#i got thinking the other day that rose tyler with a smart phone would be unstoppable in the selfie department

[aomaoe]

smile, doctor! 📸

[lostinfic]

Christmas Eve (stuck) in the Lab

Chapter 12/12 *complete*

Summary: Dr. John Smith and Rose Tyler both work at the Natural History Museum in London, he’s a scientist and she works in the gift shop. They are only friends, but the upcoming staff Christmas party promises developments they’ve both been longing for. However, John and Rose end up stuck with Martha, Donna and Jack in the laboratory, and shenanigans ensue: decontamination showers, cocktails in beakers, a game of truth-or-dare and a Secret Santa rigged by meddling friends.

Tags: mutual pining, friends to lovers, fluff with light angst, found family

Rating: Teen (for now)   |   Words:11556

@doctorroseprompts​

Ao3

The click of doors unlocking interrupted their celebration and made everyone run to the railing to watch the entrance below. Kate Stewart entered the laboratory. She wasn’t wearing a hazmat suit, which must mean….

“You’re safe,” she declared.

Palpable relief washed over the group.

Rose’s stomach untangled. She covered her mouth with her hand, laughing shakily. She had to call her mum.

She turned to John, he was all loud cheers and big grin. He grabbed Rose around the waist in a hug that lifted her off the floor.

When he put her back down, his hands lingered at her waist, and hers on his shoulders.

Kate joined them up in the gallery.

She gave some scientific information they all seemed to understand except Rose. She gathered the substance was not harmful to humans.

Kate handed them an information sheet. “Just in case, be on the lookout for symptoms on this list. Call the number at the bottom if you have any concerns.”

Jack was out the door before she’d even finished talking. Martha, Donna and John left in different directions, to call relatives or pick up their coats and keys.

Rose should have hurried outside too, but she dawdled, feeling oddly nostalgic. She shut down the monitor and covered the leftover food with plastic wrap.

She was aware of John’s spearhead left on the corner of the table, but couldn’t look at it.

She felt bad for disliking it. She appreciated its monetary value, if not its sentimental one. She wished he hadn’t just picked something off his shelf; her gift dealt with in an efficient manner, then dismissed. 

Donna carried Rose’s backpack from her office and up the stairs. She had something else in her hand, too.

“I thought you should know, this is what John was going to give you.”

Donna unrolled a poster with a beautiful map of the world in neon colours. She explained how he’d made it using UV light and special proteins.

It was perfect, bright and creative and just so special. Yet it only added to Rose’s frustration.

“I don’t know why he changed his mind. He really likes you, Rose.”

“But not enough to tell me himself.”

“Or so much it scares him.”

“Well, he knows where to find me if he needs help with that too.” She sighed, regretting her snark. She was tired. “I suppose it’s because of what happened to his parents.”

“What about them?”

He hadn’t confided in Donna, but he had in her. Maybe that meant something. And yet, Rose couldn’t help but remember once again how she’d fooled herself into believing Jimmy’s behaviour meant more than it did.

From the gallery, Rose could see across the lab, down into John’s office. He was still there, talking on the phone.

Her heart softened for him, as it always did.

Perhaps, for once, she should be the one going to him. In her determination to not misread any signals, she’d forgotten to send out her own.

---

As she approached the Doctor’s office, she overheard his conversation with the airline.

“Were you able to book another flight?” she asked after he’d hung up.

“Yes. Later tonight.” He hesitated. “The Mendoza team is counting on me. I can’t let them down.”

“Hey, you don’t need to explain yourself to me. I go out of my way to avoid the street where my dad was killed.”

He nodded and offered a sympathetic smile.

“It’s important work I’m doing every year. I’m helping out labs with less means to preserve their own history.”

“I believe you. I’ll see you in three weeks, then. Drop by the shop as soon as you can. I fully expect you to use those vouchers.”

“I don’t know,” he joked, “maybe if you sweeten the deal with your employee discount.”

“I think that could be arranged.”

“Good. Looking forward to it.”

“Me too.”

Rose shuffled her feet and wrung her hands. John rearranged random items on his messy desk.

“I think I need your help,” she stammered.

“Yes, of course! What do you need? What can I do?”

“I’m not quite sure how to get money out of this.” She held out the spearhead.

John sprang to action. He sent her links to trusted auction sites, wrote a description of the item for her and hunted down the original authenticity certificate.

She had to stop him when he got trapped, elbow-deep in a filing cabinet.

“It’s okay. It can wait.”

“But if you get the money now, you might be able to enroll in time for the winter semester.”

Rose narrowed her eyes at him.

“Did you listen to my conversation with Martha?”

“Er, well, I wasn’t listening so much as voices accidentally reached my ears.”

“Right.”

He sat on the edge of his desk, his long legs stretched in front of him and crossed at the ankle.

“I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to,” he added.

“S’alright. Explains a lot actually.”

“Listen, I know some professors and uni administrators and how to get financial aid.”

“You would help me?”

“Absolutely.”

“And if university isn’t what I want? I mean, I haven’t even got my A-levels.”

He shrugged. “You deserve all your dreams to come true, whatever they are. You’re brilliant, Rose.”

No one had ever said that to her. Not this earnestly.

A lump rose in her throat.

Before she’d found something to say, he offered to walk her home.

“I live in Peckham. That’d be quite a walk.”

“Don’t care.”

---

Fresh air welcomed them outside the Museum. It felt like they’d been trapped inside for years. Early dusk painted the sky a soft lavender, and fluffy snowflakes drifted down over them.

After a few steps, John took Rose’s gloved hand. She smiled and tightened her fingers over his. They laughed shyly for no other reason than the sheer pleasure of having their affection reciprocated.

In front of the Museum’s ice rink, John babbled on about bronze-age skates made from animal shins and references to skiing found in writings of the Han dynasty, in China. Joined hands swinging between them, they laughed more than the fun facts warranted. Their hearts felt as light as the snowflakes floating down from the sky. Simply put, they were utterly giddy. 

They strolled down a quiet street. Decorations twinkled in windows and relatives greeted each other at the door. 

John’s pace slowed down, his gaze turned inward and unfocused.

“I think I might call my former foster family,” he said at last, glancing at Rose for approval.

“Sounds like a great idea. You were close to them?”

He nodded. “The last ones I lived with, they really encouraged me to study. I even had a sister, of sort, Sarah Jane.” He smiled at the memory. “She was a Smith too. We used to pretend we were real siblings… I should’ve kept in touch.”

“Never too late for that.”

They passed by a tube station without stopping. Street lights switched on one after the other, as if only for them. They would have to part ways soon. It was a long ride to cousin Mo’s house, and he had a flight to catch.

At the gate of a quiet garden square, Rose stopped walking. They still held hands, and she fiddled with the cuff of his jacket.

“You remembered Jack’s dare, didn’t you?” she asked him.

“Uh, vaguely. Well, most of it. Where was he keeping that mistletoe?”

Rose waited a beat, but he didn’t say anything else.

“John, you know what you were saying about helping make my dreams come true?”

“Yeah?”

He stepped closer. Her breath quickened. She licked her lips, and his gaze flicked to her mouth.

“Well, maybe there’s a dream you, uh, you could…”

“What?” His face split into a grin. He clicked his jaw. He knew full well what she was trying to say.

“You could kiss me. Shut up.”

She looked away, but John’s hand on her cheek brought her eyes back to him. He opened his mouth, probably to say something smart-arse again. Instead, Rose grabbed his scarf and pulled him down to her. Cold nose tips met pink cheeks. He laughed against her lips. Their arms wrapped around each other, bringing their bodies together, as close as their winter coats allowed.

Rose forgot the cold and the passersby, she forgot it was Christmas Eve. Her hand in his hair knocked off his beanie. A tiny whimper came from the back of his throat, and she found herself with her back to the garden gate being thoroughly kissed. It was probably a good thing they were wearing so many layers.

When they broke the kiss, he rested his forehead on hers. The clouds on their breath mingled.

“Now I regret booking another flight,” John whispered.

“You’d better not forget me whilst you’re gone, mister.” She poked him in the chest playfully.

“Haven’t stopped thinking about you since the day we met— I doubt I will after that kiss.”

“Let’s give you plenty to think about, then.” 

She rose to her tiptoes and kissed him again. An unforgettable kiss.

[jungle321jungle]

Forms of Family

No one alive knows how Dee manages to raise five kids primarily on his own. He's not sure himself, but having some of the best kids in the world makes it a whole lot easier.

~~~~~~

Part One

“Oh my.”

Dee looked up from his shopping list to see a woman standing before him. He forced a smile on his face as he nodded to woman, “How are you Brenda?” He nodded towards the baby in her carriage. “And how is Liz today?”

“She’s doing fine as ever,” Brenda smiled down at her child. “And I um...”

“Hmm?”

“I notice you have Virgil in his pajamas.”

Dee nodded once, “I do.”

“But it’s the middle of the day.”

“I’m aware.”

“But I read that babies should be-”

Dee gave her another forced smile, “Babies should be comfortable and happy. He’s old enough to have an opinion and he enjoys his pajamas. Some kids love a blanket or a bear, V here loves his pajama shirt. I have errands to run and four other kids to take care of. When you have more than your one, then maybe- but I highly doubt it- but maybe I’ll take your parenting advice.” He took in her shocked face as he began to walk away. “Now, which way was the cereal?”

There were many things which annoyed and angered Damien Elias Ekans. Many of those things surfaced as a result of acting as a single parent the majority of the time, due to his husband traveling for work. But the things which caused him the most strife were without a doubt, other parents.

Whether it be Brenda who after having her first baby suddenly was the expert on all things children and criticized him for putting the “wrong” shirt on Virgil. Or Lena who always sent son Tyler to school when he was sick allowing him to become walking Petri dish who somehow always managed to get Patton sick too. Or Margret, Kaleigh, and Marcus, who seemed to think their children were perfect gifts that and could never do anything as cruel as pick on Logan. And of course he couldn’t forget Carrie Ann who always packed nuts for her daughter to bring to school as if the twins weren’t allergic, and as if there wasn’t a rule against it.

He really didn’t like other parents.

~~~~

“How do you do it?”

Dee looked up from where he was finishing dinner to look at Miranda, “Do what?”

“Manage five kids on your own, I struggle with the one.”

Dee chuckled and continued what he was doing, “Quite frankly I don’t know how. Logan certainly keeps me on track though. I gave him the super special job of being ‘King of the Calendar’. Well until I changed it to ‘Curator of the Calendar’ because Roman wanted to be a king, and Logan wanted to use a word of the day.”

She gave a chuckle before her phone went off, “Ah and that’s my cue.”

“Work?” He guessed.

“Work,” she sighed.

“Must be terrible being such a good doctor.”

She rolled her eyes, “Do you mind if Ash stays here while I’m gone?”

“Course not. There’s a reason I have an extra bed in that room.”

“Thanks. I’ll buy you a drink when you finally get free time.”

“You’re up to eight drinks now.”

“What is there interest?”

“Course.

“Whatever, I’m gonna go tell her bye then head out.”

“Can you send them all down actually? By the time they get down here I’ll have dinner ready.”

“Will do.”

Ashley staying over wasn’t something unusual. The girl and her mother lived two houses down and with her mother’s sporadic hours and her father traveling she stayed over a lot. But what was unusual was dinner being interrupted by loud banging on his door.

Dee jolted in surprise as he rose from the table and made his way to the front door as the banging came again.

“I get it!” He shouted back before he opened it and frowned at Leah on the other side. “What?”

“Your sons!” She started loudly. “Why would you ever reach your boys that it’s okay to push a little girl?” She yelled.

Dee paused to take in her angered appearance and her daughter standing behind her. He forced his tone to be calm, “Someone pushed her?”

“Don’t sound stupid! One of your unruly twins! I want them both to apologize!”

“Roman! Remus!”

He could hear the scrambling as his children tried to pretend like they weren’t eavesdropping before the twins entered.

“Did one of you push Rebecca?”

“I did,” Remus answered crossing his arms. “And I’ll push her again.”

“Ha! He even admits it!” Leah proclaimed seemingly satisfied.

Dee gave a sigh as he bent down to look his son in the eye, “Why did you it?”

“What’s it matter?”

Dee meanwhile gave Remus a nod, “Well?”

“She made fun of Roman’s skirt!” Remus told him. “She said he’s a sissy ‘cause he wears it so I pushed her in the mud.”

“He is a sissy,” Rebecca commented unhelpfully.

“Am not!” Roman yelled back.

“Are too!”

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

“Am not!”

“Roman you’re not a sissy,” Dee interrupted standing. “Rebecca it’s not okay to call Roman one just because he has the skirt you wanted. And Remus it’s not okay to push. Everyone understand?”

“Yes Dad.”

“Yes Mr. Dee.”

“I didn’t ask you to discipline my child,” Leah told him icily.

Dee put a hand on the door ready to close it, “Well someone clearly needed to. Jealousy isn’t a reason to be rude. I would think you’d be best at teaching that.”

“Excuse me?”

“You’re excused, we do have dinner to finish. Good night.”

He closed the door before she could respond.

“Are you mad?” Remus asked after.

Dee ruffled his son’s hair. “I’m only mad that dinner’s getting cold.”

~~~~

“Dad can I ask you something?”

Dee looked away from the TV to his son as Logan walked in. “That depends, is this a way to stall bedtime?”

Logan rolled his eyes as he came in the room and sat on the bed. “I’m not Roman or Remus.”

“Sorry, sorry. What’s up Logan?”

“Do you know when Dad’s coming home?”

Dee paused in thought, “I‘m not sure, he told me but I can’t remember... Why? Need him?”

“Yeah...”

“Is there something I can help with?”

Logan shook his head and looked away, “No.”

Dee held back a few questions as he took in his son’s disappointed face. So against his better judgement he reached for his phone, “Well I think he might be out of his meeting... Want to try to call?”

Logan took the phone eagerly, Dee let him be and waited as Logan put the phone to his ear.

“Hi Dad!” Logan said suddenly, gaining surprise from Dee. As much as he hoped the call was answered, he didn’t expect it to be. “I- no it’s Logan... I wanted to ask you something... I said I’m Logan and- ... Okay, sorry... Yeah, I can do that... okay, night... Love you...”

Dee gave a sigh, “Meeting still going on?”

Logan nodded and handed back the phone.

“Sorry Lo. Why don’t you try to call him again  tomorrow after your field trip?”

“He’s always in a meeting,” Logan complained getting up and walking out into the hall. “Night.”

“Logan wait. I-”

“Virgil climbed out of his crib,” Logan interrupted walking out. “I’ll put him back.”

Dee gave a sigh, the conversation would have to wait, “Night Logan.”

~~~~

“Mr. Ekans, come in, come in.”

Dee entered the teacher’s classroom adjusting Virgil on his hip as he did. “Is everything alright with Patton?”

The teacher nodded, “Yes, I actually have the opposite issue with Patton than most kids.”

Dee frowned as he sat and set Virgil on his lap where he began to grab at things on the desk. “What’s the issue?”

“Most kids won’t share, Patton meanwhile shares so much so I worry that other kids are taking advantage of him.”

Dee paused, that’s not what he had been expecting to be called in about. “Patton shares his toys so much other kids just take it from him?”

“More or less? I’ve also noticed him being talked out of his snack.”

“So... what do you suggest I do? Tell my five year old not to be nice? Shouldn’t you be talking to parents of kids who are using him?”

“Oh I intend to,” she said quickly. “I just wanted you to know.”

“Well uh thank you, I guess.”

Dee was running through possible conversations in his head as he got Patton in his car seat.

“Is Ashley staying over?” Patton asked him.

Dee shook his head, “No, it’s just family tonight.”

“Why were you talking to Ms. Siena?”

Here it was the question he was dreading. How would he warn his son about people?

Thankfully it was delayed by the sound of Virgil babbling about something which drew Patton’s attention.

“But why, Daddy?”

It wasn’t a long enough delay.

“She was telling me that you’re a good sharer,” Dee answered. He glanced in the mirror to see his son smile, before he continued. “But I need you to know Patt, that you don’t have to give away all your snack. You need to eat too.”

“But I wasn’t hungry.”

“Well- uh when you are. Okay?”

“Okay.”

~~~~

“Thanks for helping me with the kitchen Logan,” Dee told his oldest putting the last of the dishes away. “Can you just wipe down the table for me?”

“Okay.”

“You okay? You were pretty quiet all dinner?”

“Fine.”

“Is this about your Dad not calling back?” Dee guessed after a short pause. When he saw Logan stiffen he gave a sigh, “Lo, I’m sorry. I’m sure he meant to. It’s just work is-”

“You don’t have to lie to me anymore.”

Dee froze and gave a hard swallow, “What do you mean?”

Logan kept his gaze on the table as he cleaned, “About him being at work.”

“I’m not lying,” Dee responded- his words more delayed than they should’ve been.

“I’m not mad you are,” Logan continued. “It must be easier than trying to explain that Dad is with someone else.”

“How...?”

“The field trip. When we were leaving the museum I saw him across the street. I was gonna call to him but then I noticed who he was with.”

Anger, sadness, frustration, and confusion filled their way within Dee’s chest.

“You said he was across the country. But he’s right in the city... At first I thought maybe you didn’t know. But then I remembered how you never try to call him unless one of us suggests it. So you know and you lied, because you’re not sure how to explain it to us.”

Dee grit his teeth as he tears pricked at his eyes- he wouldn’t let them fall- he wouldn't let his son see. “You’re too smart,” he said finally.

Logan gave a shrug, “Do you think he’ll finally talk to me if I tell him I know?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “When he left I assumed he’d come back for you guys- that was almost three weeks ago.”

Logan turned around and faced him with a look that screamed how mature he was. His arms slid around Dee’s waist and Dee instantly hugged him back.

“If it means anything, I always preferred you to him,” Logan commented.

Dee couldn’t help but laugh, he was going to reply when the distinct sound of Virgil’s cry sounded from upstairs. Instead he gave a sigh as he pulled away from the hug.

“I won’t tell anyone,” Logan promised.

Dee couldn’t help but smile as he ruffled Logan’s hair- knowing the boy didn’t like it. “You’re too good to me Lo.”

“I know.”

~~~~

Part One • Part Two (1/2) • Part Two (2/2) • Part Three

Also on ao3

[vmohlere]

More Infinite Coffee Q&A

@musings-on-bucky-barnes​ had some more questions from last year’s Q&A, and after AGES of procrastination on my part, here’s the first set of answers. Also on Ao3.

·         When does Pepper teach Bucky to wink?

 I have no idea! That’s not one of the little details that my brain bothered to supply.

 Or perhaps he saw her do it (to himself or someone else) and decided to copy it.

 Very possible! Barnes definitely watches Pepper closely, because he considers her a reliable source for acceptable social cues.

 ·         Reactions of the Tower residents and other friends when Bucky recovers enough to start grinning and winking? (We know that Natasha said it makes him look epically hot!)

 Pretty much the universal reaction to being grinned at by Barnes for the first time is being stunned and maybe a little turned on. Barnes doesn’t bring out the flirting that often – most often with the Olds and the folks at the Lucky Carp, because of his comfort levels – but Barton and Sam flirt with him pretty shamelessly, trying to get him to smile. Hill has been known to save up a particularly juicy smart comment so she can make it in front of him. And Tony would deny it forever, but once Barnes laughs softly at something during arm maintenance, he ramps the Tony Show up to 13 to try to make Barnes laugh again.

 And also what about flirting at and with Steve? Lucky Steve would get the full force of it when they’re together.

 Prior to Upgrade: Advanced Happiness Skills, Barnes only flirts with Steve when it’ll cause maximum embarrassment and/or make Steve drop something heavy onto his own foot.

 ·         The reactions of the others to Steve and Bucky being together? We get to see the main Avengers and the Olds react, but not Pepper, Maria, Bruce, Katie, Peggy and the Carp clan.

 Hill yells at them for ruining No-Touch Valentine’s Day, but come on – you know she’s delighted. Especially since their timing meant that neither Barton nor Tony won the betting pool for how long it would take. (Pepper won, because she picked the date Nat told her to).

 The others might complain that the bet is then null and void because Nat had insider information ;)

 Who would dare complain (to her face)?

 Mr. Hayashi blinks at them for a minute, until Kazue fusses at him for being old-fashioned.

 How does he then react?

 Oh, he’s fine, just momentarily surprised.

 Katie cries with happiness, and Steve’s a sympathy crier, so that’s a very damp conversation.

 Bruce notices. Eventually. (Nah, I kid – all the Tower residents saw this coming miles and miles away.)

 So that means that they are good at keeping their poker faces, as Bucky says in Advanced Happiness Skills that none of them (apart from Nat) noticed and that they appeared to be morons. (Which could mean that HE was so happy and distracted that he was actually the unobservant moron!)

 Correct.

 Sadly, I’m not sure that the Peggy in this world would be mentally together enough to hold onto the news. But her objective was always that Steve be safe and happy.

  ·         Steve and Peggy’s relationship - how it was affected in the period after Bucky’s ‘death’?

 I don’t have anything for this. Just thinking about it makes me so sad, though.

It is ironic that Bucky remembers more about Steve’s sex life than his own, like Steve & Peggy in the room in Lyon. Poor Bucky…

 Oof, his own sex life has a lot of stuff he didn’t want to remember, so he walled off all of it.

 Steve’s reactions to knowing that Bucky loved him and was jealous of Peggy

 Capt. Compartmentalization took that knowledge and tucked it very far back in his mind, bringing it back only when he wanted to torture himself by feeling guilty about it.

                 Will Steve and Bucky discuss Steve’s feelings/guilt about how he felt he let Bucky down during WW II?

 Oh, sure. They live for a very long time, and eventually, they talk all of it through.

  ·         Other Tower residents & Olds after Bucky has been shot

 Widespread frantic worry. There’s a phone tree for updates. Barton remembers to add the Hayashis to it.

 Steve’s reactions to wounded Bucky’s ramblings – including the ‘you’re my favorite person’ comment

 Well, you know, Buck was just as high as a kite there, couldn’t be held responsible for anything he was saying, and there definitely was no teeny tiny little part of Steve that had been in love with Bucky Barnes since he was 15 years old that was 100% thrilled.

 ·         Does Bucky ever run into Tyler and Dale again? Or they recognize him on TV when the media realize Bucky is alive/helping the Avengers?

 Oh man, I don’t know. I have thought about The Dale & Tyler Question a number of times, and I haven’t ever been able to decide what the funniest option is.

 ·         Bucky’s next birthday – will he be recovered enough for a big birthday party of his own?

 No, but I’ve just decided this minute that they rent out the Carp for the evening and have all the mission-assists for dinner. Barnes has to sit with his back to the wall near the front door, but he loves it.

 ·         What made you decide to do Steve’s POV? It was the first look at Bucky from the outside in this series.

 That section rose up and demanded to be written and fell out all in one lump. The only thing I changed while revising was to rearrange it a little. I really loved writing Steve’s voice.

 ·         Tony’s reaction to someone apart from himself doing something risqué/scandalous (the skinny dipping)

 He hates it, of course! While secretly loving it. Incapable of having a straightforward emotion, that one.

 ·         Solo trips to the Carp by other Avengers

 Oh, sure. They’re very good for that place’s bottom line. And Nat visits the Olds on her own.

 ·         It seems that Ollie’s honey Wayne died not long before Ollie encountered Bucky for the first time. How did the Olds all meet? Did they know Wayne?

 That must be so, given the way I mentioned things, but the timing wasn’t deliberate. Esther and Lidia had both lived in the building for several years, moving in when it was a much less dire place, and neither could afford to leave once it started getting bad. They were “nodding neighbors” until O’Reilly bought the place and started using it for nefarious purposes, and then they clung together for safety. Ollie moved in because it was what he could afford. They took one look at how sad he was and adopted him.

 Eventually, all three of them move to California, because the NYC winters get to be too much for their joints, and Ollie’s family is so happy to have him more active in their lives, and they don’t want to be separated. Barnes is NOT a fan of the plan, though it’s what ultimately makes him stubborn about learning to make air travel okay.

 That makes me sad and happy in equal measure. Tony would probably offer to do something whiz bang to the building’s heating, but a permanent move to warmer climes makes sense (and he and Pepper would make sure they got a great home). Hopefully Cat Eleanor likes her new home!

 Yeah, they are all really happy in California. Ollie’s family takes them all in with open arms.

 ·         Use of first names/surnames/nicknames and the importance of choice of which.

Like how you mentioned in a Tumblr post that you were very specific in Bucky’s use of Rogers, Steve and Stevie. And there is also how he only seems to prefer to let Steve say ‘Bucky’.

 Using a first name is a sign of intimacy for Barnes. Surnames keep people at arm’s length – or, in Hill’s case, are a sign of recognizing one as an equal.  His using “Steve” or “Stevie” means that it’s a moment of the programming losing power.

 And yes. Only Steve can call him “Bucky.” Only the Olds can call him “Jimmy.” He thinks of himself as “Barnes.”

 ·         How quickly did it take the Olds to realize that their mysterious new neighbor was Bucky Barnes?

 A couple of weeks.

 ·         Any more snippets of Cat Eleanor being her glorious cat self with the boys?

 Oh man, I wish I had one for you, but I don’t.

 They do eventually adopt their own cat, though, after the Olds move. His name is Jack, and he’s a hideous old grey thing with one eye. He and Barnes are devoted to one another. Jack tolerates Steve as a second-class roommate.

 ·         In ‘This You Protect’, you mention that Barnes is somewhat of a prude when Steve trolls him by singing rude and yucky songs. Is that a feature of old Bucky or new Barnes or both?

 Barnes

 Bucky thought all those songs were hilarious.

 ·         Recently you gave an intriguing one line summary about your original novel – please repeat that and tell us a bit about the genre, what stage it is up to, why you decided to write it.

 oh jeez.

 Did I say it was about a lady and her six werewolf boyfriends? I’m working on my query letter now, and I don’t know whether it’s urban fantasy—with—romance or paranormal romance, because marketing labels are a mystery unto me, but it’s full of jokes and people being dumb about their own emotions and baked goods. It’s definitely a coffeeshop AU, plus lots of boning.

 It’s not high art, but I had a ton of fun writing it.

 Honestly, I wrote it because I got mad at a bad fic (non-MCU) and decided I could do better. I will NOT link the fic.

 ·         Tell us the story behind your choice of that Battle of the Planets art for your icon.

 HA! I loved that cartoon when I was a kid. But mostly that picture just makes me laugh every time I look at it – it’s so cheesy. There’s something about the pose and the facial expression that I find hilarious, and I’ve used it for long enough now that it would be weird to change it.

 xXx

[quietya]

31 Days of quietYA: 2018 Books Your Mod Wish She Got To

I’m only human and there’s a lot of books I meant to pick up in 2018 and...didn’t. Here’s some that fit in well with this blog’s purpose.

Suitors & Sabotage by Cindy Anstey

Shy aspiring artist Imogene Chively has just had a successful Season in London, complete with a suitor of her father's approval. Imogene is ambivalent about the young gentleman until he comes to visit her at the Chively estate with his younger brother in tow. When her interest is piqued, however, it is for the wrong brother. Charming Ben Steeple has a secret: despite being an architectural apprentice, he has no drawing aptitude. When Imogene offers to teach him, Ben is soon smitten by the young lady he considers his brother's intended. But hiding their true feelings becomes the least of their problems when, after a series of "accidents," it becomes apparent that someone means Ben harm. And as their affection for each other grows—despite their efforts to remain just friends—so does the danger. . 

We Are All That’s Left by Carrie Arcos

Zara and her mother, Nadja, have a strained relationship. Nadja just doesn't understand Zara's creative passion for, and self-expression through, photography. And Zara doesn't know how to reach beyond their differences and connect to a closed-off mother who refuses to speak about her past in Bosnia. But when a bomb explodes as they're shopping in their local farmers' market in Rhode Island, Zara is left with PTSD--and her mother is left in a coma. Without the opportunity to get to know her mother, Zara is left with questions--not just about her mother, but about faith, religion, history, and her own path forward. As Zara tries to sort through her confusion, she meets Joseph, whose grandmother is also in the hospital, and whose exploration of religion and philosophy offer comfort and insight into Zara's own line of thinking.

The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo

Cottonwood Hollow, Kansas, is a strange place. For the past century, every girl has been born with a special talent, like the ability to Fix any object, Heal any wound, or Find what is missing. Best friends Rome, Lux, and Mercy all have similar talents, but to them, their abilities often feel like a curse. Rome may be able to Fix anything she touches, but that won’t help her mom pay rent or make it any easier to confide in Lux and Mercy about what’s going on at home. And Rome isn’t the only one. Lux has been hiding bigger, more dangerous secrets. As Rome struggles to keep her friendships close, she discovers the truth about life in Cottonwood Hollow—that friends are stronger than curses, that trust is worth the risk, and sometimes, what you’ve been looking for has been under your feet the whole time.

The Bird and the Blade by Megan Bannen

As a slave in the Kipchak Khanate, Jinghua has lost everything: her home, her family, her freedom … until the kingdom is conquered by enemy forces and she finds herself an unlikely conspirator in the escape of Prince Khalaf and his irascible father across the vast Mongol Empire. On the run, with adversaries on all sides and an endless journey ahead, Jinghua hatches a scheme to use the Kipchaks’ exile to return home, a plan that becomes increasingly fraught as her feelings for Khalaf evolve into a hopeless love. Jinghua’s already dicey prospects take a downward turn when Khalaf seeks to restore his kingdom by forging a marriage alliance with Turandokht, the daughter of the Great Khan. As beautiful as she is cunning, Turandokht requires all potential suitors to solve three impossible riddles to win her hand—and if they fail, they die. Jinghua has kept her own counsel well, but with Khalaf’s kingdom—and his very life—on the line, she must reconcile the hard truth of her past with her love for a boy who has no idea what she’s capable of ... even if it means losing him to the girl who’d sooner take his life than his heart.

Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Eighteen-year-old auto mechanic Sawyer Taft did not expect her estranged grandmother to show up at her apartment door and offer her a six-figure contract to participate in debutante season. And she definitely never imagined she would accept. But when she realizes that immersing herself in her grandmother's "society" might mean discovering the answer to the biggest mystery of her life-her father's identity-she signs on the dotted line and braces herself for a year of makeovers, big dresses, bigger egos, and a whole lot of bless your heart. The one thing she doesn't expect to find is friendship, but as she's drawn into a group of debutantes with scandalous, dangerous secrets of their own, Sawyer quickly discovers that her family isn't the only mainstay of high society with skeletons in their closet. There are people in her grandmother's glittering world who are not what they appear, and no one wants Sawyer poking her nose into the past. As she navigates the twisted relationships between her new friends and their powerful parents, Sawyer's search for the truth about her own origins is just the beginning.

Heart of Thorns by Bree Barton

In the ancient river kingdom, touch is a battlefield, bodies the instruments of war. Seventeen-year-old Mia Rose has pledged her life to hunting Gwyrach: women who can manipulate flesh, bones, breath, and blood. Not women. Demons. The same demons who killed her mother without a single scratch. But when Mia's father suddenly announces her marriage to the prince, she is forced to trade in her knives and trousers for a sumptuous silk gown. Only after the wedding goes disastrously wrong does she discover she has dark, forbidden magic—the very magic she has sworn to destroy.

Ten After Closing by Jessica Bayliss

10PM: Closing time at Cafe Flores. The door should be locked, but it isn't, Scott Bradley and Winsome Sommervil are about to become hostages. TEN MINUTES BEFORE CLOSING: Scott's girlfriend breaks up with him over the phone while he's in the cafe's basement storeroom because he's late picking her up for the big end-of-the-year party. Now he can't go to the party, but he can't go home, either--not knowing if his dad will still be in a drunken rage. Meanwhile, Winny wanted one night to let loose, away from her mother's crushing expectations. Instead, she's stranded at the cafe after her best friend ditches her in a misguided attempt at matchmaking. TEN MINUTES AFTER CLOSING: The first gunshot is fired. Someone's dead. And if Winny, Scott, and the rest of the hostages don't come up with a plan soon, they may not live to see morning.

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena

Sixteen-year-old Zarin Wadia is many things: a bright and vivacious student, an orphan, a risk taker. She’s also the kind of girl that parents warn their kids to stay away from: a troublemaker whose many romances are the subject of endless gossip at school. You don't want to get involved with a girl like that, they say. So how is it that eighteen-year-old Porus Dumasia has only ever had eyes for her? And how did Zarin and Porus end up dead in a car together, crashed on the side of a highway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia? When the religious police arrive on the scene, everything everyone thought they knew about Zarin is questioned. And as her story is pieced together, told through multiple perspectives, it becomes clear that she was far more than just a girl like that.

An Assassin’s Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker

When Lady Katherine's father is killed for being an illegally practicing Catholic, she discovers treason wasn't the only secret he's been hiding: he was also involved in a murder plot against the reigning Queen Elizabeth I. With nothing left to lose, Katherine disguises herself as a boy and travels to London to fulfill her father's mission, and to take it one step further--kill the queen herself. Katherine's opportunity comes in the form of William Shakespeare's newest play, which is to be performed in front of Her Majesty. But what she doesn't know is that the play is not just a play--it's a plot to root out insurrectionists and destroy the rebellion once and for all. The mastermind behind this ruse is Toby Ellis, a young spy for the queen with secrets of his own. When Toby and Katherine are cast opposite each other as the play's leads, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. But the closer they grow, the more precarious their positions become. And soon they learn that star-crossed love, mistaken identity, and betrayal are far more dangerous off the stage than on.

Ink, Iron, and Glass by Gwendolyn Clare

A certain pen, a certain book, and a certain person can craft entirely new worlds through a branch of science called scriptology. Elsa comes from one such world that was written into creation, where her mother―a noted scriptologist―constantly alters and expands their reality. But when her home is attacked and her mother kidnapped, Elsa is forced to cross into the real world and use her own scriptology gifts to find her. In an alternative Victorian Italy, Elsa finds a secret society of young scientists with a gift for mechanics, alchemy, or scriptology―and meets Leo, a gorgeous mechanist with a smart mouth and tragic past. She recruits the help of these fellow geniuses just as an assassin arrives on their doorstep.

Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles

When Marvin Johnson's twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun turns into a shooting, followed by a police raid. The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it's up to Marvin to find him. But when Tyler is found dead, a video leaked online tells an even more chilling story: Tyler has been shot and killed by a police officer. Terrified as his mother unravels and mourning a brother who is now a hashtag, Marvin must learn what justice and freedom really mean.

The Game Can’t Love You Back by Karole Cozzo

Eve is used to being the odd woman out. As the only girl on her school's baseball team, she knows exactly how to put sweaty, macho baseball players in their place, and she's focused on one thing and one thing only—being the best pitcher she can be. But when a freak accident forces her high school to be absorbed by the neighboring town, Eve has to contend with a new group of guys who aren't used to having a woman on their team. And the new team's star pitcher, Jamie, has no interest in being ousted from his throne. He can't afford to give up his starting slot to a new pitcher—even worse, to a girl. As the competition between Jamie and Eve starts to heat up, so does their attraction to each other. Can they keep their heads in the game, or will they end up getting played?

Driving by Starlight by Anat Deracine

Sixteen-year-olds Leena and Mishie are best friends. They delight in small rebellions against the Saudi cultural police—secret Western clothing, forbidden music, flirtations. But Leena wants college, independence—she wants a different life. Though her story is specific to her world (a world where it's illegal for women to drive, where a ten-year-old boy is the natural choice as guardian of a fatherless woman), ultimately it's a story about friendship, family, and freedom that transcends cultural differences.

Fire and Heist by Sarah Beth Durst

In Sky Hawkins's family, leading your first heist is a major milestone--even more so than learning to talk, walk, or do long division. It's a chance to gain power and acceptance within your family, and within society. But stealing your first treasure can be complicated, especially when you're a wyvern--a human capable of turning into a dragon. Embarking on a life of crime is never easy, and Sky discovers secrets about her mother, who recently went missing, the real reason her boyfriend broke up with her, and a valuable jewel that could restore her family's wealth and rank in their community. With a handpicked crew by her side, Sky knows she has everything she needs to complete her first heist, and get her boyfriend and mother back in the process. But then she uncovers a dark truth about were-dragon society--a truth more valuable and dangerous than gold or jewels could ever be.

The Queen Underneath by Stacey Filak

The Above and the Under have a tenuous truce that is shattered after the death of both their respective rulers. Gemma, the new queen of Under, must throw history aside and team up with Tollan, the heir to the Above throne, in order to take down a power that seeks to rule them all. Their group of rebels is comprised of an assassin, a sex worker, and a palace servant from Above, and we follow their unique perspectives as they are forced to question previously held beliefs. But even with war looming, romance still grows. Challenging gender roles and the expectation that every prince must have a princess, Tollan discovers love with Elam—a young man, a sex worker, and one of Gemma’s closest friends.

Hole in the Middle by Kendra Fortmeyer

Morgan Stone was born with a hole in her middle: perfectly smooth patch of nothing where a something should be. After seventeen years of fear and shame, doctors and nurses, "peculiar" not "perfect," she has had enough of hiding. Feisty, feminist and downright different, Hole in the Middle is the story of what happens when a girl who is anything but normal confronts a world obsessed with body image and celebrity.

Game of Secrets by Kim Foster

Felicity Cole sells flowers in the streets of Victorian London to feed herself and her young brother. But she has a close-guarded secret--her brother is a Tainted, born with special abilities that society fears and a shadowy organization called the Hunstsman scours the country to eliminate. When Felicity becomes the target of one of these individuals, she discovers something horrible: she's Tainted, too. Rescued by a mysterious gentleman on the eve of execution, she's whisked away to a school funded by Queen Victoria, established to train selected Tainted into assassins in service of the crown. Struggling to harness her incredible strength, speed, and agility, and despised by her classmates, all she wants is to use her new position to find a cure so she can be normal and reunited with her brother. But with the Golden Jubilee fast approaching and the discovery that there's a traitor in their midst, she has no choice but to embrace the one thing she's been fighting all along.

Brave Enough by Kati Gardner

Teenager Cason Martin is the youngest ballerina in the Atlanta Ballet Conservatory. She never really had a choice of whether she learned to dance or not. Her mother, the conservatory's artistic director, has made all the decisions in Cason's life. But that's about to change. Cason has been hiding an injury, and it's much worse than anyone imagines. Davis Channing understands all too well what it's like to give up control of your life. He's survived cancer, but his drug addiction nearly killed him. Now he's been sober for seven months and enjoying his community service at the hospital. But just when he thinks he's got it together, Davis's ex-girlfriend, who is still battling her addiction, barrels back into his life. Cason and Davis are not friends. But, as their worlds collide, they will start to depend on one another. Can they both be brave enough to beat the odds?

Chaotic Good by Whitney Gardner

Cameron's cosplay--dressing like a fictional character--is finally starting to earn her attention--attention she hopes to use to get into the CalTech costume department for college. But when she wins a major competition, she inadvertently sets off a firestorm of angry comments from male fans. When Cameron's family moves the summer before her senior year, she hopes to complete her costume portfolio in peace and quiet away from the abuse. Unfortunately, the only comic shop in town--her main destination for character reference--is staffed by a dudebro owner who challenges every woman who comes into the shop. At her twin brother's suggestion, Cameron borrows a set of his clothes and uses her costuming expertise to waltz into the shop as Boy Cameron, where she's shocked at how easily she's accepted into the nerd inner sanctum. Soon, Cameron finds herself drafted into a D&D campaign alongside the jerky shop-owner Brody, friendly (almost flirtatiously so) clerk Wyatt, handsome Lincoln, and her bro Cooper, dragged along for good measure. But as her "secret identity" gets more and more entrenched, Cameron's portfolio falls by the wayside--and her feelings for Lincoln threaten to make a complicated situation even more precarious.

When We Caught Fire by Anna Godbersen

It’s 1871 and Emmeline Carter is poised to take Chicago’s high society by storm. Between her father’s sudden rise to wealth, and her recent engagement to Chicago’s most eligible bachelor, Emmeline has it all. But she can’t stop thinking about the life she left behind, including her childhood sweetheart, Anders Magnuson. Fiona Byrne, Emmeline’s childhood best friend, is delighted by her friend’s sudden rise to prominence, especially since it means Fiona is free to pursue Anders herself. But when Emmeline risks everything for one final fling with Anders, Fiona feels completely betrayed. As the summer turns to fall, the city is at a tipping point: friendships are tested, hearts are broken, and the tiniest spark might set everything ablaze. Sweeping, soapy, and romantic, this is a story about an epic love triangle—one that will literally set the city ablaze, and change the lives of three childhood friends forever.

Love and Other Carnivorous Plants by Florence Gonsalves

Freshman year at Harvard was the most anticlimactic year of Danny's life. She's failing pre-med and drifting apart from her best friend. One by one, Danny is losing all the underpinnings of her identity. When she finds herself attracted to an older, edgy girl who she met in rehab for an eating disorder, she finally feels like she might be finding a new sense of self. But when tragedy strikes, her self-destructive tendencies come back to haunt her as she struggles to discover who that self really is.

When the Beat Drops by Anna Hecker

Seventeen-year-old Mira has always danced to her own beat. A music prodigy in a family of athletes, she'd rather play trumpet than party -- and with her audition to a prestigious jazz conservatory just around the corner (and her two best friends at music camp without her), she plans to spend the summer focused on jazz and nothing else. She only goes to the warehouse party in a last-ditch effort to bond with her older sister. Instead, she falls in love with dance music, DJing... and Derek, a gorgeous promoter who thinks he can make her a star. Suddenly trumpet practice and old friendships are taking a backseat to the packed dance floors, sun-soaked music festivals, outsized personalities, and endless beats of the EDM scene. But when a devastating tragedy plunges her golden summer into darkness, Mira discovers just how little she knows about her new boyfriend, her old friends, and even her own sister. Music is what brought them together... but will it also tear them apart?

Lizzie by Dawn Ius

Seventeen-year-old Lizzie Borden has never been kissed. Polite but painfully shy, Lizzie prefers to stay in the kitchen, where she can dream of becoming a chef and escape her reality. With tyrannical parents who force her to work at the family’s B&B and her blackout episodes—a medical condition that has plagued her since her first menstrual cycle—Lizzie longs for a life of freedom, the time and space to just figure out who she is and what she wants. Enter the effervescent, unpredictable Bridget Sullivan. Bridget has joined the B&B’s staff as the new maid, and Lizzie is instantly drawn to her artistic style and free spirit—even her Star Wars obsession is kind of cute. The two of them forge bonds that quickly turn into something that’s maybe more than friendship. But when her parents try to restrain Lizzie from living the life she wants, it sparks something in her that she can’t quite figure out. Her blackout episodes start getting worse, her instincts less and less reliable. Lizzie is angry, certainly, but she also feels like she’s going mad…

Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean

Each generation, a competition is held to find the next empress of Honoku. The rules are simple. Survive the palace’s enchanted seasonal rooms. Conquer Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Marry the prince. All are eligible to compete—all except yōkai, supernatural monsters and spirits whom the human emperor is determined to enslave and destroy. Mari has spent a lifetime training to become empress. Winning should be easy. And it would be, if she weren't hiding a dangerous secret. Mari is a yōkai with the ability to transform into a terrifying monster. If discovered, her life will be forfeit. As she struggles to keep her true identity hidden, Mari’s fate collides with that of Taro, the prince who has no desire to inherit the imperial throne, and Akira, a half-human, half-yōkai outcast.

Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake

The ancient land of Éirinn is mired in war. Ciara, Princess of Mide, has never known a time when Éirinn’s kingdoms were not battling for power, or Northmen were not plundering their shores. The people of Mide have thankfully always been safe because of Ciara’s unearthly ability to control her enemies’ minds and actions. But lately, a mysterious crow has been appearing to Ciara, whispering warnings of an even darker threat. Although her clansmen dismiss her visions as pagan nonsense, Ciara fears this coming evil will destroy not just Éirinn, but the entire world. Then the crow leads Ciara to Leif, a young Northman leader. Leif should be Ciara’s enemy, but when Ciara discovers that he, too, shares her prophetic visions, she knows he’s something more. Leif is mounting an impressive army, and with Ciara’s strength in battle the two might have a chance to save their world. With evil rising around them, they’ll do what it takes to defend the land they love…even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

Out of Left Field by Kris Hui Lee

Marnie has never had a hard time fitting in with the guys. It would take a lot more than their goofy antics to keep her from joining them at the neighborhood sandlot to do what she loves best: play ball. An added perk of hanging out at the sandlot? Spending time with Cody Kinski, their high school's star pitcher and Marnie's best friend. Sure, he can be stubborn and annoying. He also knows how to make her laugh and respects her skills on the field. And when he gets nailed in the arm by a bone-fracturing pitch, Marnie becomes the team's best chance at making it to the playoffs. Except no one told the guys they're supposed to be on her side. With her own team against her, Marnie begins questioning her abilities. And when fate throws her a curveball, can she play without losing the game, Cody, and her belief in herself?

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier

Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of del Mar's oldest friend. Soon he will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, an expedition past the Strait of Cain and into uncharted waters. Nothing stands in his way...until a long-ago tragedy creeps back into the light, threatening all he holds dear. The people of St. John del Mar have never recovered from the loss of their boy princes, kidnapped eighteen years ago, both presumed dead. But when two maps surface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear to be drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias's father, who vanished on that same fateful day? With the king's beautiful cousin by his side—whether he wants her there or not—Elias will race to solve the riddle of the princes. He will have to use his wits and guard his back. Because some truths are better left buried...and an unknown enemy stalks his every turn.

A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna

In a universe of capricious gods, dark moons, and kingdoms built on the backs of spaceships, a cursed queen sends her infant daughter away, a jealous uncle steals the throne of Kali from his nephew, and an exiled prince vows to take his crown back. Raised alone and far away from her home on Kali, Esmae longs to return to her family. When the King of Wychstar offers to gift the unbeatable, sentient warship Titania to a warrior that can win his competition, she sees her way home: she’ll enter the competition, reveal her true identity to the world, and help her famous brother win back the crown of Kali. It’s a great plan. Until it falls apart.

Learning to Breathe by Janice Lynn Mather

Indira Ferguson has done her best to live by her Grammy’s rules—to study hard in school, be respectful, and to never let a boy take advantage of her. But it hasn’t always been easy, especially while living in her mother’s shadow. When Indy is sent to live with distant relatives in Nassau, trouble follows her. Now she must hide an unwanted pregnancy from her aunt, who would rather throw Indy out onto the street than see the truth. Completely broke with only a hand-me-down pregnancy book as a resource, Indy desperately looks for a safe space to call home. After stumbling upon a yoga retreat, she wonders if perhaps she’s found the place. But Indy is about to discover that home is much bigger than just four walls and a roof—it’s about the people she chooses to share it with.

Now a Major Motion Picture by Cori McCarthy

Unlike the rest of the world, Iris doesn't care about the famous high-fantasy Elementia books written by M. E. Thorne. So it's just a little annoying that M. E. Thorne is her grandmother—and that Iris has to deal with the trilogy's crazy fans. When Iris gets dropped in Ireland for the movie adaptation, she sees her opportunity: if she can shut down production, the Elementia craze won't grow any bigger, and she can finally have a normal life. Not even the rascally-cute actor Eamon O'Brien can get in her way. But the crew's passion is contagious, and as Iris begins to find herself in the very world she has avoided her whole life, she realizes that this movie might just be amazing…

Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

The del Cisne girls have never just been sisters; they’re also rivals, Blanca as obedient and graceful as Roja is vicious and manipulative. They know that, because of a generations-old spell, their family is bound to a bevy of swans deep in the woods. They know that, one day, the swans will pull them into a dangerous game that will leave one of them a girl, and trap the other in the body of a swan. But when two local boys become drawn into the game, the swans’ spell intertwines with the strange and unpredictable magic lacing the woods, and all four of their fates depend on facing truths that could either save or destroy them.

The Unbinding of Mary Reade by Miriam McNamara

There’s no place for a girl in Mary’s world. Not in the home of her mum, desperately drunk and poor. Not in the household of her wealthy granny, where no girl can be named an heir. And certainly not in the arms of Nat, her childhood love who never knew her for who she was. As a sailor aboard a Caribbean merchant ship, Mary’s livelihood—and her safety—depends on her ability to disguise her gender. At least, that’s what she thinks is true. But then pirates attack the ship, and in the midst of the gang of cutthroats, Mary spots something she never could have imagined: a girl pirate. The sight of a girl standing unafraid upon the deck, gun and sword in hand, changes everything. In a split-second decision, Mary turns her gun on her own captain, earning herself the chance to join the account and become a pirate alongside Calico Jack and Anne Bonny. For the first time, Mary has a shot at freedom. But imagining living as her true self is easier, it seems, than actually doing it. And when Mary finds herself falling for the captain’s mistress, she risks everything—her childhood love, her place among the crew, and even her life.

Beneath the Haunting Sea by Joanna Ruth Meyer

Sixteen-year-old Talia was born to a life of certainty and luxury, destined to become Empress of half the world. But when an ambitious rival seizes power, she and her mother are banished to a nowhere province on the far edge of the Northern Sea. It is here, in the drafty halls of the Ruen-Dahr, that Talia discovers family secrets, a melancholy boy with a troubling vision of her future, and a relic that holds the power of an ancient Star. On these shores, the eerie melody of the sea is stronger than ever, revealing long-forgotten tales of the Goddess Rahn. The more dark truths that Talia unravels about the gods' history--and her own--the more the waves call to her, and it may be her destiny to answer.

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings edited by Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman

Star-crossed lovers, meddling immortals, feigned identities, battles of wits, and dire warnings. These are the stuff of fairy tale, myth, and folklore that have drawn us in for centuries. Fifteen bestselling and acclaimed authors reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in short stories that are by turns enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate. Compiled by We Need Diverse Books’s Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman, the authors included in this exquisite collection are: Renee Ahdieh, Sona Charaipotra, Preeti Chhibber, Roshani Chokshi, Aliette de Bodard, Melissa de la Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Rahul Kanakia, Lori M. Lee, E. C. Myers, Cindy Pon, Aisha Saeed, Shveta Thakrar, and Alyssa Wong.

Sweet Black Waves by Kristina Perez

Two proud kingdoms stand on opposite shores, with only a bloody history between them. As best friend and lady-in-waiting to the princess, Branwen is guided by two principles: devotion to her homeland and hatred for the raiders who killed her parents. When she unknowingly saves the life of her enemy, he awakens her ancient healing magic and opens her heart. Branwen begins to dream of peace, but the princess she serves is not so easily convinced. Fighting for what's right, even as her powers grow beyond her control, will set Branwen against both her best friend and the only man she's ever loved. 

Sometime After Midnight by L. Philips

In a dingy Los Angeles club late one night, Cameron and Nate meet and find they have much more in common than their love of an obscure indie band. But when Nate learns that Cameron is the heir to a record label, the very one that destroyed his father's life, he runs away as fast as he can. The only evidence of their brief but intense connection is a blurry photo Cameron snaps of Nate's Sharpie-decorated Chuck Taylors as he flees. Considering that Cameron is a real life Prince Charming--he's handsome, famous, and rich--it's only fitting that he sets out to find the owner of the Sharpied shoes. Cameron's twin sister, a model and socialite, posts the picture of Nate's shoes on Instagram to her legions of fans with the caption, "Anyone know the gorgeous owner of these shoes? My hottie brother is looking for him." The internet just about breaks with the news of a modern fairy tale and the two become entwined in each other's lives in this sparkling story about the power of music, the demons that haunt us, and the flutterings of first real love.

Give the Dark My Love by Beth Revis

When seventeen-year-old Nedra Brysstain leaves her home in the rural, northern territories of Lunar Island to attend the prestigious Yugen Academy, she has only one goal in mind: learn the trade of medicinal alchemy. A scholarship student matriculating with the children of Lunar Island's wealthiest and most powerful families, Nedra doesn't quite fit in with the other kids at Yugen, who all look down on her. All, except for Greggori "Grey" Astor. Grey is immediately taken by the brilliant and stubborn Nedra, who he notices is especially invested in her studies. And that's for a good reason: a deadly plague has been sweeping through the North, and it's making its way toward the cities. With her family's life--and the lives of all of Lunar Island's citizens--on the line, Nedra is determined to find a cure for the plague. Grey and Nedra continue to grow closer, but as the sickness spreads and the body count rises, Nedra becomes desperate to find a cure. Soon, she finds herself diving into alchemy's most dangerous corners--and when she turns to the most forbidden practice of all, necromancy, even Grey might not be able to pull her from the darkness.

Always Forever Maybe by Anica Mrose Rissi

When Betts meets Aiden at the candy store where she works, their connection is like a sugar rush to the heart. Betts already knows the two of them are infinite. Inevitable. Destined to become an us. Betts has only ever kept one secret from her best friend, Jo, but suddenly there’s a long list of things she won’t tell her, things Jo wouldn’t understand. Because Jo doesn’t see how good Aiden is for Betts. She finds him needy. Possessive. Controlling. She’s wrong. With a love like this, nothing else matters.

Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts) by Lev A.C. Rosen

Meet Jack Rothman. He's seventeen and loves partying, makeup and boys - sometimes all at the same time. His sex life makes him the hot topic for the high school gossip machine. But who cares? Like Jack always says, 'it could be worse'. He doesn't actually expect that to come true. But after Jack starts writing an online sex advice column, the mysterious love letters he's been getting take a turn for the creepy. Jack's secret admirer knows everything: where he's hanging out, who he's sleeping with, who his mum is dating. They claim they love Jack, but not his unashamedly queer lifestyle. They need him to curb his sexuality, or they'll force him. As the pressure mounts, Jack must unmask his stalker before their obsession becomes genuinely dangerous...

Where I Live by Brenda Rufener

LINDEN ROSE HAS RULES FOR SURVIVAL. 1. Prevent the in-class nap. 2. Never carry too many belongings. 3. Avoid looking the part. Her rules guarantee no one discovers her secret–that she’s homeless and living in the halls of her small-town high school. Her best friends, Ham and Seung, have formed a makeshift family, and writing for her school’s blog prevents downtime. When you’re homeless, free time sucks. Despite everything Linden’s burdened with, she holds on to hope for a future and a maybe romance with Seung. But when cool-girl Bea comes to school with a bloody lip, the damage hits too close to home. Linden begins looking at Bea’s life, and soon her investigation prompts people to pay attention. And attention is the last thing Linden needs. To put a stop to the violence, Linden must tell the story. Even if it breaks her rules for survival and jeopardizes the secrets she’s worked so hard to keep.

Not the Girls You’re Looking For by Aminah Mae Safi

Lulu Saad doesn't need your advice, thank you very much. She's got her three best friends and nothing can stop her from conquering the known world. Sure, for half a minute she thought she’d nearly drowned a cute guy at a party, but he was totally faking it. And fine, yes, she caused a scene during Ramadan. It's all under control. Ish. Except maybe this time she’s done a little more damage than she realizes. And if Lulu can't find her way out of this mess soon, she'll have to do more than repair friendships, family alliances, and wet clothing. She'll have to go looking for herself.

Amber and Dusk by Lyra Selene

Sylvie has always known she deserves more. Out in the permanent twilight of the Dusklands, her guardians called her power to create illusions a curse. But Sylvie knows it gives her a place in Coeur d'Or, the palais of the Amber Empress and her highborn legacies. So Sylvie sets off toward the Amber City, a glittering jewel under a sun that never sets, to take what is hers. But her hope for a better life is quickly dimmed. The empress invites her in only as part of a wicked wager among her powerful courtiers. Sylvie must assume a new name, Mirage, and begin to navigate secretive social circles and deadly games of intrigue in order to claim her spot. Soon it becomes apparent that nothing is as it appears and no one, including her cruel yet captivating sponsor, Sunder, will answer her questions. As Mirage strives to assume what should be her rightful place, she'll have to consider whether it is worth the price she must pay.

My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma

Winnie Mehta was never really convinced that Raj was her soulmate, but their love was written in the stars. Literally, a pandit predicted Winnie would find the love of her life before her 18th birthday, and Raj meets all of the qualifications. Which is why Winnie is shocked to return from her summer at film camp to find her boyfriend of three years hooking up with Jenny Dickens. Worse, Raj is crowned chair of the student film festival, a spot Winnie was counting on for her film school applications. As a self-proclaimed Bollywood expert, Winnie knows this is not how her perfect ending is scripted. Then there’s Dev, a fellow film geek, and one of the few people Winnie can count on to help her reclaim control of her story. Dev is smart charming, and challenges Winnie to look beyond her horoscope to find someone she’d pick for herself. But does falling for Dev mean giving up on her prophecy, and her chance to live happily ever after? To get her Bollywood-like life on track, Winnie will need a little bit of help from fate, family, and of course, a Bollywood movie star.

Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd

Seventeen-year-old Anouk envies the human world, where people known as Pretties lavish themselves in fast cars, high fashion, and have the freedom to fall in love. But Anouk can never have those things, because she is not really human. Enchanted from animal to human girl and forbidden to venture beyond her familiar Parisian prison, Anouk is a Beastie: destined for a life surrounded by dust bunnies and cinders serving Mada Vittora, the evil witch who spelled her into existence. That is, until one day she finds her mistress murdered in a pool of blood—and Anouk is accused of the crime. Now, the world she always dreamed of is rife with danger. Pursued through Paris by the underground magical society known as the Haute, Anouk and her fellow Beasties only have three days to find the real killer before the spell keeping them human fades away. If they fail, they will lose the only lives they’ve ever known…but if they succeed, they could be more powerful than anyone ever bargained for.

The Art of French Kissing by Brianna Shrum

Seventeen-year-old Carter Lane has wanted to be a chef since she was old enough to ignore her mom's warnings to stay away from the hot stove. And now she has the chance of a lifetime: a prestigious scholarship competition in Savannah, where students compete all summer in Chopped style challenges for a full-ride to one of the best culinary schools in the country. The only impossible challenge ingredient in her basket: Reid Yamada. After Reid, her cute but unbearably cocky opponent, goes out of his way to screw her over on day one, Carter vows revenge, and soon they're involved in a full-fledged culinary war. Just as the tension between them reaches its boiling point, Carter and Reid are forced to work together if they want to win, and Carter begins to wonder if Reid's constant presence in her brain is about more than rivalry. And if maybe her desire to smack his mouth doesn't necessarily cancel out her desire to kiss it.

Hullmetal Girls by Emily Skrutskie

Aisha Un-Haad would do anything for her family. When her brother contracts a plague, she knows her janitor's salary isn't enough to fund his treatment. So she volunteers to become a Scela, a mechanically enhanced soldier sworn to protect and serve the governing body of the Fleet, the collective of starships they call home. If Aisha can survive the harrowing modifications and earn an elite place in the Scela ranks, she may be able to save her brother. Key Tanaka awakens in a Scela body with only hazy memories of her life before. She knows she's from the privileged end of the Fleet, but she has no recollection of why she chose to give up a life of luxury to become a hulking cyborg soldier. If she can make it through the training, she might have a shot at recovering her missing past. In a unit of new recruits vying for top placement, Aisha's and Key's paths collide, and the two must learn to work together--a tall order for girls from opposite ends of the Fleet. But a rebellion is stirring, pitting those who yearn for independence from the Fleet against a government struggling to maintain unity. With violence brewing and dark secrets surfacing, Aisha and Key find themselves questioning their loyalties. They will have to put aside their differences, though, if they want to keep humanity from tearing itself apart.

Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitch Smith

When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, “dating while Native” can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?

Unstoppable Moses by Tyler James Smith

After accidentally burning down a bowling alley with his cousin and best friend, Charlie, Moses has one week as a camp counselor to prove to the authorities—and to himself—that he isn't a worthless jerk who belongs in jail, when Charlie doesn't get that chance.

What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper

After losing her family and everything she knew in the Nazi concentration camps, Gerta is finally liberated, only to find herself completely alone. Without her Papa, her music, or even her true identity, she must move past the task of surviving and onto living her life. In the displaced persons camp where she is staying, Gerta meets Lev, a fellow teen survivor who she just might be falling for, despite her feelings for someone else. With a newfound Jewish identity she never knew she had, and a return to the life of music she thought she lost forever, Gerta must choose how to build a new future.

Odd One Out by Nic Stone

Courtney "Coop" Cooper Dumped. Again. And normally I wouldn't mind. But right now, my best friend and source of solace, Jupiter Sanchez, is ignoring me to text some girl. Rae Evelyn Chin I assumed "new girl" would be synonymous with "pariah," but Jupiter and Courtney make me feel like I'm right where I belong. I also want to kiss him. And her. Which is . . . perplexing. Jupiter Charity-Sanchez The only thing worse than losing the girl you love to a boy is losing her to your boy. That means losing him, too. I have to make a move. . . . One story. Three sides. No easy answers.

Love a la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Rosie Radeke firmly believes that happiness can be found at the bottom of a mixing bowl. But she never expected that she, a random nobody from East Liberty, Ohio, would be accepted to celebrity chef Denis Laurent's school in Paris, the most prestigious cooking program for teens in the entire world. Life in Paris, however, isn't all cream puffs and crepes. Faced with a challenging curriculum and a nightmare professor, Rosie begins to doubt her dishes. Henry Yi grew up in his dad's restaurant in Chicago, and his lifelong love affair with food landed him a coveted spot in Chef Laurent's school. He quickly connects with Rosie, but academic pressure from home and his jealousy over Rosie's growing friendship with gorgeous bad-boy baker Bodie Tal makes Henry lash out and push his dream girl away. Desperate to prove themselves, Rosie and Henry cook like never before while sparks fly between them. But as they reach their breaking points, they wonder whether they have what it takes to become real chefs.

A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan

King Midas once had the ability to turn all he touched into gold. But after his gift—or curse—almost killed his daughter, Midas relinquished The Touch forever. Ten years later, Princess Kora still bears the consequences of her father’s wish: her skin shines golden, rumors follow her everywhere she goes, and she harbors secret powers that are getting harder to hide. Kora spends her days locked in the palace, concealed behind gloves and veils, trying to ignore the stares and gossip of courtiers. It isn’t until a charming young duke arrives that Kora realizes there may be someone out there who doesn’t fear her or her curse. But their courtship is disrupted when a thief steals precious items from the kingdom, leaving the treasury depleted and King Midas vulnerable. Thanks to her unique ability to sense gold, Kora is the only one who can track the thief down. As she sails off on her quest, Kora learns that not everything is what it seems—not thieves, not pirates, and not even curses. She quickly discovers that gold—and the power it brings—is more dangerous than she’d ever believed. Midas learned his lesson at a price. What will Kora’s journey cost?

Nothing But Sky by Amy Trueblood

Grace Lafferty only feels alive when she's dangling 500 feet above ground. As a post-World War I wing walker, Grace is determined to get to the World Aviation Expo, proving her team’s worth against flashier competitors and earning a coveted Hollywood contract. No one’s ever questioned Grace’s ambition until Henry Patton, a mechanic with plenty of scars from the battlefield, joins her barnstorming team. With each new death-defying trick, Henry pushes Grace to consider her reasons for being a daredevil. Annoyed with Henry’s constant interference, and her growing attraction to him, Grace continues to test the powers of the sky. After one of her risky maneuvers saves a pilot’s life, a Hollywood studio offers Grace a chance to perform at the Expo. She jumps at the opportunity to secure her future. But when a stunt goes wrong, Grace must decide whether Henry, and her life, are worth risking for one final trick.

The Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke

Frey, Ovie, Juniper, and Runa are the Boneless Mercies—girls hired to kill quickly, quietly, and mercifully. But Frey is weary of the death trade and, having been raised on the heroic sagas of her people, dreams of a bigger life. When she hears of an unstoppable monster ravaging a nearby town, Frey decides this is the Mercies' one chance out. The fame and fortune of bringing down such a beast would ensure a new future for all the Mercies. In fact, her actions may change the story arc of women everywhere.

The Brightsiders by Jen Wilde

As a rock star drummer in the hit band The Brightsiders, Emmy King’s life should be perfect. But there’s nothing the paparazzi love more than watching a celebrity crash and burn. When a night of partying lands Emmy in hospital and her girlfriend in jail, she’s branded the latest tabloid train wreck. Luckily, Emmy has her friends and bandmates, including the super-swoonworthy Alfie, to help her pick up the pieces of her life. She knows hooking up with a band member is exactly the kind of trouble she should be avoiding, and yet Emmy and Alfie Just. Keep. Kissing. Will the inevitable fallout turn her into a clickbait scandal (again)? Or will she find the strength to stand on her own?

[were-cheetah-stiles]

The Summer Fling (Chapter 8) - Dylan O’Brien

Author: @were-cheetah-stiles

Title: “San Diego Convention Center”

Relationship: Dylan O’Brien x Reader/OFC

Author’s Note: This is July 20th. Okay. Cool. Bye.

Summary: Dylan spends his morning talking about his relationship with you to Tyler and Colton, before he has an uncomfortable run in in the middle of the convention center.

Chapter Seven - Chapter Eight - Chapter Nine

"Bro, I am so emotional today, I can't even talk about Teen Wolf before the panel or I'm gonna lose it. Can we please talk about something else?" Tyler complained to Colton.

"Fine. Let's talk about you. Bella Thorne? Really, Ty?" Colton teased and Dylan snickered.

"Oh, yea, this is a better topic for him." Dylan mumbled sarcastically, without looking up from his phone.

"I mean, honestly, Tyler, what were you thinking? She's kind of trashy and she was way too young for you." Colton criticized Posey over his choice in women.

Posey chuckled and shook his head. "Nah, man, be nice. She's hot and, she's actually really sweet... and what are you talking about? Jeff is like twenty years older than you." Tyler countered, bringing up Colton's fiancé.

"Yes, but I'm almost thirty and we're in love,

 so.." Colton pretended to glare at his old friend, and then observed Shelley walk by with Linden and Melissa while staring at Dylan, who didn't notice any of the exchange. He turned back to Tyler, who simply shrugged. "You not talking to Shelley?" Colton leaned over and asked Dylan, who was sitting in the holding room in the basement of the convention center with the rest of his cast, scrolling through articles about the Mets on his phone.

He looked up at Colton and then glanced over at his estranged friend, then bobbed his head to the side. "Not really, I guess. I think Britt won her in the divorce." Dylan barely laughed at his own joke.

"How you holding up, buddy? You look good.." Tyler gripped Dylan's shoulder and massaged it for a moment.

Dylan's mouth turned up at the corner and he clicked his phone off. "Thanks, Pose. You look good too." Tyler smirked and Colton shook his head and laughed at the two best friends. "I'm doing good though." Dylan paused as Sprayberry sat down next to Tyler and joined their conversation. "I've just been hanging out, you know? Enjoying New York and shit." Dylan smirked, then rolled his lips back into his mouth to suppress the involuntary smile. He began jiggling his leg as he watched Colton and Tyler smirk at each other.

"What's her name?" Colton asked smugly.

"Y/n." Tyler answered with a grin.

"Is she an appropriate age?" Colton made a playful dig at Tyler over their earlier conversation.

Dylan chuckled and folded his hands over his stomach and leaned back in his chair. He was relaxed getting to talk about you. He knew that they would be the easiest questions he'd get to answer all day. "Yea, she's like ten months older than me."

"How'd you meet her? What does she look like? Give me the details, man." Colton prodded, leaning forward and poking Dylan in the knee with his fingers. Tyler leaned forward a smidge as well, curious to learn more about the girl that Dylan had been spending his summer with.

Dylan unlocked his phone and pulled up the photo that was taken of the two of you by Jay at Silly Lilly's weeks earlier. He handed the phone to Colton, who zoomed in on your face, and tilted the screen so that Tyler could see it too. "Yo, she's hot. Who is that?" Dylan Sprayberry said as he glanced over Tyler's shoulder at the phone.

"Dyl's little summer hook up, or?" Colton teased, tilting his head to the side.

"We're figuring it out when I get back next week." Dylan smiled.

"Sick, dude. Yo, Khylin, Shell and I are going upstairs for a smoke, you coming?" Sprayberry asked Dylan.

Dylan smiled and shook his head. "Nah, actually, I'm good."

Tyler cocked his head back and smirked at Dylan. "You finally quit?"

Dylan bobbed his head back and forth. "I mean, it was never that serious, but since I've been hanging out with Y/n, and she fucking hates smoking, I haven't really been doing it anymore, especially the past two weeks." Dylan clarified.

"So she's a good influence too?" Tyler asked, his mouth in a full on grin.

Dylan nodded, then stared down at the floor and thought about you, a massive smile breaking out on his lips. "She's pretty phenomenal actually."

"What's she like? What does she do? What have you guys been doing?" Colton pried. "Give us the deets."

Dylan laughed and then began rubbing at the slight stubble growing on his jaw. "Okay, well, she went to Boston College with Julia, and that's how I met her. She's really smart, and funny and fun and she's always down to do whatever, and she's really adventurous and active, so she's really got me out and doing things, which is good, but at the same time, we've burned through like five seasons of Game of Thrones in about a month, so she's also kind of a homebody, which I love, and she's obviously beautiful..." Dylan gestured to his phone, resting on top of his knee, reminding them of the picture he had just shown them. "She's got great taste in movies and tv and music..." Dylan looked at Tyler. "Actually, bro, you'd fucking love her taste in music. I was going through her iTunes the other day and she had all this shit you listen to."

"Yo, she's from Long Island, right?" Tyler asked, having been caught up a little more about you by Dylan beforehand than Colton or Sprayberry. Dylan nodded. "You think she listens to Bayside?"

Dylan snickered and then picked up his phone. "Let's find out.. It's early enough that she maybe hasn't left for work yet."

Dylan O'Brien: Hey, you. I'm talking about you to Colton and Tyler and DylSpray, and Ty wants to know if you listen to Bayside.

"What does she do?" Sprayberry asked, as they all watched Dylan compose the text to you.

"She wants to be a journalist or work for a non-profit maybe, but for now, she works a couple of part-time jobs and just travels a lot. She had been all over Asia this spring, and was in Vietnam when she had to come home unexpectedly." Dylan explained, glancing at his phone again to see if you had texted him back yet. You hadn't.

"Damn, she's a world traveler then." Colton smirked, and raised his eyebrows.

Dylan laughed and nodded. "Yea, we watched the new trailer for AA and she immediately clocked one of the filming locations as Piazza Navona. It was crazy."

"So what've you guys been doing in New York?" Sprayberry asked still sitting next to Tyler, not having gone up to smoke with Shelley and Khylin, instead getting wrapped up in hearing Dylan's updates.

Dylan smiled genuinely and rubbed the screen of his phone against his black trousers. "We've been watching a ton of Thrones, so that's definitely one. We went paddleboarding and surfing and kayaking, and um, we've been walking her dog a bunch and just kind of hanging out at the beach. We've gone on a few hikes, and I took her to see Spider-Man..." Dylan paused to try to remember all of the dates that you had been on since you got back from Kansas. "We've been in the city a bunch too. I took her to a Mets game, regardless of the fact that she's a die-hard Yankees fan."

Tyler cut him off. "Dude, what? You're hanging out with a Yankees fan? That's so fucking weird for you."

Dylan laughed loudly and nodded. "I know. But what I learned from that date is that, while she will heckle me and tell me that Derek Jeter or Andy Pettite wouldn't have made that mistake, or whatever bullshit, she is actually just a New York baseball fan at heart, and she knew a lot about my Mets and she was shitting on the Rockies for the entire game. It was fucking great." Dylan smiled and thought back on how much fun he had at the baseball game with you. He continued listing off the things you had done. "What else..? We went to a winery on the North Fork. We went to The Met and she showed me all her favorite art. We saw Six Degrees of Separation on Broadway..."

Colton interrupted. "Oh my god, how was Allison Janney?" He asked.

Dylan smirked and then felt his phone buzz. "She was really good." He grinned as he handed his phone to Tyler, showing him what you had texted him back.

Y/n Y/L/N: i'm a Long Islander.. i think i would get my ass kicked if i didn't listen to Bayside.

Y/n Y/L/N: i'm at work, so i had to dig through my pictures, but show this to Posey.

"WHOA. WHAT THE FUCK, BRO!" Posey yelled, an excited smile spread across his face. "She collects records and has Bayside? Is she part of the Cult? Dude, dude.. I am so stoked on this chick right now. I'm texting her back."

Dylan laughed and let Posey do what he wanted, trusting his best friend not to make an ass of himself. "So, yea, we've been doing a lot and I really like her and we've just been having a lot of fun. It's been a really good summer so far."

"What does your sister think about you basically dating one of her friends?" Colton asked.

Dylan watched as Tyler and Sprayberry took a goofy selfie and sent it to you and he smirked and shook his head, then turned back to answer Colton's question. "She actually doesn't know."

"How does Julia not know, man?" Sprayberry asked.

"Quit pressuring him, guys. It's new." Tyler teased Dylan and handed him back his phone. "She's hella cool, bro. Definitely an upgrade. Keep her."

Dylan laughed, and a small blush rose to his cheeks, which he tried to hide as he began rubbing the sides of his face and jaw with his hand. "Yea, she's really great, but uh, I don't know. We haven't even discussed if it's just like a summer fling kind of deal or if this could potentially go somewhere yet.. Plus, I'm a little afraid that Jules is going to be pissed, either at me or at Y/n or at us both, and I just don't want that."

"Julia always seemed cool, I'm sure it'll be fine." Colton reassured his old friend, and Dylan bobbed his head to the side, and began chewing on his bottom lip.

"Hate to break up this reunion, boys, but we're heading up. Dyl, sweetie, you're going up in the next elevator." Melissa walked over in her vibrant floral dress and beautiful black curls, and prompted the group to get going up to the panel. Colton and Sprayberry followed her over to the large service elevator that would take them up to the convention hall, but Tyler stayed behind and put his hand on Dylan's knee.

"Dyl, you seem much better, but I missed you, dude."

Dylan smiled and leaned forward to place his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "I missed you too, man. I'll be out here a little more next month, I go back to New York pretty quickly this week though."

Tyler nodded and stood, Dylan following suit, and he embraced his best friend in a tight hug. "I love you, bro. I can't believe we're about to do this."

"I love you too, Ty. I'll see you upstairs, alright?" Dylan patted him on the shoulder and watched as he walked off to join the rest of the cast in the elevator.

Dylan sat back down; he knew it would be about five minutes before he would get to go upstairs to the panel. He checked his phone. He had seven text messages.

Holland Roden: Dyl, have fun today. Enjoy it for the both of us.

Holland Roden: I miss you tons. We have to get dinner the next time we're both in LA.

Holland Roden: And don't ignore Shelley. The two of you were best friends. Just try to remember that. Loveeee you.<3

Tyler Hoechlin: Love you too boo boo.

Dylan snickered at the text from Tyler, and scrolled past one from his mom that he swore he would answer later, and one from Taylor Kitsch stating how excited he was to start press and see him again. Then he got to the text he wanted to see: yours.

Y/n Y/L/N: YO, YOU SHOULD COME OUT FOR A HOMETOWN BAYSIDE SHOW. IT'LL BE DOPE.

Dylan laughed out loud, took a screenshot of the text conversation, and sent it off to Posey. He then went back to text you.

Dylan O'Brien: Posey is in love with you now.

Y/n Y/L/N: can i assume this is my Dyl and not Sprayberry?

Dylan's heart skipped a beat over the words, 'my Dyl'. An uncontrollable smirk broke out across his face.

Dylan O'Brien: It's your Dyl. I miss you a lot.

Y/n Y/L/N: you're the cutest. i miss you too. :( what are you up to right now?

Dylan O'Brien: I'm about to go upstairs to the panel. I'm really nervous actually.

Y/n Y/L/N: you're going to have the time of your life. enjoy it. try to take moments every so often to just look around and take it all in. you're going to do great :)

Dylan O'Brien: :)

Dylan O'Brien: You're the best. I'll talk to you later tonight. Have a good day.

He locked his phone screen, shoved it in his pocket, scrunched the left sleeve of his dark gray henley, and stood up to follow the security guard upstairs to do his final Teen Wolf panel ever.

After the emotional and bittersweet panel was over, Dylan had to do interviews and attend some small sponsored parties with his cast mates. It didn't matter that he kept getting seated next to Shelley, he was flying high on endorphins over how well the day was going, and how supported he felt by you; always sitting in his front pocket, a call or text away if he needed you. He decided to take Holland's advice, and pulled Shelley aside before the IMDB interview with Kevin Smith. They talked for a few minutes, with Dylan reassuring her that they were still friends and he still loved her, and her apologizing for what Britt did to him. They hugged it out and Dylan began feeling much more relaxed.

Dylan was feeling good enough, and slightly intoxicated enough that, along with some security, he decided to walk through the floor of the convention center to interact with the fans a little more before leaving. He walked through with Tyler, Sprayberry, Cody and Khylin and the moment that they hit the floor, they were swarmed. They managed to get about half way through the building when they came across the cast of Riverdale finishing up their signing event and being pulled away to their panel.

"Shit... fuck shit, shit." Tyler whispered as he saw Dylan connect his eyes with none other than Britt. "We have to go..." Tyler tugged on Dylan's shirt, but didn't get him to move.

"Dude, people are watching." Cody commented, scanning the crowd that was forming.

"Cody’s right. Just say hi, and leave... fuck." Dylan whispered to Tyler.

"Well, this isn't going to be good." Khylin mumbled as he watched Dylan's ex-girlfriend approaching rapidly with a smile on her face.

"Hey, Dyl. I was wondering if I was going to see you today." She hugged Dylan, who's breath hitched in the back of his throat as he smelled the familiar fruity scent of her shampoo. "Hey, T-Pose." Britt tried to lighten the mood and went to hug Tyler, but he backed up slightly and simply nodded at her. "Hey guys." She smiled at Cody, Sprayberry and Khylin behind the two older boys. The three of them simply smiled and waved halfheartedly. "So, I heard the panel went well."

Dylan glanced around him and noticed the increasing presence of camera phones being lifted in the air around them, trying to get a shot of the awkward Hollywood couple reunion. He pursed his lips and raised his eyebrows. "Yea, it was good."

"Listen, we gotta go.." Tyler interjected, but was quickly cut off by a fan who got through the security barrier around them.

"Oh my god, oh my god. Oh my god, can I please get a picture? Oh my god, this is so exciting. Please?" She glanced between the cast and Britt.

Tyler smiled and nodded and positioned the sweet young girl in between him and Dylan. Cody, Sprayberry and Khylin all gathered around to join the photo-op, but before the security guard could snap the picture, the young fan grabbed Britt's arm and pulled her in. "Please, I am so glad the rumors weren't true and you two are still together. You have to be in the picture. I loved A Dog's Purpose so much."

Dylan sighed and lightly put his arm around Britt's shoulders as she wrapped hers around his waist and they all stood for a moment for the picture. "Thanks, sweetheart." Tyler hugged the fan one last time before security escorted her back outside of the group.

"Dyl, can I talk to you really quick?" Britt asked in a hushed tone.

Dylan pursed his lips and exhaled deeply, still feeling the eyes of a third of the convention center resting intently on their exchange. He was both grateful and miserable over the next interruption.

"Hey, babe, we're going in, are you coming?" Dylan looked over and immediately recognized the fake orange mop of hair talking to Britt. He connected eyes with the younger man and felt sick. "H-hey, man.. Good to see you." KJ hesitantly extended his hand out to Dylan's and Dylan shook it reluctantly. Dylan didn't say a word.

"Yea, yea, I'm coming right now..." Britt told KJ, then returned her gaze to her ex. "Um, I'll see you or text you, okay?"

Dylan simply pursed his lips and quirked his eyebrows up, then watched her walk away with her hand in KJ's. "Let's get the fuck out of here... Spray, give me your cigarettes." Dylan turned and looked at his friends, then held out his hand as Sprayberry placed the entire pack in Dylan's palm. "Let's go."

Dylan smoked in the car with Khylin and Sprayberry all the way to the hotel, then chain smoked the rest of Dylan's pack until his hands stopped shaking. He felt the anxiety begin to melt off of him as the thick smoke filled his lungs, and finally he relaxed.

Dylan decided to stay in instead of going out with Tyler and the rest of his cast mates, and laid on the large and white king sized bed in his hotel room. He checked his phone. He had four texts from Posey, checking in on him, one more from his mom and seven from Britt. He couldn't stand to read any of them. The one person that he wanted to talk to had not texted him once since that morning. He felt doubt and panic begin to creep into his mind, and he finally tossed his phone across the room, landing gently on the carpeted floor.

He pulled his hands up to his face and rubbed hard against his closed eyes, trying to stave off the early stages of a stress headache. He decided to get up, grab his phone and just call you. He was certain that you weren't texting him because you wanted him to enjoy his time with his cast, but he needed to hear your voice and make sure that your silence wasn't something more. He tapped your number and watched as the call connected and began ringing. It rang and rang and then went to voicemail.

"You've reached Y/n's cell, I'm probably in a different country, you really should just email me." He smiled at your soft snicker. "Leave me a message and I'll maybe get back to you. Thanks."

He was both frustrated by you not answering, and also instantly calmed by the sound of your voice. He began speaking after the beep. "Hey.. Uh, I just.." He glanced at the clock under his hotel TV and shook his head. "I just realized what time it is there and now I'm grateful that you didn't answer and I didn't wake you. I'll just talk to you tomorrow. I hope you had a good day... I miss you..... okay, yea, bye."

Dylan sat down at the foot of his bed, placed his phone next to him, leaned his elbows against his thighs, and shoved his hands against his face. He felt the skin of his cheeks and lips move up and down with the movement of his hands. He thought about calling you again, just to get your voicemail and hear your voice one last time. He decided that running out and getting a pack of cigarettes would probably be a more thoughtful solution, and wouldn't run the risk of waking you up at two in the morning. He sighed heavily and scanned the room for where he had left his shoes. He walked over to his suitcase and pick them up off of the floor when he heard a gentle knocking at his door.

He walked over and opened it. "Hey." He said with complete and utter surprise spreading over his face.

"Hi."

Who do you think is at the doooooooor? Spoiler alert: It’s Hoech. 

@fuckwhateverfuck @l4life @ninja-stiles @lightbreaksthrough @maddie110201 @hattyohatt @stilinski-stydia-obrien @iknowisoundcrazy @leilaelizabeth @5secsxofamnesia @awkwarddly @completebandgeek @chivesoup @ivette29 @sunshineystilinski @twentyone-souls @obrosey-af @anonimereader06 @yaehl @theneverendingracetrack @fillthevoid-stilinski @teenwolf2424 @redstringlovers @jademorris @mrs-mitch-rapp93 @dailyburritos @lolaversuslipstick @mieczzyslaw @im-very-odd33 @amethystmerm4id @anonimereader06 @itsamberh @eccentricxem @mayahart02 @susybird @sp00der-m00n @like-a-bag-of-potatoes @kittykayrose @ellie-bee242 @nocturnalzeal @alexhmak @sumcp @girlwiththerubyslippers @wittystiles @gluetwentyfourobrien @stopit-ihateyou @mrs-mitch-rapp93 @lovefilledtragedy @r0s3mm @loveforbrains @arikachang @all-alone-he-turns-to-stone @omgimafuckingmermaid @inkedaztec @cafe-a-sabor-chocolate @carolinescookies @anastasiaaaaa

[uberff]

Chapter 3

                                                        Jaylen

“Yo, you always smoking.” Odell complained as he coughed from all the smoke that was going around. Nobody told his bored ass to come over here. He need to be some where chilling wit his sister or somebody. Somebody find this nigga a friend.

“And you always in my face, but you don’t see me complaining bitch.” I shrugged as I blew smoke out my nose. I hated when people complained about my smoking habits. It ain’t like I’m out here smoking cigarettes. When he text me, I specifically told him that I was smoking and when I’m smoking, I like to be left alone.

“Some people live for the powerrrr yeaaaaa..” I sang lowly as I closed my eyes. I wasn’t in my feelings or nun of that shit. I was just more of an R&B type of dude. I mean I fucks wit rap heavy, but sometimes I just wanna relax and vibe.

“Nigga I came over to talk about my problems and you singing and shit. Wuttice this? A Tyler Perry play?” He sucked his teeth. Him and Winter we’re going through it like always, and he wanted advice. I would’ve been left her difficult ass if you ask me.

“Boy you better drop her ass and keep it pushing.” I told him as he straight faced me. I guess he ain’t like that idea.

“What you want from me, Bruh? I asked you if you wanted to hit this and you said no.” I waved him off. Don’t get me wrong, I’d help my nigga in a heartbeat but right now I was vibing and I wasn’t about to let NOBODY kill my fucking mood after this bitch just pissed me off.

I was fucking wit this one chick, and I ain’t even gone lie I told her we were together just so I could hit. She finally got the memo that I was lying and gone try and cut me off. Like damn, it wasn’t even that serious Judge Judy ass bitch. Then she got the nerve to get a new nigga. Unbelievable.

“I’m out, you pissing me off.” He chucked up the deuces as I laughed. It was funny when he got mad cause this nigga be ready to kill somebody once you push his buttons.

Staring around at my now spotless condo, I thought of all the things I could do. I wasn’t into all that social media and TV shit so most of the time I just sit here when I’m not painting. Well except Twitter, that shit be lit.

“Where’s Odell?” Winter barged through my door, looking like Cleo from set it off. I don’t know why the fuck her voice was so damn deep. I thought she was one of my niggas.

“Chill Remy Ma, barging in here like you pay my bills. Fuck wrong witchu’?” I asked as I got up and stood in front of her. She looked like she wanted to slap the shit outta me for saying that. I wanted to laugh so bad, but truth be told I was lowkey scared of her ass. Hell, everyone was scared of her except Odell cause he knew how to handle her ass.

“I didn’t come to joke around with you, where is he?” She asked as she started moving everything around. That’s where she fucked up. I just cleaned up.

“Oh no baby, what is you doing? Wrecking my shit like you the Incredible Hulk or some shit. Dumbass, he’s at his fucking crib.”

“Fight me Jaylen.” She said as I looked at her like she was crazy. I guess she was tired of my shenanigans. I don’t give a fuck.

“You wild. Go eat a snickers.” I chuckled at her as I pet the top of her head. She scrunched up her face, and before she could say anything I politely walked her to the door before slamming it in her face. “Damn nigga can’t get no privacy anymore.” I shook my head as I locked the door.

I hated locked doors, but I ain’t finna deal with they crazy asses. As I walked into the kitchen, I started to think about the bomb ass meal that my nigga Rob made for me a few days ago. Shit, I wish her little ass was the mea-

The sound of my phone ringing cut off my unholy thoughts. “What?” I answered with attitude without checking the caller I.d. It was a FaceTime call.

“Jaylen!” I heard my little sister Jayla voice. My whole mood completely changed. Jayla was my fucking heart, my everything.

“Hey pretty girl! I haven’t seen your little pretty face in a minute, what you been up to?” I smiled in the camera as she blushed causing me to laugh. She was adorable.

My dad’s girlfriend had Jayla a few years ago and she was the cutest little ball of energy. My dad’s girl on the other hand? Nah man, that bitch was ghetto. I don’t understand why he even got with her. It’s hard to believe she birthed something so precious.

“Learning my ABC’s!” She smiled showing one of her missing teeth. She had just started school this year and it sucked that I couldn’t be there, but summer was coming up so hopefully she can spend it here with me. That would be dope.

“That’s good! Let me hear you sing them.” I told her as she cleared her throat and started singing her ABC’s. Jayla actually had a voice. Reminded me of my momma. Everyone knew Momma J could sang her ass off. My dad had a few skills, but no one could top ma dukes.

“Aye! That’s my girl! You being a good girl for your dad?” I asked as she nodded innocently. She may have looked innocent, but she was a handful.

“Nigga I’m yo daddy, too.” I heard my dad’s voice in the background causing me to chuckle. My dad was really a trip. Funniest man alive, I swear.

“Sup pops?” I laughed as he picked Jayla up and both of their faces were in the camera. They were twins.

“Nah don’t try to claim me now. This fool tripping Jayla.” He joked as I laughed. “Go help ya mom real quick.” He told her as she ran away smiling.

“How you been, son?” He asked, realizing we haven’t talked in a while. Don’t get me wrong, we were mad close but niggas been busy. Plus, I know he been busy with working and Jayla.

“Good, gettin’ to this money.” I cheesed as I pulled a stack out my pocket and flashed it to him. He chuckled and shook his head. My dad was a wealthy man also, but it felt good to know that I ain’t have to depend off of him.

“What about you though?” I asked, getting serious.

“Same shit man. Jayla’s a fucking handful. It’s like lil mama don’t ever get tired. Reminds me of you.”

“Me? How?” I don’t remember acting like Jayla at all. I was a sweet lil innocent kid. I ain’t hurt a fly.

“Boy you know you used to climb walls and shit like you was Spider-Man.” He joked a he let out his ugly ass Windex bottle laugh. Nigga stayed laughing at his own corny ass jokes.

“Akikiki, you ain’t funny old man.” I mugged him while he continued to laugh. Somebody come get they pops.

“Damn, I miss you son. We gotta come out there and visit soon.” He said as his laughter died down.

“You know you can come whenever, just make sure you take yo baby mama back to the hood before you come.” I assured him as he chuckled, putting his fist up to his mouth. He thought it was funny every time I talked about her cause he knew it was true.

“Besides all that shit, she cool. I mean yea, she a lil loud but-”

“JAYCEON! IM TIRED OF CLEANING UP AFTER YO ASS!” I heard her loud voice yell in the background as he jumped making me snicker. “I rest my case.” He flicked me off.

“Fuck up, Ima talk to you later.” He hung up before I could even say anything else. Man I was looking forward to them coming down here. It would’ve been nice if my mom could too. Even though they wasn’t together, they were still cool.

Pushing those thoughts to the back of my head, I scrolled through my contacts to find Rob’s contact. A nigga was starving.

Tapping on her name, the phone rang for quite some time before her face appeared in the camera. “Eh, you ugly in the morning.” I laughed as her swole face was all in the camera. I was kidding, but she did look like a blow fish when she woke up.

My smirk was soon wiped off of my face when I heard the 3 beeps. This motherfucker. I ain’t even finna call her back, I’ll just go buy something to eat.

“Nah let me start picking bitches up, a nigga bored.” I mumbled to myself as I clicked into the Uber app and made myself available.

**

Once I was at my destination, I thanked God cause a nigga’s feet was starting to hurt. I was at a nice looking hotel, waiting on this person to come out. This was like the 8th person I’ve picked up.

The petite girl came out with sunglasses and a big hoodie, struggling with her duffle bag. I would help, but she a big girl she got it.

As she finally got in the car, I drove off. “Fuck, I didn’t even have time to catch my breath. Thank you for being such a gentleman.” She said sarcastically. I knew that attitude from anywhere.

“Who you getting smart wit?”

“Jaylen?” She asked as she pulled her glasses off.

“Didn’t I just buy yo ass a car? What you doing here?” I rose an eyebrow as I noticed her long brown curls  that flowed down her back. She made them loook good on her. 

This whole time, Rob was at a hotel that was like 30 fucking minutes away. She had a whole big ass room at home, what was she doing here?

“I don’t drive in the rain, thanks.” She said as she brought her head up from her lap.

“You trying to go to my place or what?” I asked her, noticing it was getting a little dark out.

“Sure, why not?” She said nonchalantly. She know she wanted to come over, I always showed her a good time whenever she did.

“Don’t say it like you don’t wanna come, cause you know you do.”

“What you got planned?” She looked over at me with a smirk. Let me find out Rob a freak.

“First, we can fuck for a few hours then-”

“I’m serious!” She playfully hit my chest. Little did she know, I was serious too. I would fuck the shit out of Robyn.

“Aight.. wanna play 2k?” I ain’t really have shit else to do, and it would be nice to whoop her ass in something. She looked like she sucked in 2k.

“Yo simple ass would ask that.. but sure why not?” She said, flashing me her pearly whites. She was fucking pretty man.

This was gone be a long night due to the fact that I couldn’t try nothing with her.

**

Bumping to some PAC, I mumbled the lyrics as I swept up the kitchen. I loved cleaning on Sunday’s, it just felt nice to get everything out the way. I like my shit spotless. If someone drops like one drop of water on the floor, Ima make them clean it up. Call me a neat freak or whatever, I don’t care.

“They got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor.” I rapped as I searched around for the dustpan.

As I was sweeping, I started to think about this art show I had coming up in 2 weeks. I wanted everything to be perfect. This was going to be my first show, and boy I was nervous as hell. I think I got this.

Me and my mom always talked about this day..

I was knocked out of my thoughts when one of my phones started ringing. I didn’t even know where that bitch was at. “Dawg, I just cleaned this damn living room.” I sighed as I realized I was gone have to rip and run all up and through here. Just when I thought I was almost done cleaning..

I was lazy as hell, but I knew it was one of my clients cause my personal phone is in my pocket. I wasn’t about to miss out on no money either.

As the ringing continued, I noticed that it had to be either in the couch or behind it. Moving the couch pillows all around, my Matte Black IPhone 7+ was lying there. Sucking my teeth, I noticed the phone eventually stopped ringing so I picked it up and checked the screen.

Loyal: GM Chris, what time did you say I needed to pick up the piece again?

Damn she hit a nigga with the dry ass abbreviations. “GM.” I mumbled to myself as I chuckled.

Cynthia was another loyal client of mine. She was my mom’s friend daughter. She’s been buying from me before my work even got out there and recognized. She was fine as hell, but I knew she ain’t take me serious. She’s 32 on her grown woman shit, and I know she ain’t got time to be messing wit me.

Me: Sup Cynthia, you can come pick it up at around 2. How does that sound?

Loyal: perfect! ️ see you at 2!

Tossing my phone back on the couch, I heard little footsteps coming down the stairs. I knew it was Rob lil lazy ass. “You finally up? Yo, I thought you was dead.” I said to her as she walked in the kitchen. I would’ve made breakfast for her too, but I seriously ain’t think she was gonna get up. And I shole wasn’t finna wake her. She seemed pretty tired.

She always looked so refreshed whenever she woke up. Her jet black straight hair was in a messy bun, while she wore a big t shirt and some bunny slippers. She a big ass baby I swear.

Before I could speak, I seen her open the microwave, about to take my plate out. “Oh no baby, what is you doing?” I said in my NOLA accent as I swatted her hand away. I had made MYSELF some honey butter biscuits, crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, hot grits, and a lovely side of pineapples that I cut up.

“What you mean? I’m-”

“Close mouths don’t get fed baby, that’s my food. I’ll buy you some Waffle House or some shit.” I assured her as she mugged me. I’d give her a piece of my pineapple or something, but she wasn’t getting my food. That’s something a nigga don’t share at all. I don’t care who you is.

“Trifling ass.” I heard her mumble under her breath as she started to look in my fridge. She pulled out the smoothie I had just bought from Smoothie King a few hours ago. Smoothie King hit the spot every time. I always got Island Impact.

“Who told you to get my smoothie?” I asked as I rose my eyebrow.

“Shut up, you got a whole meal over there.” She complained as she sipped some of the smoothie from the straw. Wasn’t she the one just complaining the other day about how she don’t know where my mouth been?

“Girl shut up.” I laughed as I got out another plate and started giving her some of my food. I don’t know how I feel about all this nice shit going on.

“Thanks. Can I see your laptop?” She asked with a cheesy smile. Huffing, I grabbed my Mac off of the couch and handed it to her.

“Wow, when you let people see your laptop can you make sure you exit out of your porn first?” She said as she chuckled lowly. It wasn’t no shame in my game. We all know what niggas do when they home alone. Get that lotion and laptop popping ASAP.

“Maybe you should get your own laptop.” I replied as she looked up from the screen.

“I do, but I don’t feel like going all the way next door just to get it when yours is right here.” She said she she grabbed her glasses that she had brought down here.

“Wanna hit this?” I asked as I snug my arm around her shoulder. She shook her head no as I sucked my teeth. I had a blunt behind my ear that I was saving for this moment.

I knew she was stressed out from whatever her and O was talking bout earlier cause it was all over her face. Plus, I knew her feet was killing her from the heels she been wearing all last night. I was just trying to get her to relax a lil bit.

“Come onnnn Rob, ion’ want you sitting there looking like a lost puppy all night. Smoke dis blunt wit me.” I told her as she looked at me for a quick second.

Taking the blunt out of my hand, she inhaled the smoke as she closed her eyes, blowing it out of her nose. Taking another hit, a smile spread across her face. Passing it to me, she sat back and put her feet on my lap. She lucky I like feets.

“What’s bothering you?” I asked her as I started to massage her feet. She sighed as she threw her head back.

“Just some stuff happened at my shoot yesterday when I was leaving. It’s fine, I’m good now.” I knew this motherfucker was lying, she not slick at all.

“You know I’m gone bring this up another time, right? I’ll drop it for now though.” I told her as she smiled.

As she closed her eyes again, my eyes wandered off onto her long, toned legs. I couldn’t help but rest my hand on her thick thigh. She tensed up a bit. “Relax.” I whispered in her ear as she loosened up. I know that made her wet for a fact.

She looked so good right now and I honestly just wanted her to sit on my face. “Let me eat your pussy, Robyn.” I blurted out as she didn’t react. It was as if she didn’t hear me.

“Ok..” she mumbled as a smirk plastered across my face. I knew she was too high to care.

My lips crashed against hers as she began to run her dainty hands down my tattooed covered chest and abs. She smelt so fucking good, like flowers and shit.

Carrying her to my room, I laid her on the bed breaking the kiss. I bit my lip admiring her body. I took off her skirt before climbing in between her legs. Kissing her lips while taking her bra straps off of her shoulders, I kissed her neck continuing to take her bra off exposing her bare, little perky titties. I’m glad she ain’t have nipple rings, a nigga was tired of tasting coins.

I licked her neck down to her perfect nipples sucking on each one gently making her moan unexpectedly. “Damn these is pretty.” I mumbled against her skin, causing her to chuckle.

Leaving trails of rough, sloppy kisses down her stomach, I made my way all the way to her inner thighs. I played with her wetness through her soaked panties. Her moans grew a louder as I used my thumb to circle her pearl. “J-Jaylen..” She moaned out. I swear to god that made my dick jump. The way she was biting her lip was so fucking sexy.

I slid her panties to the side, playing wit her pussy like a banjo. As I sucked her juices off of my fingers, I noticed her blushing. “You taste like candy, baby.” I complimented her as I slid her panties off before devouring her pussy like it was my last meal.

I licked and sucked before kissing her other set of lips. Slurping up her juices, I made my way back up to her clit to suck on it again. “Fuck Jaylen, don’t stop.” She moaned as she pushed my face deeper. Baby girl was trying to suffocate me.

“Arch ya back.” I got up as she looked at me confusingly, but still did as she was told. Baby girl was so fine, I wanted to eat her pussy from the back.

Becoming face to face with her pretty pink pussy, I swirled my tongue against it as she tried to run away. “Jaylen, I’m gonna cum!” She moaned loudly.

“Bring dat’ ass here.” I laughed as I pulled her by her legs. The vibrations from my mouth had her leaking. I slurped up her sweet juices before coming back up to her lips. Pressing my hard member against her, she wrapped her legs around my waist. I knew she wasn’t ready for the dick yet.

“You good?” I asked her as I hovered over her. She covered her hands over her face as she smiled.

“Oh god, I made a mess.” She said as she got up to look at the sheets where some of her juices were. Her face was covered in embarrassment.

“You good, I got it.” As I started to take the sheets off of my bed, she went to the bathroom to go clean herself up.

By now, my dick was hard as a rock and I knew she wasn’t gonna give me no pussy that easy. A nigga was not trying to get blue balls and I wasn’t about to beat my meat.

“Hey, I’m gonna go shower at home and bring a few things over here. So I should be back in like 2-3 hours.” She said as she started putting her clothes back on. Perfect.

Nodding, she jogged out my room. Looking over in the corner, I noticed her thongs on the floor. “Aye Rob!” I called out, hoping she hadn’t left yet.

“Yea?” She asked as I heard her tiny footsteps getting closer to the room. She peeked her head in the door.

“You left yo panties over der’.” I pointed to the corner as she giggled. Shaking my head, I laughed along with her. Grabbing them, she proceeded to leave again.

Sighing out of relief, I grabbed my phone out of my pocket and went straight to my messages and clicked on her number. I know if Robyn knew about this, she’d be pissed but it wasn’t like she was my girl or some shit so it shouldn’t matter.

Pushing those thoughts to the back of my head, I sent her a text.

Me:  come ride me 🤤

ole girl: 🤦🏽‍♀️ “when I want sum dick, I will call u”

Me:  stop playing

ole girl: omw

She literally lived around the corner so I knew I had enough time.

**

“Ah, fuck.” I moaned as I felt myself release inside of her. I didn’t even give a fuck if she heard me or not, that shit felt so fucking good. Before I could even move, she pushed me off of her.

“Jaylen, I know you did not just fucking nut in me.” She gritted as she looked down at her pussy.

“Huh?” Even if I wanted to pull out, I couldn’t because she had her fucking legs wrapped around my waist. Plus, she was on the pill when we was together so I assumed she still was. What was she tripping about?

“Huh?” She mocked me as she looked at me like I was crazy.

“Why you trippin’? You said you was on the pill.” She act like she couldn’t just go take a Plan B.

“Bitch I was talking about xanax.” She groaned as she started to panic.

“Chill-”

“Shut up! I swear, I’m done coming over here. You only last for 10 fucking minutes anyways.” She ranted, clearly pissed as she got her belongings.

“So what? It ain’t my fault you got good pussy.” I shrugged, realizing she tried to make me mad. I ain’t give a fuck.

“You say the dumbest shit ever.” She mugged me as dropped her stuff. She went in the bathroom to run some water and I was gonna tell her she had to go until  Rob text me.

Robyn: Jay, I’m just now getting out the shower and I’m really sleepy so I’ll just come by in the morning. k?

Me: bet. goodnight lil one

Robyn: goodnight

Chuckling at the emoji she sent, I sat my phone back on the nightstand before making my way into the bathroom.

I looked by the tub, and she wasn’t in there so I guess she was in the shower.

“Aye..” I called her as I tapped on the glass. She jumped so fast that I couldn’t help but laugh. She rolled her eyes.

“Can’t you play music in here?” She asked referring to the shower. Nodding, I grabbed the remote so I could play music from her phone.

“K thanks, bye.” She said as the music started to play. It was some R Kelly, so I had no choice but to fuck her again.

“How you gone kick me out my own bathroom. Who you think you is?” I looked at her as she scrunched up her face. I swear she acted like she was a fucking queen and like everybody should worship her.

“Me…”

“So? What that mean?” I asked as she ignored me. I took that as my chance to stare at her body.

“Let me get it from the back real quick.” I bit my lip as she shook her head no.

“Hell no, not after that shit you just pulled.”

“Pssh.” I gave her a ‘yea ok’ look. Sliding in the shower with her, I pretended to bathe so she wouldn’t say anything. Grabbing her by her waist, I started to rub my tip at her opening.

“Jaylen, I’m not pl- Fuck!” She moaned, as I rammed into her with no warning. I knew I’d have her bent over in this shower in no time.

“Yea, what’s that shit you was talkin’?” I asked smacking her ass, as I yanked a handful of hair, making her look back at me. She liked that type of shit.

I knew she was gonna fuss at me for getting her hair wet since she just got it done, but I ain’t give a fuck.

                                                      Robyn

As I was catching up on 13 reasons why, I heard a big pop go off in the kitchen. It smelled like something was burning. “What the hell you do, Robyn?!” Odell asked as he ran in the kitchen to go see what was wrong.

Huffing, I paused the TV before jogging to the kitchen. The smoke alarm started to go off. “Who forgets to put water in they noodles?” He sighed as he shook his head. I haven’t ate cup noodles in so long.I wanted to laugh, but I knew O was really mad because he hates the whole burnt smell.

“This shit ain’t funny. Knowing you, the house will probably be burnt down or shot up by next week! You need to be more responsible, damn.” He snapped as I scrunched up my face.

“Someone’s got an attitude..” I mumbled as he came from back around the corner. I didn’t feel like arguing, that would defeat the purpose of me smoking that blunt.

“Don’t nobody got no fucking attitude, I’m just tired of living with an irresponsible ass little girl. You broke my fucking trophy and you expect me not to be mad? Fuck outta here.” His 5'11 frame towered over me. I sorta kinda was being lazy to get up and throw my bottle away, so I tried to throw it in the trash can, but it ended up knocking down one of O’s trophies.

“And did I not apologize? You bringing it up 1000 times isn’t gonna bring it back O, you don’t have to rub it in my face. You act like I did it on pur-” he cut me off. I hated when people cut me off. That’s so rude.

“That’s not the fucking point! You don’t understand how much that shit meant to me! Damn I swear sometimes I wish we never ran into each other again.” He spat as it felt like my heart fell outta my chest.

“That’s how you feel?” I asked as I folded my arms over my chest. I knew I shouldn’t have moved in with him. I should’ve just got my own place like I planned on doing when I came out here for the first time.

Ignoring me, he walked off to his room before slamming the door. I can’t believe he said that. As much as I tried to hold back my tears, they didn’t hesitate to fall. God, I hated crying. Coming from Odell, that shit really stung. “Aye O, you got some rub- what’s wrong wit you?” Jaylen barged through the front door. He stopped in his tracks once he noticed me crying.

Great, now I have to hear his mouth. “Nothing Jaylen, I just wanna be alone right now.” I sighed as I jogged upstairs to my room. I guess I could finish watching Netflix since I was rudely interrupted.

Opening my laptop, I tried to turn it on but then I realized it was dead. Looking around for my charger, it was no where to be found.

“Where the hell is my laptop charger?” I asked myself as I thought about the last place I had it. I haven’t got on it recently, but I remember getting on Jaylen’s. I think I used it for his cause I remember him telling me that his broke. Sucking my teeth, I slid into my pink bunny slippers before going next door.

I didn’t bother knocking, because I knew his door was always unlocked. I don’t think he was here anyways, it was awfully quiet. Making my way to his room, I stopped once I seen him laid up with a girl while he was playing in her hair. This fucking hoe. I just wanted to throw a book at him, but he wasn’t my nigga.

“Jaylen, you seen my lap-” Before I could finish my sentence, he jumped up.

“Shit! Rob, do you fucking knock?!” He snapped as I scrunched up my face. I should be the one with an attitude, he just snatched my soul last night now he hugged up with someone else. I should’ve known.

“When do I ever knock? Just shut your stupid ass up. You mad cause you caught.” I rolled my eyes. I noticed the girl looking at me. She was gorgeous, I couldn’t even lie.

“Caught how? You ain’t my fucking girl.” He spat as my eyes widened. The audacity.. Slowly nodding, I chuckled bitterly before walking over to the nightstand. As he looked at me with a mug on his face, I swear I wanted to slap him. How dare he? He better not ever say shit to me.

Grabbing my charger, I walked out, pushing past Jaylen in the process. I couldn’t wait to tell Quavo about this bullshit. Slamming Jaylen’s door, I pulled out my phone before walking back into our living room.

I need to be sleep for my shoot tomorrow morning anyways. I don’t have time to be thinking about Jaylen.

**

“Girl, you are like a natural today!” My photographer boosted me, as everyone else agreed. I just had a lot on my mind today, so for right now this shit was a piece of cake. Modeling wasn’t something I always wanted to do. I didn’t really get interested until I was about 15.

I remember my mom would always tell me how pretty I was and how I could rock anything I wore. I didn’t have the best self-esteem, so after she continuously filled my head up with that.. I grew interested. I remember her telling me modeling was something she always wanted to do, but she ended up getting pregnant with me. Luckily, she started her own modeling agency which is one of the top agencies in the world. Wilhelmina.

Years later here I am modeling for Vogue, Balenciaga, Balmain, Puma, and etc. I just wish my mom was here to see all of this, I know she’d be proud.

 "Aaaaaaaand, that’s a wrap for today!“ He called out as everyone clapped, making me smile. The thought of going home and lying down in my bed sounded like the best thing ever right now.

Nothing was better than my bed. Saying my goodbyes to everyone, I went in one of the dressing rooms to change into some more comfortable clothes. Once I was done, I packed all of my stuff in a duffle bag and grabbed my phone to call Winter. I refused to drive the car that that hoe Jaylen bought me. He can have that shit back. I didn’t want anything to do with him. The way he tried to stunt on me like he didn’t know what I was talking about really pissed me off. Fucking coon.

“Hello?” She answered sounding like she was stuffing her mouth. I still wasn’t on talking terms with O and the only person I had left was Winter because Qua wasn’t in town.

“I’m ready now..”

“Oh girl I’m in the parking lot. I seen this seafood spot and you know my fat ass had to go in there and check it out. I been in my car eating this whole time.” Her greedy ass.. I couldn’t blame her though. Food was life.

“Okay here I come.” I hung up as I spotted her Barbie Pink Jeep from a distance.

“What you doing later?” I asked as I hopped in the car. Literally. Jeeps were hard to get in if you were short.

“Going out for drinks, I ain’t turned up in a minute.” “Girl please, you know you get like Wanda when you get drunk.” I joked in a serious matter, referring to Wonda from Holiday Heart. Whenever Winter gets drunk, it’s makes everyone wonder what the hell she was drinking or if it was even alcohol. This bitch is crazy when she’s drunk.

“I do not act like that. I’m classy.” She denied as I gave her the ‘yea ok’ look. Turning up the radio, I sat back in my sleep and drifted off to sleep.

When we got home, Jaylen was sitting on the couch writing in a notebook. Once he heard us, he looked up at me.

“Hey Robyn.” He tried to greet me as Winter and I walked through the door. Ignoring him, I went in the kitchen to get the food that I had got from Olive Garden yesterday. It was barely  any left, but I wasn’t that hungry anyways. I just thought that my nap would be much better if I ate something first.

“You ain’t hear me speak?” He asked as he stood behind me. His hot ass breath was all on my neck.

“Jaylen if I were you, I’d move. Your hot ass breath is burning my neck.” I warned him because I honestly wanted to just punch him in the face one good time. I’ve been wanting to for the longest. I don’t understand why he doesn’t see anything wrong with what he did. To top everything off, he didn’t even apologize..

“Why you acting like this?“ 

“BECAUSE OF YOU! HOW DO YOU GIVE ME HEAD AND THEN GO LAY UP WITH ANOTHER BITCH NOT EVEN A FEW HOURS LATER! THEN YOU HAD THE NERVE TO STUNT ON ME? Fuck you Jaylen, you don’t deserve me at all. Not even as a friend.” I yelled as he looked down at the floor. He didn’t have shit to say. It’s not even just about the head part either. He was spending all this time with me, flirting and shit when he already had someone all along. So I feel played.

“I don’t even see why you trippin’ though.. like you act like I cheated on you some shit. I’m single, I can do what I want.” He stated, causing me to chuckle bitterly. Without thinking, I slapped the dog shit out of him.

“That’s what you get, ugly ass.” I heard Winter laugh from the living room. “Bit-” He cut his sentence short, because he knows I’d beat his ass again if he would’ve let that word slip. Looking at me one last time, he touched his face again before leaving.

I should’ve known he wasn’t shit from the first time we met. I’m about to start looking for somewhere else to stay right now. I can’t stand to stay here any longer.

**

Making a quick trip to Walmart, I went in to grab a few things I could eat as a snack once I found another hotel to stay at.  "Yo,“ I heard a male voice behind me. Turning around to face him, I noticed that he was a cutie.

"Yea?”

“Ion’ know how to say this but.. you got a big ass pool of blood on the back of ya pants. You good?” He stated as my heart sunk. The feeling of embarrassment took over my body.

Not knowing what to say, I just grabbed my basket and power walked away to my car.

“Yo, chill! It’s fine, you can use my jacket!” He called out before catching up to me. Hesitating at first, I wasted no time in tying his jacket around my waist.

“You drove?” He asked as he looked down at me trying to tie the jacket around my waist. I feel really bad because now he’s gonna have blood on his jacket. I mean yea, I can always wash it out but still.

“Caught an Uber.”

“Well.. you safe wit me, I promise.” He assured. Well, it was just as if I was taking an Uber because he was a stranger also so I guess it wouldn’t hurt if he drove me home. Plus it was free.

“Thank you so much, really. I can buy you another ja-”

“Nah, its cool. I’m glad that I could help. You sure you good though? That was a lot of uh.. blood.” He said as we walked over to his car. Opening up the door for me, he watched me get in before closing it. What a gentleman. Nice to know that chivalry still exists.

“Yea its normal.. unfortunately.” “Damn.. this why I got mad respect for women. I know it gotta be hard being one. I grew up in a household full of em’.”

“We need more men like you then, cause niggas be quick to be disrespectful as hell to us.” I shook my head as he laughed.

“What’s ya name?” He asked as he started up the car, handing me his phone to type my address in.

“Robyn, you?” I smiled as I handed him his phone back.

“Kai.” He smiled back, dimples deepening and all.

“Where are you from?” I just had to ask, because I could hear some New York in the way he talks. I grew up here for a few years so I know.

“You trying to be funny?” He rose an eyebrow as he looked over at me. “Not at all..”

“Brooklyn..” he stated as I nodded. I knew it.

“Well we here now..” he said as his car came to a stop. I didn’t even want to get out because the seats were so comfortable. I wonder what he does to have a car like this..

“I don’t even wanna go home..” I sighed, making him laugh. His laugh was actually cute. He’s the first guy I know that doesn’t have that Windex bottle laugh.

“I would say you could come to ma crib, but you don’t know me like that and I don’t know if you’d be comfortable or not.” He explained as I shrugged. Any where was better than being in a place with Odell.

“I’ll stay for a little while, but you mind taking me back home?” I asked as he shrugged. I needed to go buy my own car ASAP. I hated depending on people.

“That’s cool..”

“Well, I wanna atleast shower first so you wanna come in?”

“Uh.. yea.” He said as he turned his car off. Getting out, I led the way up to the elevator.

“I ain’t getting on that shit, a nigga will take the stairs.” He backed away as I furrowed my eyebrows. This nigga was like 6'5, don’t tell me he’s scared of elevators. We’re too old for that.

“Why not?”

“Girl you ain’t seen that movie called Devil? Fuck that.” A loud laugh immediately escaped my lips.

“Really? It was just a movie, it isn’t real.” “Nah, ion’ care I’m still taking the stairs. I’ll meet you or some shit.” I rolled my eyes and went towards the stairs with himZ

“And you call yourself a thug, huh?” I laughed as I shook my head.

“So I can’t be scared of dying in a elevator? I ain’t tryna go out like dat. I could atleast get shot or sum, but elevator? Nah B.” The fact that he was dead serious was funny.

“You are a mess.” As I reached the last stair, I dramatically sighted because I was really tired. I go up these things sometimes, so I don’t understand how I don’t have a fat ass yet.

“You’re not tired?”

“Nah, this ain’t shit. Try running’ track and playing ball all ya life.”

“You play sports?” He seemed like a pretty boy that just liked the sport, but didn’t play it.

“Not anymore.. You don’t notice this limp in my walk? I had broke my leg and ever since then a nigga been scared to get back on the court/track. It ain’t gone be the same.” He explained as I studied his legs. He walked with a little dab of a limp, but you couldn’t really tell unless he pointed it out.

“You can’t give up that easily..” I told him as I stopped in front of the door so I could unlock it.

“This all you?” He asked as he walked further into the condo. I hope Nut 1 and Nut 2 weren’t here. I knew they would give him a hard time.

“No, my brother lives here.” I rolled my eyes as I sat my purse on the counter. Going up the stairs, I stopped once I realized he was still looking at everything in the living room. “You coming?”

“Oh yea.” He chuckled as he trailed behind me. Opening up the door to my room, smiled because it was just the way I left it.

“Damn yo room look like some sex would be bomb in here.” He said as he sat on my bed. Waving him off, I looked in my drawers to grab a new pair of underwear and some clothes to change in.

“You need me to run you some bath water?” He asked as he kicked his shoes off. I see he gets comfortable easily.

“Aww you’re so sweet, but no thanks. I already asked my brother girlfriend to run it.” I had text Winter while I was in the car.

Sneaking off into the bathroom, I lit a candle before throwing my clothes in the hamper. I need to throw them in the washer when I get out. I needed a blunt so bad, and I didn’t know if he like the smell of weed or not so I was gonna do it in here while I was in the tub.

As I stepped foot in the tub, my body immediately relaxed due to the hot and soothing water. I really needed this. “Yo, you loud then a bitch.” I heard Kai’s voice as I started coughing up a storm. I don’t know why my dumbass thought he wasn’t gonna be able to smell it.

“Kai!” I called out as he peeked his head in the bathroom a few seconds later. Luckily, my tits were small as shit so the bubbles were covering everything up.

“Wanna hit?” I asked with a smile on my face. He sat on top of the toilet and took the blunt from my hands. As soon as he inhaled it, his lungs gave up on him.

“Damn girl, fuck is this?” He coughed loudly as I busted out laughing. I honestly didn’t even know what it was, but this shit was good as hell. It was some weed Jaylen  gave me a few days ago.

“That good shit.” I said lowly with my eyes closed.

“Do you even smoke?” I asked as I opened one eye. He damn near lost his life when he took that first puff, so I knew he didn’t smoke on the regular. That’s cute though.

“Occasionally..” he replied as I nodded. I could relate. I wasn’t a stoner, but I had my days where I needed to smoke and lately I’ve been needing to.

“Here, you can have the rest I’m gonna finish bathing.” I told him as I handed the blunt back to him. Taking it, he got up and went back in my room so I could bathe.

After lying in the tub, I let all of the water out and went over to the shower. I showered for atleast 30 minutes, before getting out. Rubbing my body down with Shea Butter, I started to put on my clothes.

When I opened the door, I noticed Kai sprawled out across my bed. He looked like he was sleeping. “Kai? Are you dead?” I asked as I poked him.

“Nah,” He paused before laughing.

“A nigga just thinking.”

“Oh well.. I’m ready to go.”

“Aight let me find my phone.” He said as he turned the flashlight from his phone on to look under my bed. He was high as shit.

“Kai.. it’s in your hand.” I palmed myself as he looked at me before looking at his hand. He busted out laughing before grabbing his keys.

“Oh shit, I didn’t even see it.” Closing the door behind us, we made our way outside to his car. Opening the door for me, I got in as he closed it afterwards. Once he was in, he started the car and pulled off before turning his radio up. He was blasting MoneyBagg Yo.

Bobbing my head to the music, I looked at all the surroundings as I waited for him to reach his house. After what seemed like forever, we pulled up to this gigantic house. I know he doesn’t live here by himself..

“Kai! What do you do?” I exclaimed as I got out of the car and ran to the door like an kid in a candy store. I don’t know how he stays in this big house by himself. You could easily get lost in here, that’s how big it is.

“Don’t like to brag.. but ya boy got money.”  He smirked as he took his keys out to unlock the door.

“How? Can’t be drug money, cause you seem like a good boy.” I said as he stepped aside to let me go in first. It looked even better on the inside.

“Girl at all, and I own 10 different barber shops all across the U.S.” He said as he rubbed his hands like Birdman.

“Seriously?” That was fucking dope.

“Deadass.” He states causing me to chuckle. Admiring his house, I started to look at some of the pictures that was on the wall. I noticed that there was a little girl in almost every picture. His daughter?

“Who’s this?”

“My beautiful baby girl…” He said with a smile on his face. I was going to ask where was she, but he beat me to it.

“She uh… died a few years ago.” He said as he stared at the biggest picture of them two above the couch. It was honestly beautiful. She was the splitting image of him.

“Wow, I’m sorry.” I frowned. I didn’t want to ask him how, because I felt as if that was too personal or maybe he didn’t want to talk about it. Who would?

“Yea, you thirsty though?”

“Yes, do you have any Tea?” He nodded as I followed him into the kitchen. His whole crib was nice. I’d love to have a place like this.

“I love these!” I yelled excitedly as I seen the chili lime pistachios in a bowl on the table.

“Everybody does, that’s why I keep them there.”

“Here, we finna go in my room.” He said as he handed me my cup of tea and led me to a corner where his room was. I wonder what was upstairs then.

“Your room is even better!” I gasped as I stood at the door in shock. His room was so interesting and cozy looking. I loved dark areas.

“It’s ight.. wanna watch a movie or some shit?” He asked as he went up the stairs to get to his bed.

“Let’s watch Baby Boy.” I suggested as he looked at me before laughing. I know that movie comes on BET 24/7 but I was just in the mood to watch it.

Kicking off my slides, it was indeed cold in here so I’m glad I had some socks and a big hoodie on. Climbing in the bed, I watched him as he looked through a collection of movies.

Once he found what he was looking for, he put it in before cutting the lights off and getting in the bed. “Your bed is so comfortable.” I said as I closed my eyes and laid back on the pillows.

“Watch this.” A few seconds later the bed felt like a vibrating chair causing me to moan lowly. I needed this bed. Now.

“Kai, I would kill for this bed.” Since I was in heaven right now, I started to drift of to sleep before the movie even started. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t mind. He knew what he was doing when he cut the vibrating thing on.

“Lil mama..” I heard Kai’s voice in my ear as he shook me.

Groaning, I turned the other way so he could leave me alone. His bed was so comfortable and I wasn’t getting up for nothing. “I thought you wanted me to take you home.”

“No I wanna stay..” I mumbled.

“Well shit don’t be trying to wake a nigga up in the A.M. then, cause I’m telling you once I’m sleep it’s like I’m dead.” He said as he turned the TV off. Good, because I hated sleeping with the TV on unless I was home alone. I felt the bed get lighter, so I’m guess he got up but I didn’t care.

“Ima be in the guest room. You can sleep in here.” I heard him say.

I was too tired to say anything back. I’ll just call an Uber in the morning.                                                     

[micahlynn10]

Crimson - What was an event that’s shaped you to be who you are today? moving to arizona 
Light Pink - Do you have stuffed animals? ya but my brother steals them 
Amaranth - What’s your favourite emotion? excitedness 
Cherry Blossom - How are you feeling right now? sick 
Hollywood Cerise - What are your ambitions? i want to graduate and learn to drive and move in with my best friend and start my own shop and get a job i love and be able to make enough money to not have to worry 
Razzmatazz - Favourite TV Show? the l word 
Rose - Where do you feel most comfortable? with my friends 
French Rose - What is your favourite flavour? strawberry 
Cameo Pink - Favourite movie? the secret life of bees ORANGE
Buff Orange - Would you consider yourself athletic? not at all 
Burnt Sienna - Favourite smell? love spell but also the smell of family video in marshall michigan 
Melon - Do you like to dance? no!! im so bad and it makes me anxious 
Carrot - Do you bake? no 
Copper - What is your favourite kind of day? eventful 
Gamboge - Where do you want to travel? home 
Bittersweet Shimmer - What is your favourite memory? the day i got punched in the eye YELLOW
Flax - Do you like going to the beach? yes!! 
Wheat - Who can you trust the most? tyler and jaz 
Laser Lemon - What kind of phone do you have? iphone 5 
Mellow Yellow - How calm are you? pretty?? 
Unmellow Yellow - How high energy are you? very but not to the point where im constantly shaking 
Papaya Whip - How honest are you? that really depends 
Transparent Yellow - Would you consider yourself to be special? GREEN
Pear - Where do you feel rested? home 
Olive - What is your favourite food? ramen 
Fern - Favourite plant? tulips 
Moss - Are you quiet or loud? loud everyones always telling me my voice is too high 
Tea green - How do you relax? getting the fuck out 
Celadon - Dream job? not having to work 
Harlequin - Can you act? ive been in tons of theater productions but i was never a main part so take that as you will 
Malachite - Do you speak more than one language? no 
Mantis - Favourite animal? cat!!!!!!!!!! 
Seafoam Green - Do you like water? i like smart water thats it BLUE
Sky Blue - Would you ever want to fly? like? in a plane? ya? 
Periwinkle - Would you want to breathe underwater? ya ofc 
Liberty - Become the president/prime minister? no!! 
Space Cadet - Become an astronaut? no 
Celeste - Have perfect pitch? ya 
Eton Blue - Become invisible? ya 
Indigo - Become immortal? no but if i could die somehow then ya 
Iris - Grow plants at will? yes!! 
Whispering Blue - Or teleport? ofc!! PURPLE
Lilac - Would you want kids? never 
Lavender - What is your favourite time of day? night 
Mulberry - Could you betray someone?
i have Eminence - Favourite sounds? peoples voices 
Palatinate - Do you think you’ll make it to 100 years old? no 
Prune - Do you ever think about dying? every fucking day 
Fandango - Do you spontaneously start singing sometimes? ask jaz 
Thistle - If you could become wise, rich, or intelligent, which would you rather? rich 
Mauve - What would you name your kids/pets? chopsticks kimchi and egg drop me and jaz were talking about this OTHERS
Cream - If you had 1 day left to live, what would you do? see tyler and jaz 
Silver - Are you a good person? i want to be 
Ecru - How do you feel about the world today? tired 
Auburn - Favourite colour? maroon 
White - Do you own lots of makeup? compared to most people no 
Black - What is the greatest success of your life so far? meeting my friends

[ofstormsandwolves]

World War Three

Part 3 of The Alternate Verse

Canon Divergence.

9th Doctor, Rose Tyler, Jackie Tyler, Pete Tyler, Tony Tyler, Mickey Smith

Mickey, Pete, Jackie and Tony face the Slitheen while the Doctor and Rose are trapped in Downing Street.

AO3 | Whofic

Mickey and Tony burst into forty eight Bucknall house, and followed the sounds of Jackie’s screams to the kitchen. There, cornered in the far corner of the room, were Pete and Jackie, and a huge green monster towered over them. Tony pulled his phone out and took a photo, but Mickey grabbed a nearby dining chair, and cracked it over the back of the monster.

“Crap camera,” Tony muttered, frowning at the grainy, blurry image of the monster on his phone.

Sufficiently distracted, Pete dragged Jackie from the room, and Mickey snapped a photo of the monster on his phone too. Then, they all ran for the door.

Getting across the estate was a little more difficult, due to all the Police and army milling about, but they used the concrete pillars to hide behind, and finally they reached Mickey’s block.

~0~0~

Relatively safe in Mickey’s flat, Mickey went about making tea while Tony pouted over the poor quality of the photo he’d taken of the monster.

“Got anything stronger?” Jackie asked as Mickey handed her a cup of tea.

“Don’t think that’s really a good idea right now, Jaqs,” Pete told her calmly.

Mickey and Tony both smirked at that.

“Yeah,” Mickey added. “I’ve seen you when you’ve had a few. This ain’t time for a conga.”

Jackie sighed then, biting her lip worriedly. “We’ve got to tell someone.”

“What, like that Police officer in our flat?” Pete asked bitterly.

Tony blinked at that.

“Wait, that thing was hiding as a Police officer?” he asked, staring at his parents in disbelief.

Pete nodded. “How’d you think it got into the block without being seen?”

Tony shrugged at that, realising that- somewhat worriedly- it made sense. “I suppose,” he agreed.

“But who do we trust?” Mickey interrupted. “For all we know, they’ve all got big bog monsters inside of them. I mean, this is what he does, Jaqs, that Doctor bloke. Everywhere he goes, death and destruction, and he’s got Rose in the middle of it.”

Tony bristled a little at that. “Rose knows what she’s doing,” he said, trying to sound calm. The three adults gave him a look, and he set his shoulders. “She does. I spoke to them, earlier, on the roof. Rose isn’t some silly child, she’s an adult and she can make her own decisions.”

Pete sighed. “Tone, it’s not... It’s not quite that simple. Yes, your sister’s an adult. But she’s still our little girl, and we know nothing about this Doctor.”

Tony scowled. “Maybe you should try talking to him, then,” he muttered bitterly.

Jackie watched her son carefully for a few moments, before apparently choosing to ignore his words. Instead, she turned back to Mickey. “Has he got a great big green thing inside him, then? The Doctor?”

Mickey sniffed and shrugged. “I wouldn’t put it past him. But like it or not, he’s the only person who knows how to fight these things.”

There was an awkward silence then, and Jackie bit her lip, her hands still curled around her mug.

“I thought I was going to die.”

Tony’s head shot up at his mum’s quiet words, and he watched uncomfortably then as his dad crossed the kitchen to give her a hug. Mickey looked equally as awkward, as Pete murmured things in Jackie’s ear to try and calm her down.

“Come on, yeah?” Mickey said after a few moments. “If anyone’s going to cry, it’s going to be me. Now, you’re safe in my flat, Jaqs. No one’s going to look for any of you here, especially since you hate me so much.”

Jackie sniffed. “You saved our lives,” she mumbled. “God, that’s embarrassing.”

Mickey folded his arms, clearly uncomfortable. “You’re telling me.”

“He wanted us dead,” Jackie mumbled.

Pete sighed. “That’s not the worst of it. He’s still out there, somewhere.”

~0~0~

The Tylers watched as Mickey paced the flat, on the phone.

“No, no, no, no, no,” he was protesting. “Not just alien, but like, proper alien. All stinking and wet, and disgusting. And more to the point, it wanted to kill us!”

“We could’ve died!” Jackie piped up suddenly, and Tony shifted uncomfortably on his chair.

“Jaqs,” Pete sighed, “let him talk.”

Back in the Cabinet room, Rose sighed at the sound of her parents’ voice in the background. “Are they alright, though? Don’t put them on, just tell me.”

But before Mickey could respond, the Doctor had taken her phone off her and was talking to him himself.

“Is that Ricky?” he asked. “Don’t talk, just shut up and go to your computer.”

“It’s Mickey,” Mickey argued. “And why should I?”

Tony was watching the conversation carefully, even as Pete and Jackie fretted over Rose instead. Mickey argued with the Doctor a little longer, before he said something that made Mickey smile.

“You wanna repeat that?” he asked. “‘Cause I think you just said you need me!”

Less than a minute later, Tony found himself in Mickey’s bedroom, Mickey on the computer while Tony sat beside him. The pair of them had rigged Mickey’s phone up to a ratty old speaker, and it wasn’t great, but it seemed to do its job.

“It says password,” Mickey said, staring at the computer screen as the site refused to let him any further in.

They could hear the sound of some fumbling on the other end, and then the Doctor was speaking again.

“Say again?” he asked.

“It needs a password,” Tony repeated as Mickey’s fingers hovered over the keyboard.

“Buffalo,” came the Doctor’s response. “Two ‘f’s, one ‘l’.”

Mickey typed the information in and they were allowed through. Pete was still watching nervously from the doorway.

“Are you sure this is alright?” Pete asked uncertainly.

Jackie appeared then, handing out more mugs of tea. She handed Pete two of the mugs before quickly crossed to Mickey’s desk to put Tony’s and Mickey’s mugs down. “So,” she asked, “what’s that website?”

“All the secret information known to mankind,” Mickey said, taking his tea. “See, they’ve known about aliens for years. They just kept us in the dark.”

“You were born in the dark,” the Doctor sighed from the other end of the line.

“Leave him alone,” Rose’s voice came through the tinny speaker.

Mickey looked just a little smug about that. “Thank you!”

“Mickey’s telling Mum about aliens,” Tony announced to his sister in amusement into the phone. He could practically hear the Doctor roll his eyes on the other end of the line.

Rose too sounded amused. “Yeah, I can hear, Tone. You alright?”

He nodded, despite the fact his sister couldn’t see him. “Yeah.”

“It’s asking for the password again,” Mickey interrupted.

Tony couldn’t tell if the Doctor had sighed, or whether it was just the dodgy speaker.

“Just repeat it every time.”

Mickey did, and while he worked, they could hear the conversation going on on Rose’s end of the phone. They were talking about the Slitheen- they’d now found out that’s what the monster who’d attacked Pete and Jackie was- and about the crash into Big Ben. They all remained silent, until Rose pointed out that the Slitheen were meant to be hiding, but had put the whole planet on red alert.

“What would they do that for?” Rose concluded in confusion.

Back in Mickey’s flat, Jackie scoffed. “Oh, listen to her.”

“At least I’m trying,” Rose responded through the speaker.

Pete sighed. “It’s been a long day,” he told his daughter. “Your mum’s a bit... Out of sorts.”

“Oi!” Jackie protested. “Anyway, I’ve got a question if you don’t mind. Since that man walked into our lives, I have been attacked in the streets. I have had creatures from the pits of hell in my own living room, and my daughter disappear off the face of the Earth.”

Rose audibly sighed. “I told you what happened.”

“Like I said,” Pete spoke up again, “it’s been a long day, and a lot’s happened-”

Jackie huffed. “Oh, stop making excuses for me. Besides, I’m talking to him. ‘Cause I’ve seen this life of yours, Doctor. And maybe you get off on it, and maybe you think it’s all clever and smart, but you tell me...” She reached for Pete’s hand, clasping it tight in her own. “You tell both of us, me and Pete. Just answer me this. Is our daughter safe?”

There was a long pause from the other end of the line.

“I’m fine,” Rose responded.

Jackie ignored her. “Is she safe? Will she always be safe? Can you promise us that? Well, what’s the answer?”

Still no response, and Pete was beginning to bristle.

“Maybe if you won’t answer my wife, Doctor, you’ll answer me. Is Rose safe with you? Honestly?”

But before they could get an answer, Mickey was pulling the phone closer to him.

“We’re in.”

~0~0~

The Doctor talked Mickey through the site, telling him where to pull up maps and readings, and various other things he evidently needed. And all the while, the Tylers were arguing in the background.

“He’ll have to answer us one day,” Jackie insisted.

Tony sighed. “Yeah, but maybe not while the whole of the world is at stake, yeah?”

But Pete seemed to be on Jackie’s side.

“You’ll understand when you’re older, Tone,” he told his son quietly. “But you and Rose will always be our kids, and no matter how old you get, we’ll still worry. That’s our job, as your parents. And if the Doctor can’t answer us-”

He broke off as the doorbell rung, and they all looked at one another, perplexed.

“Go and see who that is,” Mickey instructed, still concentrating on what the Doctor was telling him to do.

“It’s three in the morning,” Jackie protested.

“Do you regularly have people round at three in the morning?” Pete added, and he seemed to only be half-joking.

Mickey groaned. “No,” he sighed. “And I know it’s three in the morning. Go tell them that.”

It was Tony who went to answer the door somewhat reluctantly. He flung open the door and, when he saw a Police officer stood there, instinctively called for his dad. And it was only as Pete approached that Tony recalled what his parents had said, about the Slitheen hiding as a Police officer, and Tony froze.

“Tone,” Pete said quietly, “close the door and come here.”

Slowly, as if trying not to spook a startled animal, Tony swung the door shut in the Police officer’s face. Then, he backed away hurriedly, and Pete dragged him back into the bedroom.

“Slight problem,” Pete announced to the room at large.

Mickey and Jackie looked around expectantly.

Tony took a deep breath. “That monster’s found us.”

Everything went to hell, then. The Doctor was insisting he still needed Mickey to track down the signal, while Rose was telling them to get out. Jackie was panicking, Mickey wouldn’t move from the computer, and neither Tony nor Pete knew what to do. Finally, Mickey threw himself from the desk, grabbing a baseball bat and unplugging the mobile before bundling everyone towards the kitchen.

They were blocked in by the Slitheen, as Mickey told Rose when she told them to get out, and the telltale blue glow seeping around the door told them he was unzipping himself again. Not long later, it started hammering and scratching at the door. Mickey shoved the phone at Tony and raised the bat.

The woman the Doctor and Rose were with, was insisting that there had to be a way to stop them, but they were taking so long that Mickey’s door was beginning to splinter, and for the second time in twenty four hours, Jackie found herself bundled into a kitchen by her husband. They’d just slammed the door behind them when they heard the front door splinter, and the heavy footsteps of the creature drew closer.

“Get into the kitchen!” the Doctor shouted down the phone, and Tony rolled his eyes.

“We’re already in the kitchen,” Tony told him. “We’re trapped!”

Even as he spoke, the Siltheen pounded on the kitchen door.

The Doctor responded quickly. “Good. You need vinegar. Ask Mickey if you have any.”

Tony did ask. Mickey just frowned. “How should I know?”

The Tylers just stared at him, and suddenly Rose was shouting down the phone at her brother.

“Cupboard by the sink, middle shelf!”

Before Tony could relay the information, his mum had taken the phone from him and was speaking to them herself. Moments later, the phone was abandoned and she had a jug out and the contents of the cupboard scattered across the side. She was pouring in anything that had vinegar in- gherkins, pickled onions, pickled eggs, the lot. Pete and Tony shared a disgusted look.

“I knew you liked that sort of stuff, but don’t you think that’s a bit much?” Pete asked Mickey with a frown, nodding towards the sheer amount of things scattered across the worktop.

Finally, the kitchen door gave way, and as the creature drew closer, Jackie threw the contents of the jug over it. The creature stared, blinked, and then exploded. Chunks of green splattered across the kitchen, including its occupants, and Tony very gingerly picked the phone back up from the kitchen side.

“Done it,” he told his sister, shocked.

~0~0~

“Alright, Doctor,” Jackie said carefully. “I’m not saying I trust you, but there must be something you can do.”

They’d retreated back to Mickey’s bedroom, and the computer, and plugged the phone back in. The Slitheen wanted the access codes to the nuclear weapons. They’d constructed a whole story about how Earth was at war, and people were falling for it hook, line and sinker. Tony wasn’t sure they were going to get out of it.

Pete was trying to get through to someone on one of the emergency numbers, pacing the room as he hoped to get through.

“Dad, any luck?” Rose asked suddenly.

Pete sighed, and he’d be surprised if the Doctor and Rose couldn’t hear him. “There’s loads of emergency numbers, and they all keep going to voicemail.”

“Voicemail dooms us all,” said the woman the Doctor and Rose were with.

“If we could just get out of here,” Rose was saying. Jackie bit her lip, staring at the phone.

There was a pause.

And then the Doctor was speaking, quietly. “There’s always been a way out.”

There was an awkward silence in Mickey’s room then, as the four occupants shared baffled looks. On the other end of the phone, Rose asked why they didn’t use it.

“Because,” the Doctor said quietly, “I can’t guarantee your daughter will be safe.”

Pete and Jackie shared a look, and Pete crossed the room quickly to stand beside his wife.

“Don’t you dare,” Jackie was saying. “Whatever it is, don’t you dare!”

“There has to be something else,” Pete agreed, desperately, and Tony watched his parents from across the room, his arms wrapped around himself.

“That’s the thing,” the Doctor countered. “If I don’t dare, everyone dies.”

And then came the response they weren’t expecting. “Do it.”

Tony blinked. “Rose,” he protested, and suddenly he was beside his parents, “you can’t be serious?! We... I’ve only just got you back.”

“Tone, I have to,” Rose insisted.

The Doctor hadn’t said anything, and Tony realised that he was just as surprised by Rose’s response as they’d been.

“You don’t even know what it is,” the Doctor told her quietly. “You’d just let me?”

“Yeah,” Rose responded, and oh, Tony could just see his sister’s face.

Why was she so bloody caring?

Jackie was panicking then, and Tony couldn’t blame her. His dad seemed to be holding it together, but only just.

“Please,” Jackie said, and her voice broke. “Doctor, please. She’s our daughter. She’s just a kid.”

“Do you think I don’t know that? Because this is my life, Jackie. It’s not fun, it’s not smart, it’s just standing up and making a decision because nobody else will!”

“Then what are you waiting for?”

Blimey, Tony couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Rose, just stop a moment,” Pete began, but the Doctor’s quiet voice interrupted him.

“I could save the world but lose you.”

“Except it’s not your decision, Doctor. It’s mine.”

All three Tylers blinked at that.

“And who the hell are you?”  Jackie blurted out in surprise.

“Harriet Jones,” the woman replied calmly. “MP for Flydale North. The only elected representative in this room, chosen by the people for the people. And on behalf of the people, I command you. Do it.”

~0~0~

As Harriet Jones spoke on telly, Jackie scoffed and shook her head. They were finally back in their own flat, Pete making tea and Tony and Rose side by side on the sofa.

“Harriet Jones,” Jackie frowned. “Who does she think she is? Look at her, taking all the credit! Should be you on there. My daughter saved the world!”

“Yeah,” Pete nodded, coming out the kitchen, “but if Rose were getting all the credit we wouldn’t see her for hours, having to deal with all the press.”

Jackie shrugged, seeming to calm slightly at that.

“Besides, I think the Doctor helped a bit,” Rose added.

“Alright, then,” Jackie sighed, “him too. You should be given knighthoods.”

Tony wrinkled his nose. “He doesn’t have a name though, does he? How would that work?”

Rose shrugged. “That’s not the way he does things, anyway. No fuss. He just moves on. He’s not that bad if you give him a chance.” She gave her parents a pointed look.

“I suppose he’s alright,” Pete hedged carefully.

“He’s good in a crisis, I’ll give him that,” Jackie agreed.

Rose rolled her eyes at that. “Oh, now the world’s changed, you’re saying nice things about him.”

Tony smirked.

“Well, I reckon I’ve got no choice,” Jackie responded, a little uncomfortable. “There’s no getting rid of him since you’re infatuated.”

Rose gave her mum a look. “I’m not infatuated!”

“You are,” Tony mumbled. Rose smacked him. He grinned, and repeated the words. She smacked him again. Only a few moments later, the siblings had descended into a squabble, and Jackie rolled her eyes while Pete smirked.

“Your mum wanted to know what the Doctor eats,” Pete interrupted them calmly.

At that, Rose blinked, and frowned at her dad. “Why?”

“I was going to do shepherd’s pie,” Jackie shrugged. “All of us. A proper sit down, ‘cause your dad and I are ready to listen. We wanna learn about you and him and that life you lead. Only, I don’t know, he’s an alien. For all I know, he eats grass and safety pins and things.”

Tony spluttered at that, and Rose gave her parents an odd look.

“He’ll have shepherd’s pie,” she told them, still a little confused. “You’re going to cook for him?”

Jackie frowned. “What’s wrong with that?”

Rose shrugged, looking back at the telly. “He’s finally met his match.”

“You’re not too old for a slap, you know,” Jackie told her daughter as she headed to the kitchen. “You can go and visit your Gran tomorrow. You’d better learn some French. I told her you were in France. I said you were au-pairing.” She paused. “Pete, can you come peel the spuds?”

Rose frowned at what her mum had said. “Did she just say she told Gran I was in France for a year?”

Tony nodded, as Rose’s phone began to ring.

“Yeah,” he told her with a small smirk. “At one point I thought Mum was gonna start forging postcards from you. She thought it was a good idea, but then it just sort of snowballed.”

Rose, by now, had lost interest as she’d seen the caller ID on her phone read ‘TARDIS’. She answered the call, and Tony fell silent with a small grumble.

“You’ve got a phone?” Rose asked, and she hit Tony in the leg as he snorted beside her. “Er, my mother’s cooking.” She paused, obviously listening to the Doctor’s response. Tony was making kissing noises beside her. She rolled her eyes. “She’s cooking tea. For us. She wants to get to know you.” Another pause. “It’s just tea. She’s my mother.” Pause. “That’s not fair.”

The conversation continued a little while longer, and Tony lost interest. But then, the call was finished, and Rose had a thoughtful look on her face. Another few moments, and suddenly she was on her feet, heading to her room.

It wasn’t long after that that Jackie came back out, talking as she did so. “Rose, I was thinking-” She paused when she saw Rose was gone. “Where is she?”

Tony shrugged. “Her room, I think.”

Jackie made her way out the room, talking again. “I’ve got that bottle of Amaretto from New Year’s Eve. Does he drink?”

She finally came to a stop in Rose’s bedroom doorway, and blinked at the sight of Rose packing things into a backpack.

“I was wondering whether he drinks or not.”

Rose looked round at her mum briefly, before returning to her packing. “Yeah, he does.”

Jackie watched her daughter sadly. “Don’t go, sweetheart. Please don’t go.”

~0~0~

“But what about us?” Jackie asked, following Rose out of Bucknall House. Pete and Tony were a little way behind her. “What about your brother? He’s had his life upset enough in the past year!”

“It’s fine, Mum,” Tony insisted from a few paces behind. “I’m not a little kid.”

They came to a stop beside the TARDIS then, Mickey and the Doctor watching them carefully.

Jackie rounded on Pete instead, then. “Tell her, Pete! You can’t just let her leave again!”

Pete heaved out a breath, looking between his wife and his daughter.

“I don’t want you to go, Rose,” he admitted after a few moments. “But I’m not going to tell you to stay if you don’t want to.”

Jackie blinked at her husband, but Rose beamed.

“I’m travelling, that’s all,” Rose said, turning to Jackie. “And then I’ll come back.”

Jackie bit her lip, her gaze flitting to the Doctor. “But it’s not safe!”

Rose sighed. “Mum, if you saw it out there you’d never stay home.”

But Jackie looked unconvinced. Rose didn’t seem to see, though, as she turned to the Doctor, heaving her rucksack off and dumping it in his arms.

“Got enough stuff?” he asked, scowling at the weight of her back.

“Last time I stepped in there, it was spur of the moment,” Rose told him with a grin. “Now I’m signing up. You’re stuck with me!”

Still beaming, she whirled round to Mickey. “Come with us. There’s plenty of room.”

Mickey glanced at the Doctor over her shoulder, and the Doctor spoke up. “No chance. He’s a liability. I’m not having him on board.”

Rose turned round to frown at him. “We’d be dead without him.”

“My decision is final.”

Rose grimaced, and turned back to Mickey. “Sorry.” She gave him a kiss goodbye.

“Good luck, yeah,” Mickey said as she moved away to her parents.

Rose hugged Jackie, and had just moved on to Pete when Jackie was speaking.

“You still can’t promise us,” she told the Doctor with a small frown. “What if she gets lost? What if something happens to you, Doctor, and she’s left all alone standing on some moon a million light years away. How long do we wait then?”

Rose pulled away from where she’d been hugging Pete to face her mum again.

“Mum, you’re forgetting,” Rose reminded her gently. “It’s a time machine. I could go travelling around suns and planets and all the way out to the edge of the universe, and by the time I get back, yeah, ten seconds would have passed. Just ten seconds. So stop worrying. You’ll drive Dad and Tony spare!”

Jackie bit her lip as Rose turned to Tony and gave him a big hug too.

“Keep an eye on Mum and Dad, yeah?” she told him, reaching up to ruffle his hair. “And the Doctor’s zapped my phone, so whenever you wanna call, or text, or whatever, you can, ok?”

Tony nodded. “Yeah,” he responded with a small smile.

Rose beamed at her brother, and gave a still-worried-looking Jackie one last hug. “See you in ten seconds, yeah?”

And then she disappeared into the TARDIS. Moments later, it started wheezing and groaning, and finally it faded away. Jackie looked down at her watch, and stood, for several long seconds.

“Jaqs,” Pete said gently, holding his hand out to her.

But she stayed where she was, glancing at her watch again. “Ten seconds,” she said finally. And reluctantly, she took Pete’s hand and allowed him to lead her inside.

[lastbluetardis]

Met Their Match 2/2

This was a collaboration between me and @dimensionhoppingrose, and was inspired by this post by @tinyconfusion.

Ten x Rose AU

At the insistence of his sister, James Noble stops by Rose Tyler’s shop, but what he doesn’t know is that Rose runs a matchmaking business. While Rose tries to match him with a perfect partner, James starts to realize he’s falling for the woman who is trying to set him up on a date with other women.

Part 1 | AO3

She felt like someone had knocked all the wind out of her when she saw he had agreed to a second date.

…Oh.

The world seemed to spin for a moment as Rose stared blankly at the email, blinking back tears. This was supposed to be a good thing. A second date was brilliant, right? It meant he had finally found a match.

And it wasn’t her.

Rose didn’t even bother emailing either of them back; they could arrange another date without her help. She just closed her laptop and threw it aside before she curled around a throw pillow and buried her face in the fabric.

So stupid. She never should have gotten her hopes up. When she’d first started her business, she swore she would never let her personal feelings get in the way of making a match, and above all, she swore she would never ever fall for a client. Look how well that worked…

Across town, James sighed and tossed his phone onto the couch. He did it. He finally agreed to go on a second date with one of Rose’s matches.

He had genuinely liked Reinette. She was smart and funny and utterly gorgeous. She loved to travel, just like he did, and they had spent most of their date swapping stories about the various countries they’d each been to, and of the places they still wanted to see.

She had been utterly captivating, and James couldn’t, in good conscience, reply to the Rate Your Date email by saying the date didn’t go well. Because it did. Better than any of the others.

No matter. A second date would be good for Rose’s business, right? She could finally rest easy knowing she had matched him with someone he had clicked with. And even as James grabbed his phone to email Reinette, asking her on a second date, he tried ignore the tight knot that was lodged in his stomach.

Rose was taken, he told himself firmly. Might as well get over it. No use in pining over someone I can’t have. Might as well see if I can be happy with someone like Reinette.

oOoOo

Rose probably shouldn’t have been surprised when Jack called. He, like Rose, had assumed James’ date wouldn’t go well, because none of them had, and he wanted to find out what Rose planned on doing now.

It was tempting to ignore the call, but that was rude. Rose forced herself to pick up, letting out a shuddering breath. “Yeah?”

Jack was quiet for a moment. “What’s wrong?” he asked finally, and Rose made a small noise that was somewhere between a sob and a laugh.

“His date went great. They’re going out again. He sounds really happy.” Really, how could she have been stupid enough to get her hopes up? Of course Reinette and James were perfect for each other. How could they not be.

Jack was quiet for another moment. “Guess it’s time for me to kick his ass.”

“Jack, no.” Rose sighed, scrubbing her eyes. “It’s fine. Really. I’m happy for him. Reinette’s great. I’m sure they’ll be happy together.”

“You don’t sound too thrilled about it.”

“It doesn’t matter what I think, does it? He came to me for a service, he paid for the service, and I gave him that service. He was a client. I did my job.” She had to keep telling herself that. It was the only thing keeping her from utterly breaking.

James was too good for her anyways.

“Want me to stop by?” Jack asked quietly.

Rose sighed. “No, I’ll be fine. I’ve been falling behind with my other clients anyway. I’ve got more matches to arrange.” Besides, she was sure she would be rubbish company at the moment.

“Let me know if you change your mind.”

A lump formed in Rose’s throat, and she barely managed to say, “Thanks, Jack,” before she ended the call.

She really did have loads of matches to arrange, but she wasn’t exactly in a matching mood. Every time she tried to arrange a couple, James and Reinette infiltrated her thoughts, and she found herself wondering what would’ve happened if she had intentionally given James a poor match to ensure he would be free the next time he stepped into her office.

That type of thinking was doing nothing for her frame of mind, and she slammed her laptop closed and instead decided to go for a run.

oOoOo

Reinette was wonderful. James couldn’t deny that. She was smart, and funny, and very pretty, and they had a lot in common. Out of everyone Rose had matched him with, she was by far the best. He felt as though he could talk with Reinette for hours, and that was good, right?

Though, as their date progressed, he found his mind wandering—more than once—to a different blonde. One who wouldn’t have minded a date to a chippie—when James suggested that as a location for their second date, Reinette had come back with a different option: dinner at a higher-end restaurant that overlooked the Thames.

As Reinette spoke of the countries she had traveled to, James wondered if Rose liked to travel, and if she would appreciate his style of travel—hop on a bus and disembark wherever it stopped—or Reinette’s style of having everything perfectly planned out months in advance.

As Reinette regaled him with tales of her days from university, and how she’d always loved attending the theater performances put on by the students, James couldn’t help but think back to the way Rose’s eyes lit up when she spoke of being involved in the performing arts department, designing costumes and sets and props.

James sighed quietly when he realized he’d been spending most of their dating thinking of another woman. He felt terribly guilty about that. He wanted to like Reinette. He just… couldn’t force himself to.

And really, that was a horrible attitude. If he had to force himself to like someone, it was never going to work. He had been on the receiving end of that, when his previous girlfriend stayed with him for months, despite the fact she had fallen out of love with him. He would never wish that upon anyone.

“But listen to me, going on and on,” Reinette said, snapping James out of his stupor. “Tell me more about yourself. What do you do for fun?”

James stuttered for a minute, taking a sip of his wine to cover himself. He had kind of been hoping to just spend the entire dinner zoned out. Reinette liked to talk. Okay, so did he, but he at least tried to make it a conversation rather than a CV of his achievements. “Ah, well… I like video games. Computer games, especially.”

He was surprised—and a little offended—when Reinette laughed. “Isn’t that a little juvenile?”

Rose likes computer games. He shoved that thought down. “They’re what I like,” he said, a bit hotly.

“I would have thought you’d have more interesting hobbies, is all,” Reinette said, as if it wasn’t a big deal at all that she was mocking something he enjoyed. James bristled a bit, looking down at his plate.

Rose wouldn’t have laughed even if she didn’t understand it.

“Then what do you like to do?” James asked stiffly.

Reinette cocked an eyebrow as she said, “Weren’t you listening to me at all earlier?”

Oops. James floundered for a way to save face, but thankfully she beat him to it.

“Do you even want to be on this date?” she demanded, setting down her fork.

James grimaced and scrubbed his hand through his hair.

“I thought I did,” he said truthfully. And he really did. He thought if he just tried hard enough, maybe he could make himself forget about Rose and eventually fall for someone else. He thought that, given time, he might be able to click with Reinette as he had done with Rose.

“I suppose this is it then,” Reinette stated, and she pushed herself up from the table and walked out of the restaurant.

James’ cheeks burned as he felt the eyes of nearby patrons on him, looking at him sympathetically. He grabbed his wallet and tossed a few notes onto the table, more than enough to cover their drinks and appetizers, before he, too, stalked out of the restaurant.

He wondered how on earth he’d fallen so hard and so fast for Rose Tyler, and he wondered if she might possibly feel something for him? There was no denying they’d hit it off during that lunch, and they spoke so easily to each other whenever he stopped by her office. But was that just her being a good businesswoman, or was there more behind her teasing grins and easy conversations?

oOoOo

Rose had tried not to think too much about James being on a second date, but over the course of the weekend, she found herself wondering if it went well, and if James and Reinette were going on a third date together.

She should be happy for him. She should be happy for herself, too, that she’d managed to find a suitable match for one of her pickiest clients.

So Rose had been understandably surprised when she walked into the office the next morning to find an email from Reinette Poisson requesting another match. There was nothing from James, which made Rose wonder if maybe he didn’t know the date hadn’t gone well. Oh, that would break his heart.

And he certainly didn’t deserve that. He’d seemed so excited that he finally hit it off with someone. How was she supposed to call him and tell him that his enthusiasm wasn’t reciprocated?

Rose now felt horribly guilty that she had wished James’ date would fail. What sort of business woman hopes to see her clients fail?

She fired up her computer and was working on getting Reinette matched up with someone else when there was a knock at her office door. She looked up, calling, “Come in?” in a confused voice. She didn’t have any meetings scheduled for the day…

Her heart jumped into her throat when James walked through the door. “Hi,” he said quietly when Rose didn’t say anything. “I just wanted to tell you I’m done. I don’t want to do anymore matches.”

So apparently he did know the date hadn’t gone well. That was something of a relief—at least she wouldn’t have to witness his heart break at the news…

…Wait, what had he just said?

“You’re done?” Rose repeated stupidly.

James nodded. “Yeah. It’s clearly not working out. And that’s no fault of yours. This is all on me. I’m just not… I’m really sorry I wasted your time. Thank you, though, Rose.”

He turned to leave, looking so dejected.

“Wait!” Rose burst out, her mind racing as she quickly typed a few things. “Wait, let me just… one more match, okay?”

“No, really, I don’t think that’s a great idea,” James insisted.

“Just one. On the house, even.”

James narrowed his eyes at Rose. She’d never been this pushy before, and she was frantically typing on her keyboard. What are you up to?

“Oh, all right.” James sighed and walked around her desk to look at her computer. His eyebrows shot way up when he saw Rose had put together a quick profile of… herself. “What…?”

“Go on a date with me?” Rose asked quietly. And after one heart pounding moment, James’ lips split into a wide grin that sent Rose’s heart fluttering.

And then his smile disappeared.

“No, wait, what about Jack?” James asked, willing away the excitement in his gut. He was all too familiar with being cheated on, and he refused to partake in it, no matter how much he wanted to go on a date with Rose Tyler.

“Oh, we broke up right after I matched you with Reinette,” Rose said, biting her lip shyly. “We decided we make better friends than a couple.”

James blinked at her for a few moments, and Rose exhaled in relief when a bright smile crossed his face once more.

“Then in that case,” he said happily, “I would love to go on a date with you, Rose Tyler. Dinner? When are you free? I’m free most evenings. I could come pick you up after work one day this week?”

Rose giggled happily at his enthusiasm, and the way his gob seemed to take over in his excitement. She leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek and said, “I’m free right now.”

“You are?” he asked dubiously. It was nine o’clock in the morning. Surely she had work to do, matches to make, appointments to keep.

“Yep.” James found himself grinning when she popped her ‘p’ like he did. Did she pick that up from him? He liked to think she did. “Perks of being the boss, you know.”

“But it’s not dinnertime,” James argued. Romantic dinners, soft candlelight, gentle jazz music… Wasn’t that what women liked in a date?

“An astute observation,” Rose teased, and James nearly swallowed his tongue when he saw hers peeking out from the corner of her mouth. “Y’know, breakfast dates are just as romantic. If you’re interested?”

James was desperate to wipe that look of uncertainty off her face, and he announced, “Oh, yes! Absolutely! Breakfast it is!”

“Perhaps the seventh time’s the charm?” Rose asked. She shut down her computer before she grabbed her coat and purse.

“Perhaps.” James grinned and took her hand in his as he walked with her to a nearby diner.

As it turns out, the seventh time was indeed the charm. Not only did date number one with Rose Tyler go smoothly, but dates two, three, four, and one hundred and sixty-nine went smashingly too.

And then came date one hundred and seventy.

“Y’know… I only kept paying for the matchmaking so I could see you.”

After over a year of dating, James felt more or less secure in admitting that to Rose, knowing she would never make fun of him for anything he revealed to her. She did, however, seem rather surprised.

She blinked, raising her head to look at him. They’d been lying on the couch together, enjoying a movie, when James had finally decided to confess.

“What? Seriously?” Rose asked in disbelief. “I set you up on five paid dates. That’s a hundred quid, James! Plus the cost of your dates!”

“Money well spent,” James said with a grin, and Rose didn’t know whether to laugh or slap him.

“Oh, my God, you’re such a dork,” she groaned, shaking her head. “Do you at least want your money back?”

“Nah, it’s fine. I consider it an investment. Besides, don’t married couples share assets anyways?”

Rose rolled over to stare at him, gaping. “What?”

Oops. Right. He hadn’t actually asked yet. He had rehearsed his proposal so many times in his head, he’d forgotten he hadn’t done it yet. Well this was going brilliantly.

“Ehm… I mean… that is to say… ehm… marry me?” he asked meekly.

Rose burst out laughing. “Jesus Christ.”

“Ehm, is that a yes?” he asked faintly, feeling as though his heart was about to beat right out of his chest.

“Yes, you muppet!”

Rose launched herself at him, knocking him to his back as she straddled him. James settled his hands on her hips as she pressed her lips to his in a tender kiss. Their mouths moved in a familiar rhythm, a series of nipping and sucking and kissing that felt so brilliant.

“I love you,” she murmured against his lips.

“I love you, too,” he whispered, pulling her closer as he enjoyed the feel of her warm weight in his lap. “Does this mean our photo goes on your successes bulletin board at work?”

“Oh, absolutely. Front and center. Best match I ever made.”

“Well, you did fail with matching me six times,” James tease. “Statistically speaking, you and I were bound to work out.”

He giggled and caught her hand in his before she had a chance to smack his chest. He pressed a kiss to her knuckles before he sat up and dropped his hands to his pockets. He wriggled beneath her for a few seconds, trying not to dislodge her from his lap while he rooted around in his pockets. He crowed triumphantly, and a moment later, his hand reappeared holding a little black box.

“How long have you been carrying that around with you?” Rose asked, her heart hammering in anticipation.

“Ehm… a few weeks?”

Rose smiled fondly at him, then gasped as James flicked open the box to reveal a beautiful platinum ring nestled in the soft velvet. He tugged the ring free and took her left hand in his to slide the ring onto her fingers with shaking hands. Rose admired the gleaming sapphires and diamonds that comprised her ring, before she cradled James’s cheeks in her hands and pressed a sweet kiss to his lips.

“I love you so much, Rose,” he whispered, resting his forehead against hers.

“I love you, too.” Rose rubbed the tip of her nose against his, feeling happier than she ever thought she could be. She’d spent most of her adult life matching couples and finding happiness for other people; she was so relieved that she finally found it for herself. And for James.

oOoOo

They were married fifteen months later.

It was a beautiful ceremony, though if James was honest, he only remembered one part of it. It was the most important part, though—the part where Rose walked down the aisle toward him, just moments away from becoming his wife.

He’d never forget that for as long as he lived.

Nor would he forget their first dance together as husband and wife.

“You know, people keep telling me we’re cute together,” James murmured to Rose as they moved slowly around the dance floor. “Maybe we should get married.”

“Regrettably, I’m spoken for,” Rose teased. James put on a mock hurt look.

“Really? Who is it? I’ll fight ‘em.”

Rose burst out laughing, resting her head on his chest. “Dork,” she murmured fondly.

“Your dork,” James corrected her, brushing his lips across the top of her head.

“Yeah. My dork.”

“Oh, save it for the honeymoon, you too.”

They looked up when they saw Jack dancing towards them with a bloke on his arm and a champagne flute in his hand.

“If you two are quite done, the toasts are about to start,” Jack said. “And yours truly gets the first one.”

James rolled his eyes and dipped down to give his wife another kiss before he took her hand and walked them to their table.

Jack clinked his knife against his glass, garnering everyone’s attention.

“I met Rose five years ago,” Jack said, “when we met on an online gaming chatroom. We hit it off immediately. Which isn’t surprising; everyone who meets Rose can’t help but fall in love with her.”

Jack winked at Rose, and she smiled shyly at him, hiding her red cheeks with her hands.

“Anyways,” Jack continued, “we realized we lived in the same city, we met up, and after a few years, we started dating.”

“You know this is my wedding,” James growled at his friend.

“It’s rude to interrupt a toast,” Jack said sweetly, and Rose giggled at the two of them.

James rolled his eyes, but still scooted his chair closer to Rose so he could wrap his arm around her shoulders.

“However, it wasn’t long before I realized that we just weren’t the right match,” Jack said. “And that was perfectly fine. Because Rose here was destined for someone else, a man much more Noble than myself.”

“Oh, you did not just say that!” Rose groaned.

Jack wiggled his eyebrows at her, looking so pleased with himself. Rose rolled her eyes and shook her head at her friend as he continued his speech.

Truthfully, she stopped paying attention after his horrid pun; she instead leaned back against her husband and took his hand in hers. As she played with his new ring, she spared a thought to her company’s tagline: There’s a match out there for everyone. She pressed a kiss to James’ fingers, happy that the sentiment held true for her. James truly was her perfect match.

[tylerturnr-blog]

Tyler: Para 004 - Part 1. Date: 1/22/2017 Time: 4:30 Location: Cafe - North Side of Chicago

Messing with the salt and pepper shakers on the table in the quiet cafe, Tyler fidgeted around until he saw a female walk through the door. She had brown skin, was about 5'7, and had her curly dark brown hair falling over shoulders.

 Attached to her hand was a little girl. Tyler’s eyebrows immediately rose at the sight. He didn’t expect her to be here.

 As he stared at the little girl, he realized it was fair to say she was a miniature version of her mother. The only difference was her skin tone was a little lighter. But she too had curly hair, she was dressed well for her age, and she had a wide smile on her face. 

 "She must be hyper..“ Tyler whispered to himself as he smiled. 

 He stood up and waved over towards the door. The woman scanned the room until she saw him. A smile appeared on her face as they made their way over to the table. 

 "Tyler.” She said with a smile. “Hey, how are you?" 

 "Zoe." 

 She leaned forward and they hugged one another. Once she pulled away she looked at her daughter. 

 "This is Ava. I’m sorry, I wasn’t going to bring her but I um, I have to drop her off at her daycare after this and I gotta get back to work so I wouldn’t have time to go pick her up. I hope that’s okay.” She said with a small smile.

 "Yeah, nah. It’s no problem. I’m actually happy you brought her. She was actually one of the things I wanted to talk to you about, Zo.“ 

 "Oh. Okay. Well um, she hasn’t eaten lunch yet so I’m gonna go order her something real quick and then we can talk.” She nodded before looking down at the little girl. “Sit right here and mommy will be right back, okay? What do you want?" 

 Ava looked up at Zoe and tapped her fingers against the able as she went deep in thought. The little face she made with it made Tyler chuckle to himself.

 "Oh, girl. You eat like three things. Hurry up and take your pick.” Zoe said as she placed her hands on her hips. 

 Ava scrunched up her face then covered her face with her hands. Zoe looked at Tyler and simply laughed. “She’s so damn dramatic. Macaroni it is." 

She said as she walked away and towards the register. Ava peeked through her fingers to see if her mother walked away, and when she saw the coast was clear she sat up in her booster seat and looked at him. She waved and Tyler waved back. 

 "Hey, little lady.” He said. “So you’re Ava, huh? I’m Tyler." 

 She nodded with a smile the replied. "Hi. You mommy’s friend?" 

 "Yup. I’m mommy’s friend. Can I ask you something? How old are you?" 

 She held up three fingers, then she looked at them as if she wasn’t sure if they were correct.

 "You’re three?" 

 Tyler and Zoe were best friends when they were younger. They grew together from freshman year of high school to freshman year at Hendrix. They were so close to the point it was like finishing sentences was nothing and crashing at each other’s houses at 3 in the morning was the norm. For a long time, they were inseparable. That is, until college. Once they got to college they started going their separate ways. 

He was focusing on basketball and she was pre-Med, so classes and science took over her life. They understood that they were heading in different directions and that staying close would be a challenge, and up until the middle of freshman year, it was a challenge that they were losing. That was until one night when.

Tyler convinced her to step away from the books and come out to the game. He was a freshman starting for the first time on a team full of juniors and seniors so her presence at this one particular game was important to him. The team ended up winning the game, and afterwards there was a party in one of the dorms. They attended the party and by the end of the night were both drunk off their asses. They somehow got back to his dorm, and long story short, he woke up with her naked on his chest the next morning. 

 It wasn’t that big of a deal at first because they weren’t strangers. They knew each other. They were friends. It even got to the point where instead of them being awkward about the situation, they carried it on. They were on the neutral level of friends with benefits. It brought them closer, so neither had a problem with it. They just had to make it clear that there were no strings attached. 

 That was a little bit over three years ago. Everything was going fine until she got a scholarship offer to a better school. Zoe left with no hesitation, no matter how much Tyler wanted her to stay. After a few weeks he understood why she left. She was serious about her career and nothing was going to stand in her way. Not even him. The only thing that he thought would sway her mind towards the idea of coming back to Hendrix, was that a few weeks later he got a call from her mother saying that she was pregnant and the baby might be his. He got a hold of Zoe and tried to talk about it, but she was scared and blocked out the conversation when she heard the word baby.

 He knew that when she’s scared, she blocks everything out. 18 with a baby on the way? He didn’t blame her. The only thing he did blame her for was that after a while she cut off all communication with him. Her mother too. He was left in the dark about whether the baby was his or, in all honestly, if she even kept it. 

He worried about it for a while, but eventually everything just slipped his mind. As bad as that may sound, being a basketball player at a top university and the life that comes with it, makes everything else easy to block out. Especially if the situation isn’t presenting itself. 

 A few months prior to now, his mom brought the situation up to him and all the memories flooded back. He waited a while to reach out, a while being until a few days ago. He got in touch with Zoe’s mother, who was apologetic for everything, and informed him that she indeed kept the baby and that Zoe was back home. She wouldn’t give him any other details though because she thought he and Zoe should talk themselves. 

 To him, Zoe seemed as though he was under the impression that he knew nothing about her daughter. She walked in smiling acting as though the kid might not be his. He told her he wanted to meet to catch up, when in all actuality he wanted to know if he was a father. 

 Ava nodded. "How old are you?" 

 "I’m 21. I’ll be 22 in July. So I’m a little bit older than you." 

 "You’re old." 

 "I’m old? You’re old." 

 "No! You’re old.”

 "You’re old.“ 

 They playfully went back and forth for another minute or so until Zoe walked back over and sat Ava’s food in front of her. "You’re both old. Now shut up." 

She chuckled before sitting down. She had a duffle bag with her that she didn’t have when she came in. Where she got from, he didn’t know. But he brushed it off. 

 "She started it.” Tyler teased. 

 "No I didn’t!“ 

They laughed and Ava looked down at the bowl in front of her. 

 "Thank you.” She said as she picked up her spoon and began shoveling macaroni into her mouth. 

 "Hold on, kid.“ Tyler said as he looked at her. "It’s not going anywhere. Slow down." 

 He grabbed a napkin and unfolded it before reaching over and sitting it in her lap. He then looked at Zoe who had her head cocked to the side. 

 "You haven’t changed that much, huh?” She asked with a smile. 

He shrugged. “I guess. I can’t say the same for you, Ms. Doctor." 

 "I’m not a doctor yet. Trust me, I have a loooong way to go. I’m working at the hospital as a nurse. It’s a part of a program." 

He nodded. "That’s wassup." 

 "Yeah. How’s basketball? I heard you’re still playing. And I watch the occasional ESPN broadcast, so I heard you’re entering into the draft when the season’s done. Is that right?" 

 Tyler nodded. "Yeah, that’s right.”

 "That’s wassup!“ She exclaimed. "Congratulations! I hope you end up where you wanna be, because being drafted is a given with you. It all comes down to where you are, right? Just don’t forget about me in your acceptance speech. All those years of rebounding and running after balls for you. I deserve some recognition." 

 "What?” He laughed. “Shorty you wasn’t with me shooting in the gym." 

 She raised her eyebrows and paused. "First off, you’re a lame. And second, I wasn’t shooting but I was in there. I remember once, senior year of high school, I was supposed to be studying but you dragged me to the gym with you. That happened a lot. My GPA went from a 4.1 to a 4.0 that semester. I’m still pissed about it." 

 They laughed together then Tyler glanced back over at Ava. "Hey, uh. Thanks for coming. I kinda wanted to talk to you about her." 

 "Ava?” She smiled small before reaching down into the duffle bag and pulling out her phone. “What about her?" 

 "Well, I talked to you mom and she said that when you left yo decided to keep the baby. But you never talked to me about any of details of you being pregnant. I wanted to know straight up if she was mi-…" 

Her phone rang right as he was talking and she looked down at it. "Oh, Tyler. I have to take this. Give a minute, yeah?” She smiled and stood up, putting the phone to her ear before making her way out the door of the cafe. 

He sighed and looked over at Ava who was still focused on her food. 

 "It’s good, huh?“ He asked her. 

 She looked at him and nodded quickly. "Does your mom let you have cookies?" 

 She nodded again. "Aight well I’m gonna go get you one. I’ll be right back alright?" 

 …

 Tyler looked at the time on his phone and saw that about 40 minutes had passed since Zoe stepped out. He kept Ava busy with conversation and cookies so much where he didn’t think she’d even noticed that her mom still hadn’t come back. 

 "And that’s why my favorite color is pink.” Ava finished with a yawn. 

 "You’re really smart.“ He smiled. "You know where your mom went? She’s been gone for a while.”

 "Um. She told me to give you this.“ Ava reached in her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. 

Tyler took it and opened it before reading it aloud. 

 "Dear Tyler. I’m sorry, but you have to take her. I’m sorry for leaving like this but I know she’ll be safe with you more than anybody else. I left her clothes and everything in the bag and I’ll call yo soon. Thank you so much and I’m so sorry. Love Zoe." 

 Tyler made a face at the note. "What the fu-…heck." 

 He looked at Ava who was rubbing her eyes. She looked sleepy. 

 He looked back at the note before mumbling. "Is she mine?" 

He dragged his hands down his face before looking over at Ava again. He had no choice but to take her with him, but he was going to get as many answers as he could, no matter what it took. 

 "So…it looks like you’re gonna be spending a little time with Uncle Tyler." 

 She nodded slowly and Tyler stood up. He slipped the note in his pocket before picking her up. She instantly laid her head on his shoulder, and he went over and got her bag before they left the restaurant. He took her to his car and sat her in the back seat along with the bag. 

After buckling her in and making sure the child lock was on the door, he went over and got in on the drivers side. He looked at her in the mirror before laying his head on the steering wheel and mumbling. 

 "Shayla’s going to kill me." 

 He sighed and started the car before making his way back to campus.

[dimensionhoppingrose]

Gravity || Chapter Six

Title: Gravity (Part 6/20) Rating: K+ Summary: —AU, all human— Awkward new boy John Noble isn’t expecting much out of his new school — and his lack of expectations are fulfilled when he’s targeted by a bully on the first day. What takes him by surprise is pretty, popular Rose Tyler coming to his rescue.

Note: I originally posted the prologue and first thirteen chapters of this story on my now-deleted Metacrisis roleplaying account. I’m reposting the prologue and first thirteen chapters here now.

Read the whole story here.

Test next week.

The very words made Rose want to cry. She was so tired of studying and tests and not understanding a god damn thing. John kept saying she was smart, but they both knew that was bull.

She was not smart. She knew just enough to squeak by, and when that stopped being adequate she would be screwed.

“Breathe, Rose,” John whispered in her direction, and she sucked in a sharp breath as the bell rang.

“God I’m screwed.”

“No, you’re not. You’re going to be okay. You just need to keep calm, remember to breathe, and keep reminding yourself that you do know this, you are smart, you just psych yourself out sometimes and that’s not good for you.” He rested a hand on her shoulder, smiling. “You’re gonna be fine.”

Donna looked up as Rose walked in, looking rather close to tears. She’d been keeping a close eye on the blonde since John had voiced his suspicions regarding Rose and Jimmy, but so far she hadn’t seen anything horribly off.

“You alright?” She asked quietly, and Rose swallowed hard, nodding. The bell rang before Donna could question it any further, and Mr. Smith walked in.

“First things first — who wants to see the pop quiz we took last week?”

A low groan went through the room as Mr. Smith made his way through the room, handing back the papers, making comments as he went. “Mr. Johnson, not bad… Ms. Hall, very good… Ms. Noble, surprisingly good…” Donna smirked at the ninety-four circled at the top of her test. Thank you John. “Ms. Tyler, about as good as I would expect…”

Rose’s throat swelled up when she saw the bright red sixteen. She sucked in a shuddery breath, trying to calm down, but it was no good.

And worse, Mr. Smith caught her.

“Well Ms. Tyler, if you want better grades I suggest maybe actually opening your book once in a while.”

Something in Rose snapped. Without a second thought she grabbed her bag, fleeing from the room before she could break down completely. Donna didn’t hesitate to jump up, hurrying after her.

“Ms. Noble if you leave don’t bother coming back.”

Donna stopped in the door and, without missing a beat, she turned on her heel, went back to her desk, picked up her bag, and walked out.

Rose hadn’t made it very far. She’d only gotten to the stairwell before she’d collapsed, sliding down against the wall and sitting on the top step, doubled over as she cried. The sound of her sobs echoed through the stairwell.

“Hey, hey,” Donna said gently as she sat down next to the poor girl, pulling her into the best hug she could manage considering their positions. “He’s a bastard, alright? Don’t even listen to him, it’s not worth it.”

Rose just shook her head as she leaned into Donna. “I’m…trying,” she finally managed to gasp out. “I’m trying…so hard…and nothing I do is enough!”

She yelled that last word, and Donna winced at the echo. Rose curled up tighter, crying hard. “Why isn’t it good enough?” She whimpered, squeezing her eyes shut.

“Ssshhh,” Donna coaxed her gently, brushing her hair back. This, she thought bitterly, was the problem with school. It was fine for John, he was a bloody genius (something their mother never hesitated to compare them on), but what about the people who had to struggle for their good grades? What about the people who could never quite make the cut no matter how hard they tried?

“You know what you need?” Donna finally declared when Rose had quieted a bit. “You need a mental health day. What’s the best way to get out of this place without getting caught?”

Rose blinked, wiping her red, puffy eyes. “There…there’s a back door…”

“Great.” Donna hopped up, taking Rose’s hand and pulling her up as well. “We’ll get out of here, we can go to my house. Grandpa won’t mind, especially when he sees you.” Donna had snuck out of school and gone home crying once when she was thirteen. Wilf had covered for her one-hundred percent, even fielding phone calls from the school and keeping it from Sylvia.

“D-Donna we can’t—”

“Sure we can! We’ll text John, he can meet us there and you two can study if you’re feeling up for it so you won’t even miss that. Come on.”

Finally Rose gave in, and they snuck out, heading for the Noble house. They didn’t say much — Rose was trying to recover herself, but she knew she was still a right mess when they walked in.

Wilf was surprised, to say the least, when he looked out into the living room to see his granddaughter standing there with the distressed blonde. “What happened?” He asked at once, hurrying out. There was no sign of reprimand in his expression — just pure, obvious concern for the young woman.

“Our biology teacher is a bastard,” Donna said firmly. “She just needs a break for the day.”

Wilf nodded. “Come on, kitchen. I’ll make you some tea and we can have an early lunch.”

“I’m just gonna take her upstairs real quick,” Donna told Wilf as they headed for the kitchen. “We’ll be right back.”

Upstairs they dropped their bags in Donna’s room and Donna steered her to the bathroom, finding a washcloth so Rose could clean up. No amount of cold water could completely erase the puffiness, though — she would just need time for that.

They went downstairs and let Wilf pour tea down their throats and feed them. Donna texted John while they ate to let him know what was going on.

“What happened, dear?” Wilf asked Rose gently, and she hesitated. “Only if you wanna talk about it, of course.”

“I…I just…I’m havin’ a really hard time in biology, and Mr. Smith…”

“Is an arse,” Donna interrupted. “He acts like if we don’t get something right off we’re idiots. He picks on Rose, Grandpa.”

“I-It’s fine,” Rose tried to say.

“It most certainly is not,” Wilf said firmly. “He’s a teacher, he shouldn’t be making students feel bad about themselves. If you’re not getting something he should be trying to help. You should talk to your mother and report him.”

“I don’t wanna cause trouble,” Rose muttered, looking down at her plate.

“Nobody should ever make you cry like that, dear. Certainly not a so-called teacher.”

This was why Donna had wanted to bring Rose home. Wilf had a soft spot for most young women — not just the ones he was related to, but anyone he saw in need. Donna had known he would want to try and make Rose feel better.

But Rose insisted it was fine, and Wilf reluctantly let it go, not wanting to upset her any more.

John was understandably concerned when he got home. “What happened?” He asked Wilf. Donna and Rose were upstairs. There’d been talking and even giggling for a while, but now it was quiet — Rose had fallen asleep at the foot of Donna’s bed. The poor thing was obviously wiped out.

“She had a bit of a problem with her biology teacher.” Wilf shook her head. “The man sounds like an absolute menace but she doesn’t want to report him…”

Wilf’s voice drifted off as John ran upstairs. He stopped in Donna’s door, hesitating when he saw Rose fast asleep. Donna looked up, seeing John, and carefully climbed off the bed. They went to John’s room to talk.

“What happened?”

“Mr. Smith was giving her a hard time because she failed a pop quiz last week, she snapped and ran out crying.” John’s stomach flipped a bit that. “He’s always coming down on her, just because she’s having a hard time in the class. He’s such a jerk.”

Why hadn’t she said anything? John would have been more than happy to help her with biology — he already helped Donna, it wasn’t like there was that much of a difference. Except he wouldn’t throw things at Rose.

Rose woke up not long after John got home. She looked faintly embarrassed when she saw him. Truth was this entire thing was just humiliating. She couldn’t believe she’d broken down so badly. And she’d run out of class even!

“What’re you guys working on in biology?” John asked without preamble, and Rose blinked.

“Wha — John, no—”

“I don’t mind helping, Rose. But you gotta tell me you need help.”

“He really is a good tutor,” Donna said quietly. “How do you think I got a ninety-four?”

“You got a ninety-four?” John asked, surprised, and Donna grinned proudly. “Brilliant! See, if I can teach her I can teach anyone.”

That got him a pillow thrown at his head.

They settled down in Donna’s room to work. They did biology first, John helping both of them where they needed it while he did some of his other work before they moved on to math.

And the entire time, a voice was taunting Rose in the back of her head. Why are you even bothering? You’re not good enough. You’re just wasting their time.

It sounded suspiciously like Jimmy.

They were still working when Sylvia got home. “She’s here again?” The woman asked in disbelief when she heard the voices upstairs.

“You shush now, she’s Donna’s and John’s friend and she’s a sweetheart.”

Still, Sylvia made a face when the trio came downstairs. “Why don’t you stay for dinner, Rose?” Wilf suggested kindly. Rose smiled as she shook her head.

“I should really get home. Thank you, though, really.”

Donna and John bid her farewell as she left. John raised an eyebrow when he saw the look on Sylvia’s face.

“What?”

Sylvia just shook her head.

×∞×∞×∞×∞×∞×∞×∞×∞×

“I’m sorry, Jim, I really am, I just needed to get away from things for a bit—”

“You didn’t even say anything, you just took off, you’ve been ignorin’ my messages—”

“I had a bad day, I needed a break.”

“So you just turn around and ignore me?”

Rose had known Jimmy would be upset when she ignored his repeated text messages asking where she was. But he just didn’t understand why she was so stressed about passing her classes — if she wasn’t going to get her A-Levels, what was the point? — and she knew he wouldn’t exactly be comforting in this situation.

And she’d really just needed the escape.

“I’m sorry, Jimmy. I really am. But hey, I’m still comin’ to see you play tonight.”

“Are you sure you don’t need a break from it?” His voice was a little bitter, and Rose sighed.

“No. I want to see you play. I really do.”

“Sure.” He didn’t sound like he believed her, and Rose sighed. She really couldn’t do anything right. “See you later.”

“Yeah. See ya.”

She shoved her phone into her pocket, resting her head against the bus window and watching the scenery fly by.

There was a small part of her mind that had to agree with Jimmy — why was she bothering? She was never going to be good enough. She certainly wasn’t going to get into A-level classes. At this rate she wasn’t even going to pass her regular classes. So why was she even bothering? Why not just walk out now and be done with it?

She knew that was what Jimmy was close to doing. He and his band were getting more gigs, and he was so sure his music career was going to take off, and he didn’t need to be in school for that. Not that he was there much anyways — he popped in for lunch, but he usually skipped at least half of his classes. If not more.

Jimmy didn’t care about school. So why did Rose care so much? Obviously it wasn’t getting her anywhere. She wasn’t any good at school anyways, all she was doing was wasting her time — and John’s now, for that matter.

Maybe she should just do everyone a favor and quit.

[veganearlybird]

Entrepreneur. Maverick. Genius. [The Diaries of Harold Gordon]

(October 5)

With nearly 22 years now in past have decided to buy moleskine (paper iPad) from online store (free shipping included. good deal). Have always thought of myself as a creative type the likes of Jerry Seinfeld or Tyler Perry, it is good that now I have capability to write down thoughts and dreams and tech-startup ideas here. I was told that when you have an object out of sight, you’re out of your mind, so this moleskine should be good reminder to write down thoughts so they don’t fly away like airplane and I can make successful iPad app. As matter of fact, I do indeed have one or three billion-dollar ideas up my sleeves that will now write in moleskine. First Billion-Dollar Idea: new app game like Angry Birds except birds are mice. Working title: “Where’s the dang cheese?” If you are a snooper and reading my idea journal thinking to steal cheese idea from me, nice try, but I have patent pending, am not scared to sue in court of law.

The other Billion-dollar app idea tells when your pants zipper is down, it’s easy and simple, why wasn’t it made earlier (it’s a common problem I’m sure Steve Jobs wanted to fix too)? All the gizmos to make app work already invented by other people, am simply making new use for them, probably will make one billion (or at least one million dollars). App is called pantsApp (thought of name in bathtub). So how it works is you buy my sensor tag and attach it to zipper handle on pants. It talks to your iPhone or android phone (not literally, idiot. It’s via Bluetooth) and sets off alarm when pants are down – that’s it! (You can customize alarm, but by default it is set to the voice of a dad yelling at you and telling you you aren’t good enough and why didn’t you go to college and when are you going to move out and why do I never see you bring any girls around are you gay or something).

All you simple minds with no moleskine probably had my pantsApp idea at some point in your lives too but didn’t have a dang place to write down. In six months, will be on sailing boat in San Francisco bay with Strawberry Daquiri (on work day, mind you) counting my suitcases of venture-capital money. On same day, your sorry ass will be pounding on computer, not even knowing your doldrums of normal work life, you won’t know how pathetic/sad it is that you DO NOT have Daiquiri (on work day, mind you). Do not mean to insult, creatives like myself and Tyler Perry don’t have time to be polite or follow sheep rules like you. Can’t hear you on other side of money mountain (my pile of venture-capital money) ;) With new life ahead, all on my mind is new lifestyle. With venture money, will go to expensive streetwear stores in LA and buy hundred dollar shirts. Adding rolex is necessary for completing lifestyle.

When I die in future, this journal exists to show creativity for generations to come, captures soul of genius mind in leather moleskine. Hope that people are sad when I die, like Steve Jobs or Phillip Seymour Hoffman, hope that I am alive for necessary recognition, don’t want to only be famous when dead. “Bring me roses so I can smell them.”

<3, Harold Gordon. I’ll write again soon, don’t worry about it.

- - -

(October 7)

Have been thinking more of legacy I will leave on world after thinking about competitors to my genius on the planet. Am wondering if I am not being as ambitious as I can be, given that my (genius) brain is the biggest there is. After much thought, I have decided only living rival (maybe dead and alive) is Elon Musk. He is from South Africa if you don’t know who he is – no black face though, I am surprised from pictures. Musk bought expensive car, one million dollars before his twenty ninth birthday. So he is successful, I admit, I will not lie. (I am only twenty one though, so I have time to catch up don’t worry). Musk’s expensive car is called McClaren F1, looks like space ship, only sixty two ever made. One day I will buy faster car, Ferrari Enzo, and call Musk to challenge to drag race some place in the open desert. There, we will see for sure who real man is. We will see who more genius. Who more smart. Who is true master of the business of making money (the type of business I’m in). “I’m no businessman...I’m a business, man...” – Jay Z (hip-hop rapper; has black face unlike Musk)

<3, Harold Gordon

- - -

(October 7 again. It’s night time now though)

Exciting news, I am taking tour of Google headquarters next weekend with one of dad’s friends (Jerry Winslow Lincoln, the guy with three names) and I think it should segway into a productive business meeting for me. I do not know which business idea to focus on when I pitch my idea. Maybe my dreams will give me entirely new idea. One new idea I was thinking of was to build spaceships that bring people to Mars but I found out my rival Elon Musk is already doing that with his own spaceship company. So I think I should go to Saturn (ring planet) instead to steal thunder. Who would give two shits about Musk’s space-rocket if he was only able to get to Mars and I was on ring planet? (No One!) I see New York Times front page headline already: “Hey readers remember when Musk went to dusty ol’ Mars (red planet)? Me neither, who cares, because the genius Harold Gordon inventor went to Saturn and Saturn is five times further away if you didn’t already know.”

If you’re reading you’re probably thinking wow, what makes you always want to one-up everything – even so-called geniuses like Elon – and all I can say is that it’s who I am. Always have been maverick. In Kindergarten my teacher would tell me to sit down in chair but I would say “you don’t understand me, fuck you and your cages.” I got a lot of respect for being salmon- boy in school (going against current, if you don’t understand) and a lot of friends. My friends are in college now like a bunch of dumbasses though. (Lame) I’m sorry for them. They didn’t know who they wanted to be so they had to go away. They need someone else to tell them who they are, like they have amnesia or something. It’s sad. It’s just like when old people with money only wear suits because they don’t have any style (they don’t even know what style is!). They think suits will make them look impressive because that’s what was in a dumb magazine advertisement with some stupid hunk like Leo DiCaprio.

“Fuck you Leo! (Titanic wasn’t even good) Be yourself! Break the rules! Salmon Boys forever” – Harold Gordon (feel free to quote me if you’re reading)

<3, Harold Gordon. Will write again soon.

- - -

(October 12)

Did not write for few days. I’m sorry. I had my tour of Google headquarters in Mountain View with Jerry Winslow Lincoln this morning. I think it went OK. Was kicked out for “harassing” Larry Page but before that was able to put blueprints for Saturn Rocket ship on desk of his secretary and also included my business plans for pantsApp. If he helps me great but I don’t think I need him or care about him any more. Had a revelation during tour when watching Googlers (employees with nerd glasses and no sense of style) that including other people in my plans will probably slow me down in end. Will have to go at it alone but hey the road to other

side of money mountain is really narrow. Other people will just be jealous of me and try to claim my ideas as their own like Winklevoss twins from Social Network movie about Facebook. It good movie.

Am getting tired. Has been inspiring day though. Meeting Larry made me realize how he isn’t so special. Am inspired more than ever to create money businesses and write poems and draw and design and create new universes. It feels like responsibility to world. The sheep don’t deserve me, but they’ll be glad I helped them out when they’re eating Easter Brunch on ring planet.

<3, Harold Gordon

:)

space ship flying in the night

pants are up, always, feeling alright who could deserve this life? i might were it not for harold, life would be strife

:)

[plz write about me when i am dead]