#how easily Olivia plays the part and saves his life

[twinkleallnight]

Book: TRR AU/ Once upon a time prequel

Pairings:Liam x Savannah

Word count:2180

Disclaimer: All characters belong to pixelberry.

Rating: Mature

Warning: none

A/N: The @kingliamappreciationweek (day 4 ) made me dust some old drafts and bring this forgotten tale to you. Thank you @lizzybeth1986 for bringing life back into my writing by encouraging me and beta reading this.

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Cordonia, nine years ago. Liam’s study.

“Father, I dont think we need to have the whole social season and waste money.”

Constantine chuckled, “So, I can call Godfrey and Madeliene back from England. Thank goodness. At Least, one of my son saved some grace.”

“Father, I never said anything about Countess Madeliene.”

“Who is it then?”

Liam grinned like a fool in love thinking about her. “Someone you know and you have loved and cared about all these years.”

“I care for her as a royal responsibility although I never liked her, Liam. But I am fine if you choose Olivia. At least it’s someone who will be loyal to you. I have done enough for her and this is the least she can do to repay.”

Liam’s jaw dropped listening to Constantine’s thoughts. But it was not the right time to nudge him on that. “Father, it’s not Olivia.” He said just a note above a whisper.

“Who else then?”

Liam looked down at the majestic blue carpet, a smile playing on his lips. “Savannah.”

“Savannah who?”

“Savannah Jane Walker, sir.” Liam said puzzled at his father’s incomprehensibility. “Daughter of your most loyal kings guard and friend.”

“That commoner? Oh Liam, you are just like your father. Falling so easily for some random dame. Guess what? You are a royal, son. You can have all such damsels dancing to your tune. And you can even choose someone as your mistress.”

Liam was disgusted at such a cheap thought. But he tried to maintain the decorum. “Father, I am serious. I really like her and would want to marry her.”

Constantine fumed, “How can you disrespect me like that Liam? You are the crown prince. The whole country is looking up to you. They want to see a queen by your side. Not some roadside commoner, who doesn’t know a thing about what’s it to be noble alone, forget being royalty. This is preposterous and utterly irresponsible behaviour on your part. I am so disappointed in you at this moment, Liam.”

“Father...”

“No, Liam. You can’t betray me like this. Not after what Leo did. My son, my hard work, my life, everything depends upon your this one decision. Don’t let me down my child. Not you too.” He choked.

The air felt thick around Liam. He loosened his tie trying to breathe. The burden of the throne was feeling heavy on his shoulders. He sat down on the sofa with a thud, unlike his gentle mannerisms. How many times he had to sacrifice his wishes for the country?

“A commoner will never fit in the nobility of Cordonia, Liam. You need to be practical.” Constantine said in a pleading tone.

“You are right, father.” Liam closed his eyes. “A commoner will never fit. Mother did not fit . Even if she tried, they won’t let her live. You are right, father. A commoner will never fit.”

He got up with a resolution in his mind, thinking of Savannah, feeling her love giving him strength. He bent over the table in front of Constantine and looked him straight into his eyes.

“If a commoner like mother could not fit, how can her poor son fit in, father? I think you need a pure blood to carry your legacy ahead.”

“Liam, you are crossing line.”

“No Father, I am creating a line for you to stop at. I did everything you asked me to do. I stood firm for your nobility, on my own mother’s funeral, when all I wanted to do was hug her and cry. I accepted Regina even before I was done mourning for my mother, because you needed a queen besides. I sat sincerely for all my classes and trainings. I picked up the burden of Leo’s responsibilities for you.” He heaved.

“You dont get all these luxuries for free, Liam. This palace, the richest, the comforts are all I built up.”

Liam started laughing making Constantine stop and look at him in confusion. Liam scoffed, “I should have known, you can only love yourself.”

“Liam!”

“No, Father. I have been what you wanted me to be, what this country wanted me to be. But this country needs stability too which I can give them.” Liam emphasized by slapping his chest , clearly showing Constantine, who is in power. “Savannah brings me that calmness and peace. So if you want me, you get us together or you may start searching for a new heir. “

Liam slammed his hands on the table and stomped off leaving a speechless Constantine.

That evening , Liam decided to meet Savannah. He phoned her and to his amazement she called him to her room. He had never dared to openly visit her but he was done hiding so he walked down undeterred to the chambers in the left wing. The door was wide open. He was deep in his thoughts and entered in without knocking. He stopped in his tracks. Tariq sat idly on the recliner, checking something on his phone. The bed in front of him had a suitcase half filled. Savannah walked out of the walk in closet and chimed, “Prince Liam!”

Tariq straightened up and greeted, “What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?”

Liam couldn’t understand what Tariq was doing with Savannah? “You are going out somewhere?” he asked.

“Yes Li. Savannah agreed to accompany me on my next business trip."

Liam still was clueless. He had too many thoughts running in his mind. He waved off what Tariq said and turned to Savannah . “I need to talk to you. “

“Yes, please go ahead.”

“Tariq?” Liam asked in a tone demanding privacy.

Tariq fumbled with his belongings and got up. “Sure Li.” He waved at Savannah throwing a flying kiss at her, “ See you soon, beautiful.”

What shocked Liam even more was Savannah giggling at the flirtation. “What was that?” he couldn’t resist but ask.

“Nothing.” She said smiling still looking after where he left.

“What am I missing? Why is he sending you flying kisses. ” Liam probed again.

“Oh that?” Savannah shyly looked away, folding the clothes in her hands. “He proposed yesterday.”

“He what? “

“He proposed and since then he has not stopped making it public to each and every one.”

“Savannah, let me get this straight. He proposed and you said no. “

“ Why will I say no to such a lucrative offer?”

“Savannah, are you in your senses? You are telling me that you accepted Tariq’s proposal?”

“Yes, silly. Stop beating around. “ She started meticulously rolling her socks into pairs and placing them in the bag.

“Savannah! Please stop it. What kind of joke is this?”

She stopped and looked at Liam repeating in a serious tone, “Its not a joke Liam. I am engaged to Tariq.”

Liam lunged at her, grabbing her shoulders and jerking her. “What about us? What were we doing all these years?”

Savannah shook his arms away and moved out of his clutches. “That was two young people having fun.”

Liam looked at her in disbelief. “I thought you loved me Savannah.”

“I loved you.” She whispered. But the next moment she turned away to harden her heart before she spoke. “But things have changed now. You are not the spare anymore. You need to understand Liam. You are going to be a king. There will be tons and tons of never ending responsibilities. I can’t just submerge myself under all that weight and spoil my youth and my life.”

Liam was shocked to see this image of Savannah. “And you think you will enjoy yourself with a person like Tariq?”

“Definitely yes. He has all the money I need. He goes on lot of business trips , so I get to see the world. He has contacts with all the who’s who so I get to be in the best company without carrying the burden I have to carry with u.”

“I can’t believe I loved you, Savannah. You turned out to be a chameleon. How can you be daughter of a man like Jackson or sister of my best friend Drake? You seriously can’t be this shallow.”

“Oh please! Don’t start a lecture now. I am packing for a cruise to Thailand. Don’t spoil my mood.”

Liam started walking away agitatedly. He stopped at her doorsteps and turned around to look at her one last time. “Bon Voyage!”

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The Royal Caribbean Cruise ship

Savannah sat on the desk in her cabin, trying to write a letter.

“Dear mom,

By the time this letter reaches you, I will be far away.” she shook her head and crumpled the paper.

“Dear mom,

I am pregnant…” she sucked in a breath thinking about her mother's reaction to dropping a bomb with a news like that. She tore off this one into tiniest pieces so that no one knows.

“Dear mom,

I know you must be worried about my whereabouts…”

She let out a sigh. ‘This will do’, she thought. She took some time to jot down the details for her mother. She was folding the letter when there was a knock on the door. She opened it to let Tariq in. She pushed the letter in an envelope and sealed it.

“We are reaching Port Said in some time, Savannah.” Tariq informed her.

“I will get my bags ready.” She got up.

Tariq stopped her. “Savannah, you don't have to do this. You can stay. Just come along. It will be a good distraction.”

“Thank you. But I have many things to sort out before,” she abruptly stopped. She can't spill it in front of Tariq. So she tried to cover up. “...before next season.”

“As you wish. I would still suggest that you should try talking it out with him. He is a good man, Savannah. We have been close friends.”

“I know. I have known him since I was a toddler, Tariq. But this whole mess cannot be sorted out just by talking. He has to stand for his country. I can't stand besides him in that role. And staying there, watching him so closely will be very painful. It's for the good.”

Savannah bid Tariq goodbye, thanking him for all his help and deported on the port of Egypt. She found the nearest courier service and sent the letter to her mother. She proceeded to her final destination immediately.

It was a long journey of two days via road and ferry. Finally after a few more days of settling down in the small village, Savannah sat one day on the serene banks of the river Golo. A lot had happened in the past few days. And all she could do was pen it down.

So she decided to find closure through a letter.

Liam,

I love you. I will always love you. I am sorry I had to leave. I am sorry I hurt you. But I couldn't bear the rift that was being created within your family because of me.

Li, you have been beside me since I was a little girl. You made me feel like a princess even when you had the real ones fawning over you. You spoiled me, you pampered me, you loved me and I can't thank my stars for having you in my life. But sometimes that's not enough.

I know you will be disturbed by what transpired. You will be upset, but when your people and your country needs you, I know you will leave everything aside and you will again stand up and be the great person you are, Liam. I admire you for this strength, grit and determination that you always display. I hope I am able to teach our child these amazing qualities of yours.

Yes Li, we are going to have a baby. You are going to be a father soon. It's sad that you will never know but believe me I wanted to tell you. I came to share the good news with you but the way your father turned the whole conversation into an emotional hurricane for you, I knew you would have to agree with him. I didn't want to put you in a dilemma. I did what I could think of that moment to push you away from me, to give you the freedom to choose your duties.

Someday, when and if we ever meet, I hope you will realise and understand my actions and forgive me. Till then I am going to keep your memories and your love safely hidden in my heart.

You have a lot happening around you and the world isn't a fair place. I want you to take care of yourself, my love and I promise to look after our baby till we meet next.

Until then..

Au revoir Liam

Yours always

Savannah Jane Walker - Rhys.

She read it a few more times until the tears started blotting the written words. She then let the letter down the stream of river and watched as the black ink on the paper vanished into the blue waters and the wet paper drowned into the nethers of the river.

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Next chapter

Tags : @angelasscribbles @alj4890 @tessa-liam @lizzybeth1986 @3pawandme @annabellewynter @bascmve01 @bebepac @busywoman @dcbbw @choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont @iaminlovewitht @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @neotericthemis @mom2000aggie @phoenixrising0308 @princess-geek @sazanes @secretaryunpaid @sfb123 @sillydg @tinkie1973 @txemrn @walkerdrakewalker @rubiwalker @703cowbarn @kyra75 @likealotus @kskvb20 @marietrinmimi @aussiegurl1234

[celientjeee]

I have no self control and also started writing part 2 of the kid fic series..

So here's a lil snippet of part 2, which will be landoscar :)

_

Oscar glared at his husband, making him stop in his tracks and cock his head at him. Oh, he was going to use his puppy eyes on him now, wasn’t he? 

‘You’re not getting away with this so easily, babe,’ Oscar told Lando, stepping closer to squeeze his chin between his fingers. ‘Just because you can’t cook to save your life, doesn’t mean you can give our daughter sugar for dinner. You could have ordered a pizza.’ 

Lando pouted and Olivia, still in his arms, did the same.

God, this was so unfair. 

Oscar sighed and shook his head at the two most important people in his life. They knew just how to play him. 

‘But she wanted ice cream, what was I supposed to do? Say no? To this face?’ Lando asked, looking at Olivia who smiled sweetly at them. 

[captbenscn]

                                        “Mm, are you ready for me, Daddy?” 

    Oh, didn’t know we were havin’ a party. That’s gonna be a hundred to watch, two fifty to join. Each.”

Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler - 10x07 Wildlife. 

[goddesswritings]

“Can I slap her for you?” -  Corpse Husband | Part Two

Title: “Can I slap her for you?” – Part Two

Pairing: Corpse Husband x Reader

Summary: Being stuck living with the queen of YouTube drama and partying during the pandemic has seriously worn down your patience. Meeting Pokimane has changed your life for the better, making Among Us a pivotal part of your life.

Word Count: 5.2k

Unedited for now. I was eager to post. I will edit it later.

Corpse Masterlist

********

<< PART ONE

After you left the apartment, you sat in the parking lot of some random store, trying to decide what to do now. Sighing, you opened your phone and went to Instagram. Corpse was probably wondering if it went okay.

Corpse: She left the stream, thank you!

Corpse: What exactly did you do?

Corpse: She’s sending Sean angry DM’s now.

Corpse: Hey, are you okay?

Y/n: Hey sorry, I had to pack. I’m fine, happy to help get her out of the stream. I switched off the power to her office.

Honestly, you wished you could have stood up against her more often than you did. She was four years younger, so you should have been able to have the say in things. But no, Olivia was a control freak and a spoiled brat too. She would no doubt tell your parents you started a fight with her, and she felt unsafe.

Corpse: Wow, you’re badass. Packing for what?

Y/n: Um, she may have kicked me out of the apartment, and I may have left without a fight because I’m tired of her shit. 🤷‍♀️

Corpse: Do you have a place to stay?

Of course you didn’t and you really should have thought about that before just leaving the way you did.

Y/n: Not really but I will find somewhere.

Well you hoped you could. There weren’t many people who were keen in taking in a friend during a pandemic.

Corpse: Poki’s going to call you.

At that message, your phone started to wring and sure enough, it was Poki.

“Hello?” You asked hesitantly.

“So someone let it slip that your sister kicked you out?” Poki said calmly.

“Is that someone, Corpse?”

“Yes, he said it out of shock but I’m glad he did. Knowing you, you would have kept it a secret from me.” She was right. You hated inconveniencing your friends.

“Damn you, Corpse.” You muttered making her laugh. “Yeah so I ruined Olivia’s stream and she started screaming at me before kicking me out. I didn’t fight it because I am tired of her.”

“Understandable. Well do you need somewhere to stay?”

“Yes but I will find some place.”

“Nope, you’re staying with me. Come over now or I am coming out to drag you back to my place.” Her protectiveness made you smile.

“Sure, I’ll be there in a few.” You hung up.

Y/n: Thank you for looking out for my stubborn ass, Corpse. I would have never told her.

Corpse: Stubborn is one word to describe you. Cute is another.

That comment made your face heat up from the sheer adorableness of it. Corpse seriously just called you cute.

Y/n: Can I say you have a genuinely nice hand. It’s marvelous.

Corpse: Hey, don’t make fun of my hand. It takes all the heat for me. That hand is very anxious every time I post him.

Y/n: Awe I bet. Give him hugs from me. Also tell him I’m a big fan!

The easy flow of conversation between the two of you was nice. You got along extremely well and talking outside of the game was nice, since you could focus on what you really wanted to say to him.

Corpse: He’s flattered!

This was great and took your mind off Olivia and the fact she just kicked you to the curb with nowhere to go. But Poki was there for you. You appreciated her more than she knew.

You pulled up in front of her apartment building, parking the car, you got out and grabbed your stuff. Typing in the code Poki had given you a while ago, you were let into the building. Entering the elevator, you made your way to her apartment.

Barely knocking, the door flew open to reveal Poki. She looked mad but also worried. She pulled you into the apartment and hugged you tightly.

“Can I slap her for you?” She asked calmly.

This made you giggle. “I mean I would like to slap her as well.”

“We should make a plan. Hey, the group is still on, come say hi.” She started to lead you to her office.

“Are they still streaming?” You didn’t want to reveal your face to the world, not like this.

“Oh no. We ended our streams when Olivia started talking about you. She completely wasn’t respecting your privacy and we weren’t about to let her spill it to our viewers.” That was so sweet of them to do.

You had left your bags in the other room while you followed her. An idle conversation was going on when you entered.

“Hey guys, I’m back.” Poki took a seat in front of the computer, she pulled up a second chair. “I have someone special here.”

Sitting down, you saw her nod for you to say something. “Hey, did you miss me?”

They went wild.

“Y/n! Oh we missed you!”

“Don’t leave us again.”

“I’m sorry I invited your sister to stream.”

“Hey Y/n.”

The mix of voices was overwhelming in a good way. Sykkuno, Rae, Sean, and Corpse pretty much spoke over each other which made you laugh.

“One at a time, guys. You can’t overload her.” Leslie told them.

“Sorry Y/n. We just really missed having you here. You’ve become one of our favorite friends to play with.” Sykkuno said sounding as sweet as ever. That man was just the best.

“Yes, I can say we agree.” Rae added.

It was nice to hear they missed you. It really helped to lift your mood as well.

“Did your sister really kick you out?” Toast asked

“Yes she did. But it’s not surprising at this point. She’s probably been gunning to kick me out as soon as she could.” Sad truth

“Well she’s the worst player ever. She can’t keep a secret at all. I really should have never agreed to get her into the group.” Sean said sounding sad.

“Hey Sean, please don’t worry about it. She’s always weaseling her way into things. It’s completely not your fault.” One of the things she loved to do was incessantly DM other youtubers for collabs or for free stuff. She really had no morals.

“Well thank you, Y/n. You’re literally the sweetest.” Sean said earning a bunch of ‘I Agrees’ from everyone else. That really was helping make the night better.

“Who’s up for some more Among Us to relax after that shitshow?” Lud asked making everyone laugh hard. It was agreed the group would do it. Luckily, you had your laptop and joined the call and game and stayed in Poki’s living room to play. Honestly, it was so good for you.

**

At the end if gaming, you said goodbye to the group. Then Poki showed you to the extra room that used to be her roommates before she moved out last month.

“Hey, are you looking for a roommate?” You asked as you put the bags on the bed.

Poki sent you a smile. “I am. Are you interested?”

This was good. “Yes, I mean I still have to find another job since my main is still furloughing me until this pandemic gets better but I have some money saved up.”

“Hey, please don’t sweat it. Besides, I know a friend who’s in need of an editor, I may have mentioned your name and she really wants to talk to you about it. Is that okay?”

“Wow, that’s perfect. Thank you, Poki. You’re such a great friend.” It felt good to have someone there for you.

She pulled you into a hug. “Always. I am so glad I met you. You’re one of my best friends.”

This was an honor. “Don’t make me cry.”

“I can’t promise anything. Anyway, I will leave you to rest. It’s been a long night. Tomorrow I will give you my friends details.”

“Sounds good, night Poki.”

“Goodnight, Y/n.” She waved goodbye and closed the door behind herself.

Smiling, you sat on the bed. It was such a good thing that she was here got you. But also Corpse was the catalyst that got you to actually tell Poki was what happening. He was sweet and it seemed he was looking out for you.

After changing into comfy pj’s, you brushed your teeth before climbing into the freshly made bed. Opening Instagram, you saw that Corpse has messaged you.

Corpse: I don’t like being too forward but hey here we go. Can I please have your number so we can talk more easily?

A smile made its way to your face. For a tough man, he surely had a sweet way of getting to you

Y/n: Yes you can. xxx-xxx-xxxx.

The nerves jumped when you sent that message. Less than a minute later, you received a text from an unknown number.

xxx-xxx-xxxx

Hey Y/n, it’s Corpse. Would you mind if I called you so we could talk for a little?

You liked this idea truthfully. It only helped to show how genuine Corpse was being.

Y/n

Not at all. Please go ahead and call me.

Your phone rang, displaying Corpse’s name.

“Hello?” You answered the phone while pushing away the anxiety.

A soft deep laugh filled your ear. “Hey sweet girl. How are you feeling?”

His words made you want to sigh in the most lovesick way. That never happened these days.

“I’m good. Poki had an extra room I could crash in and well I might just be her new roommate.”

“I love that. She’s so much better than your sister I assume.”

“She is. Here I won’t have to deal with the incessant pandemic partying Olivia likes to do.” That selfish bitch.

“Shit, is she stupid? She does know she’s risking a lot of lives, right?” You loved that Corpse had the logic you craved.

“So she is stupid, and her response was always that it’s not her problem and that the vulnerable people should stay home.”

“She sounds like the typical beauty youtuber these days.”

“Yes, she is. She has no morals.”

“Well that’s not good. I guess that’s why her name keeps popping up all over social media. She really needs to be careful, before she becomes the next Tana.” He was right but you personally thought she was past that point already.

“It’s too late. She’s already passed the point of return with all of this.”

“Yikes. It’s good you got out of there when you did.” A soft but deep laugh was heard through the phone. The sound made you giggle. Hearing such a tough guy laugh the way Corpse laughs, made you feel giddy. “So about what I said earlier, I meant it.”

“Huh, what are you talking about?” You truly were a little lost by this.

Corpse laughed again. “When I called you cute earlier. I meant it.”

Heat filled your face and a small smile made its way to your lips. “Thank you, Corpse. That’s really sweet of you. I don’t like to show many people who I am because they will immediately connect me to Olivia, and I don’t want that.”

“I get that. I don’t show my face for fear they won’t like me when I do. All my fans have built up this expectation of what they want me to look like and now I just don’t want to let them down. Plus it’s nice being able to stay anonymous if I go into public, but of course people will hear my voice and know. Shit, it’s hard.”

“Awe, I’m sorry. I saw what the attention has done to some people, but I think not everyone goes into that headspace. Also, I think you should stay faceless if it makes you feel better. There is no rule that says you ever have to show your face. People who push you to do it have no boundaries.”

Corpse was quiet for a while and you thought you had offended him. “I’m sorry if I said the wrong thing, Corpse.” You squeaked.

“No, you said the right thing. I was just thinking. You’re right. A lot of people have been on me to reveal my face, but I never intend to. I want to be able to live my life without being swarmed by fans, or god forbid, them judging me by my appearance.”

“Which is really fucked. When I first appeared in my sister video, the comments were awful. They couldn’t understand how she was related to me, but I never thought I looked bad. But I guess they expected Olivia to be surrounded by people in her genre. It was so hard to see those comments.” Thinking back to it, Olivia had even added to it. Telling you that you should have tried to look more like her for the video. You should have worn something more colorful and put-on way more make up then you liked. But you hated that. That wasn’t you.

“I can’t imagine the things they said. Is that why you deactivated your twitter?” How did he know about that?

“Oh, yeah. How did you know about it?”

“I remembered seeing a story about it on YouTube last year. They didn’t show your face, so of course I didn’t know it was you. But I figured it out when Olivia joined the game tonight and she blabbered on about being your sister. I’m sorry you received that hate. No one deserves that ever.” His voice was calming you now.

“Thank you. Olivia seemed to add to it, as well. Fuck, she’s just the worst person.” Family definitely had the ability to be shitty. “Meeting Poki last year really was the best thing. But also joining this Among Us group has been so good for me. Thank you for accepting me.”

“Of course. You’re a natural in the game but you also fit very well with the group.” Corpse really hoped you believed him because this was true. The group had a whole conversation about it when Olivia finally left

“I’m flattered. The Corpse Husband is telling me I fit in with him and his streamer friends. Wake me up, I must be dreaming.” You knew his words were genuine because it was just easy to tell.

“You better believe it, baby, because it’s true.”

You stopped short when you heard him call you baby. Of course Corpse had used that word before but right now it felt more intimate.

Letting out a yawn you realized it was nearing 4 am. “I appreciate it.” You mumbled, feeling the events from the day seep in.

“You’re tired, aren’t you?” His deep voice was lulling you closer to sleep.

“No.” Another yawn broke through.

“You can’t lie to me, Y/n. Get some sleep and we will talk tomorrow.”

The words made you smile. “That sounds good, Corpsie. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, sweet girl.” Despite wanting to stay on the phone, you hung up. Sleep was quickly coming in to claim you. You can happily say you fell asleep with a huge smile on your face.

**

Waking up was easier than it had been in a long time. Normally you woke up to Olivia screaming at you or someone else. So it was nice to wake up to silence. It allowed you to relax and wake up properly.

Your phone buzzed from beside you. A text from Corpse is what you first saw, so you opened it.

Corpse

Good morning, sweet girl. I hope the night treated you well.

Sweet and to the point. His messages made you think he had a thing for you. Well you hoped he did but he also could just be treating you the way he treats friends.

Y/n

Yes, I slept well and for once I wasn’t awoken by my obnoxious sister.

It would he good not to live with her.

Corpse

I bet. Hey I hate to be the one to show you this, but your sister posted this on her instagram.

He then sent a link to the post. It made your blood boil.

::::

There was a picture of her, she was holding up a ripped picture of you. A huge frown was on her face.

oliviaxoxo It’s a shame when family starts to treat you like you weren’t the one to give them money when they needed it. This is my sister and she’s a bitch. For the last few years, she’s been the one editing my videos. Well I found out she was trying to sabotage me, so I had to fire her and kick her out. What a shame it is when family stabs you in the back. 🙃🙃

1,454,787 people like this

oliviafan23 Is this true? Damn, f*ck fake people.

queenolivia Sueeee herrrrr!

lovinliv Family ain’t shit. Spill her info so we can drag her.

sykkuwu Whoa, why are you spreading lies about your own family?

   |

queenolivia Why would you defend someone like that?

valkyrea You’re such a sad human for doing this. Stop lying.

pokimanelol Let’s see, none of this is true. Your sister has done so much for you and you’ve never appreciated it. Get some help for this.

corpse_husband This is sick. No wonder your name is always blasted everywhere. Do your sister a favor and stop talking about her.

    |

oliviaxoxo I don’t know why you’re defending my stupid sister, but that totally makes you not hot to me anymore. Ugh.

   |

valkyrea Uh, that’s what you got from this. Wow, you’re not worth this.

    |

corpse_husband What can you expect? The covid must have gone to her brain.    |

corpseandlivfan Whyyyyyyy Corpse, why would you stand up for her. Do you not realize how horrible Y/n is? Please tell me this is a joke!?!?

   |

 corpse_husband Well, she’s a good friend of mine and I won’t let people make up lies. So it’s not a joke.

::::::::

You were mad that she’d even say this shit publicly, but you should have known she would. She was nothing without her group of misguided followers.

Y/n

Can’t say I’m not surprised. This is so on brand for her. Thank you for sticking up for me. It means a lot.

Corpse

I would do it any day. She shouldn’t be able to get away with doing that to you.

Sadly, growing up, she did get away with doing the absolute worst shit and you always received the brunt of it.

Y/n

With any luck, she draws negative attention.

You clicked the link to view it again but instead were lead to a page that said the content was unavailable.

Y/n

I believe she just deleted the post.

Corpse

Oh, she did. That’s awesome.

It was. Olivia was never one to swallow her pride and admit any wrongdoings. That means she would never delete a problematic post, but she finally did

Y/n

I didn’t really read any other comments besides you and your friends and the top comments. I can’t imagine what her fans are really saying.

Olivia was completely okay with letting her fans attack people. It was seriously a huge mess. She fell into the category of YouTuber with the worst most entitled attitude.

Corpse

It’s good you didn’t read them, because they were horrible. I can’t believe she would let her fans do that.

Y/n

She’s done a lot of shady stuff. This is even before she blew up on YouTube. There is a lot of issues between us.

There was a lot that could be said about your relationship with Olivia and none of them were good. Forever it seemed, you had tried to make it work and hoped your sister would grow up and change but it never happened.

Corpse

I think she’s a vile human. From what I have seen and her complete lack of human decency, I just can’t help but feel she’s just not a good person and she never will be.

He was right. She would never change.

Y/n

You’re right. Hey, I have to go thank Poki for letting me stay but I also need to go back to that apartment to get the rest of my stuff. Can I call you when I get back?

Corpse

Yes, of course. Good luck heading over there.

Talking to him was pretty natural feeling. It was clear now that you were getting a massive crush on him. You had a crush on a man who’s face you’ve never seen. You couldn’t help it though, his personality just meshed so well with yours. He’d made you feel safe and wanted.

After getting dressed, you found Poki in the kitchen making breakfast. She sent you a sweet smile when you entered the room.

“Thank you for standing up for me against my sister on Instagram.” You were truly honored this group of friends liked you enough to do something like this.

“You’re welcome. I couldn’t just let her say that and get away with it. She’s done a lot to you, that you don’t deserve. Corpse messaged all of us the minute he found it and we all jumped into action. Sean and Felix were getting ready to comment when she deleted it.” She explained as she set a plate in front of you.

“I’m so honored. Thank you!”

“Of course, you’re one of us now and we will never let her get away with this stuff anymore.”

You could just cry with how loved they were making you feel. This is what had been missing in your life. Friends who genuinely cared about you and wanted to protect you from the nasty stuff Olivia was capable of doing.

“Would you come with me to the apartment to get the rest of my stuff?” You asked once the two of you finished eating.

Poki nodded. “Of course I will. You shouldn’t have to go alone.”

**

An hour later, you exited the elevator on the floor where you once resided. Your sister wasn’t home, which would be good but there was a chance she could return while you were packing. But you would deal with that when it came down to it. The two of you quickly got to work, packing your life up into the boxes you’d brought with you. Luckily, you weren’t one to collect a ton of stuff. You mainly just had to make sure your clothes and makeup were packed up.          

You and Poki would fill boxes and pile them by there door, then you would take them down to the car when you acquired a good amount. In the end, you figured you would fill maybe 10 boxes which is actually not too many considering you’ve lived in that apartment for five years.

Poki had left to go take two more boxes to the car while you finished up packing up your last few items. The front door closed, and you assumed it was Poki, but it wasn’t.

“Oh look who’s here? My lovely sister.” Olivia’s voice was flat and emotionless.

You rolled your eyes and turned to find her standing in the doorway, glaring at you. “Hello, Olivia. I’m just packing my stuff and then I’m leaving.”

“Who said you were allowed to come back here?” She grumbled, eyeing the boxes.

“Well, this is my stuff and I have every right to come pick it up.”

“If it’s in my apartment, it clearly belongs to me.” She snarled.

You snapped. “Cut it out, Olivia. This was my apartment too, until you kicked me out last night. You can’t just claim my stuff as your because you’re salty about me having friends.” She was a spoiled brat, and you were done letting her get away with it.

“I’m not the salty one. Everyone can see it’s you.” God she was so annoying. You taped up the last box and turned to her. She held her phone in her hand. “Everyone say hi to my sister. You know, the one I posted about earlier before someone reported my post.”

“Are you live?” You asked, keeping your face expressionless. Olivia would do this.

“I bet some of you remember the few videos I did with her. Well of course that was before she turned against me and decided she was going to try and ruin me. Say hi, Y/n.” A sick smile played on her face.

“I never consented to being in your live, Olivia. Please stop.” You tried to keep your voice calm so that she wouldn’t have any way to make you look like the bad person. But regardless, she was already doing it.

Olivia cackled. “Well I think I’m free to do as I please in my apartment.” You could only imagine what her fans were saying. “You’re right, Andrea, she is an idiot, and I should have her arrested.” She spoke aloud making your blood boil.

“You’re so immature, Olivia.” You grumbled before grabbing the last couple boxes and moving towards the door. Olivia decided to swat the boxes out of your hand, and they fell tumbling to the ground. “What the hell, Olivia. I could have fragile stuff in there.” You growled at her.

Olivia was just laughing. “This is funny. What else should I do, guys?” She asked as she panned the phone around the room.

Her immaturity was giving you a headache. Poki walked in and saw Olivia.

“Oh hey guys, look who’s here. Pokimane.” She panned the camera to Poki who frowned. Olivia just laughed and started talking shit until she was cut off by the stream just ending. “What the hell.”

You gathered the last few boxes, and Poki came to help while Olivia attempted to start another live.

“What the fuck, it won’t let me go live.” She growled while stomping her foot like a child.

“That’s what happens when an influx of people report your live.” Poki spoke as you both had gathered the boxes.

Olivia was frowning. “What did you do, Y/n.” She wanted to pounce at her, but Y/n and Poki were already at the door.

“Y/n did nothing, but I got word of your little livestream and contacted some friends for help. It will be at least 24 hours before you can have another live. But with the amount of people who reported you, well you may be banned for a while.” With that, you and Poki left Olivia standing there is absolute shock.

You and Poki put the last boxes in the car. “Thank you, Poki. How did you get so many people to report it?”

“Well it was actually Corpse. He texted me and informed me that she was doing a live and bothering you. He had his fans go report it, but apparently Sykkuno and Rae also sent their fans. I was going to send mine, but they had it handled. So this was all Corpse.” She explained.

Hearing this made you feel so soft for Corpse. “Awe wow. That’s so sweet of him.”

The two of you entered the car. “Y/n, can I tell you something without you telling him I told you?”

You looked over at her. “Yes, sure.” Your heart rate kind of picked up.

“Well the other day, Corpse admitted he has feelings for you, but he wasn’t completely sure if you felt the same way for him. But I mean I can clearly see you do. Your whole face just lit up when I mentioned him. So do you?”

Heat filled your face and you suddenly felt shy. “I do, yes. Which is ridiculous because I just met the guy, and I don’t even know what he looks like. But gosh, I like him so much. When I talk to him, I feel happy. He’s been so good to me through this crap with Olivia.” You admitted, knowing she already knew.

Poki smiled and squealed in complete happiness. “You two are just the most adorable people! It’s not ridiculous. We pretty much knew from the first time you joined us, that Corpse was into you. But oh my god, you’re into him. You need to tell him!!!!”

You agreed, Corpse deserved to know. “I do. But how? It’s been a really long time since I’ve told someone I liked them. Shit, I feel like I’m in high school again!”

This made Poki giggle. “Calm down, Y/n. I have a plan. Let’s get back to the apartment and we will talk about this. Rae also wants to be involved in this.”

Back at her apartment, you had jumped onto a call with Rae and the three of you talked about what your plan was for you to tell Corpse what you felt for him. Rae and Poki decided to organize an Among Us game strictly for fun and no one would stream, they would also use Proximity chat.

“So we will get him to follow you around until one of us is imposter, then we will lock you into wherever you end up. Do it then” Rae explained sounding so excited.

“Okay, that can work. Let’s do this!” You were nervous but also excited to finally do something good for yourself.

You and Poki set up for the gane and Corpse sent you a text.

Corpse

Are you joining the game tonight?

Seeing a text from him, made you feel giddy.

Y/n

Yep I am. So I will see you in game?

Corpse

Yes you will, angel.

Cue the insane butterflies.

**

The lobby loaded and it was you, Corpse, Poki, Rae, Sykkuno, Karl, Tina, Sean, Toast, and Leslie. All streamers you had grown to like a lot in the time you have been playing with them.

“Y/n, I am so happy you’re playing with us!” Tina gushed as her little character ran around yours.

“I’m happy to be here.” You really were.

“You’re sister is a piece of work, Y/n.” Sykkuno said.

You giggled. “Don’t I know it.”

“What did she do this time?” Sean asked.

“Decided to film a live when we went to get Y/n’s stuff from the apartment.” Poki explained.

“Oh, that’s gross.” Karl commented.

“I have to thank Corpse for helping.” You stated to the group.

“Yeah Corpse was quick to text us.” Sykkuno added.

“You’re welcome, Y/n. I wasn’t going to let her get away with what she was doing. Truth is, I got a bunch of fan DMs that were telling me what Olivia was doing. So a lot of my fans were already reporting it, but the tweet helped.” Corpse’s deep voice soothed you.

“I appreciate it so much. She was just being an immature brat as always.”

The group laughed before deciding to start the game. Poki and Rae agreed to text you when either of them were imposter. Now it was a matter of getting Corpse to follow you.

The group was on the Polus map, which seemed to be a favorite for everyone.

Rae

We should lock them in weapons.

Rae had texted you and Poki through the group text.

Poki

That’s the best place for them.

Y/n

Okay but I still have to get him to follow me.

Rae

He will. Just wait, I have a plan.

You trusted Rae and Poki to help you. Now it was time to admit it all to Corpse and hope he genuinely liked you back.

Y/n

Let’s do this!

PART THREE  >>                                         

[deadinside-butstill-horny]

The Night We Met

Part Three - Most Of You

Pairing: Javier Peña/ Female Murphy!Reader

Words: 10k - Word count got away from me.

Summary: We learn a little about Y/N’s past. Tequila is involved and inhibitions lowered. 

Content Warnings: Mentions of death, themes of PTSD,18+ SMUT warning, oral, fingering, dirty talk, penetrative sex. Lots and lots of consent, cause consent is sexy and you know our boy Javi is nothing if not respectful.

MASTERLIST

AO3

Author Note: I really enjoyed writing this. It’s absolutely just porn with minor plot but I have no regrets.

Got the gif from this photo set during the week because THAT’S THE SMILE I’M ON ABOUT. That cute as fuck half smile; it melts my heart. 

Part One   -  Part Two 

It just so happened that when Javier decided to stop trying to seduce you, the two of you could actually be around one another and have a good time. Well, not quite as good as that night. But in the grand scheme of things; good-ish. 

After the debauchery that had occurred outside of the church the two of you had ceremonially agreed to a ceasefire on all hostilities with your second meeting. You were equal parts surprised and disappointed that Javier had been on his best behaviour, the two of you had successfully bought the ingredients and were currently producing what was sure to be a decent breakfast without either of you ending up naked. 

He was the picture of domesticity as he sat on the counter top with a beer in his hand at 8:15am as you whisked some eggs in a bowl using a fork, you paused for a moment, taking a sip of your own beverage, then resuming your task as you threw the eggs into the too hot pan making them sizzle on the skillet. 

"No, no, no, no." Javier cried and pushed himself off of the counter as he tutted, coming to your side and placing his hand on the curve of your waist to move you out of his way. His hand slithers forward and lingers a second on your own fingers before he takes the spatula and puts space between the two of you to manage the task at hand. 

For a moment, you're perplexed. The movement itself wasn't particularly invasive or breaking from the gentlemanly persona he had adopted in the last two hours, but rather it was an act of, well, familiarity. Which reason dictates simply shouldn’t exist between the two of you. 

You had known each other for a grand total of 48 hours and that was being generous as you had been comatosed for easily 15 of those. He had a bad habit of popping up when you least expected it and disarming you with an easy smile. 

You didn’t like how he made you feel. Everything you said, you measured his reaction, a pull of his lip, a flash of his teeth or a narrow of his brow; these were his tells, well his obvious ones. 

You tried desperately to convince yourself that this was platonic analysis. It would seem you could kid Javier but you couldn’t trick yourself. You felt things for the man that you really shouldn’t after knowing him for two days. You were frustrated with the situation, he’d slept with another woman hours after your encounter. You were jealous, sure, but not betrayed.  

It was a matter of pride, that evening had somewhat extinguished the fire for the bronzed man who was currently trying to save the eggs you’d flash fried. What you were experiencing were embers. Yes, embers. The fire hadn’t completely been doused and all you had was a residual heat. A deep glowing burning heat, sure. But eventually reality would be sure to dump some more water on this fire and you wouldn’t feel this lingering need for the man, right?

“¡Espero que te gusten los huevos calientes!” Javier hollered over the sizzling with a smirk on his face as he scraped at the pan with the instrument he’d stolen from you. 

“Eggs and Hot? That’s all I got!” You question a smile warming your face, apparently his enthusiasm was contagious. 

He chuckled at your words and nodded, “Tu español no es tan malo linda dama!”

“I got nothin’ besides español,'' you shrug. Javier let out another snicker, he seemed to laugh a lot but he was missing the soft wrinkles bracketing his mustache which made you think that maybe this wasn’t his natural state. There was a light silence whilst he sliced the loaf of bread you’d picked from the store. As you were setting the table your book caught your eye from its place on the coffee table and you couldn’t resist trying out some of your newly learnt infant level language. 

“Hola Javier, mi nombre es Y/N. Mi color favorito es el Y/F/C.¡Me gustan los perros!” 

(My name is Y/N, My Favourite colour is Y/F/C. I like dogs!)

Javier turned around his expression; a picture of incredulousness. His eyebrows met in the middle of his forehead, his mustache almost touching his nose as you got a view of his brilliant white teeth in a genuine honest to god grin. If you had a camera, you’d have captured that moment.

“I’ll have to be careful around you, huh, sunshine? These new Spanish skills of yours could get me into trouble.”

“Bailar es divertido!” You exclaim using the only Spanish phrase you know.

“What?...Dancing is fun?... Where the hell did you learn this stuff?”

“Español … para... niños”

“Española para niñas” Javier corrected helpful “Unless you’ve got something you need to tell me...” 

“Damn! The masculine and feminine, they briefly touched upon the theory in Spanish for Kids. It wasn’t as in depth as you might think though.” You joke with a huff. “Hey, do you know where I can get a better translating book?”

“Learning Spanish, huh? How long are you plannin’ on staying exactly?” You jump at the addition of a third voice, Steve appears looking thoroughly rested with his voice two octaves lower than it should be.

“Well ya’ know Stevie, it’s pretty ignorant to not learn a little of the language of the country you’re in.”

“You didn’t answer the question.” Steve points out, you’d hoped he would give in and let it go considering Javier was here. Though seeing as he greeted his partner whilst grabbing a cup of coffee before turning expectantly towards yourself, your chances of skirting around the subject seemed slim. 

“I don’t have any commitments at home, not like I got the hospital waiting for me to come back. So... I’mma stay… ya know … live a little!”

“Gillian? She’s not waiting for you?”

“Nah, I quit.”

“You quit?! It took you fuckin’ ages to get that job.”

“Stevie, If I have to clean up puke in a fucking grocery store once more. I honestly don't think I can take it- don’t look at me like that. Three times is three times too many!” 

“You’re fuckin’ out of your mind. This isn’t a holiday.”

“No, but I need some change, you clearly need to get your ass kicked back in line. We both win! If you help me get a job it’ll be great… I can practically speak Spanish already....” 

“I dispute that.” Javier piped up.

“Shut up.” You say as you throw the tea towel at him. “Look Stevie. Everything’s fine. You were fine with Connie and Olivia being here. I’m a grown ass woman.” There was silence as Javier continued moving around the kitchen, only this lull was a little heavier, you chalk it up to you being the youngest and the only girl in a family with three brothers. God knows they’d been benching you your entire life. 

“Fine.” Steve huffed and sat down at the table as you and Javier served up. The man in question gave you a conspiratorial wink as you passed one another. Nothing more was said on the matter as you tucked into breakfast. Infact, pleasant conversation was kept up all through the meal until it came time for Javier and Steve to go.

“We gotta get into the embassy. Heard rumours the new boss starts soon and we need to get our ducks in a row.” Steve nodded to Javier's words. “You ready to get back in the ring?”

“Been ready for the past two weeks, man. This leave of absence was bullshit”

Steve grabs his coat as you watch expectantly, waiting for your invite to the boys club, that inevitably doesn’t come. Instead you receive a much more in character; “Stay in the apartment, for god sakes Y/N. Just for today. I’ve left my number on the pad if you need me.”

You nod noncommittally and combined with a shrug the action hits its mark as Steve sighs.

“This isn’t funny. Bogotá isn’t safe for you.” You repeat your action, this time without the shrug. He huffs but carries on out of the door, he must have realised that was as much as an acquiescence as he was going to recieve, Javier follows him but stops on the threshold. 

“Te encontraré ese libro, Guapa.” He calls out before closing the door behind him.

“no hablo español, motherfucker!” You shout after him, you vaguely hear his warm chortle as he descends down the stairs. With your legs propped up on the chair in front of you, you huff and look around the room.  The absolute assholes had left you with the washing up. Yeah, feminism was definitely taking a hit during your time in Colombia. 

Apparently the agents hadn’t got the memo about the change in gender roles, you cursed their names as you turned on the radio to some latin music and began the arduous process of cleaning the entire kitchen, including the appliances and counters you hadn’t even used. 

You then moved onto the lounge, hey, if you were going to play the role of housewife, you were going to at least be a good one. You hoovered, reorganised and dusted your ass off for at least three-ish hours before you got bored, abandoning your work for snooping, you were only human after all.  

First you looked in the medicine cabinet and found nothing good, I mean, you don’t know what crazy drugs you were expecting your brother, the DEA agent, to have in his possession but you were crestfallen with the dull discovery of a spare toothpaste, American xanax and ‘aspirina bebé’.

With a lamentful sigh you took your sleuthing into the bedroom, pulling his bedside drawer open with a hesitant hand. You don’t know what dark sexual preferences your brother and Connie may or may not have and you didn’t want to risk permanent scarring. As you open it fully you glance inside remaining tentative, your eyes first fall on the badge left behind. He must have forgotten it. You take it out and place it on the bed beside you as you continue to investigate.

Your hands find a wad of folded yellow notepad paper, the jagged edges have been ripped from the main pad in frustration. Unfolding the wad, you do a once over of the sheet in front of you. The words ‘Dear Connie,’ make you halt in your sted.  Finding a gimp mask or weed was funny, this however crossed a line. So you placed the notes back where you found them, you turned to grab the badge and place it back on top of the pile but as the light shone on the metal an idea sprung to mind.

To say you were famed for your impulse control issues was an understatement. You often acted first with no regard for the consequences, hence your presence in Colombia and your extensive shoe collection. But as you drove your brother's Jeep through the streets of Bogotá, you realised that you may finally push Steve over the edge. Already in too deep you took the final turn, following the map you had spread out on the passenger side and were greeted with the American flag. Eureka. You had taken an embarrassing amount of wrong turns but had finally arrived.

You pulled up to the barrier and smiled at the Colombian guard donned in a dark green uniform. 

“Hola, Agent Murphy DEA asked me to drop off his badge.” You wiggle the object of your deceit in his eye line. 

“Identification?” The guard asked in heavily accented English.  You shut off the car's engine as you turn to your purse and pull your driver's license out and hand it over. He inspects the plastic, looking between you and the ID before nodding and handing it back to you, definitely not a social butterfly.  He then waved to the gentleman controlling the barrier, allowing you access.  

“DEA office is to the right. Personnel only.”

“I’ll be in and out, quick as a flash.” You reassuringly smile at the man and receive only a stony glare in return. Deciding to stop pushing the apparently limitless bounds of your dumb luck you pull through the barrier and into the car park on the right. You park up in what you hope is an unreserved space and hop out of the tall vehicle.

“Right, what's the plan again?” you mumble to yourself as you pause for a second, before starting towards the cream building and hopping up the stairs. You cling to the badge like a life raft, terrified you’ll be stopped as the imposter sight-seerer you are. Now in your defence, you knew this was dumb. Steve had an important job and distracting him wasn’t helpful in the least, but you couldn’t help yourself. Stay inside- like that was ever going to happen.

So you scoured the offices of the embassy for about fifteen minutes before you decided to break and ask for help, finally stopping an american looking woman with large stylish shoulder pads and even bigger hair. 

“I’m looking for the DEA office? Steve Murphy, Javier Peña?”  She seemed to bristle at the mention of the latter.

“Take that elevator to the third floor and it's the third door on the left, but watch out for Peña, he’s a real- '' She cut herself off with a huff, before nodding your way and walking off.

No shit, sister. 

Following the potentially scorned woman's instructions you found yourself in the DEA Bogotá headquarters; only Steve and Javier were nowhere to be seen.  

Fuck.

You looked around the room taking a slight step back getting ready to turn on your heel as an older white haired man entered the room. 

“Hey Newbie, I need two copies of each of these and I need these faxed to the team in Medellín.”

“Uh-”

“I needed them there yesterday, so get to it.” He dumps the two huge piles of files into your arms as you stare at him bemused. Looking back you still don’t know why you didn’t say anything, but you rolled up your sleeves and whipped out that can-do attitude and got to work, at what was apparently your new guerilla admin job. And that is how Javier and Steve found you two hours later, fighting with a fax machine and on the phone to the office in Medellín.

“No- I understand how the machine works… Yes… Yes I’ve turned it off and on, I think the problems on your side… No I don’t- Well Weaver needed the case file there yesterday so you need to figure something out! Yes… Yes I’ll hold. “ You turned when you heard steps behind you, pressing the receiver between your head and your shoulder and holding the fax machine manual. 

“Hey Guys!” You say cheerily, pretending like this was completely normal, like you hadn’t just dropped into Steve’s life and then surprised him every step of the way. 

“What in the hell are you-” Steve started, however the woman on the other side of the phone decided to pick up, you held up one finger to the two of them as a pause. 

“Oh, Hey Salome, It’s no problem… that’s great, I'll give it a try.” You drop the manual and press the green button on the fax machine, the machine begins making the whizzing sound you’d been chasing for the past twenty minutes. “Sounds all good on my end. Right, that's great I’ll send the rest across now. Thanks, have a nice day!”

“Am I high, right now? What the fuck is going on?” Steve’s tone matched his face with the disbelief painted upon it.  He had taken a seat at the desk which just so happened to be next to the fax machine and copier. Javier sat at his own in front of the typewriter with a smirk on his face lighting up a cigarette.

“Uh, well... I came to give you your badge cause’ you forgot it at home and then Weaver asked me to do some copies. Turns out that security here is pretty lax, cause’ I’ve been copying and faxing classified case files for the past two hours and no one seems to know or care that I don’t work here.” Steve’s eye all but twitched as he rubbed at his face. He reached into his bottom drawer and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and began pouring himself a glass.

“Fine.” He actually shrugged after downing the drink in one. Damn, You weren’t sure which had broken him, yourself or Colombia. “Better you’re here where I can keep tabs on you...Javi, can we get her an actual job?”

“I’ll run it by Messina,” Javier shrugged as he stood from behind his desk. “Probably best not to mention the perusal of classified cases though.”

So that’s how the three of you ended up at dinner celebrating your new job four days later, you were officially an office administrator for the DEA in Colombia, heading to the CNP base of operations in Medellín alongside your brother and his partner as their administrator, well, from what you understood, you were their dogsbody.  Your Spanish speaking ability had been greatly exaggerated but you were undeniably overqualified for the position, so, pending a background check you were through doors. 

Your interview with Steve and Javi’s boss; Messina, had been nerve wracking and your Murphy name had won you no favours. 

You’d given it your best and from what you could see you’d managed to convince her you were worth your salt. 

Yep, you’d proved yourself totally capable and more importantly, completely willing to move around 8 hours away to Medellín to live on an army base where a drug cartel was incredibly active. According to Javi this had apparently made you a very appealing hire to the DEA.  As such you were being sent along with the boys to help out on the front line, well, as close to the front line as an admin/dogsbody gets.

The three of your glasses clinked in unison, before you drained your shot with a regretful gasp, Tequila was the devil. 

“Thank you to Javi, for not only saving my sister from her stupidity once, but twice… or is it three times now?!” Steve lifted his second shot as he gave his heartfelt speech. Picking up the lime you’d just sucked the juice out of you launched it at him, missing by some margin. He let out what could only be described as a snigger as both him and Javi threw their second shots back.

If you were completely honest with yourself, you were wasted. 

The three of you had enjoyed a meal and many, many subsequent drinks. Knowing full well the two men had a distinct advantage of having had at least a year to pickle their livers in whiskey from the stress of this place, you had insisted that for every two drinks they had, you had one. . 

Still, six drinks in with no sign of stopping you felt better than you really had any right to. The room had yet to start spinning and for those small mercies, you were thankful.

“Nah, Thankyou to you both! I’ve heard Medellín is lovely this time of year!”

“Well, you won’t know. You’ll be spending all of your time on base, where it’s safe.”

“Steve-”

“Non-negotiable. You wanna come to Medellín, fine. But you do what I say, and no Y/N’s day out like in Bogotá.” 

“Dude, you’re such a buzz-kill!”

“Dude? What are you 15?!” Javier jokes with a cigarette between his lips. You’d been here only a week and yet he’d managed to navigate how to defuse an impending Murphy fight from a mile away.

“You should’a seen her at 15. Those teeth!”

“Ya’ got any pictures?” Javi asks, half distracted with flagging down the waitress and showing her five fingers.

“Really Steve, you wanna go there? After the earring incident?” Javier turns his full attention on you. 

“Murphy had an earring?”

“No-” Steve tries to interrupt.

“Yep, a nice little hoop.”

“I didn’t…”

“It got caught on his windbreaker and he ripped it out of his ear, it got infected.”

“Wind breaker?” Javier was biting his lip and staring at your brother, not really trying so hard to contain his laughter.

“Can’t think why I didn’t want you around, Sis. Look- I was trying something out; It didn’t work, so I moved on.” You wait a beat, allowing Javier to take in the information before you helpfully and without prompt drop a nugget of information for the Hispanic man.

“... He had to go to hospital.” A chortle burst unintentionally from Javier’s chest as your comment caught him by surprise. 

“Y/N!” Steve burst out in frustration, making you cackle with glee.

“Okay, Okay.” You hold your hands in mock surrender as the waitress drops another round of drinks on the table.

“Let’s head over to the discotheque, live music- no Sicario’s. Big with Bogotá policia so very safe.” Javier pitched like he was speaking to a child as he tried to convince Steve. He knew you were in from the excitement that lit up your form.

“I don’t know, dancing-”

“Would be good for you! Come on Steve, this place is closing soon anyway-” You counter, only to be cut off as he frantically looks at his watch. 

“What time is it- I promised I’d phone Con tonight- FUCK!” He stood quickly grabbing the table to steady himself and ran to the phone box just outside of the bar, you could just about see him from where you sat in the window booth besides Javi.

The two of you looked at one another for a moment, you weren’t quite at the level where conversation came easy, but you weren’t uncomfortable by any means.

“Thanks for talking to Messina for me… honestly. You’ve done so much for me since I got here.”

“Like I said, it’s no problem, guapa.” He smiles at you, not a smirk for once but a delighted easy smile that rarely graces his face. “I saw your CV.”

“Oh.” The smile drops off of your face, his eyes analyse your reaction, the easy smile replaced by a sombre expression. 

“Yeah, Oh. You were a doctor, a surgeon? I thought you mopped up vomit in a grocery store in Miami?”

“It’s complicated.” You gave him no further explanation, you expected him to move on, except Javier wasn’t like other people, he didn’t make things easy. He stared at you expectantly with those deep brown questioning eyes.  “Christ, okay. Yes I was in my final year of residency, not quite a surgeon.”

“How does that happen?”

“How does what happen?” You question, you know you’re being difficult but this isn’t something you’ve talked about with Steve, for Godsakes. He did that trick once more, hitting you with those soul-full eyes. 

Honestly, it was lucky you weren’t working for Escobar, forget waterboarding, all Javi would have to do was look at you to get you to give up your darkest secrets. “Things didn’t go my way, I wasn’t happy there. The hours were long and that shit was heavy.” 

He didn’t seem satisfied with your answer but he didn’t push any further, finally respecting your reluctance, he nodded. Stubbing out his cigarette and tilting his head towards the shots he asked “...Another?” 

“Why not?” You reply hesitantly.

Taking the salt you go to shake it onto the back of your hand when a tanned one stops your movement in its wake.

“No, no, no. Let’s do it a little different.” His eyes shot up to where your brother was leaning against the phone booth before he took your hand in his. Adjusting his grip he lifts your wrist to his mouth. Your heart is beating in your ears as you watch as his pink tongue pokes out and laps one, twice at your pulse point. A long line of saliva is left on your wrist as he shakes the salt over it. His eyes meet yours for a moment, as if asking permission. 

You don’t know how you even instruct your brain to nod, but regardless you carry out the action. Javi brings his mouth to your wrist once more in one solid stroke of his talented tongue, your eyes clamp closed as he finishes swiping up the salt before draining both the tequila and lime.

You’re breathing heavy as you open your eyes, to find those mahogany ones laser focused on you.

“You missed a step.” You mumble, your eyes never leaving his as you hold the lime up to his mouth, rind first. His teeth close over it and his lips just barely graze your fingertips. You turn to check on Steve, thankfully your brother has his back to the two of you, deep in conversation with Connie. Probably for the best, given your plan.

You turn sideways to face Javi, lifting one of your legs up onto the booth and bending it at the knee to get a vantage point. The alcohol coursing in your veins gives you the courage as one  hand wraps around his neck and the other his shoulder, you lean forwards to give one long solitary lick up his neck, right on the pulse. You taste his sweat stained skin, salty and warm on your tongue. 

Reaching for the shaker, you apply it liberally, smiling as you drop some of it down his t-shirt. Though from the stare he seemingly refused to remove from you, you don’t think he much cared.  Once you considered your job done, you turned back and pushed his head to the side and began licking the salt from his neck, this time you tortured him with three small cat licks along the flesh, you felt his neck tense as his hand moved from its place on the pleather booth and wrapped around your thigh. 

You reached back to the table and sank your shot. Wincing you turned back to Javier, leaning forward to grab the lime from his mouth. As you did so, he dropped it purposefully, staring directly into your eyes, a clear challenge, before he grabbed the back of your head and pulled you forward locking your lips in a devastating kiss. He tasted of lime, tequila and just Javier; that unexplainable component which was both sweet and smoky. His tongue plundered the depths of your mouth, seemingly uncaring of your brother who was mere metres away. Your hands roved his chest before locking in the short hair on the nape of his neck. 

Unexpectedly it was Javi who broke the kiss. The two of you paused with your foreheads meeting, much like the night you met.  He seemed to be trying to regain control.

“Meet me in the bathroom?” You whisper, rubbing your nose against his beautifully angular hooked one. He breathed out heavily through his nose, his eyes opening and pushing you away by your shoulders.

“No, I’m not gonna fuck you in the fucking bathrooms of a filthy fucking bar- are you crazy?” Behind his eyes a rage and arousal battled, apparently you had rattled him with your question, he reached forward for his whiskey, and took a sip whilst shaking his head and trying to centre himself. “I’m giving you whiplash? Yeah that’s real cute. You change what you want every single fuckin’ day, then look at me like I’m a dick.”

You supposed he had a point, after all you had been the one to ask for the redo and then stared at him longingly every day since. “It’s not an easy situation to navigate, ok? I came here for Steve-”

“You didn’t come here for Steve.” He uttered under his breath, staring straight ahead with his elbow perched on the table and holding the glass to his mouth.

“Excuse me?”

“You didn’t come here for Steve, not completely. You came here for you.”

“That’s not-” Javier turns to you, locking you down with his gaze. It was easy to forget he was a cop; observative and attentive to a fault, he could call your bullshit from a mile away. 

“Everything you’ve done since you got here, that’s not for him. You’re desperate for some life back in those veins. You don’t just give up being a fuckin’ surgeon and feel fulfilled with your position at a fuckin’ grocery store, Sunshine.”

“Wow, you’ve got me pegged, huh? No wonder they’ve got you after Escobar, best detective on the fucking case.” You roll your eyes refusing to look at him, sipping a beer as a way of hiding how he’s unnerved you. Everything he’s saying true and you’re ashamed of yourself.

“You don’t come down to the embassy if you’re trying to make your brother's life easier. I’m not criticizing Guapa, but how about cutting the bullshit messiah complex.”

You’re embarrassed and trying to look anywhere but him. His hand reaches for your own as Steve rounds the corner, the tanned fingers instead lock around the shot glass in front of you. 

“So, what’d I miss?”  Your voice is lodged in your throat, you don’t think you could speak even if you could think of the words you wanted to use. Javi answers in some nondescript way you don’t even really listen to before ordering another round of drinks.

“Y/N/N, You alright?” Steve asked, ever the concerned brother.

(your nickname)

“Yeah, Javi- uh, he saw my cv.” It wasn’t a complete lie but you still feel bad for using past trauma to make your brother skirt around the issue in the way you knew he would.

“Oh, Uh… Drink?” Steve stared at you, uneasy. 

“Yeah, a drink would be great.” Your voice is monotone to even your ears, you reach forward and down the beer in front of you, desperate for this awkwardness to be over and the feeling in the pit of your stomach to vanish. You’re happy to say after around ten minutes of the two men holding up the conversation, it atleast eases slightly.

There’s a lull as you all wait drinks arrive and you have managed to regain your basic motor skills. This is the selfishness Javi is talking about. Steve needs a good night, without feeling crappy about his damaged sister stealing the lime-light. So putting your best foot forward you look across to Javi and smile.

“So, how was Connie?”

“She’s good! She’s enjoying getting back to work, her sister’s having Liv during the day.” Guilt swells in your stomach once again. You should be there making Connie’s life easier, but instead you abandoned her to play the hero in Colombia. The shame spiral is slowly clawing at your stomach, as you force yourself to take a deep breath. 

“That’s good…” You’re saved by the bell, or rather the waitress bringing over the tray of beverages. Taking your beer first, you reach across and controversially take two of the shots. Both men chuckle at your bravado as Javi asks the woman for an extra shot.

The night continued on much like that, minus the regret whirlwind as the tequila seemed to help get rid of any real self reflection. The three of you didn’t even make it to the discotheque, as by the time the bar closed, the three of you began the short walk home, you were carrying the large box of pizza that you had insisted on ordering.

Surprisingly, Steve was the drunkest of your trio. His phone call with Connie had sent him into his own spiral. He began drinking tequila like it was water, to the point Javier had thrown in the towel, deciding he’d much rather like to live to see tomorrow. So with your pizza in one arm and your other wrapped around your brother's waist, you and Javi half carried Steve home and up the stairs into the apartment. 

The two of you unceremoniously dumped him on his bed, carefully you placed the pizza box you had cradled to your breast on the chest of drawers before you stepped forward past Javier. 

You pulled Steves boots off of his feet and pulled his legs up onto his bed, taking his belongings out his pockets; yes, including his gun, you placed them on the bedside table. You then placed a glass of water and an aspirin next to them, feeling sympathy for his head tomorrow morning. 

Happy that your job was done, you shut the light off and went into the living room, once again cradling the pizza. Javier was slouched on the sofa/your bed flicking through your Spanish introduction book, as you entered the room he threw it back on the table and pointed at the empty whiskey bottle on the coffee table.

“Got any more?”

“Think, that was his last one…” you shrug.

“Come down to mine for a drink? I don’t like how we left things.”

“No more talking?” Javier looks at you reproachfully, scanning your body as if the direct proposition you’d accidentally given him was the last thing he expected. “Uh- I mean- no more hard questions and no more...touching.”

“Alright.” He nods, pushing himself up with a sigh. “But if there’s no more touching, I get half of that pizza Sunshine.”

You nod and smile, following him down the stairs to his apartment. As you cross the threshold emboldened by tequila, you don’t dwell on your self destructive tendencies as Javier’s recent comments would’ve made you if you were sober. 

You’re tired and all you want is a drink of whiskey, some pizza and for Javier to give you that smile, the one that makes the side of his mustache raises and reveals the pearly white of his teeth. Dropping the pizza down on the coffee table you make yourself at home, sitting very deliberately on the couch he hadn’t screwed someone else on. If he notices, Javi didn’t say anything. 

He hurried over, cigarette balanced in between his lips as both hands were taken up. One holding two glasses and the other cradling the whiskey. He sits himself down with considerably more grace than you had, on the other sofa. You reach down the side of the sofa where you spy the remote peeking out from beneath the leather cushion and begin skimming through the channels until you find the telenovelas you'd unironically begun watching since arriving in Colombia.

Opening the box of Pizza, you take a slice and begin devouring the meal. It’s not quite like pizza as you know it, but it's tasty and full of carbs to soak up the alcohol so you can’t find a fault with it.  The two of you eat in silence for around half an hour.

It seemed neither of you were eager to break the silence after the daunting conversation from earlier. It’s as you’re taking your first sip of whiskey watching two women argue in Spanish on the television you decide to speak.

“I figure I owe you some answers.”

“You don’t owe me shit, Sunshine.” He’s leaning back in his seat, whiskey balancing on his knee and a fresh smoke in his hand.  “Sure I’m intrigued, but I'll figure you out in the end. Miami’s own angel of death?”

You chuckle at how close to the mark he is as he makes a shot in the dark. “I’m gonna need a refill if we’re gonna talk about our feelings…”

“Feelings… woah, woah, woah. I didn’t sign up for that.” He has a brazen smirk on his face, as he takes the now empty glass from your palm and fills it up. You down a second and he repeats the task.

“I killed a kid,” You wheeze as you wince from the burn turning your head towards the television and nursing the now full whiskey glass between your hands. “You asked why I gave up becoming a surgeon. I... I was the lead resident on a fuckin’ appendectomy. I could do that shit in my sleep. I perfed the abdominal wall as I was geting ready to close him up; a tiny fucking knick. There were no bleeders and his vitals remained normal, didn’t even notice I’d done it.  It was as they were taking him back to the ward, he just crashed.”  

You finish another glass and as your eyes water, you pretend it's the burn of the alcohol. You breathe heavy, your upper lip quivering. You’ve heard of the sensation but never felt it. 

“I froze. I opened him up in the lift, by the time I got back in there, he’d bled out. A twelve year old; Justin Miller. Just a fucking kid.” Javi doesn’t try to interrupt or make you feel better, which honestly made the whole thing easier. 

“His mom sued the shit out of me and the hospital, can’t say I blame her. I took a sabbatical and when it was time to go back, I couldn’t. Couldn’t go into the OR without having a fuckin’ panic attack.” You hadn’t met Javi’s eyes for the entirety of the one-sided conversation, scared that when you looked up you’d no longer find those treacle eyes filled with warmth. 

Silence fills the air for a devastating second whilst Javier digests your words.

“You fucked up.” He mumbled finally,  your eyes shot up to his own and within the pools of chocolate you found his usual warmth, though his customary jovial expression was suddenly somber. Such an expression looked strange on the gentle man you’d come to know, but you knew it was far from out of place. “In our line of work, you mess up; someone dies. It’s not fair or easy, just is what it is.”

You don’t have a word for the noise you make, somewhere between a scoff and a gasp. You chuckle as his response to years of complex trauma you’ve never recovered from is boiled down to five simple words.

“It is what it is.” You repeat disbelieving.

“Can’t change the past. Useless to try.”

“Stuff it down with the brown?” You ask, lifting your empty glass in a cheers.

“Exactly, Guapa.” He unscrewed the whiskey bottle and began pouring you a generous portion. As he’s screwing the lid back on he sits back down, this time though he’s on the couch next to you. “Maybe someday I’ll get teary and we can talk about my fuck ups.”

Your only response is to punch at his hard thigh next to you as you take a long sip, thinking about the information you’d willingly just divulged to Javi.  “I’ve never talked about that before.”

“Not with Steve?”

“Not with anyone. I was ashamed for a long time, still am. But it’s different now; more manageable.”

“Ready to operate then, Doctor Murphy?”

“Asshole.” You say with a reluctant smile to the joke at your own expense.

“pendejo” he leaned back on the sofa as he translated. 

“pen-dejo?”

“Si muy bueno.”

“Another!” 

“Coger!”

“Co-g-er?”

“Si insistes…” He trails off with a smirk.

“You’re a dick.” 

“Yes, I am.”

After placing your drink on the coffee table, you lean over to Javi slowly, refusing to break eye contact, all the while and you lay your head on the plush leather of the sofa; nearer his shoulder than his own face. 

“Thankyou, Javi.” 

“I keep telling you, Sunshine. It’s nothing”

“It’s everything,” You close the distance and place a kiss on his lips. It’s neither heavy nor chaste, like when he initiated them. This is full of meaning, It speaks of letting go of the past and welcoming the future, it's deep and warm and delicious. Your tongue licks at his own as your hand rises to rest on his cheek holding him there, you explore the depths of his mouth instead of conquering them. He tastes of the whiskey and somehow residual tequila, you find yourself getting drunk off of the taste of him. 

Pulling away you rest your forehead against his own. “I’m so tired… and drunk.”

“Sleep with me.”

“Javier, you said- I mean, I don’t think-”

“No, sleep. Just sleep... with me. Gotta be better than the couch up there,”

“No funny business?”

“Scouts honor.”  After a moment of contemplation you decide that this was specifically breaking the rules of your selfishness, the tequila may have altered your perception of the rules somewhat but you had wanted this man for so long. After your emotional confession, falling asleep next to him seemed cathartic.

You take the remote once more and click the red power button, the screen goes black as Javier has already disappeared into his bedroom. You hear him rummaging around in his drawers as you cross the threshold. Once he’s seemingly found what he was looking for, he holds the article up to your inspecting eye. 

It’s a plain olive green v-neck tee, nothing particularly special about it, but it would do as pyjamas, so you accept it gratefully, much preferring a tshirt to the sundress you’d worn out to dinner. You push the straps off of your shoulders, letting them fall under your armpits as you clutch the dress to your front. You pull Javier's t-shirt over your head and are greeted by the fragrance you’d come to love. It smelt like washing powder, spice and cigarette smoke, you wouldn’t say smoke was on your top tier of smells list but it reminded you of Javi so you couldn’t bring yourself to turn your nose up at it. 

Once the shirt was covering all the important bits, you lowered your dress and stepped out of the offending cloth. 

“A little late for modesty, eh?” He smirks as he lights his cigarette, leaning against the pillows of the bed. He was referring to the morning after you’d arrived in Colombia, where you’d walked through this very apartment, bare as the day you were born. 

At some point Javi had rid himself of his dress shirt and dropped onto the bed still wearing his jeans. You shimmy your bra down the sleeve of the tee, to make a point. Winking at him as you finally pull it free. You fling it on top of where your dress lay abandoned. 

“You’re still a perv for that.” You smile fondly at the man as you clamber over to your side of the bed. He’d taken the left, closest to the door. He doesn’t reply as you make yourself cosy, under the thin blanket of the duvet.

You roll over to face him, he seems to be miles away. 

“Where’d you go?” You ask softly, though he startles still. 

“I’m right here,” He deflects, leaning over to the ash tray to stub the smoke out.

“Ok…” You roll your eyes as he turns off the lamp and lies flat on the bed next to you. The two of you are silent for a while. It’s not quite awkward but it's definitely not comfortable silence, the two of you know the implications of your decision tonight. Even if Javi is being a perfect gentleman. Your eyes have yet to acclimate to the dark as you stare out trying to search for his form. 

“Stop staring at me.”

“It’s dark, I’m not staring at anything.” You reply to his childish remark. You hear a chuckle catch in his throat. He seems then to have finally made his decision, he reaches forward and wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you to his chest. You go to stop him, but there's nothing to stop. He makes no further move as he holds you there. Your cheek rests on the overheated skin of his pectoral, it has just enough give to be comfier than any pillow you’ve ever encountered. 

“Maybe, I’ll tell you about my fuck ups one day.” He whispers into your hair, despite the way he says it being non-committal there's a promise behind the words. You don’t reply, already drifting off into the best sleep you’ve had since arriving in Colombia, or perhaps ever. 

A part of your brain registers Javi placing a kiss on the crown of your head as your eyes finally shut, though it is quickly replaced by the singular thought of ‘God, I hope I don’t drool all over him.

                                                       “You sober?” You look up at the clock on the bedside table that reads 5am. You’d been asleep for about four hours. You make a non committal noise in your throat. 

“Javi?” You mumble sleepily, the man behind you is peppering kisses on your neck.

“You want this?” Again you groan, this time however, you nod your head. His arm rises to wrap around your neck, arching your back to get you closer to him. “Do you want this?”

“God yes.” You gasp, pushing your hips back against his bulge. His hands release your stomach as he kisses down your neck once more. His hands are hard on your flesh as they map out your body in the dark.

His hands continue to roam your body as they slide under his shirt, they land on your breasts, he can’t help himself as he weighs them in his hand. He groans in your ear at the feel of them in his palm. You’d always had Javier down as an ass man, he’d nearly burnt a hole through your jeans the night you’d met. But apparently Javi was a man of many tastes as he worshiped your nipple with the pads of his fingers, rolling the sensitive bud through his thumb and forefinger. 

You groan at the sensation and push yourself back into him, desperate to feel every inch of his body against your own. You pull away suddenly and he makes a guttural sound in the back of his throat, though all of his questions are answered as you pull his shirt over your head and throw the offensive fabric across the room. As Quick as a flash he’s back on you, his mouth attached to your neck, giving you absolutely no quarter. 

He’s the one bucking into you this time and that seems to awaken part of your brain, your hands reach behind you they’re clumsy from sleep and the angle you have is awkward, you struggle with the button of his jeans for a second before his hand leaves one of your breasts to undo it for you. His hand returns as quickly as it left though it doesn't stay there for long as it slowly roves south, stroking the flesh of your stomach and making your entire being tighten up in anticipation as he feels you through your boy shorts. His touches are light at first, testing and exploring your body, before his fingers begin teasingly rubbing at your clit seeming to delight in the way, your wetness seeped through your underwear.

You force your brain back to the task at hand as your hand finds his abdomen and lowers through the hair lurking below his zipper, mimicking the actions he had performed on you moments before, however you have no intention of teasing. 

They find their mark, and you have to stop yourself from gasping. You’d felt him on the sofa that night but my god, your imagination hadn’t done him justice as your hand just about closed around him as you pumped him awkwardly behind you. He groaned in your ear and began whispering in a blend of Spanish and English.

His hands rise to dip under your panties, they brush across your mound before they find their home. His fingers barely touch you at first, seeming to be getting the lay of the land. After a moment of teasing, a single solitary finger swipes slowly along your slit, gathering the evidence of your arousal on his fingers. 

He groaned in your ear. “So fucking wet, that sweet little cunt is so ready for me…” Instantaneously you lose all motor skills as your body goes into shock, Javier’s dirty mouth would be the death of you.

Fucksake Y/N he wasn’t even inside of you, yet here you were writhing in his arms like a wanton whore from a single sentence. 

Your reaction seemed to spur him on as he let go of your body and rolled you onto your back. He swung around on his knees to fit between your legs. His hands rested on your hips, gripping onto the panties that lay there before he rolled them down your legs and threw them behind him. He leaned forward on his elbows, to stare at the most intimate part of you. 

Javi began kissing down your thighs, placing small bites along the sensitive skin along the way, getting closer and closer to the throbbing warmth of your pussy. 

“I meant what I said, cariño. I want to know how you taste.” Your mind is brought back to that church, the way he had you pushed against those bars, you didn’t think your body could constrict any further. You were desperate for any kind of contact. And you knew right there and then that you had been right; This man would destroy you. 

He struck then, much like a cobra towards his prey. His tongue flattened against your warmth, breaching your folds and catching on your clit.  The tip of his tongue was skilled as it danced along your bud, drawing cry after cry from you as your hands grabbed at his short ink black hair. 

He takes one final lap at your swollen clit before his tongue goes lower, he pushes through and sinks his tongue inside of you. His nose, that you’d appreciated for its character bumped perfectly against your clit making stars shoot behind your eyes.  You clenched around his tongue, desperate to be filled, he seemed to get the message as two fingers were quickly buried in your aching hole. 

“So fucking tight,  Guapa, I don’t know if I can fit three...te lo vas a tomar tan bien.” His tongue had risen back up to your clit, the combination of the vibration and filth of his words made a whimper drop from your lips, before he started rotating his tongue in circles around your swollen bud as his two fingers pumped in and out of your cunt at a thundering pace drawing you closer and closer to the edge as the minutes went by.

Finally, his fingers curled inside you as he sucked your clit into his mouth and all at once you were pushed off the cliff. You couldn’t tell what pushed you over that first peak so quickly, maybe it was the fact that it was Javier, the man who had been plaguing your dreams since you arrived in Colombia, currently between your legs devouring your cunt like a starving man, perhaps it was a culmination of five days of foreplay, but whatever the reason, when you fell, you fell fucking hard. 

You clenched around Javi’s fingers like a vice, so much so he hissed into your pussy and began thrusting his fingers faster. Spots clouded your vision as your whole body curved upwards and around the man giving you this pleasure as your legs clamped around his head and your fingers must have scratched his scalp as your hips thrust, riding his face to your peak. You were as taut as bowstring before the tension finally snapped and your body exploded in euphoria. You let out a cry as you crescendo on Javi's talented tongue.

He didn’t stop straight away, even after your body slumped back against the bed, he coaxed you through the aftermath of your orgasm, lapping at your entrance and drinking your come like it was the most delicious wine he’d ever sampled, groaning all the while.

Finally, he pushed himself forward, kissing at your thighs, your mound and finally your stomach as he came to rest over you, holding all his weight on his elbows. His face met your own as he kissed you deep, fucking your mouth with his tongue as he had done your pussy moments before. He leans back rubbing at your stomach, at your hips, at any flesh he can get his hands on. 

“Sabes mejor de lo que podría haber imaginado precioso.” He whispers against your breast as his mouth locks around your nipple. Javier Peña speaking Spanish did things to you, even if he hadn’t been stimulating your breasts you knew for a fact you’d be just as wet from hearing him speak in what you could only assume was a first language from the ease with which it left his mouth. You wished more than anything you could understand what was undoubtedly the filth coming from his mouth. 

You had recovered enough from his assault on your clit, to move your hands from your sides. They raised up and traced the tanned skin on his chest. He really was beautiful. He pulled back to stare at you, giving you a clearer view of his body.

He was muscled yet lithe and you took a self indulgent moment, committing the sight of him to memory, before your hands wrapped around his cock, which was standing to full attention through the undone zip of his jeans. He was what must have been unbearably hard, if you’d have had light to see, you had no doubt the head of his cock would be purple, straining with need. You pushed his jeans further down, recruiting your feet to push them down over his ass. Your hands roamed down to squeeze at the bountiful offering of meaty flesh. 

He chuckled as you pinched his cheek, before lifting his knees one at a time and kicking his jeans off of the bed and before you knew it he was lining himself up, brushing the head of his cock through your wet folds. Despite his groan at the contact, he had the discipline to check a final time. “This is what you want, Y/N?”

You didn’t bother to answer, you pushed his hand away from his cock, and pushed it towards your hole. You pushed your hips up against him in lieu of an answer, welcoming the head of his cock inside you. Even though all you could manage was shallow entry, the feel of him inside of you was glorious. 

 His hands, those talented, glorious hands found your own, wrapping his significantly larger ones around yours above your head. He pushed forward with one strong thrust of those lithe hips and he buried himself balls deep inside of you, rooted so deep you swear you could feel him in your cervix. He was everywhere, he was plundering every inch of you as his body surrounded your own, heat built between the two of you as sweat began coating both of your bodies. 

Every thrust brought you closer to your second peak, turning your head you couldn’t resist trying to get him to claim your mouth too. Though you couldn’t quite reach far enough to make contact, as if reading your mind Javier bent his elbow pushing his torso forward, coincidently pounding deeper into your body as your lips joined in a messy kiss.  He was fucking into you slow and deep, his tongue began following the rhythm of his cock as he claimed every single part of you as his own. 

The pace was brutally slow, just enough to get you to that edge and keep you on it, you could barely speak. You felt like you were drowning in Javier and every time you came up for air he bottomed out, meeting your hips with his own and the wave of pleasure cut off the oxygen all over again.

“Please… Javi…”

“W-what do you want Sunshine?” He panted out continuing with his slow tempo.

“Faster...please... God.” He ignored your cry for speed and continued fucking you into the matress at his own pace, though his thrusts were just as slow but they were harder. His hips hit against your own, as he put all of his power behind them, getting as deep as he could. If you didn’t know better you’d think he was trying to tunnel through to your womb. You clenched at the thought as he fucked you deep and hard. 

“... Javi…” You cried his name, a desperate plea as he kept you suspended over your peak, refusing to let you free fall. Finally he huffed, taking your legs and throwing them over his shoulders.

“You want me to fuck you properly, huh, Guapa?” He began thrusting into you at an arduous pace, the room was filled with your cries, his grunts and slapping of your connecting skin. Those telling black spots were clouding your vision, your second orgasm of the evening was fast approaching. Once again you clenched down on Javi’s thick cock. 

“I’m gonna’ come.” His hand lowered and began rubbing at your clit, not pausing for a moment as he fucked you thoroughly. 

“ven por mí...ven sobre mi polla… fuckin’ Sunshine, fucking taking my cock…. buena niña, podría follarte todo el día.” The second he lost his brain and began muttering in Spanish was the moment you were gone. You came for the second time as he was relentlessly hammering into you, drawing your orgasm from you. Your whole body braced against him, your eyes squeezed shut as you clamped down around his cock, milking him tightly.

“Fuck!” He growled at the tightness surrounding him. 

After a few moments he pulled out, quickly grabbing your and flipping you onto your stomach, after placing a pillow under your hips. He then buried himself back inside of you to the hilt his groans mixing with your own at the sensation. He kept up the pace he had before but this time the angle was deeper as he forced your legs together with his thighs. 

Javi’s hands grabbed at your ass (perhaps he was an ass man after all) slapping the meaty flesh which resided there and then instantly kneaded the tissue he’d just abused. His hands rose to carresse the skin of your hips before he took a punishing grip on them and began fucking you in earnest. Javier taking his pleasure from your body whilst you lay a drooling mess from the orgasm he’d already gave you was an image you didn’t know would turn you on, but it made you clench around his shaft as it plundered your depths. 

He began speaking again, though they were lost in a mix of Spanish and English, so much so you couldn’t differentiate. His pace was relentless and finally you felt him begin to shake as he gasped above you

“¿dónde?...w...where?”

“Come inside me, Javi.” He groaned at words and continued pounding until his hips stuttered and he brought it home and buried himself deep inside, filling you to the brim with his seed.  

The two of you lay there breathing heavy trying hard to get your breath back, half of his weight on top of you and the other half resting on the mattress.His cock was slowly going soft inside of you, yet you felt no urgency to move.

“So much for scouts honor, huh?” You ask from behind a veil of hair, turning your face which had been buried in the mattress moments before. Your voice is hoarse; completely wrecked much like the rest of you. 

He’s silent for a moment of consideration, before he leans forward in the moonlight and pushes your hair from your face. The action makes his cock shift inside of you and a little of his release spills out onto your thighs. He continues anyway and places a soft kiss on your lips before whispering “... I was never a boy scout, cariño.”

TAGLIST - Leave a message if you’d like to be added homies.

@drinkingwhileblogging @va-guardianhathaway  @jedi-jesi @obsessivelysearching @cannedsoupsucks @wantingtobekorra @littlemissoblivious @linnie0119 @pascalesque @pedrosmustache @sir-lili @obsessivelysearching @fairytale07

A/N: Fuck me that was the steamest shit I’ve ever written. This was especially for @drinkingwhileblogging and her turquoise titties, hope this makes up for me blue balling you all. 

[keanureevesisbae]

Mister Cavill, your dog is kinda fat - Chapter 3

Summary: Veterinarian Olivia Tran has zero time for bullshit. After becoming a mom at age twenty three, the one thing she wants is a good life for her daughter Vanessa. Her ex didn’t want anything to do with her nor the baby and she decided that man are officially banned out of her life. But then she meets Henry Cavill at her clinic and her ban slowly starts to crumble apart. Henry on the other hand is looking for one thing: a family. And when he meets Olivia Tran, he finds just that.

Henry Cavill x Olivia Tran (ofc)

Warnings: None

Wordcount: 3.9k

Masterlist // Previous chapter // Next chapter

It’s still beyond me that I told the famous actor Henry Cavill that his dog is kinda fat. The entire time from three till six a.m. was a dream to be honest. I noticed the second he walked in how handsome this man looked, not realizing he was Henry Cavill, though I thought he looked familiar. His curls were disheveled, his coat hung open and he looked pretty out of it, something that is completely understandable. However, he wasn’t just a snack—this man is a full course meal.

When he placed his dog on the examination table and stared at Kal with that concerned look on his face, was also the exact moment I felt something crumble deep inside of me. The aversion I had against all men (minus the one and only Keanu Reeves of course) was falling apart. I felt so stupid for thinking about him and how handsome he looked. Two days later, I still feel stupid.

He is a client with a dog who was sick. Had the other clinics picked up, I wouldn’t even know how handsome he was in real life. And on top of that, he is not just any client. He is Henry Cavill. The Henry Cavill, with an ass that looks good on screen, but even better in real life.

Yes, I looked. I’m still a person with a pulse who lets her mind wander from time to time and his butt definitely is part of my dreams nowadays.

Though I let my fantasies take me to certain places with Henry, I couldn’t help but turn into a soft pile of mush, as I watched him hold Vanessa in his thick arms, allowing her to play with his curls. I watched him listen intently as she started counting from one to hundred. He listened from the first number to the last and seemed genuinely impressed.

It’s rare to find a man who is willing to give a young child his full attention. In those six years I’ve been raising Vanessa, he is the first one that I encountered that is like that.

A quick Google search while he was chatting with Vanessa told me he was single. Somehow I stumbled upon multiple articles saying that he really wants a family of his own.

My mind almost wanted to think about how maybe… He could become someone important for Vanessa, because he was such a natural and the older Vanessa gets, the more I think that she needs a male figure in her life. Since she has reached the age of five, she has been bugging me about having a dad. The years prior to that moment, I was perfectly capable of being both the mother and the father. At least that’s what I thought. I came to the bitter conclusion that I’m her mother and that is it.  

But then I also realized that I should keep one one thing in mind:

Henry Cavill is dying to have a family of his own.

And Vanessa is not his own.

I want to think about something else, but I can’t. I simply can’t stop thinking about Henry Cavill and his strong arms. I’m convinced I was hallucinating when I thought he was flexing his arm muscles, when he carried Kal.

When I told Belle about this, she began rambling something about how that man oozes family man and how he makes her ovaries shake and ache for babies. I shrugged it off, thinking she was being ridiculous, but now…

I never thought I’d meet someone else. I knew that I’d be raising Vanessa by myself, though I secretly wished she wasn’t born to a single mom, who obviously had no idea what she was doing. I wished that she was born into a happy family, with a mother, a father, siblings, uncles and aunts and grandparents, but that wasn’t the case, so I tried my best to give her the best life I could possible provide for her.

And I shouldn’t think about Henry Cavill like that. I know for a fact that he has already forgotten about me and my daughter.

However it’s hard to forget about him. Especially since Vanessa can’t shut her mouth about how amazing Superman is and how he is the strongest man on earth because he carried his overweight dog into the clinic with no problem.

Vanessa and I walk back home, after I picked her up on Monday. ‘Nobody believed I met Superman,’ she says. For a second I’m afraid she is defeated, but then she simply shrugs. ‘But I know better than that.’

That’s my girl. ‘Very good, sweetie.’

‘Miss Sue send me out of class today,’ Vanessa then says.

‘Why?’ This isn’t the moment to become the overprotective mother goose. This is the moment to let her tell me in all honesty what happened.

‘I wasn’t doing what she told me to do. We had to read four pages out loud with the class, but Nicky is really slow, so I read the next page by myself, while I wasn’t supposed to.’

‘But why did she send you out?’ I ask.

‘Because I did it four times.’

‘Right,’ I say. What do I say about this? I understand my daughter completely, because I used to do the same. Besides, I think miss Sue is a bit uptight to be honest. I don’t like miss Sue. She’s always pretty condescending to me, probably because she’s ancient and thinks a child should have both a mother and a father, like the perfect housewives do.

I really hate every parent who has a kid going to that school, but on top of my hate list, is miss Sue.

When Vanessa senses my lack of reaction, she says: ‘I made you another drawing.’

I prepare myself for the well known drawing, that I can dream by now, but all the air is knocked out of my lungs when I see what she drew me today. I stop in the middle of the curb, earning me some annoyed groans from two old ladies who were apparently walking behind me, but I don’t care. I really couldn’t care less at the moment.

Oh my God, what is it with this kid and desperately wanting a father?

Okay, now I get that she wants a dad, I do, but did she honestly have to draw a Superman and a dog (where she wrote underneath KAL) inside of our house? Superman stands next to me and she tried to make it look like Superman and I are holding hands.

Oh my God, what goes on inside Vanessa’s head?

‘What did you draw?’ I ask her, though I know exactly what she drew.

‘My new daddy.’ She smiles, revealing the empty gap where her tooth was this morning, but it fell out during recess today. It’s her third tooth and I’m too much of a realist to tell her about the Tooth Fairy, since I had severe nightmares about that. She doesn’t care about the Tooth Fairy being fake (but she had to promise me to play along when kids in school talked about it), only about the money that I have to give her.

‘Your new what?’ I ask her.

‘My new daddy,’ she says. She pretends like she is talking to an idiot, but that attitude is apparently something she saw me doing and made it a personality trait of herself, since Belle once said that she is just as sassy as I am.

‘You can’t just declare every man you meet as your new dad,’ I tell her.

‘But I haven’t asked for a new daddy in so long,’ she says and to be fair, that’s true. The only thing she does, is draw me the same picture daily with the exception of today. ‘I want Superman to be my new daddy.’

‘It’s an impossible wish.’

‘But I want him as my new dad,’ she says, stomping her foot on the ground.

This is the moment she chooses to have a temper tantrum? Great, just what I need after a long day of not putting one pet to sleep, but three. ‘Vanessa, I’m not having this conversation with you. That man is not going to be your new dad.’

Am I telling her this or myself?

‘Why not?’ she whines.

‘Because not every man you like can be your new dad, so that includes Henry.’

Vanessa starts to pout, but I turn away, not being able to look at her when she looks like that, because if she stares at me with that face for a little too long, I’m breaking into the office to look for Henry’s number, so I can call him and literally ask him to be Vanessa’s new dad.

Goodness gracious, what is happening to me? What happened to my strong independent woman mindset? I don’t need a man, like the Pussycat Dolls told me growing up and I don’t need them for anything. I have managed to become a great veterinarian and a pretty okay mother, without the help of family. I’ve done so much, but I’m willing to let all that go, just so I can have one more glance from Henry. Just one more smile from him.

A bark pulls me out of my thoughts and I look over my shoulder. I not only see the chubby American Akita, but also his owner. Henry looked handsome Saturday morning, but he looks even hotter today. He wears a dark blue jeans that shows the world how thick his thighs really are and a cosy sweater, but not a coat, since men are apparently too cool to wear coats in the beginnings of autumn.

Henry notices us and holds up his hand, while a wide smile creeps on his face. Vanessa wants to rush towards him, but I grab her arm before she can run away. Seriously, my mom reflexes are no joke. Today, when a salamander wanted to wander around the examination table and nearly fell off, I caught him just in time, while I had my back turned to him. The nine year old boy to whom the weird pet belonged to, almost cried out of happiness because I saved his salamander from breaking his neck. ‘Not a word about the new dad thing,’ I tell her sternly.

She nods, recognizing the look on my face and knowing that I mean it. I let her go and when she is close enough, she jumps in Henry’s arms. He catches her easily and I hear him say: ‘What a greeting, miss Vanessa,’ followed by a lovely chuckle of his.

This girl really needs a male figure in her life, I think to myself and if it were up to me, that role model is going to be Henry Cavill.

‘I missed you, Superman,’ she tells him and I have to resist the urge to bring up the new dad thing myself.

‘I missed you too,’ Henry says to her and that earns him a kiss from Vanessa on his cheek.

There is this saying that the only ones that tell the truth, are drunk people and little kids. What if Vanessa is right? What if this man should be her new dad? She always drew a man with a dog, outside of our house.

I never saw her with another man like this. Belle’s brother is nice, of course and they are best buddies, but it was never like this. This look Henry and Vanessa share with each other.

Vanessa wiggles herself out of his strong arms to cuddle Kal, who looks a lot livelier than he did a few days ago. He excitedly wags his tail. ‘Doctor Tran,’ Henry says to me when I walked over to the three of them.

‘Please, call me Olivia,’ I tell him. ‘We’re not in the clinic.’

‘Right.’ Henry has a faint blush on his cheeks. Is it because of me or did my child say something to him that embarrassed him when she hugged him?

‘How is Kal doing?’ I ask, scratching the big dog behind his ear, while Vanessa pets his back. ‘He looks a lot better than he did on Saturday.’

‘Yeah, I’m giving him the meds you gave me and he has been his normal self again. I also bought some Purina One and he seems doing really well with the sudden change of kibble.’ Henry clears his throat and he says: ‘It’s hard not to give him as many snacks as I want to, but I’m trying my best.’

‘Oh, you’re that kind of owner,’ I smile, before shoving my hands in my pockets. ‘Well, he looks happy and better than Saturday, so that’s good.’

I honestly have no idea what I can say to him, so for the first time in forever, I’m hoping Vanessa can break the ice here. I just pray she doesn’t force us to sing that Moana song, because that girl will get her way, especially when it comes to singing songs. I once had to sing “Love is an Open Door” (both Anna’s and Hans’ part) to her, when she locked herself in the bathroom at the library because something scared her.

Our eyes meet for a second and it’s like she understands me without words. ‘Mister Henry, what were you doing out here?’

Very good, Vanessa.

‘I was walking Kal,’ he says to her, crouching down so he doesn’t tower over her.

That’s adorable and all of the sudden I understand that shaking ovaries comment Belle made a whole lot better. I’m willing to give this man the family he wants, but I need to stop thinking right now.

‘We will walk with you.’

I wasn’t hoping for that kind of ice breaker. ‘Sweetheart,’ I say to her, ‘we can’t just say that. Maybe he has an appointment or something else that is important.’

‘I don’t mind,’ Henry on the other hand says, completely disregarding my parental efforts. ‘We could use some company actually.’

While my common sense is telling me that this isn’t a great idea (he is a client at the clinic, he just wants to get into your pants, he is just being nice), my heart is pounding like crazy, loving this idea.

‘Please, mommy.’ Vanessa folds her little hands together and pushes out her bottom lip, blinking her eyes like she’s some sort of puppy. This kid knows what she’s doing, because the chance I’m saying no now, is basically non existent.

‘Okay, sure, but you stay close now. No wandering off. If you want to go somewhere, ask me.’

‘We can go to a nearby park,’ Henry suggests. ‘Kal can run free if he wants and we can keep an eye on them.’

We can keep an eye on them. Don’t start hyperventilating now, Olivia Tran. ‘Sounds like a plan.’

Vanessa squeals and walks in between us, holding not only my hand, but also Henry’s. Oh my, we look just like one happy family, especially when I look to my side, to see that the most gorgeous looking man on the planet earth, is already looking at me, flashing me a beautiful smile.

Secretly I hope that we run into some parents from school, miss Sue or even my parents. I’m really tempted to rub this in everyones face, though it’s probably only a once in a lifetime moment.

‘Mister Henry,’ Vanessa says, ‘my mommy had to kill two cats and a dog today.’

‘Not kill,’ I quickly correct her. ‘I had to put them to sleep, remember? Those animals were old and sick and they needed a little help to go to heaven. I don’t kill them.’ I look at Henry again, who seems amused. ‘I really don’t.’

‘I believe you,’ he laughs. ‘You just tell owners their pets are fat.’

I involuntarily let out a laugh. ‘You are the first one in two months with a fat pet, so I just save it for the famous actors with who can’t say no to their chubby dogs.’

Henry licks his lips, before he sinks in this top teeth in his bottom lip. Goodness gracious. Next time I run into Henry Cavill, I should bring some extra pair of panties.

Olivia, that is terrible, I shouldn’t think like that.

My daughter is here for crying out loud.

‘Mommy, have you seen a cuter dog today?’

‘Cuter than Kal you mean?’ I ask her.

‘Mhm.’

I chuckle. ‘Well, I’ve seen cute dogs, but no one is as cute as Kal.’

‘I think so too,’ Vanessa says. She pulls her hand out of mine, before holding out her arms for Henry.

I want to tell her that she can’t just expect him to carry her, simply because he is strong and he is Superman, but without any difficulties he lifts her up with only one arm. If I tried that, I’d dislocate my shoulder, but obviously it’s a piece of cake for him. I spend my fair share on Pinterest and YouTube, admiring his arms. And that clip of him building that PC? That was the hottest thing on earth and is nearly illegal.

‘I lost a tooth today,’ Vanessa says, showing off her teeth, probably sticking her tongue through the gap.

‘Wow, that is awesome,’ Henry says, leaning in to check if there is already a new tooth coming in. ‘You’re going to put it underneath your pillow, so the Tooth Fairy can give you some money?’

I can feel Vanessa’s hesitation. She looks over her shoulder and ushers me to get closer. ‘Mommy,’ she asks, still loud enough for Henry to hear, ‘should I tell him the truth?’

‘About what?’ I ask her.

‘He still believes in the Tooth Fairy.’

I bite my lips, to prevent myself from laughing out loud. ‘I think you should tell him.’

She nods and wraps an arm around Henry’s neck. ‘Mister Henry,’ she says, ‘the Tooth Fairy doesn’t exist. Mommy just gives me money when I lose another tooth.’

Henry looks at me, also visibly holding in a laugh. ‘The Tooth Fairy doesn’t exist?’ he ask in almost believable disbelieve, but then I remember: this man is an actor. ‘Are you serious?’

‘Mhm.’

‘I need to call my mother, to ask her why she lied to me all those years?’

Vanessa shakes her head. ‘Well, lots of kids still believe in the Tooth Fairy, so it’s okay that you did too.’

‘It was just time for you to know the truth,’ I add.

‘Well, thank you, miss Vanessa,’ Henry says. ‘Thank you for being honest with me.’

We arrive at the park and Henry and I sit on a park bench, while Kal runs wild, followed by a giggling Vanessa. I flinch a few times, thinking Kal is too wild to be playing with Vanessa, but he actually tones down a bit, checking in with her to make sure that she’s alright.

‘You have a sweet dog,’ I admit, not being able to look at Henry just yet. He is really close, I can almost feel the heat he is radiating through my coat, right onto my skin.

‘Yeah, he is sweet.’

‘And fat.’

‘Are you ever letting that go?’ Henry laughs.

I simply shrug. ‘I’m a vet, I just want the patients to be healthy.’ I try to look serious, but I can’t help but chuckle. ‘But I don’t think I can let it go, until Kal is sixty kilograms.’

‘But what if he is just a larger model?’ Henry tries, still not wanting to fully admit to the fact that he was overfeeding his pet and thus the main reason Kal is at least ten kilos too heavy.

‘He isn’t,’ I tell him. ‘He is large, sure, but I’ve seen American Akita’s who are a whole lot bigger than him, but still within the acceptable weight range.’

‘You’re one tough doctor, Olivia,’ he says with a smile. ‘You know, your daughter has quite the personality. Figured she’s just like you.’

I can’t help but laugh. ‘Yeah, people often say we’re basically twins.’

‘The fact that you told her about the Tooth Fairy being fake is admirable,’ he says.

‘I wanted her to spare the trauma I experienced,’ I say. ‘Besides, I don’t like lying to her, though everyone says it’s part of growing up.’

Henry nods and I can feel he wants to ask it. It’s always in people’s body language, when they want to know about the family situation. They clear their throat, avoid eye contact, rub their hands together and when they ask the question, they tilt their heads.

I decide that I’m not ready for a head tilt by the one and only Henry Cavill. ‘Her biological father didn’t want her,’ I say. ‘He broke up with me and disappeared out of my life, if that’s what you wanted to know.’

He sighs, a blush on his face, as if he is embarrassed that I caught on, before he even asked. ‘I don’t think I can ever understand those kind of men,’ he admits, staring at his dog and Vanessa. He leans forward, his elbows on his knees. ‘I mean, she’s a great kid, very in touch with her feelings and pretty smart too. Her biological father doesn’t know what he is missing out on.’

I don’t think I can ever understand those kind men. Did he honestly just say that? My entire body temporarily forgot how to function. Henry Cavill out there trying to steal my heart and with the rate he is going at, I’m willing to hand it over to him without putting up a fight. Her biological father doesn’t know what he is missing out on. That one went straight to my soul.

‘Well, he was an idiot anyways,’ I mumble. ‘Think I’m better off without him.’ I stare at Vanessa, who is chasing Kal, whose tail is wagging and he jumps around her like an idiot.

‘You are really better off without him,’ he says to me. ‘I don’t know the asshole, but I do know for a fact that you are better off without him. And Vanessa for that matter.’

I feel giddy, like a child before her birthday. ‘Listen, Henry, I’m sorry if she’s overstepping any boundaries. If you don’t want to pick her up, you don’t have to.’

‘I don’t mind, Olivia,’ he says. ‘She’s not overstepping any boundaries.’

I nod, not sure what to say. This isn’t helping with my fantasies, that I keep pushing back, postponing them to completely erupt when I’m in bed tonight. Belle is right: he oozes family man.

‘You’re doing a great job,’ he then says.

‘With what?’

‘Raising her.’

My cheeks flush. When was the last time I heard this, from someone other than Belle? I don’t think anyone has ever told me really… Except that one nurse in the hospital, when Vanessa was three and shoved a bead up her nose and I couldn’t stop crying. That event totally made me doubt my parental skills, until the nurse said that she dropped her infant on his head and he turned out to be fine.

‘I’m trying,’ I say, looking at my hands.

‘And that’s good enough,’ Henry whispers, but loud enough for me to hear it.

I need to contain the urge to just jump him, kissing his soft looking lips and allowing him to do things to me that I hadn’t done in such a long time.

Thankfully I have Vanessa, who always knows the exact moment I need her. ‘Mom, I had a little accident.’

When I look up, I see that she didn’t pee herself, but that she fell into the mud.

Face first.

Great.

Taglist: @thelastsock​ // @flhorah​ // @sausagefest1996​ // @laufeysodinson​ // @xxxkatxo​ // @memoriesat30​ // @henrythickcavill​ // @crimsonrae​ // @henryobsessed // @madbaddic7ed​ // @summersong69​ // @lyrafraiser​ // @peakygroupie​ // @coldmuffinbanditshoe​ // @mary-ann84​ // @thereisa8ella​ //@crazyandanonymous4u // @xuxszx​ // @emmaofgreengabbles​ // @jimmypagesandbrianmayshair​ // @onlyhenrys​

[stvpidinlove]

[ OLIVIA HOLT, SHE/HER, CIS WOMAN ]  —  [ REGAN MORGAN ]  is a child of  [ MORPHEUS ]  with the power of  [ PRECOGNITIVE DREAMING ] .  they were born in  [ 1995 ]  and have been in nemean lion since  [ 2019 ] .  with the change, they  [ ARE TRAINING IN ]  the  [ AMBASSADOR ]  role which makes sense since they’re usually  [ SCROLLING HER CURSED TIKTOK FYP & CONFUSING HER FOLLOWERS ON TWITTER ] .  if you’d like to meet them try the  [ MOON ]  building .

tl;dr she’s a deranged menace to society

BASICS

hometown: milford, pennsylvania

eye color: brown

hair color:  blonde

height: 5′3

sexuality: bisexual

birthday: january 19, 1995 ( capricorn )

BIO

regan’s mother was never the type to settle down. before meeting morpheus, her longest relationship had been three months. so when the guy seemed commitment-phobic, that was perfect for her. until, of course, she found out she was pregnant. she didn’t want to get married but she was at an age where the idea of motherhood...didn’t repulse her. so she wanted to keep the baby, at which point the father of her child didn’t get down on one knee, he started to explain the kinds of responsibilities she’d face as the mother of his child.

having the child of a god in her womb inflated her ego, which was pretty impressive considering how big it already was. see, regan’s mother was a southern belle without any of the class or manners. she’d breezed through the pageant circuit as a teen, winning a number of titles with minimal effort. her talent was essentially crying on demand and looking pretty while doing it. knowing she’d slept with a god, like an honest to...god felt sort of fitting. like, duh, who else would she have her first child with?

this also led to a brief but intense fixation with shakespeare, who name dropped gods like it was his job, which led to her choosing the name regan from king lear.

she moved to pennsylvania with regan when her daughter was only four years old, because some guy practically begged her to let him take care of her, and she had nowhere better to go. until, eventually, she did, thanks to the world of avon. her mother started selling out of boredom but then it turned out she was good at it, so good that she could easily buy a place once she got bored of her rich boyfriend, and move out with regan.

thankfully, her mother got out of the pyramid scheme before she got in too deep. she was hired by an actual, reputable cosmetics company and given a desk job to work in sales, which she was still a natural at. because she had a full time job now, regan spent a lot of time with nannies...and that’s nannies plural because regan was one of those kids who drove her caretakers to quit on a regular basis.

but not because she was a handful. she was pretty self-sufficient, actually, and totally well-behaved, she was just kind of...weird. she’d leave her room for dinner with all of her clothes suddenly on backwards and say nothing as if it was normal and act confused when her nanny asked about it. she’d stare at the tv when it was off, she’d spend one day only speaking in whispers, she’d write vaguely threatening messages on the mirror with her mother’s red lipstick.

all of this was because regan knew it was scary to adults, which made it fun for her. she wasn’t, like, actually disturbed. well, aside from the dreams she had sometimes. she’d have a dream about a baby bird falling from a nest, she’d watch its chest move for minutes before it died, then she’d wake up the next day and find a dead bird outside the sliding glass doors to the backyard.

for a while she thought they were coincidences. then she thought she was making things happen in her sleep, and that it was her job to stop bad things from happening, to save every baby bird that asked for help in her dreams. it took her a few years to accept that just because she sometimes saw the future didn’t mean she had any power to change it. she was warned so she could prepare herself, which only made her feel more powerless.

but being regan, she chose to cope with this aspect of her life with avoidance and humor. she doesn’t want to pick and choose what she worries about and what she doesn’t, so she decided a long time ago not to take anything seriously.

for reasons unknown, regan’s mother actually decided to have another child after regan. but she was unconventional, too, hence regan being...the way she is, so she never actually married the father of regan’s half-brother, but they have been together for the past 15 years, so.

her brother is eleven years younger than she is, so in regan’s mind, a baby. whenever left with the task of babysitting him while the two were growing up, it would be regan who suggested ice cream for breakfast and sock sliding around the living room at dangerous speeds.

RANDOM FACTS

i want to v*mit saying this but.....she’s kind of like........the female version of stevesuptic. except for she’s cute <3

her entire twitch account is kind of satirical, like it’s very hard to gauge what her actual personality is. i don’t think her viewers bully her the way they bully steve bc she would bully them back LMAO but they ask her a lot of random ass super weird sometimes borderline disturbing questions and she answers them like it’s normal

she def has weird/creepy drawings whenever playing gartic phone tho /:

ig you could say her channel is like shit posting but make it a streamer. she has a really nice set up and she always looks made up in her streams but then the content is her playing like a cat dating sim for four hours

she’s actually pretty shit at most games that require any level of skill and her following comes entirely from her personality and her Brand ig, she’s just entertaining to watch bc she says and does the most ??? things. like she’s not a gamer girl and doesn’t say she is she just has a twitch and plays games for the attention

also she has a cat named muffintop (best part of the muffin, not the offensive term for a woman’s stomach, though she will say that’s what it means if someone asks) who she regularly posts memes of and like most of her twitch emotes are her cat. you can find examples on her pinterest board lmao

i think it’s pretty hard to get an actual vision out of regan? she mostly keeps those to herself and just lies about her dreams. she’ll just be like, “yeah actually i had a dream you were gonna choke on some oatmeal so stay safe out there.” she’s also only partially sure when a dream is actually about the future.

her like <3 symbol that represents her is butterflies, she has a ton of butterfly shit

POSSIBLE CONNECTIONS

idk if i am requesting a roommate for once, idk if i wanna subject anyone to that

someone naive who believes her any time she says something is Going To Happen, no matter how stupid it is and no matter how many times things simply do not happen??

a bestie because...............................i just feel like she wormed her way into someone’s inner circle and they’re just stuck with her now

[corinthbayrpg]

NAME. Emma Darlington AGE & BIRTH DATE. 376 & September 3rd, 1645 GENDER & PRONOUNS. Female & She/Her SPECIES. Vampire OCCUPATION. Singer at Ambrosia FACE CLAIM. Olivia Holt

BIOGRAPHY

( tw: death, blood, violence, nazis ) In a small cottage in the English countryside, a young girl came wailing into the world. Colicky, fidgety, and desperate for her parent’s attention; Emma Haywood was well-loved and adored by both her mother and father. Her father was a physician, not in study but in practice. He was known for splinting broken bones and using tonics and salves to stave off infection, while her mother was an artist. Creative and carefree, Marie was a force of nature. Emma’s earliest memories came of her father’s distance, it was around when she was two or three that he grew apart from his family. At least, that was how it seemed. He would never hold his daughter, or coddle her, nor did he show his wife any physical attention that Emma could see. To her, that was simply the norm. Where her father lacked, her mother picked up. Marie reminded Emma daily of her father’s love for them, of how he worked hard for them, and how he had demons that needed to be contended with. 

It was a few months after Emma’s seventh birthday that her mother fell terribly ill, it was not long after that she passed on. Her father, Leighton, was a mess and clearly unfit to raise a young girl properly. She was passed off to a neighboring family, close friends who had a son only two years Emma’s junior. They had grown up together already, and at the very least Emma would have someone who was like a brother to her. For a time she kept expecting her father to come back, like it was a visit to the neighbors like any other. Every night in secret she would light a candle and leave it in her window so that her father might see it and find his way through the dark to her. In the morning Emma would find the candle burned down to the wick, a pool of deflated wax over the sill that she found she had something in common with. It too had learned to pour itself into a new shape, and so should she. 

Days turned to weeks turned to years and Emma’s father never returned, but by now she had a new family. People who played with her, a brother who loved her, and more and more the sting of her mother’s death and her father’s abandonment became but a distant memory. There were more happy Christmases than sad, and when times were hard there was an ample supply of love between the four of them to keep them afloat. 

Much like her mother, Emma was naturally creative and had a talent and ear for music that others in the village lacked. It was for her fifth Christmas with her new family that they revealed that they’d scrimped and saved to procure her a lute. It was nothing fancy, but to Emma it was the entire world. She played it day in and day out, not well, but she learned. They had no formal sheet music, so Emma would make up her own tunes - she’d mimic the sound of the river, or the whistle of the baker, and the hum of the church choir. 

Years passed and Emma grew older and proved herself a formidable young woman, there was an expectation that she would have to marry, but at every turn she deflected the advances of the locals. She was not without her girlhood crushes and romances, but the thought of settling down as her mother had, of having a daughter of her own. It didn’t sit well with her when she still had so many dreams of the outside world, her adopted mother would tell her to get her head out of the clouds. She told Emma that she was living in a fantasy world and that someday she’d need a man to take care of her. Like the rolling hills of the countryside, Emma could see all the years of her life stretched out before here. She’d marry the baker’s son, or maybe the blacksmith’s and she’d bare for them a batch of cherry-cheeked children. Perhaps she would continue to play the lute, but most likely she would become too old and too tired, then Emma would simply pass on. Perhaps of sickness like her mother, or perhaps she would grow old and her children would care for her like the fisherman’s mother. 

Emma saw all the years of her life before her and thought of her father, he had left, and despite all the whisperings that the locals made of him at least he was free. Emma convinced her brother Sterling to leave with her, to move to use what money they had scrimped and saved and move to London so they could have a shot at a real future. Emma was nineteen at the time, a woman grown, and Sterling was a man. They made their choice together and despite their parent’s wishes slipped out and made for the big city. 

In London Emma found work at a pub, she played her lute and sang for the patrons and earned a few tidy coins as she did. Their life was meager, but it was theirs. Together Sterling and Emma found a place together and for a few years everything was peaceful and seemed to be as it should. It was late one evening when Emma was mugged on her way home from work, they wanted the money she’d earned and she refused to give it up. Bleeding and weak in the street, a shadow swept over her, the person fed her his blood but not in time to save her from death’s embrace. Emma died with the vampire’s blood in her system and awoke later that night as one of the undead. 

Bloodlust was not something the young vampire could control, but people disappeared everyday in the bustling city. Emma could not walk in the light of day, but her work at the tavern only brought her out at night. Sterling was the only one who knew her truth, and even he needed to keep his distance because she simply couldn’t control herself. Years passed and gradually Emma got a hold of her new found condition, but she noticed that Sterling was still growing old while she remained the same. Emma had already been abandoned twice in her life and the thought of spending any amount of eternity without her brother was painful. It took some convincing, but after her own experience she knew that she could turn another if she tried. 

Sterling’s transformation was not without consequences, Emma killed more liberally now as she took some enjoyment in her newfound power. She and her brother had a terrible falling out because he grew to resent what she had convinced him to do. Sterling left, and he was the third person to abandon her. Angry and resentful, Emma took her anger out on the world and clung to the first person she met who could even remotely relate to what she was going through. This came in the form of a newly-turned vampire named Jamie Price. Emma had grown up with nothing and watching high society types bend to the will of her compulsion was endlessly enjoyable once she learned how to exercise it properly. There was a part of her that might have loved him, but he was as reckless and violent as he was sweet and charming. It made for an intoxicating combination and the two of them flamed out just as quickly as they had begun. 

For over a century Emma terrorized London and the neighboring countryside and for this she earned the ire of a coven who called upon a fury to enact vengeance. She’d have died if another vampire did not save her life, Deucalion protected her and taught her what she needed to not only be a vampire, but to survive as one. She procured a daylight ring and for the first time in over a hundred years Emma stepped out into the light of day once again. A feat that she’d long given up hope for. She was powerful and she was sated, it would have been her wish to travel with Cal for longer but it was not his nature and she was not his progeny. A term she only came to learn while under his care. 

No longer the ripper she’d once been, Emma began to ponder what more there could be for her. The world was continuously changing but what she’d never really experienced was true love - nor did she ever have the best example for it either. Her adopted parents had loved one another, but somehow she still wanted more. She fell for men and women alike, and there was one man in particular who captured her interests though she soon found that she was not the only one who shared his bed. Emma confronted this other woman and made a lifelong friend out of yet another vampire named Harlow. Unlike Sterling, or Jamie, or even Cal there was nothing that Harlow wished to change about her and nothing that Emma would change about the other. The philandering man happened to have a wife, and he paid for his insolence dearly. 

Though they were not always together, Emma was a natural wanderer and kept in touch with those she’d come to know. Jamie was difficult to peg down and their history was... Complicated, but Cal was easy to find, and Harlow perhaps the easiest. They continued to keep in touch via letters with Emma keeping a home in London where she’d have all of her post sent to. The songbird would travel now and again, extending her exploration of the world a little more each time. France, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, and eventually Germany. The more the world turned the more she knew how women were treated as second class citizens. She’d known several men in her extended lifetime and had never met a single one that was her equal, and yet, socially and politically they held all the power. Men of science claimed that a woman’s brain was smaller than a man’s, but the men she’d known didn’t seem to use it often if at all. 

The right to vote was hard won, but the more Emma found herself taking to the streets, the more alive she felt. Immortal and young forever, she was easily dismissed but she had a voice and a right to be heard. She was in Munich studying political science when a friend of hers recruited her into The White Rose; this non-violent, intellectual-resistance group created an anonymous leaflet that actively spoke out against and opposed the nazi regime. Emma’s friend Sophie and her brother were caught distributing these leaflets and as a result were executed. She watched on as the crowd cheered, and as her friend said her final piece. Galvanized, it was clear that the world was capable of innumerable cruelties and she was not free of it. Words were not enough, so she enlisted as an army nurse after she escaped Germany. Not able to fight on the frontlines, Emma instead opted to tend to the soldiers that had been wounded. She saved all those that she could, and provided comfort to those that she could not. 

It was here that she fell in love once more, and here that Emma decided to follow the young soldier to the United States. Despite the fact that he was human, she told him everything. Her history, her family, and of course that she was a vampire. He proposed. She asked him to spend eternity with her, but he was a simple boy from the South and wanted no part of immortality. Emma’s lesser self wanted to convince him to change his mind, but after what happened with Sterling she knew that she couldn’t, and if she did then he would resent her. So, instead she settled down: despite the fact that she promised she never would. The two got married, adopted a couple of children, and Emma watched as they grew old. Her husband passed away, and then her daughter was mistaken for her sister, then her mother, grandmother. Emma’s family grew and they all took after her in some form, they marched for civil liberties, they cared for friends and loved ones during the AIDS crisis, some were present at Stonewall. The world moved on, and Emma had no choice but to move with it - she thought of Sophie who died for a cause, and her friend’s last words haunted her: What does my death matter, if through us, thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?

Over the years Emma put some distance between herself and the family she’d come to create. She was a vampire, and they were better off not knowing the truth of the supernatural world. Though time dragged on, Emma always kept in touch with the family she’d made for herself along the way: Cal, Harlow, and the others who had known her at her worst. 

With the sundering of the veil, she died. And in the river Styx she had nothing but time to reflect in absolute isolation. When Emma was brought back into this world she wanted to find the source of this, and the reason for her death. She opted to follow Harlow to Corinth Bay, where it was rumoured to be the source of all magic, and there she got a job as a musician working at Evie’s latest: Ambrosia. There was another reason for her trip though, a face she saw in the river that was just out of reach, and out of range of her voice. This river was a place for the souls of vampires to be trapped for eternity - so then why did she see her father there too?

PERSONALITY

+ charming, creative, thoughtful - gullible, single-minded, prim

PLAYED BY SHANE. EST. He/Him.

[uselesstimetraveler]

It's been over a week now since the AOS finale and I still haven't had the heart to rewatch it, so I'm just gonna share with you my opinions from that night (I wrote most of this the next day, just haven't posted yet lol)

It was next level excellent, overall, but I have A LOT to say, this is gonna be long

YES TO EVERYTHING DANIEL RELATED!!! The thing I loved the most was that they made him so useful, he wasn't just helping Daisy or doing whatever people told him to do, he actually had a great idea and executed it with Mack’s total support. He went to action and it gave me LIFE!

Another thing that gave me life was the philindaisy moment at the bar. I’m a sucker for them. When Daisy got there and hugged Coulson I was AAAAAAA and then she went to hug May and you see her stop, like, “oops, should I?” AND THEN MAY HUGS HER HERSELF!! Now, you can argue that May is an empath and felt Daisy’s emotions at that moment, but lemme tell y’all THAT WAS NOT JUST DAISY’S FEELINGS, THAT WAS MELINDA MAY'S GENUINE HAPPINESS FROM SEEING THAT HER DAUGHTER MADE IT BACK SAFELY!!! Try to convince otherwise and fail miserably. My family is just perfect like that.

The Fitzsimmons reunion scene I WAS SOBBING from the moment she realised the key was her ring!!! AND THEN FITZ JUST xkskdxkkm COMES BACK LIKE THAT kxsmkdsms I CAN’T djkskdsjsms I WILL NEVER EVER GET OVER THAT!!! That whole thing was genius, honestly. They were truly able to take a hard situation in which an important actor wouldn’t be able to be there for most of the season and used it amazingly to their advantage. And then Fitz HELPED HER REMEMBER BY TELLING THOSE STORIES = MORE TEARS. That whole scene was beautiful. AND WHEN SHE REMEMBERS ALYA OH MY GOD by that point I was screaming. Btw, I love how they chose their daughter’s name, it’s beautiful and has an even more beautiful meaning for them <3

Since I’m already talking about Fitzsimmons I’m just gonna go ahead and say that their ending was so well deserved. They suffered a lot, literally every season some shit would happen to them. I’m so glad they got their happy ending and are right now living their best life as a family <3 fitzsimmons family = everything to me. (are there any Fringe stans in here????? Did y’all notice that parallel at the end? If not, let me explain: aos: jemma sitting on the grass seeing fitz and alya playing together and smiling. Fringe: olivia sitting on the grass seeing peter and etta playing together and smiling. BOTH ON THE LAST EPISODE!! And both episodes were number 13. This is too much for my heart.)

About Deke: I really love that he was the one to “sacrifice” himself for the team. I’m not really a fan of Deke, but I was glad that he did what he always wanted, in a way; Contribute significantly to the team and be acknowledged as part of said team. It felt to me that by doing that he was doing what he often tried, but no one ever really took him seriously enough to allow him to do. I think he was selfless and then ended up finding his true place, after all. Nicely done, if you ask me.

On that note, and shifting back to Daniel once more: when he said he was gonna be the one to stay behind I was like “NO YOU’RE NOT! Don’t even think about it. You, buddy, are going with Daisy.” What was he thinking? (I know what, and I know it was brave and selfless of him, but just let me have my moment, okay?) 

Now the answer to ending the war was empathy?????????? GENIUS!!! Mojed, you went beyond terrific there. I love everything evolving May in that part of the finale, how she dropped from the ceiling calling herself The Calvary (talk about character development!!!) to philinda fighting together and exchanging looks, to her saving the freaking world with her empath abilities!!!! I have some serious goosies just remembering. 

Something else that was just genius to me was that they were the ones at the temple, THEY CARRIED MAY OUT OF THERE, I did NOT see that coming. WHAT?! 

OH! And what about what Piper asked for??? She asked for Davis!! That’s adorable! That had me crying too, I love their friendship.

Now Kora. I was a little bothered about how fast things happened for her and Daisy on the sister bonding thing. Like, don’t get me wrong, I like that her and Daisy ended up working on the same team for SHIELD and that they were in a good place in their relationship, but what I’m saying is that Kora hated Daisy’s guts on one scene and Daisy had literally said a couple episodes ago that she did have a sister, but it was Jemma, and then Daisy died, and I liked that Kora saved her, is just that I got a vibe off of them in that scene that seemed like they had the best kind of sister bond for ages. Was that just me? Maybe, but hey ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

That’s not really a problem, I'm just saying.

Btw, when Daisy died for, like, two seconds, I was out of my mind!!!! I couldn’t even scream, I just froze in place. Thank God or whomever that she was brought back to life. I wouldn't be able to continue without my baby.

Now back to philinda and probably the only "complaint" I have: Let us agree, despite wanting them to be together in the end, there was very little chance of that really happening, right? Because he’s a robot now. But I did have a lot of hope, those episodes >>gave me<< a lot of hope. Y’know, in episode 12 they had that moment talking in the hallway, the explosion happened, he protected Melinda... I was like, “that’s my couple right there, you guys”. Then at the fighting scene they exchanged some looks at the end that really left me “it’s coming, people. Their happy ending.” It didn’t come. I took another blow to the face. A blow that was expected, yes, but a blow nonetheless. 

I wasn’t all that excited about Coulson’s ending at first, you know, him just traveling the world, but I understand what they did and why. He’s still getting used to his new self and rediscovering his life, so it makes sense that he would need time to do that. That last scene with Lola was simply EVERYTHING TO ME tho!!!! 

But May’s ending… the thing is, I had a lot of expectations for how she would end up. Throughout the seasons something that was very clear to me was her desire to be a mother and I know that she built that relationship with the youngest agents on the team, but I kinda expected, aside from philinda endgame, more of that. But my biggest problem here isn’t even that, is that I really, REALLY don’t see Melinda May giving lectures????? Melinda May? The woman who now calls herself The Calvary, teaching theory or history or whatever???? I’m not saying she can’t, I’m just saying I never thought of that as a possibility for her, it sounds more like a Coulson thing to me. But then again, that’s all they showed us from her life. They gave us very little details about how she (and everyone else, honestly) is living and I think in a way I like that because it lets us imagine whatever we want. So she could very easily just be there at the academy for one lecture, she could be training (physically?) new agents instead? IDK. Also, Flint was there, they could have built a relationship. Mentor\mentee like hers with Daisy at first or even mother\son? I’d like that. I like the “found family” thing. 

I have two ideas of fanfiction out of the finale. The first one is a Dousy that I had already thought of and completely fits with one thing that Daisy said, and the other is basically a Philinda fix it because, well, I want to. I'm very lazy when it comes to my writing, but I really wanna do these two, let's see how that turns out.

[dabblescrawl]

Gato Fuera de la Bolsa

First time I have tried something like this!  Hope you like it!

Here’s a One - Shot as per request:

The reader is Ruby’s older sister and she’s secretly dating Oscar and like Ruby, Jamal, Cesar, Monse find out

The Core 4 sat crowded together on the couch while Mario spilled his cross faded wisdom.  You’d come in later for the rant apparently, pulling off your shoes from work you threw a ‘sorry’ glance at the kids on the couch.

“Yes he’s high” Mario was saying, “On life, memories, and some seriously good indo,” chuckling to himself, “What I was saying? Work hard, put your heart out there, even if its broken by some bitch you’ve known since Mr. Estrada’s seventh grade Social Studies!”  His voice raised as he got heated.

Grabbing your shoes to cart off to your room and ambled down the hallway, drowning out the, very likely very terrible, advice of your twin brother.  If you’d stuck around there you might have realized that his advice was not only sound for the young freshman, but the heart of it was to.  It was an end of an era and a start to something new.

________________________________________________________________

Despite being twins, Mario and you were very different.  You liked to think that high, lighthearted quality was something you shared but in all honesty he had that skill in spades and yours was situational.  He could joke through anything.  He also loved all things social.  That was probably the reason he went to Berkley at all, he wasn’t very good at it.  You supposed that’s how he ended up back in your house with Amber.  Well it probably explained a lot about the whole Amber situation.

You were much more reserved and cautious, while Mario believed everyone loved him from the start, you believed that you knew who loved you and that anyone else probably didn’t.  It had come as a huge shock when ‘THE Santo’ had come to visit you more days than he didn’t, on purpose and even more so when he’d taken you on date after date until you were quite clearly the only woman he had time for.

“Hi! You look like you need an ice cream, what can I get ya?” You’d asked the man standing on the other side of the window.

“Don’t I know you?” He’d asked instead of giving his order eyebrows arched in question.

“Freeridge” you’d answered, giving him little finger guns, “Mario’s my twin, everybody knows him better.” 

The man nodded in response.  “Uh, chocolate milkshake, large” he ordered after a pause.

“Sure thing!” You’d wandered off into the shop to get the milkshake.  When you came back you gave him a big smile, “Or I’m Ruby’s sister.  He and Cesar have been inseparable.  Most days they are all at the house.”

Oscar, now identified had nodded and taken off down the beach.

What you hadn’t known at the time was that Oscar had made his way back towards the shop and was watching to see when you got off work.  As you had waved goodbye to your coworkers, he’d positioned himself so you’d have to run into him again.

Smiling when you caught his eye you’d walked up, “You’re still here,” you had said shielding your eyes from the sun “need a ride to Freedrige?  I’m going back soon.”

He shook his head, looking up at you, “Nah, I’m going to stay here a while,” he paused, “So you see Cesar a lot?”

“Oh yeah, he practically lives with us, they all do.”  

“How’s he doing” he asked.

You looked out across the water thinking, “Uh he’s ok.  He seems to do good in school, he’s smart as a whip, he and Monse spend an awful lot of time together when no one else is around, but he’s got it together.” You smiled, seeming to know that he wanted comfort that Cesar was OK before he saw him next.

You debated whether or not to tell the next part.  “Out with it” Oscar had demanded.  

You were startled, how had he known what you were thinking? “I’m uh, pretty sure he’s mad at you.” You said, then quickly added, “Well I don’t know, but he seems mad at the situation maybe, but he’s not always nice,” you shrugged.  Oscar nodded slowly running his hand over his mouth and down his chin.  “You sure you don’t want a ride?”

Oscar shook his head this time.  Just as you turned to leave he called out, “Hey, you’re not just Mario or Ruby’s sister, you must have a name, what is it?” 

“Y/N.  See you later Oscar.”

Life had only gotten more crazy since then, Ruby and Olivia had been shot, Olivia died, Ruby was still going through bouts of PTSD, Mario moved back in with his baby momma who wasn’t his baby momma, Cesar had been jumped into a gang and then forced to live on the street and your madre wouldn’t so much as look at him in town, Monse had come back from writing came a new woman, found her mom, shattered Cesar’s heart and her own, returned to Freeridge, Jamal had been especially cagey about something and gotten in major trouble for destruction of property, and you, well you had started dating Oscar.

You’d seen him around town and each time smiled at him.  You knew he and Mario got along well and Cesar and Ruby were good friends.  You still weren’t sure what that patch over the summer where Ruby and Cesar hadn’t gotten along was about but it didn’t really matter.  The Core 4 was back together again.

More than around town though, you and Oscar saw each other at the beach.  The other girls who worked there noticed it before you, but Oscar would come and order, only from your window, usually not too long before you’d gotten out of work.  Things had gotten especially tight at home for money lately with Ruby’s hospital bills and you were trying to help you anyway you could.  You worked more hours and almost every day of the week and Oscar was there almost all of them.

You and Oscar had a routine, talk about Cesar, talk about Ruby, but as time went on and your biweekly chats turned to weekly, and then your weekly chats turned to a few days a week, the topics of conversation broadened.  And the jokes and lightheartedness, seemed to flow as easily as if Oscar were your own family.  

You’d talked a lot about what kept you both in Freeridge and why your families mattered so much.  You’d shared the little things you did to help out.  Like, in your case, your parents refused to take any money from you so instead you’d do things like buy some extra flour and make sure there was always an extra bag in the back of the pantry somewhere.  Things that people might not notice themselves and be glad they’d “thought to buy extra”.  Or fill the cereal up a little bit each day so that no one noticed when the next person came along to eat some.  Oscar had laughed at you that it was a lot of effort to go to hide your good will.  You’d simply shrugged and replied that even the small things would help.

It was that kind of thankless existence that Oscar had been so curious about and he became determined to make sure you were thanked and knew you were great.  He wanted you to feel worthy of the same attention that you gave to other members of your family.

You were currently lounging around Oscar’s house in his flannel and a pair of jeans.  Somehow despite the warm weather outside, you were always cold blooded enough to wear a long sleeve inside.  Oscar didn’t protest, nor would he admit that he wore them the day after you did just because they smelled like you. 

You never could sleep over for fear of someone at your house finding out, but that didn’t stop you from pretending you had things to do before work so you could go over to Oscar’s first thing in the morning.  You’d gotten to the house when it was just barely light, the sky thin and almost transparent in the morning.  Oscar was in bed still snoring away, so you’d climbed in and falled back asleep yourself.  

A few hours later you awoke to his strong arm pulling you to him and snaking itself beneath you.  In his deep, husky, not quite awake voice, greated you.  “Buenas diaz, mi amor” smiling to show his dimples.  

“Buenas diaz” you scoffed, blinking in the now bright light, ���buenas noches is more like it, what are you going to sleep all day” you teased.

Pecking kisses across your forehead you felt his chuckle more than heard it, “Only with you”.

You’d stayed in bed that way talking about the night before until it became apparent that the morning must get started.  Oscar got up first and as his warmth left with him you’d whimpered a little.  

This was not a new routine and so without another word, Oscar threw the flannel leaning over the chair towards the bed and made his way into the rest of the house.  Oscar hadn’t needed to do anything in particular for the day so you’d spent most of it just hanging out around the house.  Unfortunately, the two of you either had to go out of town or stay indoors if you wanted to spend time together.

There were too many risks associated with being seen together.  And truly, you’d thought, it would save a whole lot of trouble if things didn’t work out and no one knew.  It wasn’t that you were ashamed of Oscar, in fact that couldn’t be farther than the truth.  But rather, Ruby and Cesar’s history had been too complex for that.  Well more like your family’s opinions of Cesar and by association Oscar were too complex for that.  And since Oscar had been the one to ask you if you’d wanted to keep it a secret, you figured it probably saved him too.  If he didn’t come out in the open and claim you as his own, it would be no sweat for him when he broke up with you.  Not that you’d mentioned either of these thoughts to Oscar, he hated it when you shared that you thought he would stop loving you long before you stopped loving him. 

On these days indoors you spent the day talking mostly, but also playing cards, kissing and snuggling, and making amazing foods.  Oscar loved when you played his su chef.  As the day turned to afternoon you checked the clock.  It was time to finish packing up and head to work or you wouldn’t make it on time.

“I guess it’s our last day at the house,” you’d shrugged as you finished packing your purse for work.

“It doesn’t have to be” he said simply looking at you across the living room.

“Sure it does, Cesar will be home tomorrow, that’s the day you have your deal right?” you asked. 

“Yeah, bu…” he tried, but you cut him off.

“So last day in the freedom of the house, Cesar will be home for good tomorrow and then he’d know.”  Oscar just stared back at you.  “And hey,” you said crossing the room to stand in front of him, “don’t do anything too stupid.”  He leaned down to kiss your lips and then nodded with that serious face of his.

“Te quiero” you’d bid him goodbye, running your finger between his knit brows and heading towards the door.

“Quiero mas” he answered behind you.  

Oscar had decided that day on the beach that he wanted to make sure you were always loved.  He didn’t realize that it wasn’t that you didn’t feel loved by those closest to you, it’s just that you didn’t think people outside of the circle would.  He’d driven to the beach every day you worked after that, making sure to take you on walks down the pier, dinner, the movies, anything there was to do outside of town.  He’d even gone down to the hospital and paid on Ruby’s balance each month.  He’d set it up so he paid the interest so it couldn’t accumulate.  At first he’d wanted to pay off the whole thing, but he wasn’t sure that would be well received.  All the little things count became the mantra he stole from you.

When he had suggested that you see each other in secret it had everything to do with the fact that he didn’t want to share you.  Not with the Santos, not with your family, not with anyone.  If you kept it a secret your time, though sometimes fleeting, could be for just to two of you.  And as time went on it just seemed more and more logical, there was obvious bad blood on the part of your parents from the falling out of the Cesar-Latrelle situation.  The longer you kept it a secret, it seemed there was less and less opportunity to share the information with the world without it being awkward.  So you hadn’t, instead you’d kept your dating a secret.  

Now that Cesar was back at home, the Core 4 met there each day before heading to school.  At first, you had just seen Oscar less, but it was getting to you both.  Instead you started to leave just after Ruby and spend a few hours in the morning together after the crew had left for school.

It worked perfectly many mornings.  Unbeknownst to the happy couple, it would not work today.  Sneaking through the side yard you entered the house and set to work on breakfast.  You weren’t exactly sure where Oscar was but you knew he’d be out as soon as he started to smell the omelette you were making.  He hadn’t bothered to put a shirt on or even check the front door before sauntering across the kitchen towards you and the smell.

“I love you, I love you, I love you!” he’s said wrapping his arms around you and hugging you close.  He picked you up off the floor and waved your feet back and forth before putting you down and placing a few quick kisses on your cheek.

At this point the teens in the door had stopped all conversation as they stared wide eyed at the couple.  They’d been conversing about the bomb threat at school and being sent home when the sight in the kitchen had caught them all off guard and stunned them into silence. 

“Mas, mas, mas” you’d giggled turning in his arms and cupping his face to properly kiss him good morning.  

“What the actual hell” came the comedically high and emphatic voice that belonged to Jamal.

Oscar’s eyebrows shot up in question, his hands still entangled in your hair, he quarter turned to see the teens.  You’d leaned around his muscled arm to look at them also.

Next came Ruby’s voice, quizzical, “Is your brother dating my sister, like for real?” he asked, presumably Cesar.

“Ummm” Cesar replied, being able to muster nothing else by way of explanation.

“I did not see that one coming,” Monse replied.

The couple turned back to one another, Oscar spoke first, “Supongo que el gato está fuera de la bolsa, mi amor.”  And instead of answering, you just pulled his face down to kiss you again.

[tights-orno-deal]

BASIC QUESTIONS

First name? Danielle

Surname? Dennison

Middle names? Olivia

Nicknames? Dani

Date of birth? July 15

Age? 18

PHYSICAL / APPEARANCE

Height? 5’2

Make up? Nothing crazy. She     usually keeps it fairly natural.

Tattoos? A secret star on her     thigh that only she knows about.

Type of clothes? A lot of black     and pink and soft goth aesthetics.

How do they wear their clothes?     She wants them to be comfortable and able to be moved around in.

Are they in good health? She’s     in relatively good health, yes, but mostly thanks to age. She doesn’t work     at it.

PERSONALITY

What words or phrases do they     overuse? She probably says “like” too often for not being a valley girl.

Do they have a catchphrase? Not     that I’ve noticed.

Are they more optimistic or     pessimistic? Optimist, 100%.

Are they introverted or     extroverted? Extroverted, 100%.

Do they ever put on airs? Nah,     what’s the use? Everyone makes mistakes, everyone looks dumb. You should own     it and own those things that make you human.

What bad habits do they have?     She has a real problem with not listening when people give her good     advice.

What makes them laugh out loud?     Most everything. She’s easy to get laughing.

How do they display affection?     Soft touches, shutting up to listen to you.

How do they want to be seen by     others? A badass bitch who takes no shit, lol. Really, just someone worth     being around.

How do they see themselves? She     likes who she is for the most part. She had always believed she was     courageous, but the witches have flipped her view, unsure about what her pervasive     fear of them means.

How are they seen by others? I     think people see her as fun, wholesome, cute… she hates 2 out of 3 of     those descriptors though, because she feels like people don’t take her     seriously because of them.

Strongest character trait?     Courage

Weakest character trait? Selfish

How competitive are they? Not     really all that competitive

Do they make snap judgements or     take time to consider? Depends on the day.

How do they react to praise? She     has some sort of goofy response and a compliment back, shift the attention     off her.

How do they react to criticism?     It takes a moment, she doesn’t just accept it instantly, but she can     eventually come around to it.

What is their greatest fear?     Being unable to stop when something puts her family or Binx in danger.

What are their biggest secrets?     I don’t really think she has secrets. She usually is fairly open about     things. There are things she has yet to tell herself… but mostly she says what     she thinks and feels.

What is their philosophy of     life? The beauty of life is in the people you share it with. Choose wisely     and be a person that can make their life beautiful as well.

When was the last time they     cried? Probably at multiple points while Binx was missing.

What haunts them? She said, ‘idk     ghosts?’

What will they stand up for? You,     your dog, your dog’s cousin… she is willing to fight when someone needs     it.

Who do they quote? Celebrities     probably.

What is their sinful little     habit? ‘It should be a sin to be this awesome’

What sense do they most rely     on? Hearing

How do they treat people better     than them? She likes to think that she treats everyone the same, but she     is easily awed by people she thinks are great.

How do they treat people worse     than them? Unless you move against her, she tries to treat you with     respect.

What quality do they most value     in a friend? Just love her.

What do they consider an overrated     virtue? Obeying rules.

If they could change one thing     about themselves, what would it be? She would be less afraid of the     witches.

What is their obsession? All     things witches. She thinks about witches, dreams about witches, reads     about witches. She is unsure where the lines between terror, fascination,     and envy are.

What are their pet peeves? When     people don’t listen to her, especially her brother.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Is their family big or small?     Who does it consist of? Just her, her mom and dad, and brother.

What is their perception of     family? She loves her family and depends on them, but she firmly believes     that that same kind of family can be found in other places. It’s not all about     blood.

Describe their best friend.     Binx is certainly the yin to her yang sometimes. He’s deep and contemplative,     made up by centuries of experiences and layers that she really is only     starting to peel back. She feels their connection goes deeper than that of     friends, though. This is her person, her soul mate in life. Her other     bestie is Fran. Their immortality has allowed her to create a friend in them     that you normally might not see with their vast age difference.

Describe their other friends.     Dani’s type is apparently immortal hot men, and she is not complaining.     She surrounds herself with them. Outside of that, when it comes to friends     her own age, it’s more of a mix of personalities. She’s sweet, but mischievous,     which allows her to be friends with people like Logan and Aurora and     remain completely herself. She likes having a friend for all occasions.

Describe their acquaintances.     Dani probably has acquaintances, but she’s quick to call you her friend,     regardless of how the other person might see it.

Do they have any pets? She     needs a new cat, preferably a regular one this time.

PAST AND FUTURE

What was your character like as     a baby? As a child? I think her personality has been fairly steady     throughout her life. She’s always been relatively upbeat and a     troublemaker.

Did they grow up rich or poor?     Middle class.

Did they grow up nurtured or     neglected? Nurtured.

What is their greatest     achievement? I don’t know if she has one yet. In writing her, I like to     take the mentality that until the moment the witches were released, her     life was very ordinary. She wasn’t rich, or poor, or had anything big and     dramatic happen to her. All her greatest achievements as well are yet to     come.

What was their first kiss like?     It was fine. Nothing to write home about.

What are their ambitions? She     currently is really into learning about magic and really getting to a     place of understanding of it. Partly she thinks it will help her fight     against the witches, but beneath that, she hopes understanding magic will     make it less frightening.

What advice would they give     their younger self? “It’s going to be scary but it’s going to be worth it.     Just be brave.”

What smells remind them of     their childhood? Salt air

What was their childhood     ambition? To be Doctor Dolittle

Did they have an imaginary     childhood friend? Oh, for sure. His name was also Max, like her brother,     was the same age, but was always there to play with her.

When was the last time they     were crushed with disappointment? When she thought Binx had left her.

What past act are they most     ashamed of? Unleashing the witches onto the world. She wouldn’t take it     back, because it brought so much to her life, but she is aware of the     danger of it. It’s a complicated feeling that she struggles to navigate.

LOVE

Do they believe in love at     first sight? I think she does in the way that most young people have an     impractical idea of what love is, but she would say that she doesn’t     believe in love at first sight though.

Are they in a relationship? Not     at the moment.

How do they behave in a     relationship? She’s all about the fun aspects of relationships. She loves     just goofing off with the person, is constantly looking for excuses to be     around them, trying to make them laugh and have fun with her.

When did you character last     have sex? A couple years ago.

What sort of sex do they have? The     inexperienced kind.

Has your character ever been in     love? Nope

Have they ever had their heart     broken? … probably, but only in like, having a deep crush on a guy who     doesn’t like her back and how that feels really serious and     earth-shattering in that moment when you’re young.

CONFLICT

How do they respond to a     threat? She tells her army of hot immortal men… lol, she actually can get     a little mouthy when she’s in danger. It’s her defense mechanism.

Are they most likely to fight     with their fists or their tongue? Tongue, but she’s not unwilling to fight     with her fists. She never has, but she could.

What is your character’s     kryptonite? If someone she loves is in danger, she would probably give the     person whatever they wanted.

If your character could only     save one thing from their burning house, what would it be? Her cat.

How do they perceive strangers?     She used to be very open with strangers, and to an extent, she still is.     She’ll tell you her life story if you get her going. It doesn’t mean she     is as willing to trust people as she used to be with the important things.

What is their choice of weapon?     Flamethrower, if she’s being given the option. Who would pick anything     else?

What living person do they most     despise? The witches.

Have they ever been bullied or     teased? Nothing serious, I doubt.

Where do they go when they’re     angry? Dani is very much a pillow screamer. Her pillow, your pillow, if     she gets pissed, no pillow is safe from being screamed into.

Who are their enemies and why?     The witches. They might give a damn about Dani but she feels its her duty     to keep people safe from them. She doesn’t know how to do that yet, but     she’s learning. She’s ready to make them give a damn.

WORK, EDUCATION AND HOBBIES

What is their current job? Student.

What are some of their past     jobs? She once wore an awful hat and sold corndogs on a pier before they     moved here.

What are their hobbies? She     loves a good adventure as much as she loves digging into Howl’s collection     of magic materials.

Educational background?     Standard public education.

Intelligence level? Average.

Do they play a sport? Are they     any good? She played soccer through high school and was decent enough at     it to make the All-State team.

What is their socioeconomic     status? Middle class.

FAVORITES

What is their favorite animal?     Cat.

Which animal do they dislike     the most? Monkeys because one pulled her hair once on vacation.

What place would they most like     to visit? Egypt

What is the most beautiful     thing they’ve ever seen? The rare and elusive Binx smile

What is their favorite song?     Whistle by Blackpink

Music, art, reading preferred?     Music

What is their favorite color?     Black

What is their password? Dani101was101here101

Favorite food: Pizza

What is their favorite work of     art? She is not that discerning.

Who is their favorite artist?     She only knows the biggies. That Michelangelo seemed to know what he was     doing.

What is their favorite day of     the week? Friday

POSSESSIONS

What is in their fridge?     Leftover pizza, bottles of water, a thing of whiskey hidden behind some Cokes.

What is on their bedside table?     Alarm clock, phone charger, lamp

What is in their car? Phone charger,     some takeout trash in a garbage bag

What is in their purse or     wallet? Wallet, phone, some treats for when Binx is in cat form, and also     candy for both of them when he isn’t

What is in their pockets? Keys

SPIRITUALITY

Do they believe in the     afterlife? She would have said no before now, but she’s at this point     where she really doesn’t know what to believe about anything. She’s     searching for the answers to these questions that will help the world make     sense to her again.

What are their religious views?     Searching.

What do they think heaven is?     If there is a heaven, it is probably pretty close to the Christian version     – but she would also tell you she really doesn’t know what other people     believe besides so she might not be the best to ask.

What do they think hell is?     Fire.

Are they superstitious? I think     she’s probably fairly superstitious at this point in her life. If magic is     real, then all bets are off on what else is or is not.

What would they like to be     reincarnated as? Something cool, like a falcon.

How would they like to die? Quick     and painless, please.

What is your character’s spirit     animal? Probably a chipmunk or something along those lines.

What is their zodiac sign?     Cancer

VALUES

What do they think is the worst     thing that can be done to a person? Abandonment

What is their view of     ‘freedom’? I highly doubt she’s given this much thought. Just being free to     do what you want.

When did they last lie? Maybe a     couple days ago… little white lies, nothing serious.

What’s their view of lying? If     something is serious, it is best not to.

When did they last make a     promise? Earlier today? She throws promises around like softballs.

Did they keep or break their     last promise? Keep. She always tries to keep them.

DAILY LIFE

What are their eating habits? I     mean, probably not great. She’s a college student, so a lot of Ramen and     pizza.

Describe their home. Just an     average middle class home. Her own room that’s done up with posters and     black and purple.

Are they minimalist or a     clutter hoarder? Clutter hoarder.

What do they do first thing on     a weekday morning? Coffee.

What do they do on a Sunday     afternoon? Lay around in her room with Binx or at Howl’s shop.

What do they do on a Friday     night? She loves a good party.

What is the soft drink of     choice? Dr. Pepper

What is their alcoholic drink     of choice? Whiskey and coke (see: what’s in her fridge)

MISCELLANEOUS

What or who would your     character dress up as for Halloween? She loves Halloween and a great     monster costume.

Are they comfortable with     technology? I would say she has the average teen grasp of technology.

If they could save one person,     who would it be? Binx or a member of her family

If they could call one person     for help, who would it be? Howl seems the most capable

What is their perception of     redemption? Everyone is capable of redemption, but she’s aware that giving     people that second chance is easier said than done.

What would they do if they won     the lottery? Put it all in a room and then roll around in it.

What is their favourite     fairytale? Jack and the Beanstalk

What fairytale do they hate?     Snow White

Do they believe in happy     endings? She believes some people get them and hopes that she’s one of the     lucky ones that does.

What is their idea of perfect     happiness? She’s sitting in a room, surrounded by the people she loves,     all laughing, all talking, all enjoying each other.

What would they ask a fortune     teller? She would be completely unable to narrow that down. She’d just be     like, tell me everything you see!!

If your character could travel     through time, where would they go? Dinosaurs, baby!

What sport do they excel at?     Soccer

What sport do they suck at?     Basketball

If they could have a     superpower, what would they choose? Invisibility

[captbenscn-a]

15x01 Surrender Benson Part 3

And now we’re at the beach house. And I’m sorry, but William having to help her into the bathroom is creepy as hell. The way he pulls her up and holds her before guiding her to it. The way her eyes search around her frantically for some sort of escape, for some sort of weapon she can use if not now, then later. Because that’s what she does. She plans, she strategizes. And even handcuffed to the bed, she’s trying to escape when he’s gone. And in that scene? You can see tears in her clothes, where he used the knife to cut her. She has sustained A LOT with him. And it’s weighing on her. The physical pain, the emotional and mental pain.

You can see how desperate she is becoming and how full of despair she is. Olivia isn’t one to lose hope easily and she’s always been one to GIVE hope, to help others feel hopeful and confident and STRONG, but now she’s needing it for herself.  

But let’s get to the REALLY important parts. 

William: What’s that look? You feeling sad? Thinking about someone you’re never gonna see again? Mom? Dad? Boyfriend? No, huh? Someone else. Someone who you would give anything to see, just one more time. You’re gonna cry his name out. At some point. They always do. 

And we ALL know who Olivia was thinking about. Elliot Stabler. The man who has had her back for twelve years. Who protected her, who kept her safe, who would have never let this happen to her. The man she felt safest with. The only person she wants to see more than anyone else in the entire world. To see his face, to hear his voice, to save her from this hell. Because he would. If there’s anyone who would stop at nothing to save her, it’s Elliot.

But she knows it isn’t happening because he’s away, in an entirely different country and he doesn’t even have any idea what’s happening to her. But god, she’s desperate to see him. Just thinking about him gives her strength and if you notice, after Lewis talks about him, Olivia starts talking back. She isn’t silent anymore, she’s fighting back. Trying to get into his mind, trying to play him, give him what he wants so she can turn against him at the last minute and god, she plays it well. It almost seems like he’s falling for it, but he doesn’t. He, yet again, comes out on top and is in control and it breaks her. 

Because now she is begging for her life.

Olivia: I want to live. I’ll do anything. I’ll do anything. 

And her voice is so dry, so strained, that she can barely speak, but she’s pleading, she’s begging, because what else can she do at this point? Trying to play him isn’t working, threatening him didn’t work, what else is there? But still, she doesn’t give up. 

[everlarkficexchange]

when we’re underneath the lights my heart’s no longer broken

Written by:  @omercilessmoon

Prompt 92:  High School Musical au:  Katniss and Peeta as Troy and Gabriella.  [submitted by anonymous]

Rating:  T

Summary:  Panem High School puts on a production of High School Musical.  Part 1/?

Author’s Note:  The title is from “Just for a Moment” by Joshua Basset and Olivia Rodrigo.  Katniss’s audition song is “Wondering”, sung by Julia Lester and Olivia Rodrigo.

* * *

“I’m not here to audition.”

Peeta meets her grey eyes by accident; he just doesn’t want to look at Ms. Trinket’s curly pink bob (which he was certain was a wig) or her shiny green pantsuit (which looked like tin-foil that was spray-painted metallic green) and had fully intended on staring at the wall just behind her and not on Katniss Everdeen.

Her eyebrows press together and she frowns.

Oh god.  A blush starts up the back of his neck, turning his skin scarlet all the way up to his ears.  He clears his throat, tearing his gaze away and tries again.

“I’d like to join the crew,” he says.  “My brother did set design last year. I can help paint trees or something.”

Ms. Trinket shakes her head.  “I am well aware of how your previous director ran your school productions,” she says, footsteps echoing as she paces across the stage.  “I, however, require everyone to read.”

“I haven’t even seen the movie,” he replies.

A stream of murmurs fill the air; indistinct.  They move low, swirling around his ankles like fog.  Delly taps Madge on the knee, who passes her comment to Katniss:  “Is he for real? Who hasn’t seen High School Musical?”  The two blondes share a look and giggle.

Ms. Trinket doesn’t bat an eye.  “Then we’ll be seeing a fresh interpretation!”

He’s about to say something else.  The words are on his lips, but he sighs and reluctantly takes the script from her hand.

A frosty pink nail taps on a highlighted section and he reads for a moment before starting.

“My parents’ friends are always saying,” he starts, the words rolling off of his tongue easily.  Though it’s not like the movie’s version, his performance is endearing.  “‘Your son is the basketball guy.  You must be so proud.’ Sometimes I don’t want to be the basketball guy.  I just want to be, you know, me.”

Peeta looks up for approval, meaning to look at the director, but his eyes find hers again.  He can’t read her expression, eyebrows are still knit together and lips still in a downward pout, but something in her eyes doesn’t match the rest.  He stares back, his own face now scrunched into concentration.

And then he’s asked to sing.

Madge tries to lead him through Breaking Free, but he can’t read sheet music to save his life, and he doesn’t know the song—any of the songs—of course, because he hasn’t seen the movie.

He manages, just short of disaster.

There’s no applause.

After the first audition, he’d clapped before realizing that he wasn’t supposed to.  The sound was loud and thunderous, almost awkward. He wishes that he had applause now to drown out his nerves.

* * *

Katniss is the last to audition.

She hates watching the other auditions, even the warmups.  She tries to focus on her breathing, to calm the restless nerves prickling just underneath her skin.  Her sheet music suffers as she twists it, breaking off small bits of paper and scattering the pieces on the floor.

She almost doesn’t get up during the last call for Gabriella.  A look from Madge motivates her to force her legs to move beneath her, heavy, as if her shoes were filled with lead.

She’s no stranger to performing.  She has been in previous school productions, is part of her church choir and has performed for her father countless times.  Though, it’s different now. She feels alone, no lingering presence of his soul to guide her through auditions as before.

She doesn’t need a script for Gabriella’s monologue and it sets her apart from the others.  She’s memorized it from watching the movie countless times, and she does… okay.  Despite her attempt to mask her voice as cheery, her words fall flat as she recites, “Go Wildcats!”

It isn’t until Katniss settles at the pianoforte, which has been moved from the music room to the theatre, that she becomes someone of consequence.  Her fingers shake as she starts to play a melody that isn’t an approved song.

She ignores the screech of a chair moving across the floor and the shrillness of Ms. Trinket’s voice as her eyes focus on notes in front of her.

Katniss awakens, her voice like magic.

Seems like a part of me will always have to lose Every single time I have to choose Swore that it felt right, but was I wrong? Is this where I’m supposed to be at all?

Smooth low notes flow from between her lips, sung into something sad and regretful.  Ms. Trinket’s words stop in her throat.

If I could go back and change the past Be a little braver than I had And bet against the odds Would I still be lost? Even if I woke up in my dreams Would there still be something I’m missing? If I had everything Would it mean anything to me?

She sings a verse and the chorus and promptly stops.  Her movements are almost robotic as she collects her sheet music and walks back to the corner of the stage, her eyes trained on the floor.

* * *

Ms. Trinket is a firm believer in first impressions and on principle, does not do callbacks.  She spends most of her night going over her audition notes and placing them into her red binder behind the director’s copy of the script.

* * *

The cast list is posted before the first bell on the following day.

Peeta doesn’t look at it.  He doesn’t need to, walking past the group of students surrounding it on his way to homeroom.  His audition was just formality. He knows Katniss got Gabriella.  The rest didn’t matter.

Rye intercepts him partway, grinning ear to ear.  “Congratulations little brother,” he says, patting a hand on Peeta’s shoulder.

“For what?”

“The cast list?” Rye shakes his head.  “I thought you’d be more excited.”

“I haven’t seen it.”  Peeta blinks, unfazed.  “You saw her audition.”

Rye shakes his head.

He drags Peeta to the bulletin board outside the theatre and it’s second from the top in Ms. Trinket’s careful printing.

Troy Bolton (understudy) …  Peeta Mellark

“I told you to sign up, but I didn’t think you’d create some sort of elaborate plan!”  Rye says.

Peeta hardly hears his brother as he’s overcome with dread.  “This wasn’t the plan,” he says.  

Join the crew and talk to the girl.  That was the plan.

Peeta didn’t know how his brother had found out about his crush.  He’s never mentioned it.  He’s spent his whole life working up the courage to talk to her, creating plans and rehearsing opening lines she’d probably hate anyway.

“If you worked in the upcoming musical, you’d have some common ground,” Rye had suggested at dinner one night.  Ms. Trinket had approached him last semester to be the stage manager. He knew all of the production details weeks in advance and tried to help Peeta.

Peeta would need all the help he can get.

He’s not a performer and can barely make eye contact with Katniss without blushing.  He’s the understudy, thank god, but he’s still going to be practicing with her.  Or at least, he hoped he would.

The first bell rings, signalling class in three minutes.

“First rehearsal is Thursday at four,” Rye winks.

[justathingidid]

‘LOVE WEDDING REPEAT’ IS ONE WEDDING TO SLEEP THROUGH

Eleanor Tomlinson and Sam Claflin play brother and sister in the film

Love Wedding Repeat was released on Netflix on April 10, 2020. The film is an updated version of the 2012 French short film Plan de Table, which follows eight guests at a wedding.The synopsis Netflix provides for its newer version is simple enough - “Different versions of the same day unfold as Jack juggles difficult guests, unbridled chaos, and potential romance at his sister’s wedding.” 

Basically, a wedding meets Groundhog Day. That actually sounds pretty interesting.

So why was Love Wedding Repeat so bad?

It’s nearly impossible to answer that question without doing some serious digging and examination into the movie. Is it the shallow plot, tonal inconsistencies, or Sam Claflin’s atrocious haircut that caused Love Wedding Repeat to miss the mark? Let’s march down the aisle and see.

In this post, I will:

Summarize the plot

Conduct a character analysis for the ensemble (spoilers!)

Examine the  film’s poor execution of “repetition” 

THE PLOT

From the start, it’s obvious Love Wedding Repeat has close to no concept of time. We start out with Jack (a miscast Sam Claflin) and Dina (a pretty, but boring) Olivia Munn at the end of a stay in Rome, where they’ve supposedly spent time together and fallen in love. Dina is the roomate of Hayley, Jack’s sister. Now, not only is the romantic chemistry between Jack and Dina non-existent - it’s really more of a sexual tension - but so is the desire to care about the two of them ending up together. The two are interrupted before a kiss can occur, and eventually head their separate ways.

Sam Claflin and Olivia Munn play love interests to one another

Fast forward 3 years and Hayley is getting married to wealthy Italian Roberto, causing Jack and Dina to reunite. The “3 years” might as well have been the next day, since there appears to be little growth in any of them - especially Jack, who still struggles to formulate a sentence around Dina. Luckily, Hayley’s placed them at the same table. But Jack’s desire to make a move is constantly interrupted by the other guests, and the distractions only grow when Hayley’s ex-boyfriend Marc shows up to crash the wedding and a sleeping drug is misplaced in a champagne glass. And when love doesn’t prevail, the movie switches things around: showing us another seating arrangement at the table that changes the situations of each character. What should be a wild ride that eventually ends with love (and yes, a kiss) - feels shallow and undeserved.

THE CHARACTERS

The ensemble is talented, but lacks cohesion

JACK

Sam Claflin portrays the main character

I like Sam Claflin. I really like Sam Claflin. He’s more than suitable to handle these types of films, with romances Me Before You and Love, Rosie under his belt. But, here, the lack of personality to Jack’s character makes it difficult for Sam to bring much to the film. Now, Sam certainly does carry the film, but it’s definitely breaking his back in the process. There’s only two things to know about Jack: 1) he likes Dina a lot (I still doubt it’s love - despite what the film says) and 2) he loves his sister. Everything else: dead parents, a job as an engineer, an ex-girlfriend -  all which would help bring a sense of depth to Jack as a person - is simply mentioned and never truly explored. His bumbling speech and “just can’t win” trait make it hard to not like Jack, but it does grow old after a while. One would think that losing Dina 3 years prior and finding her newly single would make Jack jump at the chance to make a move, but he still struggles to articulate his feelings to her, or even ask guests to leave so he can speak to her alone. It hurts to watch Jack’s awkwardness be one of the biggest barriers between him and Dina - the film would strengthen if Jack was actively trying to speak or flirt and then was pulled away. Jack’s supposed conflict of having Amanda, his ex-girlfriend, attend the wedding is hardly a conflict, given their relationship seems to have consisted of more sex than substance and Dina barely seems to care about Amanda’s presence. In an attempt to make Jack have something to his character, he ended up with nothing. Well, nothing but a kiss and a wealthy brother-in-law. 

HAYLEY & ROBERTO

Eleanor Tomlinson and Tiziano Caputo play the marrying couple

Hayley and Roberto are the couple causing the “wedding” in the film’s title, which fails to show a ceremony and instead, spends the film at the reception. Now, Roberto plays next-to-nothing of a role in the film, so let’s focus on Hayley, who is arguably the cause of all conflict in the film.

During her relationship with Roberto and (fairly near to the wedding), Hayley slept with old classmate, Marc, who unexpectedly shows up to the wedding to declare his love for her and expose the secret. Hayley threatens to have security to remove Marc from the wedding, but decides that recruiting Jack to drug Marc with sleeping medication is somehow a better idea. How? In the first scenario, the infidelity is exposed and during an argument with Hayley, Roberto accidentally falls off of the balcony to his death. In the second (and final) scenario, Marc has a change of heart, keeping the secret to himself, leaving Roberto to live his married life in blissful ignorance. Apparently, if in the second scenario love prevails, being honest isn’t part of the deal. Hayley’s infidelity is excused because according to her “it didn’t mean anything” and she “loves Roberto!” If love truly prevailed - if Haley truly loved Roberto - the truth should’ve come out with Hayley admitting it and (hopefully) Roberto forgiving. But, that’s just me and my ideas. 

Anyways, Hayley also decides to invite Jack’s ex-girlfriend Amanda for whatever reason (it’s not even mentioned if Amanda and Hayley are friends) and to sit her and Jack at the same table. I thought she loved her brother? It’s no surprise when the table arrangement goes south, and is that the fault of the little kids who switched the name cards, or the bride who planned: not only for those particular people to sit at the table but to add a sleeping drug into the mix? 

DINA

Olivia Munn plays Dina

Olivia Munn really tries with this role. You can tell she attempted to bring something to the table with Dina, but - similar to Jack - there’s not much to her. She’s a foreign correspondent and former roommate/friend of Hayley, but she’s mainly just the pretty girl who’s Jack’s love interest. Dina is at the wedding as a plot device. She’s there to remind Jack to seize his chance at love, she’s there to be separated from Jack or whisked away, she almost exists as a symbol. Her story of being kidnapped whilst in Afghanistan and coming back to care for a sick mother who would eventually pass is played twice for laughs, making it hard to find anything to care about for her. “Does she even like Jack?” is what I wondered in the back of my mind. She definitely engages in conversation with him, but her flirtiness is hard to find as more than friendliness. It’s known that Dina is newly single, having broken up with an ex. While this is a golden opportunity for Jack, it’s not even determined whether Dina is interested in another relationship. It certainly would’ve been nice to see Dina try to make an effort towards Jack as well - truly making it feel as if both sides are being kept apart.

BRYAN & REBECCA

Joel Fry and Aisling Bea play Bryan and Rebecca

It’s established early that the comedic side-kick is Bryan, the man-of-honor-maid-of-honor, whose relationship to Hayley or Jack doesn’t feel entirely sincere no matter how the film tries. He doesn’t come across as a “ride-or-die” type of best friend, and it’s unclear how he and Hayley even met, or what his relationship is like with Jack. Is he best friends to both of them? There’s little time to ask these questions (not like the film would answer) since Bryan announces his plan for the evening: convincing famous director Vitelli to give him a role in a film. This “subplot” is little plot, since Vitelli’s presence or effect on the wedding is barely felt. In the first scenario, this plan fails tremendously, with Bryan (victim of the sleeping medicine) falling asleep on Vitelli and mid-speech. In the second scenario, the plan works, but only after he falls in love with Rebecca, the blunt Irish guest whose relation to Jack or Hayley is not made clear. Honestly, Rebecca was my favorite character, possibly because she had a clear personality. Even if her chatterbox nature was exploited for exposition, Aisling Bea plays the obliviously honest nature with such perfection that I didn’t mind. Rebecca and Bryan have supposedly dated, but in the end, the two end up together, so there’s little time to care about what caused the breakup. I could only wish that Bryan had acted as more of a wingman for Jack and Rebecca had been given a larger role, perhaps as a wingwoman for Dina.

MARC

Jack Farthing plays the coked-up wedding crasher

If Marc was more of a looming threat, his arrival could’ve easily saved the movie. In fact, I was intrigued by his arrival: who is this disheveled, red-eyed man stumbling into the wedding reception? Whoever he was, he was obviously up to no good. However, the one thing that makes Marc interesting: the secret of him and Hayley having slept together, is quickly taken away or avoided when Hayley reveals the information to Jack (and the audience) on her own. Marc is not much of a physical threat either, his druggy demeanor makes him easy to overtake, hence why in the first scenario he’s locked up in a armoire. While the whole situation with Marc could have easily been avoided had Hayley had security remove him, the sleeping drug intended for him never finds its way in his champagne glass. And what’s worse: the audience never gets to see that scenario. If Marc was intended to be the antagonist of this movie (which the film will try to convince you he is), he surely failed by barely being much of a threat to begin with. 

CHAZ & AMANDA

Allan Mustafa and Freida Pinto play Chaz and Amanda

If Hayley’s enemy of love is Marc, then surely Jack’s is his ex-girlfriend Amanda. Or, supposed to be. Unfortunately, what is told about Amanda is worse than what is shown. For someone who’s supposed to be extremely rude and problematic, Amanda just seems to be extremely annoyed at best. Even when seated next to Jack, she doesn’t bother commenting on the situation, but her unbearable fiancé Chaz sure does. His angry comments towards Jack seem to be coming from a place of hurt: Amanda has not responded to his marriage proposal six months prior. But where Chaz could really be a character to wreak some havoc, especially for Jack, his lines are delegated to unfunny penis jokes for nearly the entirety of the movie. No wonder Amanda is annoyed.

SIDNEY

Tim Key plays Sidney

Speaking of annoying, it’s time to talk about the last character of the ensemble: Sidney. Who is this guy? Once again, his relationship is not made clear and the audience is quite confused by the kilt-wearing-crotch-adjusting guest who lacks social intelligence. You can tell when Sidney is supposed to be funny and unfortunately it falls short every time. I guess him finding love in the end is supposed to make us feel some type of way, but it failed to move me. Every member of an ensemble should have something to contribute, and I can say - aside from a few scenes where he was needed to act as a barrier between Jack and Dina - Sidney was completely unnecessary in the film.

VITELLI

Paolo Mazzarelli plays Vitelli in the film

Why was Vitelli in this film? What exactly did he add? Is he actively scouting for a new movie or did guests just assume? What’s his whole relationship thing with Dina? He offered her a ride - was he romantically interested or trying to cast her? Who even is this guy? How does Roberto know him?  

I just...why?

THE ORACLE

Penny Ryder voices The Oracle

There’s a narrator in this film. Don’t ask why. Not only is she completely unnecessary and unhelpful, the message she spews for a majority of the film is not only untrue but contradicts the entire plot: that chance is the enemy of love.

“REPEAT?”

Confused, Bryan? So am I.

I don’t what’s worse: that I can’t tell you how many times the film lived up to the “repeat” part of its name, or that I don’t want to. It’s true: the film only plays out the entirety of two scenarios when it comes to seating at the table. The rest are muddled in what is perhaps the worst montage I’ve seen recently (and I’ve been subjected to multiple ‘senior szn’ recaps on IGTV), and offer no information. In this montage, we don’t know who has the sleeping drug, and the entirety of the table isn’t even in frame. You don’t know who is sitting where or who has the sleeping drug. I guess it doesn’t matter because Jack and Dina don’t end up together, but it does matter because it needs to make the wait worth it. The audience should be subjected to different crazy scenarios: they should realize how completely wrong everything has gone. They should be tired of reliving the same wedding reception, they should want Jack and Dina to end up together to just end it. 

But I must say, the best part of the montage was Jack and Rebecca end up tongue-kissing. That’s a scenario I’d love to see.

CONCLUSION

A kiss to end it all

I hate to bash a directorial debut. But I hate wasted potential more.

Love Wedding Repeat could’ve been something great - it really could’ve. It’s easy to see the same idea executed better going down as a modern rom-com classic. But Love Wedding Repeat’s failure to live up to its name is a major disappointment, especially giving the talented leads (who are better off playing friends than a couple). The idea was certainly there, and so were the resources. I mean, they shot on-location in Rome. But if Love Wedding Repeat shows anything, it’s how a lackluster script can truly harm a concept. You can’t tell us sad stuff about our characters, show the sadness. Show the tension between Jack and Amanda, show us the camaraderie between Hayley and Bryan, show how reckless and wild Marc is - make us care and understand. It shouldn’t just be Jack who wants a kiss between him and Dina - it should be us.

Overall, I can only hope what Netflix has in store for the future when it comes to rom-coms isn’t anywhere close to repeating this complete mess. 

[camillemontespan]

truth or dare [AU. drake x camille]

An AU version of the TRR chapter in Vegas where MC is given the choice to have a one night stand with someone who isn’t her husband. I never played this option because why would you dare cheat on Drake Walker so I wrote this in a more different and I guess darker way.

Warnings: NSFW. Liam stans will feel bad in the middle part. Sorry.

@sirbeepsalot @loveellamae @mskaneko @saivilo @katedrakeohd @gardeningourmet @rainbowsinthestorm @pug-bitch

@fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @moonlightgem7 @burnsoslow  @ibldw-main​ @emichelle​ @dcbbw​

*************************************************************************************

Camille bent over the sink and closed her eyes, exhaling and inhaling as she did so. Her forehead was beaded with sweat and she felt like her throat was being constricted by an invisible hand.

Breathe. Get it together.

Blinking hard, she looked up to examine her reflection in the mirror. She desperately needed Touché Eclat to hide the eye bags from sleepless nights. Digging around her major up bag, she focused on applying the make up, stopping every so often as her shaking hands made the basic task difficult.

She pulled her dark hair out of its messy bun and shook it down. She exhaled again and gave her reflection a determined nod.

You got this.

With fake confidence, she opened the door of the ladies bathroom and stepped out into the hotel foyer . She jumped when she saw Drake standing outside, waiting for her. He was leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets, looking up at her through his messy fringe.

‘Another panic attack huh?’ he asked casually.

Camille threw her shoulders back and gripped her suitcase. 'Nothing for you to concern yourself with, Walker,’ she replied dryly. She began to stride through the foyer, eager to get away from him.

Drake fell into step beside her and took her suitcase in his hand.

'You don’t have to go through with this..’ he murmured. 'Nobody is forcing you.’

Camille kept her eyes fixed straight ahead to the elevator. 'You don’t know what you’re talking about,’ she said, keeping her voice steady.

They reached the elevator and Camille pushed the button up to the penthouse suite. She gestured for Drake to hand back her suitcase. Sighing, Drake gave it to her. As her hand took the handle, Drake reached out to grasp her fingers.

'Drake!’

'You don’t owe him anything,’ Drake ground out, his eyes penetrating hers. His finger touched upon her engagement ring, a giant gobstopper that was an eyesore on her hand.

'If you want to walk away,’ he whispered, 'nobody is going to judge you. Its not too late to go for what you really want.’

Camille fixed Drake with an icy stare. 'And what do I really want, Drake?’ she asked. 'Tell me, oh wise one. What do I really want?’

The elevator doors opened and Camille turned to enter them. The mirror in the elevator reflected her and Drake, who was standing right behind her and looking at the reflection too.

'It’s right in front of you,’ Drake murmured. 'Should you bother to properly look.’

*****************************************

Camille stopped outside the penthouse suite and gathered her thoughts.

You are having a bachelorette party in Vegas with your fiancé and friends. Liam wanted to have one last group event before the wedding next week. He loves you. He is offering you the world and more.

He is a kind and good man. He is intelligent and interesting. He has a lovely smile that lights up his entire face. He supports you.

This is the last weekend before you tie the knot so fucking get a grip of yourself and stop thinking about what could be and instead focus on the here and now.

Liam is your husband to be.

Not Drake Walker.

Camille placed her key card on the scanner and opened the door, fixing a bright smile on her face. 'Honey, I’m back!’ she called.

She stopped short. The suite was covered in red heart shaped balloons. Camille took in the scene and slowly wandered into the room, trying to count the balloons that covered every inch.

There has to be 100 balloons in here..

'Sweetheart!’

Camille jumped. She relaxed when she saw Liam hurrying through from the bathroom with a wide grin on his face and his arms outstretched. He pulled her in for a sweet kiss. 'How was shopping with Olivia and Hana?’ he asked.

Camille smiled. 'Really nice.’

It was until I had a panic attack outside the jewellery shop and had to run back to the hotel.

'Why all the balloons?’ she asked.

Liam grinned. 'Am I not allowed to surprise my fiancee with heart shaped balloons?’

Camille laughed. 'You’re very sweet.’

Liam took her hand and guided her through the balloon covered room towards the bathroom. 'I want to spoil you,’ he told her.

The claw foot bathtub was filled with water that had rose petals floating on the surface. Candles covered every surface and Camille could hear lilting music playing softly in the background.

She felt Liam’s hands gently pull at her sweater. She allowed him to undress her before he helped her into the bath. The water seared against her skin.

'Enjoy,’ Liam whispered. 'There’s new body lotion courtesy of Chanel in the cupboard.’

Camille nodded, her eyes wide. Liam grinned and shrugged self - depricatingly. 'Nothing is too good for my future queen,’ he said, backing out the door and leaving Camille to lie in the rose petal bath tub, wishing she could drown.

*********************************************

Drake nursed a glass of whiskey as he looked out of the floor to ceiling windows. He had aw wanted to visit Las Vegas and now he was here. He just wished it was under different circumstances.

His best friend was marrying the girl Drake loved.

Because he did love Camille. It had taken him long enough to admit his feelings to her but he had done it.

They had kissed. Kissed a lot actually. And they talked in the dark at 3am about things they never told anyone else.

Drake had been brave and told her he loved her. He ignored the ring on her finger and threw caution to the wind.

Camille had run away.

She had literally run away from him.

It was only a few hours later when she phoned him. He had been unable to sleep and welcomed the distraction.

Camille was crying down the phone. 'I’m sorry,’ she had wept. 'I’m so fucking sorry. I love you too, Drake. I love you too.’

Drake had bolted up and his words tumbled out about how they could just run away, leave Cordonia, be together. He made elaborate plans while Camille stayed silent.

'I can’t break his heart, Drake,’ she finally said, her voice cracking. Drake stopped talking.

'I can’t leave him,’ she whispered. 'That wouldn’t be fair.’

Drake hung up the phone without saying goodbye. Ever since then, they had been tense with each other; barely exchanging words unless forced to. 

Now, as he looked out over the strip, he thought about her as he always did. Because feelings couldn’t easily be buried.

He had seen her running into the hotel with a look of sheer panic on her face. He had been at the reception desk, arguing about the absurd prices of the hotel room mini bar.

He abandoned the argument to follow Camille who hadn’t seen him. He watched her lock herself in the ladies bathroom and he waited outside, listening to the sounds of ragged breathing and crying.

Drake knew she was dreading the wedding. He knew that every time Liam kissed her, she would endure it. He knew that every time Liam held her hand, she ached to pull away.

He knew these things because she had told him. In the hidden coves of dive bars, she whispered these secrets and Drake never uttered them to another soul.

He knew Camille was viewing her wedding day to be like an execution. All he wanted to do was save her from putting her head on the block and signing her life away to a man she did not love.

*********************************************

That night, the group -excluding Camille - convened at the hotel bar for drinks. Liam ordered two bottles of Dom Perignon, which Maxwell raised his champagne flute and cheered.

'Let the wedding party commence!’ he hollered.

Drake reluctantly sipped the champagne. Liam turned to him and clapped his hand on his shoulder. 'One day, Drake, we will be doing something like this for your future marriage!’ “he cried, giddy from wedding excitement.

Drake chuckled and shook his head. 'Nah, man. I won’t get married.’

Olivia smirked, joining in with their conversation. 'Yeah, you’ll just be the weird uncle who lives in the tunnels of the palace, freaking out Liam and Camille’s kids.’

Drake narrowed his eyes at Olivia and took a deep gulp of the champagne. She watched him with a smug smile, her eyes not leaving him as she sipped from her own glass.

'Where is my beautiful wife to be?!’ Liam called out.

'She’s just coming down!’ Hana answered, scrolling through her phone. 'Her hair was being fiddly.’

Liam clapped his hands with delight. 'I can’t wait to see her,’ he told Drake.

Drake smiled weakly.

**********************************************

Camille picked up her clutch bag and studied her reflection in the mirror. She looked much fresher now. Less tired.

She was wearing a gold silk dress paired with gold strappy stilettos. The gold complimented her skin and her hair was swept into a chignon.

Ever since she came to Cordonia, her look had become more polished. As the future queen, everything about Camille had to be elegant and sophisticated.

All she really longed to do was throw on a pair of ripped jeans and a loose sweater. Or, if she couldn’t do that, she would settle for her hair down, tousled, no fancy hairstyles.

Wishing herself luck, Camille left the room and took the elevator downstairs to the bar.

********************************************

Drake saw her before everyone else did. He even beat Liam to the punch. The elevator doors opened to reveal Camille standing there, her face etched with nerves. His heart tugged.

He watched as she threw her shoulders back - a typical Camille Montespan confidence move - and glided towards the group with a warm smile on her face.

Her eyes met his. Her smile fell slightly but her eyes couldn’t tear away from him. Drake’s eyes broke away but only to roam her body that shone against the gold silk of her dress and the way it hugged her curves in all the right places.

'Stop eye fucking her, Walker,’ Olivia whispered in his ear, making him jump.

'Jesus Liv! I wasn’t.’

Olivia shook her head. 'Oh please,’ she muttered. 'It’s so obvious.’

Drake turned away from her and went to the bar to order whiskey. He hated champagne.

It meant he didn’t see Liam’s eyes fixed on him before he turned to take Camille in his arms and place a deep kiss on her lips.

**********************************************

'More drinks!’ Maxwell called. 'I have the Beaumont credit card so my treat!’

Camille grabbed his hand. 'No Max!’ she protested. 'What would Bertrand say?’

Maxwell raised an eyebrow. 'He would say… My dear, it is your engagement weekend and you are betrothed to the King of Cordonia! Please accept my credit card as a wedding gift for you to drink and be merry! FOR CORDONIA!’

'FOR CORDONIA!’ the others, except Drake, shouted in unison.

Liam raised his glass. 'Thank you everyone for joining us this weekend to celebrate our upcoming marriage,’ he said grandly. 'Indeed, drink and be merry! I cannot wait to marry this beautiful woman beside me, I feel very thankful that she chose to be with me. Camille you will be a wonderful queen unlike any other. I am truly excited to see how you rule beside me.’

Camille turned pale, her glass still raised in the air.

'And may we have many children!’ Liam continued. 'For I need heirs and I feel our heirs will be the most loved children in all of the kingdom!’

Camille quickly placed her glass down and stood up. 'Excuse me,’ she whispered, giving Liam a wobbly smile. He grinned back at her bed tossing back his champagne.

Drake physically had to restrain himself from standing up to follow her. To do so would be suspicious and it wasn’t his place.

Olivia, however, put her glass down and followed Camille with a determined look on her face.

*********************************************

Fifteen minutes later, Camille and Olivia came back. Drake studied the two of them over the rim of his glass. He could tell from the way Olivia discreetly squeezed her shoulder that something had happened.

Another panic attack probably.

He hated that Camille always seemed to have panic attacks now. He couldn’t shake the guilty feeling that her attacks were his fault.

Drake stood up to go to the bar. From the corner of his eye, he could see Olivia strutting over to join him.

'Double whiskey,’ Drake ordered.

'Make that two,’ Olivia cut in.

The bartender handed them two glasses of whiskey. Drake frowned at Olivia.

'You don’t like whiskey,’ he said.

'I know,’ Olivia replied. 'But I need to talk to you.’

Drake rolled his eyes. 'Feeling’s not mutual.’

Olivia fixed him with her ice blue eyes. 'Drake,’ she said bluntly, 'I watched that woman have a fucking panic attack outside a jewellery store today. Do you know why she freaked out?’

Drake shrugged, trying to look like he didn’t care.

'She saw an engagement ring with a topaz stone,’ Olivia told him, her voice hushed. 'Don’t you have a topaz engagement ring that used to belong to your grandmother?’

Drake blinked. 'How do you know that?’

Olivia leaned forward. 'I know everything.’

Drake stepped back and clenched his glass of whiskey. He didn’t want to listen to Olivia. All he wanted was to drink.

'Leave me alone, Liv.’

'No,’ Olivia replied. 'Fucking do something about this. She loves you. You love her.’

Drake smirked. 'Since when are you all romantic?’

'Since I watched the man I love fall head over heels for a woman who views her wedding as something to dread,’ Olivia replied. 'He deserves better. And as I actually like her, she deserves better.’

Drake sunk his whiskey. He moved to go but Olivia caught him by the wrist, digging her fingernails into his skin.

'She has spent the past fifteen minutes crying her eyes out in the bathroom after Liam’s speech,’ she hissed. 'Fucking do something, Drake.’

**********************************************

As more drinks were poured, Liam became more loud and exuberant. He pawed at Camille like she was his play thing, made fun of Maxwell and he managed to spill champagne on Hana’s dress.

Because of his sheltered upbringing as a Prince, Liam rarely partied. But when he did, he really went for it and it never ended well. Being influenced by his older brother always brought out his wild side that he often kept under lock and key. 

The vibrant conversation around the bar table soon turned to truth or dare. Liam’s idea.

Hana had been dared by Olivia to go to the bartender and tell him she wasn’t wearing any underwear.

'Olivia, no!’ Hana blustered, turning bright red.

'He’s cute! He might give you his number!’ Olivia said, reclining against her chair.

'Do it, do it, do it..’ the group chanted. Hana groaned and dragged herself to her feet. They watched as she threw back her shoulders, copying Camille’s power move, and strutted to the bar, her hips swinging a figure of eight.

'Oh my god, she’s working it!’ Camille gasped, clapping her hands with delight. Liam shot her a wolfish grin.

Hana beckoned for the bartenders attention. Leaning forward, she whispered in his ear. The bartender smirked, said something back to her and brought out two shot glasses. He poured vodka into both and handed her one of the glasses - together, they downed the shots, making the group scream with surprise.

Hana turned to strut back to the group with a mischievous smile on her face.

'Did you tell him?’ Liam asked.

Hana nodded. 'He said congratulations and suggested we do shots!’

Maxwell jumped up and down in his seat, excited. 'Let’s see what else Hana will do!’

Liam shook his head. 'Bravo, Hana. You’ve surprised us all! But I pick… Olivia.’

Olivia rolled her eyes. 'Fine. Dare. Give it your best shot.’

Liam smirked. 'Kiss Camille.’

Camille’s eyes widened. 'Liam, that’s not necessary!’

Olivia swigged her champagne. 'Am I not your type, Montespan?’

Camille reddened. Drake cleared his throat and spoke firmly. 'She’s clearly uncomfortable,’ he said. 'Liam, pick a different dare.’

Liam laughed and tossed back his champagne. 'No. Camille, come on. Olivia’s game. Its a dare.’

Maxwell shifted uncomfortably in his chair. 'I think it’s a bit much..’

Olivia raised her glass to Camille. 'I promise I won’t bite.’

She faltered when she saw Camille look down at the table, embarrassed. 'But you don’t have to.’

Liam sighed. 'It doesn’t count as cheating.’

Camille shook her head. 'I know it’s just a dare but I don’t want to, especially if it’s for your entertainment.’

Drake felt pride rise up in his chest. Good. She wasn’t letting him bully her.

Liam stared at her for a moment, his bottom lip curled. Camille’s heart began to hammer against her chest as she stared back at him. She had never seen this version of Liam before. The sweet and kind man was gone.

'Fine,’ he said shortly. He signalled the waitress for another drink. When he turned back, his eyes locked on Drake’s.

'I like to think I’ll be a generous husband,’ he told the table, his eyes not leaving Drake’s. 'Loving. Attentive. So, Camille..’ he turned to look at Camille now. 'I’m giving you a pass.’

Camille frowned. 'A pass?’

'Yes. One night off from being with me. Do with it as you like. Kiss who you want without feeling judged. Fuck who you want.’

Camille stared at Liam, aghast. 'Excuse me?!’

Liam smirked and glanced at Drake. 'I see the way you two look at each other. How off you are with me. Do you think I haven’t noticed? So go ahead. Fuck Drake.’

Camille and Drake were both on their feet in an instant. Drake’s hands flew across his glass, smashing it on the table.

'Oh my..’ Olivia murmured, drawing back.

'Guys, let’s calm down!’ Hana tried to reason.

'Liam, you fucking asshole!’ Drake burst out. 'How dare you?! She’s going to be your wife! I’m your best friend!’

Liam eyed Drake as he ran his finger along the rim of his glass. 'My best friend who keeps eye fucking Camille. Yes, I heard you and Olivia talking earlier. You want her, Drake? Go ahead. I’m a generous king.’

Camille picked up her clutch, holding it tight to her chest. 'I’m not a fucking object, Liam!’ she shouted before storming away from the table, hot tears spilling down her cheeks. The group watched as she rushed out of the hotel bar and towards the hotel entrance, running away from the man who would be her husband.

*******************************************

The night ended shortly after that. Everyone made their excuses to go back to their rooms. Liam, now unable to stand up from the amount of alcohol he had consumed, had to be helped back to the penthouse suite by Maxwell and Olivia.

Drake stayed at the hotel bar. It was only him there - the bartender had disappeared with Hana.

He had a bottle of whiskey and a glass. He needed to forget the carnage of the evening.

Drake had phoned Camille constantly but she never picked up. He had considered going out to find her but he didn’t know where he would start. He reasoned that by sitting in the bar area, he could look out for her coming back.

So he sat and drank instead.

He heard heels clicking against the marble floor. Turning, he saw her walking towards him. As Camille got closer, he saw her eyes were red rimmed and bloodshot from crying.

'Camille..’ he murmured, standing up with his arms outstretched. Camille walked into them and wrapped her arms around his neck, her body shaking as she wept.

'I feel so humiliated,’ she choked out. 'He’s never spoken to me that way before.’

Drake held her tightly. 'I’m so sorry,’ he murmured. 'I wish I could have helped you more.’

Camille drew away and rubbed her eyes harshly. She sniffled and Drake’s heart contracted at the sound.

Camille eyed the bottle of whiskey on the bar. Quickly, she reached out for it and swigged from the bottle. She then settled down on the bar stool and rested her head in her hands.

'I can’t marry him,’ she whispered. 'Not now.’

Drake drew in a breath. He was too nervous to say anything. Instead, he let her vent, all the while pouring them both glasses of whiskey.

'He knows I don’t love him,’ Camille explained. 'I can’t keep leading him on.. I can’t keep acting like I love him when really..’

Drake cast his eyes down, waiting patiently for her next choice of words. Camille turned to look at him and he could see the longing in her eyes and he knew without her having to say anything that she loved someone. 

‘Besides, after tonight,’ she continued,  ‘Do you really think I want to deal with that animal on a regular basis? Let him taunt me as he drinks? No, Drake. I can’t do it. I don’t love him to be able to put up with that shit.

Drake sipped his whiskey and let the liquid burn his throat. 'Are you going to break it off?’

Camille nodded. 'Tomorrow.’

Drake downed his whiskey and looked ahead at the mirrors on the wall in front of them. They both looked exhausted.

He suddenly saw Camille give a tiny flicker of a smile. 'I’m free,’ she whispered. 'I’m free.’

Drake turned to look at her and their eyes met. Before there was any time to think, Drake was on his feet and pulling Camille into him. Their mouths collided. Drake raked his fingers through her chignon, letting loose tendrils of the carefully arranged hairstyle. Camille pressed her body against his, groaning his name.

Months of held back feelings blew up. They clawed at each other, hands gripping onto skin, hands tugging at clothing.

Drake picked her up and sat her on the edge of the bar. Their tongues twisted together, the taste of whiskey combining. Drake pulled at the clips holding her hair up, discarding them to the floor. Her hair fell down in tousled tendrils, framing her face.

Drake pulled back to study her. 'You’re beautiful,’ he murmured, grazing a calloused finger along her cheekbone.

Camille responded by reaching out to unbutton his shirt. Her hands roamed his chest feeling the broadness of his body and the muscles that defined his frame. She trailed her finger down to the waistband of his jeans and Drake closed his eyes, hissing at her touch.

'I haven’t been with him, you know,’ she whispered.

Drake’s eyes shot open. 'What?’

Camille kept her brown eyes fixed on Drake as her fingers unbuckled his belt. 'I haven’t been with Liam,’ she explained, her voice husky. 'He wanted to wait until our wedding night.. I obliged because I wanted to put it off for as long as possible.. So I haven’t been with him.’

Drake felt his cock harden against his jeans. The thought that he could have her without the taint of Liam on her skin made him want her more.

Camille spread her legs and pulled her gold dress up her thighs. Her fingers slid down her lace thong and Drake swallowed, watching her pull it down to her feet and kick it off.

'I’m all yours,’ she whispered.

Drake reached out to pour himself another glass of whiskey. His hand shook as he brought it to his lips and he downed the drink, not tearing his eyes away from Camille.

'Liquid courage?’ she teased.

Drake chuckled and moved closer to her, wrapping one arm around her body while his hand grazed the inside of her thighs that were already damp.

Camille kissed his neck, breathing in his scent, as she felt his fingers gently run along her. She let out a gasp as she felt his fingers slide into her.

'Jesus Camille..’ Drake croaked.

Camille pulled down his jeans and boxers in one brisk movement. After months of holding back her feelings and refusing to follow her heart, now she felt released. She was desperate for him. She needed him.

Camille eyed his erection that stood to attention. Drake gently pressed his cock against her, teasing her, making her groan his name.

'Take me, Drake,’ she whispered.

Drake’s eyes darkened. 'Gladly.’

He plunged into her. Camille let out a cry and bit into his shoulder, leaving teeth marks he would treasure until they disappeared.

His fingers gripped her hips, digging into her skin, leaving bruises she would memorise as proof he had her until they faded.

Her fingernails scratched his back, leaving battle scars he would count as victories until they vanished.

They kissed furiously. Every pent up feeling they had flooded to the surface. With each kiss, they whispered each others names, whispered declarations of love and whispered promises that they would never take back.

Drake would have preferred their first time to have been special. Perhaps in their own penthouse suite with the glittering lights of Las Vegas illuminating them.

But a bar seemed more apt for them. It was a place that housed whiskey, a place where secrets could be shared in dark corners and where the moments in between that Drake loved so much could happen.

********************************************

Drake dropped Camille off at the penthouse suite, gently kissing her before squeezing her hand.

'Will you be okay?’ he asked her. Camille nodded, taking a deep breath.

Drake smiled weakly and watched her turn to open the door. Liam’s snoring rang out, greeting them. Drake winced, feeling a flicker of guilt but only a flicker. As she turned to whisper goodnight, he knew tonight had been a revelation. 

*********************************************

The next morning, Liam woke up with a dry mouth and a pounding headache. Sitting up groggily, he rubbed his eyes and blinked to find Camille sitting on the chair by the bed, watching him. 

‘Camille?’

She smiled sadly. ‘Morning.’

Liam’s vision focused and he could now see that she was fully dressed, looking very serious. 

‘Are you okay?’ he asked.

‘Do you remember last night?’ Camille asked him. 

Liam thought back to the night before. Lots of champagne. Hana flirting with the bartender. Drake drinking whiskey.

‘Um.. no..’

Camille looked down and wrung her hands together. ‘Nothing at all? truth  or dare?’

Liam cast his mind back, trying hard to reach the inner corners. Truth or dare. He had gotten excited by it. He had dared someone… Fuck. Camille. Drake. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

‘Was I really inappropriate?’ Liam asked, dreading the answer. 

Camille laughed dryly. ‘That’s one way to put it. You suggested I fuck Drake.’

I remember now. Because he kept eye fucking you. Because you’ve been off with me for the past month. Your eyes linger on him for too long. You keep your distance which is suspicious considering when you first arrived in Cordonia, you were together all the time. I asked him to look out for you. He did it as a favour to me. But now, you no longer talk but I can see the body language and the way you gravitate towards each other, even when you don’t mean to. 

Liam swallowed. ‘I’m sorry.’

Camille nodded mutely. He watched in horror as she slid her engagement ring off and handed it to him without a word. Liam looked down at the diamond and closed it inside his fist. 

‘Did you fuck him?’ Liam asked, not harshly. He was curious.

‘Truth?’ Camille asked. 

Liam nodded. ‘Truth.’

‘Yes I did.’

Liam let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding. ‘Do you feel clearer now?’

This was weird. They were being ridiculously casual about this. But as Liam thought about it, he realised that he had always known. He had always known about Drake and Camille, despite his attempts to ignore it. That was why he had given her the biggest diamond he could find; he had to be better than Drake. But it was all for nothing. It didn’t mean anything; it was hollow. 

Camille reached out to take his hand. ‘I’m so sorry, Liam.’

Liam kept his eyes on the diamond ring. ‘I had a feeling..’

Camille looked away, her eyes filling with tears. ‘I tried to ignore it,’ she whispered. ‘But I couldn’t. Not really. I’ve felt like this for a long time and I can’t keep leading you on and I certainly can’t be the queen. I truly am sorry-’

Liam zoned out; he didn’t mean to. But all he could think of was Drake. His best friend Drake. 

He had never known Drake to harbour feelings for someone. While Drake was the most loyal person he knew, he had never known him to love someone. Romance always seemed off the cards for Drake, no matter how many times Liam tried to convince him to ask out Kiara or Penelope - anyone for that matter. Drake stuck to the shadows, the awkward courtier who didn’t know the dance moves, didn’t take part in small talk and acted like the girls they knew were childish princesses.  He had built walls around himself, refusing to let anyone in. 

But now, Drake had found someone. He had found a woman he cared for and that was a momentous achievement. It meant his walls had been knocked down, something which Liam had tried so hard to do for more than twenty years. 

Liam couldn’t take that away from him. If he did, the walls would be built back up and Drake would be locked inside forever. 

He realised Camille was still talking.  Liam held up a hand to silence her. Camille stared at him, her eyes wide. 

‘Dare,’ Liam said steadily. 

Camille eyed him warily. ‘Dare?’

Liam nodded. ‘Go to Drake,’ he said, ‘and make him happy.’

Camille stared at Liam in shock. This wasn’t the reaction she had been expecting. She thought Liam would have been furious, upset.. Not this. 

‘But-’

‘I dare you, Camille,’ Liam interrupted. 

Camille stood up, her hands shaking. ‘I really am sorry,’ she murmured.

Liam smiled weakly. ‘I know you are. Now, go.’

Camille nodded and quickly left the penthouse suite. Once the door was closed behind her, Liam looked at the diamond gobstopper ring that had once been on her finger. It was too much; it wasn’t Camille’s style at all. Liam realised that he had never really known her.

**************************************************************

Drake opened his door to find Camille standing at the threshold with a terrified look on her face. 

‘Oh god,’ Drake said, ‘what did he do? I swear, Camille, if he touched a hair on your head-’

Camille reached out to press her ring finger on his lips. Drake noticed the ring was off; realisation dawned on him.

‘Truth or dare, Drake,’ she whispered. 

‘Truth..’ Drake croaked, his eyes fixed on hers. 

Camille smiled. ‘Do you love me?’

Drake cleared his throat. ‘I do.’

‘I love you too.’

Drake grinned. ‘Camille-’

‘Truth or dare?’ she asked again. 

Drake chuckled. ‘Uhh. Dare.’

Camille reached up to wrap her arms around his neck. ‘I dare you to do something about it.’

Drake ran his finger along her jawline. He was memorising her face right now so he could remember this moment forever. 

‘Gladly,’ he murmured, pulling her into him and raking his hands through her hair, desperate to love her again. 

[be-dazzled]

#SIYC

Gray Fullbuster, Juvia Lockser FFnet link: click here Tumblr link: explore here Genre: Multi-chapter, Romance, Comedy Rating: M for sensitive language and content

Summary: Gray Fullbuster is a player both in love and in life. He plays Professional Basketball and is being groomed to be in line with Basketball Legends Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry. There’s just one problem, Gray Fullbuster is a play-ah. His life is a giant mess of crazy parties, waking up with random women and waking up in random women’s apartments. Just living the life.

 The opinion of the public on him is waning. To save the million-dollar endorsements in the verge of disappearing, Gray needs to change his image. Therefore, Gray Fullbuster, Fiore Knight’s Team Captain and Most Valuable Player, will be in the next season of “My Star Can Dance”.

 There’s another problem: it seems like his star isn’t that bright since his partner, one of Fiore’s prominent ballerinas, doesn’t know him? His billboard is hanging in front of her dancing school! And it was a good billboard since all he was wearing was his six-pack and an Aztec bandana. How come she didn’t notice?

So I love when you call unexpected 'Cause I hate when the moment's expected So I'mma care for you 'Cause girl you're perfect You're always worth it

–        Earned It, The Weeknd

Juvia was a little bit worried. She nibbled on her nails, anxious. Leon Vista, their dance coach, just showed her the choreography which required Gray to lift her up, put on her the table prop and well, she needed to wrap her sexy little legs around Gray and, how did the coach put it? Grind against him?

 Juvia was firmly against it. She tried to talk her way out of that routine but the dance coach wasn’t backing down.

 “This is the story we are going to tell. We. Need. A. Story.” He said, emphasizing the last four words with four hits on his open palm, as if Juvia was stupid.

 She wasn’t. The ballerina fully understood what he meant. Every dance told a story. Sometimes, it retold history. It spoke culture. Dance was art; another form of medium to bring out a message into the world, whatever that message may be.

 “But do we really need that kind of story?”

 “Excuse me,” Leon didn’t even bother to hide taking offense at Juvia’s apparent challenge, “but are you a tango instructor?”

 Juvia shook her head in response; the sarcasm wasn’t lost in her. The irritable dance coach was probably feeling the pressure because she was unfairly lashing out at the ballerina. Well, that wasn’t true. Leon was lashing out at anything in the way, except Gray. He was probably afraid of Hoopster.

 “Hey, c’mon.” Gray stepped in between Juvia and the barking dance instructor.

 He had his back at Leon as he reached out to Juvia, taking both her hands in his. The squeeze was gentle and so was his look, as opposed to the sudden hardening of his jaw. She could tell that her boyfriend was trying his hardest not to punch the guy. Gray wasn’t the kind that lost his cool easily. He was a normally level-headed guy. But every time Hoopster threw the querulous coach his icy looks, Juvia believed Gray wouldn’t hesitate to throw him punches. Despite his rising agitation, Hoopster tried to comfort Juvia.

 “It’ll be over before you even know it.” His smile was reassuring but his eyes were ready to attack a certain dance coach.

 “We are six seconds in just for the intro, people. We still have three minutes more to go.” Leon stamped one foot on the wooden floor in obvious irritation. “Are we gonna do this or what?”

Juvia saw Gray throw the dance coach a glare and it wasn’t the cute jealous kind. It was more like those glares thugs throw their enemies before they exchanged blows. That’s not something Juvia wanted to happen inside her studio. And not when the cameras are rolling. So, before Gray and Leon engaged in an ugly scuffle for the world to see, Juvia needed to appease her man.

 “It’s okay Gray. He’s just pressured, I guess.”

 Juvia knew Leon Vista was just doing his job but that didn’t mean she couldn’t hate the guy. Right now, Juvia’s hate for him was at capacity.

 “Let’s start from the beginning. Chop, chop!”

 Leon started to count so that Gray and Juvia could execute the choreography. He tilted his head from side to side, whitish-blue hair stuck together by his cheap-smelling wax, as the beginning beats of the tune ‘Earned It’ by the Weeknd dropped through the Dolby speakers.

 At cue, Gray strode towards Juvia, backing her up against the table prop, staying on beat. Juvia followed up by taking a few steps backwards until she felt her bum hit the hard wood. Juvia knew all that was going to happen but she still felt uneasy about the next step.

Juvia instinctively opened her legs to allow Gray in between them. Then, the Hoopster lifted her up and cautiously dropped her on the table prop with a low thud, not missing a single beat of the song. She was about to wrap her legs around his waist, as per instruction, when Gray pulled her by the waist and slammed her slender frame against his hard body, a little too hard in Juvia’s opinion. The surprised ballerina fought that tingly sensation that reached her toes and fingertips as she felt Gray’s hard chest against her softer one. Pent up desire pooled in between her legs and she could undeniably recognize that part against her part. The contact caused a fire that spread quickly to every fiber of her being.

 Ms. Juvia Steele was open for business.

 The ballerina could only bury her reddened face in the crook of Gray’s.

 “Juvia look at him!” Leon shouted over the stable tempo.

 “Mmcant” Juvia shook her head without breaking away from her position, pressing her face harder against Gray’s exposed skin. She was in sensory overload so she had to bite down on Gray’s poor shirt.

 “What’s happening? Juvia, I said look at him!”

 The music kept playing and Leon’s voice was becoming irritatingly loud.

 “Hey, Juvia. Look at me.” Gray had to pull away to look at Juvia.

 “I can’t, Gray.” Juvia lowered her head, staring at Gray’s heaving chest. She could already feel the heat on her cheeks, her ears and her entire body.

 The music kept on playing, revealing the lead singer’s cool vocals.

 “What’s wrong?” Gray asked, peeking at Juvia who still had her head down.

 “You’returningmeon.” She answered in one breath.

 “What?”

 Juvia took a deep breath, gathered the cloth on Gray’s chest in both fists and hesitantly whispered in his ears; voice strained.

 “You’re turning me on.”

 Then, she let him go, unclenching his grasp on him, allowing some air in between them. Juvia waited for Gray’s usual words of comfort but his words did not do any comforting – not at all.

 “You’re not the only one.” He whispered back.

  Juvia was back at it again. At her mother’s kitchen, threatening to suffocate her mother’s poor plants.

 “Something bothering you again?” Olivia appeared at the archway. The heels of her black stilettos hit the wooden floor as she made her way deeper into the kitchen.

 “How can you tell?” Juvia asked, drawing imaginary circles in her cereal bowl.

 “You lose your manners when you’re bothered.” Olivia pointed at Juvia who had her legs crossed in an Indian sitting position. “And that bothers me, too. A lot.” Her sharply narrowed eyes, much like Juvia’s, forced the younger Lockser to sit properly. The woman did not tolerate that kind of behavior.

 Juvia was silent for a while, contemplating whether her dilemma was an appropriate ‘mother-daughter’ kitchen topic. The last time she sought her advice, Olivia Lockser talked about how dancing was like making love and it haunted the younger Lockser for days. But the advice turned out helpful. Look at where her relationship with the Hoopster took her.

 “Mom, how long did you…” she studied the older woman before deciding not to go on, “never mind.”

 The feet of the chair lightly scratched on the wooden floor when Olivia pulled the seat next to Juvia.

 “I know something’s bothering you. So, are you gonna tell me or should I tickle it out of you?”

 Juvia was too old for the tickle-threat but Olivia Lockser wasn’t kidding around. She began attacking Juvia, sampling her with Olivia’s oldest trick in the book to get the truth out of her. When she still refused and kept her silence, the older Lockser upped her game.

 “Okay, okay.” Juvia surrendered, catching her breath when her mother finally dropped her hands beside her. The anxious ballerina didn’t have enough strength to fend off the tickle attack.

 “It’s just… it’s about, you know.”

 “I’m not a mind-reader, Juvia.”

 Juvia sighed in exasperation. She and her mother might not have that mother-daughter mind link she thought they had.

 “Fine. It’s about Gray.”

 “What about your boyfriend?” Olivia teased as she poured herself her morning coffee. Two teaspoons of sugar made it to her cup.

 “Well, yesterday,” Just thinking about what happened, painted rose across her cheeks, “we were doing this really, really ahmmm…” Juvia tilted her head on the side. How was she going to describe the routine to her mother? “sensual? This really ahmmm…”

 “I’m not a prude, honey. So, just say it.”

 Juvia decided to stop beating around the bush and just went for it.

 “When did you know that you were ready for, you know? The thing.”

 “What thing?”

 Juvia shifted in her seat. Her mother was really forcing her to say it out loud.

 “You know, that thing that people do.” It surprised Juvia that her vague explanation earned a confused look from her mother. “Fine. Sex.”

 There! She said it. She finally threw it out to the world.

 Olivia just stared at Juvia, making her even more uncomfortable than she already was. Olivia’s eyes were narrowed at her but she wasn’t angry. Juvia could easily recognize it if her mother was angry. Instead, she was looking through her, appeared to be deep in thought, like she was remembering something that had nothing to do with Juvia.

 Juvia averted her mother’s strange look that made the hair at the base of her neck stand.

 “W-w-why are you looking at me like that?”

 “Oh, right.” Olivia cleared her throat and gathered her thoughts. She fought the heat that visibly spread over her cheeks.

 “Not my proudest moment but, well, you see…”

 Like mother, like daughter.

 “When your father and I, oh.” The older Lockser erupted into little giggles like something funny was just said. But there was none. So, Juvia assumed she might be recollecting. “Why did I suddenly feel shy?” Olivia let out a heavy sigh then fanned herself with her own hand. “Okay, here it goes. When your father and I–”

 Juvia grew worried that she might hear something that would haunt her forever.

 “–do I really need to listen to this?”

 Olivia raised a brow at the interruption. Now, that was the look of ‘angry’.

 “You asked me, didn’t you?”

 Juvia easily caved in, “Yes, please continue.” She then readied herself for the worst.

 “Well, when your father and I–”

 “–There you are!”

 Suddenly, the man of the house entered into the kitchen, which startled the two women.

 “There’s my lovely family.”

 Julian Lockser walked directly up to the basket of fruits laid on the counter. He picked a few pieces of green grapes and successively popped them in his mouth. The female members of household Lockser fell in silence as they watched their head pick a few more of the delicious fruit before walking up to where they were.

 “What are you two girls chattering about?”

 “Nothing!” Juvia quickly answered, interrupting her mother who opened her mouth and was about to say something. She knew Oliva would just tell her father the truth. That woman, without a doubt, would tell the Lockser patriarch that they were talking about sex.

 Julian Lockser narrowed his eyes, more like squinting, at the defensive daughter who stuttered about trying to change the subject.

 “S-s-so, y-y-you two look so dressed up. Going anywhere?”

 Juvia visibly sighed when his father bit the bait.

 “Well, your mother and I,” he paused for a moment to snake his arms around Olivia’s waist, pulling the slender woman against him. “we are going somewhere fancy.” He brushed his lips against the woman wrapped in his muscular arms.

 And like all other children witnessing their parents kiss, Juvia rolled her eyes at the unsolicited public display of affection.

 “We’re going to the Prime Minister’s birthday bash.” Julian turned to her daughter without letting go of his wife. “Do you want to come?”

 “If you two will keep doing that, I’d rather stay home.”

 Olivia put a finger underneath her husband’s chin and gently pulled his face around to face her. “Ignore her. She’s a prude.”

 “I’m not a prude–oh will you two stop doing that in front of me? It’s too early in the morning.”

 Olivia heeded her daughter’s suggestion and pulled away from the kiss. She wiped the lipstick stain off her husband’s mouth with her thumb.

 “The prude is right.”

 Juvia rolled her eyes for the second time. She wasn’t a prude! But it was useless to tell off the love birds. They would just band together to tease her so much that prude might just become her next nickname which was worse than ‘love nugget’.

 “We should go, honey.”

 The ballerina threw her arms and exclaimed, “finally!” But she was just teasing her parents back. She made sure the married couple knew that through her playful grin, which they returned almost immediately. Julian finally let go of his wife and settled on holding Olivia’s hand.

 “You’re not funny.” Julian amusingly pulled Juvia’s nose with his free hand before turning a heel and walk.

 “I’ll be right behind you, honey.” said Olivia as she pulled out her own hand from her husband’s gentle grip to stay behind.

 Julian didn’t take offense from that, fully understanding his wife’s intention.

 “Don’t take too long, okay?” Then, the Ambassador continued to the archway, fixing his tie and dark gray tuxedo on the way.

 Olivia waited for her husband to disappear behind the rustic arch. Her appreciative look travelled from the stretch and pulls of the coat on her husband’s broad shoulders and down to his bottom impeccably hugged by his tight-fitting trousers. Olivia bit her lower lip.

 “Where are you looking?”

 Then, Olivia let out a quick and guilty chuckle before she spun around to address her daughter still sitting at the kitchen table. The woman was forty-three and still checking out her own husband.

 “Look, honey. If you can think of many reasons not to do it, then you’re not ready.”

 The playful tilt of Juvia’s mouth disappeared. And her grinning face turned serious.

 “Don’t rush into it, honey.” Olivia held both of Juvia’s hands in hers, eyes boring through Juvia’s, hoping that what she was about to say would register in her daughter’s head. “When the right time comes, it’ll just happen naturally.” Olivia sounded so sure that the worry in Juvia’s blue eyes quickly disappeared.

 What the wise woman said was true. Deep inside, Juvia knew the answer. Maybe, unconsciously, she needed the confirmation. And that confirmation just proved that Olivia Lockser was the wisest woman that ever walked the earth.

 “Thank you, mom. That really helps a lot.”

 Juvia put her hands over her mother’s and gave it a grateful squeeze. The worry in her eyes was replaced with gratitude.

 “I have to go now. I shouldn’t keep your father waiting.” She retrieved her hands from Juvia. Then, placed a loving pat on top of Juvia’s head.

 The heel of Olivia’s Christian Louboutin tapped on the kitchen tile as she walked the distance between the counter and the archway.

 “You two kids have fun!” Juvia shouted after her.

 Olivia paused on her track to turn to Juvia, “Oh, we will. Don’t wait up.” Then, before she gracefully exited the kitchen, Olivia winked at Juvia – one that the young Lockser knew how to read.

 “Guess I’d have to sleep early tonight.”

 Juvia swallowed a spoonful of her cornflakes, pouting alone knowing what was coming. Her parents were in their forties but they were acting like hormonal teenagers.

 “Like really, really early. Maybe around 6:00 p.m. I should be sleeping like a log.”

 Juvia jumped on her seat and almost spilled her cereal all over her. She would definitely hear an earful if she spilled milk over her mother’s newly installed island. She checked the cause of her startle. Her ringing phone flashed Gray’s photo and number on the screen. Juvia was mortified. All this thinking about Gray and that thing they should be doing as a couple actually made him call her. Call it psychic ability or whatever. Juvia believed in things like that. Performers were really superstitious people.

 Juvia grabbed the phone on the table, unsure what to do. It shouldn’t be too weird for her boyfriend to call her. Couples did that too. Juvia slid down her barstool and paced around the rustic island, heartbeat doubling every second.

 “What should I do?” Juvia asked herself. The normal thing to do was not to overreact, like she was doing, and to just answer the phone, like she was not doing.

 The call was dropped but not a second later ‘BILLBOARD GUY’ was calling her again. This time, Juvia decided to pick-up and mentally noted that she should really change his name in her contacts.

 “H-h-hey!” The jitters spiked her pitch a range higher than usual.

 “Hey, is everything alright?”

 “Yeah!” Juvia cleared her throat noticing that her pitch landed on a higher note than the previous. “I was just doing something. So, what’s up?” She tried to sound more casual this time, even leaning one side of her hip on the counter as if Gray could see her.

 There was a moment of silence on the other line that Juvia had to recheck if her boyfriend was still on the line.

 “Well, my birthday’s coming up.”

 This wasn’t how Juvia would usually react. If he told her his birthday was coming up months ago, when they just met and she hated his guts, Juvia would have been all cool and composed about his announcement. Now, her anxious mind was jumping to conclusions; Juvia thought she knew what Gray wanted for his birthday. He was going to ask her for it, that thing.

 “Yeah?” she croaked. Now her perverted brain was playing that provocative choreography they did yesterday.

 Not helping, brain.

 “Are you sure you’re okay? You sound…”

 Then, her brain didn’t stop from there. Now, hormones joined the party, reminding her about how it felt to feel his body against her own.

 “Yup. I’m okay. Are you okay?”

 “What?”

 “What?”

 She heard a chuckle on the other line rather than answer.

 “Are you sure you are okay? You sound weird, girlfriend.”

 The affectionate nickname forced Juvia to fight that sensation that made her fingertips tingle and her toes curl.

 “W-w-why did y-y-you call?”

 “Oh, that. Like I said, my birthday’s coming up and,”

 Juvia heard a muffled rattle at the other end of the line. It sounded like Gray stirred in his position.

 “And, I would like to invite you on a quick trip.” he continued.

 “A quick trip?”

 ‘Quick trip’ was a code for that thing, right? Juvia’s inexperience was pushing her to imagine things, that thing. Where was Olivia Lockser when her daughter needed her?

 “Well, yeah. I checked with Levy and she said we didn’t have anything to shoot until next Monday. We have the weekend to ourselves.”

 The weekend. Wasn’t that like the next step in a relationship? A romantic weekend getaway? Juvia knew that because she was researching the internet and stumbled upon such article and many others like: ‘Popping Your Cherry: When Is The Right Time?’,  ‘Will He Find It Awkward: Confessions of Women During Their First Time’ and ‘What to Wear on Your First Night’. It kind of scared her how she could recall each one of them. Which reminded Juvia, she should get a wax before this so called ‘weekend getaway’.

 “So, are you free this weekend?”

 Juvia didn’t even stop to check her calendar and quickly answered, “s-s-sure.” She assumed Gray stepped away from the mouthpiece for a while. The line at the other end fell silent but Juvia heard the muffled yelp and triumphant ‘yes’ in Gray’s side.

 “That’s a date then!”

 She could feel his excitement transcend through the phone.

 “Okay. W-where are we going?”

 Juvia placed her right hand against over her chest, feeling her own erratic heartbeat against her palm as she waited his answer.

 “My hometown.”

 When the phone call ended, Juvia believed that her fate was sealed. Juvia Lockser and Gray Fullbuster would cross out another ‘first’ in Hoopster’s hometown.

 And she really needed that wax a.s.a.p.

  Juvia practiced meditation as she waited for her ride. Gray was picking her up as he promised. So, she was standing just outside the apartment complex, after receiving his text saying he was on the way. She followed the instructions through her earphones: breathe in, breathe out. She just gave up in the end. The meditation didn’t help the tremble in her heart. She was so nervous she was sweating like a drug-carrier at some border.

 Juvia checked her weekend bag for the nth time. She made sure everything was there as per the list she found in the article, ‘What to Pack on Your First Romantic Get-Away and Possibly Your First Night’. She scoffed at the long and ridiculous title until she read the entire article and found it quite helpful in her situation. Beneath all the extra clothes and that sexy nightie she brought for the trip, were the protection she brought all the way from her hometown. The same protection she told her mother she didn’t need.

 The sharp beep of Gray’s ghini startled Juvia that she almost cursed at her boyfriend. Lately, she became really jumpy.

 The roof of his car was folded at the back, revealing a very handsome Gray Fullbuster waiving at her like a movie star.

 “Good morning, girlfriend.”

 Juvia’s stomach fluttered at the endearing name. It was cute; better than ‘love nugget’, and the highly possible ‘prude’. The little flutters made their way up her ribcage when Gray climbed out of his car and walked up to her. Then, he cupped her face and placed a quick peck on her lips. That wasn’t enough. Gray brushed his lips against hers and did that again until they both were satisfied. Good thing Juvia was wearing a hat that covered her face and Gray was hid behind his Wayfarer so that no one could make them out on the streets.

 “Shall we go, girlfriend?”

 Juvia nodded her answer. Gray then took Juvia’s bags from her, placed them at the back of his car next to his own, and opened the door like the gentleman that he was.

 “Thank you, boyfriend.” said Juvia without breaking away from that loving gaze the two of them shared. She made herself comfortable at the passenger’s seat as she watched her boyfriend rush to the driver’s side and hop in.

 “Here we go.” said Gray as he turned on the ignition and the engine revved up to life.

 A gleaming orange Mercedes crawled next to Gray’s sports car; its roof was folded back just like the ghini’s.

 “Oi, Captain!” a man shouted over ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ blasted through his stereo.

 Natsu, Gray’s Vice Team Captain, was at the steering wheel with Loki, the self-proclaimed lady’s man, beside him. The rest of Fiore Knights were squeezed at the backseat.

 “Hi, Juvia!” They sang-greeted in unison which made Juvia fight a grin.

 “Hello, boys.” Juvia waved at them but Gray caught her hand and lowered it, placing it back on her lap.

 “Get lost!” he teased his teammates.

 “See you there!”

 Juvia caught Fiore Knights, minus their Captain; sing along the chorus as they drove ahead of them. The men in front sang the part of Anne Hathaway and the players at the back answered with Jesse McCartney’s part.

 “Look at those sissies.” scoffed Gray, eyes ahead, glued at the speeding S-Class Cabriolet with a special-made lava color and a customized plate that read ‘FIRE’.

 He turned to Juvia and asked, “Ready?”

 “Ready.”

 They exchanged an affectionate smile – one that shared between couples who just started dating and annoyed the hell out of everybody. Gray grabbed her hand in his once again and Juvia noticed he wasn’t letting go. She didn’t mind. Her grip on her hand made her felt secured and she squeezed his too. She wasn’t letting go either.

 The trip was a three-hour drive. So, Juvia leaned back to her seat and closed her eyes to get some shut-eye. She didn’t get any sleep last night surfing the internet for the articles. Discovering they weren’t going to the town of Isvan alone, Juvia felt a little resentful. She followed all the advices in the articles religiously and did all of them down to a T. She even got herself waxed, which hurt like hell. But somehow the knowledge helped her relax – resentful but relaxed.

Writer’s Corner: Okay, don’t kill me yet. I know you guys were expecting something more or maybe else especially with the chapter title but we are getting there, alright? Just be patient. lol.

Also, I love Papa and Mama Lockser! I love that couple. I imagine them to be the older version of Gruvia.

Next chapter, we will be bringing Juvia to Gray’s court-erm hometown. Let’s see what happens there.

Anyways, #GruviaWeek is just around the corner. Please look forward for my entries.