Parings: Paul Lahote x Reader

Description: Y/N a member of the Cullen family is imprinted on by one of the wolves, she is shocked, he is shocked. She is struggling with drinking animal blood over human, and he is disgusted by a vampire for a soulmate… But maybe it could work..?

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: None

Words: 1,216

It was the beginning of the summer holidays, luckily there wasn't much sun. But in a few days, me and my family were going on holiday to Denali to see our cousins, which I was so excited about. But also I wouldn't be able to see Paul.  

I was getting ready to go see him today, he wanted to take me to La Push beach. It was strange because suddenly I was allowed everywhere. I decided to wear more clothes than usual, I had been to the beach once when I was human with my mother and younger brother. Since being a vampire I had avoided them. I put on long jeans, trainers, and a top with long sleeves. And I tied my hair into two long braids. 

"Guys I'm leaving for my date" I yelled out smiling, I had a date. I jumped onto my motorbike and started driving towards La Push. I was so excited. I kept driving until I reached the beach, Paul was waiting there, his eyes wide. 

"You drive a motorbike?" He asked I nodded, parking it. I jumped off and skipped over to him, we hugged tightly. 

"How are you?" He asked, smiling. 

"I'm good, how about you?" I smiled and took his hand, and we started wandering the beach. I took my shoes off and felt the sand on my toes, which was nice. 

I noticed the sun hiding behind the clouds. 

"Are you sure no one is around?" I asked, nervously. He nodded. 

"Yeah, not many people come here" He smirked, holding my hand tighter. 

We turned a corner and there was a blanket on the sand, with a basket. I smiled at him. 

"Is this for us?" I asked, he nodded, with a cheeky grin and sat down. I sat with him and watched him start to unload the basket. He put a drink next to me and some food around us. I suddenly felt back. I didn't eat, surely he knew that. 

"Paul, I don't eat," I said, he grinned. 

"I know, the food is for me, the drink is for you, its bourbon, I read that vampires like alcohol" 

I felt so happy. I grabbed the bottle, it was a water bottle and took a sip, it was bourbon, good bourbon. 

"Thank you, Paul" I smiled. 

He started eating, I looked out at the view, it was lovely. The ocean was crashing onto the rocks, and the smell of salt was wonderful. 

"I forgot how much I love the beach" I smile. 

"When did you last come to the beach?" He asked. 

"I was 14 I think? I remember wearing my swimming costume which covered my entire body, my brother and I got ice cream" I smiled, remembering. 

"Can I ask how old you are? Is that rude?" He asked I laughed. I was so used to people asking me my age. 

"It's fine, I just don't want to put you off, but I'm 154" I answered

"Wow, when were you born?" He asked.

"1866" I smiled. 

"I bet time was different back then," He said awkwardly.

"Yes, back then we wouldn't be left alone like this" I giggled, "You would have courted me after asking my father's permission, and then after a few months, you would propose to me, and then not long after we'd be married"

"I suppose I could ask Carlisle permission" He laughed. I shook my head, 

"Carlise is more like my brother, he found me a few months after I was turned" I explained. 

"What happened to your family? What did they do?" He asked. No one had really asked me about my family. 

"My mother was a housewife, my father worked in a factory, I wasn't really close with either of them, they let me know they didn't like me as much as my brother" I explained "I loved my little brother, Henry, he was only 17 when I died. I know it hit him hard, after a few years I went to go check him and his life"

"Was he happy?" Paul asked I smiled, I knew I'd be crying if I could. 

"He married and had a few children, he was happy, what made me really happy there were a few photos of me when I was younger in his house" I smiled.

"Well, that's normal though, having pictures of your loved ones" He chuckled. 

"Well it was still kind of new to have photos, I even have this large painting of me and my family at home, because that was still a thing when I was young" I explained. 

"That's kind of cool" He smiled, taking my hand in his and rubbing his thumb over my hand.

"I'm leaving tomorrow to go to Denali" I tell him. 

"For a holiday?" He asked, and I nod. As he said that I felt the sun peak from the sun and glitter along my skin. 

"Wow, vampires really do sparkle" He stated. I nodded, stretching my limps. 

"It feels nice" I smile.

Paul reaches up and strokes his hand over my glittering cheek, I lean into his hand and close my eyes. 

"You're beautiful" He smirks, shuffling forward. 

"Can I kiss you Y/N?" He asked, quietly like he is nervous. I nod, not opening my eyes. I hear him shuffle some more, and then his warm lips touch mine. We stay still until I moved closer and push my lips more firmly against his. It had been years since I had kissed someone, but this beat every kiss I've ever had. His hand flattened against my cheek and his other hand pressed against my other cheek holding me as our lips movies together. 

We kissed, for what it seemed like hours, but Paul pulled back to breathe. I smiled and noticed his blush. I wish I could blush. 

"That was really nice" I smiled, he nodded agreeing. 

For the rest of the evening, we laid on the blanket, looking up at the sky, talking about our lives, dreams, and school. He was impressed with how many college courses I had done. And with how many books I had read. Just wait until he saw my room, it was basically a library. The entire time we spoke, his hand was holding mine, like he was scared to let go. I hoped he never let go. 

As the day came to an end, and he had to go on patrol for Sam, he kissed me again before I hopped onto my motorbike and sped home. 

Of course, when I got home, they were all waiting, massive grins on their faces. 

"How did it go?" Esme squealed. 

"It was lovely, now I'd love to chat but I'd like to take a nice hot bath and read for the evening" I smiled walking past my family. 

"A hot bath thinking about Paul, I'm sure" Emmett piped up. 

"I'll fight you" I laughed speeding up the stairs to my room. 

I started running the bath with an expensive bubble bath Tayna got me last time I saw her. I picked up three books, I'd probably stay in the bath for a few hours to ease my hard muscles. 

When I sunk into the water and sighed loudly, I thought to myself. Emmett was right. 

Previous Part - Next Part

[nopepsinolexi34]

A/n: guys this is my first fic so please let me know if it's good or bad.

Requested? Yes and no

Warnings: angst, cheating, getting caught, pt.1?, kissing, crying, rude/upset!Chris, cussing, use of. y/n, let me know if I forgot anything

Cheating/rude!Chris soft!reader

NOT PROOF RED

Chris and I have been together for a few months now. But something was off.. Chris was ignoring me more than he usually does, hiding his phone more, he changed his passcode. He never really told me why he did but there had to be a reason.

one day I was walking taking a walk in the park when I saw Chris and this other girl laughing and holding hands. I froze at the sight. There was no way Chris was cheating right? Wrong. Before I knew it I was crying and Chris was kissing the girl. I quickly ran off toward the triplets house, I had recently moved in because me and Chris were going to be together forever.. or at least that's what he told me.

When I opened the door I ran directly to Chris and I shared the room and grabbed most of my stuff and threw his stuff and broke most of his stuff (ex: his monitor for streaming) after I broke some things I grabbed my bag and went back upstairs and through the kitchen up the stairs to Nick's room.

I knocked on his door hoping he was there. Nick opened his door a few seconds later and saw my tear stained face but when I saw nick I broke down again, nick pulled me into his room and took my bag and set it down on his floor quickly pulling me into a hug. "Y/n what happened!?!" Nick said concerned but I didn't have the voice to talk.

After what felt like an eternity I told Nick about what happened and he was shocked. a few hours go by of me and nick chatting and sleeping when I wake up to a nock on Nick's door. I get up and go open the door just to be pulled out by Chris and he dragged me all the way down to his room no matter how hard I tried to protest.

Once we got into his room and shut the door with a loud bang, "Chris what the fuck is wrong with you?!" I screamed getting in his face only to be pushed back. "What's wrong with me?! Why are u ignoring me y/n like for crying out loud!" He screamed staring at me like he was going to kill me "maybe if you didn't kiss that girl in the park I wouldn't be!" After those words came out of my mouth Chris opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out.

"Exactly" I said turning away from him. "Y/n listen" he said with a sigh "No! You cheated on me your disgusting for that you know" I said turning around to face him with a glare planted on my face "y/n it's not what you think she forced me! It's not like I wanted to, you know how much I love you, you know that I want to get married and have kids please listen" I said sighing tears lining his eyes "no Christopher I'm done with this with us if you really wanted to be together you wouldn't have even hung out with her" I said before pushing past him and opening his door letting it shut with a slam.

A/n: thanks for reading this if you did requests are open just dm me! Should I make a part 2 and if u wanted to be added to the taglist comment!

Taglist: @sturniolosangel @leoslaboratory @sturniqlo @lovmatt @sturnsdarling

[ln4author]

𝖳𝖧𝖤𝖸 𝖣𝖮𝖭'𝖳 𝖪𝖭𝖮𝖶 𝖠𝖡𝖮𝖴𝖳 𝖴𝖲 — Charlie Bushnell fanfic (parts of instagram and chat au)

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WELCOME TO EPISODE 01, ARE YOU READY FOR IT?

@ellarue

liked by gwendolineuniverse, masonalexanderpark, momonatamada, and others

ellarue Tempus Frangit ⏳️ Thank youuuuu ladyyyyy for the photos @gwendolineuniverse

↳ See comments

___

masonalexanderpark Beautiful as always <33 Do you know who will also think this? TOMM, let me go show him the true face of his little sister

↳ ellarue show... show and you will see where your makeup ends up.

↳ masonalexanderpark IT WAS A JOKE ELLA, YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU HONEY <33

↳ ellarue UHUMMMMMMM ME TOO <33

gwendolineuniverse You're welcome dear, they look really pretty, but with a model like that it's hard not to.

↳ ellarue Don't talk like that or you will kill a delulu🤭🤭 (I'M THE DELULU)

↳ xochitl.gomez STOP HITTING ON MARRIED WOMAN ELLA

↳ momonatamada She can't take it, a beautiful married woman appears, and she is like this 🥺🥺

↳ ellarue SHUT UP KKKKKKKKKKKKKK I HATE YOU GUYS, please ignore them Gwen <33

↳ gwendolineuniverse It's fine dear 🤭

momonatamada I wanted to get out of the banality of saying that "you're beautiful", but you as Delirium are another level

↳ xochitl.gomez I remember when she tried on the wig for the first time, she freaked out thinking it would look ugly for the role, like... GIRL, HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED IN THE MIRROR?

↳ ellarue I promise, you are the bestiess I could ask for (It doesn't even look like I wanted to kill you two seconds ago)

↳ xochitl.gomez I love the aesthetic of us being like, FUCK YOU BITCH <33

↳ ellarue @Netflix I NEVER SAID THAT!!!!!!!!!!

user1 Qual a chance de eu e Delírio nos casarmos? (What are the chances of me and Delirio getting married?)

↳ user2 Talvez no dia que ela estiver s��? (Maybe the day she's mentally healthy?)

↳ user1 Merda! (Shit!)

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I throw my cell phone on the bed laughing, I loved it when the comments turned into complete chaos.

The weather today was very good for sleeping, the problem is that, at the moment, I'm having an insomnia crisis. My insomnia attacks always intensify when I'm working on something important, but I always try to ignore them. And that's exactly why at 00:37 I'm scrolling through Instagram, even though I wake up in 5 hours and a few minutes.

My cell phone vibrates at my side, easily gaining my attention. Who could be sending messages at this time? Did something go wrong? I turn on the screen looking for information and then...

"iamcharliebushnell liked your post"

Ah... it was nothing important... Starting to reassure myself again, I go to the profile of the person who liked my photo, something I do whenever I have time. And wait, does Mo follow him? He looks a little familiar to me.

My interest in the profile becomes sudden, or maybe it's just sleep starting to speak louder. Browsing the account I find photos from the end of 2023 that make me understand the reason for the familiarity. He is Luke, like Luke Castellan in the Percy Jackson series, aka one of my biggest crushes in the series (if we don't count Clarisse).

There was just one problem... When we are in the sleep stage, we don't think very well what to do. Or sometimes we don't even think about it. And that's my excuse for liking a photo of him from months ago.

To make my situation worse the next day, I felt my eyes finally get heavy, sleep would consume me and I could finally have a night of peace. Or that's what I thought. I fell asleep a few minutes after that.

___

I woke up quickly with the alarm, also who wouldn't wake up when they have Momona and Xochitl screaming in their ear. Yes, they made a personalized audio for me to use with an alarm, that's why I love my girls.

I pick up my phone, seeing that its battery is empty, great, I forgot to put it on charge last night. I walk to the bathroom and continue with my standard routine.

On the way to the film set I was finally able to turn on my cell phone to check the news and the thousands of notifications from my friends didn't seem like a good thing...

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Hey darlingsss, this is the first episode of this fanfic, I hope you like it <33 As it is the first chapter, it was a little shorter than the others and more stationary, as it is just to introduce the protagonist to you. I really hope you like it, really do!!!

*Spoiler: The next episode will be from Charlie's point of view.

*Obs: If you couldn't see it correctly, here's the screenshot from Instagram.

Tag list: @siriusblacksgf @idiewhenrhythmgamesdie @taygrls @jules-loves-lukecastellan @lostinhisworld @iludidaefodida @goopoems @lucycarlisleswife @blairfox04

[quennofsblog]

Everything you let go

Sae Itoshi x fem!reader

Itoshi Sae is confused when his wife suddenly becomes ill.

Warning: normal things ; Sae here is already a professional player and is married with the reader and adult; They have children; sorry :( ; English is not my first language and there will probably be mistakes.

Notes: This is my first story on Tumblr (and any other place) so sorry for the bad plot... I hope you like it so enjoy😉. (This is the first story written that was never published, the first was Rosy cheeks by Suguru Geto.🫡

Sae couldn't believe what he was seeing, what was supposed to be a moment of great happiness, soon turned into a big concern for him.

Their second child was finally born, it took a long period of nine months to having a second blessing in your life, but if this is a blessing, why is the person who made it possible bleeding so badly?

Your second pregnancy wasn't one of the best, you were much more tired than the first, there were many more complications, but Sae thought it was normal, after all, no pregnancy is easy.

But he couldn't react when he saw blood coming out of his mouth straight to the fluffy blanket that wrapped his little baby, he saw in his eyes the despair in his eyes and soon he felt it too when you saw your body relax too much and his arms fall to his sides, his excellent reflexes reacting in time to catch the small human in his arms.

He looked at you in shock when he see your body passed out for a few seconds before quickly leaving with the baby to seek medical help.

...

"Sae-chan I don't have much time here..."

You exactly said that a few days before your wedding, Sae knew what those words could mean but didn't know why, he feels this tightness in his heart now for not asking anything at the time, maybe something could have changed-

"Sir Itoshi-san?" A middle-aged man appears around the corner to find Itoshi Sae with a sleeping baby in her lap sitting in uncomfortable hospital chairs. He didn't even know how much time had passed since he witnessed his sudden fainting spell, Sae could only think about what triggered his current state.

Then he looked up to meet the doctor's eyes that were already looking at him with some pity. "Yes? How is she?" The player asked with the coldest possible look that even the poor doctor shuddered before giving him the expected answer. "She's fine sir. But due to the stress of the pregnancy her illness has worsened and there may be complications in the future, you can go see her if you like." Soon the doctor left, leaving Sae almost on the verge of madness.

He got up quickly, gently squeezing the baby who didn't move the whole time, Sae could feel the small breaths on his neck, and he even caressed the small human, but his growing anger wouldn't allow it, when he just wanted explanations.

Finally opening the door of his room he found you looking through the open window and letting the wind ruffle your hair, for a moment he forgot his purpose there and just wanted to stop everything and stay in that place looking for its beauty, even after so many years, you could still manage to be the one to give him those damn heart palpitations that he always tried not to feel.

But it seems that the baby in Sae's arms also feels the mother nearby and soon the intense cries of a newborn baby are heard. Her head instantly turns to find her husband and baby, Throwing a gentle smile at the two, you beckoned them with your fingers to get them closer, knowing what was going to happen, you soon advanced.

"Don't even put on that pretty face, Sae-chan, you know my condition well." you extend your arms to indicate for Sae to give her the baby that wouldn't stop crying, Sae hands it to her without saying anything and watches her lift her blouse and feed the baby who soon calms down.

Sae keeps looking at you waiting for explanations from you. "I told you I didn't have much time, did I? I have this plague even before I met you, and well it's gotten worse since the birth of Akira, I just didn't want to worry you or Akira and even this cutie, it is not Muroko-chan?" You said caressing the little hands, while the baby held one of your fingers and had her eyes closed, already ready to fall asleep in her mommy's arms.

"If that was the goal, it failed... a lot, you selfish idiot." Fortunately, her anger was already gone, and Sae approached the bed, sitting on it, coming close to her head and planting a kiss in her hair. Turning your attention to you "And now what will become of you huh? The doctor said this disease got worse..." He got it his eyes fall a bit into sadness. "What's now?"

Your always impatient husband, how would you face him and say that soon he would leave, this disease directly affects the heart and you have had it forever and always prevented you from doing a lot of physical activity, and what cost you a body without much use, but on the other hand your intelligence helped a lot, since during a good part of your life, was Sae's assistant, since he was a minor in a new country (Not that you weren't too).

"Anything." You said softly smiling at Sae. "The doctor said I'll be under observation for a few days, then go home and get Akira with his brother and bring him here, I miss my favorite boy, can you do this for your dear wife?" you said with a teasing face.

Sae had never felt her frown grow so much.

...

"Mami!!" An excited Akira Itoshi runs towards the bed you are on and tries to climb up. You get close to the edge of the bed and lift him to sit on your lap, luckily he doesn't have his shoes on, even at 4 years old he's still light, the boy soon snuggles into your chest smiling brightly. "I miss you!!"

"Guess who missed your favorite little boy too" you hug him tightly and kiss his red hair, even after all this time you still couldn't believe that you were married to your management client and now had two children, even though the public didn't know anything, this life is a strange thing to think about in the past.

"And guess who had to hear all the way here 'Let's see mommy!'" Sae made fun of the joke that Akira made during the entire trip, walks over to greet you with a kiss on the head and squeezing Akira's head which was still on her chest, then sitting on the edge of the hospital bed.

"Mami? Your big belly is gone!" Obviously the child has ignored her parent and pulled her head out of your cute grip and soon bothered to get answers from you.

"Really? Look over there." You point to the front of your bed where there is a crib with a little baby in it. "It's your little sister." You said softly, stroking her plump cheeks.

As if she'd been told a malicious secret, Akira's cheeks darkened a fluffy red, soon getting off his lap to crawl towards the crib.

"Uohh, she's so tiny, we haven't met yet but my name is Akira, A-K-I-R-A Itoshi, but you can also call me nii-chan." With the voice so cute and full of love to give her sister, the tears that welled up in her eyes said it all, seeing her oldest son love the idea of ​​being a big brother was just heartwarming.

"You're not going to cry now, are you? You snot." Even if he didn't show it, you knew very well that he was also emotional, of course, in the Itoshi way.

"What do you expect Sae? They're going to be such good friends." With hearts in your eyes, you take Sae's hand just to hold it. "He was so looking forward to meeting you, Sae-chan, can you bring her here for Akira hold Maruko-chan?"

"Of course your majesty~" He stepped off the ledge, and picked up Maruko-chan, motioning Akira to sit next to her mother.

The couple's eldest boy, who never obeys his father, is a mama's boy through and through, decided to obey just to hold on to his little sister.

"Are you happy Akira?"

"Yes mami! She's so cute." You placed Akira's arms just right to receive the youngest Itoshi, Sae placed her carefully, holding her at the bottom so the fragile baby wouldn't fall.

Akira was so happy looking at the baby in detail, but suddenly her expression of pure happiness turned into fear and distress.

"M-Mami, Papi? Whose is th-this weird fringe?"

The couple took a closer look, only to come across The fringe, Sae looked at her with the biggest face of disgust as you couldn't contain yourself and soon started laughing out loud.

Sae couldn't believe her daughter inherited those bangs from when he was younger and always tried to hide it.

"Akira, don't worry, it's your father's bangs from when he was a kid." You laughed even louder at the thought of your oldest daughter at school with her husband's weird bangs.

"I can't believe my own daughter has this thing, it's decided let's cut it."

"Não papi! É uma franja estranha m-mas fica bem nela não é mami?"

"Of course, it goes really well together, she even has the same hair color, you better accept it, Sae-chan~"

"But mami, she even has that weird dad face!"

"That's right! That 'I don't care about anyone, just to become the best midfielder in the world' face she is totally Itoshi Sae's daughter."

"Can you two stop talking about my similarities to Maruko-chan?"

"No."

...

Itoshi Sae woke up abruptly with his eyes almost bulging out, his chest rising rapidly as he looked across the bed and there was no one there, and no noise was heard from the rooms of his little house in the Spanish countryside.

Where the hell was your family?

A snap quickly went through his head when he discovered that in fact his family had fallen apart, and it was entirely his fault.

All the good and happy memories are just a beautiful wave of nostalgia that Sae wanted to live forever but-

Oh.

So it is.

It was all a dream.

Notes²:

Remembering that this is all fiction 🫵.

There will be a few mini chapters before part 2 to see this family's interaction (they are cute<3)

Blue Lock belongs to Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura.

I reinforce that English is not my first language and (I translated the story on Google translator because I don't trust my skills 💀) it has a high chance of having grammatical errors.

Bye 😘

[agaypanic]

Hi! Congratulations on graduating! I have a request for a Francis x reader (Malcom in the middle). I just started watching the show and I'm like in love with him. Anyways could you write about how while Francis is away his family gets new neighbors, and the reader is the daughter of the neighbors. She's really smart and shy. Malcom develops a huge crush on the reader and tells Francis all about it once he returns from military school. Francis starts teasing Malcom thinking the reader is malcoms age, however Lois invites the neighbors over for dinner to properly introduce each other. When they come over Francis is completely ready to tease his younger brother and his little crush however when the reader walks in and she's not who expected he's starstruck!And he ends up completely speechless the whole dinner having to watch Malcom awfully flirt with who he thinks is the love of his life.i can't decide how I want it to end sooo... But maybe he ends up pulling the reader aside flirting with her watching her get all flustered and then the reader admitted he's cute while being all reed in the face! I just want a cute fluffy happy ending!!😭����

The Boy Next Door's Brother (Francis Wilkerson X Reader)

Masterlist

Request Something!

Part 2

Summary: All Francis hears from Malcolm these days is how cute the new neighbor girl is. Imagine his surprise when he comes home for the weekend to find that the neighbor girl is his age and Malcolm is still trying to impress her.

A/N: M/n means mom’s name and D/n means dad’s name

***

Francis loved his brother. He really did. They had a deep bond created through the traumatic experience of having an insane mother. Nothing could ever break that.

But he was getting sick and tired of Malcolm’s phone calls. Every time without fail, he found a way to bring up their new neighbor. Despite how much Malcolm talked about her, Francis didn’t really know much. Just that her name was Y/n, she had moved there about a month ago, and she was really nice.

Francis would be coming home from military school for the weekend, and he was slightly dreading it. Not just because he’d have to deal with his overbearing mother. If he was annoyed with Malcolm and his infatuation with the neighbor girl while thousands of miles away, imagine how he’d be while living in the same house.

After a long flight, Hal picked Francis up from the airport, and soon enough, they were home. Francis now felt relieved because he could lounge around for the weekend and not worry about homework or ways that Commandant Spangler would be out to get him. His brothers were absolutely ecstatic to see him, pushing each other to get to him first. Although he wanted to rest, Francis was happy to see his little brothers as well.

“Hey, Francis!” His mom yelled from the kitchen, scrubbing dishes. “How was your flight?”

“It was fine.” He responded, tossing his travel bag on the couch. “What’s for dinner?”

“Spaghetti and meatballs. Oh! I forgot to tell you, but we’re having the new neighbors over for dinner tonight. They finally got settled into the house, and we need them on our side before anyone else in the neighborhood tries to poison them against us.”

“Ah yes, normal neighbor activities.”

Francis was suddenly excited. Even though Malcolm going on and on about Y/n annoyed him, he was curious to see the girl that Malcolm wouldn’t shut up about. 

“So, Malcolm, heard your girlfriend’s coming over,” Francis smirked as he teased his brother. Malcolm started to blush, the redness reaching his ears.

“She’s not my girlfriend.” He muttered.

“Are you sure?” Francis asked. “The way you talk about her, I thought you guys were getting married.”

“Shut up!” Malcolm whined, but there was a shy smile on his face.

***

A few hours later, it was dinnertime. While Lois served up dinner, Francis heard a knock on the door. Malcolm raced to the door but was beaten to it by his brother.

“Francis, come on!”

“No, I wanna see the girl you keep talking about.” He pushed his little brother away and opened the door. A couple stood on the doorstep with shy but pleasant smiles.

“Hi there!” The man spoke. “I’m D/n, this is my wife M/n, and our daughter Y/n should be coming soon. She’s finishing up her homework.”

“Nice to meet you guys. I’m Francis, the oldest. Come on in.” He allowed the couple inside, and they went to the kitchen to greet the family. He was about to close the door behind him when he heard a shout.

“Wait!” He stuck his head out the door and saw a girl running across her yard to get to the door. “Don’t close the door, please!”

Francis opened it wider for the girl. When she was closer to his view, he couldn’t help but be amazed by the sight in front of him. All this time, Francis thought that Y/n was Malcolm’s age. But as it turns out, she seemed more around his age. They’d probably be in the same grade if they were in school together. Reaching the front step, he was even more taken aback by how pretty she was.

“Hi.” She said, slightly out of breath. “I’m Y/n.”

“I’m Francis.” He had to push his way through the response. “I’m the oldest brother.”

“Really?” Y/n asked as he let her into the house. “I’ve never seen you before.”

“I, uh, I go to military school in Alabama.”

“Wow, you must’ve come a long way then!”

“Hey, Y/n.” Francis suddenly became annoyed again. Malcolm was leaning against the wall with a sly smile, staring up at the girl. She grinned.

“Hey, Malcolm! How have you been?” They started their own conversation, leaving Francis alone with his thoughts as they walked to the table. Shaking his head to refocus, Francis followed after them.

Francis felt both blessed and cursed. He was seated next to Y/n, but Malcolm was on the other side of her. He constantly tried to flirt with her, and Francis didn’t know whether to laugh or cringe. Luckily, Y/n started talking to Francis halfway through the dinner, seemingly very interested in his life. Much to Malcolm’s annoyance, their conversation lasted way past dinner, branching off into different topics of interest.

“He might kill me for telling you this.” Francis started, picking at a loose wood chip on the picnic table in his parent’s backyard. “But Malcolm talks to me about you all the time.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet.” Y/n smiled.

“Yeah, but I didn’t expect you to be my age. I totally thought you were a middle schooler, the way he kept talking about you.” She started laughing, and it felt so contagious that Francis couldn’t help but laugh along with her.

“Malcolm’s such a sweetheart. He’s like a little brother if I’m being honest.” If only Malcolm knew that. 

“You know, I also didn’t expect you to be so pretty.” Francis felt bold for flirting with a girl he had just met and that his brother had a crush on. But he just couldn’t help it. Maybe it was the crazy hormones his dad told him about when giving him the talk, but Francis felt like he was having a real connection with this girl.

Y/n tried to cover up her flushed cheeks and giddy smile, but it was useless.

“I can’t believe Malcolm never told me he had an older brother.” Building up courage, she started tracing shapes on the table and fiddling with her hair. “Although, even if he did, I wouldn’t have guessed that you would be this cute.” 

The two teens grinned shyly at each other. The rest of the night was filled with more conversations and flirtations. They talked so long that by the time Y/n said she should probably go home, her parents were already gone, and the Wilkerson family had all dispersed to do their own things.

“You didn’t have to walk me back. I mean, after all, I’m right next door.” Y/n said as she reached her front door, turning to Francis. He shrugged.

“Yeah, I know. But I like talking to you.” She grinned, and he took a deep breath, preparing to make his move. “So, look, I’m leaving tomorrow afternoon. And I’d rather hear about you and your day from you instead of my brother, so… I was wondering if I could have your number?” He didn’t know why he was so nervous. But all nerves were put at ease when Y/n’s smile widened.

“Of course! Let me grab a marker.” Y/n opened the front door and sifted through the junk drawer in the stand next to it. She pulled out a sharpie and grabbed Francis’ wrist. They both blushed at the contact. “Call me anytime.” She capped the marker, looking at him.

“Definitely.” Deciding to make another move, Francis leaned forward and kissed her cheek, backing away immediately after in slight fear of an opposing reaction. “Good night, Y/n.”

“Good night, Francis.” She quickly kissed his cheek in return before making her way inside, closing the door behind her. Francis went home with some lip gloss residue on his cheek and a smile plastered on his lips. He quietly opened and closed the door, reminiscent of how he would when he still lived at home and would sneak in and out after curfew.

Francis got ready for bed and walked to his bed, which was the couch that sat in front of the TV. He was surprised to see Malcolm standing there waiting for him, arms crossed with a scowl.

“I can’t believe you would mess with my game like that, Francis!” He scolded. Francis laughed, messing with his brother’s hair and pushing him away from his makeshift bed.

“You don’t have any game for me to mess with, little brother.” He laid down on the couch, stretching his limbs. “Now go away.”

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Also I totally forgot about this until I saw something on FB but…

Ryan and Blake had a plantation wedding in South Carolina way back in 2012 when it was cool and chic to do that. The old slave cabins were even part of some of their photos. 🤦‍♀️

And remember when Blake tried to launch her own form of Goop? I think she called it Preserve, something uppity like that. Anyway, the lifestyle brand had a newsletter that she called…wait for it: Allure of the Antebellum, in which she essentially romanticized female slave owners. Here’s a good recap from Vox:

🤦‍♀️ 🤦‍♀️

So people immediately started calling Blake out for her casual racism and she shut down Preserve not much longer after citing lack of interest (because her products were ridiculously overpriced…sound familiar?) but an ad analysis brand found that Blake lost her audience because she was so tone-deaf in that newsletter. (And also just last year, in 2023, Blake made comments loaning about how “hurtful press coverage” made her shut down her company. Jeez, it’s like looking in a crystal ball.)

Anyway, she and Ryan were able to sweep this under the rug for a lil bit. Till Ryan made his own tone-deaf comments about Black Panther, something to the effect of “congrats on being the first blockbuster with a Black superhero” and got slammed for it on Twitter with a bunch of people calling him out for having had a plantation wedding.

So then fast forward 2 years. It’s the summer of George Floyd protests and privilege (or the lack thereof) is being reckoned with. In May 2020, they make a $20,000 donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, along with a statement saying "We're ashamed that in the past we've allowed ourselves to be uninformed about how deeply rooted systemic racism is.”

But they get dragged for filth about having a plantation wedding and finally, three months later in August, Ryan issued a formal apology saying:“It’s something we’ll always be deeply and unreservedly sorry for. It’s impossible to reconcile. What we saw at the time was a wedding venue on Pinterest. What we saw after was a place built upon devastating tragedy.” He then went on to say they got married again at home some years later because “shame works in weird ways.” 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

I don’t know. Here’s a thought. Maybe if you’re planning a wedding whose photos you’re going to sell to magazines later, maaaaaybe you should’ve done a tour of the place you found on Pinterest to see the warts they don’t talk about on social media before committing. Just a bit of advice for next time, Ryan.

So yeah. This has been, I’m sure, a great few days for Ryan and Blake, with all this dirt coming up.

All because Blake decided to make her movie’s promo tour Barbie 2.0. You know, I saw a thing on social media this afternoon that she and her squad were telling people to have a girl’s night out to see the movie and dress up in florals and bring flowers to share like they’re Taylor Swift friendship bracelets. 🤦‍♀️ 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

And this is on top of Colleen Hoover deciding to make a coloring book companion for her novel. A coloring book, y’all. Thankfully she listened to the backlash and canceled it.

Also, putting a tag on these posts now so if anyone is uninterested, you can block and mute it.

[harryhoney-bee]

Recently I've been dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety. I was wondering if you could write something about what Harry would do to calm you down.

Peace

Summary: Y/n has bad anxiety, but knows Harry is always there for her

Warnings: mentions os anxiety

Word count: less than 1k

I literally do not know how to write anymore it's been 2 years so im sorry for any mistakes

..

He knew something was wrong the moment he stepped foot into their shared flat. Y/N was usually right by the door whenever she heard him coming from the hallway, but the only creature who greeted him as Harry entered their home was Chimichurri, the old and - kinda ugly - cat Y/N had adopted when discovered it was the smallest one in the litter.

The cat rubbed its tail against Harry’s ley, which was covered by the heavy snow pants the man was wearing. He had just come back from a long day at the studio and all he wanted was to cuddle with his wife. 

Wife!

They got married a few months ago. It was a small ceremony, away from the public. Most people were even surprised it had happened so fast… They had been dating only a year before Harry put a rock - a rather big one- on Y/N’s finger. But what could they do? 

When you know, you know.

Harry bent down, just enough to scratch the poor cat's ear. “Hey Chimi, where’s your mom, huh? She's sleeping?” Cat waited a few seconds as if the cat was going to respond. “I told you, when I’m gone you are the one responsible for keeping her well.” 

The cat meowed in response, following Harry to the kitchen, where the purr ball knew he was going to get some treats. Harry opened the cabinet, took a package of Whiskas, and poured it into Chimichurri’s bowl. “Now you be a good boy and stay here while I go looking for mum, alright?”

Harry gave the cat a last glance before heading to their bed, where he expected to find his love. He could hear the faint sound of the TV on, and as he got closer he could identify the voices, it was Amy and Jake from Brooklyn 99. 

He sighed. This was a bad sign, Y/N only watched the Tv show if she was sad.

Waiting for the worst, Harry opened the door, finding Y/N wrapped around blanks, an impassive expression on her face. She didn’t hear him as he got closer to her. “Hey beauty,” Harry kissed her cheeks, smiling as the girl looked up to him, cracking a small smile. 

“I thought you were coming home later today,” Y/N whispered, feeling the prickling of his beard on her skin.

“Nah, couldn’t look at Mitch’s face anymore,” Harry joked. He carefully held her chin, making the girl while caressing her cheekbone with his thumb. “What happened, what got you down?”

Y/N's face initially showed surprise; she thought she had concealed at least a bit of her mental state, but she clearly forgot how well Harry could read her. She got closer to Harry, putting a hand on his chest and pushing him down. The couple laid on the bed, Y/N’s cheeks pressed to Harry's heart, hearing it beat. “I’m not well, H.”

‘I know you aren't, angel,” He turned his face down, looking at her eyes. “Tell me what it is and I’ll fix it, you know I will.! 

“I don’t think you can this time,” she whispered

Y/N battled with anxiety for a long time, something she would get so caught up in her head and now one could take her away from her thoughts. Harry was aware that the only person who could get Y/N better was herself, but he also knew how important his help was.

“Did you schedule with Marcia yet?” Harry asked. 

“No, could you? Please?” she asked with a small voice.

“Of course, love.” Marcia was Y/N’s therapist, it’s been some weeks since Y/N last saw her for an appointment, and it was time for another. Harry quickly got his phone, messaging Marcia’s receptionist. The room was quiet, only the sounds of Harry’s phone could be heard.

“Done,” he said, kissing Y/N lightly on the lips. “Wanna talk about it?” 

She took his hand, playing with his rings. “No, not right now…Maybe later?” She said uncertainly. 

Harry just nodded, kissing her forehead this time. “You know I'm here whenever you need me.”

“You are always here,” She whispered, “It gives me peace.”

“Knowing I’m here?” He whispered back.

“Yes.”

They fell asleep just like that, cuddling each other as Jake said something that made Amy laugh.

The next morning came by as a hope offering. 

Y/N was still asleep when Harry placed a plate full of chocolate pancakes in front of her. “Wha-What is that?” Y/N asked lazily, rubbing her eye off sleepiness.

“A sweet breakfast in bed for my sweet girl,” Harry responded, caressing Y/N's cheeks. “I know yesterday was not a good day for you, and I don’t know how today is gonna come by, but I’m here to make sure it all comes around ok.”

Y/N smiled as she quickly ate her pancakes, stealing kisses from Harry as he watched her happy, warmth in his chest whenever she looked at him.

[forgedroyalseal]

Ranger Gathering 2024

Day One: Dawn

Will crept silently into the cabin just as dawn was beginning to break. In the nine weeks he had been gone, not much had changed. The flowers he had left on the table were gone, long since dried and dead. The kitchen table was cleared of the paper scraps he always forgot to file away. A chill had taken his place in his home, a reminder of how long he had been gone. When he had left, summer was still in full swing, but now crisp autumn air haunted the cabin. Mindfully avoiding the squeaking floorboard by the sofa, Will made his way over to the fireplace and knelt to rekindle the embers.

The embers glowed as he breathed life into them. He fed them, placing kindling carefully to avoid smothering the small flames. Building fires was second nature to Will at this point in his life, having learn to do so since before he had even begun his apprenticeship with Halt, but he still enjoyed the process each and every time. There was a deep satisfaction in watching cold sticks or coals turn into a warm, blazing fire.

“You should have just come back to bed. We could have kept each other warm enough.”

Will smiled and turned to his wife, who stood like an angel in the flickering orange light. “You’re right. I just-“ Will turned back at the fire. “I just needed a moment.”

Alyss nodded, understanding him like she always did. Sometimes Will would try imagine what it would be like to have married someone else. Someone who hadn’t known him all his life, who hadn’t always been his closest friend. He wondered what it would be like to have to explain himself in times like this. Explain that, even though he had been gone for over two months, he still needed a few more minutes before coming to greet his wife. But he didn’t have to, because Alyss understood. She understood that sometimes he needed to moment to recalibrate. To leave Ranger Treaty at the door with his cloak and step back into being Will. She understood without having to be told that what Will saw in the field could rattle him to his core. And he hated bringing that into their lives, their home, their bed.

“Do you need another moment?” She asked gently.

“No, no I think I’m ready to sleep for the rest of the day. Maybe all of tomorrow too.”

“Well, we’ve got dinner plans with Jenny and George tonight, but I think we could raincheck if needs be.” Alyss reached out for Will’s hand and lead them back to their bedroom, where she had already drawn the curtains tight to shield out the dawn light.

“I love you.” Will whispered as his eyes fluttered, fighting off sleep for a moment longer.

“I know. I love you too.” She pressed a kiss into his temple. “Now get some rest my love.”

And Will didn’t need to be told twice. He fell asleep to his wife’s words and the gentle cooing of doves outside.

[hibiscusheir]

Mike Schmidt x Reader (Part 1)

a/n: ... i will not be explaining why I was gone for so long but thank you to those who stuck around even tho I was on an unannounced hiatus. i will try to get to what's in my inbox but at the moment, I'm finishing up my first semester of this year and my finals are literally in two days adkjhewiasdfkj

c/w: all hurt no comfort :), breakups, cursing, fighting, abby's got trauma from her parents being gone so this is rly sad for her-, there's blood in one part, there's sickness in one part, I forgot what nights had what happen but hey it doesn't rly matter all that much-

Out of all the babysitters Abby had had in her life, you were her favorite. You tried to connect with her and supported her when she needed it. You also got along well with Mike, which was a bonus.

It wasn’t until a few months after the first time you and Abby met that you and Mike formed a romantic relationship. You truly loved him, and he was infatuated with you. It was you three against the world, like a little family. More so than it already was with the two siblings. 

Abby enjoyed having you around all the time, instead of just when she needed a babysitter. You acted like her mom, which filled the hole in her heart that had formed when both of her parents had died. Mike did his best to be a good guardian for her, but you just felt like a mom. She thought you and Mike would get married right away from how much you loved each other. For being ten years old, she was observant.

Everything came crashing down when you and Mike had called her into the living room for a conversation. Those weren’t ever good, so she was apprehensive. She swore she could hear her heart shattering when you said, ' We’re breaking up.’ What? Why would you guys do that? You were supposed to be together forever, that’s what Mike had said! You two had promised to love her forever!

“It’s the best decision for what’s going on right now, Abby,” Mike had tried to soften the blow of this news, but it was futile. Abby felt like she had been stabbed in the back, that much was apparent.

Abby had stood up and glared at her older brother. “No! You- you’re supposed to be together forever! You promised! You-” she sputtered, trying to think of something else to say. Her emotions took over and she said something she never meant. “I hate you!” She shouted and ran to her room, slamming the door behind her. You could still see the look of betrayal engraved on her face, and the look of shock and guilt on Mike’s.

Once that bedroom door was closed, Abby pounced on her bed and wrapped her blankets around her figure as tight as possible. The tears came quickly and plenty, falling onto her shirt, pillow, and stuffed animal that she had practically glued to her chest. How could you do this to her? She had already lost both her parents, she had no friends (well, save for the ones only she could see), and- and you both had promised!! That had been her main issue: you two had promised to be with her forever. Now you and Mike weren’t going to want to talk to each other, and you were going to leave, and you weren’t going to want to babysit her anymore, and she was going to lose her favorite babysitter, and- and-

She could hardly breathe with how much she had been crying. Her throat and chest hurt, but the sobs wouldn’t cease. She had laid there, curled up under her covers, with hot, angry tears staining her youthful cheeks, for what felt like hours. Maybe it had been hours, she couldn’t tell. Time didn’t matter to her. All that mattered was that she hated Mike a lot at that moment. A lot a lot.

You and Mike, still sitting in the living room, glanced over at each other. There was guilt present in both of you, but neither one of you said anything. What was there to be said? It wasn’t going to work out at this moment in time was what you had said. “...I’m… gonna call that guy back. For the night job.” Mike had broken the tension-filled silence, albeit awkwardly. He looked over at you hesitantly. “Would you still be able to watch Abby?” he had braced himself for your answer. No, why would I watch my ex’s sister? I never want to see you again, was what he had convinced himself you would’ve said. You had to have hated him. He had broken up with you… right? Or was it you who had brought it up? Maybe it was mutual? He didn’t know.

“Yeah,” you had given him a small nod. “I can still watch her.”

That was three weeks ago. It had taken a little while for all the paperwork to get done, but now, Mike was employed as a nightguard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria. It didn’t pay well, and the hours were shit, but it was something.

You came over almost every night to watch Abby, a smile plastered on your face every time you saw her. Although she had recovered from the breakup announcement, it had put a dent in your guys’ relationship. She spent all her time in her room, drawing and talking to her imaginary friends. This behavior, although previously normal, was becoming alarming, as it was never this frequent. You had tried everything to get her to talk to you: starting conversations, waiting for her to come to you, bribery, et cetera. Nothing worked.

It was about eleven PM when you got to the Schmidt household, your overnight bag slung over your shoulder. You, per usual, opened the door and called out for the young girl. “Abby, I’m here!” You weren’t surprised to see her sitting at the kitchen table, coloring, and not giving you as much as a side glance.

Mike was dressed in his uniform, his vest fitting on his body perfectly. You had always admired how he was able to look good in anything he wore. He could’ve worn a pink onesie and you still would’ve thought he was hot. But you couldn’t tell him that, not anymore, now that you were broken up. Honestly, you thought about asking him if he was open to getting back together. But, then again, what would he even say to that? And even more mind-boggling was thinking about what Abby would say. She already felt betrayed enough- she would probably break down if Mike agreed to get back together.

“(Y/N), hey. Abby needs to be put down for bed, but she won’t listen to me. Think you can handle her?” Mike asked with a small smirk tugging on his lips.

You set your bag down on the floor by the door and walked into the dining room, right behind the young girl. “Hi, sweetpea. Whatcha’ drawing?” You placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled at the surprisingly detailed artwork she had created.

“My friends.” She said monotonously, not even looking up to glance at you. You had become accustomed to this sort of treatment by now, and while it hurt that your smiley girl no longer smiled so brightly, you knew there was nothing you could do to revert her.

She was obviously in the middle of the drawing, with you and Mike on each side of her. In previous pieces, you two had been side-by-side, holding hands and smiling. That was no longer the case. On Mike’s side, there were two other children: one with long blonde hair and one with short dark-brown- maybe black- hair. On your side, there were two more children: one with short blond hair and one with auburn hair. All the children were smiling, while you and Mike had blank expressions.

“Good to know I’m your friend, Abs.” You tried to joke with her, rubbing her shoulder as you spoke, but that seemed to have no effect. When you realized nothing you were doing was going to get her to talk to you more, you sighed. “Abby, it’s time for bed. It’s past eleven.” 

Abby looked up, finally, and frowned. “I don’t want to go to bed. I’m not tired.”

“This isn’t up for debate, love. Bedtime, now. I’ll help you pick out some pajamas while you go brush your teeth.” Your voice wasn’t stern, more calm yet still authoritative. She must’ve realized you weren’t playing around, and with a dramatic huff, she left the table to go to the bathroom. Once she was out of earshot, you sighed and rubbed your face.

“She listens to you so much more than me,” Mike commented, adjusting the collar of his shirt. You glanced up at him and nodded, watching out of your peripherals as he leaned against the kitchen table beside you. An awkward silence bloomed in the already tension-filled air as you both stared ahead, watching the other out of the corner of your eyes.

Finally, you spoke. “This is, what, your fourth night, right?”

“Mhm.”

“Okay. Just making sure.” A partial lie, but he wouldn’t notice. You mostly just wanted to hear his voice again. As always, it was perfect, like the rest of him.

Upsettingly so, he saw right through you. Even worse was that he said nothing on the matter. He stood there, staring ahead just like you, not saying a word. The only sounds in the entire house were the sounds of you two breathing, the sink in the bathroom running (presumably from Abby brushing her teeth), and the soft hum of the air conditioning running through the home.

Mike was the first to move from this position, claiming he had to get going to work. It was disappointing that he couldn’t stay longer to talk, but you didn’t fight him on it.

“I’m gonna go help Abby. Stay safe.” You announced. Mike had never told you about what went on at the Pizzaria, so it made him do a double-take when you told him to stay safe. He stared at you momentarily before nodding and heading towards the door. And with that, it was just you and Abby.

You walked into Abby’s room and looked for some pajamas for her to wear. Sure, she was ten years old and perfectly capable of picking out her clothes, but it was something you had offered to do when you first started seeing her, and she never opposed the action. You finally settled on a pale pink t-shirt and some fuzzy pajama pants with little pumpkins on them. You laid them out on the bed and left the room, waiting for her to go in and change so that you could tuck her in for the night.

Once she called for you, albeit begrudgingly (she’s convinced she doesn’t even need a babysitter anymore), you went in and found her already under her covers, her stuffed animals crowded around her. You smiled and were reminded of simpler times when she would beg and beg you and Mike to read her just one more story or have you sing one more song because although those times are probably long gone, the memories are still embedded in your head. You tucked her in and kissed her forehead, smoothing her hair back before whispering goodnight to her. Thankfully, she whispered the same.

You left the room and went to sit down on the couch. Once your body hit the leather, you immediately sighed heavily and brought your hands to your head, rubbing your temples as though you had a headache. In reality, you were just tired. And maybe stressed. Scratch that, you were feeling a lot of both.

You wanted your family back; the family you had formed with Mike and Abby. You wanted to call him and tell him you still loved him and that you prayed he felt the same. You wanted to sing a million lullabies to Abby every night and tell her every bedtime story imaginable. You wanted that comfort back. But it seemed as though that wouldn’t be happening any time soon.

Sometime in the middle of the night, you woke up to the sound of knocking on the door. You had fallen asleep and groggily looked over to the clock on the wall, reading that it was four in the morning. You woke up immediately, not knowing if someone was trying to break into the house. You grabbed the nearest object, a broken table lamp (in retrospect, you should’ve run to the kitchen and grabbed a knife, not a fucking table lamp), and cautiously made your way to the front door. You took a deep breath and braced yourself before throwing the door open. 

There stood an injured Mike and a blonde woman whom you had never seen before. Your defensive instincts fell, and they were replaced by fear for Mike, and jealousy, because who was this woman? And why was she so goddamn pretty? No, why was Mike hurt? Was he bleeding?!

“Michael Schmidt, what the hell happened?!” You practically yanked the two inside the house and immediately sat Mike down on the couch, looking him over. Your eyes darted from wound to wound as your mind raced with possibilities for what caused this.

He let out a shaky breath, as he was in excruciating pain. “Looks like I didn’t listen to you…” he chuckled, but it stopped once he realized you were glaring at him.

“What? Mike, I’m serious. What happened?” Your gaze moved from him to the mystery woman, who you realized was wearing a police uniform. “What the hell happened to him?” You demanded, your voice dropping.

The woman was quick to assure you that she was not the cause of Mike’s injuries. “Calm down. I can explain everything if you just sit down and let me talk.” She sounded so calm, and that fact pissed you off. How could she be so nonchalant about this?!

“(Y/N). Please.” Mike placed a bandaged hand atop yours, which had been holding onto his shirt sleeve. The action caught you off guard. It made your eyes widen as you realized how desperate he was. 

You gulped and nodded your head. You sat down beside Mike, your legs brushing together, as you looked up at the mystery woman. “You’ve got five minutes.

Surprisingly, the blonde was able to explain a lot in five minutes. For starters, her name was Vanessa. She was a police officer, which was a job you considered in the same genre as Mike’s position as a security guard. She was rather vague about it, but what you got from it was that the pizzeria was a hotspot for kids in the eighties, especially for birthday parties. Once kids started disappearing, and the animatronics started acting ‘off’, the place was shut down. The owner never tore it down, supposedly for its ‘sentimental value’. The reason Mike was hurt, was because the animatronics had attacked him. That made your blood run cold.

“So you’re telling me that Mike has been risking his life these past four nights? For shitty wages?” You turned your head away from Vanessa and Mike and stared ahead at the wall. Did Mike know all this beforehand? Was he planning on keeping this from you, or would he have told you eventually? What would Abby think if she found out her brother got hurt, or worse, died?

You hadn’t realized it, but you began to quiver. You rocked yourself back and forth ever so slightly, your arms wrapped around your body, and your lower lip lodged between your teeth. Mike tried to reach his hand out to place on your shoulder, to comfort you, but you immediately recoiled. He looked more surprised than anything, but there was a hint of hurt there too.

“This is only the second time this has happened, (Y/N), I swear-”

“The second time out of four days of working there?!” Your voice raised but quickly lowered again when you realized where you were. “Mike, please, find another job. We can’t-” You stopped yourself from making a statement that made it seem like you were still a family. You caught yourself, changing up your word choice. “Abby can’t lose you.” Your voice was down to a whisper now, and you looked truly hurt that Mike kept this from you.

Vanessa stayed quiet and backed up a few steps to give you both some space.

You rubbed your eyes in both exhaustion and frustration. You couldn’t even look Mike in the eyes right now.

Mike tried again to calm you, opting to put his hand on your knee. This time, you didn’t push him away. “I’ll be careful. Promise.”

Finally, you glanced over at him. “You better fucking keep it. Because if you die…” You couldn’t even finish that sentence.

“I won’t.” His smile was infectious, and you couldn’t help but fall in love all over again.

You really should’ve just risked getting Abby sick, rather than stay home one night. You had come down with strep throat, and it just so happened that the last day you had it was when you needed to babysit Abby. You called Mike to explain the situation, and although he was a little frustrated because he couldn’t get another babysitter, he assured you that it was not your fault. And so you went about your day, laying in bed, watching TV, eating soup, really just doing anything you could to keep your mind off the guilt you felt.

By the time night rolled around, you were out cold. You had taken some medicine a little bit before bed, and the ‘helps with insomnia’ benefit listed on the bottle was not a lie. You were so deep in REM that you almost didn’t wake up to your phone ringing on the bedside table. Thankfully, you did. The caller ID read ‘Mike Schmidt’, and you picked up the phone, putting it up to your ear.

If you weren’t awake yet, you certainly would’ve been after he started talking. You were still a bit drowsy, and Mike’s words were partially intelligible, but the words you could make out were ‘couldn’t replace’, ‘animatronics’, ‘Vanessa’, ‘Abby’, ‘electrical discharge’, and ‘hurt’. You managed to form your theory as to what had happened, and boy did that wake you up. You shot out of bed and tugged a pair of socks on before slipping on your shoes, not even bothering to tie them. You were about to tell Mike not to hang up, but then he did.

You drove there in record time, probably going over the speed limit, but that didn’t matter. Abby was hurt. Your theory was that Mike couldn’t get someone to watch Abby in time, and so he took her to the pizzeria. That alone was enough for you to feel angry, but you were furious to know that Abby got hurt. Electrical discharges are no joke, and you needed to see her to at least look her over and decide if she was okay. Maternal instincts die hard, you guessed.

You practically broke the door by opening it so quickly. Abby and Mike were sitting on the couch. When she saw you, her face sort of glowed like it used to. She ran up to hug you, and you bent down and caught her in your arms. You swayed her back and forth, rubbing her back and combing through her hair as you whispered inaudible ‘thank you’s to God. She was okay by the looks of it.

When you let go of her, you immediately stared at Mike with the angriest expression you had ever had. He looked sad and guilty. But also sort of numb. Like he’s been through this before. Like he knew this was how it would end. This was how it ended with everyone.

“Abby, go get in bed,” Your voice was stern but softer than your expression.

“But-”

“Now.”

She looked like a kicked puppy when you ordered her away, but she did as you demanded, and slinked away into her bedroom, closing the door.

“(Y/N), I can explain-”

You laughed, but it wasn’t out of humor. It was dry, and he could tell you were pissed. Pissed couldn’t even describe how livid you were with this beautiful, beautiful man.

“You better have a good excuse as to why Abby got hurt, and why you took her to the pizzeria in the first place, knowing it was dangerous.”

Mike had never heard your voice sound this venomous, and it worried him. He was used to everyone looking at him with such disdain, but not you. He had never seen your soft face and gentle smile look like this. “...You’re right. There is no excuse. …I’m sorry.”

“Don’t say that to me. Say that to your little sister, who you’re supposed to protect. I thought you didn’t want to live up to your aunt’s opinion of you.” The moment those words left your lips, you immediately regretted it. That was a low blow, even if you were upset.

Mike’s lip quivered, and he visibly stepped back. “I’m- I’m don’t. I don’t want to live up to that. But if that’s really what you think of me…” His voice trailed off, leaving you two in silence. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. And although he tried to hide it, you could see the tears in his eyes. It was rare that Mike cried, and even more scarce when you witnessed it. You couldn’t bear to see him anymore; you had to get out of there.

And so you did. You left without saying another word. You didn’t even say goodbye to Abby, who would’ve very much appreciated someone coming to check on her. Although you thought she had closed her door, she only pulled it to. She heard every single word exchanged between you and her older brother. She was scared. Scared that you and Mike may never get back together. Scared that Mike wouldn’t be nice anymore. Petrified that she would never see you again. And she didn’t know how to feel about that. She curled up in her bed, pulled the covers over her head, and sobbed until her throat burned and she felt like her lungs were going to fall out. It was all her fault.

(part two will be out eventually, once I get the time to write)

[aubaee]

SERENITY — Schedule Two

word count: 945 [SERENITY] previous | next

synopsis: Who knew ‘We Got Married’ would bring back the heat for this upcoming season with an “ACE” couple, let alone a couple who ended terms with each other before their debut. Would their old flame spark once more or would they pass each other instead? With the exciting news starring Lee Heeseung from ENHYPEN and Choi Areum from SERENITY, would the old lovebirds be able to show us their profound partnership through challenging missions under one roof?

[SERENITY Dorm]

“Soo,” Lihua begins, nudging my shoulders as she grabbed a chicken from the takeout box, “When were you going to tell us you were getting married?”

I glanced at her wide in shock, “Who told you??” Though I figured my group members would’ve known by now. They usually know everything before me, well the leader and oldest member.

“A little birdie told me,” Lihua’s brows raised, grinning towards our leader. Of course, I forgot she had the first notice from our manager.

I groan, slumping in my seat as we continued watching a horror movie as we ate our dinner. We concluded our Weverse live stream waiting for our food to get delivered forty minutes ago. It was past midnight, our movie closing in to an end, our food halfway finished as we talked in our living room.

“Our maknae is going away,” Jaemi jokes, wiping a fake tear. “We finally have peace at the dorms.”

I rolled my eyes at her as the members laughed along. Our manager chuckling as she watches us banter. “I can never catch a break from you guys.”

“We will though,” Hyejin retorts, finishing up her ramen as she focused on the television screen.

“Come on, you don’t think you’ll miss me?” I said, looking at my members face with my puppy eyes, well I tried.

“Nope,” they all said in unison, laughing their butts off with my misery. Yui spares me a glance as she stops laughing, giving me a reassuring pat on my shoulder. Ahh, I don’t think I’m ready to be sent away from my own safe space, especially going away from my dog Yuki. She is a four-year-old female Samoyed. I took her in when I figured I needed a companion that’s different from family members and friends, someone with who I can share my concerns and happiness with ease even if I don’t get a proper response. I’m happy to have Yuki by my side. She’s kept me sane these past years even during hard times.

“I’m so not missing you guys,” I pout, petting my dog’s head resting on my lap. “I will miss my baby Yuki though.”

“Is it not possible to take her with you?” Hyejin asks, gesturing to Yuki who is calmly sleeping throughout our bickering.

“I’m not too sure.. I think I have to ask the director.” I reply, “If I can’t take her with me, I’ll leave her with my parents for now.”

“That’s good. I’m sure she misses her grandparents more than you.” Jaemi jokes, ruffling my hair in the process.

I huffed, slapping her hand in the process, “Oh whatever. Let’s just focus on the movie ending.”

“Let’s hope our maknae ends up with a nice guy,” Lihua says, trying to enlighten the mood. “Maybe once the show is over, you’ll actually be in a relationship with him.”

“Hmm, who knows.. If he ever tries to play with your feelings, you have us as your protectors.” Jaemi said gesturing to shadow box the air.

“If he ever thinks about messing with one of us,” Yui clicks her tongue, shaking her head. “He’s got a bad rep with all of us.”

“Did any of your friends mention being on the show recently?” Hyejin asks me, taking a bite of the fried chicken in her hand.

“Not that I know of,” I sigh, trying to remember our past conversations in the group chats. “Even if they did, they’d probably kept it as a surprise.”

***

[HYBE Building]

“By any chance, do you know who will be my partner?” I ask Yui as we walked down the hallways to one of the meeting rooms.

“I’m not informed yet,” Yui chuckles, “Are you anxious to meet your partner of a few months?”

“I need to know if he’s a person I’m aquatinted with,” I say, “It’d be great to have a good person.”

“Hopefully they’re a good guy and not some creep,” Yui shakes her head, “You know what to do if they make you uncomfortable right?”

“Of course I do.” We looked at each other briefly before turning into the corner. I follow Yui behind as we both stop in front of a door with a sign beside it “Conference 4-1”. She knocks on it before opening and peaks her head in.

“Hello Director,” Yui greets with a smile, “I have your star of the show.”

“Welcome, thank you for coming in today,” the director smiles, standing up from her seat to greet us. I smile, taking her hand with a firm shake as I bow. “Please take a seat. It’s so great to finally meet you.”

Within thirty minutes of discussion, the director gave me the contract to look over the terms and conditions for the show. I scanned through the form, briefly going over them and signed my name.

The director informed me my partner would stay anonymous until our first encounter the day of shooting. She hasn’t given me any hints as much as I asked her throughout our conversation. I’m assuming she wants our reaction to be genuine along with the audiences and hosts.

Starting the next two weeks I’ll be leaving the dorms for three months for the show, luckily I’m able to attend the work schedules, accomodating to the time. Unfortunately, I’ll be separated from Yuki as I’m unable to bring her with me for the show, although they allowed Yuki to make a brief appearance for one of the episodes.

Saying our final goodbyes with each other, we continued our day to the schedule, meaning the girls and I would be getting ready for our last day promotions at Music Bank.

a/n: lowkey going at a slow pace but at the same time felt like it was rushed.. ermm hope you enjoy tho :3 istg the first few chapters are slow... pls bear with me huhu.

taglist: @enhagvrl @lilifiedeans

pls like, comment, & reblog <3

[evenhisfacewasanalias]

After Hours

Lady Jane Grey/Guildford Dudley

Rating: Teen

Modern AU - Jane is an overworked medical student at Cambridge who is in dire need of a date to her sister's engagement - all in order to keep Lady Frances from setting her up. She decides to bring the worst guy she can find and make her mother regret her meddling. Guildford is playing in a rock band at the local pub, and Jane of course picks the man she was always going to.

Really just an excuse to give Guildford a little earring.

“She’s gone completely off her rocker!”

Susannah shakes her head at her friend’s histrionics, and Jane knows she’s being ridiculous.  They were supposed to be at the pub to unwind and catch up. The loud band playing in the corner isn’t helping much, however. They’re nearly shouting to be heard over the screeching guitar and excessive drumming.

“I would have thought having one daughter getting engaged might soothe the savage beast?” 

Jane practically chugs down the second half of her pint, “Oh no, not Lady Frances Grey - if anything this has only sped up her timetable for having me married off. I need another drink.”

“You’ve had two already. Isn’t alcohol poisoning something you learned about at that fancy medical school o’ yours?” Susannah laughs, pulling her friend back to the small table.

“My fancy medical school is half the reason I drink,” Jane sighs. “The other half is Mum’s new threat to set me up with Lord Dudley's son.”

“Stanley Dudley? That's cruel, even for Frances. Besides, I'm pretty sure he has a thing for your mum.”

And that part is probably true. She thinks she caught Stan attempting the boombox move from Say Anything outside her mother’s window on winter break. Only her window was four stories up, and an mp3 speaker didn’t have quite the same impact. She’s been trying to forget the memory of it ever since. She often tries not to think too hard about her widowed mother’s love life.

“Not Stan, at least. Apparently Lord Dudley has another son we've never even heard of - some Oxford dilettante off gadding about.”

“Oooh collegiate rivalry, could make for some great shagging.” Susannah is little better than her mother at times with the way she fusses over the lack of men in Jane’s life, but at least her best friend isn’t trying to marry her off to some vagabond Lord.

“My mother’s taste in men tends toward the vapid.” So does Susannah’s, but in the name of friendship, Jane won’t mention this.

“He doesn’t need a doctorate to be good in bed,” Susannah shakes her head at her friend. “Though I feel like I should have an honorary one in the subject, at least.”

Jane laughs at her friend’s ego, though secretly she can admit she admires her confidence. “He doesn’t need a doctorate, but he should at least be able to manage his end of the conversation.”

“I forgot that a lively debate was practically foreplay for you.” 

Jane snorts out another laugh. She’s not even getting that much lately.

“So then what else is on ‘Jane’s list or a shaggable man’ - other than his oral skills?”

Jane’s face heats at her friend’s joke. It really has been too long if she’s blushing over some double entendre. Single entendre, really.

“I can’t even think about men with studying for exams this month.”

“Or last month, or the one before it. Find a hot enough bloke and you’ll make the time.”

“Well I’m certainly not going to find Mr. Right in this pub.”

She looks around at the crowd - it’s mostly secondary students and couples at the bar and tables, with a few grungier looking guys gathered around the stage. This isn’t really the sort of venue where she’d hope to find a worthy suitor.

“I’m only talking about Mr. Right Now,” Susannah teases.

“That doesn’t exactly help me with the engagement party situation.”

“It’ll help you to relax a little about the engagement party situation,” she winks.

And ok, maybe Susannah has something of a point - she’s survived her mother’s nagging for twenty four years, it usually takes a little more than a set-up to wind her up like this. But still, the threat of it remains her most pressing concern.

“It won’t help me much unless it gets my mother to back off.”

“Why not just bring some random guy as your date then?”

It’s not as though she hadn’t considered it. She’s not exactly attending a convent, she could have just invited one of her fellow med school classmates. “Because then my mother still wins.”

“And we can’t have that, can we?” Susannah is no fan of her mother either, but she can never resist mocking what she calls Jane’s ‘contrary’ nature. “Well then, make Frances regret it. Bring someone she’ll hate.”

Susannah has her own spiteful streak as well. It’s why they’ve always been friends, even when Susannah stopped working for her mother.

“So any man without a title, then?” Jane suggests. 

Her father had been a Duke and her mother refused to entertain anyone lower in rank than a Viscount. Her sister Katherine was already pushing it, marrying the Earl of Hertford.

“Worse.”

“A man without a trust fund?” 

“Worse,” and then Susannah’s eyes are shifting over towards the makeshift stage, to where the band is still wailing to the world’s smallest mosh pit.

Jane chuckles at the idea - it would certainly make her mother’s head spin. The members of the band - The Affliction, apparently, very fitting - look to be about her own age, but they’re about as far away from her social class as they could get (a characteristic Jane preferred and her mother detested). Definitely not a title or trust fund to be found among the lot of them - not with the sorry state of their clothing and instruments. They’re all decent looking enough, in a tattooed and leather jacketed bad boy kind of way. If you were into that sort of thing, which Jane most assuredly wasn’t. Or at least she had never considered herself to be - she didn’t care to be so predictable. But objectively, they’re an attractive bunch. They’re what loosely might be called a rock band, but they’re playing in this shithole of a pub so clearly they’re not very successful. And most importantly, her mother would be livid at the sight of any one of them.

That, plus the two pints in her stomach, have Jane actually considering this mad gambit of Susannah’s. What if she did bring some wannabe rockstar to the engagement party? Katherine wouldn’t mind - at least not much. And she’d certainly forgive Jane when she saw her engagement gift: a minibreak stay at a B&B in Chipping Campden to escape their mother’s wedding planning. Her mother, however, would never forgive her. Jane might even get uninvited to several events she’s been dreading. She smiles at the thought.

However, Jane doesn’t want to be uninvited from the wedding entirely, so she does some quick research before she even begins to truly contemplate this madness. Susannah laughs at the sight of Jane googling, though she hadn’t laughed when Jane used her powers of research to perform recon on her friend’s sketchy tinder dates. She doesn’t want either one of them getting axe-murdered by some random guy - a fact which Susannah usually appreciates. And even though she wants to piss off her mother, she’s not about to bring some registered sex offender to her little sister’s engagement party. 

The Affliction has a facebook page, and a soundcloud, but nothing professional. That’s good news on the unsuccessful front, neutral on the ‘is one of them an axe-murderer’ question. She looks at the band members individually. It turns out the bassist is actually a woman, with a very cute pixie cut and great bone structure - Jane briefly considers the possibility of giving her mum a heart attack by bringing home a woman, but is quick to realise she’s already married to the lead singer anyway. There’s two options out, leaving the guitarist and the drummer. A drummer would maybe get an extra rotation on the head spinning front, but in both the facebook photo and up on stage now Jane can spot a cigarette in the guy’s mouth. Gross. She’s seen too many textbook images of what the tar does to your lungs to think of anything else whenever she sees someone smoking.

Which leaves the guitarist. If she’s honest with herself, he’s the one she would have been drawn to out of all of them. Floppy brown curls, mouth curved into a devilish smirk - but thankfully no more than a spare pick pressed between his lips. A good jawline, with the barest hint of stubble. Warm brown eyes and surprisingly nice hands. She gets a little distracted watching strong fingers wrapped around the guitar's neck and nimbly plucking at its strings, stacked rings only drawing more attention to his hands - though none of that really matters since she’s not actually looking for a real date. What does matter is the rips on his jeans, the way the sleeves are cut from his t-shirt to show off his many tattoos, and the glint of an earring she can spot even from back here. He’ll drive her mum batty. 

His name’s not listed on their facebook page - there’s apparently another guitarist who should be here tonight - but this guy’s in a few of the older photos. Including one at some kind of children’s charity fundraiser event, so at least she knows he’s not on any registries. And he’s probably not a criminal or anything if they’re doing philanthropy shows. There’s a newer shot with the entire band, plus him, all cuddling animals at what is apparently a shelter rescue gig. Another point in the not-a-serial-killer column. Still no name but there’s a tabby curled around his neck pawing at a pair of necklaces she realises are the same ones he’s wearing tonight. She’s always thought cats to be good judges of character. They’re certainly good judges of cheekbones, she thinks as she looks back and forth between the photo and the man on stage.

Someone tosses a glass bottle his way in between songs - to give it to him or to critique the music, she can’t be certain - but he catches it easily, tossing it back up again with a little spin before flicking off the cap to take a drink. Jane’s a little caught up in the line of his throat, those ridiculous necklaces. He leans over to the micromobile, and she hears his voice for the first time. 

“‘What I like to drink most is wine that belongs to others,’” he unexpectedly quotes Diogenes, and she falls a little in lust.

“Do you think he’d agree to it?” She asks Susannah, who follows her line of sight and grins at her choice.

“Do I think he’ll say yes to a date with a hot girl?” She gives Jane a look that implies she’s an idiot.

Jane waves away the compliment, and the word ‘date’. “It wouldn’t be a real date, just to get my mother off my back for a bit.”

“Then do I think a grown man playing Clash covers in a pub would say no to pissing off someone’s parents?”

“Good point.” 

The idea is left to simmer in her brain for the rest of the band’s set. They switch their conversation over to Susannah’s troubles. Things with the new guy are going well, but her best friend is currently working as an au pair for a family that doesn’t pay her anywhere near well enough to put up with their nightmare son. But she refuses to let Jane use her connections to get her a better job, or at least better pay, though Jane is slowly wearing her down. Or at least the Bradfords’ son is. Jane wishes she had something better to offer her friend for her repeatedly kicked shins than some paracetamol, but it’s all she has on her. She jokingly offers some anaesthesia whenever she finally gets her medical licence. 

“For me or for the wain?”

“Your choice. I think it’s better if I have plausible deniability on that one.”

“Ditto,” Susannah laughs, and directs Jane’s sight back towards the front of the pub, where the band is finally starting to pack it in. Susannah is no fan of Jane’s mum, but she definitely doesn’t want to get on her bad side. It had been hard enough wheedling a good reference out of her when Susannah had left. And this plan will definitely get someone on her mother’s shit list.

Jane has sobered up a little from earlier, but the idea is still the best one they’ve got. If nothing else it’ll irritate her mother, and spare her having to talk to some Tory-supporting wanker she’ll inevitably be set up with. She knows next to nothing about music, but she’d still rather hear about that than some guy’s stock portfolio all evening, or the endless name-dropping she was so often forced to endure. And he’d certainly be easier on the eyes. It only takes a little persuasion, and one good hard shove, from her friend to have her beelining towards the stage. 

She mentally assesses her own look tonight on the way there - heeled boots and a short-ish skirt that made her legs look longer, and a sweater that was more cosy than sexy but not utterly disastrous. She tugs her hair free of its messy bun and hopes her curls were behaving for once. Even though she was only asking for a fake date, she hopes a good first impression might tip the scales a little in her favour.

The pub isn’t overly large, so it only takes a few steps to push through the small gathered crowd to where the guitarist is pounding back the bottle he caught from earlier. She waits for him to set it down before she tries to introduce herself.

And he promptly belches in her face.

“You’re perfect,” she smiles. 

Normally, the rudeness would have her ready to tear into the man, but the entire point of this was to send her mother into a conniption fit. Bad manners was just the icing on top of a very offensive cake.

“I take it you’re a fan of The Affliction, then?” His grin is both lazy and arrogant, another point in his favour - or disfavour, as it was. It’s not even remotely as charming as he seems to think it is. 

“Oh no, your music is atrocious.”

“Then what is it I'm perfect for?” He seems a little taken aback by the dig at their music, but then he’s grinning again. “Or do you just have a thing for devilishly handsome guitarists?” 

Might as well rip off the bandaid. She takes a deep breath. “If I say yes, could I borrow you for a few hours tomorrow? I’m Jane, by the way.”

He takes her outstretched hand automatically. His hands are warm but the rings he wears are cool, and she can feel the calluses along his fingers as he grips her hand firmly.

“For like a gig? I’m not really…” He looks even more confused now considering she’s professed not to be a fan.

“Something like that - my sister’s engagement party is tomorrow and my mother is threatening to set me up if I don’t bring a date.”

“So you’re asking me on a date, then?” The grin is back in full force, and he keeps holding her hand.

“I’m asking you to rescue me from my mother for a few hours,” she answers flatly.

“You know what I find works best with parents?” 

The fact that he’s still smiling at her is troubling, but her curiosity wins over her good sense and so she asks him just what he thinks will work.

“Telling them to fuck off.”

“Yes, well I would love for you to swing by Saturday and tell my mother just that.”

He actually throws his head back and laughs at that. 

“Not that I don’t love telling off busybodies, but is there some reason you can’t just bring a real date to get her off your back? Surely your talents for flattery could win some undiscerning man over.”

Jane finally pulls her hand away to cross her arms in front of her, “If you wanted flattery then you shouldn’t have named your band ‘The Affliction’. And for your information, the reason I don’t have an actual date is because I’m currently too busy with my studies at the School of Clinical Medicine.”

He looks unimpressed. “Oh, is that like a local further education school?”

“It’s at Cambridge University, you halfwit.”

That grin again. “I’m fully aware, it’s called a joke - perhaps you’ve heard of them?” 

“This whole conversation is a joke!” She nearly shouts, half in frustration with the man in front of her but mostly with herself. Why she ever thought this was a good idea is beyond her.

“Has anyone ever told you you’re cute when you’re angry?” 

His nose scrunches a little when he says the word ‘cute’ and Jane can feel the rage rushing white hot through her veins.

But he keeps talking before she has the chance to tell him off. “Alright, I’ll come with you to your little party. If your mother’s half as easy to wind up, it might even be fun.”

And she’s annoyed at both him and herself for falling into his little trap, but she’s stuck on the fact he’s agreeing to come with her. 

“You’ll actually come?”

“Sure, why not?” 

Not giving him a chance to change his mind, Jane quickly lists off the party address and the time they should meet, typing her number into his mobile and texting herself with it. She neglects to tell him the dress code, half hoping he’ll wear this exact outfit again. The t-shirt is practically in tatters, which will infuriate her mother, but the arms they reveal are quite nice to look at - tattoos and all. She’s not usually into that sort of thing, but the designs there curve around the musculature in a way that scratches the part of her brain that’s been pouring over anatomy for the past three years. She imagines herself tracing the lines, listing off each muscle group in Latin. 

Jane shakes her head to shut down this line of thinking immediately. This is not a real date because she has no time for dating. She barely had time to come out tonight with Susannah, and she’s only in town at all tonight because her mother insisted on a small family dinner before the big event next weekend. She hands back his mobile.

“And what do I get out of this?” The guy asks, tucking his mobile back into his pocket.

Jane narrows her eyes. “What do you want?”

She sees him looking her up and down. And even though it sends a pleasant little zip down her spine, this is so not what tonight is about.

“Not that.” She states clearly and firmly.

“I didn’t even ask for anything,” his nose is scrunching up again, crinkling the skin around his eyes as well which threatens her resolve to keep this clean and simple. 

“Not that,” she repeats.

“How about 100 quid then?” 

“So you’re an escort now?” 

“Student loans, you know,” he shrugs. And she’s a little surprised to hear he is - or was - a student, but considering he’s quoting Greek philosophers in random pubs it makes some sort of strange sense. “Actually, I have a better idea - you said School of Clinical Medicine, right? So you’ve got medical training?” 

This was never a good start to a conversation, in her experience. “You’re not about to ask me to commit medical malpractice are you?”

“Is it really medical malpractice if you’re not even a doctor yet?” 

“Yes.” 

“Well this isn’t that, I promise. It’s just a run of the mill bad idea.” 

It’s not at all as assuring as he seems to think it is. “And just what exactly is this bad idea?” 

“I have a friend that needs a doctor.” 

“And does this friend know about the National Health Service?” 

“They can’t help her.” 

Jane hopes his friend is just not a full UK resident or something, rather than some shady thing they’re trying to hide from an actual doctor.

“And you think I can?” 

“I think that you are in luck that I’m nearly as desperate as you are,” his eyebrow arches.

It’s a fair point.

“Alright then, where is this friend? And I’m not making any promises.” 

“All I’m asking is that you try. Just take a look and see if there’s anything more you can tell us. I’ll drive us there.” 

This halts her. “You’re not driving me anywhere - I’m not about to step into whatever van with blacked out windows you have back there.” 

“It’s a motorbike, actually.” 

And of course he drives a motorbike too. “That's even worse. Besides, I have my kit in my car.” 

“You have a medical kit in your car?” 

“It’s also a first aid kit, everyone should have one. Especially people stupid enough to drive motorbikes. And I know this may shock you, but sometimes people find out I’m in medical school and start expecting me to treat them.”

The insult has him raising his brows. “So you do this often then? Lure men into dates in exchange for medical advice?”

“No! I don’t lure anyone into anything. I’m certified in CPR and first aid, and I help people for free.”

“So I’m getting massively overcharged then?” He chuckles.

“You’re not risking your future medical licence, so I’d say you’re getting the better end of the bargain here.”

“Touche. But I’m not risking my life when you’ve been here throwing back gods know how many pints, so we’ll fetch your kit and then I’m driving us.”

“You’re telling me you haven’t been drinking?”

He holds up the bottle he’d been drinking out of - it’s just a soda. “Sober as a nun. I don’t drink when I’m playing.”

“I want you to know I’m taking a lot on faith here, pal.”

“It’s Guildford, actually.”

Guildford, of all names. She thought she had left the posh wanker names behind with this plan.

“It suits you,” she tries.

“I can hear the derogatory tone in your voice, but it’s a family name.”

“It would have to be, who would name a child that in the twenty-first century?”

“Perhaps the same sort of people who would name a child after a eighteenth century spinster?”

“And one of England’s most famous authors.”

He glances somewhere behind her.

“Well you certainly live up to your name, my Lady Jane - your chaperone over there appears greatly worried about your virtue,” he nods back to where Susannah is watching the two of them like a hawk. She signals her friend over to make the awkward introductions and explain the exchange.

“I highly doubt she’s worried about my virtue, just my common sense,” she clarifies before Susannah reaches them. “Susannah - Guildford. Guildford has agreed to come with me tomorrow to deal with Mum, but first he needs my help with his friend -”

“Winifred,” he supplies.

“Winifred, really? Your parents never even gave you a chance, did they?” She turns back to face her friend, “I’ll just grab my med kit from the car and you can drive it to your place or I can call you a cab.”

“No need, Archer’s already on his way. I figured when you two were chatting for so long.” Jane’s not loving the insinuation in her friend’s voice right now. “I just need to real quick -” and then she’s lifting her camera to snap a photo of Guildford, “hope you don’t mind.”

But Guildford just smiles for the photo. “I know the drill, I’ll give you my info in case you need to look into me first.”

He takes Susannah’s mobile from her and pops his info into her contacts. 

“This is almost suspiciously easy,” she stage whispers to Jane, but she smiles at whatever she sees on her mobile.

“Need me to verify anything?” He offers, handing back the mobile.

“Nope!” Susannah says, a little too quickly, tucking her mobile back into her purse. “You two have fun. All my love to Winifred!”

And then she’s out the door before Jane can so much as wave goodbye.

“Well that was weird,” Jane remarks to the empty spot her friend was just standing.

“Are you going to let my friends look you up now so I can make sure you’re not a fake doctor or something?”

“I never even said I was a real doctor, and it looks like your friends have already ditched you.” He glances back over his shoulder at the stage which is now empty. “Did they steal your guitar too?”

“That one’s just borrowed, I would never let my girl out of my sight like that.”

Jane resists the urge to roll her eyes at this - she imagines he’s even given his guitar a girl’s name, like “Lucille” or “Theresa”. She won’t give him the satisfaction of asking about it now, she’ll save that for when her mother is there to hear it. 

They manage to grab her kit and lock up her car with only a minimum of teasing from Guildford about her Prius. She expects to give him back the same when finally sees his motorbike, anticipating either some souped up American monstrosity or a barely-held-together dirt bike. 

It’s neither. It’s an older model, British-made by the logo, but it looks to be in good repair. It’s surprisingly tasteful, considering its owner. She still can’t quite believe she’s agreed to ride on it, however. Like some heroine in a novel racing off at the first sign of someone in danger, or a princess jumping on the back of a dragon to rescue an ill villager. She wonders what that makes Guildford. He’s certainly no knight in shining armour. A knight in shining leather jacket?

Only he’s handing that leather jacket to her. “I have two helmets but you should take the jacket.”

She presses it back towards him, “you don’t even have sleeves.”

Guildford pushes into her space and throws the jacket over her shoulders, “and you’re not wearing pants. I run hot, especially after a gig, I’ll be fine. The drive isn’t that long.”

And then he turns away to pull out the spare helmet for her, tucking her kit into the boot, and she’s forced to accept the jacket. She slides it over her arms and realises that even though he’s not that much taller than her, she’s practically swimming in the leather sleeves. She shoves them up over her wrists and ignores his grin at the sight. 

Jane does fight to adjust her own helmet, drawing the line at letting him put it on her like she’s his girlfriend or something. She’s only doing this because some woman out there is in need of medical attention, and is apparently unable to find it anywhere else. Jane had considered the possibility that this was all some cheap ploy to get her back to his place, but there were much easier schemes, and even easier women. Had he had better manners, she might have been one of them. 

No, between his rude behaviour and his refusal to elaborate on the situation, she assumed it was probably just something embarrassing - for Winifred or for Guildford, it didn’t matter. Either  was fine by her, she would just build up her portfolio of funny medical stories a little earlier than most. And if things got too weird she could simply call a cab. 

She wasn’t chickening out yet, though. Even when Guildford straddles the bike and gestures for her to take the spot behind him. Jane had forgotten the fact she was wearing a short skirt.

“Eyes forward, mister.”

“Whatever you say, princess,” he laughs, but turns to face the other direction so she can primly lift one leg over the bike, keeping a few inches of space between their bodies.

But Guilford has other ideas. Warm, gloved hands reach back behind her knees to tug her forward, pressing her flush with his back. Her skirt rides up a little in the process, but none of it matters because there’s not so much as a centimetre between them for anyone to see anything. He draws her arms forward to wrap around his middle. 

And he really hadn’t been lying about running hot. She can feel the heat of him radiating everywhere they’re pressed together. Her face is right at the nape of his neck, the curls there damp from exertion and peaking out from underneath his helmet. He smells faintly of sweat and soap and leather, but mostly he just smells really nice. She resists the urge to lean in further, and her helmet thankfully stops her from doing something as embarrassing as pressing her face into his shoulder.

“Alright then, feet on the pegs,” he explains, and she scrambles to get her heeled boots locked on the second set of pegs, “arms tight around me, and lean with me around any curves. I’ll try and be gentle since this is your first time.”

She can hear the smirk in his voice and she wants to hit him, but he’s revving the engine and they’re rolling forward and Jane can’t do anything but hold on. 

He doesn’t peel out, however, and she’s forced to realise he actually does seem to be taking it easy on her - keeping just under the speed limit and avoiding any sharp turns. The wind whips a little at the bare skin of her legs, but otherwise it’s surprisingly…pleasant. Not that she’ll ever admit it. And with Guildford unable to open his mouth and say anything obnoxious, she’s allowed to simply enjoy the feel of her arms wrapped around a firm waist, her legs pressed against warm, solid thighs. 

He takes her further out into the country, to where the manor homes of her former life were surrounded by the less familiar farms and cottages. She starts to envision Winifred as some elderly relative or neighbour who doesn’t trust the NHS, but might allow someone of Guildford’s acquaintance to take a look at her. He turns off at one of the wide green pastures and the picture becomes even clearer. She’ll probably be offered tea and biscuits the moment she arrives.

****

“Winifred is a horse.”

“Yes, that's why you'll notice I brought you out to the stables to help her,” he says as if this is a completely normal thing to spring on a person.

“She’s a fucking horse.”

“You catch on quick, you know that?”

“She’s a horse, and I'm not a vet.”

“Oh I'm well aware of that - her owner keeps neglecting to pay his bills on time and so no vet in the Tri-County area will come and take a look at her.”

Jane wonders at why Guildford cares so much about a horse that isn’t even his, but perhaps he’s a part time groom or something. Part-time musician, part-time student - she hated that she was actually starting to find him interesting. Most of the people in her social class did so little of anything - including not paying their vet bills. She wasn’t sure exactly who’s estate she was on right now but she wasn’t far from her own ancestral home, so she probably knew its owner. She decided against asking, however, not exactly wanting to give away her own position. Jane didn’t want to be lumped in with Winifred’s owner, even though she couldn’t pinpoint why she cared so much about Guildford’s opinion of her.

But he’s not looking at her right now, his full attention is on Winifred. His hands are stroking at her face and sides, quieting her where she’s startled a little bit at the lights and the presence of a stranger in her stall. 

“She’s been fairly agitated these last couple weeks - restless even, doesn��t want anyone near her except Rupert and me. And she’s been picky about what she eats. We thought she might have hay belly but Rupert’s been buying her the good stuff himself.” Jane has no idea what hay belly is but at least it’s already been ruled out. “There’s a broken fence post out there though and it’s possible she might have gotten a nasty splinter or scratched herself on a nail or something. Could she have tetanus?” 

“If she had untreated tetanus for a few weeks she’d be dead by now.” Jane might not know horses but she knew tetanus, and horses and sheep were even more susceptible than humans.

“Great bedside manner you have there,” Guildford finally looks back at her with a withering look. 

“They don’t teach bedside manner until year four, and besides, I’m telling you it’s probably not tetanus. One would think that would be good news.” 

He goes back to whispering sweet things to the horse, apologising for Jane’s words as if she’s the rude one here. She ignores the way her heart softens a little at his concern for the creature. 

Just in case, they work in tandem to check Winifred for any sign of splinters or scrapes. Jane shines her small torch along her limbs while Guildford carefully lifts Winifred’s hooves for her inspection. For as tough as he looks, he’s exceedingly gentle with her. It’s annoyingly attractive.

The buzzing of his mobile startles both girl and horse, and Guildford is quick to end the call and turn off the phone, looking annoyed at the caller ID. 

“Who’s calling you so late?” Jane has never been one to let her curiosity go unsatisfied.

“My father has somehow figured out I was going to be in town this weekend.”

“What happened to telling your parents to ‘fuck off’?” Jane attempts to mimic the smugness of his earlier words.

“I think the nine declined calls sends the same message.” 

“The fact that he just called you again tells me it doesn’t.” Jane can commiserate, but she also can’t resist the urge to tease him a little after all his bullshit about not standing up to her own mother. 

“Once he gets something into his head, he’ll never let it go. He’s been nagging me to settle down for years.” And doesn’t that sound familiar.

“A commitment-phobe, how original. Well, I’d offer to show up as your fake date and return the favour, but I’m only in town this one weekend.” 

He snorts at the thought of it. “It’s probably not a good idea anyway - if I told my father I was bringing home a date he’d be booking the chapel and priest the second I hung up.” 

“He wants you to get married that badly?” 

“He wants me to live his life.” 

It’s like looking into a mirror of her own parental relationship. She can’t tease him about that one. “My mother doesn’t understand why I’m spending my youth getting ‘distracted’ by medical school, or my need for independence.” 

Frances Grey couldn’t understand why Jane needed a regular job at all, with no real power or influence, but she was still determined to do it on her own terms and with the full freedom of being unpartnered. It’s weird that this perfect stranger gets it better than her own mother does.

Guildford frowns a little at this. “Does that mean I need to convince her I can take care of you or something, because I…” 

A laugh forces itself out of Jane at the very idea. “Oh no, you just need to be yourself. Don’t change a single thing.” 

“...Alright?” 

Jane doesn’t want a knight in shining armour - especially not tomorrow. She wants the crass, barely employable tattooed guitarist to shake things up with her mother. She just hopes there’s no cute animals around tomorrow to soften his image.

She gives Winifred one last look over and pulls out her own mobile. “I can’t find any cuts or signs of swelling around her joints, maybe we should do a more general look at her vital signs?”

“Are you googling ‘normal horse temperature’?”

Jane looks up from the webpage. “I told you I’m not a vet. It’s not like I know off-hand what temperature a horse is supposed to be.”

“37.5 to 38.6 celsius,” he states, as if it’s common knowledge.

But he’s not the one with the infrared thermometer in his medkit. 

“37.8, as healthy as…”

“A horse?” He groans.

“I was trying not to say it. I can listen to her heart and then I can check her nose and ears,” she tells him as she pulls her stethoscope from her bag.

“Don’t you need to look up a normal heart rate for a horse?” She can’t tell if he’s mocking her or offering an honest suggestion. Jane already saw the rate range when she looked up the temperature question. She’s got the normal respiration rate range too, if needed. She may not be a vet, or even a full doctor yet, but she can memorise text with the best of them.

“Don’t you know it off hand?” She volleys back, half mocking herself. But also a little curious if he’ll know it.

“It doesn’t feel off.”

Guildford has his broad hand on Winifred’s chest, just behind her foreleg. Jane presses in beside him, sliding her hand and the stethoscope beneath his palm. He doesn’t move his hand immediately, but Jane tries her best to focus on counting the beats in time with her watch. 

32 bpm, another normal reading. She moves down to Winifred’s lungs, checking her respiration rate, and listening for any signs of obstruction. Normal again. Guildford is running his hands soothingly over her mane. Gods but his hands are nice. She checks her belly next, listening for the normal gurgles and peristalsis. She hears something else instead.

“Guildford?” She looks up to see the instant worry on his face. 

“How bad is it?”

Jane smiles.

“Winifred isn’t sick - she’s pregnant.”

He looks a little surprised by the news so she hands him the handset and guides the diaphragm back into place so he can listen to the second heartbeat himself - still faint but clearly distinct from its mother’s.

Guildford’s bright smile at the sound makes him look a bit like a kid at Christmas, and it melts Jane’s heart a little to see it. He still seems a little perplexed at the news, however. 

“But how? It’s all mares and geldings in here?”

“You said something about a broken fence?” She reminds him, and sees the exact moment when the thoughts connect.

And then he’s hugging her, lifting her in the air and spinning her to celebrate. Jane feels a little lighter too, oddly glad that she could deliver some good news after all. Guildford sets her back down slowly, keeping her still within the circle of his arms. Jane doesn’t try and break free immediately either. His eyes flick down to her mouth and she wonders if he’s about to try and kiss her. 

Jane realises she wants him to. His bare arms are warm around her sides and his lips look incredibly nice when they’re lifted by a real smile instead of his usual smirk. She tilts her face up towards his, and lets her eyelids go a little heavy. She watches as his tongue peeks out to run across his lips and she’s this close to just sliding her hands into those dark curls and dragging him down to kiss her. But then Winifred is butting her head against Guildford’s side, and the moment swiftly passes them by. Jane reluctantly pulls away.

“She’ll still need a real vet to come in now, if you can maybe find one that doesn’t know her owner’s a deadbeat. I could…” Jane catches herself before she starts offering to find a vet or pay for Winifred’s care herself. She knows that if Guildford actually shows up tomorrow, she’ll probably cave and offer anyway. 

“No chance you’d be willing to pop by for regular checkups?” He half teases.

“I’ll be back in Cambridge after the engagement party tomorrow,” she reminds him.

“...Right,” he accepts, clearly disappointed by the answer. He knows she isn’t a real vet though, and it’s not like she carries around equine ultrasound equipment in her kit. Unless he just wanted an excuse to see her again? But he’s already shifting away, “I guess I should get you back to town then.”

Before she even has a chance to work out if he wants her to stay - if she wants herself to stay - he’s walking out of the stables and expecting her to follow.

It’s a different kind of awkward, this time, climbing in behind him on the bike. He doesn’t make any allusions to her motorcycle virginity - or lack thereof, at this point - but he drives even more slowly than before. Jane gives into the urge to rest her chin on his shoulder, and allows her hands to splay a little across his stomach. Guildford relaxes a little at the gesture and she knows she made the right choice. The rest of the ride is pleasant, and she’s thankful she asked him to drop her off at her sister and William’s slightly more modest flat in town - all the easier to pick up her car tomorrow, and fewer questions about coming home so late - rather than her family estate, which would have been a far shorter ride and led to a great deal more questions.  

Even still, they arrive at her door far too soon, before she’s managed to figure out if there’s a way to recreate the moment from earlier. She takes off her helmet, and is pleased to see him do the same - this makes it much easier, if she can work up the nerve to get closer. She starts to unzip his leather jacket where she’s still wearing it, but he halts her.

“You can give it back to me tomorrow,” he tells her, taking the pull from her hands and zipping the coat back up.

Jane's eyes flick between the ringed hand at her chest - so dangerously near, but not taking any ungentlemanly liberties - and his grinning face above. Apparently she didn’t need to put in any work at all to revive the tension between them, it’s been simmering there the whole time. But since Guildford made his move with the zipper, she figures it's her turn to be bold. 

She reaches up to grasp at those tempting curls and finally pulls his face down to hers, kissing him with a certainty she doesn’t one hundred percent feel right now. Guildford is quick to catch on at least, and returns her kiss with equal fervour, lips sliding warm and plush against her own. 

The kiss quickly turns heated. Guildford’s clever tongue slips between her parted lips and he groans into her mouth when her fingers tug at his hair. His own hands have slid down to where her sweater and his jacket have ridden up a little, and she shivers at the rasp of callused fingers and leather half gloves at the bare skin of her back. 

Jane breaks their kiss only to run her lips over his lightly stubbled jawline, making her way towards the little silver hoop in his ear that’s been driving her crazy since she first noticed it. She delights in the choked off little gasp that tugging it with her teeth draws out, and the full body shudder when she catches the lobe between her lips. She can’t hide the squeak she lets out when he reaches down to palm at her ass, and pulls her in even closer to his overheated body. 

Jane realises this kiss is getting a little out of control for standing out in a fully public street, but his lips have made it to her throat and this is exactly how kissing boys who drive motorbikes is supposed to be. But in a strange way it’s also so very sweet. One of his hands goes to protect the back of her head when he pushes her up against the doorway, and he keeps peppering in these softer kisses under her chin even as his teeth scrape against tendons of her throat. 

He steps in closer and she can feel the solid heat of his thigh as it parts her own, and she wants so much to wrap her legs around his waist and tear off that stupid cut off t-shirt. But this is all a bit much for standing outside on Park Lane, and there’s not much privacy to be gained upstairs either. She reluctantly presses him back, smiling a little at the slightly dazed look on his face, lips flushed and kiss-bitten and his hair sticking up in wild tufts from where she’s been tugging at it. She imagines she looks equally a mess, panting into the space between them. Guildford reaches up to brush back her hair into some semblance of order, apparently also realising things have gotten a little out of hand, but grinning at whatever state she seems to be in right now. She’s already considering whether she’ll need to hide the evidence on her neck from her mother and sister’s eagle eyes tomorrow.

“My sister and her fiance are upstairs,” Jane tries to come up with a nice way to say ‘I’d love for you to come up but I’m apparently a teenager again who can’t escape my nosy family being in my business’.

Guildford seems to catch on to her meaning though, stepping back and taking her hand to press one last kiss to the back of her wrist.

“Until tomorrow, then.”

And then he’s driving off again, leaving her with her med kit in hand and lips still tingling.

****

Guildford isn’t outside when she arrives the next afternoon, as she had expected him to be from his earlier text. His jacket is still tucked into the crook of her arm. She looks down at her mobile, hoping to find some answer there. She had realised earlier she never actually learned his last name, so she had filled in his contact as first name: Guildford last name:Shit band from the pub, but thought better of it and went with the slightly kinder moniker of Guildford/Horse guy. And Guildford Horse guy has apparently just messaged her that he's already inside.

She hurries in, not wanting to miss the look on her mother’s face when she sees him there. Her hopes are dashed when she spots him already talking to her. Only she doesn’t look the least bit upset, which probably has to do with the fact that he’s traded the ripped jeans and leather jacket for a cashmere sweater and pressed trousers, stubbled cheeks and wild hair for a clean shave and cherubic curls, and he’s handing a bottle of Poggio Antico with a bow around its neck to Katherine and William. Just who the hell was this stranger? He somehow transformed into a mother’s wet dream! Only the sight of his ever present necklaces in the v of the sweater and the earring nearly hidden behind his artfully tousled curls give any indication this was the same man from last night. 

Lady Grey signals her over with a pleased look, and Jane walks over as if to the guillotine. Her mother barely pauses the conversation as Jane nears them.

“I was just telling Guildford here how you work much too hard at that school of yours and it’s so difficult to find anyone of quality there. And it seems your date for the party never showed -”

Her mother’s eyes go to the empty space at her side and Jane tries to interrupt her, “but…”

“ - though I thought, isn't it just perfect that Lord Dudley’s son also happens to be here, and also happens to be single.”

Lady Grey is smiling back over Guildford and Jane finally understands just how spectacularly her plan has backfired on her. 

“There you are, my boy!” Lord Dudley wanders over to join the farce, patting Guildford on the shoulder. “I see you’ve finally met Jane Grey - and here I thought you weren’t listening to any of your voice mails.”

The look on Guildford’s face when he too realises they’ve done exactly what his parents wanted almost makes up for it. 

Jane can only hope he was kidding about his father already planning their wedding.