#hence why michael throws him to the floor over it.

[chaoortu]

in honor of anatomy of a rose debuting this weekend...

some memes

[truearchangel]

@thylightbringer inquired;

It’s been nearly two weeks since that… conversation in Michael’s room and Lucifer still reeled from it whenever he thought about it. When he’d first appeared back at the palace there had been a lot of screaming and hellfire from him, he’d startled his PA who’d been sorting more of his paperwork. Lucifer barely remembers having to fix the floor where he’d smashed it with his fists, but eventually he’d dragged himself to his room and curled up under his softest blanket while nearly strangling his duck plush.

Now he was back at the hotel, unable to keep away and continue to worry Charlie. Her messages had gotten progressively more and more concerned after the three day mark. While Lucifer had done his best to avoid his brother when he’d returned, he knew that he couldn’t avoid him forever. As mad and upset as he was to learn what he had… It’s always been difficult for him to stay mad at Michael.

Hence why he was… once again in front of Michael’s door with a basket of fruits, mostly apples, waiting for his brother to answer after he’d knocked.

          “Michael… I know you’re in there. I just want to talk,” Lucifer called out, adjusting his hold on the basket a little.

   The reaction that he had gotten for what he told Lucifer felt… extreme. To be quite frank, the reason that he had never told him, was for him. Who wants to tell their twin brother that everyone he knew and loved voted to kill him? Especially… especially right after everything that had happened. Why continue to beat him that hard down when he had already fallen so much? Why make things hurt more when he could paint a different picture? If it made Michael the enemy, as it had, then at least that was one person throw so much of his anger and hatred on rather than every other Archangel in the clouds. 

   Lucifer had loved Gabriel, he had coddled Zadkiel, he had laughed and danced with Raphael. Why make things worse than they already were, saying those people wanted him dead. The thing he believed was true, that Michael was just being as cruel as possible, was so much kinder in the end. 

   Merciful. 

   Why did the truth matter that much, why does the reason he chained him to Hell really matter when it doesn’t change the outcome? When the facts are still the same? What Michael did, he did. There is no undoing that. There is no taking it back. There is no changing history that has already etched itself in place. He did it and that was what Lucifer should be mad at, not the fact he kept the reason he did it from him. He’s making a mountain out of a molehill. Getting angry over the wrong thing. Blowing this out of proportion. He can’t even say he entirely sees why Lucifer is mad in the first place. 

   It’s been almost a week since things had blown up. Michael has continued his research, done what he wanted to, and moved on from the conversation. That does not mean he wants to talk to Lucifer. Apparently it wasn’t a choice he was getting though. The room has remained unchanged since the King of Hell was last in here, the suitcase was still on the bed, the blue and gold colors were still present. He hasn’t slept, he hasn’t unpacked, the paperwork on the desk has just grown. 

   And there is an insistent knocking on the door.

   Sighing tiredly he shook his head at the scroll he was reading and raised his hand up to rub at his eyes, trying to work some energy back into himself to deal with this. 

   Instead of getting up to answer the door, he calls out to his brother. “What do you want, Lucifer?” 

[rubysunnday]

would you write some shelby brothers x sister shelby fluff? that's very vague I'm aware I'm so sorry but maybe they're kinda comforting her after noticing she's been very low and very isolated etc and just the family coming together to help her?

A/N: I hope this is ok!

Gif: @bennskywalker

It’d been one thing after another. Your week had started off poorly and it’d only gotten worse from there. You were in the midst of an argument with Finn, neither one of you talking to the other, and that had put you in an almost permanent bad mood. 

Then, you’d narrowly avoided being caught in the middle of a fight whilst you were bartending at the Garrison, coming away with a bruised eye and a cut lip. You’d been barred from the Garrison since, much to your annoyance.Finally, John had made one snide comment too many and you’d gone at him, eventually just running off, slamming the door behind you as you yelled for no one to follow you. 

You’d wandered around Small Heath for several hours, eventually deciding to head back home once it’d gotten dark. You were hoping no one was awake and that everyone was asleep, but there was an orange glow behind the window and your shoulders sagged as you realised that either Polly or Tommy were waiting up for you. 

But, you still slowly opened the front door, making sure not to step on the creaky floorboard and shut the door almost silently, carefully pushing on it until it clicked closed. Behind you, a light clicked on and you swore softly. 

“Are you trying to be an evil supervillain? Because you’re succeeding,” You said, turning around to face whoever it was who was waiting for you. 

“All I need now is someone’s cat,” John said, smiling at you and you relaxed slightly.

“You hate cats,” you reminded him, throwing your coat over the chair and untying your scarf. 

“And apparently, you also hate Finn,” John said softly. “And me.”

“I don’t hate you, John, I’m just angry. I’m sorry I snapped at you,” you said quietly, filling the kettle up. “I’m glad it was you here and not anyone else.”

“Yeah, well, don’t hold out too much hope. Tommy, Arthur and Michael went out looking for you despite me saying you’d come back.”

“Oh, great,” you muttered, sitting down as you waited for the kettle to boil. “I am really sorry about early, Johnny, I’m just…fed up with everything at the moment.” 

John smiled sadly at you and patted the space on the sofa next to him. “Come on, before they all get back and it goes off.” 

You sat down with a heavy sigh and leant against John as he put an arm around your shoulders. “I just don’t know how to keep up with it all.”

“Finn?” John asked quietly as he stroked your hair. 

You nodded. “Him, Tommy disappearing off to London whenever he can, Arthur and,” you shuddered, “Linda.” John snorted and you allowed yourself a smile. “Finn and I aren’t as close as we once were and it hurts. Him brushing me off to go and get high and drunk with Isaiah and his girls makes me feel inferior. I keep falling out with Tommy and Arthur over the most ridiculous things and it feels like a never-ending circle.” 

“Like you can’t win,” John summarised and you nodded sadly. 

“Everything I do is wrong in some way to someone and I know I can’t impress everyone and make everyone happy, but I want to make my family happy. I want to impress them.”

“You do impress us, y/n. I know that I speak for all of us when I say that we’re all incredibly proud of you and what you’ve done for us. It’s not easy putting up with us all and still being sane.”

“Yeah, I don’t know how I do it.” 

You squealed as John bundled you into his lap, despite your shrieks of protest. 

“Alright, alright,” John said, shoving you off his lap and onto the floor as the kettle began to whistle. “Go make me a cup of tea.”

You threw a cushion at him as you stood up and padded over to the kettle, taking it off the hob and pouring the water into two mugs. 

“John, have you seen her?” Tommy yelled, nearly causing you to knock the mugs over in surprise, as he barged into the house, Arthur, and Michael.

John nodded to where you were trying to hide behind the cup of tea you were in the midst of making. 

“Oh, thank god,” Tommy said, lifting you up in a hug. You only just managed to put the mug down in time before he lifted you up, hugging you tightly.

“Are you alright?” Arthur asked as he hugged you once Tommy had put you down. He kissed your forehead as he let go, looking down at you.

“Yeah, I’m alright,” you replied, smiling at him. 

John cleared his throat pointedly and you sighed, turning around to pour the milk into the tea. “We’ve had a chat,” John said, watching as you took an unusually long time to take the teabag. “And, before you lot go off on one at her, just know that she’s feeling overwhelmed by everything and that she didn’t mean to snap at anyone. She just misses everyone.”

You sipped your tea, despite how hot it was, trying to disguise the tears that were forming. 

Michael silently came to stand next to you and began making himself a cup of tea. He grabbed your hand and gave it a squeeze, giving you a look as he did so that made you feel a bit better. 

“Ok,” Arthur said, walking over to John, “and why hasn’t she said anything before now?”

“Because she didn’t realise how bad it all was until now, hence why she stormed out,” John explained. “And, I think, instead of yelling and anger, she’d like to spend some time with us all in front of the fire - just us, no work talk, just family.” 

You bit your lip, trying not to cry as Michael dragged you over to the sofa, forcing you in-between himself and John as Arthur and Tommy sat in the armchairs either side of the sofa, both with a glass of whiskey in hand. 

“Thank you,” you said quietly, watching the fire flickering in the draft from the front door. “For everything.”

“Thank you for putting up with our shit,” Arthur replied, giving you a smile. “And for always being there.”

“We’ll always be there for you, too, y/n,” John said quietly, pulling you into his side. “No matter what.”

You smiled as Michael squeezed your hand and kissed your head as you sniffed the tears back. 

“Although if you nick my coat again, I won’t be happy,” Tommy muttered and you giggled, realising that he was wearing John’s coat and that his was where you’d thrown it earlier. 

[music-my-angel]

The cranky student

Prompt - Can you please do a 5sos one shot where they‘re all brothers and Ashton is the youngest and still goes to school and Luke is his teacher? Ashton mouths off in class and is just overall rude and in the end it turns out that he just wasn‘t feeling well and feels really bad for the way he acted? Thank you x

 ------

Luke would be lying if he said Ashton didn’t catch his attention. He knew that as a teacher, you cannot be partial and show favoritism to any particular student but Luke couldn’t help it. Come on! Honestly, every teacher had their own preferences and Ashton happened to be Luke’s favorite. He was intelligent, hardworking, always got good results, wouldn’t disturb the class and he was so mature at such a young age that it took Luke by surprise. So, Luke did what he usually does! He kept an eye on the mystery that was named Ashton.

------

Early morning, when he’d drive to school, he’d spot Ashton by the sidewalks, walking to the school along with his brothers. From the boy’s file, he picked up some information. Their parents were absent and from what Luke gathered, the Irwins were in some kind of business which kept them away from home mostly. Hence, it was why Michael, the eldest Irwin, who was the guardian for Ashton and Calum, who was 2 years older than Ashton. Michael was just a year younger than Luke. And without even meaning to, Luke had picked up an interest in the Irwin family.

------

This morning felt a bit weird to Luke. As he got to school, he noticed that the youngest Irwin was walking by himself to school in this fierce cold. He didn’t think much of it until he was faced with an Ashton that usually didn’t behave so.

First of all, the kid looked absolutely distracted and when Luke scolded him. He didn’t expect that the kid would mouth off.

“Go away! The class is boring. Why do you bother if I don’t pay attention?” Ashton snapped.

“Alright! To the office, Mr. Irwin” Luke retorted back.

Luke doesn’t tolerate misbehavior and even if he had a soft spot for Ashton, he’d still not ignore the bad behavior.

------

Stood outside the office, Luke watched the boy carefully. Ashton looked to be trembling slightly as he pressed his back to the wall.

Probably scared? And that would serve him right!

But there was also a soft tinge on his cheeks and when Luke squinted at him, he noticed that Ashton didn’t quite seem to be fine.

“Are you okay, Ashton?” Luke asked.

The boy only had the time to shake his head before he was throwing up all over the floor.

Luke sighed softly, signaling to the cleaner as he crouched down next to Ashton and rubbed his back softly.

------

The next few minutes went like a blur for Ashton. He had mumbled a sorry to the cleaner as his teacher led him to the nurse. The nurse cooed at him as soon as she saw him and Ashton couldn’t help but sniffle slightly.

Luke sighed softly as he ruffled the boy’s hair before giving the boy’s guardian a call. Not much later, Michael walked in with a shivering Calum in tow.

“He probably caught what Cal’s got. I tried to keep him home but he insisted saying that he had an English test” Michael said.

“And then he fell asleep for the test.” Luke chuckled and when Michael raised an eyebrow at him, Luke explained, “When I woke him up, he got angry and decided to mouth off. I took him to the office where I noticed that he was not looking too good. He threw up as well.”

“Ashy and mouth off?” Michael asked.

“Guess he really wasn’t feeling well” Luke smiled.

Michael shook his head as he turned to Ashton.

------

As soon as Ashton saw Michael, he broke down.

“Aww kiddo. I got you. You aren’t feeling good, huh? Come on! Let’s get you home” Michael said as he helped Ashton down.

He turned back to notice that Calum wasn’t following but he had his hands full at the time, so Luke stepped in.

“Come on, let me help you.” Luke offered as he guided Calum to Michael’s car.

Once the two boys were buckled in Michael’s backseat, the man turned to Luke.

“Thank you” Michael said, stretching his hand towards Luke.

Luke shook his hands, smiling.

If the two of them hesitated to let go of each other’s hands, then nobody was commenting on it, right?

------

Three days later, Ashton and Calum were both back at school. Ashton had apologized to Luke for having mouthed off and the man forgave him on one condition and it being that Ashton would let him know if he wasn’t feeling fine. But out of that incident, Luke learnt two things. One was that he learned that Ashton was cranky when he was sick and second, Luke had probably started falling for Michael. And if after school, Luke was getting coffee with the other boy, then nobody was commenting on it, right?

------

A/N

Not too sure about this but hope you all like it.

[poeedamerons]

all I know, all I know (loving you is a losing game)

Read it on A03

Ps: I know it’s December and I am posting a Halloween fic but that's just how my muse works and I can't do much about it, but I hope you guys enjoy this.

Michael would never admit it out loud, but he is absolutely afraid of anything even remotely scary. Halloween truly is the stuff of nightmares to him. With that being said, it is no wonder that his heart is pounding so fast he is afraid he might faint. All because he got roped into going to Roswell’s Horrorland.

As if the city’s reputation of alien activity wasn’t enough, it was decided that Roswell should also be the place for all fans of horror and aliens to go to on Halloween (Michael could actually punch whoever had that idea in the first place). Hence the new alien haunted themed park right on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by the eerie New Mexico desert.

It was just his luck that his boyfriend was not only an alien enthusiast (he is dating Michael, after all) but also a huge fan of Halloween. Almost obsessively.

Michael really didn’t get it and was absolutely positively-one-hundred-per-cent-a-fucking-fraid. The cherry on the top is that no one knows this. If people think that being an actual alien is his biggest secret, they have another thing coming their way.

He is secure in his masculinity, but admitting this secret out loud feels very… well, emasculating. Plus, no one would ever let him down gently for this. He would be bulldozed by their teasing, and Alex? Alex would be merciless; he is sure of it.

So, thanks but no thanks. He will keep a death grip on his jacket pocket and pray to any and all gods that might have been listening to keep his other hand from sweating too much into Alex’s.

“Come on, Guerin!” Alex’s gleeful laughter distracted him from his death infused trance as they strolled inside the gates of the themed park alongside their friends. The younger man was pulling him through their joined hands with the excitement of a child on Christmas day and Michael had to keep the butterflies in his stomach in check. Sadly, for him, the butterflies had more to do with the fact that he might, in reality, throw up than adoration over Alex’s joy.

Michael really thought he could survive this night with careful dodging and fake enjoyment, but he could feel in his gut that this was going to be a disaster.

The stuff he did for love, really.

Before he could quite grasp what was going on – the flashing lights, bright neon paint everywhere and fake smoke impairing his senses – they were next in line to board a ride called “Moon Base”. Initially, the name sounded non-threatening to Michael, but the closer they got to the ride’s entry gate, the louder the screams were and sweat started to exude from him in buckets. He had no idea how Alex hadn't noticed how wet he was through his clothes.

His friends were chatting excitedly in front of him, but Michael felt like the room was spinning around in slow motion and noises seemed far away from him. He could already feel a peculiar wave of nausea in the pit of his stomach.

“Michael, come on!” Alex urged, pulling him by his wrist and he hummed in agreement, as that was all form of communication he could muster.

His feet seemed to have a life of their own as they led him to his seat, next to Alex’s. He buckled his belt in a trance, the muscles in his jaw clenching in anticipation. As it turned out the ride consisted of an elevator drop, it raised you all the way to the top, dropping down one floor at a time. On every floor the room would shake and cast members dressed in costumes from a 1980s style gory alien movie would come out to scare the people on the ride.

His hand clutched the railings on his seat, knuckles turning white as the metal creases and creaks beneath his palm. Fuck, fuck, fuck Michael thought. This was literally the worst thing that has ever happened to him and they are still going up.

Only when the ride finally started its doomed way down and Michael started screaming bloody murder did Alex and the others close to him finally noticed that, in fact, he was not okay.

“Michael, are you okay?” He could hear Alex yelling at him, trying to get him to hear over the noise of the ride and other peoples screams, but all he was able to do was to keep his eyes tightly shut and scream at the top of his lungs as blood thumped in his ears.

“Michael???” Alex's voice was frantic, and he felt his boyfriend’s hand reach into his, but the warmth of the other man’s fingers was not enough to calm his hammering heart down.

“Fuck, we need to stop this ride,” was the last thing Michael remembered hearing before it all suddenly stopped. He felt people around him, his belt being unbuckled, and his death grip being moved out of the way. Light filtered through the back of his eyelids.

“Babe?” He could hear Alex's voice calling to him and when he, unwillingly, he might add, opened his eyes he could see worried looks stamped on everyone’s faces. He was still shaking and his heart rate was wildly out of control, rapidly hammering against his ribcage. His legs felt numb and he just wanted to lie down and never wake up.

“Hey there, big guy. Let’s get you outta here, okay?” His boyfriend's gentle voice filled the room, and he was one hundred percent down with this, but he had no idea how he would achieve it; but once again all he knew is that indeed he was led out of that death trap and onto a bench. A water bottle was shoved in front of him, and he gulped its contents greedily.

He had no idea how long they sat down together – Alex the only one remaining with him in what apparently was a group decision to give him space – but eventually, he started feeling better as the gut-wrenching fear passed.

Alex reached for his free hand, pulling it up all the way to his lips, placing a gentle warm kiss on the inside of his wrist. “Are you feeling better now?” Alex still sounded worried.

Michael deeply exhaled through his nose, groaning quietly before giving his boyfriend a one-word answer. “Yes.”

“I don’t want to push, but babe, please tell me. What happened?” His boyfriend, for someone so observant and smart, sometimes could be so blind. If he hadn’t almost had a heart attack minutes ago he would be astonished at the extent of Alex’s absent-mindedness.

“I really, really don’t want to talk about it.” He tried to keep the distress out of his voice, getting up in an attempt to run from this conversation, but Alex’s light squeeze of his hands told him he wasn’t successful.

“Michael, please talk to me,” Alex urged helplessly. “You really scared me in there.”

He finally, finally, looked at him then, his eyes revealing his reluctance and embarrassment. But he sighed and bit his lip. “Scary things? Not a fan.”

“That’s an understatement, Guerin.” Alex's voice faltered while trying to stop his choked-up laughter when he noticed Michael’s glare. “Sorry, sorry. I’m not laughing at you…” The asshole really was, and this was one of the reasons why Michael didn’t want to tell Alex, ever. “Well, yeah, I kind of am, but just because I think it’s cute, and honestly, I'm kinda relieved. I thought you were sick or having a stroke or something.”

He chose to willingly ignore the last comment. “Bleh, bleh, bleh I think it’s cute,” Michael mocked, trying to pull away from his boyfriends’ grip, making Alex laugh even harder at his antics; but before he could fully grasp himself out of it Alex gently pulled Michael to him, tucking his head into his neck.

“Scared of scary things,” Alex told him, his warm breath tickling Michael's nape. “How cliché for an alien cowboy like you.” He teased, kissing the side of Michael's neck in a clear (and wildly successful) attempt to appease him.

Michael grunted in response, still pressing his face into Alex’s silky black hair, breathing in his soothing fragrance. The smell of warm cinnamon apples Alex seemed to carry around always had a calming effect on him.

“Hey,” Alex nuzzled his nose against Michael’s jaw. “I know I teased you,” Alex said, his tone distressed. “But it’s okay that you’re scared, babe. You shoulda just told me,” Michael’s eyes were now staring intensely at Alex’s dark ones. “I hate knowing that I dragged you into something that made you so frightened you had a panic attack.” Alex bit his lip contritely, something Michael should have not found as adorable and sexy.

“No, Alex,” Michael argued helplessly, hugging Alex while he gently rubbed his face into the other man’s hair. “Don’t be upset. I was being stupid,” He grimaced, this whole ordeal is a bigger emotional roller-coaster than he expected. “I just- I really wanted to do this for you, because you love it so much, and –” Please, God help him not to die from embarrassment. “I really didn’t want to look like a pussy in front of you.” There he said it, hoping the ground would open a hole and swallow him.

He could feel the smile Alex was fighting against his jawline. “That is both very sweet and ridiculous.” Michael must admit that ‘sweet’ wasn’t that bad. He could even live with ridiculous if Alex persuaded him enough.

“Yeah?” He asked the dark-haired man in front of him, giving him his best winning smile, hoping to make Alex’s heart flutter.

“Yeah,” Alex answered, sliding his hands down the length of Michael’s arms before intertwining their fingers together and resting his head against the taller man’s shoulder.

“Oh, and don’t worry, Guerin.” A roguish grin crossed Alex’s face. “I’ll protect you.” Alex, the cheeky - unbearably sexy - idiot had the gall to wink.

He should really have swatted Alex’s round, perfectly shaped ass right then, but they were in a family park and Michael would rather not be kicked out for public indecency.

“I should really punish you for that later,” He whispered in Alex’s ear, sending chills to the other man’s toes.

Alex swallowed audibly, a light blush catching on his tanned cheeks. Michael found the whole thing highly endearing.

“How about we play some games?” Alex suggested lightly, sobering up and pulling Michael by the hand. A gentle loving smile was playing on his lips. Michael, being such an idiot in love, couldn't help but lean in for a kiss.

He pressed his lips against Alex’s, aware that his are slightly dry. But Alex’s lips are soft and wet. His boyfriend’s breath hitches for a moment in surprise, but then he pushes forward, his nose brushing against Michael’s as he tilts his head slightly for a better angle.

Alex’s tongue traced against his lips a moment before he pushed it forward slightly, but pulling back quickly as to not deepen it too much. Michael groaned deeply in dismay, making Alex chuckle mid-kiss. His other hand started to trail upwards, his fingers grazed against Alex's warm side as the shirt rucked up with his touch. He delved his tongue into Alex's open mouth, groaning again when their tongues brushed against each other. But before their kiss could progress from sweet to filthy, Alex pulled away and Michael could help but pout.

"We're in public, you silly goose!" Alex protested with a bright grin, eyes alight, "I'm not- we can't do that here. C'mon," he cleared his throat, trying to bring himself back into a state that was appropriate for being in public, "C'mon, let's find a stall for you to throw something at all alpha-male and win me a stuffed animal."

They strolled lazily and quietly towards the game booths, enjoying each other’s company, taking in the cold, crisp air of the night. Michael could feel a lightness come back to his limbs, all the stress from the Horrorland around them almost forgotten.

It did help that where they were, apart from some awfully intricate alien invasion decoration, – with a sickening amount of neon green and purple glowing slime – in this section of the park that was free of rides and cast members dressed in blood-curdling costumes.

Yikes.

Lost in thought, Michael almost bumped into Alex’s back. The other man stopped dead in his tracks and Michael furrowed his brows, his eyes frantically searching around them for anything suspicious. Or as suspicious, it could get in a theme park.

Finally, his eyes zero in what has caught Alex’s attention: a giant, bright green alien plush with a holographic hooded cape. In one of his paw-like feet, he could read the words “Roswell NM” in bold black letters.

Michael knew deep in his heart that this gruesome and honestly offensive depiction of an alien was exactly the kind of ‘cute’ thing Alex was searching for and Michael was going to be the alien idiot that would win it for him.

The things he did for love.

He doesn’t regret a single one of them.

He snorts for  good measure and turns to Alex. “Like something you see?” His voice was laced with indulgence. The other man locked eyes with him, a mischievous smile lighting up to his eyes.

“Come on Guerin.” And once more he is being dragged by his over-eager boyfriend to the booth, but this time as they reach their destiny Michael steps in front of Alex, handing over the tickets in exchange for a turn at the task. His demeanor showing Alex he meant business.

“Are you sure you're up for this, cowboy??” Alex's voice is filled with mirth, clearly baiting him.

“Oh, you are so on, Manes.” He can hardly contain the boyish delight that took over his body at the challenge.

------

He should have known that these carnival games were rigged.

There he was trying to win Alex that stupid alien plush (without his powers, he would like to point out) and he has no idea how much money he has spent so far – and he feels like it has been more than the actual monstrosity is worth – and now is a matter of dignity he wins Alex this blasted thing, the amount of money he spends be damned.

“Michael, let it go, c'mon, it's really not that big of a deal.” His boyfriend assured him. “I think I saw a hoodie over there with a huge alien head on the front and I really want one.” Alex pleaded with him.

While he had no doubt that Alex did see that hoodie and wanted one so he could wear it around the house with only boxers on and giggle in his general direction like the bewitching, evil flirt that he is, he is also sure he is only saying that in an attempt to help Michael save face and get him off the booth after thirty tries.

Not a chance in hell he is leaving without the toy now.

“Yes, it really is, Alex.” Michael answered, exasperation strung through his tone as he takes a breath and scowls at the offending stall. “I am going to get you that stupid, unnecessarily huge, plush alien you want and I will march out of this godforsaken park victorious.” He smashed his fist on the booth table, shoving the new dollar bills down.

The guy in the black and white shirt running the stall wasn't technically supposed to take literal money, only tickets, but Michael was pretty sure that he'd worked out by now that stopping him on a technicality wouldn't end well for anyone. He did keep raising his judgy eyebrows though, smothering a self-satisfied smile every time Michael cursed himself out for failing at a rigged game, though. Jackass.

Alex better appreciate how sweet he is being by trying this hard to get that stupid thing that he will be forced to share a bed with at least tonight while Alex joyfully snuggles with his ironic prize and leaves him to fend for himself on his side of the bed.

Michael took a deep breath and placed all his focus once again in the game. He tries to block the sounds around them and Alex’s general aura of exasperation and amusement. He wound up his arm, squinting his eyes to aim before throwing the ring once more and the seconds it takes to reach its destination pass in slow motion movie to Michael. The smacking noise of the rim on the bottle mocked him once again. He throws his hands up in the air in absolute frustration.

“Anytime now, Michael.” Alex teased, probably trying a whole new approach to get him to give up on this. But he would not be answering Alex’s siren call this time.

Fuck it, he thought to himself. He was absolutely going to use his powers to beat this game and no one, not even Alex, would know. This game clearly wasn’t meant to be won and Michael would not be welcoming people’s opinion on the matter, thank you very much.

Alex chuckled.

“It’s not funny.” He mumbled back.

“Oh, it is.” Alex taunted.

“Fine, this is gonna be my last shot. If I don’t win, I walk, ‘kay?” He knew he was going to make it this time, but he wasn't going to waste the opportunity to be dramatic about winning at the very last minute like a conquering underdog.

“Deal,” Alex replied, getting down from the booth’s counter, smoothing down his pants, ready to leave.

Michael made a show of intensely looking at his target, taking a deep breath and adjusting his footing. He picked the ring and gently tossed in the direction of the bottle, this time controlling the ring’s path with his mind, wrapping around the biggest, furthest bottle.

He whooped with excitement, rendering both Alex and the booth keeper shocked with the turn of events. He lost no time and picked Alex up and spun him around once, much to the disinterest of the man behind the booth.

“You did it,” Alex whispered, amazed, but a peal of delicious laughter soon rang past his lips. “My hero,” He gazed lovingly into Michael's eyes, leaning in for a quick kiss on the lips in reward for his efforts.

“Do you want your prize?” The man asked, and Michael turned to him dumbfounded. The gall this guy had to ask that like he wasn't a private spectator to Michael’s efforts to win the prize.

“Yes,” Alex quickly filled in pointing up at the green alien as if the man had forgotten. A light blush spread through the dark-haired man cheeks, his eyes shining with childish delight.

He really would do anything to see Alex looking this precious.

“Happy?” Michael asked as they made their way out of the booth, wrapping his arms around Alex, as the man clutched the ridiculous sized stuffed animal on his other side like a lifeline.

“Uhum,” Alex sing-songed in reply, a big smile taking over his facial expression. “You totally used your powers, didn’t you?” Alex’s smile was so big now, Michael was sure it was going to rip on the edges.

“No!” He gasped in fake hurt. “Do you think it would have taken me that many tries if I did?” He stopped walking in the middle of the busy corridor, his hand still deep in Alex's back pocket. “Do you think so little of your awesome boyfriend that absolutely made an idiot out of himself to get you an ugly-ass alien plushie like a normal human?”

Alex squinted his eyes, looking deeply into his. “I guess…” He didn’t sound convinced, but the night was young and there was no way he would spend more time than necessary in this horrible place, so he really could change Alex’s mind with a little bit of cajoling.

“Exactly!” He exclaimed. “Now, where is all my gratitude?” He closed his eyes and leaned in Alex space, earning him a chuckle from the man.

“Thank you,” Alex answered him back. “I love it,” He felt Alex give a quick peck at his both cheeks and he had to fight a smile. “I will cherish it forever,” Alex's voice was adoring before he peppered all around Michael’s face with little kisses, ultimately making him smile and shiver.

He opened his eyes, making sure all his love could be conveyed through them. “I love you,” He muttered as he rested his forehead into Alex’s.

“And I love you, you silly alien.”

------

Rosa’s delighted giggled ringed loudly over the park crowd, followed by Liz’s and Isobel’s buoyant screams at the sight of the two of them making their way towards the group.

“Please,” Rosa’s excited voice began, “tell me that you made Michael win this for you.” Her eyes sparkled with mirth. The concept of an alien playing some silly game to win his boyfriend an alien plush was the exact kind of humor Rosa lived for.

“Yeap,” Alex answered with a pop on the ‘p’, completely proud of his achievement. Michael could not help but roll his eyes adoringly. Her head bent back with full-body laughter.

“How am I supposed to compete with that?” Max exclaimed loudly; his humor clearly affected by this turn of events. Michael shot his brother a wolfish grin.

“Don’t be a baby, Max,” Rosa nipped. “I am sure my sister can lick your wounds.” Now it was Rosa’s turn to smirk. Like that interaction never happened, her attention was back on him and Alex, determined to milk all the jokes this situation could give.

“This is the best thing ever. I need a picture of this.” She exclaimed loudly, frantically searching in her bag for her phone.

“You better watch out, little brother,” Isobel said. “Alex might have finally found the alien for him.” Her lips curled into a vicious smirk.

“You are just jealous Alex is the only one with a giant plush and not you.” He grinned back and Isobel stuck her tongue out, distinctively making his point for him. Looking to his side, Alex was talking cheerfully to Liz, clutching his alien close to him, making Michael smile at the scene.

Despite what it felt like a train wreck of an evening, Alex had a happy smile playing on his lips, a light contentment about his mood, indicating that after everything that went down they still had a great time together, and if love is a losing game, Michael would lose it every time to make Alex happy.

------

One could already guess that Alex does very much love his new alien plush and not only slept with him on the bed that very night, but the nights that followed for a month until it’s mysterious disappearance and no, it was not me, Alex, for god’s sake stop asking even though we all know that in fact, it was very much one Michael Guerin that did burn the godforsaken, ugly thing one day, out in the back, while Alex was not home, because if there is one alien that gets to sleep curled around Alex, it’s him.

[imaginewithme]

Get to Know Me Part 3

Pairing : Calum Hood & Reader

- Calum gets mad that Y/N doesn’t look like they’re having a good time at a concert and says some not so nice things as they eavesdrop. -

Part 1 Part 2

Word Count : 1439

Y/N’s POV

You watched as Dani whirled around the house, trying to tidy up, before her friends arrived. She was currently trying to shove her latest DIY mess into the storage closet while you sat on the couch, nestled in your throw blanket.

“You know you should have cleaned up the place before making today’s plans.” You smugly commented, eyes watching in amusement as the door bounced back in retaliation every time Dani pushed against it.

“Well you should be a good friend and actually help me instead of sitting on your ass!” She snapped, clearly irritated that the door wouldn’t shut. Her harsh words had no affect on you though, past experience with her snippy attitude reassured you that she didn’t really mean it. The bad mood was just the result of things not working out as they should be. Hence why she was currently trying to smash her shoulder through the door.

With all the noise, you weren’t surprised when you heard the soft patter of paws against the floor. Soon enough your third roommate wondered into the room, wagging his tail in excitement. He strode over to Dani and sat next to her feet, looking up at her with his big curious eyes. Dani muttered a disheveled ‘hi Monty’, still trying to shut the door, and used her foot to push him slightly to the side. Shaking your head, you lazily tore yourself from the warmth of your blanket and got up to help her. The feeling of your bare feet against the cold floor sent a shiver up your spine but you continued over to Dani. A little bit of extra help was exactly what she needed because not too long after pressing your hands against the door, it shut with a soft click.

“Finally!” Dani sighed, sliding down along the door in relief. Monty took the opportunity and pounced on to Dani’s stomach and give her some kisses. “What would you do without me?” You chuckled, deciding it was safe to take a playful jab at her as you walked off into the kitchen without a real purpose. Monty following close behind you. Her friends would be here any time now and you had an uneasy knot in your stomach about it. You honestly didn’t think tonight would end up with everyone being the best of friends. It was far too late for that.

You took a moment to think everything over. Luke, Ashton, and Michael seemed like really nice guys but you didn’t expect them to like someone Calum didn’t.

Calum. The mere thought of him made you frown. He was a whole other issue entirely. You didn’t know what his deal was and you weren’t sure if you wanted to. It seemed like a lot of effort on your part if you were going to try to be friends since he was so set on hating you.

Looking around, you tried to look for something to do and keep yourself busy. The house was clean, the living room ready for the movie marathon, and Dani hid your keys again so as far as you could think of, there was no escape. You thought about taking Monty for a walk but you weren’t so keen on walking around the neighborhood at night.

Tapping your fingers against the counter, you tried to think of other things to do when Dani caught your attention.

“I’d probably die, buried under all my stuff.” She grinned, making you smile back. You felt a weight on your foot and didn’t even have to look down to know Monty had taken a seat on your foot. There was a silent moment between the two of you. While you mindlessly rearranged the items on the counter, she took a seat on one of the bar stools and just watched. You let her stare for a minute or two before meeting her gaze.

“Can I help you?” You questioned, trying your best to be oblivious to the expression on her face. In the end, the things on the counter only shifted slightly to the left.

“Do you think you could give him another chance, Y/N?” Dani said, pleadingly. “He’s really a nice guy once you get to know him.”

You huffed in response, slipping your foot out from under Monty to put a few dishes away. You thought she was joking at first but when she didn’t say anything after, you looked back at her incredulously. “You can’t be serious, Dani.”

“Come on, Y/N. Please.”

“Don’t ‘come on’ me.” You snapped, your own tempering getting the best of you when you remembered how you were treated, not bothering to hold yourself back since it was just the two of you. “He’s an asshole, Dani. Who bitches about someone not jumping and screaming to their music like that? It’s like he expects everyone to like him and his stuff without question. What is he? Six? ‘Oh, not everyone is doing what I want so I’m going to kick and scream about it.’ If he really was such a nice guy maybe he would have considered how loud crowded places made some people anxious and uncomfortable.” You paused to calm you calm yourself a little before continuing on in a quieter tone. You even shut your eyes for a moment to gather yourself. “What really gets to me, Dani, is that he didn’t even hold back when he knew I was there. He didn’t care enough to try to pretend to hide it…I think our feelings towards each other are mutual. I don’t really want to be around him either.” You carded your fingers through your hair and took another breath. “Look Dani, I know this means a lot to you and you want all of us to get along but I just don’t think it’s going to happen. I’ll try my best to be as nice as I can but I’m just not sure if it’ll make that much of a difference.”

Dani looked upset but nodded nonetheless, thankfully understanding who you felt the way you did.

Calum’s POV

Luke’s finger hovered over the doorbell as he and the boys listened to the voice behind the door. Calum felt his fists ball up in his pockets as he listened to Y/N insult him. He didn’t even want to be here. He could be back on the tour bus right now but the boys wouldn’t let him. He really didn’t want to be listening to Y/N talk about him behind his back.

He knew he didn’t like Dani’s friend for a reason. She was a bitch alright, he knew- His thought was cut off short when he heard Y/N finish yelling. As much as he wanted to deny it… she had a point. He didn’t consider the fact that maybe concerts weren’t for everyone.

Calum considered that maybe Y/N was a stuck up music snob who considered everything that wasn’t her ‘unique’ genre to be trash. Or maybe he was right and Y/N really didn’t care. She was just using Dani for a social media worthy moment. Hell, he even considered that she just being a down straight bitch but… he hadn’t considered Y/N not being the problem.

He felt the weight pressing down on his chest. The combination of guilt and remorse he felt now that he understood was really making him feel like shit. He messed up…really bad.

Frowning, his grip only tightened. “Hurry up and ring the bell.” He gruffly commanded, his bad mood emitting into his tone of voice.

His friends briefly shared an uneasy look with one another before Luke pressed the pad of his finger against the doorbell.

There was a silent pause inside the house before a quick shuffling and Dani opened the door. 

“Hey guys! Come on in, I thought we could marathon some scary movies tonight like how we used to.” Dani said with a smile pinned on to her face. She didn’t need to say anything for them to know something was wrong. Her expression said it all but they weren’t going to say anything just yet. Moving inside, Calum looked around the house for any sign of the other girl but got nothing. Dani ushered them into the living room where they lied out all the food. It wasn’t until he got settled down on the love seat when he noticed her quietly creeping towards the stairs with a puppy in her arms.

She was hiding from him.

Irritation bubbled inside of him. What was the point of avoiding him? He was trying to apologize, why was she making it so hard?

To Be Continued.

A/N : Hey guys! I know its been a while but I finally found some time to writer another part to this series. There will probably be one last one after this. 

did you guys like it? hate it? Please let me know. If Y/N being unfair or is Calum being a bit of a jerk? I’d love to hear from you guys ♥

Tag List  @justmesadgirl @itjustkindahappenedreally @it-was-a-lie @rosesfromcth @itsfatherjoy @were-all-gay-down-here @hemmingscastaway @flufflymikeyx @yasminesflowers @finnickxoxo @isabella10028 @jihugawa @justmesadgirl @were-all-gay-down-here @analu-dreamer @avaameliamartinez @juliabrghs

[officialthiamlibrary]

Meet The Mods - iftheskyisthelimit

We’ve had a few requests to do something similar to our “Behind The Screens” features in order to introduce ourselves, and we felt that after around a year of running this blog, and having another few people come on board along the way that now would probably be a good time to do it! 

The idea is that we’ll each take a turn at filling out and posting one of these so that you guys can to know us all a little better including our own personal tastes/preferences and get a little bit more of an idea of how we all work and what we each bring to the team etc…

About You

Username/Name: 

iftheskyisthelimit / Lisa

AO3/Tumblr: 

https://archiveofourown.org/users/iftheskyisthelimit / http://iftheskyisthelimit.tumblr.com/ 

How did you find your way to the Thiam fandom? What about them drew you in? 

I’d lurked in the Teen Wolf fandom for a while on Tumblr, and became really interested in Theo’s character and his story since he’d shown up in Season 5 (okay at first it was his looks that got me interested… let’s be honest), which evolved into being interested in his backstory when we found out a bit more about him. It wasn’t until his return in Season 6 that I enjoyed watching their characters together and their interactions and started looking around more on Tumblr for their characters that I discovered it wasn’t just me... then I randomly came across the Thiam ship through seeing some fics on Tumblr and found the Official Thiam Library as result of that... 

Using a sentence, where the word count is either equal to or less than the number of letters in your two favorite Teen Wolf episode names, tell us about yourself. (ex, Motel California + Werewolves of London = 33 ; Raving + Galvanize =15)

Memory Found + Apotheosis = 21 - I’m slightly quirky but serious, love music, reading and travelling... kinda funny and always overly organised. Can’t ever cut something short...

What’s one thing about you or your life that we’d be surprised to know about?

Do you want serious, interesting or fun facts? I’ll do both as they might surprise people. Serious/boring: I have at least 3 chronic illnesses which tend to floor me, hence my long absences between writing & updating what I’m working on. Interesting: I can speak/read/understand around 5 languages and I’m a bit of a different cultures & sociology nerd.

One other thing I guess is when I get interested in a topic I get interested and have to know aallllll the ins and outs of it and thoroughly research it, so I’m probably full of boring random facts about a bunch of things that come in handy on general knowledge quizzes, but which no-one has any interest in knowing...

Other Shows/Movies You Follow:

Does too many to mention count as an answer? No? Okay… In no particular order *deep breath* 

Shows: The Handmaids Tale, Animal Kingdom, The 100, Vikings, Stranger Things, All American, Riverdale, Scream, Supernatural, Parks and Rec, Vampire Diaries, Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, Twelve Monkeys, Shadow Hunters, Game Of Thrones, Reign, American Horror Story, Buffy… There are literally a ton more but I really can’t think on them at the moment….

Movies: I can’t really say that I follow movies per-se… if I had to choose I’d say Marvel movies though if that counts as an answer? Umm… genre wise I like a wide range but mainly gravitate towards comedy, action and thriller movies. Or something with a good twist in the story where it either throws what you thought you were watching on its head, or you get an “aaahhhhh that’s was happening” moment. To watch a horror, it has to have that something that makes me want to watch it or get invested in it… whether it’s a character I really relate to or can get invested in, or a really good story. My favourite horror is probably Haunting In Connecticut, and I saw Midsommar recently and thought it was really amazingly done!

Other Fandoms You Follow:

I don’t really follow a lot of fandoms if I’m honest. I would probably say after Teen Wolf I follow the Marvel, The 100 and Supernatural fandoms more. Mainly the Captain America/Steve/Bucky fandoms. I love a good discussion about Animal Kingdom too!

Other Favourite Characters from shows/movies?

Uuuuhhhh…. Okay you asked for it, I was going to explain my reasons for why I love each but I’d be here all day and this part alone would end up turning into an essay.

Steve Harrington (Stranger Things), April Ludgate (Parks and Rec) , Sam Winchester (Supernatural), Craig Middlebrooks (Parks and Rec), Mickey Milkovich (Shameless US), Bucky Barnes (Marvel), James Cole (Twelve Monkeys), Jack Kline (Supernatural), Michael Langon (American Horror Story), Catherine de Medici (Reign), Constance Langdon (American Horror Story), Dean Winchester (Supernatural), Alec Lightwood (Shadow Hunters), Anya Jenkins (Buffy), Raphael Santiago (Shadow Hunters), Stephane Narcisse (Reign), Kai Parker (Vampire Diaries), John Murphy (The 100) 

What do you like to create (writing/art/videos)? 

I’d really love to be creative enough to make art or videos, but I’m really not! I’m far more comfortable with writing… I find it a lot easier to plan a story, or just to start writing and let the words flow that way and see where it goes. It’s a good way for me to express myself and to work through feelings or to just switch off for a while and create words on a page.

Do you only create for Teen Wolf/Thiam?

I have written for Supernatural in the past and I’m planning to write a Raphael fic for Shadow Hunters at some point and maybe a John Murphy one because I’ve not found many for him that cater to my angsty tastes when there’s so much that can be explored... But at the moment yes it’s only for Teen Wolf. I’ve also posted one Sceo fic which I would like to continue as well!

Which genres do you prefer reading and creating for?

Angst, angst, angst… did I mention angst?? It just feels right to me to write angstier fics, the words and ideas just seem to flow really well, which is a surprise as I’m not really an angsty person in life. It’s just what I’ve always gravitated towards writing and I find a lot better to express myself in that way. I have a humour/angst WIP which I decided to attempt a while ago and I did quite enjoy writing something a little different from what I normally do and people seemed to enjoy it.

If your creative process was a person, what type would they be? What would they do? Wear? Listen to? How do they handle conflict?

Quite probably the most disorganised messiest person alive… No not really… just sorta… kinda… maybe… In all seriousness, they’d be half organised and half “ lets see where this road takes us”. They would probably wear all black all day every day, and be a half emo kid who listens to punk pop and emo music from their teens with a healthy mix of dance and sad songs. Handling conflict? We don’t do that here… we bottle up our feelings and hide them away until they come out in the wrong ways. No really… I think they’d express themselves pretty clearly with 1000 words instead of 100.

Official Thiam Library

How did you find the Official Thiam Library?

I found the Official Thiam Library through searching the Theo Raeken tags on Tumblr and seen the page name pop up a few times, I had a look at the page not long after and followed pretty quickly, I needed my Theo/Thiam fix and this page covered it very well!

First impressions?

“Woah, they’re on the ball!” and then when I saw a few of the events the page done I was really impressed at how often they posted recommendations and how they could organise it all.

How did you come to be involved on the mod team?

I filled in the form for Beta Readers and Helpers for the Thiam Big Bang, I’d have loved to have participated but I didn’t know if I’d have been able to commit to having such a large work completed on a deadline, so I thought I’d offer to help in another way, having helped to run the Supernatural SummerGen for a few years. Tiffany got back to me pretty quickly about it and I came on board at that point.

What do you feel that you bring to the team?

Uuuhhh… I hate these types of questions haha! I really feel like I mostly bring my organisational skills, along with the way that like to try and help out where I can in the background with writing/explaining things or getting back to people with asks/emails etc... With the Big Bang I brought my experience of things I’d learned from the Supernatural events I’d worked on too which I think/hope was of use?

How do you help out?

Mainly what I’ve answered above applies to this question too I think?

What would you like to see for the Official Thiam Library over the next year?

I’d really love to see the page continue… continue on as is, doing a few more fandom events, grow as a page and fandom... also to help keeping the fandom going which is important right now I think… we’ve managed it so far though! We were just speaking about how thrilled we are that the fandom is still going strong. I also think it’s important to give older and newer fandom creators the recognition & cheer that they deserve too, which can be done through reblogging/recommendations and different events too. 

 Cute BTS Questions

Let’s imagine you’ve landed in a Zombie apocalypse, Walking Dead/Zombieland style. You’re among seven survivors–yourself and six characters from Teen Wolf. Which five would be your first choice for survival, entertainment, etc? And who would be the sixth character, the one you’d willingly push in front of a rage-filled zombie mob given the first chance? 

I can’t help but feel that my choice for the last part will be unpopular but here goes:

Theo and Chris for survival… they seem like they’d both be good to have around in this sort of situation, Stiles for entertainment because he had his funny moments and would keep everyone going I think. Melissa because we all need a mother figure who knows when to be tough but can also provide you with the loving support you need. Scott because… well… he’s a the alpha and we’d need someone to lead our small group and take charge when needed. 

Who would I willingly throw to the zombie mob given the first chance? Allison and Kira are both a tie here. Can’t I throw them both?? I never really liked Allison as a character… I don’t even really know why I just never gelled with her as a character I would like or could even get behind. Kira… ugh… just ugh… I feel like she was quite a forced character, they tried too hard to make her this cooky/funny character who could also kick ass and it just came off wrong to me… I never really warmed to her as she just felt forced. 

If you could read only 5 fanfictions for an entire year, which would you choose? Thiam or another fandom, if not Thiam, which fandom? 

In no order at all because I never tire of reading any of them:

1 - Airplanes by Captainmintyfresh - Teen Wolf - Thiam fanfiction

2 - Despite The Threatening Sky And Shuddering Earth (They Remained) by praximeter (Zimario)  - Captain America - Steve/Bucky fanfiction

3 - The Call by DemonzDust - Teen Wolf - Sceo fanfiction

4 - The Crow On The Cradle by Refur - Supernatural fanfiction

5 - Gotta Have Faith by arxiver - Captain America - Steve/Bucky fanfiction

You are our sensei and us your pupils, can you impart any life/writing wisdom? 

Life wisdom: Don’t sweat the small stuff... seriously… it wastes so much time and energy that you could be using for other things. If you can’t control it or you don’t feel it’ll be bothering you this time next year, then don’t let it bog you down.    People will come and go, that’s a part of life, take the lessons that they taught you from their time in your life (whether positively or negatively) and use them wisely. 

Writing wisdom: Don’t force yourself. If you’re having an hour, a day, or a week where the words or ideas won’t come then don’t force it to happen, you’ll only feel worse. Step back, put on some music which suits the tone of whatever you’re writing and try to get in the mood of your story that way, it’s amazing the words that can come or the complete change in direction you can go from doing that. 

Finally, what’s next for you?

Hopefully getting back into the swing of things with the Official Thiam Library and writing more again, getting ready for the Reverse Big Bang, and planning a few things in my personal life, like a few trips, my wedding and a house move (yes… I’m becoming a boring adult and it’s a scary new world!)

[peakyblinders1919]

The Answer Pt. 10

“So, where are we going tonight?” Maggie inquired as she stood in front of the mirror playing with her perfectly styled hair as if it could be any more perfect.

“The Marquis of Lorne.” Elouise answered without second thought, making Maggie stop and stare at her friend skeptically.

“Come again? I thought you hated that place.”

“Eh, I do but there’s bound to be some guy there who’s willing to fuck me.”

“Oh, like there aren’t enough of those at The Garrison.”

Elouise remained quiet. Of course there were, but she was avoiding the garrison for a reason. Recently her life was driven by her need to avoid. She was avoiding Michael, because after that little kiss on the cheek she didn’t know what she was feeling, or what he was feeling for that matter, and she’d rather pretend he didn’t exist than awkwardly address the problem, if there were one. She was avoiding Tommy too, their last real conversation the one in his office where he attacked her character before telling her she was crazy. And Polly, well of course she was avoiding her because one look and the woman would know something was wrong with Elouise; maybe even that she was in love. Hence the Garrison was off limits and the Marquis of Lorne was the next best pub around to find a lad looking for just one, meaningless night together.

She had been successful in avoiding them for almost a week, literally only coming in to collect her pay for the hours she barely worked.

“Thanks Gray,” she said as he handed her her wages. It was odd to see the country boy sitting behind a desk, but there was no question he was good with the numbers. “You going out tonight.”

“No.” He said bluntly, continually looking back at the numbers to avoid her eyes. Apparently he had felt awkward since that night.

“Alright. Have fun at home with Mummy.” Elouise teased, a smile thrown his way as she headed out, passing Isaiah on the way.

“Good luck trying to get him out tonight.”

As the girls got ready, the static of jazz music filling the room as they danced around trying on dresses, Elouise had no idea that Isaia had been successful in his endeavors to use the Peaky name to get him a drink.

With Maggie in a grey beaded dress and Elouise in a slimming midnight black one, the girls headed out for another forgettable night of drinking.

Upon entering the pub, Elouise remembered exactly why she didn’t normally prefer it over the Garrison. It was busy, the pub overflowing with secretaries from the BSA factory all trying to find themselves a man among the slim pickings. The service wasn’t as great as the Garrison, which is to be expected when you don’t have close familial ties to the owners and workers. And it wasn’t to say the name Shelby didn’t have an impact here, as with any other pub around Birmingham, but when you technically didn’t carry the name and weren’t a man to be recognized as a part of the gang, well you were treated like every other lonely, confused woman at the bar.

“The bartender almost refused to give me whiskey. Claimed it’s a man’s drink.” Maggie only giggled as she so delicately sipped ok her wine like a lady was supposed to.

“And that’s why we go to the Garrison.”

“Why do you want to be there so bad?” Elouise asked. Maggie’s shrugged.

“I feel vulnerable here.” She said matter-of-factly. “You know,” maggie began to clarify, “I just feel like anyone could walk in here and try to rob the place or something. No one would dare do that at the Garrison.”

“We’ll be fine.” Elouise assured her. “Especially if we distract ourselves,” she said, bringing her friends attention to some young men in the corner sipping on their drinks with wandering eyes. They headed to the corner to do just that, narrowly missing Isaiah and Michael as they sauntered in and up to the bar, as if it was the Garrison and they owned the place.

But they most certainly didn’t as someone decided to pick a fight with Isaiah.

Elouise was hitting it off with, was it Albert or Alfred…, either way she was leaning into his touch in the dark corner, about to kiss him when a fight broke out near the bar. She pulled away quickly, looking over to Maggie to make sure everything was ok, but Maggie’s lips were pursed in a “I-told-you-so” manner. It was just a regular old bar fight, many broke out at the Garrison, it was nothing to be concerned about until she heard the faint insult being thrown at the boy involved only to realize it was Isaiah.

“Shit.” Elouise said when she realized he wasn’t alone either, but had somehow managed to bring country boy along. “Sorry, I’ve got to go.” Elouise told the guy, walking into the fight.

“Wait, don’t go over there.”

“I know them, I’ll be fine.”

She pushed her way through the small crowd that had formed to witness the fight, but the men were just a little too strong for her to break through, standing on her heels to see what was happening.

It was a blur of limbs being wildly thrown at each other, fists connecting with jaws, blood spilling onto the floor. It was hard to determine who the blood was coming from, some spilling from Michael and Isaiah’s knuckles as they broke the skin as they punched with such force, the other men having small cuts on their lip or eyebrow adorned with red. It was getting worse, and Elouise still couldn’t break through, watching the green of Michael’s eyes grow darker and darker.

All Elouise could do was watch, as much as she wanted to help without her knife hidden under her dress she knew she didn’t stand a real chance against any of them. Isaiah was a fighter, but Michael, well she didn’t know he had it in him.

“Michael!” She found herself scream as she watched the other guy shove him against the bar, hands around his neck ready to finish it. He was done for, really, until the bartender spoke.

“Paddy. The white kid’s a Peaky Blinder. He’s Polly Shelby’s son.” The bar went silent, the fighting stopped, this Paddy guy taking a step back when he realized that he had sealed his fate. The second Michael was let go, regaining his posture she found herself breathing again. It was the name that saved him tonight, but he’d have to toughen up if he continued to be a part of the Blinders.

“Sir, sir I’m sorry.”

“Get out.” Michael said in a voice that wasn’t his own; it was deep, commanding, full of confidence that originated from the power he felt after everyone in the bar feared him because of his name.

Still not having noticed Elouise among them, Michael and Isaiah turned back around, demanding the drinks they had ordered a while ago and downing it in one go.

“Get me one.” Elouise said, standing behind them with a smirk on her face.

“Lou? What the fuck are you doing here?” Isaiah said. She snuck her way in between them, nodding at the bartender as he finally gave her a real glass of whiskey and she mirrored their actions and drank the amber liquid in one sip.

“I was trying to get a change of scenery, but then you lot showed up and started a fight.”

“Hey, I didn’t start nothing.”

“And you didn’t finish either.” Elouise teased. “You both alright?” She asked, only now looking over at Michael, who although said he was fine had a cut on his lip and some blood on his collar.

“Didn’t know you could fight country boy.”

“Yeah, you held your own Mick.”

He didn’t quite know what to say, looking at El almost in shame that she had witnessed him break like that. “Gonna have to get you cleaned up before you go home, Poll’ll have a heart attack if you knew you were throwing fists.”

“Yeah, we better get back to the Garrison.” Isaiah said, leaving some money on the bar and walking across town.

They were all quite happy to be at the Garrison again, Harry giving them their drinks without having to order, avoiding the crowd by sneaking into the private room where the boys were playing poker.

“Here they are, junior Peaky boys. And Lou.” Arthur added as she trailed in behind them.

“Well jeez, thanks for the introduction.” Elouise rolled her eyes as she sat down next to John, quickly sipping her drink and looking at his cards.

“Arthur, we had to stand our ground and we did.”

“The Marquis of Lorne, eh?” Arthur said. Elouise remained silent, watching the Shelby’s stand up unanimously, snickering to herself when she saw Finn try to as well. She knew exactly what they were doing. They were doing what they had to, defending their name around here. She tried distracting herself with the cards on the table.

“Don’t nick any of my chips Finn.”

“I’ll make sure he doesn’t.” She answered, John giving her a wink before they both closed the door.

“Where are they going?” Michael was worried, Elouise could hear it in his voice. She looked up for a moment, sharing a look with Isaiah across the table.

“The Marquis of Lorne. Shame. It was a nice pub.”

“What do you mean? What’re they going to do?” Michael asked, the other boys remaining quiet as Finn took a sip of his dark mild and Isaiah ran his hands over his cracked knuckles. Elouise didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news either, but the second she met Michael’s green eyes across the table, she knew she owed him that.

“Burn it down. They’ve got an image to keep. You don’t mess with the Blinders.” She watched the other boy’s posture. They knew she was right, but they weren’t really happy with it either. “Come on,” Elouise said, standing up suddenly. “Let’s get you cleaned before you go home.”

Michael finished his drink quickly before nodding, figuring it was a good idea as he followed Elouise to the bathroom upstairs.

“Sit.” She said as she locked the door and walked over to the sink, grabbing the towel off the hook and setting it in warm water. It was a surprise she knew what to do. She had made fun of Ada herself when she took her nursing course, claiming it was a waste of time, but that didn’t mean Elouise didn’t learn a thing or two about basic first-aid.

“Does it hurt?” She asked over her shoulder while ringing out the towel.

“Does what hurt?”

“Your lip. Its busted up pretty good.”

“Oh,” he chuckled. “I didn’t even notice,” he said, running his finger along it. “But it doesn’t really hurt.”

“Well that’s good,” Elouise commented, walking over with the towel and a bottle of liquor. “This’ll probably sting,” she warned before pouring some on his cuts. Michael only winced lightly, but once the alcohol was poured over it, Elouise kneeling so she was eye to eyes with him, lightly dragging the wet cloth across the cut, cleaning up the dried blood as best she could.

The closeness she shared with him made her heart beat like crazy, which was something she definitely wasn’t used to. She tried to keep herself calm, turning to take a swig from the bottle herself to calm her nerves.

“You uh...you did good. Could be worse.” She commented, inches away from him as she continued cleaning his cuts.

“I didn’t know I was capable of that.”

“Must have more Shelby in your blood than you thought.”

“Uh...sorry you had to see that.” He confessed after a long silence that had been filled with prolonged eye contact as Elouise's movements slowed.

“It’s ok.” She said, moving to clean the cut on his forehead now. “I’ve seen much worse.”

“Yeah well...I...that wasn’t me.”

“Hey, you’ve seen me at my worse.” Elouise pointed out. “The auction. And you helped me and well, this was a side of you that you didn’t even know you had, a side you probably didn’t want people to see, but it’s fine. Your gonna be cleaned up enough to at least keep Polly in the dark for a little while…”

“Thank you.” He said, his voice quiet as he struggled with himself right now, trying to figure out exactly who he was.

“It’s the least I could do.” Elouise finally smiled as she met his eyes, pulling the cloth from him to look him over. She hadn’t realized just how beautiful he was. His eyes, his nose, the hint of freckles dotting across it, his smile. She looked into his eyes, inches away from him, and before she knew it she was moving closer until her lips were against his.

[spnjediavenger]

Chapter 5: Man, Myth, Legend? Girl, Warrior, White Wolf

Disclaimers: I do not own Supernatural, any of its characters, or the lines from the episode I use in this.

Time frame: set mid S5

Warnings: SEASON 5 SPOILERS, MAJOR FEELS

Notes: Big thanks to @sarimaposthumous for proof reading my fic as always!

Not gonna lie, i got UBER emotional writing this XDDD

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think! And much love to those who have liked and/or reposted!!! <3

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4

To say that Elliana was overwhelmed would be a drastic understatement. Since her less-than-perfect reunion with Sam and Dean, she and the boys had a mini catch-up session covering the following:

·      Sam and Dean ended up on a path before meeting Ellie that led to Lucifer, the freaking devil, being set free from a cage in hell (the boys thought it best to keep Elliana out of that mess until it became necessary)

·      Gabriel was trying to get them to play their roles as vessels for Lucifer and the archangel Michael so they could fight

·      The boys, along with Bobby, Cas, and two other hunters, Ellen and Jo tried to kill Lucifer but they failed and Ellen and Jo died in the process

o   This ended in Lucifer setting the four horsemen free, bringing the coming of the Biblical apocalypse

Along with this information, you could only imagine how the now 14-year old took to fighting one of said horsemen, coming across real-life zombies in Bobby’s hometown, the boys dying, dealing with a false prophet, and meeting the boys’ half-brother only to see him be abducted by angels.

Not well.

Not that she let it show much, but Ellie was definitely freaking out on the inside. If a teenager fighting plain old monsters was normal – this was abnormal for her; like a whole new level.

Given this fact – it was understandable that there hasn’t been a chance to slow down lately; hence the arrival at another motel.

Elysian fields.

It was dark and it was pouring rain like no one’s business, so Sam, Dean, and Elliana (Anaya sticking close by her side) ran into the building, trying and failing to shield themselves from the downpour.

Once inside, the trio took a moment to catch their breath, shake the water from their hair, and froze at the motel’s appearance. Their jaws slightly dropped at the higher-end furniture and décor, not used to places that nice.

“Nice digs for once,” Dean commented, looking around.

Sam could only nod his head in agreement, still a bit stunned from the shower outside.

Sam and Ellie stood together as Dean was checking in. Anaya let out a low growl at Elliana’s side as the hotel worker leaned forward a bit, examining Dean. He pointed out a small cut on Dean’s neck and handed him a tissue; Anaya kept her eyes locked onto the man and stepped a little closer to Ellie.

Ellie took the behavior into consideration and also eyed the man. He noticed this and simply smiled over at her.

“Beautiful dog. Siberian Husky, yes?” he said pleasantly.

Ellie narrowed her eyes a bit and nodded, also finding herself wary.

Dean finished signing paperwork and looked back to the receptionist. “You wouldn’t happen to have a coffee shop, would ya?”

“Buffet,” the man said. “All you can eat.” He leans in a bit an continues, “best pie in the tri-state area.”

Dean adopts a bit of a wonderstruck expression and smiles. “You don’t say.”

The group looks around the corner where the man had pointed and was indeed met with one amazing buffet layout. Ellie grabbed Dean’s arm before he could run in.

“Can I have one of the room keys?” she asked, eyes scoping out the place before resting on the boys again.

“Why don’t you grab something to eat first? You ok?” Sam was quick to jump in with the ‘worried older brother’ face.

“Yeah,” she said. “I just want to relax a bit before digging in,” she said, not wanting to ruin Dean’s eagerness yet.

Sam sighed but Dean handed her the key. “Stay out of trouble, then,” he said, smirking lightly. “We’ll be up soon.”

As Ellie and Anaya passed the front counter, Anaya leaned into Elliana once more and pricked her ears, lowly growling again as she looked to the receptionist.

Soon, they made it to the room and Ellie couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Compared to every place else she had stayed, this was like a 5-star hotel. She closed and locked the door behind her and jumped onto one of the beds, allowing herself to enjoy something for a moment. Anaya jumped up and lied next to her reluctantly, still wary of things.

Curled up next to her dog on a plush bed, it didn’t take long for Elliana to fall asleep.

“Who are you? Are you an angel?”

“I’m more of a…guardian if you will. Technically, sure, I’m an angel; but more of a rogue. Just someone that heard your prayer and came to help. Speaking of which – not to put a damper on the already dampened mood, but I need you to go pack your normal and your hunting things and we need to go because that demon will come back for you.”

“Wait – how did you know I hunt?”

“Guardian,” the figure said, shrugging a bit. “Now, things, go, no pressure but we should kinda hurry.”

 “Ok, Ellie, you’re doin’ great, kid. We’re gonna stop here for a bit,” Gabriel says, sitting down on a bench with the girl. “I can’t stick around much longer. I have a lot of things to attend to,” the archangel explained. “There’s a motel not far from here. You go in and tell them your parents dropped you off and told you to check in-“

“Like in Home Alone 2 when Kevin checks into the Plaza Hotel?” Elliana said a bit excitedly, despite the things she just witnessed.

Gabriel chuckled a bit. He knew there was a reason he answered this prayer.

“Exactly,” he said, a small smile on his face. “Avoid the workers as best you can but leave the moment you wake up. Don’t give them a chance to ask questions or see much of your face if you can help it. You’re young and they’ll find out something’s up and probably call the police or social services or something.

“You’re young. You shouldn’t have to live like this but you do. But I’ve watched over you for a couple months and know you can handle it.”

Elliana was scared, of course; but she knew this was coming for a while. And she was determined to make it work.

So the girl nodded her head at the man and he smiled again.

“Now, I won’t be there every second with you, but if you really need me – just pray for me, ok? And take this with you.”

Gabriel handed the girl a small necklace. She took it and laid it over one of her hands and examined it. It had a silver chain with a silver crescent moon, a circular pendent with a white wolf hanging in its center.

“Wolves are strong and tough and smart. Just like you. I believe in you, White Wolf.”

Elliana smiled and looked up at him. “Thank you, Gabriel.”

 Elliana was woken by Sam gently shaking her shoulder. She had only been out for maybe an hour while the guys were downstairs and they found her asleep when they came up.

Dean, like Ellie, was in awe of the room but Sam looked as uncertain as Ellie had felt earlier.

“Isn’t this place kind of in the middle of nowhere?” he asked.

“Yeah?” Dean replied, trying not to care.

“So what’s a 4-star hotel doing on a no-star highway?”

“And as much as I hate to admit it too, Sam has a point. And not only that, but Anaya was acting on-edge in the lobby with the receptionist. She’s only ever like that for a reaso-“

Ellie is cut off by the couple in the room next to them being particularly loud with their activities. Dean starts to smirk before Anaya lets out a bark before the wall between the two rooms is pushed in with a bang.

The trio goes to check out the room to find it trashed, and Dean catches a glimpse of an engagement ring on the floor. They all look at each other, eyebrows raised, when Dean suggests they do some digging.

“Ellie, Sammy and I are gonna head downstairs to see what the bellhop creep knows about this. Why don’t you and Anaya sniff around the room a bit then head back to ours? We’ll meet you back up here in a little bit.”

Elliana nodded and they split ways.

She turned back to Anaya and drew two fingers out towards the room; “Search, Anaya,” she commanded lightly before taking a look at things as well.

Upon finding nothing of significance, Ellie and Anaya returned to her and the boys’ room. She waited a little while before texting Sam to see if they found anything. After a few minutes, Ellie started getting suspicious, as the boys usually responded to her almost right away (well, Sam did anyway).

“Come on, Anaya,” Ellie said, opening the door but stopping in her tracks when she was met with the receptionist. “What are you doing here?” Ellie said, a challenging tone in her voice..

“Sorry,” he said. “It’s best if you stay up here.”

“Where are Sam and Dean?” Ellie challenged again. Anaya stalked over to the two, lowering her ears and snarling at the man before her. He looked at her with a certain look in his eyes that made Elliana want to shoot him. “I wouldn’t do that, if I were you. She’s fought werewolves and vampires and other monsters like you. She won’t hesitate to fight you too. And neither will I,” Elliana threatened, pulling a knife from her jacket.

The man flicked a wrist and sent Elliana and Anaya flying back a few feet onto the floor and he shut the door, warding the room to keep them inside.

“Hey!” Ellie yelled, running forward to grab the doorknob, pounding on the door when it wouldn’t open. She pulled out her phone and tried texting and calling Sam and Dean but she no longer had service. And unknown to her, the boys were downstairs being used as bargaining chips to a room full of deities.

           Ellie rakes her hands through her hair and turns around, only to let out a surprised scream when she sees a figure sitting on the couch across the room. Out of instinct, she throws her knife at it but it’s stopped in the air just inches from the figure’s face.

           “Jeez. A ‘nice to see you’ would’ve been better, I think,” a cheeky voice said. Elliana finally focused to find Gabriel closing her knife and tossing it on the ground as he stood up and walked over to her. He smiled and opened his arms expectantly but was instead met with a fist to the cheek.

           A shout of pain was let out but not by the archangel.

           Gabriel looked down with a raised eyebrow at Ellie, who was bent over, fist pulled into her chest.

           “Ok, 1: you know that does pretty much nothing; and 2: what was that for?!” the archangel said, extremely confused at the moment.

           “What the hell, Gabriel?!” Ellie yelled, standing up now but still clutching her hand. “Why would you take Sam and Dean and not even say anything to me?! You knew I was with them! You didn’t think it right to even give me an explanation when I left?! I thought they abandoned me, you jerk!! I was hurt!”

           Ellie looked angrily at Gabriel, but had tears in her eyes remembering how bad she felt thinking Sam and Dean had left her. Gabriel saw this in her eyes and sighed, feeling a little guilt start welling up in his chest.

           “Ok, E – I really am sorry. I was stupid and didn’t think about how taking them would affect you. And I know this isn’t an excuse but I had to figure some things out once they left and I got side tracked from you. Now, I admit I still don’t like those idiots,” this earned a glare from Ellie, prompting Gabriel to hold a finger up for her to be patient. “But, I know they’ve taken good care of you and should have remembered that. Can my ladybird forgive me?” Gabriel took Ellie’s hands and, though he was serious in what he said, gave her his best puppy-dog eyes that would rival Sam’s.

             “Come on, kiddo,” Gabriel begged the teenager, who had her back to him.

           Elliana had just finished a hunt; it was just a simple salt ‘n burn but one of the victims had ended up in the hospital. Because I was too late, she though sadly. Gabriel had ‘the talk’ with her about how you can’t save or keep everyone completely safe. And she understood that. At least that’s what she said. But the girl still beat herself up over it.

           So here was Gabriel, an archangel for Chuck’s sake, begging a teenage hunter to ‘turn that frown upside down’ (yes, he actually said that).

           Gabriel sighed and appeared in front of Elliana, taking her hands in his, making her look at him.

           “Come on, little wolf. I know you know you can’t blame yourself. And think about it – if you hadn’t been there, that person could have died. But you were. And they didn’t.” Gabriel saw the corners of her lips tug a bit. “So, please don’t be so hard on yourself. For me. Pwease?” he added with a childish voice, pushing his bottom lip out and giving her puppy-dog eyes. Ellie giggled as he did this, making the archangel give a triumphant smile and gave his little wolf a kiss on the head.

             Elliana, of course, couldn’t help but smile a bit at that (it was a curse that she almost always gave into that look, and even more of a curse that Gabriel knew it). She sighed a bit, looking over at Anaya, who was wagging her tail enthusiastically at the archangel, and looked back up.

           “I guess so,” she said with a small smirk.

           Gabriel chuckled a bit and hugged her. “That’s my girl.” He bent down to greet the overly excited dog next to Ellie, turns out she had a soft spot for the archangel too, then stood up to look at Elliana seriously again. “Ok, down to the reason I’m here. You guys have driven into a big trap, as I’m sure you’ve already deduced. Your boys down there? They’re currently in the hands of a bunch of gods who want to use them as game pieces in the Lucifer’s-apocalypse-and-Michael-wants-to-fight-him game. Now, before you freak out,” he continued, raising a finger again when Ellie’s face dropped in shock. “Give me two secs to save their butts and I’ll be back.”

           With a snap of his fingers, Gabriel vanished.

           Elliana looked over to Anaya, eyes wide and jaw slightly dropped. What the heck is happening? She thought.

           Not a minute later, Sam and Dean appeared on the other side of the room, both looking thoroughly confused.

           “Ok, what the – holy crap!” Dean said, looking at Sam.

           “Guys!” Ellie called, running to hug them both.

           They hug her back and Sam looks at Dean. “By the way, next time I say let’s keep driving, uh…let’s keep driving,” he said.

           “Ok, yeah. Next time,” Dean snarked.

           “Alright, guys, enough,” Elliana huffed, getting their attention. “You can have your dumb brother fight later,” she continued, earning a double bitch face from the Winchesters. “We’re in kind of a big situation right now and we need to figure out what to do next. So what’s our play?”

           “Well, there’s gods in the ballroom and a bunch of people in the kitchen freezer,” Sam filled Ellie in.

           “Alright so…I-I…I don’t know,” Dean started, wracking his brain for what to take care of first. “I guess we grab those poor saps outta the freezer, bust ‘em out? Gank a few freaks along the way if we’re lucky?”

           “And when are you ever lucky?” Gabriel’s voice cut in.

           The trio looked over to see him sitting on the couch again, amusement in his eyes.

           “Ok, you know what? Bite me,” Dean snapped. “You know, I should’ve known. This had your stink on it all from the jump.”

           “Dean-“

           “You think I’m behind this? Please. I’m the Costner to your Houston. I’m here to save your ass,” Gabriel defended himself, though keeping his usual humored façade.

           The guys looked at him confused.

           “You want to pull us out of the fire?” Dean said, still the only one to speak.

           “Bingo. Those gods are either gonna dust you or use you as bait. Either way – you’re uber-boned.”

           “Wow, ‘cause a couple of months ago, you were telling us that we need to ‘play our roles’. You were uber-boning us.”

           “Ohhhh, the end is still nigh,” Gabriel said, tilting his head pointedly. “Michael and Lucifer are still gonna dance the lambada,” he continued, dancing between the brothers a bit. “But not tonight. Not here.”

           “And why do you care?”

           “I don’t care…but…me and Kali, we uh…had a thing,” Gabriel forced out a bit awkwardly, but composed himself as he continued, “Chick was all hands.”

           Sam and Dean threw him a look.

           “What can I say? I’m sentimental. And I’m here for this one too,” Gabriel added, pointing over to Elliana.

           Now both guys narrowed their eyes in confusion.

           “Ellie?” Dean said.

           “Elliana, you know Gabriel?” Sam asked, finally speaking.

           Ellie’s cheeks burned just the slightest bit from the sudden attention. “He uh…he was the one that saved me from the demon.”

           “Him?” Dean said incredulously, pointing at the archangel.

           “Yeah, poke fun all you want,” Gabriel said, rolling his eyes. He didn’t expect the Winchesters to credit him with anything of the sort. “If it wasn’t for her, I would’ve let you guys down already.”

           Sam, Dean, and even Ellie rolled their eyes at his remark. But they continued talking, trying to form a plan to escape, and to try and free the people stuck in the freezer as well. Gabriel was going to try and break the blood spell on the boys while Sam, Dean, and Ellie would let the guests out. Before they temporarily parted, Gabriel snapped Anaya into the Impala to keep her safe because he said ‘one of the gods downstairs wouldn’t give a passing thought to eat her in front of you’ – that was more than enough of a reason for Ellie.

           The group snuck downstairs into the kitchen; Sam began to pick the lock on the freezer while Dean and Elliana tried and failed to stop the men that came in to stop them. So once again, the Winchesters (with Elliana now) found themselves surrounded by the deities.

           Soon enough, Gabriel was brought in by Kali.

“Well well well,” she said, looking vaguely betrayed as she stared down at him. “Looks like the trickster has tricked us.”

“Kali…don’t…” Gabriel said, lightly pleading with her.

“You’re mine now.” The goddess of destruction sat herself on Gabriel’s lap. “You have something I want.” She ran her hand down his chest, moving it into his jacket to pull out his angel blade. “An archangel’s blade…from the archangel…Gabriel.”

Elliana’s eyes widened and Dean had to put a hand on her shoulder, silently communicating to her not to do anything drastic just yet.

“Ok! Ok! So I got wings. Like kotex,” Gabriel said in a ‘who cares’ tone. “But it doesn’t make me any less right about Lucifer.”

Kali now stood, looking down at him again.

“He’s lying. He’s a spy.”

“I’m not a spy. I’m a runaway,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’m trying to save you. I know my brother, Kali. He should scare the living crap out of you. You can’t beat him. I’ve skipped ahead – seen how this story ends-“

“Your story,” Kali corrects him. “Not ours. Westerners, I swear” she shakes her head. “The sheer arrogance. You think you’re the only ones on earth? You pillage and you butcher in your God’s name. You’re not the only village. And He’s not the only god. And now you think you can just rip the planet apart? You’re wrong,” she continued, voice breaking. “There are billions of us. And we were here first. If anyone gets to end this world…it’s me.” Kali leaned down and caressed Gabriel’s face. “I’m sorry.” She slid the angel blade through Gabriel’s abdomen, causing light to stream from his mouth and eyes.

“Nooo! Gabriel!!” Ellie shouted, jumping up from her chair, only to be pulled back by Sam. “No!” she cried, fighting against the younger Winchester, who only held her tighter. She eventually stopped fighting but stared at Gabriel’s body as tears streamed down her face.

“This is crazy,” one of the room’s occupants commented.

Kali simply stood there, also staring at the dead archangel. “They can die,” she said in finality. “We can kill Lucifer.”

Discussion continued and Dean stood up, bargaining with the deities. Sam bypassed the shock at Dean’s actions to quietly comfort the girl in his arms. Elliana felt like her heart was ripped to shreds; as if that blade went through her heart instead of Gabriel’s. That angel meant the world to her.

Once Dean was able to convince the deities to allow him to set the hotel’s other inhabitants free, he walked over to Sam and Ellie, telling them to follow him. Ellie reluctantly followed the brothers to the kitchen.

As Dean was ushering everyone out of the hotel quickly, a hushed voice called his name from the Impala. He looks over and his eyes go wide as he sees Gabriel ducking in the backseat, motioning for him to get over there.

  “Ellie, I really wish you’d wait in the car. I know you want to stay with us, but this is headed in a much different direction than we thought, ok? Lucifer is going to be here. And we don’t want you getting caught in any crossfire,” Sam said, looking desperately into Elliana’s eyes.

“Sam, please,” she whispered, eyes still holding tears from earlier. “I just lost Gabe…I won’t lose you guys too; I can help you.”

  “Well good luck with that. Me? I’m blowing Jonestown. Those lemmings in there wanna run off a cliff, that’s their business,” Gabriel said in his conversation with Dean, sold on wanting to leave this whole situation.

“I see right through you, you know that? The smart-ass shell, the whole ‘I could give a crap’ thing? Believe me, it takes on to know one,” Dean said, narrowing his eyes at the archangel.

“That so?” he replied, tilting his head as he nonchalantly pet the dog sitting in the back seat with him.

  “Not that I doubt you, because I don’t – but are you sure you can handle this?” Sam asked, searching the girl’s eyes in front of him as he placed his hands on her shoulders.

Ellie sighed and looked down. “No,” she whispered, then looked up at Sam. “But I couldn’t handle that demon either.”

  “Yes. And maybe those freaks in there aren’t your blood but they’re your family.”

“They just stabbed me in the friggin’ heart!”

“Maybe. But you still give a crap about them, don’t you?” Dean continued, knowing he was starting to hit close to home.

“Dean.”

“They’re gonna die in there without you.”

“I can’t kill my brother,” Gabriel said, defeated.

“Can’t or won’t?” Dean challenged. Gabriel cast his eyes to the side, remaining silent. “That’s what I thought.” Dean went to open the car door but turned back to the archangel. “Elliana is in there too, ya know. And she’ll die without you too. Me and Sammy may never get it, but the kid loves you. And I can tell you care about her too,” Dean continued, trying one last time.

Gabriel felt a tug at his heart; he had been hoping Dean wouldn’t mention Ellie for this very reason.

At Gabriel’s continued silence, Dean sighed and got out of the car.

Dean rejoined Sam, Ellie and the others in the hotel. Most of the deities fanned out, leaving Kali and Baldur in the ballroom with the trio. Like Sam, Dean had tried to convince Elliana to wait in the car, only to receive a sad chuckle.

“You don’t get it, do you? I’m with you guys. Through everything. I’m in this mess by my own choosing and I’m not letting you do it without me,” she told him, raising an eyebrow with a light smile. Her smile faded soon as she continued, “And I want to do it for Gabe too…”

Dean was about to tell her Gabriel was still alive when the lights began to flicker violently.

“What’s going on?” Baldur said, glancing around the room.

“It’s him,” Sam said, unconsciously pulling Elliana closer.

“How?” Kali asked, not expecting Lucifer until they removed the enochian symbols from Sam’s ribs.

“Does it matter?” Dean spoke up. “Shazzam us outta here, would ya?”

“We can’t,” Baldur said, fear lacing his voice the smallest bit.

“Of course you can’t,” a voice instantly grabbed everyone’s attention. Their heads all snapped up to the figure standing in the open doorway. “You didn’t say ‘mother, may I?’”

Lucifer lightly smirked as he took account of who stood in the room before him, of course stopping on the Winchesters.

“Sam, Dean. Good to see you again. And who’s this with you?” Lucifer asked, tilting his head in curiosity as he looked at Elliana. “New travel buddy? I’m Lucifer - though I’m assuming you already knew that,” he continued, talking directly to her now. “What’s your name?”

“Go to hell,” Ellie said coldly, not showing the slightest bit of intimidation.

“Oh, I just got out of there, sweetheart,” he easily countered.

“Don’t call me sweetheart,” she spat, taking a challenging step forward. Sam and Dean pulled her back, causing Lucifer to smirk.

“I like her,” he said to the boys. “Feisty.”

Kali muttered to Baldur, who had started walking towards Lucifer with a dominant gait. The boys took a few slow steps backwards with Elliana as the deity gave a short, angered monologue to Lucifer, ending with him consequently ripping Baldur’s heart out.

As Lucifer threw his body to the ground, Kali became enraged and threw a fire attack at him. At the growing physical conflict, the boys and Ellie jumped behind one of the overturned tables in the room to duck in cover.

“You guys ok?” Sam asked his brother and Ellie.

“Not really,” Gabriel’s voice replied before either got the chance. All three looked behind Dean to face him – Dean being shocked Gabriel came back and Sam and Ellie shocked that he’s alive. “Better late then never huh?”

“Gabriel?“ Elliana said, tears welling up in her eyes again. “What- you…you were-“

“It’s ok, E. I’m here. Hang tight ok?” Gabriel turns to Dean, handing him a DVD. “Guard this with your life.”

Gabriel went to stand up, but Elliana moved around Dean and quickly grabbed his arm. “Gabe, no. You’re not doing this by yourself,” she said, voice shaking.

The archangel let out a quick sigh; he was hoping to make this a quick exchange to avoid a conversation like this, but of course had no such luck. “This is the only way for you guys to escape. It’ll be ok-“

“No!” Ellie said again in a harsh whisper. “I’m not leaving you here!”

Gabriel fought back the sting in his eyes and he looked over at the brothers. “Please,” he said. “When it’s time, make her leave,” he continued, staring at them determinedly, though his own voice shook a little. “You make her leave.”

They nodded a bit sadly and held a struggling Ellie when she went to grab Gabriel again.

The archangel gently took her face in his hands and planted a kiss on her forehead, making her freeze in her struggles. “I love you, little wolf.”

Gabriel got up and struck a hand out, throwing Lucifer across the room, into the far wall before he could stomp on Kali.

“Luci, I’m home,” Gabriel said as he stepped into view. “Not this time,” he stopped Lucifer’s advance, holding up his angel blade as he helped Kali up. “Guys! Get her out of here,” he called to Sam and Dean over his shoulder.

The boys walked over and did as he said. They and Elliana headed towards the door, Gabriel standing in front of them protectively as he kept a hard stare on Lucifer. As they neared the exit, Ellie stepped out to Gabriel again.

“Gabe, please, please come with us,” she begged quietly.

“Guys,” Gabriel said again, unable to keep his voice from quivering and tears from stinging his eyes.

Sam took Elliana’s arm but she pushed him away, running back for the archangel so Dean moved up, grabbed her, and threw the girl over his shoulder, leading the rest of the group out of the room.

“Gabe, no! Nooo!! Gabriel!!” Ellie screamed hoarsely as she tried to free herself from Dean.

Gabriel closed his eyes and twitched his neck to get his head back in the game and confront his brother.  Though he supposed it wouldn’t make too much of a difference. This was a fight he knew he wasn’t going to walk away from.

Sam, Dean, Ellie, and Kali got outside and to the car – the goddess in the front seat with Dean, and Sam in the back with Anaya and Ellie once Dean set her down. The girl made one last, albeit weak attempt to go back to the hotel, but Sam pulled her into his side.

Elliana stared out the Impala’s window for as long as she could, hoping for any sign that things would work out for the better, but was only met with a bright white light flashing from the ballroom windows, forcing a sad cry from Ellie. Her hands flew up to cover her mouth and she squeezed her eyes shut. Dean looked in the rearview mirror at Sam, both boys hurting to see her like this.

“Come here,” Sam whispered, pulling Ellie into his lap, wrapping his arms around her. Soft cries and whimpers escaped Ellie as she clutched onto Sam as if he was her lifeline. Sam quietly shushed Elliana, one hand rubbing calming circles on her back, the other gently cradling her head. He had helped her at least slow her breathing, but tears still flowed from her eyes and a soft cry escaped her lips every now and again.

All the emotions had been eating away at her energy and she started becoming tired. As her eyelids drooped, her head slowly fell against Sam’s shoulder. And everything she had felt before was amplified now, since she knew Gabriel definitely wasn’t coming back this time.

Chapter 5.5 ->

[blackkudos]

Jackie Wilson

Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. (June 9, 1934 – January 21, 1984) was an American soul singer-songwriter and performer. A tenor with a four octave vocal range, he was nicknamed "Mr. Excitement", and was important in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. He was considered a master showman, and one of the most dynamic and influential singers and performers in R&B and rock 'n' roll history. Gaining fame in his early years as a member of the R&B vocal group Billy Ward and His Dominoes, he went solo in 1957 and recorded over 50 hit singles that spanned R&B, pop, soul, doo-wop and easy listening. This included 16 R&B Top 10 hits, including six R&B number ones. On the Billboard Hot 100, he scored 14 Top 20 Pop hits, six of which made it into the Pop Top 10. On September 29, 1975, while headlining a Dick Clark Oldies Concert, he collapsed on stage from what was later determined to be a massive heart attack, and subsequently slipped into a coma, slowly awakening over a period of 8 months. He remained semi-comatose for the nine years until his death in 1984, at the age of 49. Wilson was an inspiration to Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, James Brown and Michael Jackson to name a few. He was one of the most influential artists of his generation.

A two-time Grammy Hall of Fame Inductee, Wilson was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Jackie Wilson #69 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Early years and career

Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. was born on June 9, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, the only son of singer-songwriter, Jack Leroy Wilson, Sr. (1903–1983) and Eliza Mae Wilson (1907–1984), as she lost two previous children. Eliza Mae was born on the Billups-Whitfield Place in Columbus, Mississippi. Her parents were Tom and Virginia Ransom. Jackie often visited his family in Columbus and was greatly influenced by the choir at Billups Chapel. Growing up in the rough Detroit area of Highland Park, Wilson joined a gang called the Shakers and often got himself in trouble. Wilson's alcoholic father was frequently absent and usually out of work. Wilson began singing at an early age, accompanying his mother, once a choir singer, to church. In his early teens Jackie joined a quartet, the Ever Ready Gospel Singers, which became a popular feature of churches in the area. Jackie was not religious, but he enjoyed singing; the money he and his group earned from performing usually was spent on cheap wine, which Wilson began drinking at age nine. Jack Sr. and Eliza separated shortly after Jackie turned nine.

Wilson dropped out of high school at the age of 15, having already been sentenced to detention in the Lansing Corrections system for juveniles twice. During his second stint in detention, he learned to box and began competing around the Detroit amateur circuit at the age of 16. His record in the Golden Gloves was 2 and 8. After his mother forced him to quit boxing, Wilson married Freda Hood and became a father at 17. It is estimated that Wilson fathered at least 10 other children prior to getting married, and that he was forced to marry Hood by her father. He gave up boxing for music, first working at Lee's Sensation club as a solo singer, then forming a group called the Falcons (The same Falcons Wilson Pickett was later a part of), that included cousin Levi Stubbs, who later went on to lead the Four Tops (two more of Wilson's cousins, Hubert Johnson and Levi's brother Joe, later became members of the Contours). The other members joined Hank Ballard as part of the Midnighters. including Alonzo Tucker & Billy Davis, who would work with Wilson several years later as a solo artist. Tucker and Wilson collaborated as songwriters on a few songs Wilson recorded.

Jackie was soon discovered by talent agent Johnny Otis, who assigned him to join a group called the Thrillers. That group would later be known as the Royals (who would later evolve into R&B group, the Midnighters, but Wilson wasn't part of the group when it changed its name and signed with King Records). LaVern Baker, Little Willie John, Johnnie Ray and Della Reese were acts managed by Al Green (not to be confused with R&B singer Al Green, nor Albert "Al" Green of the now defunct National Records). Al Green owned two music publishing companies, Pearl Music and Merrimac Music, and Detroit's Flame Show Bar where Wilson met Baker.

After recording his first version of "Danny Boy" and a few other tracks on Dizzy Gillespie's record label Dee Gee Records under the name Sonny Wilson (his nickname), Wilson was eventually hired by Billy Ward in 1953 to join a group Ward formed in 1950 called the Dominoes, after Wilson's successful audition to replace the immensely popular Clyde McPhatter, who left the Dominoes and formed his own group, the Drifters. Wilson almost blew his chance that day, showing up calling himself "Shit" Wilson and bragging about being a better singer than McPhatter.

Billy Ward felt a stage name would fit the Dominoes' image, hence Jackie Wilson. Prior to leaving the Dominoes, McPhatter coached Wilson on the sound Billy Ward wanted for his group, influencing Wilson's singing style and stage presence. "I learned a lot from Clyde, that high-pitched choke he used and other things...Clyde McPhatter was my man. Clyde and Billy Ward." Forties blues singer Roy Brown was also a major influence on him, and Wilson grew up listening to the Mills Brothers, the Ink Spots, Louis Jordan and Al Jolson.

Wilson was the group's lead singer for three years, but the Dominoes lost some of their stride with the departure of McPhatter. They were able to make appearances riding on the strength of the group's earlier hits, until 1956 when the Dominoes recorded Wilson with an unlikely interpretation of the pop hit "St. Therese of the Roses", giving the Dominoes another brief moment in the spotlight (Their only other post-McPhatter/Wilson successes were "Stardust", released July 15, 1957, and "Deep Purple", released October 7, 1957.) In 1957 Wilson set out to begin a solo career, leaving the Dominoes and collaborating with cousin Levi and got work at Detroit's Flame Show Bar. Later, Al Green worked out a deal with Decca Records, and Wilson was signed to their subsidiary label, Brunswick.

Solo stardom

Shortly after Wilson signed a solo contract with Brunswick, Green suddenly died. Green's business partner, Nat Tarnopol, took over as Wilson's manager (and later rose to president of Brunswick). Wilson's first single was released, "Reet Petite" from the album He's So Fine, which became a modest R&B success (and many years later, an international smash hit). The song was written by another former boxer, Berry Gordy Jr., who co-wrote it with partner Roquel "Billy" Davis (who also went by the pseudonym Tyran Carlo) and Gordy's sister Gwendolyn. The trio composed and produced six further singles for Wilson, which included "To Be Loved", "I'm Wanderin'", "We Have Love", "That's Why (I Love You So)", "I'll Be Satisfied" and his late-1958 signature song, "Lonely Teardrops", which peaked at No. 7 on the pop charts, No. 1 on the R&B charts in the U.S., and established him as an R&B superstar known for his extraordinary, operatic multi-octave vocal range. "Lonely Teardrops" sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA.

Due to his fervor when performing, with his dynamic dance moves, singing and impeccable dress, he was soon christened "Mr. Excitement", a title he would keep for the remainder of his career. His stagecraft in his live shows inspired James Brown, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley, as well as a host of other artists that followed. Presley was so impressed with Wilson that he made it a point to meet him, and the two instantly became good friends. In a photo of the two posing together, Presley's caption in the autograph reads "You got you a friend for life." Wilson was sometimes called "The Black Elvis". Reportedly, when asked about this Presley said, "I guess that makes me the white Jackie Wilson." Wilson also said he was influenced by Presley too, saying "A lot of people have accused Elvis of stealing the black man's music, when in fact, almost every black solo entertainer copied his stage mannerisms from Elvis."

Wilson's powerful, electrifying live performances rarely failed to bring audiences to a state of frenzy. His live performances consisted of knee-drops, splits, spins, back-flips, one-footed across-the-floor slides, removing his tie and jacket and throwing them off the stage, a lot of basic boxing steps (advance and retreat shuffling) and one of his favorite routines, getting some of the less attractive girls in the audience to come up and kiss him. "If I kiss the ugliest girl in the audience," Wilson often said, "they'll all think they can have me and keep coming back and buying my records." Having women come up to kiss him is one reason Wilson kept bottles of mouthwash in his dressing room. Another reason was probably his attempt to hide the alcohol on his breath.

Wilson was also a regular on TV, making regular appearances on such shows as The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, Shindig, Shivaree and Hullabaloo. His only movie appearance was in the forgettable rock and roll film "Go Johnny Go", where he performed his 1959 hit song "You Better Know It".

In 1958, Davis and Gordy left Wilson and Brunswick after royalty disputes escalated between them and Nat Tarnopol. Davis soon became a successful staff songwriter and producer for Chess Records, while Gordy borrowed $800 from his family and used money he earned from royalties writing for Wilson to start his own recording studio, Hitsville USA, the foundation of Motown Records in his native Detroit. Meanwhile, convinced that Wilson could venture out of R&B and rock and roll, Tarnopol had the singer record operatic ballads and easy listening material, pairing him with Decca Records' veteran arranger Dick Jacobs.

Wilson scored hits as he entered the 1960s with the No. 15 "Doggin' Around", the No. 1 pop ballad "Night", another million-seller, and "Baby Workout", another Top 10 hit (No. 5), which he composed with Midnighters member Alonzo Tucker. His songwriting alliance with Tucker also turned out other songs, including "No Pity (In The Naked City)" and "I'm So Lonely." Top 10 hits continued with "Alone At Last" (No. 8 in 1960) and "My Empty Arms" (No. 9 in 1961).

Also in 1961, Wilson recorded a tribute album to Al Jolson, Nowstalgia ... You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet, which included the only album liner notes he ever wrote: "... to the greatest entertainer of this or any other era ... I guess I have just about every recording he's ever made, and I rarely missed listening to him on the radio ... During the three years I've been making records, I've had the ambition to do an album of songs, which, to me, represent the great Jolson heritage ... This is simply my humble tribute to the one man I admire most in this business ... to keep the heritage of Jolson alive." The album was a commercial failure.

Following the success of "Baby Workout", Wilson experienced a lull in his career between 1964 and 1966 as Tarnopol and Brunswick Records released a succession of unsuccessful albums and singles. Despite the lack of sales success, he still made artistic gains as he recorded an album with Count Basie, as well as a series of duets with rhythm and blues legend Lavern Baker and gospel singer Linda Hopkins.

In 1966, he scored the first of two big comeback singles with established Chicago soul producer Carl Davis with "Whispers (Gettin' Louder)" and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher", a No. 6 Pop smash in 1967, which became one of his final pop hits. This was followed by "I Get the Sweetest Feeling", which, despite its modest initial chart success in the US (Billboard Pop #34), has since become one of his biggest international chart successes, becoming a Top 10 hit in the UK twice, in 1972 and in 1987, and a Top 20 hit in the Dutch Top 40, and has spawned numerous cover versions by other artists such as Edwin Starr, Will Young, Erma Franklin (Aretha's sister) and Liz McClarnon.

A key to his musical rebirth was that Davis insisted that Wilson no longer record with Brunswick's musicians in New York; instead, he would record with legendary Detroit musicians normally employed by Motown Records and also Davis' own Chicago-based session players. The Detroit musicians, known as the Funk Brothers, participated on Wilson's recordings due to their respect for Davis and Wilson.

By 1975, Wilson and the Chi-Lites were the only significant artists left on Brunswick's roster. Wilson had continued to record singles that found success on the R&B chart, but found no significant pop chart success. His final hit, "You Got Me Walkin'", written by Eugene Record of the Chi-Lites, was released in 1972 with the Chi-Lites backing him on vocals and instruments.

Personal life

Wilson's personal life was laced with tragedy. In 1960 in New Orleans, he was arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer when fans tried to climb on stage. He assaulted a policeman who had shoved one of the fans. Wilson had a reputation for being short-tempered.

On February 15, 1961, in Manhattan, Wilson was injured in a shooting. It is said the real story behind this incident is that one of his girlfriends, Juanita Jones, shot and wounded him in a jealous rage when he returned to his Manhattan apartment with another woman, fashion model Harlean Harris, an ex-girlfriend of Sam Cooke's. Wilson's management supposedly concocted a story to protect Wilson's reputation; that Jones was an obsessed fan who had threatened to shoot herself, and that Wilson's intervention resulted in him being shot. Wilson was shot in the stomach: The bullet would result in the loss of a kidney, and lodged too close to his spine to be operated on. In early 1975, during an interview with author Arnold Shaw, Wilson maintained it actually was a zealous fan whom he did not know that shot him. "We also had some trouble in 1961. That was when some crazy chick took a shot at me and nearly put me away for good..." The story of the zealous fan was accepted, and no charges were brought against Jones. A month and a half later after the shooting incident, Jackie was discharged from the hospital.

At the time Jackie had declared annual earnings of $263,000, while the average salary a man earned then was just $5,000 a year. But he discovered that, despite being at the peak of success, he was broke. Around this time the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seized Jackie's Detroit family home. Tarnopol and his accountants were supposed to take care of such matters. Fortunately, Jackie made arrangements with the IRS to make restitution on the unpaid taxes; he also re-purchased the family home at auction. As far as money troubles went, this was not even the beginning for Wilson. Nat Tarnopol had taken advantage of Wilson's naïveté, mismanaging his money since becoming his manager. Tarnopol also had power-of-attorney over Wilson's finances, giving him complete control over Wilson's money. Unfortunately, Wilson was a rather trusting soul, trusting people he shouldn't have like Tarnopol and some of Wilson's other managers.

Tarnopol and 18 other Brunswick executives were indicted on federal charges of mail fraud and tax evasion stemming from bribery and payola scandals in 1975. Also in the indictment was the charge that Tarnopol owed at least $1 million in royalties to Wilson. In 1976 Tarnopol and the others were found guilty; an appeals court overturned their conviction 18 months later. Although the conviction was overturned, judges went into detail, outlining that Tarnopol and Brunswick Records did defraud their artists of royalties, and that they were satisfied that there was sufficient evidence for Wilson to file a lawsuit. However, a trial to sue Tarnopol for royalties never took place, as Wilson lay in a nursing home semi-comatose. Tarnopol never paid Wilson monies he had coming to him, and Wilson died riddled with debt to the IRS and Brunswick Records.

One of the highlights of the federal tax fraud trial of Tarnopol and several Brunswick executives came when Eugene Record of The Chi-Lites testified that he had been assaulted during a contract negotiation at Brunswick's New York office. Record stated that he asked Tarnopol for advanced money on a recording in 1972 when an associate of Tarnopol's, whom Record identified as Johnny Roberts, asked Tarnopol "should I twist his nose off?" Before any answer came, Record said Roberts "suddenly began to twist my nose, and when I pushed his arm away he punched me in the face, knocking my glasses off." A similar story concerns Wilson, who reportedly was hung out of Tarnopol's office window by his feet when Wilson asked about money, according to Chuck Barksdale of The Dells.

In March 1967, Wilson and friend/drummer Jimmy Smith were arrested in South Carolina on "morals charges"; the two were entertaining two 24-year-old white women in their motel room.

Freda Hood, Wilson's first wife, with whom he had four children, divorced him in 1965 after 14 years of marriage, frustrated with his notorious womanizing. Although the divorce was amicable, Freda would regret her decision. His 16-year-old son, Jackie Jr, was shot and killed on a neighbor's porch in 1970. The death of Jackie Jr. devastated Wilson. He sank into a period of depression, and for the next couple of years remained mostly a recluse.

More tragedy hit when two of Wilson's daughters died at a young age. His daughter Sandra died in 1977 at the age of 24 of an apparent heart attack. Jacqueline Wilson was killed in 1988 in a drug-related incident in Highland Park, Michigan. Wilson's second marriage was to model Harlean Harris in 1967 with whom he had three children, but they too separated in 1970. Wilson later met and lived with Lynn Guidry, a woman who would have two children with him. There was also a woman named Joyce McCrae, a fan who tried to take the role of Wilson's caregiver while he was in the nursing home. He was with Guidry, who was under the impression that she was his legal wife, until his heart attack in 1975. However, as he and Harris never officially divorced, Harris took the role of Wilson's caregiver for the singer's remaining nine years.

Wilson converted to Judaism as an adult.

Death

On September 29, 1975, Wilson was one of the featured acts in Dick Clark's Good Ol' Rock and Roll Revue, hosted by the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He was in the middle of singing "Lonely Teardrops" when he suffered a heart attack. When he collapsed on stage, audience members initially thought it was part of the act. Clark sensed something was wrong, then ordered the musicians to stop the music. Cornell Gunter of the Coasters, who was backstage, noticed Wilson was not breathing. Gunter was able to resuscitate him and Wilson was then rushed to a nearby hospital.

Medical personnel worked to stabilize his vital signs, but the lack of oxygen to his brain caused him to slip into a coma. He briefly recovered in early 1976, and was even able to take a few wobbly steps but slipped back into a semi-comatose state. He was deemed conscious but incapacitated in early June 1976, unable to speak but aware of his surroundings. He was a resident of the Medford Leas Retirement Center in Medford, New Jersey, when he was admitted into Memorial Hospital of Burlington County in Mount Holly, New Jersey, due to having trouble taking nourishment, according to Wilson's attorney John Mulkerin.

Jackie Wilson died on January 21, 1984, at age 49 from complications of pneumonia. He was initially buried in an unmarked grave at Westlawn Cemetery near Detroit. In 1987, a fundraiser by a Detroit radio station collected enough money to purchase a headstone.

Tributes and legacy

On August 17, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio, Jackie Wilson was inducted into the Official R&B Music Hall of Fame.

In 1985, the Commodores recorded "Nightshift" in memory of Wilson and soul singer Marvin Gaye, who had both died in 1984. Reaching No. 1 R&B and No. 3 pop in the U.S., and topping the Dutch singles chart, it was the group's biggest hit after the departure of Lionel Richie.

Van Morrison recorded a tribute song called "Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile)" on his 1972 album Saint Dominic's Preview. This was later covered by Dexy's Midnight Runners. When the track was performed on the British TV show Top of the Pops, a picture of darts player Jocky Wilson was used instead. This has often been speculated to be a mistake but Dexy's frontman Kevin Rowland stated that it was a deliberate joke by the band.

Michael Jackson honored Jackie Wilson at the 1984 Grammy Awards. Jackson dedicated his Album of the Year Grammy for Thriller to Wilson, saying, "In the entertainment business, there are leaders and there are followers. And I just want to say that I think Jackie Wilson was a wonderful entertainer...Jackie, where you are I want to say I love you and thank you so much."

Until Jackson's comments, Wilson's recording legacy had been dormant for almost a decade. Tarnopol owned Wilson's recordings due to Brunswick's separation from MCA, but the label had closed down, essentially deleting Wilson's considerable recorded legacy. When Jackson praised Wilson at the Grammys, interest in the legendary singer stirred, and Tarnopol released the first Wilson album (a two-record compilation) in almost nine years through Epic Records, Jackson's label at the time. Through Tarnopol's son, Wilson's music has become more available.

In the VH-1 5-part television special, Say It Loud: A Celebration of Black Music in America, fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Smokey Robinson and Bobby Womack both paid tribute to Wilson. Smokey explained that "Jackie Wilson was the most dynamic singer and performer that I think I've ever seen. Bobby added "He was the real Elvis Presley, as far as I'm concerned...and Elvis took a lot from him too."

In his autobiography To Be Loved (named for one of the hit tunes he wrote for Wilson) Motown founder Berry Gordy stated that Wilson was "The greatest singer I've ever heard. The epitome of natural greatness. Unfortunately for some, he set the standard I'd be looking for in singers forever".

Wilson is mentioned in the song "Gone But Not Forgotten" sung by artist TQ, which is a song dedicated to the memory of famous musicians who have died. The lyric goes "..and Jackie, will you teach me how to glide across the stage?"

Wilson is mentioned in the rap song "Thugz Mansion" by 2Pac. The lyric is:

Wilson scored a posthumous hit when "Reet Petite" reached number one in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Netherlands in 1986. This success was likely due in part to a new animated video made for the song, featuring a clay model of Wilson, that became popular on television. The following year he hit the UK charts again with "I Get the Sweetest Feeling" (No. 3), and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" (No. 15).

Rita Coolidge covered "Higher and Higher" in 1977; her version reached No. 2 on the US pop charts, earning a gold record.

In 1999, Wilson's original version of "Higher and Higher" and "Lonely Teardrops" were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame; both are on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Wilson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987; that same year, he was portrayed in the Ritchie Valens biopic La Bamba by Howard Huntsberry.

Wilson is referenced in the 1986 song "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." by John Mellencamp.

Wilson and "Lonely Teardrops" are referenced in the 1993 song "Jupiter and Teardrop" by Grant Lee Buffalo on their debut album Fuzzy.

In 1988, his version of "To Be Loved" was featured in the film Coming to America, when Akeem and Lisa were falling in love. Akeem (Eddie Murphy) later came back home singing the song loudly, waking up and infuriating his neighbors.

In 1989, "Higher and Higher" was featured in the film Ghostbusters II, the soundtrack album of which featured a cover version of the song by Howard Huntsberry. "Higher and higher" was also featured in Eddie Murphy's 2007 movie "Norbit."

"(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" was also featured in the 2000 Disney film "Disney's The Kid".

In 1992, Wilson was portrayed in the ABC miniseries by Grady Harrell in The Jacksons: An American Dream.

In 1994, Monkee Peter Tork recorded a bluegrass-rock cover of "Higher and Higher" on his first solo album Stranger Things Have Happened. Tork regularly performs the song in concert.

In 2007, Wilson's music was featured in a film adaptation of Irvine Welsh's book Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance.

In September 2010, Wilson's song "That's Why (I Love You So)" appeared on Dick Clark's Dick Clark's Rock, Roll and Remember.

On November 18, 2011, the Black Ensemble Theater of Chicago produced a musical about Wilson's life.

In 2014, artist Hozier released a song titled "Jackie and Wilson", a play on Wilson's name. The song includes the lyrics "We'll name our children Jackie and Wilson and raise them on rhythm and blues."

The Jackie Wilson Hologram Tour 2017 announced by Hologram USA on Billboard:

"Seen a show with Marvin Gaye last night, It had me shook, sippin' peppermint schnapps With Jackie Wilson, and Sam Cooke."

The singer behind ‘Higher and Higher’ and other hits joins the growing Hologram USA roster.

Add another name to the growing list of artist recreations by Hologram USA: Jackie Wilson. The R&B legend will star in a full stage show with a tour launching in 2017, co-produced by FilmOn TV Networks and distributed online by FilmOn.com. Nicknamed Mr. Excitement, Wilson was a dynamic entertainer whose mesmerizing dance moves and pioneering crossover success influenced a host of future stars including Michael Jackson. In fact, after Thriller won the Grammy for album of the year in 1984, Jackson dedicated his award to Wilson.

Between 1958 and 1970, Wilson charted 16 top 10 R&B hits and six top 10 pop hits. He topped the R&B singles chart six times, starting with 1958's "Lonely Teardrops" (No. 7 on pop). The Detroit native's additional No. 1's included "You Better Know It," "Doggin’ Around," "A Woman, a Lover, a Friend," "Baby Workout" and radio perennial "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher." Wilson, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, slipped into a coma after collapsing onstage in 1975. He died in 1984.

In a statement announcing Hologram USA's latest artist recreation, CEO Alki David said, "Everything you expect from an exciting ‘rock star’ stage show was invented by Jackie Wilson: the leaps, spins and back-flips, not to mention his amazing four-octave range." David's partners in mounting the new show are Plateau Music Nashville CEO Tony Mantor, who is the Artist Manager for Bobby Brooks Wilson (son of Jackie) and the Heirs of Jackie Wilson.

A ceremony was held on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at WHPR TV & Radio. At the ceremony, Cottage Grove Street officially became Jackie Wilson Lane.

Wikipedia

[pippytmi]

I love your supercorp drabbles! Jupiter Michael Brun for SuperCorp!

aw thanks! and thank you for the prompt!

It’s so hot in here.

Kara tries not to complain, really, because this night isn’t for her. It’s for Alex, and if Alex needs Kara to take her to a small, cramped nightclub with blinding lights and terrible drinks, then that is exactly what Kara is going to do.

Kara subtly wipes sweat from her forehead as she snags a stool at the bar, taking a well-needed break from the packed dancefloor.

M’gann gives her a small, sympathetic smile over the counter. “Club soda?” she offers.

“Yes, please,” Kara sighs.

“You got it.”

While she waits, Kara fiddles with the edge of a coaster and tries not to look as out of place as she feels. The guy at the stool to the right of hers seems to be drifting off to sleep right on the sticky countertop, and the girl on her left is sobbing into her cocktail. It’s not exactly glamorous, the nightlife at 2 in the morning.

M’gann is this bar’s only saving grace, sliding Kara her glass before she can blink. “Tell your sister to take it easy this time around,” she says with a good-natured smirk, and Kara laughs.

“On the night of her bachelorette party? Doubtful,” Kara says, taking a sip of her soda. “Thanks, M’gann.”

“So long as you take her home before she starts breaking things again,” M’gann says, throwing a towel over her shoulder and rapping her knuckles on the counter before the sleeping guy to wake him up.

He jerks away, and when M’gann advises him to take a cab home, drunkenly tries to finish his drink first. Unfortunately, he does so as he’s stumbling off the stool, so half of it ends up spilling on Kara’s jeans.

“S’rry,” he mumbles, and Kara exchanges a sheepish shrug with M’gann before she pushes her glass away and makes her way to the bar bathroom.

Bar bathrooms are typically terrible, but this one isn’t too bad. It still smells like beer and its floors are a little grimy, but the sink is working and there are actually napkins in the dispenser. Kara gingerly wipes at the splotch of beer on her thigh, but the best she can do is blot the excess liquid and hope it won’t stain.

“Do you want to try a makeup wipe?”

Kara nearly has a heart attack at the sound of the unfamiliar voice; she hadn’t realized that she’s not alone. And sure enough, sitting on the floor by the hand dryer (well, actually on what looks like a sweater), is someone else.

For a prolonged moment—a moment too long, probably—Kara gawks at the stranger, a woman wearing a dress more suited to a cocktail party than a bar, face half-illuminated by the dim light than the bathroom.

“Sorry,” the unfamiliar woman says when Kara doesn’t reply. “That looks bad, is all.”

Kara blinks. “Yeah. No,” she says. “It’s…pretty bad.”

A nod. “So,” the woman says. “Makeup wipe?”

“…sure?”

The woman shakily stands on tall heels, and at Kara’s questioning look, clarifies, “I’m not drunk. My legs might be asleep, though.”

“Oh! Let me, um,” Kara says, hand shooting out to catch the stranger’s waist.

The woman grips onto Kara’s arms, quirking an eyebrow almost questioningly. “Thanks,” she says. “Usually I’d say buy me dinner first, but I’m flexible.”

Kara feels her cheeks flush hot. “Sorry,” she says, realizing that she’s grabbed a little lower than intended. She quickly rectifies the mistake, ducking her head down in her embarrassment. “Are you, er, okay?”

“If this is your way of asking why I’m sitting in this bathroom instead of being out there,” the stranger says, green eyes squinting at Kara’s face, “I really should learn your name first, at least.”

“It’s…Kara.”

“Kara. Okay. I’m Lena,” says the woman, and she frowns, all at once releasing Kara’s arms. “I forgot about the makeup wipe, hold on.”

“It’s fine,” Kara tries to say, but Lena won’t hear it.

“Here,” she says, taking out a pack of wipes and pressing it into Kara’s hand. “See if that helps.”

“Thanks,” Kara says, and she tries to wipe at her now-damp jeans, but they’re only likely to be saved by a proper wash at this point. “So, um. Are you? Okay?”

Lena tilts her head, surveying Kara curiously. “You look too clean-cut for this place,” she says, in lieu of an answer.

“I come here all the time,” Kara says, confused. She’s not sure what Lena means, really, because she’s dressed like she usually is: wearing a cardigan, a button-up shirt, jeans, and flats. Sure, she doesn’t stay too long besides to take Alex home, but still. “And you—you look too fancy for this place.”

“Hence why I’m hiding in the bathroom,” Lena says, gesturing to her white dress with an exaggerated sweep of her hand. “I’ve had two people ask me if I left a wedding.”

“Did you?”

“I wish,” Lena says. “It would be much more dramatic than telling them ‘no, actually, I left an audition.’ Actresses aren’t half as interesting as jilted brides, I suppose.”

“That doesn’t really explain the hiding,” Kara says.

“I was tired of the questions.” Lena shrugs. “And you? Are you hiding?”

“Not really,” Kara says. “I’m more of…avoiding. This is apparently my sister’s idea of a good bachelorette party, but I’m also the designated driver, so…”

“It wouldn’t be my first choice,” Lena says, crinkling her nose. It’s sort of cute, really.

Kara is mystified by Lena, who’s so undoubtedly pretty but also looks sort of sad. Kara wishes she could help, but she figures her company is all she can offer.

“That’s what I said,” Kara says, and she looks at the sweater Lena had been sitting on. “Have you been here long?”

“A while,” Lena admits. “It sort of goes against the purpose of coming to a bar, I guess. I can’t get drunk in a bar bathroom, and I’m too sober for everyone else who comes in here.”

“And here I thought I was the only sober one here,” Kara says. She shrugs off her cardigan; it’s too hot in here, anyway. “Mind if I join you?”

The curiosity in Lena’s eyes comes back. “Sure,” she says. “Why not?”

Kara takes an awkward seat atop her cardigan. It doesn’t do much for the uncomfortable floor, but at least it helps keep Kara’s pants clean from the extra grime. Lena settles back on her own sweater, and they sit in silence.

Kara clears her throat about a minute in. “Do you want to go drink?”

“Not really.” Lena leans her head against the wall, and sighs. “I just wanted a distraction.”

Kara slides a little closer, closing the space between them and trying hard not to blush. “If you want,” she says, “we could—I could try to help with that.”

Lena’s lips tug upwards, almost like a smile. “Is that a pick-up line?”

So much for trying not to blush. “No!” Kara blurts out. “I just—I mean, we could go somewhere else. Like, to get something to eat, or…” She trails off, flushing, as Lena’s smile fully forms.

“You’re adorable,” Lena says, and she angles her head so Kara can see the mischievous flex of her jaw. “Okay, Kara. I’m all yours—distract me.”

(Well, no sense of trying to hide the blush now.)

[shima-draws]

I Took the Stars from My Eyes

...and then I made a map And I knew that somehow, I would find my way back...

Thanks to the brilliant @monsterunderthefedora​ for writing a couple of fics for my Timeloop AU, they inspired me to actually contribute more to my own AU lmfao so. Here I am c: (And thanks AGAIN for the awesome fics, bruh!! I really really appreciate and treasure and love them with all my heart so. You could say this is my return gift to you ^^)

Also I’m gonna put this up on Archive and FFNet in a bit, so please keep an eye out for it over there too! (It’ll be under the user Shima2112, just an FYI!)

As usual I’m a little shit who sucks at keeping things short so. You’re welcome, I guess. This is 4k words. Kill me now. Also hey, if you have no idea what the heck is going on in this fic, check out my Timeloop AU tag on this blog! Things will make a little bit more sense. Though I do sum it up pretty well in the fic too, your choice.

And, a brief summary: "Stop, s-stop it, please," Michael begs, crying heavily. "There's no point, Jer—you can't save me! Just leave me here. It's okay." "Shut the fuck up," Jeremy snaps, furious. "Don't ever talk like that. We're going to make it through this. And when we do, I'm going to kiss the hell out of you, Michael Mell." That's what does it. Michael's cheeks immediately flush with a bright pink color, enough to touch the tips of his ears. "Wh-what?" "One, two, three, go!"

This is based off the conversation I had with @monsterunderthefedora​ earlier over IM. I suggested a little something, and now I’ve gone and written about it...from my perspective of things! I hope you guys enjoy! And please don’t hate me for doing this to Michael //throws confetti

Footsteps thud loudly against the floor. Gasps heave out of his throat as he runs, breathless. The only reassuring thought he has is that his best friend is close behind, right at his heels. Having him here is more reassuring than anything.

"How much further?!"

"Down the hall, to the left! It's just outside the corridor!"

Jeremy finally skids around the corner, almost colliding into Chloe's back. Michael manages to stop right next to him, looking visibly shaken, his favorite hoodie drenched in sweat, blood and dirt. Jeremy is sure he looks equally as awful, if not worse. The circles under his eyes are the result of countless time loops before this, loops of running into dead ends, shattering windows and hungry flames devouring them all alive.

He's lost count of how many times he's been here, at Jake's house on the night of Halloween. The party had begun smoothly; it always does, but what soon comes to follow has caused him to relive the night over and over, stuck on repeat.

Most of the time, Rich is the cause of the fire. Sometimes, he isn't. But either way, it's a fated event. Something that always happens, no matter what the circumstance, even if Jeremy tries to prevent it from even starting. By now he's learned to stop wasting time worrying about when the fire is going to start, and more on how to get everyone out safely.

He hasn't succeeded with that. Yet. Hence why he's gone through so many timelines.

He should feel blessed that he's been given a second chance to save his friends from a burning doom—and a third chance, and a fourth, and a fifth, and all the way up until now. But he's sick of this, sick of seeing them die, sick of hearing them cry out for help or sacrifice themselves for somebody else.

He just wants to go home. Maybe curl up in bed with Michael and bury his nose into that faded red hoodie.

He's come to understand, over many time loops and endless conversations with his other half, that he is hopelessly and absolutely in love with Michael Mell. However, in the midst of all of this insanity, he hasn't really been in the mood to confess his feelings. It's always too hectic to say the words, too crazy and chaotic. It's never been a good time.

"What are you standing there for?! We have to keep moving!" He snaps, giving Chloe a shove.

The girl stumbles forward and swears at him. Well, at least that tactic worked. He's not here to babysit these guys; he tried that once already and it didn't end well. Knives got involved. Don't ask him how, he doesn't like remembering.

Suddenly the house lets out a horrible groaning sound, as loud as a freight train. Jeremy's eyes dart around in fear, looking for the source of the noise. What now? He can't remember what happens next, he's gone through this too many times to keep track. Events change in every timeline, leading to an infinite amount of possibilities of the ways the house can kill them.

"Shit!"

The cry comes from Michael, who is staring at the ceiling, mouth taut.

Jeremy doesn't have time to respond as the teen suddenly shoots towards him.

"Jeremy, look out!"

He feels a weight slam into his side, sending him sprawling across the floor. An enormous crash sounds from the ceiling, and he watches in horror as it collapses on top of Michael, showering him in wooden debris and bits of furniture from upstairs.

"Michael! No!" He shrieks, his voice cracking in the middle.

Immediately he's on his feet again, throwing apart pieces of wood and broken glass.

"Oh fuck," Rich breathes from several paces in front of him. The rest of the group turn around and race over to help, digging through the remains of the ceiling.

"Michael!" Jeremy cries out, shaking. "Michael, Michael, answer me! Michael!"

This can't be happening. He doesn't want to start over again. He doesn't want to rewind time and reset it all again!

"Jeremy, over here!"

He kicks up dirt as he goes, scrambling over to Brooke. She has uncovered a portion of the wreckage, revealing a red piece of clothing decorated with dust.

"Michael!" He screams, giving all he has to clear the rest of it away. Christine and Jake lean over to help, tossing broken pieces of houseware over their shoulders.

Finally a face appears amongst the mess, and Jeremy chokes on a gasp.

"M!"

Within moments he's in the taller boy's arms, his head cradled against Jeremy's chest.

"Michael," Jeremy whispers, rubbing dirt off his cheek with a sleeve. Probably not that affective since Jeremy's shirt is also covered in grime.

"...He's not answering," Jenna whimpers, shaking.

"Michael." The brunette tries again, withholding a sob. "Hey, c-come on, you knucklehead. Wake up. We gotta go."

"Jeremy..." Christine reaches out to him, her eyes full of sadness.

"No, no, no," Jeremy slaps her hand away, shaking his head. "He's fine. He's okay. He—he has to be..."

"Come on, you guys." Rich beckons them all away, to give them a little privacy. The others stand up and follow, silent and melancholy.

"Michael," Jeremy cries, shaking his friend. "Michael, Michael, wake up. I need you, M. I need my player one, come on, please..."

He lowers his head until it's resting on Michael's chest, bawling. It can't be over already. Not like this. How many times has it been, now? How many times has he seen Michael die like this?

Suddenly Michael's chest moves, slowly but surely. His breathing makes Jeremy's head go up and down. And then, like a miracle, he releases a quiet cough.

Jeremy shoots up, eyes wide.

"Michael?!"

"Ugh," Michael groans, his voice a low croak.

The brunette releases a yell of joy and tackles his friend, squeezing him tightly. His call alerts the rest of the gang, who come rushing over.

"Ohhh, Michael! Thank god! You scared the absolute shit out of me!"

"S'rry," comes a mumbled response. Jeremy looks up to see the shorter boy shooting him a crooked grin, his eyes-half lidded.

"Never do anything like that ever again, you asshole," he demands, reaching up to pinch Michael's cheeks playfully.

"Yeah, yeah...”

Jeremy sits up and helps Michael do the same, watching warily as he looks around, disoriented. There's something wrong with the way his eyes wander, almost lost, and there is a weird sense of panic emanating from him. But there isn't time to think about that, they have to get moving. So Jeremy hurries on to the more important questions.

"Are you okay? Is anything broken?"

Michael's eyebrows draw together and he slowly starts wiggling parts of his body cautiously. Finally he puffs out a breath, sounding a bit wheezy.

"No, don' think so," he manages to mumble, wincing. "'M definitely bruised though. And I hit my head real hard."

Jeremy frowns and brushes his hand against Michael's temple, making a noise of concern when something sticky and warm coats his fingers.

"You're bleeding," he observes, leaning over to inspect the damage better. It looks like there's a lot of blood, but Michael is awake and coherent, so it can't be that bad, right? He desperately hopes so.

"Jeremy, we gotta go," Brooke pleads, her eyes wide and her hair frazzled as she peers around anxiously.

"Right, okay," he nods, moving to help Michael stand. Rich comes over to assist, and both of them manage to stand the shaky boy up on his feet. The injured teen groans but steadies himself, shaking the dizziness off.

"You okay, M?" Jeremy murmurs, wrapping an arm around his best friend's shoulder for support as the group finally starts to move. Embers lick at their feet as they stumble amongst the debris of the fallen ceiling, looking for the next closest exit.

"Uhh," Michael swallows, his fingers clamping tightly down on Jeremy's shoulder. Terror flashes across his face for a split second and then he's grinning, albeit with a grimace. "Y-yeah. Just hurts a lil'. I'm fine."

Jeremy notices the slur in his words and chews his lip. Clearly he isn't as fine as he says, if the glazed look in his eyes have anything to do with it. But they don't have time to worry about that—they can fret over Michael once they're out. Or, if something happens and Jeremy's forced to reset the timeline again, there's no need to worry at all. He really hopes it doesn't come to that, though, even though that's the most probable outcome, as usual.

"Jeremy!"

Jeremy hurries his pace, Michael barely managing to keep up with him, and pales when he realizes that half of the floor is gone. The others are looking at him worriedly, their bodies slack with exhaustion, their eyes full of despair. They look about ready to give up.

But he isn't going to let that happen. They've come this far, they can make it this time! He's sure of it.

"We'll jump across," he says firmly, determined. "Jake, can you see a solid place to land that won't collapse?"

Jake looks somewhat surprised at being addressed, but he takes a moment to look across the gap and nod.

"Yeah. See that stretch of tile over there? That should be enough to hold us."

"Okay, good," Jeremy releases Michael after making sure he can stand on his own, and then walks to the edge of the chasm in the floor. Below is a sea of swirling flames, a death sentence to anyone who'd fall in. He gulps and starts to hype himself up. If he hesitates, even for a second, it's the end.

"I need one of you to jump over first," he turns to Jake and Rich, and almost laughs at the way they look terrified. If the situation were any different, he probably would laugh.

"Come on," the brunette urges, beckoning them forward. "One of you needs to get over there first to catch the rest of us."

"Why don't you do it?" Rich mumbles weakly.

"Do I look strong enough to catch you?" Jeremy deadpans, holding out his sorry excuse for arms. They look more like pool noodles, if he's being honest.

"Yeah, alright, I'll go," Jake sighs, his shoulders tending up.

Christine almost steps forward to grab his arm, but she holds herself back, waiting.

"C-can you make it?!" Chloe squeaks, chewing on her fingernails as she stands close to Brooke. Jenna is behind her, shockingly silent for once. She looks tired.

Jake shoots her a cocky smile, but it's half-hearted at best. "Course I can. Just watch."

"Be careful," Brooke whispers, trembling.

Jake nods and blows out an exhale. Then, he backs up, crouching low. Jeremy holds his breath.

Jake darts forward and leaps, flying across the gap. For a moment it looks like he's going to fall, but he clears the space easily, landing several feet beyond the edge of the hole. He holds himself still for a couple seconds, and then he straightens out, all of the tension in his muscles dissolving.

He turns around and gives the group a large, shaky grin. His face is white as a sheet.

"Made it!" He calls over.

"Okay, who's next?"

Jeremy looks at the rest of the group, and they all avoid his eyes, fear clearly written across their faces. He sighs and rubs his temples. He can understand how frightened they are, but now really isn't the time to be hesitant. They don't exactly have all the time in the world to stand here deciding whether to jump or not. The flames devour the walls around them, threatening to bring the whole house down, and if they don't go now they'll be caught in it. Michael had almost been taken out by the house before.

"Come on, you guys. The hardest part is over. Jake's over there to catch you. Unless you'd rather turn around?" He knows he shouldn't be so harsh, but if this is the only way to snap them to attention he will.

Christine takes a brave step forward but before she can get far Chloe pushes her out of the way, her heels clicking across the floor. She looks absolutely terrified, but she tries to hide it with a fierce expression.

"You'd better catch me, Jake!" She shouts, her hands shaking at her sides.

"I will," Jake says honestly.

Seeing that he's being genuine, Chloe takes a deep breath. Brooke covers her eyes, whispering, "I can't look," and Jenna shifts her feet from side to side, visibly anxious.

Chloe jumps, a frightened scream tearing out of her throat. Jake lunges forward and snatches her out of the air, his arms wrapping firmly around her waist.

They stand there awkwardly for a moment before he sets her down, eyes full of relief. Chloe throws her head up and huffs, announcing, "That was so easy!" But it isn't difficult to see just how scared she was as she distances herself from the hole, not wanting to be near it.

"I'll head over next," Rich says, and Jeremy nods.

The rest of them watch nervously as he makes his leap across the gap, skidding to a stop on the other side. He gives them a thumbs up, mouth stretched wide in a grin.

"Okay, Brooke, your turn," Jeremy coaxes her gently, his eyes flickering to the oncoming wall of fire behind them. "Hurry, now."

Brooke stays in place and shakes her head, tears gathering in her eyes. "I can't. I'm too scared!"

"Hey, hey," Jeremy places a comforting hand on her shoulder, trying to seem reassuring.

"It's gonna be just fine, Brooke. They won't let you fall. They'll catch you."

The blonde sobs and buries her head in her hands, trembling. "B-but what if I do fall? What if—"

"Just don't think about it." He says firmly, cutting her off. "Run and jump. Don't even think about the "what ifs". If you do, you'll just psyche yourself out."

She peers at him through the gaps in her fingers, sniffling.

"Will you help me?"

He nods, his hand sliding down to her back to guide her forward. "Yeah. I'll be right here, okay?"

Brooke rubs her arms and gazes across the pit, managing a nervous smile at Chloe, who waves at her from the other side.

"That's it. You can do it. Alright, on the count of three. One...two...three...jump!"

Brooke springs into the air, soaring across. Her hair whips wildly out behind her. Simultaneously Rich and Jake reach out to catch her. A horrible second passes and Jeremy's stomach clenches, watching as Brooke falls closer to the edge...

The boys both grab an arm and haul her up, and she embraces them both, crying. Jeremy breathes out a sigh of relief. Now there's only four of them left, and time isn't really on their side at the moment. The fire is fast approaching, creeping slowly across the wooden floorboards, mere yards away from Michael's back.

Jenna goes next, and it's so strange not to see her upbeat and hyper as she usually is. Her face is solemn as she locks eyes with the others from far away. She pumps herself up before taking flight, landing safely on the opposite end.

Jeremy turns to Christine, who gives him a silent nod. It seems she has readied herself while the others were traveling over to the other side. She makes it over in one piece as well, almost tripping as she touches down on the floor.

"Okay, Michael," Jeremy hurries over to his friend, who is staring blankly ahead, his vision unfocused.

Jeremy notices this and regards him worriedly. "Michael?"

"Hmm?" Michael tilts his head towards the taller teen, and his eyes seem to look right through him.

"Are you okay? You look really spaced out," Jeremy whispers, even though he knows the others are too far away to hear.

The bespectacled boy nods slowly, biting his lip. "Mm. Yeah. Jus'...still a lil' out of it, I think."

"Shit, how hard did you hit your head?"

And Jeremy reaches over and smooths Michael's bangs back, flaring in alarm when he realizes the other teen is very, very warm.

"Jer," Michael murmurs, searching for his sleeve. Once he finds it he grabs on, fingers clenching. "Jer, I don' feel so good."

For some reason, hearing this makes Jeremy want to cry. "I—I know, M. Just...just a little longer, okay? Once we get out of here we'll get you checked out. As soon as we make it over this hole—"

Michael shakes his head, preventing him from finishing. He has a look of sad acceptance on his face, his hand falling to his side.

"You go on without me, Jer. I don' think 'm gonna make it."

Fear shoots up Jeremy's spine like lightning, and suddenly he can't breathe—and that's not because of the choking smoke in the air. He releases a pathetic whimper and latches on to Michael's arm, tugging him along.

"No, no, don't say that, Michael," he whines, pulling him away from the oncoming fire.

"We—we have to make it out. We're going, we're going together."

Michael halts, gently moving his arm out of the brunette's grip.

"This's it for me," he continues softly, as if he's trying to soothe Jeremy. "You'll havta beat the game without me, J."

"No!" Jeremy shouts, tears already beginning to slide down his cheeks, making tracks through the dirt on his face.

"I'm not leaving without you! I won't do it!"

"Please, just go. There's no time—"

"Shut up! Shut up, shut up, you're coming with me and that's final! Don't you dare—" He heaves out a sob, voice breaking. "D-don't you dare give up, M-Michael. Don't you d-dare leave me again..."

Michael regards him sadly, tears clinging to his own eyelashes.

"Just...just c-come on. Why can't you do it? You can jump, r-right? Or is there something wrong with your legs...?" At this, the boy in the red hoodie glances away, looking pale.

And then it hits him.

"No...no way," he mutters, backing away. He tosses his head from side to side, clenching his teeth.

"No way...no...! No, that can't be—!"

"That's why I can't go," Michael admits, his voice more small and timid than Jeremy has ever heard it before.

The way his eyes look so lost and distant, the way they can't focus on anything, even the way he stumbled through the house, holding onto Jeremy's arm for support.

He's blind.

The impact from the ceiling falling on top of him had taken its toll. Severe head trauma, combined with a limited amount of oxygen—yes, that was enough to rob somebody of their sight and render them helpless. Jeremy had no idea if it was permanent or only temporary, but it was enough. Enough to prevent Michael from escaping. Enough to make Jeremy have to rewind time again...

No. No. I won't. I won't restart, not this time!

"We're going," he says firmly, looping his arm around Michael's. The other boy's face becomes panic-stricken.

"Wh...what are you doing?! Are you insane?!"

"Yes," Jeremy responds without any hesitation. He's been through so many time loops now, he'd honestly be more surprised if he was still sane. "I'm getting you over there even if it means I kill myself in the process."

And it's these words that make Michael start to struggle, batting his free hand against him in an attempt to break free.

"No! Let me go! Jeremy—you'll die!"

"We won't know until we try! And I'd rather die trying than give up and be burned to death." He hisses severely, backing up. They're going to have to make a run for it. Luckily the path ahead of them is clear of any debris, so Michael doesn't have to worry about tripping on something he can't see.

"Stop, s-stop it, please," Michael begs, crying heavily. "There's no point, Jer—you can't save me! Just leave me here. It's okay."

"Shut the fuck up," Jeremy snaps, furious. "Don't ever talk like that. We're going to make it through this. And when we do, I'm going to kiss the hell out of you, Michael Mell."

That's what does it. Michael's cheeks immediately flush with a bright pink color, enough to touch the tips of his ears.

"Wh-what?"

"One, two, three, go!"

With his shout the two of them dash forward, putting all they have into their legs. Michael lets out a terrified wail, and then they're airborne, weightless. Jeremy can feel the intensity of the heat right below him, can feel the flames touching the soles of his sneakers—he can hear Michael yelling from next to him, his arm holding him so tightly that he can feel his bones creaking—he sees the other end of the floor, rapidly approaching, sees Rich and Jake and Jenna as well hold their arms out wide.

He and Michael crash headfirst into the three of them, and it's enough to make them topple over in a heap. Christine, Brooke and Chloe gather around them, shrieking worriedly, and help them to their feet.

"Jesus Christ, Jeremy, that was the craziest shit I've ever seen you do," Jake gasps, standing up with Jenna's assistance.

"Why the hell did you two jump at the same time?!" Chloe exclaims, looking more scared than angry.

But Jeremy pays them no mind. Instead he rolls over and flops on top of Michael, whose sightless gaze is fixed on the ceiling. He seems to be in shock, and a little winded.

"I told you we'd make it," Jeremy murmurs, and then he kisses him fully on the mouth.

Gasps erupt from the other members of the group, and he's almost sure he can hear the sound of a camera shutter going off in the background. He's too far gone to really care, lost in the scent of his favorite person, even though it's masked by smoke and dust and burnt wood.

It takes a moment, but Michael finally responds, groaning happily into Jeremy's mouth. Even though their world as they know it is falling apart at the seams, even though the roof might crash on their heads at any moment—they drown in each other, teeth clacking, tongues tussling. It's messy and it's sweet and in the midst of all this chaos it's the most wonderful thing in existence.

Eventually the boys break away, completely breathless. However they look livelier than they have in a forever, across countless time loops. Jeremy has never felt more alive than he does right now.

They stagger to their feet, dizzy, elated. The remainder of the teens' expressions show something Jeremy hasn't seen in a while: happiness. And hope, too. And maybe a bit of amusement as well.

"That was hot," Brooke comments offhandedly, squealing when Chloe elbows her in the side.

"Well..."

Christine smiles and starts to walk ahead, being careful of the hanging wood up above. The rest of them chuckle and start to follow her, picking their way through the mess.

"Hold my hand," Jeremy whispers, reaching over to interlock his fingers with Michael's. The other boy squeezes his hand, his expression showing nothing but utmost love and trust. Jeremy is his guide now, his escape, his sight, his freedom.

"Don't let go. Stay with me."

They follow the gang further into the smog. Their future is so uncertain. They may not even get to see the light of day. They might have to start all over from the beginning, in a new timeline. And if they do make it out, Michael might stay blind forever. But for now, they hold on to each other, and they will for their hope and their love to carry on into the future—whether it be their own, or them from another time—and take a step forward.

"Always."

Da da daaaaah, and that’s the end!!

I hope you all enjoyed that angsty fluffy sappy mess! It was fun to write~

Also, a couple of things:

*Jake’s house is three stories. I figure he probably has rich parents. Or, ya know, HAD. So in this fic they’re on the ground floor--so it’s possible for the ceiling to cave in and the floor to collapse as well. Just to clear that up if it was confusing!

*I have NO IDEA about blindness and if it can really be caused by a ceiling falling on your head. I’m sure it would hurt though. I did a little research and it is possible to go blind from a severe head injury. Combined with all the smoke Michael had been inhaling, he lost a lot of oxygen, so it’s probably possible an accident like that and the oxygen deprivation could take away his sight, even temporarily. But don’t quote me on that. It’s fiction, I’m allowed to bend the rules a little, right?

*I have a lot more ideas for this AU I might write in the future, who knows. But...if you guys are interested, and if you want to come and talk to me about your own ideas--please do! The possibilities of what could happen in all the different timelines are endless, so come and suggest stuff! I’m totally open to chatting about all the different tragedies these kids could go through--//shot (And hell, I already have such awesome support already, from the person who wrote me short fics about this AU--which are also under my Timeloop AU tag here, so please be sure to read them they’re so awesome!!)

Okey thank you for your time, have a great day, I hope I didn’t completely destroy your hearts and souls with this. IT HAD A HAPPY ENDING. I have a legit excuse hhh

[babylon-bitch]

Just Friends ~ First Love (part 45)

Harper White is best friends with Luke Hemmings, they always have been. Not only is she friends with the rockstar, but with the rest of 5 Seconds Of Summer, as well as a really nice girl named Erika.

Harper has a few secrets, she can play all the instruments the boys play and many more. It’s a talent she has kept hidden, only very few people know.

What will happen to the six teens, wondering around the world together?

***

Throwing my phone across the room and hearing it clatter to the ground. “Fuck,” I mutter and sit on my bed, my head inmmy hands.

“Luke?” The voice of Ashton asks.

“What?” I snap.

“Do you wanna talk about it?” He asks from behind the door

“No.” I say and lean back on my bed.

“Come on Luke, you can’t just bottle this stuff up, as you’ve told her many times. Take your own advice.” He tells me and I roll my eyes.

Standing up I walk towards the door and swing the door open. “There’s nothing to talk about, I fucked up, she’s mad and upset at me for it, and is blaming this all on me, she has a point, and I see that but I just don’t want to believe it. She said she regrets dating me for a year and being friends with me for 18 years. Do you know how much that hurts to hear? Especially coming from her. I loved her, man, I still do. We promised we’d always love each other, I don’t know about her, but I’ve definitely kept my side of the deal up. Even 10-20 years from now, I can still see myself loving her, even if I’ve found a new girl and she is my wife, I have a couple kids, I’ll still love her. I think with ever big milestone in my life, I’ll always expect her to be there, if I’m getting married to a different woman, I’m gonna be convinced she’s gonna be there, either to object or just be there watching. I love her, you know that, but I miss her as a person, always being there. If I can’t have her as my girlfriend, I’d take her as my bestfriend. I want to go through life with my bestfriend if I can’t have her as my girlfriend, having families of our own and living next door to each other. We’ve made all these plans together as best friends before we were even dating, and now I don’t have anyone to do all these things with. I had my whole life planned around her and now that she’s gone, it’s all come tumbling down.” I let it all out. “Fuck it, fuck her, fuck this.”

“You’ll find somone, trust me.” Ashton says.

“I don’t want anyone, I just want her.” I admit. “Maybe I should regret all these years too, even if she was my first love.”

“I think your first love will always manage to stick with you. Whether it’s them or the experiences. Your first, wow. And your firsts are unforgettable. The first time for absoloutly everything. For loving, caring, giving your heart out. Experiencing sadness, grief, and betrayal. It all comes back to that one person who made you see these aspects of life. So no matter where you end up, always know that you should be grateful for the first person you passed when you realised what love truly is. Because it doesn’t matter if it didn’t end well, at least you learnt everything you needed to. In a couple weeks, months, years, whatever the amount of time it takes to get over Harper, those experiences were needed and the person was needed.” Ashton wisely states.

Harper’s P.O.V.

Harshly connecting my charger with my phone and slamming it onto my bedside table, I go get dressed into somthing more suitable to go out in. Just some leggings, an old band t shirt, and slipping on my leather jacket as I walk out the door.

Stepping inside of the elevator and pressing my head against the wall, after I’d pressed the ground floor. This elevator has always smelt weird, a bit of chicken and a milkshake, as well as shoe polish. If somone dropped their dinner in here once, I don’t think it was gonna be very nice anyway.

The elevator doors open and I step out, being met by silence and absoloutly nothing.

Pushing the doors open and I brace myself for the cold wind. “Ah fuck.” I hiss and stuff my hands into my pockets. I don’t have any specific destination, I’m just gonna walk till my mind is clear, which might actually take me all the way back to Australia and back 73 times.

I’m gonna have to face all my friends, knowing they’ve seen me in that way. They’re always on Twitter, so you can bet your ass they will see it. I’ve also got everyone at uni, who will also most likely see them.

There’s not just pictures of those sorts, they’ve got private photos of us. We weren’t too private about our relationship, but we also weren’t too public. Sure, there were always pictures fans or people had taken every fortnight or somthing, and we’d be holding hands, a little affectionate kiss on the cheek or forehead, but we’d rarely post pictures of us being couply and gross.

I remember the first time Luke posted a picture of us after we’d (well Michael) just announced it. It was a picture of us cuddling and the caption was ‘after show vibes’.

“Blake?” I question.

“Harper?” The voice questions back.

Here Blake sits on a bench, opposite his apartment building, on his phone. “What are you doing out this late?” You ask.

“I could ask the same.” He smirks.

“Touchè.” I mumble and take a seat next to him.

“You’re really pretty.” He says and puts a hand on my shoulder.

“Are you drunk, Blake?” I question and stand up.

“Maybe.” He giggles and reaches out for me.

“That explains why you are out here.” I mutter. “Come on, let’s go home.” I tell him and grab his arm, but stop when he holds my arm too.

“You have a tattoo? When did you get that?” He asks and brings it closer to his eyes.

“I’ve had it for ages.” I confess and glare at the ink.

“What does it say? I can’t read upside down.” He giggles again.

“Uh, it says Luke.” I tell him, my voice waving a bit.

“He’s your ex-boyfriend, right?” He asks.

“Um, y-yeah.”

“I don’t know him, but he didn’t deserve you. No one deserves that.” He says.

“Let’s just get you to your house.” I ignore his statement. “How drunk are you?”

“I don’t know.” He laughs and stands up. “Not enough so I can’t get up.”

“Evidently.” I roll your eyes.

We manage to cross the road easily, with him holding my hand and giggling almost the whole time. I’m guessing he’s a happy drunk.

“Where even were you?” I ask and I press the button to open the elevator doors.

“I was at some guy’s party, I can’t miss it, I’ve got a reputation to keep up.” He explains as we walk into the elevator, pressing his floor.

“Blake, this isn’t high school anymore.” I point out as we both lean on opposite walls.

“But partying is fun! You’re such an old lady.” He teases.

“Yeah, partying can be fun, but not every single fucking week. Don’t you get tired of seeing the same people, seeing the same people getting shit faced, probably waking up in some chicks room?”

“Ohhh, sassy, Harper, is here.” He laughs. “I don’t fucking know, I just want some cheese.” He whines.

“You don’t like cheese.” I point out.

“I do when it’s melted.” He says as if it’s the most obvious thing.

“So you want a bowl of melted cheese?” I ask.

“Ewww, no, I hate cheese.” He whines.

“I will hit you.” I threaten when the elevator doors open.

“Oh my God, how about melted cheese on pizza!” He excitedly exclaims.

“Melted cheese is on pizza, Blake.” I tell him.

“Can we get pizza?” He begs when we reach his door.

“You can get a pizza, Blake, but I won’t be joining you.” I inform him.

“But who else is gonna eat and watch cartoons with me, and has a pretty face?” He questions.

“What if I was ugly?” I ask.

“Well nothing about you could be ugly, I mean look at you.” He says.

“That doesn’t really answer my question, but okay. Where is your key? And I’m not reaching into your pockets.”

“You’re always welcome in my pants.” He winks and I glare at him.

“Come on.” I rush him.

“I would try and come but you haven’t even done anything yet.” He smirks.

“I will not hesitate to to turn around.” I warn him.

“Fine, geez, not a fan of sexual activities, I get it.” He puts his hands up in surrender and pulls out his key from his pocket. “Are you a virgin?” He questions as he opens his door.

“Blake!” I hit his chest, causing him to laugh.

“Well, are you?” He repeats.

“Uh, no, if you have to know.” I sigh.

“Ohhh, scandalous. When did you lose it?”

“When I was 17. You probably lost it when you were 7.” I laugh.

“No, 16. Was it good?” He asks.

“Why am I having a conversation about sex with you?” I ask in a groan.

“Because I’m a sex God.” He claims.

“And an ego the size of Kim Kardashian’s ass.” I say.

“When was the last time you had sex?” He asks.

“I didn’t sign up for a quiz about my sex life.” I sigh and we sit down on the sofa.

“When was the last time then?” He ignores me.

“Uh, Christmas time.” I shrug.

“That’s less than three weeks ago, damn.” He laughs.

“Let me guess how many people your fucked since then. So, 15, and you’ve probably fathered at least two of them, haven’t called any of them back, and already have another 15 lined up, pun not intended.” I tell him.

“I’ve been with about 3 or 4 people, no one has really come back. Every on has come back today, hence why there was a party. There are a few girls that don’t wanna get with them.” He corrects.

“Yeah, they’re smart girls. Who are they?” I ask.

“Juliet, Izzy, Tori, and you.” He answers.

“Well, sorry to crush your dreams, babe, but it’s gonna stay like that, at least with me.” I inform.

“The offer is always there.” He smirks.

“Gee, thanks, you’re so generous.” I reply.

“Or, I could always, hook you up with somone and then they could tell me what you’re like in bed.” He says.

“I’m so over this conversation.” I laugh.

“I’ve missed you.” He giggles and lays his head on my lap.

“You saw me last week.” I point out.

“Well it’s not yesterday.” He moans.

“I don’t think I could handle being with you everyday.” I tell him and run my hand through his quiff.

Luke’s P.O.V.

“Do I make this professional or ‘casual’?” I ask.

“Meaning?” Calum ask.

“Like, do I put, ‘I regret to inform you, but I fucked up my relationship with my girlfriend, now ex girlfriend, sincerely yours, Harper’s dick of an ex boyfriend’ or ‘Harper and I have broken up, sorry to burst your bubble, - Luke’ somthing along the lines of that. Which one?”

I’ve currently got my phone in my hands, constantly typing then deleting what I’ve written in my notes. I’m trying to figure out how to tell the fans that Harper and I are no longer together.

“I think casually.” Erika says.

“I agree, but not like really casual, add a little sophistication.” Ashton adds.

“Casual it is.” I purse my lips. “Can you check it after I’m finished?”

“Yeah, of course.” Michael smiles.

They start to talk about some kind of tv show, but my mind drifts elsewhere.

I’m sad to announce, that Harper and I aren’t together at this moment in time. We’d appreciate it if you gave us some privacy for a while, we will be back soon enough, but we both need some time to step away from the internet and stuff. You’ve also probably seen some pictures of us, we’d appreciate if you didn’t make a big deal about it. Maybe we were meant to be, maybe we weren’t, but it’s just another chapter in our life, it might be painful to tell, but it was one of the best experiences of my life. Love you guys, sorry to bring this awful news to you, but everything happens for a reason. Be back soon

- Luke xxx

“Um, d-done.” I say and pass my phone to Maddie.

“Yeah, I think that’s alright.” She nods after a while and passes my phone to Erika.

“Yeah, that’s absoloutly fine.” Erika smiles, passes my phone to Calum.

“Good job,” he tells me and gives Michael my phone.

“Well said.” Michael agrees, throwing Ashton the phone.

“Cool, are you just posting it to Twitter?” Ashton asks and returns my phone.

“Probably.” I say and screenshot it, before going to the Twitter app. I add a little heart as the caption and hover over the tweet button but I just can’t find myself doing it. “Should I send this to Harper first?”

“If you really want to, I don’t really see the point in it. She asked you to tell everyone, so here you are.” Calum says.

“Fuck, I can’t do it, somebody do it for me.” I sigh.

“I’ll do it.” Ashton volunteers and I pass him my phone. “Done.”

“Oh my God.” I mutter.

Harper’s P.O.V.

“Okay, bye Blake, I’ll see you later or somthing.” I say as I walk out the door.

“Bye, thanks for the food, you absolute godess.” He calls, making me laugh.

“Any time. Actually don’t take that seriously, or I will be here all he time.” I tell him and I close the door behind me

I make my way all the way down to the ground floor and and into the really fresh air. It’s still dark and dead out here, an occasional car going by every now and then.

Pulling my phone out of my pocket and scrolling through Twitter, I’ve got nothing better to do, other than stare at nothing, thinking about how it all went wrong.

Suddenly I freeze as I notice a tweet from Luke; the guy who broke my heart. He’s told the fans about our break up, I didn’t expect him to do it right away, I thought it would at least be in a few days or a week or so, not now. I didn’t prepare myself for it, I didn’t get a warning, nothing.

I re-read the tweet over and over, by the 15th time I’ve read it, I’ve got a fucking waterfall in my eyes.

***

It’s the next day now, well, I say next day, I mean it’s the morning and I’m in broad daylight.

I’m in my bedroom messing around with my acoustic guitar. I’m kinda writing a song, but also just jamming out. Placing a pen in my mouth, both ends of the pen coming out of my mouth, as I just finished a whole verse and try and come up with a way for the music to go well the lyrics.

After a couple hours, I finish the song, which I will say myself, I’m very proud of it. It really portrays how I feel right now, I couldn’t possibly say I’m happy, it would probably be the biggest lie I’d ever told.

Deciding to play it through for the second time, I place my fingers on the frets, before taking a big inhale.

“Well I’m so tired of the rain falling softly on the ground, Just enough to get my feet wet but not enough to let me drown. I’ve been laying in my bed wishing I had never woken, Begging god to rid my head of every word you’ve ever spoken. Broke my knuckles on the wall because I thought about the call Where you said you’d always love me, do you not tell the truth at all? Well if I ever cross your mind, make sure you write down the times So I will know the moments I was eating you alive.

Now I lay here waiting with the hope that I might find some sleep I need some sleep tonight, Cause I’ve been waiting on your call but I know it will never come but I’m still waiting by the phone.

And don’t you dare, don’t you dare, Say you ever loved me or even tell me that you cared Cause you knew what you were doing and you know just what you’ve done How dare you say you miss me with your spit still on her tongue. I am broken. I am beaten. I’m mistreated and I’m torn. I am cold with no direction but I’m lost without your warmth. I’m trying hard to find some hope that I might get the chance to breathe. Get off my mind, give back my heart and get the fuck away from me!

I know I couldn’t give you much, but I know I gave my best, I was always your princess, and now you’re sliding up her dress And I know I gave the world everything I’ve ever had, Johnny Cash said love would burn, I never thought it’d hurt this bad.

Well I’m so tired of the rain falling softly on the ground, Just enough to get my feet wet but not enough to let me drown. I’ve been laying in my bed wishing I had never woken, Begging god to rid my head of every word you’ve ever spoken. Broke my knuckles on the wall because I thought about the call Where you said you’d always love me, do you not tell the truth at all? Well if I ever cross your mind make sure you write down the times, So I will know the moments I was eating you alive.

You are the itch that’s on my back. You are the gum under my shoe. You are the horrors of my past. You are the chill that haunts the room. You are the creaking on my steps. You are cancer. You are plague. You are regret. You are disease. I wish that you would go away.”

I play the last the last sting and take my fingers off the frets, which now have little line indents on the tips.

“Wow, I didn’t know you could sing, let alone play guitar.” A voice makes me jump.

Whipping my head round, surprised my head didn’t fly off to France. Standing by my bedroom door is Tori, Izzy, Blake, Juliet, and three other people that are friends of Blake.

“Oh, uh, hey guys.” I awkwardly wave, before I hang the guitar on the stand.

“Is that an original?” Juliet asks.

“Yeah.” I nod.

“How long have you been writing?” Tori asks.

“Probably since I was 13, 14. When did you get home?” I ask, trying to change the subject

“Around 9 this morning.” She shrugs.

“You, Izzy?”

“Last night, I can’t quite remember I just face planted my bed, didn’t even get changed.” She laughs.

“So uhm, Harper, these pictures, you are looking hella fine.” James smirks. James is one of Blake’s friends, I’ve met quite a few times at parties or over at Blake’s house.

“What?” Blake questions.

“Have you not seen them? They’re trending on Twitter.” James says and passes Blake his phone.

“Holy shit, Harper. Did you post these?” He questions and passes James’ phone to Tyler, who is also here.

“Of course not, my um, ex boyfriend’s phone got hacked into and some pictures leaked.” I glare at the boys.

“Ex?” Tori questions.

“It’s bound to be trending too.” I snap slightly.

“The pros of having a famous friend.” Alex laughs, another one of Blake’s friends, I’ve only seen him at parties and I think I have a lecture with him.

“I’m not famous!” I exclaim.

“The verification mark says differently.” Tyler smirks.

“Babe, I’m so sorry.” Izzy says and pulls me into a hug.

“It’s fine, I’ll get over him.” I sigh.

It’s not fine and I won’t get over him, ever.

[somesortofitalianroast]

When my back aches: I work for the Queen

Thanks again to @beachsequence and @bonos-grindcore-sideproject for giving me the idea all those months ago. Those fractions can be found here and here. As usual, this story fragment can also be found on my blog. 

This fragment starts a few seconds after the previous one left off. The two of them (Paul and Pat) tell each other what they know of the other. A lot of backstory is given, and a lot of it is immediately shot down as false. A lot of tea is drunk, and no one is poisoned. 

Can anyone figure out what is really going on? What Queen is she referring to? More information will be found in Fragment 4 (already written) and Fragment 5 (not even started). 

Warning for a character death (which happened long before the story began), references to alcoholism, references to child abuse, and guns. Americans do seem to love their guns in my stories. 

“I work for the Queen.” It was the first thing either of them had said in a while.

Paul managed to pick himself up off of the dirty floor outside his flat, and staggered inside. He managed to lock his front door, and lurched down the short hallway to his kitchen, where she was already making tea. Paul decided it wasn’t worth even wondering how she knew where he kept his tea, and collapsed into a chair at his table, head in his right hand. His left arm hurt like hell, the pain centered around his upper arm where her first strike with that collapsible bow staff had hit. He hoped she hadn’t broken it, as that would be hard to explain to the higher ups. The kettle clicked off and she poured the boiling water into two cups, before pulling the milk out of the fridge. She sniffed it, nodded, and placed it on the countertop. She pulled a mobile phone from nowhere, and started typing rapidly. After a few seconds, she looked up, smirked, and continued typing. Paul watched her with a cautious gaze as she prepared the tea, still typing rapidly. She added a splash of milk to both, and a spoonful of sugar to one, and placed the unsweetened one in front of him. He didn’t bother wondering how she knew how he took his tea. He sipped it, figuring that there were better ways to poison him, if she was so inclined. She smirked again, still typing rapidly, as she sipped her tea. It was only after Paul had finished his that she spoke.

“I work for the Queen,” she’d said. Paul glanced up at her, considering. He pushed his Republicanism aside, comparing what he knew to what she’d said.

“No, you don’t.” He stood, flicking the kettle on with practiced ease, and gathered his briefcase from where she’d dropped it. “You’re American, served in their military at some point. It’s unlikely a special forces soldier would work for the British Crown.”

“You certainly did your homework, Detective. But, you have me confused for someone else. I never served in the military.” She pulled her small briefcase into her lap, and pulled the casefile from it, laying it on the table. She pulled three more casefiles out, and placed them on top of the first. She opened the top casefile.

“Paul Padraig O’Connell. Born 10 May 1959, not 1969, as you’ve led people to believe. Not surprised, given that you look like you’re in your forties, not your sixties. Youngest of four. Much youngest of four. You’re the youngest person to make Detective with the Dublin Garda since Irish Independence, a functioning alcoholic, and you have a deep-dark secret - you were the last person to see your cousin before he ran away.” The kettle clicked and Paul made himself a second cup of tea.

“Patricia Victoria Coyne,” he said, reading from his dossier. “Born in the nineteen-eighties. Attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Joined the military, which you said wasn’t true, but someone with your fingerprints was a special forces operative. Received an MLIS from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor…” Paul smirked, tossing the dossier on the table to prepare his tea, watching her closely. “Yeah, didn’t think so either…”

“What?” She asked.

“I’m pretty sure less than half of that was true. That’s the official report, anyway. What was submitted, more or less, to Trinity College. When you agreed to be their keynote speaker for a conference dealing with accessibility and special collections. I knew most of it wasn’t truth, so I decided to see what sort of reaction I could get from you.

“You didn’t react to your graduate school, so that’s either true or you don’t have an opinion on the school. You did deny your military service, and looked peeved when I brought it up, so I’m thinking you did a program that is vastly misunderstood, and with no connection to the military or state intelligence. Not sure why I am leaning Peace Corps, but I am. However, when I mentioned your post-graduate school, Michigan, you twitched. A definite tell, though not one most people would have caught.  I’m thinking I had much the same tell you mentioned that you work for the Queen. Which I still don’t believe. And not in a rivalry sense… A quick Google reveals something a little on the odd side… Two possible results… Ohio or… No… Appalachian. Appalachian State University beat them in a game of American Football a few years back. Game of the century, it was called. Had you gone to Michigan, you wouldn’t have made that twitch when I read your dossier. Am I right?”

“My turn.” She looked him up and down. “You went to a Comprehensive, the same one which U2 attended. You play piano, a classically trained virtuoso, and had no real interest in starting your own band, hence your friendship with Bono. Your father wasn’t a particularly nice man, but he wasn’t abusive, despite your mother dying in childbirth, delivering you. You joined the Garda right out of Comprehensive, never went to University. Worked your way up the rank, becoming a detective before your thirtieth birthday, the youngest since the Tricolor. I called you a functioning alcoholic, though I think I have to take that back. You’re not an alcoholic, you just have bad coping methods. I still hold that you were the last to see your cousin before his disappearance.” She leaned back in her seat, and took a contemplative sip of her tea.

“You certainly did your homework, but most of what you said is a matter of public record. Or considered public enough that Mount Temple would have happily confirmed my attendance, despite your not being a police officer.” Paul leaned forward and lifted her mobile phone from her pocket, glancing at it. He turned it over and noticed the engraving, as well as the network it was on. He was able to see her notifications, despite the phone having a fingerprint lock.

“Thing is, this phone belongs to… well… not you, I don’t think. It’s engraved with “ M, All my love, Michael,” and it’s on a British network. While you could have an international plan, I don’t think you do. You could have swapped the SIM card in the airport, but this model mobile doesn’t have that feature, oddly enough, as it appears to be the newest model from this company. Which means it’s not available on the public market. Even American smartphones companies are required to produce phones which can swap SIMs and networks. So… who are you, really?”

“Oh, you’re good. You’re very good. But not good enough.” The American smiled. It was not a nice smile. Paul felt a tremor of fear role through his body, followed by the sensation of being caught in a crosshair of sorts. He glanced down, and noticed that there was a small red dot, dead-center, on his chest. The exact sort used by snipers… Paul reacted instinctively, throwing himself to the floor as several gunshots thundered through his kitchen.

[poeedamerons]

all I know, all I know (loving you is a losing game)

Read it on A03

Ps: I know it’s December and I am posting a Halloween fic but that's just how my muse works and I can't do much about it, but I hope you guys enjoy this.

Michael would never admit it out loud, but he is absolutely afraid of anything even remotely scary. Halloween truly is the stuff of nightmares to him. With that being said, it is no wonder that his heart is pounding so fast he is afraid he might faint. All because he got roped into going to Roswell’s Horrorland.

As if the city’s reputation of alien activity wasn’t enough, it was decided that Roswell should also be the place for all fans of horror and aliens to go to on Halloween (Michael could actually punch whoever had that idea in the first place). Hence the new alien haunted themed park right on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by the eerie New Mexico desert.

It was just his luck that his boyfriend was not only an alien enthusiast (he is dating Michael, after all) but also a huge fan of Halloween. Almost obsessively.

Michael really didn’t get it and was absolutely positively-one-hundred-per-cent-a-fucking-fraid. The cherry on the top is that no one knows this. If people think that being an actual alien is his biggest secret, they have another thing coming their way.

He is secure in his masculinity, but admitting this secret out loud feels very… well, emasculating. Plus, no one would ever let him down gently for this. He would be bulldozed by their teasing, and Alex? Alex would be merciless; he is sure of it.

So, thanks but no thanks. He will keep a death grip on his jacket pocket and pray to any and all gods that might have been listening to keep his other hand from sweating too much into Alex’s.

“Come on, Guerin!” Alex’s gleeful laughter distracted him from his death infused trance as they strolled inside the gates of the themed park alongside their friends. The younger man was pulling him through their joined hands with the excitement of a child on Christmas day and Michael had to keep the butterflies in his stomach in check. Sadly, for him, the butterflies had more to do with the fact that he might, in reality, throw up than adoration over Alex’s joy.

Michael really thought he could survive this night with careful dodging and fake enjoyment, but he could feel in his gut that this was going to be a disaster.

The stuff he did for love, really.

Before he could quite grasp what was going on – the flashing lights, bright neon paint everywhere and fake smoke impairing his senses – they were next in line to board a ride called “Moon Base”. Initially, the name sounded non-threatening to Michael, but the closer they got to the ride’s entry gate, the louder the screams were and sweat started to exude from him in buckets. He had no idea how Alex hadn't noticed how wet he was through his clothes.

His friends were chatting excitedly in front of him, but Michael felt like the room was spinning around in slow motion and noises seemed far away from him. He could already feel a peculiar wave of nausea in the pit of his stomach.

“Michael, come on!” Alex urged, pulling him by his wrist and he hummed in agreement, as that was all form of communication he could muster.

His feet seemed to have a life of their own as they led him to his seat, next to Alex’s. He buckled his belt in a trance, the muscles in his jaw clenching in anticipation. As it turned out the ride consisted of an elevator drop, it raised you all the way to the top, dropping down one floor at a time. On every floor the room would shake and cast members dressed in costumes from a 1980s style gory alien movie would come out to scare the people on the ride.

His hand clutched the railings on his seat, knuckles turning white as the metal creases and creaks beneath his palm. Fuck, fuck, fuck Michael thought. This was literally the worst thing that has ever happened to him and they are still going up.

Only when the ride finally started its doomed way down and Michael started screaming bloody murder did Alex and the others close to him finally noticed that, in fact, he was not okay.

“Michael, are you okay?” He could hear Alex yelling at him, trying to get him to hear over the noise of the ride and other peoples screams, but all he was able to do was to keep his eyes tightly shut and scream at the top of his lungs as blood thumped in his ears.

“Michael???” Alex's voice was frantic, and he felt his boyfriend’s hand reach into his, but the warmth of the other man’s fingers was not enough to calm his hammering heart down.

“Fuck, we need to stop this ride,” was the last thing Michael remembered hearing before it all suddenly stopped. He felt people around him, his belt being unbuckled, and his death grip being moved out of the way. Light filtered through the back of his eyelids.

“Babe?” He could hear Alex's voice calling to him and when he, unwillingly, he might add, opened his eyes he could see worried looks stamped on everyone’s faces. He was still shaking and his heart rate was wildly out of control, rapidly hammering against his ribcage. His legs felt numb and he just wanted to lie down and never wake up.

“Hey there, big guy. Let’s get you outta here, okay?” His boyfriend's gentle voice filled the room, and he was one hundred percent down with this, but he had no idea how he would achieve it; but once again all he knew is that indeed he was led out of that death trap and onto a bench. A water bottle was shoved in front of him, and he gulped its contents greedily.

He had no idea how long they sat down together – Alex the only one remaining with him in what apparently was a group decision to give him space – but eventually, he started feeling better as the gut-wrenching fear passed.

Alex reached for his free hand, pulling it up all the way to his lips, placing a gentle warm kiss on the inside of his wrist. “Are you feeling better now?” Alex still sounded worried.

Michael deeply exhaled through his nose, groaning quietly before giving his boyfriend a one-word answer. “Yes.”

“I don’t want to push, but babe, please tell me. What happened?” His boyfriend, for someone so observant and smart, sometimes could be so blind. If he hadn’t almost had a heart attack minutes ago he would be astonished at the extent of Alex’s absent-mindedness.

“I really, really don’t want to talk about it.” He tried to keep the distress out of his voice, getting up in an attempt to run from this conversation, but Alex’s light squeeze of his hands told him he wasn’t successful.

“Michael, please talk to me,” Alex urged helplessly. “You really scared me in there.”

He finally, finally, looked at him then, his eyes revealing his reluctance and embarrassment. But he sighed and bit his lip. “Scary things? Not a fan.”

“That’s an understatement, Guerin.” Alex's voice faltered while trying to stop his choked-up laughter when he noticed Michael’s glare. “Sorry, sorry. I’m not laughing at you…” The asshole really was, and this was one of the reasons why Michael didn’t want to tell Alex, ever. “Well, yeah, I kind of am, but just because I think it’s cute, and honestly, I'm kinda relieved. I thought you were sick or having a stroke or something.”

He chose to willingly ignore the last comment. “Bleh, bleh, bleh I think it’s cute,” Michael mocked, trying to pull away from his boyfriends’ grip, making Alex laugh even harder at his antics; but before he could fully grasp himself out of it Alex gently pulled Michael to him, tucking his head into his neck.

“Scared of scary things,” Alex told him, his warm breath tickling Michael's nape. “How cliché for an alien cowboy like you.” He teased, kissing the side of Michael's neck in a clear (and wildly successful) attempt to appease him.

Michael grunted in response, still pressing his face into Alex’s silky black hair, breathing in his soothing fragrance. The smell of warm cinnamon apples Alex seemed to carry around always had a calming effect on him.

“Hey,” Alex nuzzled his nose against Michael’s jaw. “I know I teased you,” Alex said, his tone distressed. “But it’s okay that you’re scared, babe. You shoulda just told me,” Michael’s eyes were now staring intensely at Alex’s dark ones. “I hate knowing that I dragged you into something that made you so frightened you had a panic attack.” Alex bit his lip contritely, something Michael should have not found as adorable and sexy.

“No, Alex,” Michael argued helplessly, hugging Alex while he gently rubbed his face into the other man’s hair. “Don’t be upset. I was being stupid,” He grimaced, this whole ordeal is a bigger emotional roller-coaster than he expected. “I just- I really wanted to do this for you, because you love it so much, and –” Please, God help him not to die from embarrassment. “I really didn’t want to look like a pussy in front of you.” There he said it, hoping the ground would open a hole and swallow him.

He could feel the smile Alex was fighting against his jawline. “That is both very sweet and ridiculous.” Michael must admit that ‘sweet’ wasn’t that bad. He could even live with ridiculous if Alex persuaded him enough.

“Yeah?” He asked the dark-haired man in front of him, giving him his best winning smile, hoping to make Alex’s heart flutter.

“Yeah,” Alex answered, sliding his hands down the length of Michael’s arms before intertwining their fingers together and resting his head against the taller man’s shoulder.

“Oh, and don’t worry, Guerin.” A roguish grin crossed Alex’s face. “I’ll protect you.” Alex, the cheeky - unbearably sexy - idiot had the gall to wink.

He should really have swatted Alex’s round, perfectly shaped ass right then, but they were in a family park and Michael would rather not be kicked out for public indecency.

“I should really punish you for that later,” He whispered in Alex’s ear, sending chills to the other man’s toes.

Alex swallowed audibly, a light blush catching on his tanned cheeks. Michael found the whole thing highly endearing.

“How about we play some games?” Alex suggested lightly, sobering up and pulling Michael by the hand. A gentle loving smile was playing on his lips. Michael, being such an idiot in love, couldn't help but lean in for a kiss.

He pressed his lips against Alex’s, aware that his are slightly dry. But Alex’s lips are soft and wet. His boyfriend’s breath hitches for a moment in surprise, but then he pushes forward, his nose brushing against Michael’s as he tilts his head slightly for a better angle.

Alex’s tongue traced against his lips a moment before he pushed it forward slightly, but pulling back quickly as to not deepen it too much. Michael groaned deeply in dismay, making Alex chuckle mid-kiss. His other hand started to trail upwards, his fingers grazed against Alex's warm side as the shirt rucked up with his touch. He delved his tongue into Alex's open mouth, groaning again when their tongues brushed against each other. But before their kiss could progress from sweet to filthy, Alex pulled away and Michael could help but pout.

"We're in public, you silly goose!" Alex protested with a bright grin, eyes alight, "I'm not- we can't do that here. C'mon," he cleared his throat, trying to bring himself back into a state that was appropriate for being in public, "C'mon, let's find a stall for you to throw something at all alpha-male and win me a stuffed animal."

They strolled lazily and quietly towards the game booths, enjoying each other’s company, taking in the cold, crisp air of the night. Michael could feel a lightness come back to his limbs, all the stress from the Horrorland around them almost forgotten.

It did help that where they were, apart from some awfully intricate alien invasion decoration, – with a sickening amount of neon green and purple glowing slime – in this section of the park that was free of rides and cast members dressed in blood-curdling costumes.

Yikes.

Lost in thought, Michael almost bumped into Alex’s back. The other man stopped dead in his tracks and Michael furrowed his brows, his eyes frantically searching around them for anything suspicious. Or as suspicious, it could get in a theme park.

Finally, his eyes zero in what has caught Alex’s attention: a giant, bright green alien plush with a holographic hooded cape. In one of his paw-like feet, he could read the words “Roswell NM” in bold black letters.

Michael knew deep in his heart that this gruesome and honestly offensive depiction of an alien was exactly the kind of ‘cute’ thing Alex was searching for and Michael was going to be the alien idiot that would win it for him.

The things he did for love.

He doesn’t regret a single one of them.

He snorts for  good measure and turns to Alex. “Like something you see?” His voice was laced with indulgence. The other man locked eyes with him, a mischievous smile lighting up to his eyes.

“Come on Guerin.” And once more he is being dragged by his over-eager boyfriend to the booth, but this time as they reach their destiny Michael steps in front of Alex, handing over the tickets in exchange for a turn at the task. His demeanor showing Alex he meant business.

“Are you sure you're up for this, cowboy??” Alex's voice is filled with mirth, clearly baiting him.

“Oh, you are so on, Manes.” He can hardly contain the boyish delight that took over his body at the challenge.

------

He should have known that these carnival games were rigged.

There he was trying to win Alex that stupid alien plush (without his powers, he would like to point out) and he has no idea how much money he has spent so far – and he feels like it has been more than the actual monstrosity is worth – and now is a matter of dignity he wins Alex this blasted thing, the amount of money he spends be damned.

“Michael, let it go, c'mon, it's really not that big of a deal.” His boyfriend assured him. “I think I saw a hoodie over there with a huge alien head on the front and I really want one.” Alex pleaded with him.

While he had no doubt that Alex did see that hoodie and wanted one so he could wear it around the house with only boxers on and giggle in his general direction like the bewitching, evil flirt that he is, he is also sure he is only saying that in an attempt to help Michael save face and get him off the booth after thirty tries.

Not a chance in hell he is leaving without the toy now.

“Yes, it really is, Alex.” Michael answered, exasperation strung through his tone as he takes a breath and scowls at the offending stall. “I am going to get you that stupid, unnecessarily huge, plush alien you want and I will march out of this godforsaken park victorious.” He smashed his fist on the booth table, shoving the new dollar bills down.

The guy in the black and white shirt running the stall wasn't technically supposed to take literal money, only tickets, but Michael was pretty sure that he'd worked out by now that stopping him on a technicality wouldn't end well for anyone. He did keep raising his judgy eyebrows though, smothering a self-satisfied smile every time Michael cursed himself out for failing at a rigged game, though. Jackass.

Alex better appreciate how sweet he is being by trying this hard to get that stupid thing that he will be forced to share a bed with at least tonight while Alex joyfully snuggles with his ironic prize and leaves him to fend for himself on his side of the bed.

Michael took a deep breath and placed all his focus once again in the game. He tries to block the sounds around them and Alex’s general aura of exasperation and amusement. He wound up his arm, squinting his eyes to aim before throwing the ring once more and the seconds it takes to reach its destination pass in slow motion movie to Michael. The smacking noise of the rim on the bottle mocked him once again. He throws his hands up in the air in absolute frustration.

“Anytime now, Michael.” Alex teased, probably trying a whole new approach to get him to give up on this. But he would not be answering Alex’s siren call this time.

Fuck it, he thought to himself. He was absolutely going to use his powers to beat this game and no one, not even Alex, would know. This game clearly wasn’t meant to be won and Michael would not be welcoming people’s opinion on the matter, thank you very much.

Alex chuckled.

“It’s not funny.” He mumbled back.

“Oh, it is.” Alex taunted.

“Fine, this is gonna be my last shot. If I don’t win, I walk, ‘kay?” He knew he was going to make it this time, but he wasn't going to waste the opportunity to be dramatic about winning at the very last minute like a conquering underdog.

“Deal,” Alex replied, getting down from the booth’s counter, smoothing down his pants, ready to leave.

Michael made a show of intensely looking at his target, taking a deep breath and adjusting his footing. He picked the ring and gently tossed in the direction of the bottle, this time controlling the ring’s path with his mind, wrapping around the biggest, furthest bottle.

He whooped with excitement, rendering both Alex and the booth keeper shocked with the turn of events. He lost no time and picked Alex up and spun him around once, much to the disinterest of the man behind the booth.

“You did it,” Alex whispered, amazed, but a peal of delicious laughter soon rang past his lips. “My hero,” He gazed lovingly into Michael's eyes, leaning in for a quick kiss on the lips in reward for his efforts.

“Do you want your prize?” The man asked, and Michael turned to him dumbfounded. The gall this guy had to ask that like he wasn't a private spectator to Michael’s efforts to win the prize.

“Yes,” Alex quickly filled in pointing up at the green alien as if the man had forgotten. A light blush spread through the dark-haired man cheeks, his eyes shining with childish delight.

He really would do anything to see Alex looking this precious.

“Happy?” Michael asked as they made their way out of the booth, wrapping his arms around Alex, as the man clutched the ridiculous sized stuffed animal on his other side like a lifeline.

“Uhum,” Alex sing-songed in reply, a big smile taking over his facial expression. “You totally used your powers, didn’t you?” Alex’s smile was so big now, Michael was sure it was going to rip on the edges.

“No!” He gasped in fake hurt. “Do you think it would have taken me that many tries if I did?” He stopped walking in the middle of the busy corridor, his hand still deep in Alex's back pocket. “Do you think so little of your awesome boyfriend that absolutely made an idiot out of himself to get you an ugly-ass alien plushie like a normal human?”

Alex squinted his eyes, looking deeply into his. “I guess…” He didn’t sound convinced, but the night was young and there was no way he would spend more time than necessary in this horrible place, so he really could change Alex’s mind with a little bit of cajoling.

“Exactly!” He exclaimed. “Now, where is all my gratitude?” He closed his eyes and leaned in Alex space, earning him a chuckle from the man.

“Thank you,” Alex answered him back. “I love it,” He felt Alex give a quick peck at his both cheeks and he had to fight a smile. “I will cherish it forever,” Alex's voice was adoring before he peppered all around Michael’s face with little kisses, ultimately making him smile and shiver.

He opened his eyes, making sure all his love could be conveyed through them. “I love you,” He muttered as he rested his forehead into Alex’s.

“And I love you, you silly alien.”

------

Rosa’s delighted giggled ringed loudly over the park crowd, followed by Liz’s and Isobel’s buoyant screams at the sight of the two of them making their way towards the group.

“Please,” Rosa’s excited voice began, “tell me that you made Michael win this for you.” Her eyes sparkled with mirth. The concept of an alien playing some silly game to win his boyfriend an alien plush was the exact kind of humor Rosa lived for.

“Yeap,” Alex answered with a pop on the ‘p’, completely proud of his achievement. Michael could not help but roll his eyes adoringly. Her head bent back with full-body laughter.

“How am I supposed to compete with that?” Max exclaimed loudly; his humor clearly affected by this turn of events. Michael shot his brother a wolfish grin.

“Don’t be a baby, Max,” Rosa nipped. “I am sure my sister can lick your wounds.” Now it was Rosa’s turn to smirk. Like that interaction never happened, her attention was back on him and Alex, determined to milk all the jokes this situation could give.

“This is the best thing ever. I need a picture of this.” She exclaimed loudly, frantically searching in her bag for her phone.

“You better watch out, little brother,” Isobel said. “Alex might have finally found the alien for him.” Her lips curled into a vicious smirk.

“You are just jealous Alex is the only one with a giant plush and not you.” He grinned back and Isobel stuck her tongue out, distinctively making his point for him. Looking to his side, Alex was talking cheerfully to Liz, clutching his alien close to him, making Michael smile at the scene.

Despite what it felt like a train wreck of an evening, Alex had a happy smile playing on his lips, a light contentment about his mood, indicating that after everything that went down they still had a great time together, and if love is a losing game, Michael would lose it every time to make Alex happy.

------

One could already guess that Alex does very much love his new alien plush and not only slept with him on the bed that very night, but the nights that followed for a month until it’s mysterious disappearance and no, it was not me, Alex, for god’s sake stop asking even though we all know that in fact, it was very much one Michael Guerin that did burn the godforsaken, ugly thing one day, out in the back, while Alex was not home, because if there is one alien that gets to sleep curled around Alex, it’s him.

[peakyblinders1919]

Pay Day

Seeing Isaiah at your doorstep randomly wasn’t unusual for you, considering you had  lived next to him your whole life and your parent’s were good friends. It was practically destiny that you and Isaiah would one day end up as best friends.

“Get dressed Y/N.” He says, waving some money around. “It’s pay day.” You laugh, pulling him in to wait on the couch for you while you go change.

You come back down stairs twenty minutes later, wearing a dress that hugged your body. “How’s this look?” You ask, spinning for him.

“Great. You always look great.” He says without even looking at you. Being friends for years, it was like you two were programmed to say just the right things to each other.

“Isaiah, seriously. Is this dress ok?” He sighs as he gets up from his comfortable spot of the seat, looking at you. He’s speechless for a minute then smiles.

“That dress is perfect. So…who’s the lucky man?” He asks, holding the door open for you as you head towards the Garrison.

“There’s no man.” You say, hitting him playfully as you walk, trying not to blush. “Can’t a girl just get dressed up for herself?”

“A girl, yes? You, no.” He says laughing, causing you to stop and put your hands on your hips angrily.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I don’t know Y/N, just that, well, you’re practically one of the guys.” If these words came from anyone else you’d be thoroughly upset.

“Am no-” you begin to argue when he looks at you.

“Oh please, you admit it more than we do.” You stop to think about it, cocking your head to the side as you agree.

“Anyway, it’s not a bad thing; that’s why you’re my best friend.” He says, leading you into the bar. You head over to your usual spot, finding Michael. You order drinks before you even say hi to each other, ready to have a good time with your two best friends, who were already laughing next to you.

“That’s a nice dress Y/N.” Michael says, and you try not to blush while sipping your drink.

“Thank you Michael,” you say trying not to blush, “and before you ask, it’s not for anyone.”

He furrows his eyebrows, confused, and takes a sip as you glare at Isaiah.

“She’s butt hurt cause I said she doesn’t just dress up for the hell of it.” Isaiah informs him with an eye roll.

“Shut up!” You say playfully, reaching in-between them for the next round that’s on the bar. “Let’s stop fucking around and get drunk, it’s pay day!” You say loudly, clinking your glasses together.

It’s not long before the music compels you towards the dance floor, the boys leaning on the bar laughing as they watch you. Their eyes linger every once and awhile on a passing girl, but not for too long, that’s not what tonight was for. As you move to the music under the control of the alcohol, you fail to notice some men watching you. You lock eyes with Isaiah, who’s been watching you protectively ever since, and dance over to me. You put your hand out for him. He rolls his eyes and sighs.

“Go on.” Michael says encouragingly. You give him your best puppy dog eyes and he puts down his drink, a smile spreading across his face as you drag him onto the dance floor. Your laughter fills the room as he spins you around, the rest of the world a blur. You lose your balance momentarily when you stop, Isaiag instantly catching you. You giggle into his chest as he helps you stand up.

“This is fun.” You say.

“Yeah, it is, why don’t we sit down.” You shake your head.

“I wanna dance.”

“Fine, but I’m gonna go back to the bar.” Isaiah informs you and you say ok before pulling his face to you so you can kiss his cheek. You both laugh as he walks across the room, leaving you to dance alone. You couldn’t care less, the fact hat you were dancing and having fun was enough. You’re moving your hips to a fast song when you feel a pair of hands wrap around your waist, pulling you closer to their body.

“Isaiah…” You ask, turning around so your face to face with some random guy, he looks a little older than you but he’s not unattractive. You stop dancing, taking a step back

“Sorry, I couldn’t help but notice, you’re a very good dancer.” He says, looking you up and down.

“Thanks.” You say sounding unsure. “That’s very nice, but I just want to dance alone.”

“Aw, come on baby.” He says, his hands reaching towards your body when you swat them away. He’s persistent, twice your size and more sober than you; you have no idea what’ll happen.

Across the bar, Isaiah turns, trying to find you on the floor after not having watched you for a while. That’s when he sees you and the man, an argument about to ensue.

“Ah shit.” He says, placing his drink on the bar and running across the dance floor, leaving Michael perplexed.

“I said I don’t want to.” You shout angrily, getting the looks of some people nearby.

“Hey, she said no.” Isaiah says, coming out of nowhere, his hand suddenly making contact with this guys face. He doesn’t stop once he’s fallen to the floor, punches being thrown left and right, you standing there, watching. That’s when Michael appears next to you, trying to help.

“Isaiah, stop it! Stop!” You scream as they’re rolling around on the ground. One shared look with Michael and he’s giving the guy another punch to the face as you lean down, trying to help your friend up and making sure he’s ok.

“Stay the fuck out of this pub and away from my best friend, as ordered by the Peaky fucking Blinders.” He says aggressively, spitting on the guy before you and Michael escort him out.

The streets are dim and cold as you walk towards his house.

“You didn’t have to fucking do that.” You shout angrily. You were never a fan of him fighting, you always worried he’s get hurt, and it upset you that he got so physical, blood lingering on his temple and knuckles. You expect him to argue with you, but he doesn’t.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it. No one fucks with my best friend.” He says, spitting blood out of his mouth as you round the corner to his house.

You smile as you go inside, instantly gathering stuff to clean his wounds. Michael sits him down, handing him a bottle of whisky he had taken on the way out. “For the pain.” He says to his friend, who nods.

You soak a cloth in concoction to heal his wounds, putting it to them and making him cringe in pain.

“Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.” You say jokingly, still a bit mad at him for fighting like that. Soon his cuts are cleaned and cared for, his and Michael sharing the bottle, you excusing yourself outside.

You sit on the curb, hugging yourself against the cold breeze as you smoke a cigarette. When the door opens and shuts you expect it to be Isaiah, to apologize or thank you, so your surprised when Michael sits next to you. You offer him your cigarette and he takes a drag before talking to you.

“He was only doing what he thought was best.”

“I know.” You say, looking straight ahead. “I just don’t like it when he fights, it more unnecessary danger.”

“Yeah, but he knows what he’s doing. He really cares about you.” He says, looking at your profile.

“I really care about him too, hence why I don’t like when he has to get into fights. It doesn’t prove anything.”

“I know. Just forgive him though, please? He was helping, and he feels bad that your upset or whatever.” You turn to look at him, smiling. “Just cause we’re here doesn’t mean our night has to end. We have a whole bottle of whisky in there to spilt between the three of us.” You laugh as he gets up, holding his hands out for you to take to help you off the ground. You walk back inside, instantly hugging Isaiah, whispering to him that you’re sorry. He whispers the same and Michael hands you guys glasses.

It only takes a few more drinks to get you back to a happy place, no longer mad at anyone and just having a good time with good friends, talking about nothing and anything, laughing. You throw your arms around both of them, pulling them close to you in some weird attempt of a hug.

“Man, I love you guys.” You say pulling them close to you to kiss Isaiah on the cheek, and then Michael. They look at each other as your still between them, knowing you probably won’t remember anything tomorrow.

Requested! Hope you enjoy!!! Possible part two where you fall for one or the other or something... only if they’re interest! FEEDBACK PLEASE! gifs found here and here