#i got her a guitar pick w a little message on it

[ghosttotheparty]

i ordered my friends birthday gifts on amazon and they were supposed to arrive this past weekend (her bday was on Monday) and i was hoping to give them to her this Saturday but They May Be Lost and i am Angry

[gh0stsp1d3r]

hi hi!! im in love w ur writing, and ur ‘alright’ fic was so good omg.. after reading it i just had to request something

i was thinking abt hobie with a gf that has a symbiote (like venom). like like maybe her hiding it from him?? either bc she’s scared of his reaction or scared of herself.. if that makes sense. probably an angst to fluff, but im down for anything tbh!!

Different

Warnings- Angsty, fluffy, fem! Reader, this is long I got carried away, not too angsty but I tried ):

If you’ve watched fantastic mr fox, that is what I based some of this off of. If you haven’t go watch it omg it’s so good

“What the hell are you?” You asked, panicked as you looked at whatever it was. The purple and dark pink sludge looking back at you, razor sharp teeth and small narrow eyes pointed at you.

“I am agony.”

“Oh great. What a great name. No, I mean what the hell are you? Like some sort of sludge toxic thingie?” You tried to get away from it, but you didn’t realize it was connected to you.

“I’m from another planet. You are my host. We are bonded.” Her voice was raspy, and sharp. She spat every word laced with venom:

“The fuck I am-“

The purple and pink sludge started to overtake your body, you helped in shock, trying to get it off. But soon, you were confused as your limbs weren’t yours, and you started to jump around. You were inside of the alien, or was the alien now you? You had no clue.

“What the hell..! Let me out!” You shouted.

“I’m hungry.” The alien snarled, and continued its adventure. It turned to a corner, jumping quickly and fast to an alley.

“What the hell is that!” One man shouted, and you heard the cries of multiple others. One man whimpered as the alien neared closer to him, he was backed up on a wall. Agony picked the man up, and bit his head clean off. You gasped and panicked inside.

Police sirens blared, the alien snapped its head back as it feasted on the brains of the man. Agony quickly realized what was happening, and started to run up a wall, and running far far away.

———————————————————

That’s how it had started. You and agony since then have established rules, no coming out near Hobie or anyone else, but especially Hobie. And no more biting peoples heads off, she liked chocolate now, along with some other meats.

Hobie and you have been dating for a year now, and you’ve only been with Agony for about a month. You didn’t wanna ruin the relationship because of it.

You had been on the down low for a little bit now, trying to find out what it all meant, and trying to figure out if there was others like you.

“So, we still up for that date tonight? (:” Hobie texted you, you picked up your phone and texted back. “Yeah, of course. Love you see you then (;”

“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕...?“ Agony asked from beside you as she read your text message.

“What? That?” You pointed to the (; that you sent Hobie.

“𝒀𝒆𝒔.“

“It’s a winking face. Y’Know…” you winked.

She gave you a weird look.

“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.. 𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝒊 𝒈𝒐 𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒘? 𝑰𝒎 𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆.“

“No. I’ve already told you, Hobies a superhero, and if you get caught eating people I’m gonna get in trouble for it. And he’s still out looking for you. So no.”

You were scared to tell Hobie. Terrified. Especially since he was a superhero. Hobie seriously loved you, and you loved him, and you didn’t wanna ruin it.

————————————————��—————-

You knocked on Hobies door, He opened it quickly with a smile.

“Hi.” You walked in.

“Hi, love.” He kissed you. “Been a while, sorry that I couldn’t see you or nothin’. Been busy.”

“Nah, it’s fine. Being spider man is probably busy.”

“Yeah.” He laughed as you sat down on the couch.

“So, how’s work and stuff..?” He asked you.

“Pretty good.”

“That’s nice.”

“How’s being spiderman?”

“It’s… a lot. Still got no luck with that weird alien creature.” He chuckled, sitting down next to you, putting his guitar down. He put his arm around your shoulder as you both caught up. He then put on a movie.

You heard agony say “𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒔.“ in your head but you ignored her.

Hobie got up and made some popcorn, and fetched you both beers.

He then sat back down, you both made yourselves comfortable against each other, and watched the movie with the bowl of popcorn in between.

You suddenly felt lightheaded. You went into the bathroom for a second.

“What is it Agony?” You said annoyed, shutting the door.

“𝑰’𝒎 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒚.“

“I’m literally eating right now-“

“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒎 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓.“

“For the last fucking time, no.”

“𝑰𝒇 𝒊 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒕 𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒍𝒐𝒘, 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉.“

Hobie listened in on the conversation, who were you talking to? He didn’t mean to be creepy but he heard you and got curious.

When he heard that sentence, it sounded like a threat he opened the door. And was met with something he didn’t expect.

The alien and you looked at him.

He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

“The hell?”

“Look, I can explain. She’s like a.. a parasite or something-“

The alien scoffed and looked at her “𝑰𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒈!“

“Okay, sorry, she’s basically… an alien.. and you know, we’re kinda like bonded together, I can’t get rid of her or we both die.”

“Did you kill that guy?” He questioned in disbelief.

“She did, I had no part in it I swear. Hobie.. I love you, you gotta believe me-“

He stayed silent for a moment.

“Why didn’t you jus’.. tell me..?”

“Because.. I was scared you would see my different, I mean I am different but.. I’m still the same me, I didn’t want you to hate me..” you said truthfully, voice breaking at the end of the sentence.

“Well, I could never hate you. I love you, alright? Nothing, not even this… alien can change that. You may be different, but I’ll still love you.” He shrugged.

“And honestly, if anything this just makes you more hot. I looked into the guy that… what’s ya name?” He looked to agony.

“Agony.”

“Right, well then Agony, I looked into the guys who’s head you ate off, turns out the bloke was a pedo.” He said.

“Really?” You asked.

“He gave me that vibe.” Agony said, looking at you.

“Yeah, but the systems fucked so they let him out. Think we could make a great team.” He smirked, and leaned against the doorway.

“Seriously?” You furrowed your eyebrows.

“Yeah. I mean, Agony can eat peoples heads off, and that’s real Justice, I mean.. the system ain’t helpin’ no one.”

“𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎.“ Agony said.

“I know you do, I can literally hear your thoughts.”

“So, you’re not mad?” You asked when you and Hobie sat back down on the couch.

“Nah, I could never be mad at you.” He kissed your cheek and smirked.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

“I get it. I didn’t tell you I was spiderman, you-“

“I found you making a web hammock in your room wearing nothing but your mask and spider man boxers.” You laughed at the memory.

“Yeah, yeah, alright.” He threw popcorn at you and laughed with you.

———-

could you guys tell I actually tried on this one? 😭 LMFAOO I love this tho

Tag list: @enviinotes @rayis-psychotic @korizzybee @animechick555 @stupid-ninja @rreasonablydumbb @xxqueen-of-horrorxx @spidypunkk @criodzasn @techta @1eonk @chipstermation6 @whosace16 @ @l-pandamatic-l

@spider-phoenix @zebralover @my-melo-gf @wiz-te-ria @tzuyuzzs @luvsaluv @mxkn

@deputy-videogamer @666kpopfan @jared-oranges @likelilac @jjkclub

@kitty-kei @blaxk-widow @hoesindifferentshows @lavsluvsu @lampylamperson @artsykerfuffleplus @notbluees @sp0kyzz @arlipooh @freeingrebels @ken-zah h @blustalker @cursedbitchboy @romanoffswoman

@chaoticevilbakugo

[hospitalterrorizer]

diary40

10/17-18/2023

tuesday - wednesday

long day cuz i went out, unexpectedly.

but going out ended up nice, i got free pizza from a nice british tourist woman, her family/group had one piece left and no one was hungry enough for it, and i was staring, and some other guy was looking to get it, and she saw me, and she gave it to me, so thank you woman, very much, for feeding me. otherwise, all i had eaten earlier in the day prior to that was french toast. a little later, just before the pizza, i had two fairly skinny chicken tenders. and to end the night i ate another sort of toast, honey toast, it was really insanely good. not to mention the hanging out was with people i really like being around, so that was nice, my gf, two of her colleagues, and strangely enough a friend i know all the way from highschool who has become involved with one of the colleagues, they're very cute as friends, a casual thing they want to keep, i really like them near eachother, though, i kind of want them to be best friends forever.

the start of the night where we hung out kind of was rough for me though because i was so tired + hungry, it was a rough time sort of, but worth it.

otherwise what did i do today, someone new messaged me on rym and i added them on discord. they seem nice, and like, not immediately combative and weird (one guy added me off rym and i told him i really like powerviolence like charles bronson and stuff, idk, guyana punchline, whatever, i talked about usurp synapse for like 3 blogposts str8 i think you know what i'm into (i say, to myself)) and he was like, saying that was so lame or whatever, and i was like, whatever, and then i said that the blood brothers have a lot to do with 70s punk imo and he started hating even more, it was so ridiculous and pointless.

i do think, truly, and stand by, the thought that the blood brothers walk up to early american punk rock and use some of its ideas, dig up the bones for new bodies, fossils made wrong, excessive shambles, glittering in the night. i would like to be in that vein, playing in the much and making what i please.

i should pick up the gary indiana book, gone tomorrow, again, like tomorrow, that's good, actually, i'm going to the laundromat tomorrow, so that will be so fun!! (lol). hopefully it won't be bad.

thinking about starting a goodreads. but who cares how many books i read. only me. and that's the only opinion that counts, and i can feel it whenever i want.

the opinion is, and always will be: not enough.

listening to this record. quite good noise rock no wave stuff, can't believe i've not heard about this band sorta, there's another song of theirs i heard that i can't seem to find on bc/slsk/ but can on yt, but i'd like to dl it if possible, this song is kinda amazing:

really recalls fad gadget w/ that synth sound and the white belt stuff i like simultaneously, really cool.

i also worked more on the one song, that's been giving a lot of trouble, i'm looking forward to listening to that tomorrow, and hopefully not being fixated on it, and getting onto the other 2 i need to fix up more, and then maybe there's another 2 that i think might present less difficulty, i really think with one the big thing will just be turning the vol on the right channel guitars down, and then w/ the other it's a combination of that and some stuff with the vocals. i also did realized today that i should just turn dithering off on export and wow, my gosh, it does make things sound a touch better i think. very excited about that, all the music might just end up sounding better now, and if not, it'd be easy to just re-export some songs with the pow-r3 dithering back on again, but that should not be necessary.

god i am sooo tired, so

byebye!!!

[stephenjaymorrisblog]

Oliver Anthony Reanalyzed

Stephen Jay Morris

August 29, 2023

©Scientific Morality

There is fame, and there is infamy. Oliver Anothony was kidnapped by the political Right. Why? Because they don’t have their own Bob Dylan, that’s why. Ever since the 60s, Country & Western has been the political Right’s sole outlet for cultural representation. Why C&W? Because the white working class is their base and that has been their music of choice.

I know, now, what Oliver Anthony was aiming for in his song, “Rich Men North of Richmond”—a ballad like James Taylor’s 1970’s, “Fire and Rain.” He wanted a cathartic vent for his melancholy. Fine! Good therapy if you have the talent. The CHUDS smelled blood in the water when Anthony wrote the lyrics, “And the obese milkin’ welfare. Well, God, if you’re five foot-three and you’re three hundred pounds, taxes ought not to pay for your bags of Fudges Rounds.” This is what pricked up their ear. This was perceived as an attack on the poor, and the Conservatives hate poor people.

My advice to you, Olie, is to change it. I realize that lyrics must conform to the meter of the song, but since your song has not been released on a CD, you can revise them. I know you are a neophyte to political content, but your lyrics contradict the consistency of the message. What if I wrote lyrics like, “Let’s stop antisemitism by killing all the Jews”? You see what I mean? Get yourself a confident editor and have him or her look over your words. My wife edits my work and catches my mistakes.

Now, you say you are not political. Okay, fine! Write about other subjects. Write about your three dogs. People love that! Don’t be so fucking histrionic! Put a little humor in your songs. Come on! If all of your songs are gloomy, then you’ll be the Aryan answer to Leonard Cohen.

One more thing: that guitar you play; that Gretsch Bobtail resonator. Is that it? That guitar was meant for bottle neck playing, not for playing standard chords. Go buy a standard, steel string, acoustic guitar.  Other than that, you are all set to be the voice of a generation. Good luck with that venture.

Most Americans believe in epicureanism, particularly conservatives. They advocate for working arduously and label it a Judeo-Christian virtue. But, come on!  To them, it’s the working class that must break their backs while the C.E.O.s sit on their golden asses and count the money!

Bob Dylan was the voice of my generation. The critics and social advocates designated that title to him. Dylan resented that label. Not only that, but the Civil Rights movement made him the official folk singer of that movement. Dylan had always considered himself an independent artist. So, one day he said, “Fuck it,” and stopped writing anthems like, “Blowing in the Wind.” He picked up an electric guitar and created, “Like a Rolling Stone.” When he did that, his folkie fans called him a traitor who had sold out. Dylan didn’t care.

What I like about what you are doing is bringing back music to its rightful roots. All this autotune, vibe shit is making music a commodity straight off the assembly line. THIS has got to stop! Music is not a product. It is an expression of art. Don’t let some record company talent scouts blandish you into some record contract! Those assholes will tell you how to write your songs and how to dress. I don’t want to see you end up like that country fake, “Jason Aldean.”

I wish you luck, dude.

[painless-innit-colourful]

The Light Behind Their Eyes

It’s been a long-time headcanon of mine that the songs of Conventional Weapons exist in the universe of Dangers Days. And I’m sure you can guess which one this fic concerns... After a few terrible weeks for the rebels, there’s a special guest on Dr Death’s radio show, and they’ve got a very special message for the Zones.

It's been a bad few weeks in the Zones.

It began almost three weeks ago, when Dr D announced over the airwaves that Jet Star and the Kobra Kid got themselves dusted. Since then, it's been almost every night; killjoy names no one you know has ever heard of being given their two words on the evening 'cast. S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W sightings are more frequent, and claps happen every few hours. BLI seems to finally be cracking down on the desert rebels like they once promised they would, and it's leaving crews down members and everyone losing hope. Some say 'Destroya and the Pheonix Witch have abandoned us', but you try to hold out hope. Destroya protects the droids foremost, and only heaven knows if they're currently having as bad a time as the 'joys. As for the Pheonix Witch... Supposed sightings have dried up, but you're not surprised. With all the dustings lately, she must be busy. Whispers throughout the desert say they can hear the ghosts of the passed killjoys shouting out in the static, singing their songs long into the night in a spiritual procession through the sand wastes. A parade of death, like a cemetery drive on the move. It's a depressing thought, but it holds up to reason. The mailbox is full.

You're alone tonight; you needed some air. The campfire's been burning for hours, and though it could attract some less than wanted attention, it's a put it out or go inside kind of night. Next to it sits an empty can of Power Pup (it's been tasting worse recently) and your radio. It blares some old Mad Gear song, which Dr D introduced as a "favourite of our Fab Four" when it started. His intros have been weirdly short these past few hours. You sit back and try to enjoy the last thirty seconds or so of the song. The sun set hours ago, and the stars are out. You wonder if the old dust trails about ghosted 'joys becoming stars are true.

"Alright, children," Dr Death's nightly greeting sounds out into the night air. "The lights are out, and the party's over. But before I go, I've got one more treat for you." In the background, while he talks, you hear the strained tones of an acoustic guitar being tuned. That gets your attention. Guitars - electric ones - are common at Zone concerts, but since they're so quiet, no one plays acoustic guitars. The only other time you've ever heard one was when you came across a half-broken thing with your crew in the burnt-out shell of an old building. No one could figure out how to make it sound anything but rusty. "I've got an old friend with a pretty shiny piece of junk here, and they'd like to play you a song. Let's just say, you won't get this at none o' your Mad Gear shows. Sing yourselves to sleep tumbleweeds, and don't let the static swallow you up. Goodnight." There's a moment of quiet as whoever shuffles towards the microphone, and you hit the 'record' button on your radio just as Dr D softly utters: "S'all your's Party." The archaic tape recorder splutters and whirrs to life, wheezing from disuse before the little crimson light blinks on, just as whoever it is in the Dr's studio starts to strum gently. You sit back again as they begin to sing:

"So long to all my friends, / Every one of them met tragic ends."

Somewhere in the second line, their voice breaks and Dr D murmurs something you don't catch. Their playing isn't amazing, but the guitar seems to almost be crying its notes, surrounding them in emotion, though maybe that's just you. These past weeks have been harsh, and you haven't heard something so gentle in a long time.

"With every passing day, / I'd be lying if I didn't say / That I miss them all tonight / And if they only knew what I would say,"

Something about the lyrics makes you want to go get your crew and hold them tight, protect them from the elements and BLInd and whatever's out there in the static to be afeared of. Everyone in the desert knows someone who's recently joined the parade of the dead, whether they were your best mate or the chilly weirdo you got into a fight over PP prices with at Tommy's. You wonder if the singer has lost someone recently too.

"If I could be with you tonight, / I would sing you to sleep / Never let them take the light behind your eyes / One day I'll lose this fight / As we fade in the dark / Just remember you will always burn as bright."

The desert seems to grow still around you, as even the wind stops to listen to the melody of the 'joy on the radio. Who is that? You recognise their voice somewhat: you've heard them in the background of Dr Death's broadcasts before, and any voice on the radio that isn't one of the DJs or Cherri Cola gets your attention. Right before they started singing Dr D called them Party... You wrack your brain for any Killjoys with Party in the name, and the only one that comes to mind is Party Poison, of the Fab Four. Could it be them? Dr D said before that last Mad Gear song that it was a "favourite of our Fab Four", and the loss of Party's friend and brother was the beginning of this awful few weeks for all the Zones so... it could make sense. Then again, maybe it isn't.

"Be strong and hold my hand, / Time it comes for us, you'll understand / We'll say goodbye today, / And I'm sorry how it ends this way, / If you promise not to cry, / Then I'll tell you just what I would say-"

Their voice grows stronger, more sure of themself as they sing, though they break again a little on "promise not to cry". As they get louder, someone (presumably Dr D) starts drumming using his desk, and the wind around you picks back up, whipping sand into a frenzy and nearly dousing your campfire early. You can hear something far away in the desert; the wind is moaning, and the sky responds.

"If I could be with you tonight, / I would sing you to sleep / Never let them take the light behind your eyes / I'll fail and lose this fight / Never fade in the dark / Just remember you will always burn as bright."

The passion behind their words sounds like a promise. The wind intensifies; the desert itself is howling, the sand puts your campfire out and leaves you alone in the noisy silence. Your empty Power Pup can is scooped up by the wind and tossed away, clanging against something on the way down, the sound like mournful crying. Without the firelight, the stars that suddenly fill the once-empty expanse above grow brighter to compensate. You shuffle closer to your radio and turn it up slightly, and hear the song of a defiant killjoy join the cacophonous fray:

"The light behind your eyes. / The light behind your- / Sometimes we must grow stronger and / You can't be stronger in the dark. / When I'm here, no longer / You must be stronger and-"

As the singing 'joy enters the bridge, something appears in the sandstorm. People: killjoys, running, dancing, singing in unheard voices, laughing to jokes never heard. Their colours are brighter than the stars, their smiles wider than the Zones. They are walking as one, up and down the dunes, a heaving mass of people celebrating, firing rayguns into the dark, toasting Power Pup like it doesn't taste like dog food. Someone else appears before you as you grab your radio and hold it tight, lest the wind carries it off. You look up to see her dark cloak, her halo of violet light, her mask staring back. As the sandstorm rages and the wind tears at you like needles, it snatches at the top of your head, taking your mask as it rests there. It flies away towards her at speed, and she catches it in an outstretched hand. The dancing 'joys shine brighter for a moment, and something in the pit of your stomach makes you feel weightless. You start to rise to your feet, but she steps forward, her hand reaching towards your own.

"If I could be with you tonight, / I would sing you to sleep / Never let them take the light behind your eyes / I failed and lost this fight / Never fade in the dark / Just remember you will always burn as bright. / The light behind your eyes."

The Pheonix Witch stands before your trembling form and presses your mask back into your shaking hand. She steps away, and you feel lightheaded, the dancing lights burning too bright, a hundred stars leaping skyward. She turns and walks towards the procession of ghosted killjoys, leaving you once again alone in the sand. The colours of the procession fade to greys and blacks, and then altogether. The Witch disappears, and you see your vision blur with tears. You slump sideways and lie there in the desert, at the centre of a sandstorm, radio clutched to your heart, mask scrunched in one hand. You vaguely hear the singer repeat the last line "The light behind your eyes” again, and again, and again, like a lullaby into the night.

When you wake, it's all white noise. At some point the tape recorder stopped - you're not sure how, as your radio is still clutched to your chest. Your mask is still in hand. You shake off the sand that's piled around you.

The sandstorm. You check for grazes, but nothing hurts. It's freezing, you realise, and still hours away from sunrise, or alarm clock radiation, as one of your crew likes to call it. You better get inside before you die of hypothermia or something. You turn off the radio and head into the building in which your crew are sleeping.

Somewhere in the desert, a crow caws.

---

Taglist: @chaoticemopigeon @antikalvinclub (remember this thing?!)

[crescent-woods]

sprint fic - unconventional

[ hello hello i am not dead i still write. i think. this might actually be incomprehensible and stupid, but i’m still going to post it and edit it later or else i’ll forget i ever wrote it. this was written for the @lovebugs-and-snakecharmers sprint prompt  people don’t always say, “i love you.” sometimes it sounds like, “be safe.” “did you eat?” “call me when you get home.” “i made you this.” anyways, here u go please ignore the typos and mess-ups i  k n o w are probably in here :) ]

Marinette and Luka didn’t have the most conventional relationship, even before they were together.

Once Marinette started working at a small fashion studio across town, Luka made her call him when she left and when she got home, just to make sure she was safe. He knew her parents were asleep by the late hours she left the studio, and he didn’t want something bad happening to her. He offered to be one of her ICE contacts as well, just in case something happens or you’re in a dangerous situation and need someone there.

When Luka has breakthroughs in his writing, Marinette makes sure to stop by to bring him warm sandwiches. I mean, there were extras at the bakery! Your apartment is on my way home anyways, so why not bring you a sandwich? And I knew you were probably hungry since you’ve been so busy with your new album. Even though his apartment was definitely not anywhere close to her route, and he knew that the bakery neither had leftovers yet, nor did they make that kind of sandwich. But he didn’t let her know that he knew.

Luka always had a hairband on his wrist for when Marinette lost or broke one. Juleka always forgot hers so it was a habit he had picked up along the way. Just like the bobby pins stuck to his jacket pocket or the mini hairspray in the outer part of his school bag. Sure, it was a habit at this point, but if Luka could do anything to help the women in his life, he would do it.

Marinette had a designated Luka box in her bedroom. She had blue hair dye and all the tools necessary for dyeing, a small bracelet she hadn’t given him yet, guitar strings and a tuner, and a notebook of staff-lined paper. Who knows when he’ll be inspired! I want to make sure that he has whatever he might need if he gets something in his head. 

Luka had a matching Marinette box. Little spools of thread, needles, anything she would need to sketch out a design, and her favorite snacks. In the same way that Marinette understood Luka’s creative muses, Luka understood hers.

Little gifts randomly started appearing around their apartments, but nobody would own up to it. Luka found several items of clothing that he knew had been ripped and ragged, but were now fixed. Sometimes he could spot a small MDC sewn in. Marinette would find new spools of thread in her thread boxes, coupons and gift cards for shops in her wallet, and fancy spices in her cabinets. Things that she knew she hadn’t bought because she rarely had time to shop. Luka was too shocked that Marinette cared enough to fix his clothes to ever comment on it (he didn’t want to embarrass her into stopping). Marinette was so flustered by Luka’s attention to the brands she liked to use that she never asked him why he did it, either.

Both Luka and Marinette had alarms on their phones to check on each other. Reminders to send good morning texts, checking that the other had eaten or gotten up from their work, or to just text and see what was going on. It didn’t feel like an obligation to get that alarm, or like they were going to annoy each other. At some point they had alarms set a few minutes before they knew the other one would call, so they could beat the question and exercise, eat, or drink something before making each other worried. Despite the dangers it posed to her work, she even had a permanent drawer in her desk for snacks and water so she always had the necessities next to her if Luka called outside of their routine phone calls. 

Luka, after living on a boat for so long, knew all sorts of odd skills. Odd skills that he never let Marinette know about until he needed to use them. Like when Marinette complained about the terrible squeak of her work table a few times, until she suddenly came into work after a few days off and the table was as sturdy as if it had been bolted into the floor. No amount of falling, throwing, sliding, or dropping on that table could move it. What did Luka have to say about it? Well, Ma made sure Jules and I knew how to repair things, and it wasn’t that hard of a fix if you know what you’re looking for. As if he hadn’t just solved the biggest problem in her life.

Luka always knew when Marinette was reaching her limit, often before she did herself. He had gotten so good at recognizing her panic-state that he could use his guitar to calm her down. By matching her breathing with his own and playing speedy guitar riffs, before gradually slowing down until they were both breathing deeply and he was strumming slowly. It was a trick he learned when Jules was little; who knew it worked on Marinette, too?

Sure, neither of them had very conventional ways of saying I love you, but it still got the message across, so did it matter?

[red-dead-daydreams]

Here is a Sean MacGuire and Male Reader fanfic that is a commission for @cowpokecorner and I got permission to share :) Commissions are opened and if you’re interested just message me for prices!

Sean MacGuire and Male Reader Fanfic: Sean’s welcome back party 

Summary: Sean has returned from Blackwater with the help of Arthur, Javier, Charles and Josiah so the gang decided to celebrate the night away on his return. But you just wished Sean would celebrate a little more with you

Rating: Explicit

           It felt like years from the last time you saw Sean. You couldn’t even fully remember what happened in Blackwater, everything seemed like a blur. Spending that week up in the mountains was rough on you and everyone else. It was rough for you because you didn’t know if Sean was alive or not. It led to sleepless nights or nightmare filled ones. You vividly remember Dutch’s sad eyes when he told you they left without Sean. He knew you two were a couple and he knew the news wouldn’t be easy on you. You sobbed your eyes out that night. The girls gave you endless hugs and comforting statements but you still felt empty inside. You spent that week to yourself mostly, freezing in a crappy cabin. You imagined how Sean would hold you close for warmth or how he’d drink so much his body would be a walking heater and you’d cling to him. 

When you overheard Arthur and Dutch talking about how they spotted Sean in Blackwater, you felt your heart skip a beat. He was alive. Before Arthur left to meet up his Javier, Charles and Josiah, you grabbed onto his arm with tears in your eyes.

“Please bring Sean home to me.. to us”

Arthur said he wasn’t going to leave until Sean escaped with them and that made you smile. But as soon as he left you felt a rock in your stomach. It felt heavy and you nervously paced back and forth for hours due to how restless you became. Hours felt like months to you as you waited for his return. It wasn’t til sunset til you heard those three ride back into camp with Sean. Your eyes spilled like a broken faucet as soon as you saw him. He jumped off the horse as you ran into his arms, tackling him onto the ground.  He let out a laugh and squeezed you so tightly it took some air out of you.

“The king has returned! And he found his love!” He announced and everyone cheered. You pulled back from the hug and grabbed his face, giving him the most passionate kiss.

“You idiot you had me worried sick!” You said through some laughter, the hot tears still pouring down your cheeks. 

Dutch announced that the gang could celebrate his return with a party tonight which excited you. Everyone brought out crates of beer and whiskey and Javier brought out his guitar for some songs. Sean made his little speech before the party began and you cheered happily for him. He walked over to the table Javier and other camp members were sitting at and requested a song. They sang happily but your attention was caught when Dutch began playing a song on his record player. You saw him pull Molly into a dance as Mary-Beth watched. You stood beside her and she greeted you with a sweet smile.

“I’m so glad Sean is back. I knew you were so upset when we lost him for a bit” she rested her hand against your arm before patting it gently. She saw Arthur walk by and asked for a dance, which he agreed to. You wanted to ask Sean for one but he seemed very engulfed with celebrating with the other camp members. You let out a small sigh and walked off. You wanted Sean to celebrate with the others, you just hoped he’d spend a little more time with you. As the night went on, you went to the edge of the camp, sitting down off the cliff and let your legs dangle over it. You listened to the loud music and swayed a little, humming under your breath as you tossed nearby pebbles over the cliff. You weren’t sure how many minutes passed by when you heard some leaves crunch nearby which made you turn around. You saw Sean stumbling around with a bottle of whiskey in his hand. 

“My love! I’ve been lookin’ all over for ya!” He grinned. You stood up and walked towards him, not wanting him to stumble near the edge of the cliff. You gave him slight puppy eyes which made his eyes widen slightly in confusion. “W-What’s a matter?” 

You sighed and lightly grabbed onto his shirt, glancing down. “I was just hoping we’d spend more time together tonight. I really missed you”. Sean took another swig of his now empty bottle and tossed it onto the grass. 

“The night is still goin’ my precious king and I’m gonna show you how much I missed ya!” He pulled you into a passionate kiss which surprised you. His mouth tasted like a whiskey bottle with a hint of sweetness but a lot of bitterness. If you didn’t know any better, you would've thought you were kissing the bottle itself. He broke the kiss for a moment and you caught a glimpse of how flushed his cheeks were. You broke out into a small smile and huffed, gently pushing his chest.

“You know, a kiss isn’t going to make up for it” You grinned. He grabbed a hold of your hand and pulled you closer to him before walking back towards camp.

“Well I guess I’ll have to kiss ya some more” He laughed, walking into a tent. You had no idea who’s tent it was, but the lucky bastard had a bed so it was probably one of the more active gang members. That thought quickly flew out of your head when Sean closed the makeshift door (a heavy curtain) to the tent. Thankful a small lantern was on because most of the space was dark. Sean stumbled over to you and crashed his lips against yours which made you release a small moan against his lips. He held onto your waist for balance as he pressed his body against yours. You suddenly felt more body weight against you which made you chuckle against his lips before pulling away. 

“How about we lay on the bed?” You said through a smile, grabbing his hand and leading him to the small slightly elevated bed. He pushed you down against it and climbed on top of you, drunkenly trying to unbutton your shirt. You helped him after a bit and once the shirt slipped off, he let out a whistle. 

“You’re still as handsome as ever!” He grinned before kissing you once more, this time his tongue slipped into your mouth which made you taste all the bitter whiskey he was gulping down throughout the night. His hands began to roam over your chest, feeling it as if he had never done it before. You tugged on his shirt which made him lean back from you so he could pull it over his head and slip it off. Suddenly, an idea came to mind. You grabbed onto Sean and traded positions so you were the one on top of him. You eagerly slipped off his pants and undergarment which pooled at his ankles. His cock had already gotten hard which made things easier. 

“What are you doin’?”. You gave him an innocent smile before leaning down to kiss the slightly wet tip on his shaft, causing him to shiver for a moment. 

“Just welcoming you back” You said innocently before wrapping your hand around his shaft, pumping it as you looked up at him. He closed his eyes and tossed his head back, letting out a loud groan. You opened your mouth and slowly moved down to take his size in. You felt the tip hit the back of your throat, causing you to hold back a small gag. You closed your eyes and began moving your head up and down, squeezing the part of his shaft that couldn’t fit into your mouth. Your tongue brushed up against a vein that was near the tip which made him let out a loud moan. You felt proud each time he moaned since you were obviously doing something right. You began to move your head faster, feeling a sudden wetness hit the back of your throat. He began to leak his pre cum into the back of your throat, which made you pull your head back from his cock with a vulgar pop sound. He let out a disappointed groan as he felt the warmth suddenly leave him. 

“Why’d ya stop?” He whined, seeming out of breath. You crawled onto his lap and hummed under your breath, your finger trailing down his chest.

“I have something even better for you darlin’” You grabbed a hold of his cock and leaned down, pressing the tip against your entrance. You bit your lip a little and began to let the tip slip inside of you. Thankfully the blowjob gave his cock enough lubrication for you. You sat down on his lap, taking in every inch he had to offer. You let out a pleased moan before rolling your hips, looking down at him with lustful eyes. Sean met your eyes and then glanced down at your crotch, noticing how hard you were as well. 

“Look what we have here” He said with a grin, grabbing a hold of your erection and beginning to stroke it. You bit your lip even harder, trying not to let out a loud moan. But once he gave your shaft a tight squeeze you threw your head back and whimpered, picking up the pace on his lap. Your hips jerked forward slightly at all the pleasure that was waving through your body. From feeling how full you were to how he touched you with some roughness. It was a wonderful feeling of ecstasy that built up in you along with the pooling feeling in your stomach of your soon to be orgasm. 

“Oh fuck, Sean I missed you so much” You said through a line of soft whimpers, rolling your hips a little faster as your build up became more noticeable. 

“I missed you more ya handsome bastard” He continued his hand work as you began to spill that clear substance across his fingers, which made it easier to stroke your shaft faster. You squeezed your eyes shut, crying out pieces of a sentence trying to tell him you were near your peak. And he must have been as well since you felt the strong twitching inside of you. Once you reached your peak, you cried out his name, your body trembling slightly from the harsh wave of pleasure. You slumped against his body immediately afterwards, allowing him to finish inside of you. You let out a loud purr, snuggling against his warm chest. You felt a sudden emptiness when he finally pulled out from you, your body relaxing and practically melting in his arms. 

“I told you I’d make up for lost time” Sean sighed, his fingers stroking up and down your back. “I’m like a sex god at this point”. You rolled your eyes and laughed a little, patting his chest.

“Shut up Sean” You giggled, placing a soft kiss on his neck. 

[mc-lukanette]

Grade for Each Other (Part 7)

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6]

Luka smiled fondly at his phone, scrolling through his latest conversations with Marinette as he reminisced. Ever since their "study date date," Marinette had made further efforts to spend time with his friends, occasionally sending him pictures or rambling texts about it.

Claudine may or may not have teased him about "stealing" Marinette from him if he didn't take action. He merely smiled, not just because he knew it was a joke, but because Marinette making an effort to know his friends even without him being there made him immensely happy. He found no reason to feel jealous and rather encouraged it. As comfortable as he was letting Marinette rely on him, having more than just him was a good thing, at least if it involved good people.

Plus, their conversation had brought him endless amounts of amusement. She asked for tips and hints as if it were a game she was trying to win, like being friends with his friends was incredibly important and she took it very seriously. He'd insisted that she didn't have to do anything special and she was surprised when that actually worked.

He knew they'd like her. Granted, he was very, extremely biased, but Marinette was a naturally likable person. It would've been weirder if they hadn't liked her, and even then, they'd probably feel bad about it.

Luka snorted at the idea, ignoring the guitar on his lap in favor of continuing to scroll through his phone. The amount that he and Marinette had texted each other had multiplied ever since she joined his class, so there was a lot for him to grin stupidly at.

Then, said "stupid grin" was promptly smothered by a pillow hitting his face. It dropped down in front of him and he looked ahead confusedly to see Juleka standing there, her visible brow furrowed as she shifted uncomfortably. She looked irritated but simultaneously apologetic about the pillow she'd impulsively(?) thrown at him.

Turning off his phone, he set his guitar to the side and got up. "What's wrong, Jule?"

She stared at the floor, rubbing her sole against the floorboards. It took a few seconds but she eventually mumbled, "Marinette..."

Oh.

"I was with the rest of the girls and I saw Marinette hanging out with Roche. Alix figured out the rest later." She glanced up at him, but couldn't hold eye contact for long. "Why didn't you tell me she was in your class?"

He frowned. He supposed this conversation was inevitable, but it still hurt to see his sister so upset. He stepped towards her, placing his hands on her shoulders and bending down to be just slightly below eye level with her. "It wasn't something for me to tell you, and I never talked about it with Marinette. Things are easier for her with us and I wasn't going to pressure her to let me tell you if she wasn't comfortable with it."

"So I messed up?"

"You—" He shook his head. "Jule, there were a lot of things going on in your class. It was just too much for her. You definitely weren't the main reason, okay?"

She let out a neutral sound, acknowledging that he was probably right but still feeling bad anyway.

"Jule..."

"Does she still want to do stuff for Kitty Section?" she asked hopefully.

He knew she wasn't being selfish about it; it was just her way of asking if Marinette was still willing to see her or if any guilt should be had if she didn't.

"I'll ask her." He could promise that much at least. "As soon as it's all behind her, I'll ask."

She nodded, accepting that. He let go of her shoulders as she walked past him, her expression not fully happy and rather conflicted. In a way, he considered it a good thing; Juleka reflecting on why Marinette had left would make her think more about everything that'd happened.

Especially with that liar and all of Marinette's former friends.

Her former...

Realizing something, Luka returned to his bed, leaning over it to retrieve his phone. He navigated back to his conversation with Marinette, checking her most recent messages. After all, if Juleka and Alix knew that Marinette was in his class, that meant that the rest of the girls probably knew as well. He didn't know them well enough to even guess what they wanted to do with that information, but he just had to make sure that Marinette was okay.

There was nothing, not even a bunch of, "I'm sorry! They found out!"s. He sent her a few vague texts asking how she was (not wanting to tell her something important over the phone), but after waiting the usual amount of time for a reply, there was nothing.

...He had to go see her.

He reached for his guitar, but rejected the idea and simply pocketed his phone. Glancing Juleka's way, he told her, "I'm going to check on Marinette," before heading for the doorway.

"Should I come?" Juleka mumble-asked, her voice sounding apologetic, and confused all at once.

He halted, turning to her but holding back his immediate reply. Giving her a smile, he replied, "You thinking about it is already something, Jule. Don't worry about what to do until you're sure what happened."

She went back to quietly staring at her desk, allowing him to slip out of the room and start to head out. Anarka had shouted some comment after him about "braving the storm," but he was too distracted to reply properly.

——————

Tom and Sabine were busy with customers when Luka entered the bakery, meaning that he wouldn't have to brace himself for another hug from Tom. It felt wrong to enter from the side door of the house considering that he wasn't invited, so he was prepared to wait in line to talk to Sabine if he had to.

However, Tom noticed him first. "Ah, Luka! What brings you here?"

A few customers glanced back to look at him. Luka ignored them, focusing on the matter at hand.

"I wanted to see Marinette. But, she didn't invite me, so if—"

"Oh, you can just head on up!" Tom insisted, apparently laughing at the politeness on display. "Just be sure to knock! Don't want to surprise her too much!"

Luka opened his mouth to argue, but thought better of it. He really just wanted to see Marinette.

He passed by Tom and Sabine, then made his way upstairs. He hadn't been there that often and was always led around when he was, but he knew the layout anyway.

A song where the lyrics stuck in one's head even with just a couple listens, he supposed.

Once he was in the living room, he headed up the stairs and hesitated for a few seconds before knocking. He listened closely, but silence was the only response he got. He didn't know if his voice would be louder than the knock, but he called anyway, "Marinette?"

A sound followed, like Marinette was scrambling to stand up. "Luka?"

He heard footsteps and waited for her to open the door. She looked utterly confused to see him there and he felt a little sheepish at how unbothered she looked in the moment; she was clearly okay, like nothing had happened.

"Hey."

"Hey!" She smiled despite her confusion, gesturing for him to come in if he so wished. "What are you doing here?"

He went into her room, watching her close the trap door behind him. "I thought you'd heard about Juleka. You weren't answering your messages so I got worried."

"Oh!" She covered her mouth. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to—I didn't even hear—" She paused, expression shifting. "W-wait, what about Juleka? Is she okay?"

"She's fine," he reassured. "She... found out about you being in my class. I think all of her friends did too."

Marinette frowned, approaching him anxiously. "Did she get mad at you? I'm sorry, I should've—"

"No." He was quick to correct. "She was mostly confused, that's all."

"...Oh."

Suddenly, all the anxiety left her. She let out a breath, placing a hand to her chest. "That's a relief."

She turned away, returning to the table on the other side of the room. "I hadn't even thought about telling anyone, especially not lately. I didn't even think about it causing problems."

So she hadn't even been worried about anything that happened? Only that it may've caused trouble for him?

Luka blinked, then let out a steady breath. He found himself taken by how much Marinette had changed ever since she'd gotten into his class. It was subtle at first, but now it was obvious that she wasn't as stressed or panicked as much even with the mention of old friends. To say he was happy was an understatement.

"I'm still sorry about not answering your texts though," she said. "I really didn't see them—I mean, I know you know that because they're probably not marked as 'read', but... I got really into working on this and I guess I didn't hear my phone."

He saw her start to reach for an object on her table, but she stopped as her gaze was drawn to her phone. She hesitated, then picked it up, tapping a few things and then typing.

Luka heard his own phone beep at him. Pulling it out, he noticed that his recent messages were now on 'read' and she had replied to them as if they weren't currently in the same room together.

She blushed, explaining sheepishly, "It would've bothered me forever if I didn't reply properly."

He giggled. She was too cute. "Thank you."

She turned her attention back to the object and finally picked it up, letting out a sigh. "I guess it's just like me to accidentally ignore someone while I'm making something for them."

He perked up, approaching her. "You made something for me?"

"Yeah," she admitted, voice only slightly shyer. "It was kind of an excuse to hang out with your friends—"

"Our friends," he offered gently.

She didn't hesitate to "correct" herself, but was clearly touched. "To hang out with our friends one on one, but they all told me the same thing anyway: that I knew you and shouldn't worry about a second opinion. It's actually been done for a while, b-but I might've gotten carried away with making it look as good as possible."

She held it out to him. It looked like a beautiful music-themed notebook at first - the kind with rings to allow the removal, addition, and replacing of pages - but as soon as he took it and opened it up himself, there were—

"Staff lines?" He glanced at her, eyes wide.

She shifted in place, but nodded. "I always noticed you tapping away melodies on your desk. I don't know how easily you remember them, but it seemed like such a waste not to let you get it down right away."

The obvious and appropriate reaction was to thank her, but he found himself at a loss for words. The notebook was extremely beautiful and would simultaneously look so natural for him to have. If a teacher saw him with it, they'd probably presume that he was just using it to take notes.

While opened, the pages actually didn't reach to the left and right edges of the book. The extra space was taken up by things like a pencil holder (that held two pre-sharpened ones just in case apparently) and thin colored sticky notes, presumably for marking a page if he needed to.

It was too much. He couldn't stop feeling the darn thing. He'd gotten a handmade gift from Marinette before in the form on his Kitty Section costume, but this was different. It was something just for him, because she'd just casually thought of him and wanted to do it.

He looked at her and opened his mouth, but couldn't manage eye contact and averted his gaze. He was feeling too many things and looking at her didn't help. He was legitimately worried that he was just going to rush to impulsively kiss her if he stared at her for too long.

"I love it," he said quietly. He was briefly worried that his low volume didn't make it sound sincere, but she was beaming immediately. "Thank you so much, Marinette."

"Thank you," she whispered in return. She stepped closer, her hands coming up to rest upon his. "It's not a thank you gift - I felt like that'd make it seem too obligatory? - but still. You do a lot for me."

"I—"

Her fingers went up to stop him from speaking. She pouted at him. "And I don't want to hear about how you've done nothing and that's it's been all me, or how it's no big deal because you're just being yourself and it's easy to do that because w-whatever nice things you were about to say to me, okay?"

He nodded. His mouth was still covered, but his soft gaze hopefully got through his feelings in the moment.

Her fingers moving away from his lips, she smiled. "I just... feel really lucky to have you and I wanted to make this for you."

"Thank you," he repeated, now less for the book and more just for her. "I'll cherish it."

"I know you will." Though the sentence was confident, her voice was filled with the elated notes of someone whose hopes had been confirmed.

They didn't say anything else for a moment. He was still on an emotional high while Marinette seemed thoughtful.

Her eyes went to him, then his hands. One of her hands was still over his own, her fingers sliding steadily along the back of said hand. Her lips pursed, one brow lowered as she seemed to consider something.

"...Luka—"

"Dinner's almost ready!"

The trap door swung open, Marinette leaping up and clutching her chest in shock as Tom and Sabine popped in. Luka knew they hadn't been doing anything strange, but the moment itself felt so intimate that he stiffened, almost embarrassed.

"Oh! Luka?" Tom asked. "You're still here? We must've forgotten about you!"

"Sorry if we startled you at all," Sabine said, completely and deceptively innocent. "Would you like to join us for dinner, as an apology?"

Calming himself, Luka carefully closed the book and hugged it to his chest with one arm. It seemed rude to refuse their offer - they were so obviously doing this on purpose - but he wasn't just going to agree either.

He turned to Marinette, about to ask if it'd be okay, only to be surprised when she seemed less horrified by their intrusion and more... offended? Her face was turned away, her cheeks were pink, and she was pouting.

Leaning in, he whispered so as not to be heard by her parents. "Marinette?"

She met his gaze, pouting more and nearly sulking. Under her breath, she replied with a huff, "T-that... that's what I was going to ask ."

He gaped, then couldn't help breaking into a happy flustered chuckle. This entire family was going to kill him and he welcomed it.

Standing straight, Luka walked past Marinette to place his gift on the table, then turned to Tom and Sabine with a smile.

"I'd be happy to."

[Part 8] [Part 9] [Part 10]

[bunny-bts]

She's Everything

Pairing: Yoogni x Reader

Summary: You moved and started anew in Korea, where you were so lucky to meet your favorite KPop idols. You've been happier the past two years than ever and all because you chose to leave romantic love in your past but you're unaware of your friends' feelings.

Warnings: maybe cursing?

Author: Based on She's Everything by Brad Paisley because this picture does things to me. Noone can tell me they don't listen to country. Part 2?

Words: a lot, I was copy pasting it to a word counter and got tired. For the record, wrote this after work so....

"Night guys," Yoogni pats all of the guys on thier shoulders. It had been a long day and he just wanted to go home and pick some strings, relieve stress. He sighs and leaves, twirling his car keys on his finger as he walks out of the studio. The sun had set hours ago and the stars lit up the sky now, he stops to look up at it for a second before walking to his car and slipping in and noticing that he had gotten a message saying he needed to do a live video. He slid his phone up on his dash and leaned his head back on his chair and groans before sighing and driving home, well the hotel room. Quiet, it was quiet, he wished he was back in Korea with you as he tosses his phone on the couch and keys on the kitchen bar table and flicks the lights on. He kicks his shoes off by the door. He made his way over to the couch and sets the laptop up for a video. Reminding himself to put on a smile as he leans over and grabs his guitar. Immediately the video has comments flooding up, he waves and gestures his guitar and explains he had a long day and wants to play. Just like that, song suggestions fly in, he can't even keep up to read them all but he catches the one that he was hoping to see. Yours. "Play something country," he shakes his head and smiles. He can't out right say Y/N and acknowledge you but he finds the chord and starts playing and you know he saw your comment. He plays and his mind wanders, he just focuses on the music and memories of the past few years flood his mind

She's a yellow pair of running shoes

He doesn't realize he is about to laugh as he starts singing because of the memory. It was maybe six months ago when you and Jungkook, being the idiots you both were and the same age, decided that you wanted to race to see who would buy the other cake at lunch. You won, despite your legs not being as long they carried you just as fast. You wanted to do it barefoot but Jin and Namjoon wouldn't allow it, you insisted the shoes slowed you down. Truth was you just hated wearing shoes. You did start taking off barefoot but they said no because it was on pavement, much to your annoyance. Your shoes were yellow because they were a dirty pair of what used to be white knock off converses and they just got dingy with age. Come to think of it, you may have actually been faster without them, you had some powerful feet.

A holey pair of jeans

All of your damn pants had holes in them. All of them that fit you at least, you either bought them ripped or there was one pair you sandpapered a rip into and wore so much that the fashionable little rip turned to a giant gaping hole in the knees because the strings popped and faded away. God, your jeans aggravated him.

She looks great in cheap sunglasses

You were frugal. He remembers a trip to a mall one time with you and Jungkook, and Joon. Joon wanted to visit the sunglasses shop because he had broken yet another pair. As Namjoon tried some on and he leaned on the door waiting for you all because he just wanted to sleep that day. "Y/N, try these," Joon hands you a pair and he remembers watching. "Ray-Bans, ey~ she got them Ray Bans-," you tried them on, "I can dig it," you make your rapper face in the mirror until you see the price. "What the fuck? Oh hell no, you just gonna break them anyway. Come-on." Then you dragged the boys out by their hands and told Namjoon to drive to a gas station. You walked out wearing a pair of shades, your hair blowing in the breeze and sun shining down on you. Ofcourse he was looking at your cut off daisy dukes but his eyes in that moment trained in on the sight of your face and he was glad you and the guys weren't paying attention. You looked so damn good in them, and you looked like for a split second you felt like you looked good too. You walked over to them, "three dollars, you're welcome," you smirk giving them to RM who immediately broke them trying to put them on his face. "Okay, six dollars, I'll be back"

She looks great in anything

Despite what you thought, you did. His favorite thing for you to wear would be lingerie but he's never seen that, imagined it yes, but that's different. His favorite thing he has seen you wear is a good pair of jeans. Jeans when they don't have holes. They hug you nicely, paired with a navy blue v neck blouse you have and he is done for. It's all he can do to not say something to you. You did maybe three times a year max do this, but, wear lip gloss, that made his knees absolutely weak. He has known you for two years now and you've done that three times, once to church, once to go clubbing with them at a beach, and once just because but it had to be a somewhat special occasion for it to happen.

She's: "I want a piece of chocolate"

This was a recent memory, last month. Your cycle came while you happened to be staying over with them. He, Jimin and Hobi went to get you some things, upon Namjoon's request. He knew what to grab because he is a grown ass man but you texted him that you wanted specially that you wanted just a little bit of chocolate. You were adamant as always that there was a such thing as too much chocolate. He was going to just grab a candy bar but Hobi was for some reason hell bent that you needed strawberries. You did like strawberries but still? Jimin said that chocolate to dip them in would be perfect. You were pleased.

"Take me to a movie"

You would be perfectly happy if you went to work and on your days off went to see a movie, then came home and had dinner and just talked the night away on the porch or sat there silently. You knew what movies you wanted to see and the trailers gave you something to look forward to.

She's: "I can't find a thing to wear"

This. You will complain about not having anything to wear while trying on a million outfits. He and Jin don't hesitate to groan and complain, but really, he wished the door was open and he could see the little fashion show

Now and then she's moody

Moody wasn't really it, what he narrowed it down to be was that you were like him. You were nice, sweet, most times but now and again life becomes too much and you bottle things up so it explodes like when you shake a bottle of soda and open it

She's a Saturn with a sunroof

That was true, you weren't fancy. He smiles to himself, thinking about you trying to drive a family vehicle like that and he laughs as he sings. He imagines you screaming at Jin and Jungkook in the back and threatening them that they can't have fries if they don't be quiet and pictures himself sitting front passengers seat next to you and just watching you. This hasn't happened, but he can imagine it.

With her brown her a blowing

He loves watching your long brown hair blow in the breeze. If it's a gentle breeze it looks like in the movies and music videos; like princess Pocahontas. However, when it's strong wind it's one of the funniest things in the world to him. It's slapping your face, going in your mouth, getting hella tangled which would hurt later but it pissing you off was funny. He would always be there to help you brush it and wipe your tears later

She's a soft place to land and a good feeling knowing

He may not realize it but all the girls watching are cooing at the warm face he has as his eyes close. He wished you were here and he could lay his head on your lap now, feel you stroking his hair and drift to sleep there but it was a good feeling knowing you were watching this live he had long forgotten about

She's a warm conversation

That I wouldn't miss for nothing

She's a fighter when she's mad, and a lover when she's loving

When you got mad, it ranged from cute to damn with hot somewhere in the middle, damn being scary. Youre so small but just damn. As far as loving, you wouldn't let yourself do that romantically but he sees how you are with him and the guys.

And she's everything I ever wanted

And everything I need

I talk about her

I go on and on, and on

'Cause she's everything to me

She's a Saturday out on the town and a church girl on Sunday

Cross around her neck

Seven, no, eight months ago. Back in the summer, blinding light came into the room waking him up. He shielded his eyes and sits up. "Wake up Suga," he heard your voice, filled with something, a emotion he couldn't place. "Wha-," he was hungover, "what? W-Why are you awake? We slept for," he looked at the clock, "two hours? When did we get back?" You shrug. It was then he realized you were wearing a pale-ish clam pink silk dress with spaghetti straps on your shoulders, no bra, paired with wedge high heel sandals. He let his eyes scan you apply your lipgloss, the one that's the same kind JK uses, the uh, Rosy lips Vaseline. You leaned over the vanity mirror of the hotel room to see what you were doing and he remembers taking in the sight. Contrary to the jeans you wore the night before with the black t-shirt. "What's going on?" "I need to start going back to church"

"mmk, have fun," he laid back down, just feeling hungover as fuck. How are you not? He looks over his shoulder at you downing two Excedrins dry before coming over and sitting on the side of the bed. You put a hand on his bare shoulder, "Please," he couldn't look at you, in this, look in those eyes and say no. "Mmk"

And a curse word cause it's Monday

Fuck was your favorite word, there was no doubt. You love how versatile it was. It could be a verb, an adjective, a noun, you even somehow managed to make it a proper noun. He heard you say it shamelessly every way possible, except one

She's a bubble bath and candles

Candles gave you migraines, the scents were overwhelming, but you kept unscented ones on hand. If you've had a day anything like his today you'd light some for aesthetic purposes and sink yourself into a nice hot bath and most likely forget your bubbles in another room only to call him or one of the guys to get it for you and giggle happily upon being able to use it. After ofcourse smelling it and humming contently

Baby come and kiss me

You had only said this to them all in a playful platonic way, to kiss thier head or cheek. There was one time when you were all drinking around a fire at the lake house when you did say it and kiss Jin on the lips. It was a peck, you were all drunk, but he can't help the frown appearing on his face

She's a one glass of wine and she's feeling kinda tipsy

"No! Stob it Y/N!" The smile returns remembering this night. You decided to have a glass of wine and unwind. Your logic was that the bottle itself was made of glass to justify your actions

She's the giver I wish I could be

Stealer of the covers

Every time you sleep over, the guys agree on one thing. No matter who you sleep with, you are a blanket hog. You don't do it on purpose. It's just that you start sleeping in fetal position and without realizing it go into a deep sleep and somehow maneuver into some sort of rogue pelican formation. Not to mention you're always cold

His wallet falls out of his pocket onto the floor as he's getting into it, he comes back to reality and stops playing for a second as he reaches down for it and stops. He stops and smiles at the flap that's open with a picture in it. A selfie you took of you and him randomly one day because you caught him smiling and wanted evidence. You wanted proof and since you never had a open mouthed smile like in this one he wanted it to so he had it made into a photo card. He remembers and gets back to singing, noticing the comments demanding it.

She's a picture in my wallet

Of my unborn children's mother

He doesn't even realize that he stops this time for quite a long moment at the memory that comes with this line. Or that he is crying much less.

It was one day when you saw a pregnant girl and everyone was swooning over her and her son who was with her. Her son wanted to play with the guys to which they all happily went along. You walked away and he followed noticing something was up.

"Y/N...."

"Oh hey," you smiled up at him, weakest one possible.

"Something wrong?" He sat at the picnic table across from you.

"It's silly..."

"Tell me anyway?"

"I've known I've wanted to be a mom since I was 16. One day I was riding home on the bus and I just decided, someday that's what I wanted. I never wanted a huge family, I just wanted one or two. Not then, obviously, I just knew someday. I moved here after a long term relationship ended, y'know that....I wanted one with him, I cried, I can't even remember how many times I cried and practically begged, but there was always some reason we couldn't he'd come up with.....so," you shrugged, "it's silly, it doesn't matter anyway. Never going to happen.....girls like me don't get that," You got up and left him there and walked back to the car

He now realizes his face is wet and reaches up to wipe the tears that went down his face

She's the hand that I'm holding

When I'm on my knees and praying

The memory of the morning of the hangover returns again. He could tell you were nervous, eyes were on you. He knew it because you were so beautiful but you probably didn't. When the church cleared and it was just the two of you you dropped to your knees but stood back up just as quickly.

"Hey, Y/N, you can pray if you want..."

You shook your head, "I've messed up a lot, I'm scared...."

Nothing scared you. He took your hand and got on his knees too. "I'll do it too"

The two of you prayed in silence, holding hands. He finished before you did and just stared at your interlocked hands, rubbing his thumb over your ring finger

She's the answer to my prayer

She's the song that I'm playing

And she's everything I ever wanted

And everything I need

I talk about her

I go on and on, and on

'Cause she's everything to me

She's that voice I 'd love to hear

Someday when I'm ninety

Every day that passes

I only love her more

Yeah, she's the one

That I'd lay down my own life for

And she's everything I ever wanted

And everything I need

She's everything to me

Yeah, she's everything to me

Everything I ever wanted

And everything I need

She's everything to me

Sitting the guitar down he smiles at the camera, says goodnight and blows a kiss. With a little heart fingers he says goodnight and signs off and gets ready for bed

[vampcubus]

Bite Me (Midoriya/Vampire!Reader) [Part 2]

| A/N: Here’s the second half because tumblr is a cunt sometimes so it had to be split 🙃 |

♡ Warnings: Angst, blood-drinking. ♡

♡ Words: 2700+ ♡

See part 1... here

.  .  .

                                           Messages (11:21 AM)

Midoriya-chan: I’m so sorry but I can’t make it today! Midoriya-chan: I’ll make it up to you I promise You: Whatever 🙄 You: You better Midoriya-chan: I’m sorry…

You looked up from your phone and sighed, arms crossed as you leaned against the entrance to the cafeteria where you could see Midoriya and Uraraka talking. He’s smiling too, his phone on the table beside his tray.

He can’t be too sorry.

“Tch.” You turned on your heel and made your way to the school roof, where you were supposed to meet the green-haired boy up until a few minutes ago.

Slumping down against the ground with your back against a wall, you felt a song coming on. You set your beloved electric guitar to the side for once, letting the sound of your own voice carry the music on its own. .   .   . You’re a bit thrown when you see a tiny pink note slapped onto your dorm’s door. You furrow your brows and pluck the fluorescent pink piece of paper from the door eyes lazily skimming across each word.

Please, meet me in my dorm tonight. I want to talk to you. It’s important. -Uraraka Ochako

Oh great. What did she want? It’s not like you were able to spend time with Deku today—aside from early this morning. She prevented that. What else could she possibly want from you?

You sigh, crumpling up the note and tossing it in the general direction of the trash bin.

After club activities ended, you decided to head over to Uraraka’s dorm to ‘talk’ as she had put it in her vague note. You knocked on the door with a heavy fist, still lagging from hero training earlier. You were also getting low on blood in your system, ultimately making you feel weak. You’d have to wait a bit longer for your next fix though. Vampirism wasn’t necessarily a funded lifestyle, and most blood was good at use in hospitals saving lives.

You’re shaken from your thoughts when the brunette opens the door and blinks at the sight of you standing there. Had she thought you wouldn’t come?

“Oh, L/N-san you came. Good.” She sighed as if relieved and then stepped aside, inviting you in.

You strolled in and kept a keen pair of eyes on the girl as she closed the door. She offered you a seat but you promptly declined. You didn’t want to be in here in the first place.

“I’m sorry for calling you here so suddenly. I know we aren’t on the best of—” She starts, clasping her hands together and wringing them.

“Stop, just tell me what you wanted to talk about. I don’t do small-talk.”

“It’s about Deku.” She admits, her face suddenly serious as she drops her hands to her sides, pulling at her skirt as she fidgets. “I need to be honest with you.”

“I’m waiting.” You sigh and she flushes at your bluntness. You were so straight forward! She felt her palms sweat and her eyes harden as they stared at you.

You were floating a few inches from the carpet, red tie askew and a bored expression gracing your cold features. As you sighed again, she caught a glimpse of fangs peeking out. She gulped, standing her ground.

“It’s clear that we need to address this… this competition! I… I don’t want to fight you over this anymore. It’s exhausting and I mean it when I say that I don’t wish to antagonize you.” Ochako explains, taking in a deep breath and letting out as her pink cheeks brightened. “But the feelings I have for that boy, for Deku. They’re real, and I really like him, L/N. I haven’t told him about my feelings because It will only distract us both from our goals right now, but now that you’re in the picture, I worry.”

You narrowed your eyes, pointed ears taking in every infuriating word as they left the small girl in front of you. She speaks as if she’s already won, like no matter what happens Midoriya will ultimately choose her over you and that burns. Not because it isn’t true, which it isn’t! But the fact that she’s talking about him like he’s an object. Like a possession to be won over. You didn’t give a damn how she felt about Midoriya. No one should think that just because they like someone and they don’t want to make moves, that their loved one is theirs.

“I’d like to settle this as civil as possible. I want you to stop pursuing Deku, please, I want this chance. I don’t want him to be taken from me. I won’t have any hard feeli—”

You lost it.

“Stop it! Midoriya is a person! He isn’t some object you can claim or own, he is someone with feelings and opinions! You may like him, but that doesn’t give you the right to go around telling everyone ‘he’s mine please disregard your feelings because I deserve him more than you!’” You interjected with a burning fiery passion in your voice as you spoke, the emotion in your voice more lively than it’s been when you weren’t singing.

Ochako gaped at you, her wide brown eyes staring at you as you got in her face. Serves her right for thinking that you’d just submit like that.

“I’m in love with Midoriya, and I don’t want to fight for him like some dog toy! How dare you disregard my feelings like just because you have a crush on him that they aren’t real. It’s unfair for you to lay claim on him, it’s his choice. And if that choice is you, fine! But I won’t back down just because you want me to.” You held her shocked gaze with your own blazingly determined one, letting her know just how serious you were.

After a minute of catching your breath, both your gaze and voice softened.

“I love him too, Ochako. And if I have a chance with him, I want to take it. I hope you got what you wanted, now I’m leaving. I’m not going to play this childish game with you anymore.”

And with that you turned in mid-air and floated out of the other girl’s dorm room, heading towards your own to sing your fucking heart out until you feel better.

.   .   . Once you’d stopped abusing your vocal cords, taped up your bleeding fingers—because you were too upset to even think about a pick—and received a nervous complaint from one of your neighbors you picked up your phone and typed out a bold text to Midoriya.

                                            Messages (8:15 PM)

You: Can I come over? I need to calm down before I do something stupid. Midoriya-chan: Of course! Is something wrong? Are you ok? You: I’ll tell you when I get therw You: *there

You tossed your phone onto your bed and left your dorm with a start, flying in hopes to get there quicker. When the freckled boy opened the door he immediately tugged you inside. If Mr. Aizawa knew he had a girl in his room at night he’d really be in trouble.

When you meet his eyes your resolve deteriorates. Your feet meet the floor’s surface and you slump down onto his bed.

“W-what’s going on? Are you alright, what happened?” Izuku asked you, looking incredibly worried as he sits down beside you, taking in your expression, deep in thought.

Your eyes shift to the side to peer at him through your lashes. Was it shallow to do this? You weren’t lying when you had said you needed to calm down before you ended up binge drinking from some unsuspecting classmate. Which, wouldn’t be necessarily a good look on your record. Without realizing it, your eyes darted to his neck and before you knew it, you were blatantly staring. You briefly wondered what he’d taste like.

“Can I… can I tell you something? And I need you to take me seriously because I… because I’m not one to lie. It’s exhausting” You chuckled though it was a nervous meek sound that you hadn’t ever made before.

Izuku blinked, trying not to stare too much at your sudden insecurity. It was uncharacteristic. You were always so guarded, getting angry when others worried about you and denying it till the end when you were asked if you were alright on particularly hard days. He wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to get closer to you, and it looked like you needed him to listen right now.

“Of course, we’re friends, right? You can tell me anything.”

“I—” You took in a deep breath despite your lungs not requiring it and instantly regretted it because the sudden rush of air with so little blood in your system made your head spin. You hunched over as nausea twisted your stomach in knots, and you swayed as you felt the dizziness increase with movement. “Oh… shit…”

You don’t realize that you were tipping forward until Izuku’s hands grab your shoulders to steady you. You heard him talking to you but couldn’t process any of what he was saying.

“Y/N? Are you okay!? Wh-what’s going on, are you sick?”

“Ah, Deku don’t shout. I’m just… thirsty.”

“Thirsty? Are you dehydrated? Do you need a glass of water? I can go get one for you if you need me t—”

“I’m a vampire, Deku.” You interrupt flatly, any and all enthusiasm drained from your tone from the sheer exhaustion. “May come to you as a surprise but I drink blood.”

He clammed up, mentally kicking himself for being such an idiot. ‘Sure offer the vampire a glass of water, Deku.’ Midoriya frowned, he didn’t like seeing you this, you looked so tired, so miserable. A stray thought made his cheeks flush. Would it… would it be rude to offer his own blood? He couldn’t help his morbid curiosity, his concern for your well-being mixed with his growing feelings for you and encouraged him to take a risk.

“Y-you can b-bite me if you need to, o-of course that’s only if you want to! I-I don’t know if th-that’s some sort of taboo and I’m being weird, but I r-really wouldn’t mind. I don’t know if you only drink certain types of blood, but surely any blood works, right? I mean I’m not a vampire so I can’t possibly know but I’m just saying if you…” You lost him after that, blinking at the boy as he rambled on and on. In your discombobulated daze, you couldn’t help but stare as Deku talked, his eyes glimmering with interest and admiration as he rattled on about quirks and vampires, and you believe he mentioned a sacrificial ritual at one point but all you could think about was the way his eyes caught the light.

Your eyes skimmed over the expanse of his gentle features, counting the freckles scattered across his round cheeks and watching his green curls bob up in down as he moved. Your eyes centered on his neck and everything around you became a blur, you felt your mouth water and your tongue drag over your bottom lip, a bead of sweat dripping down the side of your face as you lost yourself to thoughts of your fangs piercing into flesh. You wondered again what he would taste like. Would he be tangy? Or Sweet? Perhaps something tame or spicy?

Izuku stopped droning when he peeked over at you, his rant coming to an abrupt halt when he noticed the intense stare you were giving him. His thin brows knit together and he gulped when he followed your gaze to his throat, your eyes widened and shimmered slightly as his adam’s apple rippled beneath the pale skin of his neck. Izuku felt the heat rise to his face, painting his cheekbones with a muted pink as you finally met his eyes. You coughed and jerked back, not realizing you had started leaning in until you were inches away from his face.

“I’m not going to bite you, Izuku.” You mumbled, the blood concentrating behind your cold cheeks allowing the tiniest hint of a blush to form.

“Why not? You can’t have much more in you based on how tired you are, what will you be like tomorrow? How will you train if you can’t even move?” Midoriya argued a fire in his eyes lit by his concern for you. Why wouldn’t you let him help you? Did you not trust him enough? He felt hurt by the possibility.

“I don’t want to hurt you, idiot!” You blurted, nearly doubling over and off the bed when you are overcome with a wave of nausea. You fall right into his arms, successfully knocking you both over. When you recover from your dizziness you realize with a start that you are laying on top of a worried Midoriya.

“You won’t… hurt me.” Izuku mutters, his jade eyes staring into yours with a look you can’t quite place. Your breath hitches when he tilts his head back and slightly to the side, baring his neck to you. Didn’t he see how hard it was to resist when you were this thirsty? Was he trying to get himself drained?! One of his hands moves to grasp yours and your jaw goes slack. “It’s okay, I promise. I can take it. As long as I can help you.”

Your eyes soften and you let out a deep sigh, shifting on top of him to lay more comfortably. He was just too tempting, and you were in a very, very weak state. You couldn’t resist.

“Fine, but once I do this I’m not going to stop suddenly if you have second thoughts. You have to be sure.” You smoothed a hand over the arch of his throat, a lover’s caress to anyone else, but a search for a good spot to enter for a vampire. Izuku gulped, feeling his heart start to race as you touched him. He steeled his gaze and nodded firmly. “Well, then… all I need you to do is relax.”

You leaned in to search for a spot with good circulation with your tongue this time, feeling the boy freeze up and squeak beneath you. You cupped his jaw and tilted his head further away so you had better access. Unbeknownst to you, the spot you had picked was particularly sensitive and the trembling gasps he let out were not out of fear but approval. Your fangs brushed against the curve of his neck, feeling his entire body shiver underneath yours. And when your fangs finally sunk into the side of his neck, you didn’t expect the noise that escaped him.

Izuku slapped a hand over his mouth, in disbelief of the soft moan that had just slipped out. You decide to ignore it the moment his blood meets your tongue, you gripped him a bit tighter, shuddering at the almost sickeningly sweet taste of his blood. You drank enthusiastically, in your own little world as Izuku struggled with both his vocal cords and his conflicting thoughts.

He had so wholely expected it to hurt, or at the very least uncomfortable. But it wasn’t painful at all! He was worried over nothing. Not only that, but the whole prospect of you on top of him, pressed so intimately to him as you feasted on his blood, your fingers lightly stroking his cheek… It made him feel closer to you somehow. And when you finally parted from the crook of his neck, he flinched slightly when your fangs slid from the holes now left behind from your bite. You pulled away, moving to sit on top of him as you licked the excess from your lips with a dreamy smile.

“You’re so sweet, I almost couldn’t stop myself there. Thank you for being so calm.” You seemed to be full of energy now, eyes bright and your face looking much healthier. But you seemed a lot softer than normal, this is the most gentle he’s ever seen you as you smiled and expressed your gratitude.

“I… wouldn’t mind if you did it again sometime…” Izuku muttered with a deep blush, avoiding your eyes as your own widened.

“If you’re sure.” You didn’t have the strength to deny how eager his confession made you for next time. Even if you didn’t get the chance to confess your feelings as you had wanted, but you hoped that this understanding between you would give you another chance.

[homeformyheart]

the antidote - m!raleigh carrera x mc (plat)

author’s note: follow-up to “hopeless.” i hope you enjoy!

copyright: all characters owned by pixelberry studios. songs and lyrics owned by their respective creators. series/pairing: platinum – m!raleigh carrera x mc (cadence dorian) rating/warnings: 18+; swearing and smut; ns*w parts between the 🔥⚡ and ❄💧 icons word count: 2.9k based on/prompt: “love in the dark” by adele / “golden” by harry styles summary: cadence realizes raleigh stopped by her apartment late at night and decides to patch things up.

the antidote

raleigh lifted his head from his hands and winced at the pain in his neck. he slowly started massaging the side of his neck and glanced at his phone. it was almost midnight and he was almost positive that cadence wouldn’t still be out. maybe she went to matt’s instead. was she living with him? shit, he didn’t even stop to consider that she might not even live in this apartment anymore. maybe it really was hopeless. he rubbed his eyes and stood up to leave.

by the time he got back to his apartment, it was almost 1am. stupid late night construction on the bridge turned a 20 minute car ride into 40 and even though he really should just go to bed, he was going to polish off that bottle of mezcal he started and indulge (although some would call it torture) himself. he set his phone to cast to his tv and hit play on cadence’s video album. just for a moment, he wanted to pretend she was singing for him.

he made himself comfortable on the couch with his half-finished bottle of mezcal as his surround-sound speakers reverberated softly with cadence’s soulful voice; it was as though his home speaker set-up was tuned just for her. he poured himself a glass only to quickly drain it, so he poured himself another.

i can’t love you in the dark it feels like we’re oceans apart

ironically, or maybe not so ironically, raleigh was sitting in the dark, looking up at cadence’s beautiful, crying face on his enormous tv. god, she even somehow made crying look beautiful. for some reason, this song in particular hit closest to home for him. in a way, cadence was finally acknowledging that he was always dragging her down into his dark, self-destructive headspace and she needed more, she needed to be in the light so she could live the life she was meant for.

at the end of the song, raleigh switched off the tv and pulled up his recording app. he had been working on a song for months and had the track laid out but couldn’t seem to get the lyrics right. he grabbed his guitar from the other end of the couch and played a few warm-up chords. he really shouldn’t try to sing or record anything while drunk, but he’d deal with the mess in the morning.

as the opening track played in the background, he closed his eyes and recalled his favorite memory. they were sleeping in, with cadence using his arm as a pillow. the sun was starting to rise and beam through his penthouse windows, and raleigh shifted carefully onto his side so he could use cadence’s head to block out the sunlight hitting him directly in the face. as he was closing his eyes to sleep a little more, he noticed that the sun was leaving a golden hue around her head and body, making it seem like she was glowing.

cadence sighed and looked at her phone. it was almost midnight. he was probably out clubbing and hooking up with a model or something and cadence knew if she stayed here all night she would regret it. maybe she read him wrong. maybe he only wanted to know if she loved matt because he was angry she didn’t give him a heads up and not because he still had feelings for her. she requested a dryve before putting her shoes back on and heading back downstairs.

she raised her head tiredly when the driver stopped at her apartment and dragged her aching feet to the elevator and down the hallway to her unit. she stopped in front of her door, puzzled at the crumpled piece of clothing on the floor before picking it up. she held it up in front of her and recognized it as the maroon suit jacket raleigh was wearing earlier that evening. cadence smiled to herself as she changed out of her gown and let her hair down. maybe it wasn’t hopeless after all.

* * * * * raleigh groaned at the pinging noise from his phone indicating he was getting text messages. why didn’t he put his phone on silent? he reached over and was confused when his hand landed on pure air instead of his mattress or nightstand. he cracked an eye open and realized he fell asleep on the couch, which he was going to pay for later. raleigh sat up and stretched before grabbing his phone off the floor and opening his messages.

whatever hungover state he was in disappeared when he realized they were all from cadence.

cadence: [i assume this was a gift for me, but it doesn’t quite go with my dress]

she sent him a selfie of her wearing his jacket over her gold dress from last night. which meant she eventually did make it home. and that he left his jacket at her apartment like an idiot.

cadence: [actually, i think it looks better like this, but it’s a bit big don’t you think?]

his eyes widened when he saw the last message she sent, which was just a selfie of her wearing the jacket without a shirt underneath. she blocked out her face and the picture only showed the top half of her body, but it was enough to send blood rushing south and raleigh groaned again, rubbing his hands over his tired face. he was not sober enough to process this.

a knock on the door made his stomach suddenly drop with anxiety. he stood up and dragged his feet to the door, not bothering to check who it might be before opening it, only to have his jaw drop in surprise to see cadence. and of course, she looked absolutely perfect in a yellow romper, her long hair pulled back into a loose ponytail with wisps of hair framing her nervous face.

“hi,” she said, licking her lips nervously.

“hey,” was all raleigh could get out as he blinked rapidly to wake himself up.

“can i come in?” he nodded and stepped away from the door.

cadence followed and set her bag down before handing him an iced coffee and the breakfast burrito she grabbed on her way over. he looked at her quizzically but didn’t hesitate to start scarfing down the food.

“i figured you might be hungover and we didn’t get a chance to finish our conversation last night,” cadence said, shrugging nonchalantly to hide how nervous she was.

raleigh took a long sip of his coffee before answering, “how did you figure that?”

“because i know you, raleigh. even if you like to act like i don’t. also, clearly you came by my apartment last night given you left this there,” she said, taking out his jacket from her bag and folding it neatly on the kitchen table.

raleigh looked away and finished off his breakfast. “a crazy fan could’ve taken it from me while i was out last night and left it at your place,” he said, shrugging. he looked over at cadence with a smirk and chuckled at the same time she giggled at how ridiculous he sounded.

“so you were at my apartment while i was at yours,” cadence said. she waited a beat for it to click for raleigh; once she noticed the shift in his eyes and brow, she continued, “so, let’s talk.”

“you’re the one who didn’t answer my question,” raleigh pouted. he was not going to make this easy for her, hungover state or not.

cadence folded her hands in her lap. “okay… let’s talk about the real reason you didn’t want our relationship to be public.”

raleigh stopped drinking his coffee mid-sip. “you know the reason. i was trying to protect you – your reputation, your career – from being associated with me.”

“okay, let’s agree that is one reason, but i know there are other, more significant ones, raleigh,” cadence said, a little bit annoyed. “i have a whole team whose job it is to worry about my career and reputation; i didn’t need you to worry about that too, and you know it. so be honest with me for once.”

raleigh looked away from cadence and out at his living room, which illustrated how much of a mess he was last night, with his guitar sitting on the coffee table next to the empty bottle of mezcal and his clothes from last night strewn all over the floor.

“okay, i guess i’ll just tell you what i think until you’re ready to talk. i think you were afraid of getting hurt,” cadence started hesitantly. raleigh turned back to look at her and looked as though he was genuinely considering her words, giving her the courage to continue. “for some reason, you think you don’t deserve me, and instead of working to prove to me that you do, you decided, by yourself without consulting me, that some day i might realize i deserve better than you. and the thought of losing me scared you, so instead you protected yourself by hiding our relationship.”

“that doesn’t sound like me,” raleigh said, with a sharp edge to his voice. how dare she try to psycho-analyze him? but he knew, deep down, that she was right. he felt vulnerable and terrified and unprepared for the damage she could do to him if he let himself fall for her. so he kept her at a distance.

“i wouldn’t be so sure,” cadence said slyly, pulling out her phone and pressing play.

a familiar track started playing and raleigh’s eyes widened in panic.

“cadence, i miss you so much, baby,” raleigh heard his drunken self croon out and cringed. when and why the fuck had he sent this to cadence?

i know you were way too bright for me i'm hopeless, broken

raleigh buried his face in his hands. if it was possible to die of embarrassment, this would be his moment. he had finished the song drunkenly last night and thought he was merely recording it for himself, but he must’ve sent her a voice recording instead.

he didn’t think it was possible for cadence to get even cuter, but there she was, perched on his kitchen counter singing along with a grin so wide that his own face hurt from looking at her.

“when it ends, don’t wanna let you know,” cadence sang softly, “i don’t wanna be alone.” she leaned over and nudged raleigh’s elbow off the counter and gave him an adoring look.

he sighed before clearing his throat to sing along. “i can feel you take control of who i am and all i’ve ever known,” he crooned, “loving you’s the antidote.”

the brilliant smile on her face almost made his humiliation worth it. almost. cadence put her phone back on silent and her eyes softened as she looked at him.

“raleigh – is that how you really felt?” raleigh could only nod sheepishly. “you do know i feel the same way?”

“what?”

cadence rolled her eyes. “come on, you’re raleigh carrera. thousands, if not tens of thousands, of fans would love to be with you and everyone always wonders why you’re with me, the boring, goody-two-shoes, pop star. i know what all the tabloids and your fans say, they all feel like you can do better.” cadence looked down at her lap, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “and they’re probably right.”

raleigh looked at her dumbfounded. surely, she wasn’t serious? did she really have no clue that she was the one who brings light to his life? and without it, he’d just drown in his own drunken stupor. he stood up abruptly, startling cadence slightly with the sound of the scraping chair as he walked around the kitchen table to her side of the kitchen counter.

“you have no idea what you do to me, do you cadence dorian?” he murmured, tilting his face upward so cadence could stare into his gorgeous eyes. “you are everything that is good, and light, and real in my life and i don’t deserve you.”

“well, maybe we deserve each other,” she retorted, amused.

raleigh smirked. “does that mean you don’t love matt?”

cadence rolled her eyes and wiggled her left hand in front of his face. “it was all publicity, baby. and maybe a little payback to get your attention.”

his eyes narrowed. “are you fucking kidding me?”

“you couldn’t stand to be in the same room with me, raleigh. it was actually matt’s idea and it worked, didn’t it? you were finally honest with me,” cadence said, pointedly. “you should be flattered, really.”

raleigh couldn’t help but fail at holding his smirk and broke out into a grin. “i love you.”

cadence felt her eyes get misty. “i love you too, raleigh. so much,” she leaned in and he met her halfway in a searing kiss full of longing, desire, and love.

🔥⚡🔥⚡

he stepped closer, nudging cadence’s knees apart so he could pull her flush against him. his hands ran up and down her back, settling on her thighs as he kissed her relentlessly, swallowing any sighs, gasps, or breaths she tried to take as he bit her lip, kissed her neck, sucked on her collarbone, and moved back up to her lips again.

“raleigh, please, i need more,” cadence gasped as his hands squeezed her butt. she tried to ground herself on his broad shoulders but his bare skin beneath her fingers felt as hot as she did at her core. raleigh let out a low growl and pulled back just far enough away so he could balance before he lifted her up off the counter.

he continued kissing her collarbone as he walked over to his bedroom, laying her gently down on the comforter. he massaged her breasts with one hand while searching for a zipper or way to take off her romper with the other.

“what the fuck is with this dress?” he said between kisses. “it is not giving me access to you.”

cadence laughed, that sweet, ringing laugh he missed so much. “it’s a romper, raleigh. you take it off all at once,” she said, doing her best to look seductively at him while untying the halter strap and lowering the zipper so he could pull the romper off her and throw it on the floor, followed by his sweatpants.

“don’t wear that stupid thing again,” he growled as he buried his head between her legs. cadence gasped at the sudden feel of raleigh’s tongue on her clit and fingers against her core, stoking the fire she felt before.

“i won’t, god, raleigh, that feels so good—i need you, now,” she whimpered, reaching down to grab his face and pull him up to her.

raleigh groaned and lined himself up at her entrance. he leaned down to kiss her deeply and watch with satisfaction at her face as he pinched her nipples and reached down to grab her ass. cadence impatiently locked her legs behind his and pulled him toward her, sighing with satisfaction once he was fully inside her.

“you feel so good, cadence,” raleigh growled, nipping at her bottom lip as he started thrusting slowly.

cadence lightly scratched his back up and down before settling her hands on his ass and grabbing them firmly. “faster, raleigh. please,” she didn’t care that she was begging, only that she wanted more of him.

raleigh started moving at an almost punishing pace, but cadence matched him thrust for thrust until she couldn’t take it anymore. she didn’t know where she ended and raleigh began. he filled all her senses - his touch, his kisses, until she couldn’t think of anything but him. she cried out his name as the pressure became almost unbearable and raleigh watched with awe at how radiant she looked coming apart in his arms. it didn’t take long before he followed suit, grunting her name and collapsing on top of her.

❄💧❄💧

“i love you,” cadence whispered, as raleigh slid off her and pulled her in to his side.

raleigh leaned down to give her a kiss on the forehead. “i love you, too. i don’t know about you but i really need a nap. i stayed out really late last night waiting at my girlfriend’s apartment but she was a no-show.”

cadence let herself quietly internalize his words. “are you sure you’re ready? we’re going to do this together?”

he nodded. “i don’t want to be without you anymore. i can’t be without you, cadence.”

cadence hummed and curled her body into him even closer. “good. i’ll be your antidote.”

“you’re never going to let that go, are you?” he said, but without any real snark in his tone.

“nope, you’re stuck with me, raleigh carrera,” cadence murmured sleepily as raleigh pulled up the comforter to cover her shoulders.

he would take however long she was wiling to stick with him, because there was no doubt in his mind, he was head over heels in love with her. he looked down at cadence’s sleeping form, and for the first time in a long while, felt completely relaxed and content. as he felt his body slip into sleep, his last thought was about how much he was looking forward to waking up with light.

* * * * * mentions: @dulceghernandez; @thegreentwin; @kat-tia801; @the-unconquered-queen; @otherworldlypresents; @brycesgirl; @robintora;

[mordoriscalling]

Stay or Sail Away (1/6)

Here comes part one the modern AU fake dating Geraskier fic that I talked about in this post. I’d like to post each part daily. Tagging @geraskier-trashh as requested! :D

***

It’s not that Jaskier has any problem finding someone, thank you very much. It’s just that he’s busy. Busy with concerts and composing, meeting fans at various events, travelling, internet dramas involving Valdo (it’s always fucking Valdo). There’s no time for a relationship, only for occasional one night stands that sometimes that leave him heartbroken because he actually manages to fall in love with someone in the span of a few hours. It’s fine, though. Heartbreak inspires him like little else.

Jaskier's never complained about lack of bed partners, when he seeks them out. He’s charming, after all. Still, the moment he hears “commitment”, he flees. It’s just not his way. Or perhaps he’s never found anyone fascinating enough to commit to; it takes a lot to keep his attention.  He wasn’t even looking for someone like that. Not until recently.

His troubles began a week ago, during a phone call with his mum. She reminded him of his father’s 65th birthday party and asked if he would bring anyone with him. This was followed by a series of questions about his love life because, as his mum put it, “you’re 35, Julian darling, and you’re always working so hard! I worry you’ll end up alone”. In order to placate her, Jaskier might’ve lied a little tiny bit about some things. As a result, because of all the twists and turns of the conversation, he made his mother believe he had a fiancé.

A fucking fiancé.

Wanda Pankratz was ecstatic, wishing to know everything about her son’s relationship, but he dodged all the further questions by saying that she would meet his love soon enough. She left it at that but, of course, told half the family about it, if the texts and calls from his sisters and aunts were anything to go by.

Hence, The Post.

It’s a bit pathetic and desperate, Jaskier can freely admit, but he has no other choice. His personal guard Zoltan almost pissed himself laughing when Jaskier asked him to pretend to be his fiancé, and not one of his friends knows anyone who would want to do this. Not even his agent Triss could help him out.

It all drove Jaskier to log on his anonymous Facebook account (he is a pretty big name in the UK; better be safe than sorry) and post in one of the big London groups.

“I need urgent help from someone who’d be willing to act as my fiancé during a family party on February the 24th. The only thing I expect is the ability to sing praises of our love and to compliment my aunts. It’ll take around 4 hours and then we end our relationship. Age from 35 to 40. It’d be great if you knew something about the sea because I intend to introduce you as a sailor who’s never home and afterwards, you die. Can anybody help?”

Since yesterday, the post has got more than a thousand reactions (mostly the laughing one and likes) and hundreds of comments. Many people tagged their friends as a joke, which is not helpful, but Jaskier still scrolls down and down, trying not to let his hope die. Nobody seems to think his request is for real and he’s received no serious offers so far. Then, one of the newest comment threads catches his attention.

Lambert Rivia:    Geralt Rivia Destiny!

                              Geralt Rivia Fuck off

                              Yennefer Vengeberg Omg 😂 Cirilla Vengeberg-Rivia Eskel Rivia you must see this!

                              Cirilla Vengeberg-Rivia Yesssss!! This is perfect! ❤️

                              Eskel Rvia Do it Geralt

                              Geralt Rivia No.

Intrigued, Jaskier decides to check out these people’s profiles. Lambert Rivia is a handsome red-haired man who wears some kind of black military suit in his profile picture. Looking at his bio, Jaskier already knows why Lambert didn’t volunteer himself – he’s in a relationship. Eskel Rivia is blond, even more handsome than Lambert despite facial scars, and also has a photo in a black suit, together with a white cap on his head. There’s no information on Eskel’s relationship status and Jaskier is intrigued indeed. Yennefer Vengeberg is a terrifyingly beautiful woman who, judging how professional her profile picture appears, must work in some serious profession. Cirilla Vengerberg-Rivia is a lovely teenage girl with white-blond hair. Jaskier reckons she’s the daughter of Yennefer and one of the Rivia guys.

He left the poor Geralt’s profile as the last to look at, but now that Jaskier has seen the rest, he checks this one too.

His jaw fucking drops.

Geralt Rivia is a ridiculously handsome man. His face seems practically unreal because, surely, people as beautiful as Geralt don’t actually exist? The man’s long white hair (which makes no sense considering his apparent age), as well as his brown-almost-golden eyes, only add to his otherwordly, stunning appearance. Double stunning in that black military suit he’s wearing in his profile picture, just like Lambert and Eskel. The suit looks familiar and Jaskier has a nagging feeling he really should know what kind of army it is. Google helps him out and he quickly puts two to two – Geralt, Eskel and Lambert serve for the Royal Navy.

He bursts out laughing.

This is too good.

He wonders what he should to about this. Now that he knows about Geralt’s existence, he can’t really miss the chance of meeting him, however slim. His gut feeling tells him not to let the opportunity slip and well, who is Jaskier not to listen?

When he’s in the middle of debating what to write to the man, his phone pings. There’s a new messenger notification... with Geralt’s name. With a racing heart, Jaskier opens the message.

FEB THE 18TH AT 06:14 PM Hey. Everyone’s telling me to message you and won’t leave me alone. Is your request for real? Please say no

Jaskier chuckles and replies:

Hi! I’m sorry they’re bothering you and I’m also sorry to say that my request is very much for real. I’d be forever grateful if you helped me 😁

To this, Geralt responds with:

They really won’t stop until I agree They think it’s so fucking funny

Jaskier purses his lips, already suspecting this isn’t likely to work out. He'll have to face his loving mum and admit that he lied to her about fucking having a fiancé. She’s going to be so disappointed. At the very prospect, bad mood overtakes him, but he still types what he hopes to be a cheerful answer.

Damn, so sorry mate I won’t push you but, again, I’d totally owe you one if you agree  ☺️

What would I get?

Jaskier tries to reason with his hope to calm the fuck down and replies:

Money, or a favour of some sort, I have many connections Could be free tickets to my concerts  Even my company for the night 😏 Just whatever you want I really need help

Fuck

For a minute or two, the three dots next to Geralt’s photo disappear, and Jaskier’s hope plummets in a  dramatic fashion. Then, more messages from Geralt show up in the chat.

Free tickets seem fine My daughter loves going to concerts She’d like free tickets but I never heard of you

Jaskier starts begging any god out there that Cirilla is Geralt’s daughter. Teenagers make up a large part of his audience (which is great, actually; teenage kids are amazing these days). If she’s a fan, the free tickets are a major bargaining chip.

Well, Julian AP isn’t my stage name I don’t use it on fb

What is it? Your stage name

I’d rather not say here And you must promise me you won’t tell anyone about it too Well, anyone but your daughter

Ok

 Can you call me? It’s better to talk about this on the phone anyway

Fine.

Jaskier sends Geralt his number and waits for the call. In other circumstances, he’d congratulate himself on getting a man like that to call him so easily, but he’s too anxious. His hands itch for his guitar but he doesn’t get up from his bed. He begins smoothing his hair out with his palms, praying in his mind that Geralt hasn’t changed his mind.

After the agonizing wait of six minutes, there’s an incoming call. Jaskier takes a deep breath and picks up.

“Hello,” says a gravelly baritone voice so pleasant that it sends shivers down Jaskier’s spine.

“Uhm, h-hi, Geralt,” he replies a bit breathlessly, “so, my name’s Julian Alfred Pankratz but I’m known to many as Jaskier.”

There’s a beat of silence. “Jaskier?” Geralt repeats, “the one who sings Her Sweet Kiss?”

Jaskier beams, his chest swelling with pride. “The very same.”

“Fuck,” Geralt growls, “Ciri wants to blast this song whenever we drive somewhere.”

Jaskier laughs. “She would love free tickets to my concerts, wouldn’t she?”

“Yeah.”

Geralt says no more. Jaskier has to swallow down to sop his throat from constricting. “So?” he asks, “Can you do this for me?”

The silence on the other side is deafening and Jaskier doesn’t even breathe until Geralt finally speaks up. “Fine,” he grunts, his tone indicating it’s anything but fine.

Air leaves Jaskier’s lungs in a whoosh, replaced by a flood of such sheer relief that he may as well cry. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” he babbles, heady with joy, “Gosh, you’re my saviour!”

“Just don’t tell anyone about this,” Geralt grumbles.

“Not a soul, Geralt, not a soul.”

“Send me the details about when and where and let’s get this over w–”

“No, wait!” Jaskier cuts in, “My family’s very perceptive, they’ll know it’s a ruse. We should plan everything carefully.”

“You’re making me regret this,” Gerlt growls.

“I’m sorry!” Jaskier hastens to say. “Just... at least tell me a bit about yourself?”

Geralt lets out an irritated sigh. “I’m forty, serve for the Royal Navy with my brothers. Eskel’s the nice one and Lambert’s the prick. My ex-wife Yennefer works for the government.” Jaskier actually shudders at this one because he already can picture it. Yennefer seems exactly powerful like that. “We have a daughter,” Geralt goes on, his tone softening, “Ciri. She’s fourteen. We live in London but I’m away often.”

“Oh, lovely,” Jaskier says with a wide smile because, really, this man’s love for his daughter is so clear and endearing, “this is something we can start with.”

“Just make everything up about our relationship and send it to me. I’ll play along.”

“Thank you,” he breathes out, still amazed at his luck. Jaskier is almost high on the success of his ingenious scheme and his obligations are therefore non-existent, so nothing stops him from teasing Geralt. “Though, to be completely honest," he says cheekily, "you don’t strike me as the type to sing praises of our love and compliment my aunts.”

“Hmm,” Geralt replies. It doesn’t sound like a negation. “Yen says I’m not that bad if I try.”

The fondness with which he said Yennefer’s name is a cold bucket of water poured on his enthusiasm. “O-oh, ok,” he stutters out, thrown off-track, “So, uhm, would you be willing to try for me?”

For a moment, Geralt says nothing, then answers, “If you give Ciri an autograph.”

Jaskier laughs out loud. “Not a problem at all! Whatever she wants.” He pauses. “Whatever you want,” he adds more seriously.  

Geralt only hmms, in a way that Jaskier’s prone-to-romanticism mind would almost call warm. Silence falls between them but it doesn’t feel awkward somehow. “Have to go,” Geralt says.

“Okay,” Jaskier replies quietly, “Thank you again. I’ll text you, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

After Geralt hangs up, Jaskier huffs out a shaky breath. Deep down, he already knows.

This is going to mess him up.

TBC

Part 2

[copychatnoir]

WIP Wednesday

I really need to convince myself to write more of this, so I’m going to use external encouragement to get it going. It’s a snippit from what is currently the first chapter of my AU, The Miraculous Tales of Bug Chanceux and Kuro Neko.

The day was already long and hot. It wasn't even noon yet. Luka sat in the shadow of the Liberty’s deck, gently strumming his guitar. The cords were smooth and lazy, just like a sunbathing cat in the summer. Every few beats, he stopped and jotted down a few more notes on a music sheet. Then, he repeated the same rhythm with a few new notes added on. The cycle repeated. Luka was in his own rhythm where only the sound of his music could reach.

This was one of the few moments he had to himself and he was happily strumming a melody that was the essence of his superhero partner, Kuro Neko.

Once he reached what felt like the end to the song, he paused. He set his guitar to the side and read the entire song over, listening to the cords ring out in his head.

This was a good first draft.

A quiet, but still squeaky voice spoke up from Luka’s hoodie, “Wow, Luka! That sounded wonderful! It really sounds like you were thinking about summer.”

Luka smiled and picked up his guitar, taking a moment to strum a couple nondescript notes before speaking up. “Thanks, Tikki. It’s about lazy cats on hot summer days.”

“Oh! It’s about Kuro Neko! That’s so sweet! I bet she’ll love it.”

“I don't think it's done yet. There’s something I missed...” Luka frowned, reading over the sheet music again.

“I know you’ll figure it out! You always do!” the small, ladybug kwami chirped.

Luka nodded absently while reading over the draft again. 

He folded up the sheet music and tucked it into one of his creation folders. He would come back to this later. Hopefully sooner than later.

At that moment a notification pinged on his phone. Inessa shared a picture that was just taken by the Ladyblogger. Kuro Neko was lying on a rooftop, taking a cat nap. The caption read “Kuro Neko might secretly be a real cat. (=^w^=) I wonder if she’s lactose intolerant too? lol”

Tikki giggled, looking at the photo from Luka’s shoulder. “Just like you said: lazy cat on a summer’s day. You two are really in sync.”

Luka didn’t comment, staring intently at the photo. He knew she wasn’t able to get out much. It was hard enough for her to get out for akuma attacks. Looking at photos made it so much harder for him to figure out what people were actually feeling.

“Luka?” Tikki asked.

He blinked, coming back to himself. “I want to check on her.”

Tikki nodded, slipping back into the hood of the hoodie.

Looking to his side, his sister and her girlfriend sat under the mast of the ship, sharing an iPod and sipping their iced lemonades.

“Juleka, Rose? I’m heading to the store. Need anything?” he asked, while shouldering his guitar and putting away the folder.

The two shared a look. Rose was about to answer when his mom poked her head out of the captain's quarters (her bedroom). "You're going to the store? Can you pick up some more pretzels and licorice?"

Luka felt a small pang of frustration that Juleka was the first to read. She pointedly asked their mom, "Out already?"

"I know, I know. If you could just grab another bag, Luka." With that, their mom went back to whatever she'd been doing.

Luka held in the sigh of either exasperation or frustration. Maybe it was going to be both. 

This was why he picked up extra shifts.

Rose spoke up, "We're good, Luka! The fridge has all the lemonade and water we could need." Her voice was a bit more forced with chipper than she actually was. He knew it was for his sake. Rose was pretty much his sister by now and she could get extremely protective of him.

He smiled and nodded at them both. "Thanks. Make sure you stay in the shade. You both burn easily." His smile was a little forced too.

~~~

Luka’s first stop was the market. First was the pretzels, then some licorice, a small pack of raspberry cookies for Tikki (he got a gentle headbutt of thanks for that), [something for Rose], and [something for Juleka].

Last, he went to get shakes for both Kuro Neko and himself. Looking over the options, he remembered the caption that was attached to Kuro Neko’s picture. Was Neko lactose intolerant? She did have a subtle, weird reaction whenever he gave her a milkshake. He grabbed a strawberry-chocolate milkshake for himself, then a lactose-free strawberry-kiwi shake for Neko.

~~~

Luka walked by a coffee shop as he was headed to a secluded alleyway.

“This is impossible!” a frustrated customer exclaimed. “It’s too hot to do any of my work out here!” The well-dressed man slammed his laptop shut, steaming with anger.

“Just go inside already.” The woman across from him said, bored and exasperated with his nonsense. She sipped from her iced coffee. “You’ve been complaining for the last 15 minutes straight.”

The man huffed and grumbled loudly about how this whole thing was ridiculous, but still packed up his things. With that done, he stomped inside the shop.

Luka got out one of his cold bottles of water and set his bike’s kickstand out. He walked up to the woman who he assumed was the frustrated man’s friend. 

He held out the water bottle to her saying, “This might help.”

The woman took a moment to respond. She was surprised and confused, but took the bottle after a moment. “Huh,” she mumbled, then looked back to Luka with a smile on her face. “Well, aren’t you a sweetie.”

Luka smiled at the compliment and gave a short nod, before heading on his way.

~~~

Bug Chanceux vaulted up to the rooftops, groceries safely stored in his yo-yo and bike locked up in an alleyway. 

The air was quiet around him and he swung over to the rooftop that Kuro Neko had claimed as hers for the day. The wind must’ve gotten the message that today was a laid back day.

Seeing Neko on her rooftop, he landed lightly on the roof across from her. One of the tips of her faux ears twitched. He was already found out.

Bug took a running leap to Neko’s rooftop. Swift as lightning, she whipped out her baton to trip the spotted superhero.

He should have known she was up to something.

His foot caught and he rolled into a somersault to keep balance. He landed harder than he wanted to, but he did land on his feet. 

He gave the superheroine a flat stare. She didn’t even open her eyes to rumble out, “You’ve got to be better than that,” and punctuated it with a smirk.

Bug Chanceux rolled his eyes and sat himself next to her, careful not to get in the way of her sun rays. The yo-yo opened to the glow of the void holding his groceries and pulled out the milkshakes.

He let the cold air around and the shadow of Kuro Neko’s milkshake call her attention enough to open her eyes. Right as a drop of condensation landed right on her nose.

With a hiss, she nearly bats the milkshake away, but Bug saw that coming. He hoisted the drink away from her, snickering. She turned a not-actually-mad glare to her partner in crime-stopping. He smirked at her and quoted her back, “You’ve gotta be better than that.”

Neko scoffed in indignation. Before she could retaliate, Bug Chanceux offered the strawberry-kiwi shake to her.

That stopped her in her tracks. She blinked twice at the offered drink, then took it quietly. She took a sip of the drink to hide the small flush of her cheeks.

Quiet lingered for the first drinks of the shakes. Neko paused, then looked at Bug with her head tilted. She noticed that it tasted different from the previous ones he'd gotten her.

“My friend says that cats are lactose intolerant,” Bug leads off, answering her unspoken question.

“Really?” Neko asked quizzically.

“Is it true for cat heroes too?” Bug prompts.

Kuro Neko snorts before she could stop herself. “Yes, but it’s a coincidence. Not a cat thing. I’ve always been lactose intolerant.”

Bug nudged Neko’s shoulder, playfully scolding, “You should’ve told me sooner. I wouldn’t have gotten you things with milk in them.”

“You never asked,” she simply states. “And it’s rude to refuse offerings.” Another sip of the shake.

Their peace was interrupted by a loud crash. The two share a look.

Neko pouts, turning back to her smoothie and staring longingly at it.

Bug sighs, but goes ahead with putting his milkshake away into the yo-yo storage void.

Kuro Neko looks back at her partner, then back to her shake. Then, back at Bug, this time locking eyes with him.

Suddenly, Bug Chanceux realized what Neko was going to do. “Neko-!”

His objection was no use. The moment she saw him even start to dissuade her, she downed the entire rest of the shake.

She smirks smugly at him for just a moment. Bug knows what’s happening before it even starts.

The black cat hero hisses and holds her head with one hand, squeezing her eyes shut.

Bug sighed. He should’ve known she would have done something. She’d do it even if he tried to object. “Hold your tongue to the top of your mouth. I’ll meet you there.”

With that, he flicked the yo-yo out and swung toward the commotion.

Behind him, Kuro Neko forced herself up, in spite of the brain freeze, then vaulted after him.

[takkforaltijd]

"I really had no idea what to expect from this evening" 2/2

Okay here's part two. A few things beforehand, did you know that Lucas is actually attending a Waldorf school in skamnl! Namely the St-Gregorius College in Utrecht! So I put this into the story. I also have no idea what the translation of "borrelnootje" is. It is a peanut with a kind of crispy layer around it. Here a picture haha. So I just called it crispy nuts.

Jens is home alone the weekend and has asked Lucas if he would like to come. Friday has arrived and the two have not talked about it. Jens sends a message if Lucas still wants to come over.

Also an evening with cards, drinks, good conversations and a first kiss. ———————————————————————

Jens zipped up his jacket and went to the front door. He felt in the pocket of his jacket for his bicycle key, but he was not in it.

"Fuck where's my key," Jens thought. He ran to his bedroom and looked at his desk. The key was not there. He looked quickly through his room, but he was nowhere to be seen.

He hurried to the kitchen, almost falling down the stairs on the way. Had he thrown it there when he got home? The key was not on the kitchen table, nor on the counter.

"You've got to be kidding me" the boy thought. He even checked the pantry to see if he had left it there, but the key was nowhere to be seen.

Jens's last hope was that he hadn't locked his bike at all. Then it was praying that he was still there.

"My god I'm such a idiot" Jens thought when he saw his bike with the key in the lock. How long had this taken? Almost five minutes?! Jens jumped on the bike towards the harbor. Why was he so extremely chaotic? He just couldn’t come on time.

...

When he arrived at the harbor, Lucas was already there.

"Sorry I lost my key. I really went all over the house to find it, but apparently my bike was not locked at all…” Jens said a bit breathless from cycling.

Lucas could only laugh. "I think this can really only happen to you"

Lucas might be right about that, Jens thought. "I am the absolute master of chaotic people," Jens said back with raised eyebrows and a cheeky smile.

The boys got on their bikes and headed for his house.

...

“We'll put the bike in the back, that's easier” the boys cycled through a narrow alley and not much later they were behind Jens's house.

"Well, here I live." The boys parked their bikes and walked in. Jens took off his shoes and hung his coat on the overfull coat rack. He saw Lucas look with a look that said, "there is no possibility that my jacket will go with this too without it collapsing." "Uh just hang it over something."

The boys went to the kitchen. "Do you want something to drink?" Jens asked with his head already in the fridge. "Yes please" he answered. "Uh we have juice, coke ... I don't know what you like?"

Jens didn't get an answer, so he looked around and what he feared earlier today was reality. Lucas was looking extensively at the old pictures on the wall.

“Uh yes old pictures are hanging everywhere in the house. Nice and embarrassing.” Jens said with a flushed cheeks.

"No this is amazing!" Lucas said enthusiastically. "Isn't this you?" he pointed to an old school photo, about nine years old Jens was there. Jens nodded. "And this? Is that your sister?”

"Yes, that's Lotte, she's only eight, by the way, which also explains the drawings on the fridge," Jens said while he closed the fridge. "Is Coke good?" and Lucas nodded.

"You said eight years, this really isn’t bad," said Lucas with admiration. "I couldn't do this when I was eight!"

"Do you draw then?" Jens aked. “Yes, I have always attended a Waldorf school in the Netherlands. So, there was always a lot of room for creativity. My mother thought that was important for my development. That's why started painting and drawing I think.” Lucas said almost shyly.

"So not just the skater boy I've seen so far," Jens joked.

"No not just a skater boy"

The boys sat down at the kitchen table with their drinks. "And you? Are you also doing something creative or are you really just the skater boy I've seen so far?” Lucas asked with genuine interest and a slight grin on his face.

"I play the guitar, but I don't think I can get much further than that," Jens replied.

"I should hear that one time," said Lucas with a smile on his face. "Only if I get to see your drawings" Jens said back teasingly "at least if that's not too personal" he quickly added realizing how personal art could be. But Lucas agreed. "Next time, then," the blond boy said.

Next time, Jens thought. That sounds good.

The boys' small talk went on for a while until Jens asked if Lucas would like to have another drink.

"a beer?" Jens asked. And Lucas replied as if he had never heard anything better. Jens took two bottles of beer from the fridge and put them on the table. He also took a deck of cards.

"Can you play cards?" he asked. To which Lucas replied with a provocative tone "and if I can play cards" and the boys both laughed at it.

...

A few games of cards and two beers later Jens gave up “how is this possible, people never want to play cards with me because I always win, and you just finished me like it was nothing”

"Oh… has Lucas destroyed jens his little ego," said Lucas in a teasing voice and half a pout. Both boys couldn't stop laughing.

Lucas took some more crispy nuts and put them in his mouth. "Do you know what my party trick is?" he asked. Jens shook his head. "I can float crispy nuts in the air," he said through his laughter. Jens had no idea what to imagine. "I must see that!" Lucas tried to back out of it, but Jens was steadfast. He had to see this.

"Okay, but then I have to lie flat." And not much later, the boys had moved into the living room with the bag of crispy nuts.

Jens looked wide-eyed at Lucas. "Dude how?!" he said in surprise. "I have to be able to do this, it is brilliant." So not much later Jens himself was on the couch.

"Okay, you need a round nut that isn't too big." So Jens picked up a round crispy nut. "Then you put it on your lips" Jens followed the instructions of a slightly tipsy Lucas. "And then you have to blow gently." Jens tried but failed very hard. He tried a few more times but failed really hard.

"How do you do this, it is impossible," said Jens, almost irritated. "You should blow softer," said Lucas. Jens had to be able to do it "even softer, that really is impossible!". Both boys burst out laughing at Jens's frustration. “You know what, I give up. You already destroyed my ego while playing cards” and Jens sat up straight on the couch. Lucas dropped down next to him and said with a grin “sorry…” “ah stop it” Jens said back.

"should I put some music on?" Jens asked, already getting up. Lucas nodded. “What should I put on. I really have no idea what the Dutch are listening to.” Jens said teasingly. "you can decide I listen to almost everything thanks to my friends in the Netherlands." Lucas replied. "Everything?" Jens asked in a provocative tone. Lucas put his hands over his head "oh god what have I started."

Little boy You are in this world so you will have to fight just like me I can know Life is not easy There is adversity at any time (translated from dutch)

Jens looked at a Lucas who sang this song with one hand on his hard. "The Dutch really like their Hazes or not," said Jens, laughing. "Who doesn't love Hazes." Lucas supposedly said back offended. "You are a real Dutchman," Jens said, shaking his head. "But Hazes is okay…. I think," Jens admitted. "okay?" Lucas said, his hands on his hard. "It's always time for Hazes!" and Jens didn’t dare go against it.

"But what do you really listen to, as in everyday life." Jens asked. "Uh that differs a lot, but I think artists like The 1975 or Bon Iver are chill", said Lucas. "I don't know Bon Iver," Jens admitted.

Lucas got up and took the phone from Jens's hand. "I'm sure you know this number."

Come on skinny love just last the year Pour a little salt we were never here My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my Staring at the sink of blood and crushed veneer

"Isn't that Birdy her song?" Jens asked. Lucas looked at Jens and sarcastically said “ouch”. "No Birdy covered this. I think the original is better though.” And Jens joined Lucas's opinion.

Lucas returned the phone to Jens and plopped down on the sofa. Jens scrolled through the list Lucas had put on. "I'll keep this on," said Jens and sat down next to Lucas. Closer than he actually intended. The boys' shoulders touched.

If Lucas does not think this is chill then he will move to the side, Jens thought, but Lucas did not move.

A few songs passed and the conversation got back on track. "But why did you actually come to Antwerp?" Jens asked. Lucas took a deep breath which made boys touch each other even more. "Uh, it's quite complicated," said Lucas. Jens immediately felt guilty about the question. "You don't have to tell if you don't want to"

Lucas nodded, but opened his mouth searching for words. “No it's okay, I lived in Utrecht with my mother, but she is uh… bipolar. I don't know if you know what that is” Jens looked at Lucas and nodded “Yes I do. Sander, Robbe's boyfriend is bipolar ”Lucas nodded and looked for words to go on. “The three of us have decided that it is better for me not to live with her for a while, so now I am here with my father in Antwerp”

"Do you think you're going back to the Netherlands?" Jens secretly hoped not.

"Not any time soon. At least I want to finish my school here.” Lucas took a deep breath “it's just difficult, because my whole life is in the Netherlands. My friends, basically just everything.”

Jens understood Lucas exactly. The boy he has only known since this school year has just opened up here. Maybe it was good for him too.

"I think I understand you," Jens said cautiously. “When my father lost his job, we had to choose between living smaller here in Antwerp or leaving the city… I don't know how I would have managed leaving the city. Without Robbe. ”

"I really miss Kes and Isa very much" said Lucas "never thought I would even miss Jayden as much as I do" and the Boy laughed. "But I immediately felt accepted here." A smile appeared on Jens's face. "You, the boys and the girls were there for me from day one."

Silence fell between the boys. Not an awkward silence, it was a silence that said more than all the words spoken that night.

Jens knew that the feelings for Lucas were more than friendly. He had never felt this fot a boy before. He had never ruled it out, but it was still scary.

Jens felt Lucas's gaze on him, and his whole body heated. Kissing the boy, that's what he wanted all night. But Jens was afraid it would ruin their friendship.

Jens turned his head to Lucas's. Lucas's eyes fixed on his lips.

Without thinking, Jens closed the space between him and Lucas. His lips found Lucas's and Lucas kissed him back.

It was a small cautious kiss, and Jens pulled back gently.

"Uh ... sorry"

"You don't have to apologize," said Lucas with a smile. "If I hadn't wanted it, I wouldn't have kissed you back."

Jens's body simply stopped functioning, so all he could do was nod yes. He opened his mouth searching for words "it's just uh ... I’ve never done that before." He didn't even dare to look at Lucas.

"You are not my first boy." Lucas replied. That made Jens look up "as in ..." Jens started

Lucas finished "Gay".

A short pause followed, until Jens asked, "How did you know you're gay?"

"I am simply not attracted to girls, it just doesn’t work for me" Lucas replied.

"I never knew I could be attracted to boys," Jens said.

“That's okay, right? And that you kissed me doesn't make you gay” Lucas said “you don't have to put a label on yourself just because you kissed a boy.”

"No, I know, but at least I'm not straight." Jens Huffed. And both boys laughed.

"There is much more than gay and straight you know, you just have to discover it." Lucas said. And he was right.

...

"My god it's already half past two," said Lucas. "If I want to keep my father on my side, I really have to go home soon."

"I will cycle with you, because I don't think you really paid attention to how to get back to the harbor." Jens laughed. And Lucas admitted he had no idea how to go back home.

The boys put on their coats and shoes and walked over to the bikes.

"Do you have your key this time?" Lucas joked. And Jens nudged him.

...

Fifteen minutes later they stood in front of a modern apartment complex.

“Thanks for riding along!” Lucas said “next time at my place?”

That sounds good, Jens thought and agreed with the plan.

The boys hugged each other, and Lucas walked towards the door of the complex. Before he went in, he said "I really liked it tonight, would you send a message when you get home?"

Jens would do that. He took his earphones out of his pocket and put on Lucas's playlist.

Evergreens in a dream of an island town Draw a line in the sand and we'll smooth it down Will your side win, get to the middle Count them off one at a time And we'll try, to guess right

[musedblues]

Always Something There To Remind Me [Part: 1]

summary:  Home is where the heart is. You're working on finding yours. After a handful of misfortunes, your old friend Joe helps to unravel life's greatest mystery while adding a bit of extra grief to the mix.

warning: Major character death, mentions of car crash, angst, and general sadness

w/c: 2k

a/n: Proceed with caution this fic will probably break your heart. This first part deals with a lot of backstory. It's been really cathartic for me to start writing this. It will be my first full-blown chapter fic, so stay tuned for more sorrow! (but it gets sweeter, I swear!)

Part 2

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

"I'll just miss you." Joe cast his sad eyes to the airport gates. You would miss him too, but you knew you'd end up back together. You always seemed too.

"Just try and remember what it was like before we met. But don't forget to call me!" You teased, full of adrenalin that surged through your feet and charged you away from your home, family, and very best friend.

///

For a little while, you measured time before and after moving to New York. Your father split before New York. Your mother had a break down before New York. Then you moved. Your mother became a sought after wedding photographer in New York. You started and finished high school in New York. You made a very best friend in New York.

As hard as it was to leave Joe behind, that timeline was eventually skewed after you moved to Wales. You met Kris in Wales. Then, every single thing before Kris faded into relative obscurity. Even the dream you had in every place you lived before.

You wanted to play the piano. You played every dance recital, choir practice, and bar mitzvah that came across your highschool bulletin board. Through a series of whims after graduating, you decided to move to London to play the piano in shopping malls and hotel lobbies while waiting for better gigs.

Kris singled you out during a show one of those late-night low down venues and demanded you play some Eton John number. He utterly charmed you and raved about your talent, and showed up every night you were on the bill with another outlandish request. His request eventually blossomed outside of the musical universe. He asked you to come up to his hotel. He asked you to go to dinner. He asked you to move back to his home town, Wales.

You were hot on his trail, blinded by his pretty blue eyes and the fun you'd been having together. Kris played the guitar. He drove you deep into the lush green fields where sheep roamed between castles and posh shops popped up across the road from his tiny brick one-bedroom flat, where you moved in no questions asked. Kris took you to all of his gigs, which mostly consisted of county festivals and birthday parties. Kris eventually stopped opening party invitations to strictly play bar gigs. They would barely bring in enough money to pay rent, but Kris gained more of a following and he swore that was more important.

You picked up a job tending one of the more hip pubs trafficked by college kids and hardly any creeps. That's where you met Tegan. She had long dark hair, and you'd never seen her without a smear of dark eye shadow surrounding her big green eyes. She trained you on the drink specials and Welsh slang, and in turn, you told her all of your secrets.

Kris started traveling to bars in the surrounding cities, drinking more than he played the guitar but somehow scraping up enough money to go out and do it again the next night. You stayed behind your bar top and bonded with Tegan like a long lost twin. She understood you, and you respected her. Not only for her values and opinions but for the way she let you take extra long breaks to call your best friend, Joe. The one from New York, before Wales.

"When are you gonna come home?" Joe whined like a little boy through the cell phone static that represented the time and space between you.

"Why? You're never there. You're in L.A. and Australia and everywhere but New York." You laughed bitterly into the phone. You weren't upset with Joe at all. You just missed him. You missed walking across the street from your porch to his, to wait for the school bus. You missed ditching school dances to drive to Coney Island without telling your parents. You missed movie nights, and cheating on homework, and spying on each others dates from across your favorite diner.

Life was easier back then, and no not just because you were young and dumb. There was plenty of sadness. Like on your senior trip to Canada, when your drink got spiked. Or when Joe nearly died of pneumonia. The time you got kicked off the volleyball team for covering up one of your teammate's terrible pranks. And the time Joe got punched in the face and needed stitches, when some new bully moved into town and found out your best friend was the "whiny prick" from Jurassic Park. But you were together for it all, and that's what you missed. It was the way you could tell Joe anything and the way you made him laugh that coated your memory in a golden sheen. He visited you in London once. And you flew home one Christmas not so long ago, and celebrated with his family across the street, like always. But you hadn't seen Joe since you moved to Wales, and your vision was going grey around the edges.

But Kris was all you could see, anyway. He was outlandishly handsome. He read all your favorite books. He held your hand on rollercoasters and taught you how to cook traditional Welsh food. He listened to you play the piano and encouraged you to go out and perform. That was the whole reason you traveled overseas. He would ask you to play your keyboard when he practiced his guitar and you spent the majority of your time in that corner of the room where you kept your instruments. But Kris wasn't getting enough gigs, so your night shift was becoming more demanding, and you stopped practicing. He started to drink. He said it was because he felt bad for the way you'd had to pick up shifts to support the pair of you. So he decided to prove his musical worth by going out every night, booking gigs far and wide. Kris played new bars every night, one's you'd never heard of till he told you on his way out of the door.

Then he stopped telling you when he'd be home. Tegan would come over to keep you company on weekends. Kris would miss birthdays and holidays. Tegan was always sleeping on your sofa via your invitation. You traded stories about your favorite things and your childhoods. You talked a lot about Joe, because he used to always be around. Tegan listened, and eventually started joining you on weekly facetime calls with Joe. He was glad to see you'd made such a valuable friend and to talk to Tegan like he knew her just as well. He was still the best friend you ever had thousands of miles away.

Tegan took you on a trip, one odd summer day, calling it a distraction. When you ended up in Dan yr Ogof, you knew you'd made a life long friend in Tegan. The lush green park was decorated with life-sized dinosaur statues and the cafe on grounds served dino shaped nuggets. When you sat down to eat you facetimed Joe, and took him on a digital tour of the dinosaurs scattered around the entrance. He was thrilled that you thought to call and show off the wonder you were surrounded by, and seemed so sad to hang up. You wished he could be there to spew made up dinosaur facts and pose for pictures. But you had Tegan. She was all smiles, holding your hand while you toured the caves and admired the nature all around you.

In the years you'd lived in Wales, you'd never heard of Dan yr Ogof, but were glad to have wound up there with your Tegan. It was like the best of both of your worlds. When strolled around the park and found a couple fake velociraptor bursting from falsely hatching eggs, you just stopped and stared for a moment. Tegan came around to look at her paper map of where to go next, and you wished for an option to go all the way back to freshman year. When Joe was embarrassed to tell you about the movies he'd been in, and how normal every day felt doing homework at his dinner table. You missed that normality. You wished it was normal to see him... to see anyone each and every day.

You tried to fix that by calling your mom every morning. You rambled for hours and even kept your phone turned on behind the bar during shifts. Tegan worked with you most days, but she had her own life. You even stopped hearing so much from your best friend, Joe. Texts would be responded to too late and voicemails only reminded you how far away you were. Messages from Joe were peppered between a few from Kris, who would call you drunk with promises he'd be home soon.

The day's your boyfriend did make it to your shared bed, you would just be getting home at sunrise from a shift. He would be gone when you woke up, out to another gig.

Then Kris skipped out for a whole month, and wouldn't answer any of your calls. You tearfully sold your keyboard for cash to keep groceries in your cabinet but practically lived behind the pub counter to make sure you'd never run out of money again. Tegan took you out to dinner and to films, but movies made you sad. They reminded you of Joe, who you'd see pop up on the television screen more than you heard from him directly, by then. Tegan would ask about him, knowing your old stories were like stars in the black ink darkness, but she learned to stop asking. Why wasn't anyone around anymore? Your family and friends remained frozen in photographs on social media, and you spent Christmas alone in your boyfriend's house.

When he came back home all you did was fight. He refused to tell you where he'd been, and you snapped his vintage mandolin in pieces in a brokenhearted rage. You slept in the same bed but stopped speaking to each other, just floating through the motions like ghosts- for weeks. And then he was gone again. I could just leave too, ya know?  You realized. I could get up and be gone the next day. But where to?

You spent one long day on the phone with your mother, talking over what to do and how you felt and how much you missed Joe.  

"He's in London now. Didn't you know that? Has been for a while." Your mother gently revealed. She would have known because his family lived right across the street. Because his parents loved your mother, and she still attended every cookout and birthday party even after you moved away. The Mazzello's were more than just your neighbors. Your mother was privy to everything Mrs. Mazzello told her on their weekend shopping trips and scheduled brunches.

"I didn't." You breathed heavily. Maybe you should have known. Maybe Joe had warned you in one of his voice mails you'd let pile up.

"He's filming there. You should call him, Y/N." Filming meant staying. Joe was five hours away from you, but you'd never felt further apart.

"Well, I might not be here much longer anyway." You reminded your mother.

Something in your gut was telling you to get out of Wales, that there was no point in your sticking around. But what about Tegan? You would wither into a humorless husk without her banter from the other end of the bar top. What about those dog-rose flowers you planted outside of your tiny little home? What if Kris stopped drinking and you could start listening to records together again? You built a life here. You made friends with the women at the market and the men at the bank. You didn't even care if Kris's mother hated you, because he hated her, and you each got a kick out of every passive-aggressive Christmas gift exchange. But you'd barely spoken to Kris since the last time he left, and the days before then, you'd only swapped venom.

You mopped around the flat, wondering if you should dust the shelves, and considered how to salvage your situation. Soon, you dozed off on the sofa as the sunset and wished you didn't have to make up your mind.

You were awoken to a house without any lights on, and a pounding at your door. There was a muffled voice crying outside and your heart speed to a million miles a minute as you hurried to your feet and rubbed your tired eyes. You flipped on a light and opened the front door to find Tegan in tears, black makeup streaking down her cheeks. She threw her arms around you and mumbled cries into your neck. You managed to pull her inside and shut the door for a bit of privacy amidst her break down.

"What is going on?" You demanded calmly, holding your friend by her shoulders and looking at her face.

"You wouldn't answer your phone, I've been trying the whole way here." She explained in a rush, sucking in a shaky breath. "The car... your car. I passed it on my way home. I only knew it was yours because the guitar-shaped the air freshener was still on the mirror."  

"What?"

"I know it was your car. It's wrecked. It's..." Tegan stopped speaking to search your face. There was no time to wipe her black tears away before another one fell, she looked as if she'd seen a ghost.

"It's wrecked? You saw the guitar-shaped air freshener?" You confirmed.

"You weren't answering your phone," Tegan whispered gravely, as her lip quivered once more. Whatever she saw on the way to your place mustn't have been good at all. As you stood there watching Tegan's tears fall in silence, sirens started to whir in the distance.

Time froze to a halt as the noise grew louder and louder, piercing through your ears from just outside your window. Your heart was beating so fast you couldn't feel it until a few sharp knocks came at the door you stood next to. You didn't want to answer it. You didn't want to hear another word. But your instincts took over and you released your grip on Tegan, and opened the door.

A couple of stone-faced officers stood on your steps with no good news.

You came to find out that Kris played a gig that night, and the bar paid him in Guinness. Kris was well beyond the legal limit when he stumbled behind the wheel. Officials decided he must have swerved to avoid colliding with another vehicle and crashed through the rails of a bridge and onto the roadside below. Your boyfriend had been found without a beating heart, and yours nearly stopped at the news.

His mother blamed you for treating him so poorly, for running him off. Tegan only left your side for a couple of hours, while she went to collect a few things so she could stay over at your place. You planned a funeral and moved through the motions. But before you called your mother to tell her you were coming home, you called Joe. He didn't answer.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

[madamsixx]

Beyond The Leather Chapter 30: I Want This To Work

Nikki's POV

Bob decided to just help me on my own instead of me going back to rehab. Fuck those people and all there God shit it wasn't for me. We spent 2 days cleaning out my closet and throwing all my syringes, drugs, and spoons away. I even called my grandparents for support. I really missed them. My Nona was sick so I couldn't talk to her but I did speak to Tom. I told him about Iman too. Hopefully I could bring her down to Idaho one day to meet them. Bob said I might want to look into hiring someone to make sure I stay clean. I'll do that when I'm ready.

Any ways, today Iman was coming over. We have been spending alot of time together since I left rehab and went over to her condo. I've been staying clean and we have been enjoying each others company. She did tell me though that we have to keep what ever it is that we have a secret. She didn't exactly say why, but for now I was picking her up down the street from her condo. It's funny how life works. When I first saw her in 1984 at the diner in New York I said to my self I've gotta have that girl. I have been chasing her around for years trying to win her over. And it just seemed like whenever I thought I had her it turns out that I didn't. But now look at us were getting along really well. She told me that she was going to come visit me at my place while I was getting clean but she wasn't able to come. However she always left me sweet messages to encourage me to stay positive and to let me know that she was thinking of me.

It was going to be her first time coming over to my place to hang out so I wanted everything to be perfect. I cleaned up the house from room to room and even tried polishing the floor. Her condo was always clean when ever I came over so I wanted my place to be up to her standards. The last time she came over was when they had they intervention. My place was a mess because I was throwing things around. So I had to impress her and show her that I keep my house in order. She's a princess and I have to treat her as such.

I didn't know how to cook so instead I just made little bolognese sandwiches hoping she would like them. I also went out earlier and bought cranberry juice. I had the pool cleaned to and the deck around it cause I wanted to go for a swim. Well actually I want to see her in a bikini. I never did forget that C magazine photo shoot. I showered twice and brushed my teeth to the point where my gums were bleeding. I wanted to make sure my mouth and body smelt good. I'm hoping that she would be open to us talking about me being her boyfriend. Ever since the night I nearly overdosed in London and saw her sleeping on the bed, something changed in me. I no longer wanted to just have sex with her. I wanted to have sex with her as her boyfriend. I want to make her mine and mine alone.

Iman's POV

Me and Nikki have been spending a lot of time together since I last saw him at my condo. He's been staying clean and we have been enjoying each others company. How ever I told him that we had to keep what ever we had a secret. I couldn't risk Tamara finding out. So on my days off when I didn't have any interviews or photoshoots I would tell Tamara that I was out with Rachel, Jade, and Mel. But mostly Rachel because she really liked her. He would pick me up down the street from the condo and we would head over to a cafe, watch movies, or just go for walks. I was going to be hanging out at his place today for the first time.

I finished one of my photo shoots and I had the limo drop me off at Nikki's place. He told me to bring my bikini because we were going for a swim. I pressed his buzzer and he opened the gate right away. I got out of the limo and he came out of his door holding his hands out for me to come and hug him. I ran into his arms and he kissed my forehead.

"Wow Nikki you really cleaned up." I said as I walked around his home. "I did." He smiled and crossed his arms.

I walked noticing that things were different. The two times I came here the place was a mess. He still had the whole gothic thing going on but that was Nikki he was just a doom and gloom kind of guy. I even noticed that the ground was polished. He's so cute, did he really want to impress me that much.

"So what do you think about my place?" He walked towards me wrapping his arms around my waist.

"I love your place Nik, it's definitely you." I chuckled.

"Ok so I got the pool ready if you want to change into your bikini in the washroom?"

"No I wore it underneath." I turned to look at him.

"Ok let's go." He intertwined his hand in mine and we walked to the back yard where his pool was. His backyard was huge and so was his pool. It was definitely better than the buildings condo that's for sure. I turned and watched as Nikki took of his shirt and through it on the ground. God he is so hot.

"See something you like doll." He said biting his lip and walking towards me.

I snapped out of my day dreaming of his body. "No but you'll see something that you like."

Nikki's POV

I watched as she slowly started taking off her clothes. She had curves that I have never seen on a woman before, she had long legs that I wanted wrapped around my body, and hips that I could hold onto while smashing my cock inside of her. She turned and walked slowly and seductively into the pool. I don't know how much longer I could control myself for. I wanted her very badly.

"See something you like?" She grinned devilishly at me.

"Yes." I said adjusting myself.

"Well then come in here rockstar." She raised a brow.

I wanted to come for sure, but not in the pool. I walked down my steps and swam over to her. I picked her up and she wrapped her arms and legs around me. We started kissing and I slipped my tounge into her mouth. I'm really hoping she considers me being her boyfriend.

Iman's POV

We both played around in the pool for a while and then got out to just sit and talk. Because Nikki didn't know how to cook he made sandwiches for the both of us to snack on he aslo went out to buy me cranberry juice. We layzed around for the rest of the day and I felt like this was the Nikki I used to know when we would meet each other at the cafe in 1984.

"Your pool is huge." I said as I leaned on his chest as he leaned on the beach chair. I was drinking cranberry juice while he was writing inside a booklet. "What are you writing rockstar?"

"I'm writing lyrics down princess. These are songs that are going to be on the next album." He says kissing my head.

"Will you let me read them?" I looked up at him. "Of course doll." He hands me the book and I start to read the lyrics on the paper.

Can't find my doctor My bones can't take the ache If ya dance with the devil Your day will come to pay

Downtown Fuel injected dreams Are bursting at the seams Am I in Persia Or am I just insane?

Downtown downtown One foot in the grave Such a foolish child For a date with death Sight the dotted line

I've been through hell And I've never goin' back

To dancing on glass Going way too fast Gonna burn and crash Valentine's in London Found me in the trash

"Wow this is deep Nikki. Is this about your drug use?" I questioned him.

"Yeah I felt like I wanted to write a song about it y'know. Especially cause I'm turning my life around and I don't want to go back to using again." He shrugged.

"Well I'm happy for you. I hope your happy too?" I turn to look at him.

"I am now." He looked at me and caressed my cheek. "So what are we?"

"Um what do you mean?" I asked with confusion.

"I mean what are we? Last time you came over to my place I asked to be your boyfriend and you didn't answer the question?" He sat up.

I turned away from him hoping that he wouldn't bring up that night. I wanted to make sure that he was really clean and stayed cleaned before I jumped into a relationship with him. Especially because if we got into a relationship then eventually I would have to tell my family and Tamara that me and Nikki were seeing each other.

"W...well I think we should take things slow dont you? I mean your only just getting clean and I just want to make sure you stay on the right path."

Nikki rolled his eyes and slowly pushed me forward. He got up and walked into his house. This was a tough situation we were in. Sure I really liked him and wanted to see where things could go between us. But at the same time I couldn't help but think that he was a heroin addict. He was literally shooting himself up. And that's a scary thing to know. I got off the chair to go and check up on him.

"Nikki!" I called to him as I entered his house.

I walked around and then heard the strumming of a guitar. I walked towards where the noise was coming from and opened his door a bit. I watched as he sat on the bed and started playing a tune on his base. He looked up at me and motioned for me to come in the room. I walked into the room and sat down in front of him. And smiled.

"Have you ever played on a guitar before?" He stopped playing.

"Never." He grinned at me. "Do you want to try?" I nodded my head and sat in front of him as he took off the guitar and placed it around me. He took my hands and placed it where it belonged on the guitar. He started using my hands to strum on it. I felt like I was in heaven and life was simple. At that moment there was no other place I wanted to be.

Nikki moved his hands from mine and moved back against the head board of his bed and leaned on it.

"Sixx what is it?" I sighed.

"I just feel like we should be more. I'm doing great and we spend a lot of time together. So what's the real problem?"

"Nikki." I sighed again. "For now I just want us to take things slow. Please." I pleaded.

I wasn't ready to actually admit to him that he would never be accepted into my life. I just needed time to figure all that out. But for now I just wanted to enjoy what we had.

"Ok we can go slow. But does that mean no sex?" He raised his brows.

"Yes it does. I'm not ready for that but we can kiss." I moved forward towards him and kissed his cheek. __

I woke up feeling Nikki's arm around me. I looked up at the time 12:20 am. "Oh no Nikki wake up!" I panicked and shook him. We watched TV series and movies till we ended up falling asleep.

"What..what?" He woke up groaning.

"You need to drop me home right now. Tamara will be wondering where I am." I got up and put my clothes back on and ran out of the room to put my shoes on. Nikki got up and came out after me putting on his shirt and boots. We got into his car and I told him to drop me off at the corner of the condo.

"You going to be ok?" He asked leaning in to kiss me. "Yeah I will I gotta go." I kissed him back and got out of the car.

"Wait doll." He got out of the car and walked towards me. "I want this work." He whispered to me. "Me too Nikki." I leaned in and kissed him again. I pulled away and ran into the Condo. I came out of the elevator and composed myself before going into the apartment. I took my keys out and unlocked the door. I slowly opened it up and poked my head in. I walked in and saw Tamara and Jess standing around the living room pacing around.

"Where the hell have you been?" Tamara yelled at me.

"Iman where have you been?" Jess exhaled deeply.

"I'm sorry I went out and forgot what time it was." I walked slowly towards her.

"So why didn't you call? You had us worried about you?" She yelled. "I had to call Jess to get her down here and try to find you?" She yelled again.

"I'm really sorry Tamara." I spoke calmly.

"Go to your room now!" She yelled again. "We'll talk about this tomorrow!"

I ran passed her into my room and shut the door. Tomorrow was going to be hell.

Nikki's POV

I walked into my closet digging around and looking for something. When I moved from Robbin Crosby's apartment, I had put a couple of papers that were important to me inside of certain boxes. I hadn't touched them since but now I felt like I could use one of the lyrics that I had written when I got Iman drunk and high at a party. I finally found the paper, I can't believe I wrote this when she was sleeping. But she really is the reason I can't sleep. I can use these lyrics for the the new album.