#i kept waiting for clark to walk in but he didn't.......

[rosehathawhey]

I'm sure the right guy is out there.

SMALLVILLE | 3x07

[kislnd]

possessive - george clarke~

synopsis: george has to collect a tipsy y/n after a night out with her friends - there he is introduced to one of her old coworkers.

notes: i managed to accidentally post this several times before finishing it lol (pain) 😭 thanks to anon for requesting this plot x

warnings: alcohol & angst (good resolution dw guys)

word count: 2.4k

masterlist

"are you almost ready?" george called out to y/n, who was in the bathroom finishing up her makeup. she knew her friends were here to collect her for their night out and george was just making sure she didn't end up keeping them waiting for too long. "yes, just give me a sec!" she replies, throwing a brush in the general direction of her makeup bag haphazardly.

"all done," she smiles, coming out of the bathroom, finishing touches all complete. "you look gorgeous y/n." george beams, wrapping his arms around her middle. "thank you." she returns the hug and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek before turning to walk towards the front door, with george following behind her. "have fun and be safe," he says, "and when you're ready to be picked up just give me a text." y/n nods, she was always grateful that he was willing to do things like that for her no matter what time of the night it was. "see you later then," she grins, a grin that he couldn't help but reciprocate, and steps outside to join her friends.

the pub that y/n's friends had chosen was a local one, but one that she had walked past countless times without ever giving it a second thought. she wasn't sure what to expect upon entering the establishment, but that didn't make her nervous. she had always thought that trying out new things or places was one of the things that kept life exciting.

once over the threshold, her senses were immediately flooded - loud music blaring from what appeared to be karaoke (something she anticipated she would have to pry her drunk friends away from later in the evening), several conversations, most of which were shouted in a desperate attempt to be heard over the music, and a strong smell of alcohol. at least, y/n thought, the people seemed to be enjoying themselves.

"we can either sit next to the speaker and go deaf or nearer to that group," one of her friends gestured to a fairly large group of rowdy guys near the bar, "and also go deaf." they all laugh at this, although their laughter was short-lived - the options really weren't good. "i vote anything but that," y/n scrunches her nose up thinking about the group - if they were already unpleasant from the safe distance at which she was observing them, god knows how insufferable it would be to spend a few hours practically on top of them.

after some deliberation, y/n and her friends settled on a table closer to the music. with everyone situated and ready for the night, a few of the girls made their way to the bar to grab some drinks.

"is that everything?" y/n questioned, scanning the array of drinks that had been poured for them. "seems about right," her friend shrugged, "we'll figure out if we ordered everyone something when we give them out." y/n nods, she was right. thankfully, enough of them had come to the bar to help out that what would have otherwise been a horrendous balancing act, was actually a swift and tidy transportation of drinks. y/n placed the last few glasses down on the table before turning to one of the girls and saying quietly, "i'm just going to pop to the toilet."

"do you want one of us to come with?" she asked, to which y/n shook her head - the bathroom wasn't far from where they were sitting and she wasn't worried about anything else. they had specifically chosen to sit across the room from the disruptive group of guys so she figured they wouldn't bother her.

either way, y/n decided she would move as quickly as possible, sliding past the few people nearby and into the room. she didn't want to spend more time than she needed to in there - pub toilets were unpleasant at the best of times and she also didn't really want to miss out on anything. nevertheless, she took a moment to freshen up - her makeup was still in position and her hair didn't seem to be so different from when she originally styled it so she simply gave her hands a wash and made for the door.

grabbing the cool metal handle, y/n threw the door open and set off with the intention of walking briskly back in the direction of her friends. instead, her stride was broken by a figure colliding with her as she stepped out of the bathroom. "oh!" she jumped back, her body flush with the door, "i'm so sorry." she exclaimed. the person, whom she had now realised was a man who had just come out of the bathroom himself, smiled warmly down at her. "don't worry, i wasn't really looking where i was going." y/n studied his face for a moment, she could've sworn she recognised him but she couldn't quite put her finger on where from. "sorry," she brushed a stray piece of hair out of her face, "do i know you from somewhere?" she paused, wondering if that had been a strange question, "i just feel like you look familiar," she added.

"you're y/n aren't you?" the man cocked his eyebrow, but didn't wait for a response. "we used to work together." realisation hit y/n, she couldn't believe she had managed to briefly forget him, they had spent almost every day for a number of years side by side. she couldn't even blame this one on alcohol. "of course!" she laughed at her own silliness and also in the hopes of relieving some tension - she was praying she hadn't offended him. "we had some good times." she smiled. much to her relief, he smiled back, "absolutely, i can't believe how much time has passed. i'd love to catch up with you." y/n liked the idea - she had to admit that she had wondered what he was up to and this would be the perfect opportunity to check in. however, she also recognised that she was here with her friends and it would be wrong to abandon them, especially when they were the ones that organised the evening.

"i'm kind of with people at the moment," y/n gave him an apologetic look, she had tried to word it kindly, in a way that didn't seem like a harsh refusal of his offer. "no worries, just whenever you have a free moment later on," he smiles, "drinks on me, of course." y/n returns the smile, "see you later then."

//

y/n could feel her head growing fuzzy and she could tell her friends felt the same, so it had been a collective decision to end the night there. with everyone calling taxis or friends to collect them, y/n decided to drop george a text to come and collect her in around half an hour's time. as promised, she found her way to her ex-coworker's table, telling herself that she could only accept one drink out of politeness and as to not hate herself too much the next morning.

"so what'll it be?" he asks grinning, digging into his pocket to find his wallet. "just whatever you're having," y/n slid into a chair and waited for him to return with the drink. soon enough, the drinks arrived and after getting over some initial awkwardness, they were back to chatting like old friends. y/n was so caught up in conversation that she hadn't realised george had texted her numerous times that he had arrived until he entered the pub himself and informed her.

"i've been trying to get you to come outside for a bit now," george says, approaching the table where they were sitting. he wasn't angry, he was aware that y/n would be caught up with her friends and therefore a little slower to check her phone, but he was confused. who was this guy? he'd met y/n's friends on countless occasions, and she often mentioned them, but this stranger hadn't ever seemed to come up in conversation. "i'm sorry," she looked up at him with flushed cheeks, the alcohol had definitely gotten to her. george was about to open his mouth to ask her who the mystery man was but before he could get there, she interjected, "this is my old coworker, from when i worked at the shop."

suddenly it made sense - maybe y/n had mentioned him in passing, he was sure she'd talked about her time at the shop a couple of times previously. "well nice meeting you," george didn't really feel like engaging in any formalities, all he really wanted was to get y/n home and go to bed. "we'd better get home." he smiled somewhat apologetically, and took y/n by the hand in an attempt to coax her to stand up. "honestly, please join us," the man, who george still didn't know the name of (nor did he really care to find out either), said. "we were only just beginning to catch up." george glanced at y/n, although he wasn't so sure if she was in a good position to be passing judgement.

"that would be nice," she smiled softly, "george?" she looked up at him with big eyes, eyes that he often found very hard to resist. george still wasn't sold on the idea. "are you sure? it's getting quite late now." he questioned, in the hopes that she would agree and they could go. he really was not a fan of how eager this guy was to spend time with her, and it was made worse by the fact that he hardly knew the guy. "please?" y/n tightened her grip on his hand, willing him to just take the seat next to her.

at this point, george obliged. it was clear y/n was enjoying herself and this guy didn't make her uncomfortable. it was not worth ruining her night and mood by forcing her to come with him. "alright." he said flatly, admittedly through gritted teeth. y/n raised an eyebrow at his tone but brushed it off, maybe he was just tired and besides, he absolutely could tolerate sitting down and talking for a short while.

//

the more he talked, the more george was sure he couldn't stand the guy. the way he looked at y/n with such blind adoration in his eyes, the way he kept reaching out to touch her on the arm briefly during the conversation and his body language, completely focused towards y/n as if he wasn't there - it was all far too much.

george made a point of blatantly checking the time and announcing it to the table, "right, i think we should call it a night here?" he turned to y/n, who was obviously more tired than she had been when he first arrived, who solemnly agreed. george stood up first, quickly helping y/n up and wrapping his arm around her shoulder protectively. "thank you, that was a lovely evening," her former coworker smiled, "we should do this again y/n." the fact he had purposely left george out of the conversation, without even having the decency to offer an invite to him (or to any of her friends) confirmed every suspicion.

george's body stiffened, his grip on y/n tightening slightly. "i don't think that would be appropriate." he said calmly, masking how truly infuriating it was for him to be witnessing this behaviour. "we're leaving now." he didn't give y/n a chance to wave goodbye or say thank you to her old friend, and instead took off briskly towards the exit and to the car.

"what was that about?" y/n looked puzzled, to her the night had simply been catching up with someone from her past and nothing more. "could you seriously not tell?" george himself was dumbfounded, it was beyond him how she could be so oblivious. "tell what?" y/n snapped back at him, "all i could tell was that you hated him. your face was sour the entire night."

"well forgive me for not taking a liking to the guy who was practically undressing you with his eyes," george began to raise his voice, he didn't like getting angry and wouldn't ever want to upset y/n but it was impossible to contain his rage in the moment. "he was not!" y/n protested, "he is just an ex-colleague, what has gotten into you?"

"to you maybe," george still felt disgusted, "i mean, did you even notice that he was constantly trying to touch you?" y/n shook her head in disbelief, "i think you're being dramatic. even if he was flirting with me, why would it matter?" silence clung to the air. george stared at the ground helplessly, he knew that no matter the number of ways he tried to explain this to y/n she would just be adamant he wasn't making advances on her. "i like you not him." she reached out to touch him on the arm, "george, i'm not angry at you. i think i was just surprised."

y/n stepped closer to him carefully and slotted herself under his chin, wrapping her arms around him in the most reassuring hug she could muster - he did the same. "i'm sorry." he mumbled into her hair where he had buried his face, "it's hard to not get jealous when you have such a beautiful girlfriend." y/n grinned, "you are silly." she paused, contemplating whether or not to share her thoughts. "and for the record, i do think you are extra hot when you're jealous."

"oh?" george raised his eyebrow, "well, as long as you don't keep meeting up with random co-workers that definitely have a crush on you, i can live with that." he chuckled. "don't worry, you definitely scared him away." y/n laughed, "i am not at risk." george mocked offense, "hilarious y/n," he smiled sarcastically, guiding her towards the car and opening the passenger door for her to climb in before getting in himself.

"i do love you, you know," she stared out of the windscreen in thought. "i know you do, and i love you," george patted her knee, "let's just worry about getting you home now."

[wife-of-all-dilfs]

bioluminescence | b. blake

masterlist

summary: season one — you thought all bellamy blake wanted was sex and other women, but when you sneak outside of the camp walls at night, bioluminescent plants are not the only shocking discovery you make, and not everyone is happy about it.

warnings: fluff, swearing, jealousy, mention of sexual themes, (L/N) use, roma

pairing: bellamy blake x reader

word count: 4.1k

Sleep was a rare luxury after you and the other Ark prisoners were sent to Earth, especially since you were all crowded in a small camp surrounding the drop ship. Teenage hormones, anger, violence, and trauma were not a great combination for peace. So, it was either crying, fistfights, or the incessant moans of couples who couldn't keep it in their pants for more than five minutes that usually kept you awake at night.

You were certain it was Bellamy Blake and his two model-looking female companions who were often to blame for that last subject. Although to everyone in the camp, it was very obvious that their relationship was solely physical, neither Roma nor Bree seemed to appreciate when other women talked, interacted with, or even sat near him. Clarke was a heavy target because of her co-leadership with Bellamy. And so were you.

You were within the inner circle, the informal 'Earth council'. You were also handy with a rifle and knowledgeable in tracking, so it wasn't exactly surprising whenever Bellamy took you with him on various missions and hunts. Sometimes though, he would bring you with him even if the task wasn't within your skillset—those were the times you were left feeling a little confused.

Nevertheless, a small friendship sprung from it. You weren't best buddies, but you weren't opposed to each other's company either. That was a big no-no to Roma and Bree and they frequently expressed that fact through passive-aggressive tactics.

This night was no different from others. Thankfully, it was the never-ending fistfights that kept you awake instead of other's carnal endeavours. You opened the flap of your tent and stepped out into the crisp air; autumn was definitely approaching. Hugging your jacket closer to your body, you looked around the camp, unsure of where to wait out the commotion. Everywhere was taken, so you decided a brief walk in the woods wouldn't hurt. Well, you hoped it wouldn't. At least if the Grounders killed you, you would finally get some undisturbed rest.

As you made your way over to one of the fence-wall openings, you ran smack-bang into a barely dressed girl with long brown hair. Roma.

"Watch where you're going, bitch," she spat, scrutinising your appearance from top to bottom.

Ignoring her lovely remark, you eyed her jeans and the way her upper half was only covered by a grey sports bra. "Aren't you cold?"

"Not now I'm not." She smirked, eyes flickering to Bellamy's tent.

You grimaced. I so didn't need to know that.

Right on cue, Bellamy emerged from his tent, fully clothed. He scanned the surroundings before his hardened gaze briefly landed on Roma and then settled on you; it was impossible to miss the way his face softened when your eyes met. Strange.

"Jealous?" she asked, regaining your attention.

"Unlikely."

You brushed past her, though she made an effort to forcefully knock your shoulder and spit another curse at you. Classy.

Bellamy took a step toward you. "Hey—"

But you simply moved past him, continuing toward the wall and saying, "A real gem you've got yourself there."

At least Bree was all bark and no bite.

You could hear him sigh as the distance between you both grew.

Truth be told, you were a little jealous. An unfortunate truth but still a truth all the same. You knew you were beginning to feel something deeper for Bellamy and it was becoming difficult listening to other girls brag about their nights with him. Not like you would ever tell him though—he wasn't a relationship type of guy and as far as you could tell, his feelings for you were platonic.

Never mind. You could settle for his friendship... for now.

You had made it outside the camp walls. At first, you planned on circling the fence for a while, but when your eyes caught on something glowing from the opposite side of a tree, you strayed from your path. Rounding the tree's trunk, you found a glowing neon-pink flower; the species of which you were unsure, but it was beautiful. Then, in your peripheral vision, there was something else lighting up your vision, something blue this time. There was another flower just a few trees away.

And again, you walked over to the strange plant, only to find yourself now on a journey that kept leading to more and more glowing flowers the deeper into the woods you trekked. They were almost everywhere and at this point, you were practically running with an excited grin on your face. In the near distance, numerous radiant colours lit up an area covered by a thick cluster of trees. You wove yourself through branches and leaves, pushing your way into the bright section of the woods.

Once you emerged from the trees, amazement morphed into your expression. You had stepped into a small meadow filled with glowing flowers of various colours that covered the forest floor. There were countless species, but they all shared the same mesmerising radiance. Much to your disbelief, there were even electric blue luminous butterflies that concealed the tree trunks and fluttered in the air.

"Bioluminescence," you whispered to yourself.

It was so beautiful, you could have cried.

Maybe you should just leave the camp and build a hut here. It would certainly beat living with the others.

As you moved further into the small clearing, the butterflies flew closer around you. Holding out an arm, one butterfly tentatively circled your hand before landing in your palm. You laughed in amazement, watching as the small creature curiously crawled across your hand and ticked your skin. Okay, that settled it—you were definitely a Disney princess.

The sound of branches snapping and leaves rustling suddenly pulled you from your amazement; it was coming from where you had entered the clearing. You reached down to your belt only to find the knife holster on it empty. Of course, you didn't bring your knife. You had left the camp's safety and didn't even think to bring a weapon. So stupid.

Before you could reprimand yourself any further, a tall figure emerged from the tree line. The tight dark blue shirt was an easy identifier as to who the figure was. And so were those deep brown eyes.

It was Bellamy. "Woah."

You let out a sigh of relief, feeling your tensed body relax again.

His gaze swept across the vivid tree-encompassed meadow, sharing the same wonderous expression you once had. The overpowering glow from the butterflies turned his tanned skin a light blue, defining the contours of his face and arm muscles. He sort of looked otherworldly.

"What are you doing out here?" you asked.

The incident before you left camp quickly returned to mind and it was evident in the slight irritation etched on your face. He didn't need to respond for you to realise that he had followed you. Great. His little girlfriends were going to have a field day tomorrow if they saw him come after you.

Bellamy's eyes found yours, taking note of your negative reaction. His steps were cautious as he began walking towards you. "I could ask you the same thing."

He stopped in front of you, peering down through a few stray strands of dark brown hair whilst wearing his infamous lazy smirk. No wonder girls were always fawning over him; he was gorgeous, and he damn well knew it too. Even you were falling into the very same trap. Unlike them, though, it was the moments you shared with him when you were alone that conjured your attraction to him. Sure, he was easy on the eyes, but you had also learnt that he was surprisingly a decent human being. More than decent actually, despite how he presented himself to others.

He treated you with respect—a lot more than many others had ever done. You had learnt to trust each other, communicate effectively, and work as a team. Sometimes, you would even find yourselves discussing things that you both intended to keep within till the day you died, things that felt too intimate to share with anyone else.

No matter how much you hated it, you couldn't help but develop feelings for him. Even when it seemed he was preoccupied with other women.

Bellamy eyed you, waiting for the snarky retort he knew you were putting together.

You sighed and turned around, crouching on the floor to inspect one of the neon-pink flowers. "Shouldn't you be teaching Roma and Bree gun handling safety in your tent right now?"

That line was dangerously close to sounding like jealousy and you knew it. You bit your tongue because Lord knows you were most likely to expose your feelings for Bellamy through word vomit.

If only you had been facing him to witness the shame washing through his eyes.

"Funny," he said. "But no. I've got more important things to do."

"Like what? Making sure your best hunting partner doesn't get killed by glowing plants?" you joked, glancing over your shoulder to see his reaction.

It wasn't a grin or smirk like you expected. Not even a little chuckle. Instead, he simply stared at you with this intense look in his eye; it was almost sad but also like he was trying to communicate something to you telepathically.

"Something like that," he murmured.

After those words left his mouth, something about the atmosphere shifted. You suddenly felt overwhelmed with emotion and his soul-piercing stare was not helping. There wasn't a wide selection of movies on the Ark, but you had watched them all, including all the romance movies. The only thing you could compare Bellamy's gaze to was Mr. Darcy's in Pride and Prejudice. Reluctance. Longing. It was all there. Had you been completely wrong about his feelings for you? Or were you just imagining it?

The likelihood of Bellamy sharing your same feelings seemed impossible, so you chalked it up to your wishful imagination.

You stood back up, facing him but avoiding making eye contact. "Well, I—uh," you stammered. "I'm not going back. Not yet."

"I didn't come here to take you back."

That made your gaze meet his.

Why did you come then, Bellamy? you thought.

He side-stepped you and you turned to see him wandering deeper into the meadow. He began observing each and every beauty and oddity the small sanctuary held, touching the petals of every flower with a delicateness you had never witnessed before. Soon enough, you felt compelled to join him.

The two of you must have spent an hour in that meadow, inspecting each species of flora, hovering your fingertips through the glowing cusp of each plant as if you could feel its light on your skin, laughing together when a butterfly landed on the tip of your nose. Sometimes you caught Bellamy watching whenever your face lit up with excitement as you discovered something new. He never really looked at what you had found; he just looked at you, but you were too overjoyed to even contemplate why.

You felt like you had entered a dream, protected from the outside world where there were Grounders, war, and bitchy brown-haired girls. Everything real was forgotten, even your unrequited feelings for Bellamy. You just enjoyed his company in this dream and pretended it would last forever.

Somehow, you had both ended up lying on the forest floor side-by-side, surrounded by flowers as you stared up at the starry night sky through the tree crowns. It wasn't as cold as before; you guessed it was because of Bellamy's close proximity to you. One of his hands was behind his head, the other on his stomach. His warmth was radiating off his skin and onto your own.

You could have fallen asleep if you closed your eyes. Probably not the most logical idea though.

Bellamy's quiet, yet deep voice disrupted the silence. "It's just a distraction, you know?"

"Hm?"

"Those girls," he clarified, and you watched as his words turned to mist, carrying into the black sky. "If I focus too much on the fact that I have to control an entire camp of teenagers, fight a war against the Grounders, while taking care of Octavia and y—" he cut himself off, closing his eyes with a sigh. "I just feel like I start to lose myself."

Your focus shifted from the sky to him. Even he didn't seem to be looking at the sky anymore, despite his gaze still being pointed straight upward. He looked lost in his own thoughts. Serious and sombre—much different compared to how they had been just a short while ago.

"Well," you began softly. "We can't have that. You already seem a little rough around the edges, Blake."

A grin slowly formed across his lips and he shook his head. He turned his head to the side, looking down at your smiling expression from where he lay. The weightiness from before had melted from his demeanour. Because of a little distraction.

You had thought those two girls he spent most nights with were there purely for his own physical needs or because his attraction to them was greater than his self-control. Never had you contemplated the fact that it might have been because he was mentally struggling with the hardships of being a leader. Of course, how could you have? He had never told you before now.

Your brows furrowed. "Why tell me?"

The muscles in his jaw clenched and the grin fell from his lips. A sense of seriousness returned but this time it was less heavy. It seemed more like a weight was lifting from his shoulders. Like a declaration. Like a long-awaited confession.

You felt something warm brush against your hand; it gently grazed over your knuckles, lighting a fire beneath your skin. In Bellamy's dark eyes, you could see the reflection of his hand caressing your own and your heart leapt to your throat.

"Why do you think?" he murmured, his eyes flickering between your own, urging you to connect the dots instead of making him say it aloud.

Your lips parted and the crease between your eyebrows deepened. 

Every time he picked you first to be his partner on a mission, every deep conversation you shared when no one else was around—they all had a hidden meaning. All the times his hand brushed against yours as you walked in sync side-by-side, the times you caught him staring at you through a one-hundred-person dense crowd, or the way he would step in front of you as if to shield you whenever there was even a hint of danger—it was all because...

"Oh," you whispered.

"Yeah." His eyes flickered between yours before he turned back to the stars. "And I—I understand if you don't feel the same way; I know I haven't given you much reason to. From those girls to the... the radio, and the culling on the Ark. If I could take—"

His sentence was cut short as you leaned over him, pressing your lips to his. You could feel his pulse racing in his lips. Or was it your own? Probably both. Your hair fell to the side and his mouth started to move against your own. He began to rise, moving you up along with him until you were both kissing in a sitting position.

Bellamy's hand moved to cradle your jaw, his lips slow and tender. Everything felt like it had fallen into place, like this was exactly how things were supposed to be, with his lips on yours in the middle of a fairy-tale-like meadow whilst surrounded by a field of glowing flowers and beautiful winged creatures.

The butterflies weren't just circling you now, they were somehow fluttering around in your stomach too and it felt exhilarating.

Unfortunately, the kiss did have to come to an end at some point. Even so, the warm fluttering in your stomach never ceased. Bellamy had pulled away first, his hands gently falling from your jaw and back into his lap. He was looking at you and at first, you were afraid he would get up and leave, or tell you he had changed his mind. But he didn't. A smile crept across his lips—not a self-satisfied smirk or a tantalising grin, but a genuine smile.

Forget the butterflies; your stomach was doing somersaults now. He found your hand once more and interlocked it with his own in your lap. His thumb drew small circles on the side of your palm almost as if he knew you needed a reminder that this moment was really happening.

"That was my first kiss," you admitted.

His smile became a little nervous. "Was it okay?"

Was it okay? This boy was a little clueless if he couldn't tell that you thoroughly enjoyed having his lips on yours. So, you answered him with another soft peck to his lips, then pulled back again to see his reaction. He chuckled, nodding his head to say he understood.

"We can always come out here to practice if you want," he said, this time with a smirk.

You laughed. "I think that's a good idea."

He tucked a lock behind your ear and gently brushed pieces of hair away from your face. You could feel warmth creeping into your cheeks, turning them a rosy pink. Well, it was probably more of a violet hue due to the intense blue glow from the plants and butterflies. Either way, it still revealed how nervous he made you feel.

"It's getting late. We should probably head back and sleep," you said. Bellamy raised an eyebrow, creating his own little innuendo with your words and your eyes widened. "Not together! Alone, I mean. In separate tents. With clothes... on..." you trailed off, realising you were only digging yourself a deeper hole.

You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose in embarrassment.

He just chuckled and rose to his feet. "Come on, (L/N). Let's go sleep."

You rolled your eyes with a smile as he helped you stand up with him.

For a brief moment, you gave the area one last look, imprinting the memory into your mind. Who could have guessed that when you left the camp walls you would enter a fairy tale of vivid colours and electric butterflies? Or, even more surprising, that Bellamy Blake would later confess his feelings for you? All you had wanted was an escape; instead, you got a dream come true.

Bellamy pressed a hand to your lower back, guiding you with him towards the tree line in comfortable silence.

The walk back to the drop ship was pretty quiet. No more words needed to be said; a conversation that clarified what you two were now could wait for tomorrow when your brains weren't clouded by fatigue and the fresh excitement from confession. Some things hadn't changed though. Bellamy still stole glances at you every now and then, as you did him, earning a nervous smile and blush each time either of you got caught. Your hands alternated from brushing against one another to ever-so-slightly linking pinkies.

Okay, maybe things had changed a little.

You passed each flower that had led you to the meadow and this time, they became less and less as you grew closer to the drop ship. As you came up on the camp walls, the sound of fighting and conversations had died down and was replaced by the faint crackling of dying fires.

Finally, you both stepped through one of the openings and were within the camp. There didn't seem to be anyone awake; with the way the moon was shining down straight overhead, it was clear why. 

Your pinkie fell from Bellamy's and you moved in front of him, taking a few slow steps backwards. "Uh, that's my tent over there," you said, gesturing behind you.

His eyes never left yours as he continued to walk toward you. "Yeah, I know."

"Oh, you know, do you?"

A grin stretched across his lips as he hummed and reached for your waist, pulling you against his body. Your hands wound around his neck, a smile present on your face as he leaned in, his lips mere inches from your own. His lips had just brushed against your own when someone behind you cleared their throat and you both jumped apart.

Bellamy peered beside your head, semi-glaring at the interrupter behind you.

What a surprise it was when you turned around to see Roma, arms crossed—clothes on, thankfully—and looking severely unhappy.

"You have got to be kidding me," she said with a scowl.

Perfect. Great. Absolutely fantastic. Looks like her field day had come early.

No way. You were too tired to deal with this. You gave Bellamy an apologetic glance before attempting to slip away through the gaps between tents. Unfortunately, it wasn't in Roma's best interest to let you off so easily. She caught your wrist and jerked you back toward her.

Bellamy looked like he was about to step in, but you beat him to it.

You tore your wrist from her grasp, words dripping with bitterness as you said, "Never do that again."

For a split second, she looked the slightest bit intimidated, but then quickly covered it up with disdain. Her gaze flickered from you to Bellamy; it was hard to miss the way she straightened her posture and tried to look more presentable for him.

And for a split second of your own, you felt the slightest twinge of fear that Bellamy would change his mind about you and leave with her again. But at that very same moment, he gently grabbed your hand and guided you back to his side, dissipating all your previous worries.

Both you and Roma looked down at your interlocked hands in disbelief.

"Listen, Roma." He sighed, sounding like he was desperately trying to keep his cool. "I think it's best if you and Bree find another tent to sleep in from now on."

Her disbelief turned into pure astonishment. "What? Are you serious?"

Bellamy lightly squeezed your hand.

God, he was putting this girl through the five stages of grief. You almost felt bad. Then you remembered the daily torment she had been putting you through just for existing and the remorse immediately washed away.

"Because of her? She's not even—"

"Choose your next words very carefully," he warned in a dangerously low voice.

Her mouth opened and shut a few times before she realised any insult thrown at you would end badly for her. It's not like Bellamy would hurt her, but he did have power over the camp, so he would probably force her to share a tent with Myles or something. His non-stop babbling would drive her to insanity.

She gave him a defiant look. "What if we don't want to leave?"

"I'll take the tent down and move it somewhere else."

"Then Bree and I will make both your lives a living Hell."

You could hear Bellamy suppress a laugh. "Unlikely," he echoed your previous words.

Roma looked to you as if you could help her case—the audacity. You gave her a sarcastic 'what-can-you-do?' shrug which just enhanced her seething temper. It was obvious that she was getting nowhere and the moment she realised, you swore you could see her ego literally deflating.

She made a short high-pitched noise of frustration and spun around, her hair whipping melodramatically through the air as she practically stomped back to Bellamy's tent. You could hear her call out to the other girl inside, telling her to 'pack her shit' and that they were moving tents. Not long after, the blonde-haired girl emerged from the tent flap holding a bundle of clothes. Roma must have explained to her what happened because they both shot a venomous glare in your direction and then walked off in search of another tent.

You sighed in relief as they disappeared out of sight. You were about to walk back to your own tent, but Bellamy tugged you back to him once more, his arms wrapping around your torso as your hands fell on his chest.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I thought she'd handle it better."

You fiddled with the material of his shirt, half-smiling. "I told you she was a gem."

"Yeah." He chuckled. "My taste of women has been a little... questionable."

Your hands moved up to his shoulders, pulling your body up against his. His fingertips grazed the exposed skin of your waist, sending a wave of goosebumps across your body.

"You should really try breaking that trend."

He had that same intense look in his eye as when you were both in the meadow. This time it didn't hold any sadness or longing, but rather a sense of finality and affection, like his greatest wish had finally come true—that would make two of you. One of his hands moved to cup your cheek, stroking your cheekbone with his thumb as his face grew closer to yours.

The heart thumping in your chest almost gave out as you reflexively leaned further into his warm embrace.

"I already have," he murmured before his soft lips descended upon yours.

And the butterflies returned.

[keenzinemugstudent]

Clark x Black goth reader! Smut! A not so secret quickie!

Warning ⚠️ ABSOLUTELY NO MINORS THIS IS A SMUT SO ADULTS ONLY PLS⚠️

Lana hears strange noises in the art room and goes to investigate.

"Where Clark?"

Chole asked looking around not seeing the farm boy Lana just shrugs her shoulders.

"I'm not sure I saw him earlier though he seemed really out of it."

"Well that's weird."

"Oh I forgot my bag you go on without me!"

As Lana was walking through the hall way she heard noises coming from in the art room hmm maybe it was the janitor? She goes to check it out what she didn't expect was to see you and Clark.

He was holding your hands softly you stood in front of him looking at ground face full of worry. Lana could see you looked troubled she was about to walk in and see if everything was okay until you spoke.

"Clark I don't think this is a good idea.."

"Oh come on Y/n you promised!"

"I know it's just- this is embarrassing!"

You try to move from his reach but he grabs your hand a pout on his face.

"I promise we won't get caught. You don't have to worry so much."

"Clark it's almost the end of the day can't you just ya'know wait than?"

"I can't! I've been waiting for this since third period if I wait anymore I'll go nuts!"

Lana had no idea what was going on what was Clark trying to get you to do? He sounded pretty desperate. She had noticed in class that he kept looking at the clock for lunch to start but just to see you? She heard you let out a surprised gasp Lana leaves from her thoughts only to see Clark pick you up to sit on the teachers desk your face was flustered you put your hands on his chest starring up at the handsome farm boy.

"What if someone catches us?!"

"Y/n please just focus all your attention on me okay?"

You let out a small shaky sigh as his hands slowly move down your hips to your thighs to your knees gently spreading your legs open so he could easily stand between them which caused Lana's face to become warm. What exactly was she seeing? Why was Clark touching you like that?!

He leans down to gently kiss your forehead than your cheek than to your lips making Lana cover her own in surprise, you close your eyes shyly kissing him back holding his arms, you wanted to be strong and not give in but when he kissed you everything else didn't matter anymore.

"Is it okay for us to keep going?"

You was hesitant but nod your head Clark gives you a smile, gently grabs your face to kiss while you start lift up his shirt that was always kept tucked you unbutton his shirt to show his well toned stomach making you bite your lip he was just so damn hot it was ridiculous! You rub his chest going down to his stomach to his pants zipper he lets out a low groan as you grazed his front pants touching his already hardened cock making you giggle.

"Wow you really weren't kidding huh?"

"What can I say you make me excited"

They both give a small laugh than go back to kissing all you could hear was lips and moans around the empty classroom. Lana was still hiding behind the door face red still not understanding what was going on the whenever she saw you two together it was always a friendly interaction, Clark would say "Hi" to you in the hallway and you'd shyly wave back at him before running off somewhere.

Lana that it was weird because you were the quiet goth girl and he was the shy but friendly farm boy you both weren't friends or so she thought but than she remembered when she saw Clark and you at his mom's flower shop once and you two were talking and laughing she had noticed you were holding red roses. Than the next couple days at school she and Chole always saw a red rose either on your locker or on your desk. Whenever somebody would try to question you about it you'd always just shrug your shoulders not knowing who it was, then you'd go the whole day with a smile on your face.

Did that mean that Clark had been the one to give you those roses???

"Ah C-clark!"

Lana looks and could see Clark's hand going under your skirt you try to stop him but could only give out a weak moan as his fingers entered you...Clark freaking Kent was fingering you in the art class.

"Clark baby please! Oh you know I'm sensitive down there!"

He just shh you by kissing you again muffling your cries of pleasure while still rubbing your clit in circles

"You said you'd give me anything if I passed that test I got a A+ all that studying really paid off huh?"

You try to speak but could only moan and whimper as his fingers started to speed up. You were so wet that you could hear it making you hide your face in his shoulder trying to quiet the embarrassing noises.

Lana could feel herself getting wet just from the sight. To say she was jealous was an understatement she couldn't believe that Clark was doing this in school of all places! and to you of all people you were always so quiet but nice enough Lana didn't think you two had THAT kind of relationship!

"Y/n I want you to cum... think you can do that for me sweetheart?"

He whispers in your ear kissing your cheek. You couldn't say anything but nod holding on to his arms moving your hips trying to make his fingers go deeper into your pussy.

"Y-yes! oh god yes yes! I'll cum just please Clark don't stop!"

You sounded so needy Clark moves his fingers faster and deeper making loud moans leave your mouth not even caring if anyone walk by and hear you (too late for that)

Lana should not still be here why was she even still watching this?! It was something private between you two so why the hell was she still here?! Just as you so close to your release suddenly Clark stopped his movements causing you to look up at him with teary eyes upset that he didn't let you cum.

"W-why'd you stop?"

He just moves hair from your forehead to kiss your upper brow removing his fingers making you whimper from the lose, Clark reaches in his back pocket and pulls out a a condom.

Lana went wide as she saw Clark start to pull down his pants revealing himself Lana's mouth was wide open in shock but you just let out low moan rubbing your legs together feeling yourself getting wetter at the sight as he put on the condom even though you've seen it multiple times he just looked so damn good!

Main while Lana nearly passed out when she saw how big Clark was jesus even Whitney wasn't that big! There was no way Y/n would be able to take him! Right?

Clark got closer to you his forehead touching yours once again hands going under your skirt to remove your red underwear he grabs your hips pulling you closer you wrap your arms around his neck kissing under his jaw leaving light hickeys and black lipstick stains on him biting his ear. You looked towards Lana's direction making her freeze on the spot, thinking she'd been caught but you give an annoyed sigh you were looking up at the clock on the wall.

"Clark baby I'm sorry but we're are out of time."

He looked at his watch and saw that you were right but he just shook his head.

"We still have more time."

He spread your legs rubbing himself against your wet heat, you both let out loud gasp as he slowly pushed himself inside you stretching you out, once he was fully inside he stood still all you could hear in the room was their heavy breathing.

"I'm going to start moving okay?"

You were so lost in pleasure all you could give him was just give a lazy nod, he starts to slowly moving his hips letting out a shaky breathe even though this wasn't the first time you two had sex, he was always careful with you seeing as he accidentally left hand marks on your legs once and Chole saw it thinking someone had hurt your since than he always tries to be careful with you but God it was so hard there was just something about you made him crazy!

You lay your back on the desk gently moving your hips enjoying the feeling of him inside you but it was so hot that you had to remove your shirt making Clark give a low growl at the sight of your breasts and your blood red bra the one thing Clark loved most about having sex (making love but he won't say it out loud yet)

Was seeing your chest they were just so perfect! that's when he realized he was wasting time and need to speed this up so he leaning his body nearly covering you and moved his hips faster making your eyes go wide at the usual change of pace.

"W-wait Clark no wait please! Not so fast please! I can't oh god!"

He just ignored your cries of mercy and just moved his hips even faster, skin hitting against skin both of you panting heavily you arch your back off the desk mouth wide open cries of pleasure leaving your mouth. Clark just hugs you closer he grabs a hold of your ass than slapping it harshly making you let out a surprised cry of pain and pleasure. With how fast he was going your chest bounced at each thrust making you feel like you were seeing stars.

It didn't make it any better when he put his mouth on your left nipple gently sucking and bitting it making a small scream leave your mouth.

"Your doing so good for me Y/n."

All you could do was give a him a whine and wrap your shaking legs around his hips in a desperate attempt to pull him closer and deeper in your poor weeping pussy.

Lana was still watching the two lovers go at it like animals in heat she got up slowly legs shaking gave a low quiet moan as she could feel underwear wet. She had to get out of there and hopefully try to forget the scene she just witnessed.

By the end of the day Lana saw you and Clark again but this time he was helping you walk too his trunk you were limping and your makeup was a mess and you still looked flustered Clark he looked fine??? I mean his clothes was a bit ruffled but he looked okay.

"Wow I wonder what happened to Y/n?"

Lana didn't say anything but blush red not being able to say anything to Chole. The only thing she could think was Y/n was one lucky girl.

I'm probably going to hell for writing this aren't I?

[pomegranateandblood]

do you think you can do a wally clark fluff turned into smut maybe? i know you said you only do smut but i would love it if u could! thank u!

A/N: Heyyy. Welcome to my first fic for this blog. You wanted more fluff so I kept the smut a little bit on the down low for this, because usually I write full on smexy times. Thank you for requesting and Enjoy! ❤️🍍

—

Friends

It was Homecoming week. You and the other ghosts were busy decorating the gym and painting posters to support Wally.

You were washing your hands and arms free off the dry blue paint as the brunette jock approached you. He seemed nervous.

„Everything okay ? You know it's the same routine as every year." You smiled looking at him through the mirror.

He had paint on his cheeks and arms, some even got into his ebony hair. „Look umm, I wanted to ask you if you wanted to be my date to the homecoming game?"

He was beet red, looking down at his hands. „-as friends of course."

You had to hold back a smile at his cute attempt not to make you flustered or embarrassed by his request.

Turning the faucet off, you dried your hands with paper towels before turning around. „I didn't guess you were the type to be ‚just friends' with a girl, football star."

You smirked playfully and he stared at you, mouth slightly open. „I- umm." he laughed nervously trying to find a right comeback.

„I guess I'm just not your type. Sadly." You clicked your tongue against your cheek before leaning close to his ear „Because I totally got a thing for tall, brunette jocks."

He sucked in a breath and before you could walk away held onto your arm. „It's a date. Wear a skirt."

You bit your lip as you nodded and walked away.

„Please" he added, his enthusiastic voice hollowing through the empty bathroom, making you giggle. Wally couldn't be not nice.

—-

As you waited for Wally in front of the stadium, you became more nervous. You really liked him and hoped that today you two could do something about the unresolved feelings.

Charly had helped you go through the wardrobe of the theatre club to find a skirt and matching outfit. Luckily they had just performed a more modern version of ‚Hairspray', resulting in you now wearing a pastel blue pleated skirt and a white tank top with a bow detail.

Good Thing that ghosts couldn't freeze bc else you definitely would've caught a cold in the chilly evening air.

„I hope I didn't make you wait too long, I couldn't find my jersey."

-

The date went well, Wally was enjoying the match.

After you two finished the fries and hot dogs he held your hand. Butterflies erupted in your stomach, flushing your cheeks.

„I got a gift for you." Wally said, taking out a box from the pocket of his letterman jacket.

It was a cardboard box, painted with the same paint you used for the posters.

„I found a necklace in the Lost and Found Box and the charm is wood. I wish I could give you something real and more special.“ Wally said as he opened the lid.

Inside was a silver necklace with a small pendant. The number 57. Wally‘s number.

You smiled. „It‘s perfect.“

Taking it out of the box, you fumbled with the clasp to put it on.

„I love it, Wally. Thank you" you said, touching the little pendant on your cleavage.

Your eyes drifted from his plush lips to his chocolate orbs, contemplating if you should kiss him. Before you could move, his hand touched your thigh at the seam of your skirt, burning your skin.

He licked his lips before leaning forward, giving you an innocent smooch. Noses to Nose he whispered. „I'm glad you don't want to be my friend."

The Hand on your thigh moved up to your hips and pulled you on his lap, your back pressed against the edge of the table. Being touched by him felt so good.

You wrapped your arms around his neck, capturing his lips again. He moaned into your mouth, which made you move your hips against his lap.

His hair was soft between your fingers and you slightly pulled at it. His hands snuck under your skirt, securing your hips on his crotch.

„Mmh is that why you wanted me to wear a skirt?" you teased, leaning your head back as he started kissing your neck.

The chuckle vibrated against the sensitive skin of your throat, right at your pulse point. You sighed.

„No, I just like the view of your legs. Even if it benefits me now." he groans.

You could feel the wetness of your panties as you tried to ease the friction between your thigh by pressing against him.

„Fuck, you want me to fuck you on this bench love?" He looks at you with dark eyes.

Wally must be uncomfortable in his tight football pants, so you pull at the strings securing it. „Yes please."

He helps you pull them off just enough to free his length, before he hungrily nips at your lips again.

His fingers pulled your panties to the side and you guided him inside of you.

Your other hand dug into the fabric of his football jersey and you moaned into his mouth. Placing his hands on your hips again, Wally thrusted up into you.

Your hips met his thrusts and you pulled away from his brusing kiss, trying to catch your breath.

„Wally" you moaned, clenching around him.

His lips explored your jawline down to your cleavage, biting and nipping. He would surely leave marks.

The edge of the table dug into your lower back with every thrust, but you didn't care. As long as the dark haired ghost kept on pleasuring you like this.

His Thumb found your clit, massaging with different paces, bringing you closer to the edge.

„Don't stop, please" you breathed, circling your hips more.

He kissed you again as he came, spilling inside you with a few sloppy thrusts.

You joined him, collapsing into his arms.

Wally held you, his hands caressing your back, finger playing with a few strands of your hair and you put your head against his chest, trying to spot his nonexistent heartbeat.

You realized neither of you talked about what this made you. A couple?

All you knew was that he made your heart flutter and your head dizzy. Hopefully this could last another lifetime. Or more.

—

[justarandombrit]

Believe it or not, I did in fact go to see Spies Are Forever (you'd never know from looking at my blog), and, as usual, I wrote down some notes. My memory is shit so I'll probably update this with additions when I remember more, but for now, below the cut...

Act 1:

. They played Show Stoppin' Number and so many people were singing along

. It started midway through them playing The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals

. Joey: “Sorry to anyone who thought they were seeing Wizard Of Oz. Although, this show has many friends of Dorothy”

. Emily Proudlock has a beautiful voice. The microphone was struggling a little at the start, though lmao

. THEY GOT AN ACTUAL BANANA PEEL

. Oliver Ormson (Owen) called Curt “Mega” which in the show he doesn't do until he becomes the DMA (not a criticism, just interesting)

. Owen said the “A man needs his privacy”(?) line, so Owen and Barb have officially interacted now

. I love Brian's Informant. His French accent was so over the top

. Brian stared at Clark when he said “The Deadliest Man Alive” until Clark played the keyboard sting. And then whenever anyone else said it throughout the show, he played it.

. They left in a huge awkward silence when the DMA was waiting for Sergio and it was so funny

. Sergio sounded so awkward when he said “You guys can relate, right?”

. Joey fucking SCREAMED “PLEASE!” during Sergio's little Somebody's Gotta Do It reprise

. “The Deadliest Man Alive disarms Mega and escapes”

“He does?”

. Dean John Wilson walked back on stage after his exit, said “The Deadliest Man” and left again

. Okay, so Claire M. Hall is a perfect Cynthia

. You guys are gonna crucify me for this, but I actually liked her Eyes On The Prize I better than Lauren's…

. Joey was making the weirdest faces during Eyes On The Prize II

. Curt cocked his head at Hallucination!Owen and Owen shrugged and mouthed “I don't know” at him

. I LOVE EMILY OOI’S BARB!!!!!! She did a cute little dance during “It's actually a gun!”

. Obioma (Curt) pretending his beard had been shaved lmao

. No Richard Big appearance sadly

. Curt was even more oblivious about Tatiana hitting on him than in the actual show

. The Nazi ensemble stuck around throughout the whole scene and kept gasping when Curt called them villains

. THEY MADE NOT SO BAD… EVEN MORE NOT SO BAD

. “SAY WE GOT A BIT LOST, WITH THE WHOLE HOLO–” *looks at ensemble* “ehh…”

. “WE DID ALL WE COULD DO TO poopoo THE JEW”

. They didn't make the audience chant, which was… probably for the best

. Von Nazi yelled “I'm a big boy! A BIG BOY” at Mega then walked off without using his knees

. Curt groaned and hung his head when the DMA said “I'm gonna torture the living shite outta you”

. Actually gasped at the overlapping “Doesn't even matter if I killed my best friend” and “To show you the horror of staying alive”, even though I knew it was coming

. The homoeroticism 🤌🤌🤌🤌

Act 2:

. I WAS ON THE SAME ROW AS A.J. FUCKING HOLMES AND DIDN'T NOTICE UNTIL JOEY SHOUTED HIM OUT

. Joey shouted out loads of cosplayers still in character as Vanger Borschtit

. Everyone was so excited about Vanger Borschtit, and Joey made everyone cheer for an acceptable amount of time “for his reel”

. The new We Love the Prince lyrics really are so much better (also what did he do to the Pope?!?!?)

. Vanger Borschtit was DISTRAUGHT when the prince died

. Obioma stared so blankly into the audience at “Or whatever it is you boys do in the rumpus room”

. I think out of all of the new cast members, Evelyn Hoskins (Tatiana) sounded the most like the original actor (she was also so cool)

. Obioma actually sung the little “Very good place to start” Sound Of Music reference and Tatiana looked so annoyed

. Tatiana was SO into Doing This up until the kiss (which wasn't a real kiss lmao)

. MRS MEGAAAAAAAAAA

. The lights flashed rainbow after the line “So we're just… friends?”

. Curt looked straight at Barb when he said “Some of us may die”

. Curt paused before he drank the shot, and then started drinking a load and everyone stared at him, really concerned. It was a really neat piece of acting

. Von Nazi kept stressing how he had no idea how Feurgin was killed

. The Informant looked so concerned at the start of NSB reprise, then actually kinda got into it

. Jak Malone (Von Nazi) made his death SO DRAMATIC. He fell to the ground and went “Ow, my back! Ow, my front! Ow, my…self” and then got up and bowed

. Owen stood behind the DMA and they just spun around while Joey narrated

. Joey: “THE DEADLIEST MAN ALIVE FALLS DOWN THROUGH A HIDDEN TRAP DOOR IN THE STAGE–”

. ONE STEP AHEAD JSTSKTKEYYKDKFYFUHDYSWWGDJFKGKFDHSGSTSFJKGKGKGJDSYSYIFKF I'M NOT OKAY

Dean: *Crouch-walks away*

. Owen stared directly at Curt (and addressed him instead of Tatiana) when he said “Don't slip up” and loads of people “Ooh”ed

. Owen seemed actually on the verge of tears in Spies Are Forever (Reprise)

. He also fully yelled “You're a caveman!”

. They changed the line “Taking your advice” to “Moving on”, just like Curt (I think it was Curt? Edit: IT WAS JOEY) wanted in the livestream

. The speech before Spy Again (Reprise) was so good. Everyone came out on stage and it was all just incredible

. SPIES ARE FOREVER, IT'S A MUSICAAAAAAAAALLLLLL……. IT'S ABOUT SPIES!

[sweetbans29]

Crush - CC

Pairing: Caitlin Clark x Reader

Summary: You are Coach Bluder’s granddaughter who doesn’t have an interest in basketball, yet someone takes an interest in you (based on THIS request)

Warnings: fluff (if you even want to count that as a warning)

Word Count: 1.4k

Sweetbans Masterlist

AN: Hey babes, I hope your week is going well. Check out this cute one for a little pick-me-up!

If there was one thing you love in this world it is your grandma.

You had spent the last 8 months studying abroad and just got back to the states a few days ago. One of the first things you wanted to do was go see her.

The two of you talked on a weekly basis while you were away, telling her about all the adventures you went on and how you never wanted to come back. She listened to every word you said. She would then tell you a little about work - basketball was never your thing but it was very much your grandmother's. She would talk about the girls on her team and the ins and outs of the season. Even though you never really cared for the sport, listening to the way she spoke about it brought a smile to your face.

You had come up with this plan to head over to her gym and surprise her during one of her practices. You didn't want to wait any longer and decided practice was the best time.

You drove to Carver-Hawkeye Arena and parked close to one of the back entrances. Going in the back way was going to be a test to see if you still had access. When you first started going to the University of Iowa your grandma gave you a keycard that had complete access to the arena in hopes that you would eventually get into basketball. You never did but it was nice to have access when you wanted to sneak into her office and hang out with her without having to talk to any of her team.

You went to the door and scanned in as usual. It was nice to know that even after 8 months of being away, she kept your access up.

You walked through the all too familiar halls and checked her office first. She was nowhere to be found so you continued to make your way down to the court.

Peaking through the door you spot your grandma in a huddle with the team, her back is facing you and you think it is the perfect time to sneak up behind her.

You come running through the door and jump on your grandma's back. See, if you had any other grandma, you would never dare jump on her back but yours - you knew she was more than capable of supporting you.

When you land on her back, you know she is startled. But instantly knows who it is as you are the only one who would ever dare jump on her back.

"Grams!" You exclaim as you squeeze your arms around her.

"Sweet pea!" She yells, matching your energy. You jump off her back as the two of you do your handshake. Others may say it is lame to have a handshake with your grandma but you wouldn't have it any other way.

Meanwhile, Caitlin, who had first laid eyes on you when you popped your head through the door couldn't take her eyes off of you. There was something about you that had her hooked.

She knew Coach had a granddaughter that she talked to all the time - Caitlin just always imagined her to be like 7 years old. So when you walked in, it had her speechless.

She watched as you and Coach did a handshake and hugged. Caitlin wanted to know what it felt like to wrap her arms around you.

Kate catches Caitlin practically falling in love with you at first sight and nudges her.

"Bro, you gotta stop staring at her like that, you are going to freak her out," Kate says with a laugh.

"I can't help it," Caitlin says, a blush appearing.

"Well at least try and be discrete about it, that's coach's granddaughter," Kate says.

Caitlin's heart jumps up into her throat, of course you would be someone who is practically untouchable. But boy did she want to touch you.

Coach Bluder introduces you to the team and they all say hello. You notice one of the girls just staring at you. You look over in her direction and give her a wave.

Caitlin feels her cheeks heat up as you look over in her direction and wave. She had been caught staring at you and what do you do in return? You look at her and wave with the cutest smile. Her heart nearly melted on the spot - she is determined to talk to you before the end of practice or before you leave (which she hopes isn't any time soon).

"Are you going to stick around for a little?" Your grandma asks.

"Ya, I'll hang out." You say. "I was hoping we could go get a bite to eat after if you aren't busy?

"I would love that," she says and gets practice going.

You find a seat courtside. You didn't really want to be here for the entirety of practice but it has been so long since you have seen your grandma, you suck it up.

Caitlin on the other hand knew she had to make an impression. Anything to get her to stand out to you.

During practice, Caitlin treated it as if it were a game. She was putting up logo threes, her passing was on point and she was getting way too defensive. It got to the point where Coach Bluder was calling out technicals on her because she was going too hard. She didn't care because every time it happened, Caitlin would get frustrated and when she would glance over at you - you would be smiling or chuckling at the situation.

Her heart was doing backflips every time she saw you smile.

During one of the breaks, Caitlin ran over a few chairs down from you to grab a drink. She was out of breath and incredibly sweaty. She was too caught up in the Gatorade to notice you were looking at her.

"Do you always go this hard during practice?" You as her. She nearly chokes on her Gatorade when she notices you are talking to her.

"Umm, no not always," she says as she feels her cheeks heat up even more than they already are. "This practice is different."

"Well, your competitive nature draws people's attention. Your jump shot is clean, your passing IQ is unreal, and your defense is strong. Not that I particularly enjoy the sport - you are entertaining to watch." You tell her and she is about ready to get down on one knee.

Not only is her ego boosted but the fact that you had been watching her throughout practice, when you don't like the sport has her on cloud nine.

"You should come to a game to see how I really play - we really play," she says, mentally face-palming herself. She should have just stuck with the confidence.

"Ehh, it isn't really a sport I go out to watch," you say.

"I mean if not for me," Caitlin says, her confidence building. "Then come out for coach Bluder." Her head nods over in the direction of your grandma.

You ponder the idea. It would make your grandma really happy to see you in there, she had been trying to get you to a game for years now.

As you are lost in thought, Caitlin decides to test the water.

"You know, you would give me a real reason to go hard during a game," she says.

"How so?" you reply.

"Well," she says as she steps closer to you. You can feel the heat radiating off of her. "For starters, if you are there, I would definitely need to show off." She says with confidence.

"Any why is that?" You ask, feeling a little intimidated by her sudden burst of confidence.

"Having a pretty little thing like you cheering me on, I would make sure to put on a good show." She is now standing directly in front of you, eyes gazing down into yours. Your neck is craned as you look up into her eyes. You never considered yourself short but standing face to face with her, you feel like a child.

"I don't even know your name," you say, trying anything to regain some control of the conversation.

"Caitlin. Caitlin Clark." She says as she holds out her hand you shake yours. You shake her hand and literally shock her in the process. Only one thought comes to your head as you stand there shaking the basketball girl's hand...

You are in some serious trouble.

AN: Thinking about doing a part 2 for this...let me know what you think! And as always, thank you for the love and support 🤍

[lexa-griffins]

@lg-wifey4lifey encouraged me to post the idea I sent them of The Room inspired Clexa AU so here's the 2k word vomit

Lexa and Clarke are young, early 20s. Clarke got Lexa pregnant accidentally but they worked their ass off to buy a house with the help of Clarke's parents, all ready for their baby. They should be around 21.

Lexa is about 4 months along when she's kidnapped and basically considered dead because kidnapping a pregnant woman is usually not to keep her around. Clarke never gives up hope nor does she move, she continues living in their house with the nursery ready and everything the same, even decorating how she knew Lexa would like it.

In the mean time, 7 years pass. Lexa has given birth to little Aden while being kept in a room. Due to rape she has also now given birth to a little girl, Madi, about 3 years old. She has a necklace with Clarke's picture and she always told both kids that was their mama even Madi.

Madi manages to escape one day with Lexa's help, her necklace around her neck and she tells her to find someone and tell them she's looking for her mama and her name and where Lexa and Aden are. Its a big ask for a 3 year old who knows nothing of the outside world but even if they cant find it at least Madi will be free.

Clarke gets a call. The police know her well. She comes to the police station heart bearing faster and they tell her they have a 3 year old girl saying she is her kid. Clarke's confused. They were expecting a little boy and he would be 6 now not 3.

But the moment Madi sees her she runs to her crying and calling her mama. Madelyn was the name they were gonna use if they had a girl. She looks so much like Lexa. And the necklace is the one Clarke gave her when they celebrated 1 year of dating. Madi has not yet said anything, not until she's in Clarke's arms does tell where mommy and Aden are.

Clarke waits with Madi on her lap inside the police car. She doesn't know if the piece of shit who kidnapped Lexa and her son didn't get rid of them in the 2 days it took to find this place. She knows Madi is his bio child, but to Clarke, she is already hers.

They bring him out in handcuffs first and Clarke wants to go and punch him and kill him but then there's noise.

Madi is letting go of her hand and running towards Lexa screaming mommy.

Clarke is frozen in place.

She's so much thinner now, Clarke's last memory of her being of her bump already showing Her eyes are red and her face puffy from crying. But she is still her Lexa. And on her hip is a little boy. So small for age 6, curled to his mom's side. He is the spitting image of Clarke.

And then he turns and sees her. Immediately his eyes grow big, able to set himself free as Lexa holds Madi and praises her for how good she did for setting them free.

He runs to her screaming mama and Clarke opens and arms to catch him. Oh how many times did she dream how he looked like and now he is finally in her arms. Madi pulls Lexa's hand excited, walking her towards Clarke.

"I found mama! She helped me like you said mommy!"

Lexa has tried hard not to cry in front of the kids, waiting for them to fall asleep to break down.

The thought of never seeing her little girl again if she couldn't manage to get them broke her heart even more than it already had been broken before.

She heard screams of police.

And then she heard the commotion outside.

And then a silence came. She knew the walls were sound proof and still she screamed that she was here, to please not leave without her and her son, please.

It has taken 20 minutes of her screaming for them to find her and Aden. But they did.

And now she was staring at Clarke holding their son finally, looking at her like she is seeing a ghost and a miracle all in one. And then Lexa just breaks down crying and throws herself at Clarke, who catches her, crying just the same.

Aden seem confused about it as if this should be a happy time of laughing and smiles while Madi is upset by the crying, wondering if it means something is wrong.

The three of them are taken to the hospital.

Lexa sleeps for 3 days. They confirm everything Clarke already new. Sexual abuse - in some twisted way Clarke is thankful Lexa was the only one of the three that suffered through that, although she knows Lexa would have murdered before she let anyone touch her children.

Starved and malnourished.

Two natural births, somehow both as healthy as they could be much like the 2 babies. Despite the lack of sunlight and lack of some vitamins the kids are healthy considering everything.

Lexa feared Clarke would reject Madi. Fuck, when she was pregnant with her Lexa wondered how she was going to look at her baby knowing it was his. But then she wakes up. There are hushed noises in the hospital room. Its dark, only a bit of sunlight coming through. On the floor there are toys, some Lexa still recognizes bought by her and Clarke when they found out about Aden.

Aden is next to Clarke playing happily and silently, seeming happy to just be close to his mom. Madi sits in Clarke's lap chatting away as Clarke smiles to them both, treating Madi as her own and referring to herself as mama when talking to her.

Lexa's recovery is not easy. But after two weeks, they allow her to go home.

Seems strange to even enter the car. Its a new one, try as they might they hadn't been able to buy a new one back then, settling for Lexa's old car.

Now, Clarke has a van and Lexa is shocked to see the two seats for her kids already installed, the look of pride in Clarke's face.

They have mot spoken much. Clarke has not kissed her yet, but she has kissed her forehead and held her hand, told her over and over again she loved her and missed her terribly but refused to lose hope.

Lexa loves her so much still. But being touched and loved seems foreign to Lexa now. And Clarke respects it, making Lexa's heart desire to kiss her more despite what her brain tells her due to trauma. The house is the same. It feels strange. Some things have changed but it still looks the exact same.

Lexa's jacket is still at the entrance alongside her shoes as if she has always been there. Her book, half read 7 years ago, still remains on the coffee table by the seat she used to take. There was no dust on it. Clarke kept it there on purpose, unable to put it away. She squeezes Clarke's hand seeing it all, a silent thank you for not forgetting her.

Clarke looks down. "It pained me too much to erase anything from you in the house. So i kept it where it was, so you'd have an easier time finding it when you came back."

The decorations on the nursery were still the same, everything ready for a baby that is now 6 years old. His name painted on the walls. He enters it as if it was a world meant for him. Madi on Lexa's hip looks around, as if trying to find where the little space made for her was. Clarke walks in behind them, pointing to the crib that has been turned into a toddler bed.

"I thought Madi could sleep on crib like that. I still have that inflatable mattress in the attic. I was thinking of bringing it down so you and Aden can sleep for a few days. I have a bed coming but it should take a few days still."

Aden looks at her smiling, already looking at the plushie with his name on it.

Little Madi looks about to cry, seeing how everything in the room is for her brother.

Lexa wants to hush her, almost embarrassed. Madi is not Clarke's child, she has no obligation to care for her.

"I know the room as nothing for you yet Madi." Clarke admits talking directly to the teary little girl.

"Clarke you don't have to-"

Clarke smiles at her and shakes her head "do you see that little chest?" Clarke points to the chest next to the crib "go and open it. There's a little treasure for you inside."

Madi looks at her with shinny yet suspicious eyes. Lexa settles her on the floor and Madi walks to hit carefully.

When she opens it, a squeal leaves her.

"MOMMY SO MANY BUTTERFLY!"

Lexa stares at Clarke in shock. Butterflies would fly by the skylight and Madi had always been obsessed with them. But Lexa had not told Clarke that.

"I sat down with Aden the other day and he told me everything his little sister liked. He helped me pick her clothes and toys and decorations"

Aden smiles big at his mom before running to help his sister look through her new things.

Lexa feels her heart bearing faster as she looks at Clarke.

As the kids look at the toys, Lexa closes the space between her and Clarke, kissing her softly. Clarke does not keep her longer than Lexa wishes to, even if her heart wants to hold Lexa against her lips forever.

Clarke shrugs with a smile, "i want to make sure our little girl feels loved too."

Lexa sleeps with Aden and Madi for 4 months. Clarke will lay down with them too but once the kids are down she kisses Lexa's cheeks and goes to her (their) room. Lexa had barely walked inside their old shared room since she arrived. Clarke hadn't pushed either. The only time Lexa walked in was to get a change of clothes - ones she was finally filling up again - or to look for an old cream (ones that should have expired by now but that Lexa realized had been bought again. Clarke never cared for skin care and yet she went through her creams and made sure to buy newer ones)

And one night the kids are happily asleep. Aden now has his bed, still sleeping in the same room has Madi.

They have started decorating the room next to Aden's into Madi's room, once they were ready to sleep alone.

Lexa still sleeps on the mattress. But she wakes up and sees the kids both sound asleep. She no longer has to worry about that man entering their room in the middle of the night. Her stomach no longer groans at the lack of food. Her kids have pjs and sheets and a plushie to cuddle with. Therapy as been good for them too.

So, she gets up slowly and quietly.

Clarke's room door is slightly ajar, so she can easily hear is something is wrong with the three of them.

Lexa opens the door slowly, scared to interrupt something. Inside Clarke is simply scrolling on her phone.

"Clarke?"

Clarke nearly jumps but is immediately alert, "Hey! Is everything okay?"

Lexa nods and barely says anything else. Instead she walks to the bed - her side of the bed - pulls the covers and lays down.

Clarke stares at her with a beating heart, phone on her bed side table. Lexa realizes there's a nanny cam on her own bedside table, a wave of relief washing over her when she realizes she can see her kids from here. It also hits her why Clarke always knew to come in when both kids were crying too much for Lexa to handle alone or how when Madi hit her head on the bed frame Clarke immediately came in with ice. Yet she never overstepped when Lexa didn't need her.

They stare at one another in bed for a second before Lexa starts to laugh, Clarke looking at her strangely but smiling at hearing her laugh.

"Whats so funny?"

"We made a baby together. We were almost engaged. And suddenly it feels like i am sharing a life with a crush i can barely talk to without blushing."

Clarke does not know what to say. Instead she brushes Lexa's cheek. Lexa closes her eyes at the feeling, getting closer to Clarke until her head is above her chest. Clarke wraps her arms around her, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.

"We can build that relationship back up you know."

Lexa nods lifting her head. A small peck on Clarke's lips before she wishes her a good night. It becomes ritual for Lexa to go to their room after the kids are asleep for a while. And then as soon as they fall asleep.

One night, Lexa does not go to the kids' room. When neither kid cries for her as she watches them on the nanny cam, she lays down with Clarke, snuggling into her as she did 7 years before.

[ghostmoon1]

Dusted Rivalries - Chapter Six

Chapter Five | Master List | Chapter Seven

Call of Duty Fic - Task Force 141 - Cowboy AU

Summary: You trained hard to get to the dog show with Dolly, and now it is time to show how hard you trained at the dog show.

Paring: You'll find out soon :3

Words: 2,482

Warnings: Slight descriptions of anxiety

A/N: We're back!! My account got terminated due to Tumblr's spam filter, that's why this chapter isn't posted on the regular time. But I've been very busy, so I'll try and finish Comfy-Vember then more of my attention will be on this fic again, and I may post some extra things!

You could feel your heartbeat rapidly thumping, matching your quick and short breaths. You tried to wipe the sweat off your palms onto your jacket even if it was useless. Your fingers tapped on the leash in your hands, the fabric rough and used between your fingers. The arena was crowded, with whines, barks, panting, echoing, and hitting your ears. The chatter of other contestants and the judges wiped out any peacefulness and silence the arena would have once held. 

Dolly stood at your heel, her tail wagging as she barked at the other dogs that walked by and tried to pull towards them. Even for an old dog, new places excited her. 

Your eyes caught onto the judges as they took their seats with clipboards and pens, an intimidating aura surrounding them for a first-time contestant. You tried to swallow your nerves, but they kept clawing at your throat and threatening to drag you down with them. 

“Nervous lass?”

Johnny. 

You were so glad you brought them along with you. If you didn't you might be breaking into a cold sweat and dying from the nerves. Johnny was always a comforting presence, even if you hadn’t known them for too long. He was the rock you could hold onto while rapids gushed around you. 

“Yeah… very,” you mumble in response, holding onto the leash tighter until your knuckles turn white. Your breath gets caught in your throat as you watch more of the contestants walk in. Their well-groomed and well-trained dogs walked at their heels, heads held high and their tails propped up. Your mind races.

What if you didn't train Dolly enough? What if she gets too scared and tries to run off? What if you mess up? What if you forget the course? What if you can't help save the farm…?

“You and Dolly will do great lass. Don’t get yer knickers in a twist over it,” Johnny’s voice brings you back down to earth with a reassuring hand on your shoulder, squeezing it softly.

“Yeah. Still can’t help the nerves. I’m sure Dolly will still do well,” you mutter, watching Dolly’s fluffy tail wag. You hope. 

“You’ll make us proud,” he says, giving your shoulder one last squeeze before letting go and looking over at Kyle and John who were speaking to one of the other contestants. Simon, is nowhere to be seen. You didn't even know if he came.

You sigh and drop the jacket off your shoulders, sitting it down on the seat and leaning down to rub Dolly’s ear, who happily accepts the attention. “Alright… ready girl?” you murmur to her and earn a happy bark in response. Although, you were asking yourself if you were ready more.

The walk down to the waiting area took an eternity, you could hear your own heartbeat over the echoing voices and dogs. Dolly’s ears perk up as music starts to softly play in the background, and the voice over the microphones starts to echo throughout the stadium. 

“Hello everyone, welcome to this year's dog show! Today, the events will be as follows; We will have the agility championships until noon, which will take up the greater part of the day…”

You start to zone out the more they speak, calling in a former champion and interviewing them as the staff makes sure everything is properly set up. 

Your heart jumps to your throat as the first contestant gets called up. “To start the show-off today, we have Charlie the Shetland Sheepdog, with handler Anthony Clarke from Norfolk, Virginia!”

You watch as the man and his smaller dog run up onto the course, standing on a platform before jumping off and heading towards the start. You hold your breath as the small dog yelps at him, then settles between his legs, its small body vibrating with excitement and adrenaline. He yells to start, and the small dog's legs move faster than you would’ve thought they could. Its tail is high in the air, approaching the first jump and leaping over it with ease. The tiny dog moved with ease and grace, leaping over each jump and running over the ramp. It sped through the tunnel and weaved through the weave poles with ease. 

You feel your heart beat faster as you watch, the anxiety clawing at the back of your throat and sending it dry. You try to swallow the nerves down again, but nothing can stop the thumping of your heart. 

The show continues, and you watch with your anxiety building as each dog flawlessly finishes the course in record times. Watching just made you wish you spent longer training. You hope she was ready for this. You jump as they take to the microphone again, and then the dreaded words come. 

“Next up, we have Dolly the Border Collie with her handler Y/N! Now, Dolly here is an old girl, but we’ll see how she holds up!” 

With a deep breath, you jog out onto the course leading Dolly up onto the platform to stand for a moment for the judges to see her. 

“Good girl… you're gonna do great,” you whisper as you pat her side, even if she couldn't fully understand you, giving her reassurance seemed to help you as well and calm your nerves.

Now, it was Dolly’s and your time to shine. Time to show the crowd what you’ve been training so hard for, putting in the hard work and hours to get here. To show them that you deserve to be here.

To save the farm.

You swiftly lead her down to the fake grass of the course, each obstacle set out precisely. The grass crunched beneath your shoes, Dolly’s paws tapping against it in excitement as she whined and begged for her leash to be taken off. You kneel next to her, slipping it over her head. “Alright girl… let's do this.”

You look up to see Johnny, Kyle and John in the crowd, each of them looking excited and hopeful. Johnny was shouting and jumping up and down, throwing a fist in the air while Kyle tried to calm him down, yelling stuff at him you couldn't quite understand. John gave you a warm smile and a nod, silently wishing you good luck.

Here was your time to shine. Dolly’s time to shine. Show them what you’ve worked for.

With a sharp whistle, Dolly places herself between your legs, kneeling down and ready to leap forward. Your eyes dart around the course, taking mental notes on the course and how you are going to approach this. 

You take a step forward, and so does Dolly. She shoots past, her paws hitting the ground with newfound determination. You run after her, every step you take sending a small shockwave of adrenaline and anxiety coursing through your body. You ran alongside Dolly, who seemed to be enjoying this much more than you were. She leapt over the first jump, landing effortlessly on the other side and sprinting towards the next jump.

“That's it! Good, next one!” you call out each command, rewarding her with words for now until you can spoil her with love and affection afterwards. Her tail was high in the air, her body agile and graceful as she leapt over the next jump. 

Her paws reached forward as she leapt over the next jump, hitting the ground on the other side and her pack paws pushing herself forward once again. Your eyes follow her with pride, maybe all that training was paying off. Maybe you could do this, maybe she could. 

Maybe the farm had hope. 

You point her towards the next obstacle, and she flies towards the ramp. Her muscles and pure determination push her up the ramp, slowing down as the ramp drops to let her run off the other side. After another jump, she sprints into the tunnel and out the other side. 

You continue to praise her and lead her through the course, your heart pounding as you near the end of the course. Dolly leaps over the next few jumps with ease, her tail bouncing as she lands and her ears perked forward. Finally, you point her towards the weaving poles where she quickly bounds between each one, her body curving around them like she was made to be doing this.  

You let out a cry in victory, kneeling down and immediately catching Dolly in your arms as she licks and pants in your face after she finishes the course. You adore her with pats and rubs, hugging her as her tail wags and wacks you in the side but you couldn't care less.

“You did it!” you cry, laughing as she licks your face, covering it in her slobber. 

The sound of the crowd cheering and clapping finally hits your ears, and the adrenaline begins to wear off. Your eyes locked with one of the judges, and you couldn't help but smile at him in pride. “We did it…” you whisper again as if you were trying to convince yourself that you really did just complete your part of the dog show, and the world didn't collapse beneath you.

You look over at the boys, who are standing and cheering, Johnny throwing his fists into the air with a massive grin plastered on his face. Kyle was having to drag him back from jumping over the fencing and sprinting towards you. Price stood up for you, clapping as he wore a proud smile on his face.

The pride swells in your chest, seeing the people who you only met not long ago but now felt close, clapping for you and your hard work, how you and Dolly had worked hard to get to this point. You sit on your heels for a moment, catching your breath from running around the course with her. 

You hope you’ve done them proud.

After leading Dolly off the course and to some seating, which you are forever grateful for after that workout, it didn't take long before you saw the boys running towards you. Well, Johnny was running, Kyle and John were trailing behind, struggling to keep up.

“That was bloody brilliant lass!” he calls, closing in on you and throwing his arms around you, squeezing whatever air you had left in your lungs out. “Yer did us so proud!”

You laugh, wrapping your arms back around him as he rocks you side to side in his excitement, letting your hands dig into the combination of fat and muscle on his back. His warmth radiated around you, making you feel even hotter and sweatier than you did before. 

“You and Dolly are an amazing team, the best we’ve seen today,” Kyle pitches in, stealing your attention away from Johnny’s bear hug for a moment. He finally releases you, letting you step back and breathe again.

“You’re just saying that,” you reply, brushing your now rumpled shirt to try and keep yourself looking semi-presentable. His deep brown eyes crinkle around the edges as he laughs in disbelief.

“No love! You were amazing, considering you only trained for maybe a week, compared to everyone else who probably works on stuff like this for a living!”

Price chuckles and agrees, letting his arms sit over his chest, slowly rising and falling with each breath. “Now, let’s see if you’ve won eh? If you save this farm, we’ll forever be in your debt.”

Johnny and Kyle nod in agreement, their eyes sparkling with excitement and pride. Kyle leans down to slip Dolly’s leash and collar back on, her paws padding across the soft ground as she trots along to the waiting area, where everyone else is sitting and waiting nervously for the winners to be announced. Dogs sat at their owner's heels, waiting and yapping as they waited. Tension hung heavy in the air, it was thick enough that you felt you could cut through the air with a knife. 

As you take a seat, you can’t help but let the nerves creep back in. Your hands feel moist with sweat once again, a bead of sweat forming along your browline. You bounced your leg in anticipation, watching as the judges across the arena spoke in hushed voices to one another, tapping their pens and every so often letting their eyes flicker over to the contestants, studying them. 

Judging them.

Judging you.

Their pens touch their clipboards, writing down the unknown. Unknown to you right now, but soon enough they’ll call out the winner, the one who gets to bring home the prize.

The whole arena goes silent as one of the judges taps their microphone, the eerie sound echoing. It was too quiet. You could hear the tick-tocking of the old clock on the wall behind you, the heavy and anxiety-riddled breaths of yourself and everyone else around you, the quiet shuffling of feet, the panting and small whines of the dogs. 

“Alright everyone, we will be announcing the winners of this year's agility championships!” the voice over the microphone echoes. You gripped your seat, your knuckles turning white as sweat pools under your thighs, sticking you to the chair. Telling you your fate. You won’t be moving from that place to pick up a trophy… you won’t win this. You weren't good enough.

You couldn't think like that. You can’t let those thoughts overwhelm you.

But what if you can’t save the farm…? What if all the hard work you put into this was for nothing? Maybe Simon was right…

John’s hand on your knee snaps you out of the thoughts that threaten to pull you under and drown you. His calloused hand was warm and rough, providing a comforting presence. He gently squeezed as his eyes remained out the front of the judges, studying them as the judges spoke. 

They began to name the winners.

“We would like to start with honourable mentions, who will be taking home our dog care baskets brought to us by our sponsors! For these, we have Jessica Mulberg with her Dalmation, Molly!”

You feel your heart clench as names begin to get called out. The crowd claps as you watch the woman and her dog head over to receive their prize, giving thanks and bowing to the crowd with a smile on her face.

“For the second honourable mention, we have Shane Newman with his Weimaraner, Lucky!”

He collects his prize as well, a proud smile on his face as he does so. He adores his dog with pats and praises, who soak up the attention like a sponge with a wagging tail.

Now for the podium. 

“Now… the winners for the agility championships, we have…” the pause drags on, making you hold your breath and grip the chair tighter as you wait. Fuck them for pausing. “In third place… we have Y/N, with her Border Collie, Dolly!”

Fuck.

[ Tag List: @sleep101 , @jooba , @daydreamsareallineed ]

[thezombieprostitute]

Hummingbird - Epilogue

Summary: You didn't want to break into someone's party but you were desperate to see the art at the gallery before it was gone. You're so busy trying to make sure no one sees you that you miss the ever present gaze of Steve Rogers who is wondering why you crashed his party.

Word Count: ~1k

A/N: This takes place after Sparks Fly & Changing Minds. Reader is AFAB. No physical descriptors used.

Warnings: Implied violence, Pregnancy and related topics. Please let me know if I missed any.

Part 8

Series Masterlist

“It really feels like we’ve invited a lot more fights to our doorstep,” Sam sighs. “Between our people messing with Clark Kent and helping a witness against Wilford & Gilliam, then hiring said witness, we haven’t done ourselves any favors.”

“There aren’t any direct ties to us,” Steve retorts. 

“None that would hold up in court,” Bucky offers. “But people know.”

“Our Garbage Men have kinda gotten out of hand,” Sam huffs. “They’re supposed to clean up messes, not make them.”

“I don’t know about that,” Steve objects. “They’ve been doing what they need to. Well, maybe Nick. I’ll give you that he screwed up a few things. But even then, he’s done the impossible and made a dent in the Man of Steel. A dent we can take advantage of.”

“I’ve already got Union Reps and supporters at work at his factories,” Bucky nods. 

Sam adds, “I’ve also got some reporters on tap, eager to add to the case against Kent, should any hint of union busting come up.”

“Wilford & Gilliam were already at odds with us,” Steve comments. “But they’re clearly on the way out. We just need to be extra careful until they finally topple.”

“Franco the Elder needs to be stopped,” Sam curses. “He’s been on a rampage and the other families are looking to us to deal with him since one of ours set him off.”

“Can we get Nat to take him out,” Steve ponders.

“I’ve already got G on the scent,” Bucky assures. “He’s a lot more affordable and he’s associated with us. Shows the other families we’re working on it.”

“We should probably also prepare for a power vacuum once they finally fall,” Sam adds. 

“The Garbage Men are keeping tabs,” Steve assures. “All ripple effects are being tracked to the best of their ability.” The other men nod in acceptance. “In lighter news, I’ve got promises of support from the Odinson, Wayne and Spector families. Apparently our handling of Lloyd and Rumlow reaffirmed their trust in our abilities.”

Sam snorts, “not surprised Wayne supports us. He and Kent have been frenemies for quite some time. But Spector?”

Bucky interjects, “him and Wilson might be crazy but you can trust them to keep their word. If Spector says they support us, we don’t have to worry about them. If we accidentally piss them off, they’ll warn us before attacking.”

An alarm on Steve’s phone interrupts the meeting. Steve turns it off and stands up, “are we good for today? Anything else pressing?”

“Nothing we can’t handle,” Sam assures, Bucky nodding in support. “You go take care of your lady.”

“Wishing you both the best at the appointment,” Bucky agrees.

You try to keep from wringing your hands but you’re all nerves. You were more than eager to start your family with Steve but encouraged him to hold off until after the wedding and after you were both screened for potential genetic disorders. He had the money to cover the costs and you didn’t want to go into this blindly. Something he appreciated and respected.

Thankfully the testing hadn’t been too invasive. Now you just had to wait and you were doing your best to not be a nervous wreck. Unfortunately your best wasn’t great. You kept checking your phone, making sure you hadn’t missed any phone calls or messages. You tried to put your nervous energy to work but that only led to you cooking up a storm in the kitchen, making more meals than you and Steve could eat in a week.

When he walks into the kitchen and sees the chaos, Steve knows he has to do something. He walks up to you, his voice soothing as he calls your name. You’re scrubbing dishes but stop when he places his hand on the back of your neck. 

“Sweetheart,” he intones, “you need to calm down.”

“I’m trying.”

“We’ll be sending people home with food for the next few days to keep it from going bad.”

“I know, I know. I just—”

You’re cut off as he pulls you in for a hug. He knows you feel safest with his arms wrapped around you and you find yourself breathing a little easier. 

“I just want to make sure any kids we have get the best chances.”

“I know, Hummingbird,” Steve hums. “And I love that you’re already considering having more than one.”

You chuckle, “well I can count on you to be supportive and caring the whole pregnancy and while the kid is growing up so. I don’t know, that just makes it easier to contemplate having a couple of kids instead of just one.” 

Before Steve can comment your phone rings and you escape his arms to answer it. The doctor’s words are clear, though your brain has a little trouble processing them. You thank the doctor and hang up the phone. Steve looks at you expectantly.

“We’re in the clear,” you smile as you hug him hard enough he almost loses his balance. “Looks like we’ll be starting up a new adventure together.”

You’re finally back at your apartment, done with work for the day, and you’re still in daze after the phone call from the doctor. Everything feels surreal, like you're moving through thick fog, as you unlock the door. The unreal feeling isn’t helped by seeing your man on one knee in the living room, holding a ring box. 

You freeze at the sight and his cheeks turn a little pink, “I know it’s kinda soon but I also know you’re the one. If you’ll have me.” He looks back at you with those puppy dog eyes you can never say no to.

All you can say is, “I’m pregnant.”

Part 8

Series Masterlist

Tags:

@alicedopey; @aryhyuuga; @cynic-spirit; @icefrozendeadlyqueen @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory; @ktficworld; @leryg0; @rayofdawnworld; @rebekahdawkins; @texmexdarling

[octodrawn]

Cringetober day 11: 5 + 1 things (fanfiction)

5 times Russell's hang-out plans went horribly wrong (and one time they didn't)

Or Russell Ferguson has like 5 mental health crises and breaks at least 2 laws but, hey, at least he got a pizza party

Content warning: not much, just a few swears (some in french) and as the above suggests, depictions of shitty mental health.

Rating: teen (see above)

Characters: Russell Ferguson, Pepper Clark, Sunil Nevla, Penny Ling, Minka Mark, Vinnie Terrio, Zoe Trent, and brief (implied?) cameos from Scout Kerry, Madison (girl who fills in for Blythe) and Captain Cuddles

Word count: ~3500

... is a change in section and --- is a time skip withing a section

This is technically just a rough draft so if there's anything you want to critique go ahead. I'd love to hear feedback.

OK, time for the actual fic! Yay!!!!

“Man, look at you go! And you were saying just a few hours ago that you didn’t want to go!”

Russell smiled to himself as he aligned the club and the ball “You know how busy I’ve been,” Russell said, making a graceful arc with his club as he took the shot “But, I’ve gotta admit, this is pretty fun!”

They watched the ball circle the hole before slotting in with a pleasant plunk.

“That’s par! Now, how many points am I winning by again?

“Yeah, yeah” Pepper scoffed and calculated the scores. “Hah! Don’t get too ahead of yourself, buddy. We’re tied right now!”

“So the windmill decides it all”

“Race ya!” Pepper said, already bolting for the final hole.

“Wait!” ---

“Birdie! Read it. And. Weep”

Two strokes. Pepper beat the windmill in two strokes. It didn’t help that Pepper was being such a braggart about it, but what could Russell do? How could he beat a score like that?

“You givin’ up or what?”

No. It can’t end like this. Russell would not let it.

“Like hell I am!’

All he needed was a hole-in-one. Just one shot to wipe that stupid smug grin off of Pepper’s stupid smug face.

Russell gripped the golf club, knuckles going white. One shot. Just one perfect shot. He shuffled his feet and focused on the timing. He took in a breath. One. Two. NOW

The ball exploded off the ground and flew right into the windmill’s blade, from where it ricocheted off like a bullet into…. The gift shop’s window, shattering it.

“Shit.”

“HAHAHAHAH Oh my god, oh my GOD!”

“Pepper.”

“Now I’ve seen holes in one before but that's the first time I’ve seen a hole in one WINDOW! AHAHAHA!”

“Pepper! Run!”

That’s when Pepper saw the cashier, scrambling towards them, metal golf club in hand.

“Holy moly!”

And so the two of them ran into the night.

“This means I win, right?”

“Pepper!”

…

“Here’s your wristbands. Enjoy your visit to the Downtown City Museum of Arts, sirs.”

“Yes, we will. Have a wonderful night!” Sunil said, putting on his wristband then helping Russell with his own.

“Oh! Thank you,” Russell said “Now, according to this map, the reception for the new Egyptian exhibit should be…” he examined the map that, when unfolded, took up his entire wingspan.

“That way?” Sunil pointed towards the crowd of people walking towards a door decorated to look like the entrance of an ancient tomb.

“Well, I was just about to say that, but yes,”

They entered the exhibit and Russell immediately got the sense he was underdressed for the occasion. He buttoned a few of his top buttons and tightened his tie. He looked over to his friend to inspect his outfit, but more noticeable was the fear on his face.

Russell tapped his shoulder and Sunil leaned over. “Hey. I know you don’t do well with crowds. If at any point for any reason you want to leave, just let me know, okay?” he whispered.

“Thank you, Russell, but I believe I will be fine.” Sunil replied ”as long as you stay by meeeEEE” as he was finishing his sentence, Sunil was swept away in a tour of excitable tourists.

Russell tried to follow them but he kept on getting cut off by other visitors. By the time the gallery’s curator began talking, he had completely lost sight of Sunil.

“He’ll… he’ll be fine on his own. I hope”

Russell turned his attention to the speaker to distract himself from his worrying. “And here behind this curtain, we have the pride of our collection; the Pharaoh’s eye. This gem is the only thing that remains of the death mask of a great, nearly forgotten, ruler of ancient Egypt. It has even been said that it can grant the wish of any who hold it” the curator said with a flourish “Of course, that’s just an old wives tale” she said, chuckling along with the audience.

At that time, Russell noticed a few slips of paper fall from the rafters. Confetti? No. it seemed to just be these few pieces. ‘How strange’, thought Russell. He turned back to the curator.

“And now, it’s time to reveal the Pharaoh’s eye,” the curator said gleefully and she pulled the curtain up to reveal an empty case. A wave of shocked gasps came from the crowd.

“You’ll never have the Pharaoh’s eye, Dr. Disguise!” Shouted a voice that seemed somehow familiar to Russell from above.

“Muahahaha!” Laughed the old woman standing next to Russell who pulled off her latex mask to reveal a young woman with an eyepatch and a mirthful grin “Oh, Secret Agent Scout, it’s already in my grasp! If you want it so bad, come and get it!” The woman in the rafters grabbed a hold of one of the decorative vines from the wall and swung into Dr. Disguise causing many audience members to scream and run. Scout picked up the jewel from the knocked down Dr. Disguise and ran out the door, quickly followed by the now recovered villain.

Too shocked to move, Russell was left as one of the only people in the room. He jumped when a hand grabbed his shoulder, but he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it was just Sunil.

“You know what you said about leaving any time? I think I would like to leave now.”

“Yes, I do think that that would be for the best”

…

“39, 23, and 176, right?”

“Yes, now put the code in!”

Penny Ling stared at the treasure chest for a second, fingers hovering above the number pad.

“What’s wrong, Penny Ling?” Russell turned from the scrawlings of the ‘ancient mermaid language’ on the cave wall. In reality, they were at the newest attraction of the dying Downtown City mall, the Escape Room. This month, the Escape Room was apparently doing a shipwreck theme. Russell had been wanting to go for a while, but it was Penny who finally invited him.

“It’s just… you’re the one who did most of the work. You should do the honors”

“Penny, it doesn’t matter who does it, I just want to get this done!” When Russell saw Penny begin sniffling, he changed his tone instantly “Not that I’m not having fun! I had a blast! Here, I can do it and then we can split a giant pretzel and an overly sugary lemonade, okay?”

“That sounds like a plan,” Penny said, stepping back and rubbing her eyes.

Russell gave her a reassuring smile and squatted down to open the chest. “39, 23, and 176,” he muttered to himself as he rotated the wheels of the lock. With the final digit, there was a click. Russell put his fingers under the edge of the lid but when he tried to lift the lid, it didn’t budge. He tried again and again, but the top refused to move.

“Are you okay?”

Russell didn’t want to admit it, but he was not particularly strong. Maybe Penny would have a better chance.“Can you try to open the chest?” he asked

She does so. Nothing.

“Well,” Russell starts, feeling his heart begin to race and his jaw begin to clench “That is not good.”

“Maybe you missed a clue?” Penny suggested.

“Missed a clue? MISSED A CLUE??? Penny, enlighten me. Where, exactly, in this 10x10 ft. box could I have missed a clue?”

“Russell, you’re freaking out”

“Of course, I’m freaking out! We are trapped in this room! No way to escape! It’d be one thing if I was here alone, but you’re here too! And now we’re gonna be stuck here forever!” Russell said.

Penny pulled Russell into a hug. Normally, he’d wriggle away after a few seconds, but whenever he was stressed or tired, a hug from Penny Ling always helped. Penny guided Russell over to the captain’s quarters and they sat down. “We aren’t going to be stuck here forever. When the timer runs out, the employee will let us out again”

“Yeah, but-” Russell stopped himself. He felt like a little kid, whining because he couldn’t have what he wanted.

“Mm-hm?” Penny played with his hair as he leaned on her shoulder.

“I mean like… well… If we don’t get out soon… We won’t get the best time,” Russell felt so stupid saying it. “I-I wanted to get that gift card. I wanted to thank you for always being there for me… like you are now,”

“That doesn’t matter to me. I was just happy to be here with you. Now, let’s just rest until the time is up”

“Yeah… ”

---

“Oh…” the teenage worker of the Escape Room said, despite displaying no emotion on her face except boredom “You got tripped up at the treasure chest, too?”

“That thing is totally broken”

“You’ve gotta slide the lid, not pull it up”

“What?”

“We put a sign up and everything,” the worker said, pointing at the sign right next to the chest that did, in fact, say to slide the treasure chest lid. Penny looked at Russell, worried.

“WHAT THE FU-”

…

If you asked Russell Ferguson what his ideal Sunday plans were, he could draft up a list in a matter of minutes, sorted in alphabetical order, of course. One thing that would not be on that list, however, is sitting in the freezing office of a very angry park ranger with a pair of idiots. The only sound was the ticking of the clock echoing on the mahogany walls and tile flooring until one of them spoke up.

“Man, Rusty. I didn’t know you had it in you! I mean, you, smacking a cop? No one’s gonna believe me!” Vinnie said.

“He’s not a police officer! He’s a park ranger! A-and I didn’t smack him, he ran into my hand, while I was trying to stop YOU from fighting him!” Russell tried to defend himself. “And don’t call me Rusty. I’m mad at you right now…” he grumbled the last part as he buried his face in his hands.

Minka looked between her two friends and said “C’mon guys, you don’t need to fight!”

“We’re not!” both protested.

“I’m just trying to lighten the mood,” Vinnie scoffed

A moment of silence.

“You know, I wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for you two”

“Oh, I’m sorry I wasn’t gonna let Minka get yelled at by some random guy”

“She was climbing a statue of the city’s mayor. A statue with a sign at the bottom clearly saying ‘do not climb’!” Russell exclaimed “And he’s not some ‘random guy’, he’s a park ranger who was, you know, doing his job?”

By this point, they were glaring at each other. Minka knew better than to get in their way when they reached this stage of their bickering. It had been a long day for all of them. It was almost a miracle that this was the worst thing that had happened during their little picnic. All of them had just about reached the end of their patience and Minka, despite her normal morals, was fine with the two of them taking it out on each other.

Vinnie rolled his eyes and slumped back into his chair. “You know,” Vinnie said, staring more at the mounted stag head on the wall than who he was talking to, “I don’t think you are being a very good friend right now”

“Why you!” Russell grabbed Vinnie by the collar.

“Are they yours?” a different voice echoed through the hall. 

“Zoe! And Mr. Schmitt, of course!” Russell dropped Vinnie and smiled.

Zoe pinched the bridge of her nose and said “Yes. I’m so sorry for their… misbehavior today. I am sure they didn’t mean any harm, right?” She looked at her friends.

They all shared various words of agreement.

“Well, if you say so.” Mr Schmitt said and addressed the troublemakers “look, I’m not going to report this, but if you ever do anything this stupid again, I will have you punished under the full extent of the law, am I clear?”

“Yessir!” Minka said as she saluted and skipped out of the room, followed by Vinnie and Zoe, leaving Russell behind.

“Sir, I am so incredibly sorry. It will never happen again, I swear,” Russell pleaded.

“Just leave”

“Yes, sir,” Russell said, dragging his feet as he left.

…

“I’m really sorry about yesterday,” Russell repeated himself for the 5th time that day.

“I’ve already told you, I forgive you. Besides, I have a system where each of my friends get one bail from jail free. That reminds me; Minka owes me one.” Zoe said as she got her phone out, probably to tell Minka about her debt.

“But… I feel like I should be doing something for you”

“You’re paying for dinner, isn’t that enough?” Russell opened his mouth to speak but Zoe cut him off “And I won’t have you complaining that it’s ‘not fancy enough for me,’ Any meal with my friend is one I’m happy to have”

They both set down their menus and waited for a waiter to notice them.

“Here are your drinks. Are you ready to order?”

“I’ll be having the village salad” Zoe handed the menu off to the waiter.

“And you?”

“Can I get the veggie gyro? Hold the goat cheese please” Russell did the same.

“Oh! And for appetizers, could we get two saganaki, please?”

“It will be right out”

---

They waited for a few minutes, sipping their drinks and soaking in the atmosphere.

Russell decided to break the silence “So, what is saganaki?”

“It's this delicious fried cheese dish. You will just love it!”

Russell processed for a second. “Zoe. I’m lactose intolerant.”

“Oh. Oh!” She started to get up from her chair “I’ll let the staff know to cancel that order right now,”

“No. I mean, no need. I can have a little dairy, but I’ll be fine as long as I go home like right after this because- wait actually I am not gonna finish that thought”

“Yeah”

Surprisingly, Russell’s digestive issues were not great dinner conversation so the conversation ended there.

In the quiet, Russell began remembering all of his previous outings with his friends. All of them had ended pretty disastrously. Maybe today his bad luck would end. Maybe he could just have a good meal without anything going wrong. With that, he looked up, meeting his eyes with a flame. A fire!

“Watch out!” As fast as he could, Russell threw his water at the fire. When he realized what was actually happening.

“Aah!” the waiter threw the now sizzling cast-iron pan he was holding and it fell onto his dress-choe clad foot “Merde! Putain de merde! How do you say… Motherfucking shit!” he exclaimed, hopping on one foot.

“Oh no… Oh no, oh no, oh no” Russell began to panic. “I’ve gotta get out of here. I’ll just ruin something else if I don’t” he mumbled as he pushed himself out of chair and ran out the door. Zoe looked down at the poor french waiter, and then at the door. She sighed and followed after her friend.

“I’ll be back, I promise” she said to the staff as she rushed out the door.

Russell was hopping in the front seat of his car “Don’t get close. Knowing my luck, you’re just gonna get hurt,”

“Russell. Everyone has bad days, but that’s no excuse to not own up to your mista-

“I’m going to lock myself in my house and never come out. Goodbye Zoe.”

With that, he sped off.

“Russell Ferguson! Come back here!!! Russell, you’re my ride!!!” She frantically waved at him and tried to chase him down.

As he drove further and further, Zoe stopped running. “I hope he’s not being serious,”

…

“He was being 100% serious,” Zoe explained.

“Maybe he’s just taking a five day long nap? I’ve done that before” Vinnie said, reaching for the pizza boxes.

Sunil swatted his hand away “Vinnie, that was a coma.”

“Oh, yeah that's what they called it”

“If he’s in a coma, then we really need to hurry up!” Penny said, starting to speed walk ahead of the group.

“Uh, Penny? I don’t think he’s actually in a coma,” Pepper explained.

“Then why hasn't he called me back yet?” Penny Ling turned back around to the group with misty eyes.

“Because he hates us?” Vinnie suggested, which earned him a jab in the ribs from Pepper.

Zoe shook her head and walked up the steps to Russell’s apartment building. “Would you guys please get it together? This is important,” She went to press the doorbell before being interrupted by Minka

“Oooh! Oooh! Let me do it, LET ME DO IT!!”

“It’s all yours”

And so she rang the doorbell in a way some might call excessive.

A few muffled stops and clicks came from behind the door. In the crack of the heavily latched door, there was a single, tired eye.

“You aren’t doordash.” the door began to close, but Minka put her whole weight against the door.

“Nuh-uh, Mister. You aren’t getting off the hook that easily”

“You want food? We have pizza! Sunil! Show him the pizza” Zoe hissed. Sunil did so and Russell stopped pushing on the door.

“Fine,”

After about a minute unfastening various locks, Russell held out his hands to receive the pizza, but was met by six people scurrying into his house while the door was open, knocking him over in the process.

Russell just sat there on the ground, his friends eyes staring through his skin. He didn’t want to be seen like this. His clothes were stained and ill-fitting. His eyes were red and sore from lack of sleep. He hadn't shaved in days, and worst of all, his hair was greasy and unspiked. He felt disgusting. He wanted to curl into a ball and disappear, but the best he could do was bring his knees to his chest and bury his head in his arms.

Somehow, he grumbled out some words “What are you guys even doing here”

“Russell Ferguson,” Zoe addressed him “We want to know- no we need to know, why you have been ignoring us for the last week.”

Russell looked up at the group, thought for a second, and shriveled away once more.

Penny walked closer and sat on the shag carpet right next to him. She put a gentle hand on his quaking back. “Russell, what she means is we’re worried about you! When you didn’t talk to us, we got really scared. Vinnie thought you died!”

“I didn’t think he died! I thought he was in a comma!”

“Coma.” Zoe corrected

“Whatever”

“Look, that isn’t what’s important right now” Pepper said, sitting criss-cross across from Russell. “Just let us know what’s up, and we’ll leave you alone, okay?”

The others looked at each other and joined the circle. Russell shifted his weight from side to side, but didn’t emerge from his ball.

“I… I can’t hang out with you anymore. I only cause problems. I take things too far. I’m bossy. I can’t take a joke,” his voice started to break, scratchy from no use “I’m the fucking worst. A-and I can’t understand why you don’t hate me,”

“C’mon, you know it would take a whole lot more than that to make us hate you” Minka said as she ruffled his hair.

“And you are saying this like we don’t all have our own faults! Pepper is unfunny, Zoe is totally self-absorbed, Vinnie is-” Sunil stopped when he saw the looks he was getting. He flushed and cleared his throat “I do believe I made my point,”

“Besides, I had a lot of fun hanging out with you, even if it did end with us getting chased down!” Pepper said.

“I think you should punch more cops!” Vinnie added. Pepper readied her elbow for another rib-jabbing when a quiet chuckle came from Russell. Soon it changed from a chuckle to a chortle to a full on laugh, lifting his head up to see the world again. “Hahaha! How many times are you gonna change that story! Soon I’m gonna be having a full on brawl with the police chief!”

He looked at his friends’ expressions of confusion and cheer and somehow, he began to feel more normal. “Thank you all so much, and I’m really sorry for acting the way I did-” before Russell could finish his thought he was engulfed in what could be described as half a tackle and half a group hug.

“Who’s ready for pizza?” Penny Ling asked, after a few good moments of the impromptu dogpile cuddle session.

“PIZZA!” the group collectively yelled, pushing and tripping over each other to be the first to get to the food.

Russell was left alone, brushing himself off. He looked at them all and smiled. ‘Maybe tonight won’t be so bad after all’, he thought.

The End

------

WOOOHOOO it's finished!

I know this isn't the greatest literary work of all time, but I'm proud of myself for actually completing and posting a fic for once in my life. Again, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this ^_^

[warmaidensrevenge]

Always seen you.

Pairing: Eddie x Insecure!Fem plus size reader

If you want to read my other work you can find it HERE

A/N: Okay. I know the last part was a lot. But please stay with me. I shall explain. I know y'all have been waiting for it. So here we go. The long waited first kiss. Hope you like it. Thanks for reading. As always feedback is greatly appreciated. Kay love ya bye.

Warnings: 18+ language, angst, slow burn, kissing, talk of long term abuse, confessions and not proof read and no word count.

Summary: The boy of your dreams is always just out of reach. If only you could get over yourself to see that he sees you too.

Part 8

😢

After talking to Chrissy, Eddie decided he was done waiting. He was going to tell you how he felt. He was finally gonna take you home and tell you.

He ran to your math class to find that your club was cancelled. So he went to the drama room to see if you were there. But Mrs Adler said she hadn't seen you. He thought maybe you went to the auditorium. So he searched for you.

He looked there and the library. But you were nowhere to be found. He waited for an hour by the drama room but you never showed. Making him start to worry.

As soon as he got home he called you. Your brother said you weren't home yet. Now Eddie was definitely concerned. It was raining now and he worried about you walking home. So he got in his van and drove along the route you usually walked. But he didn't see you.

All the worst things that could have happened to you ran through his head.

Where you hit by a passing car? Did you get taken?Did you run away?

He went back home and called again. He sighed in relief when your brother said you were in the shower.

So he waited for a while for you to call him back. But you never did.

What the hell is going on? He thought.

Why didn't you wait for him? Where did you go once you found out the meeting was cancelled? And why the hell weren't you calling him back?

He tried you two more times. Not caring if he looked like a creep. He needed to see if you were okay. Because this was not like you. You would always answer when he called. Always. You wouldn't even let the phone ring 3 times before you would pick up.

God damnit y/n! Pick up!

He was so out of it. Even his uncle was worried.

Eddie sat down on the couch next to his uncle.

" What's goin' on boy?"

Eddie shook his head. He had a very bad feeling.

" I...I don't know. Something's wrong. I just know it."

" Call again."

" She's not answering."

" Just try again."

Eddie sighed and got back up. He went for the phone and was about to dial your number. But then he thought.

The house's line.

He quickly went to his room and grabbed the number you gave him. He went back and punched it in.

It rang a few times before he heard your brother.

' Hello?'

" Hey man it's Ed-"

" uhh Eddie I'm sorry this-"

"MOM! STOP! HE WAS WITH ME!"

Eddie heard your brother shout and put down the phone. He listened as a woman who sounded a lot like Mrs Clark say something he really couldn't make out.

He knew it. Something was really fucking wrong.

He kept trying to listen.

"You will not see that boy ever again!"

Eddie listened to your dad scream at you. Then he heard a very loud gasp and things being moved.

As soon as Eddie heard that he dropped the phone. He went to grab his keys but his uncle stopped him.

" What happened boy?!"

" I-I-I have to go. I-I think she's in trouble."

" Son it's none of our business."

" I think they're hitting her!"

Wayne quickly grabbed his keys.

" Let's go boy!"

...

The moment he saw you he knew. You were hurt. He got out of the truck not waiting for his uncle and ran to you. That's when he stopped and saw your brother.

"y/n?"

" Wh-what're you doing here?" Your voice was low and shaky.

Eddie didn't say anything he just kneeled in front of you and lifted your face. He saw a very red hand print.

He was so fucking mad that he stood up and was about to storm in the house. But his uncle stepped in front of him.

" No. You stay here. I'll handle this."

Eddie nodded and tried to calm down. While his uncle knocked on the door and went inside.

Never in his life had he been so damn angry. How dare anyone lay a finger on you! He didn't care who the fuck they were. He swore right then and there that they would never touch you again.

He went back to you and sat down. He tried to hold you but you flinched away.

He sighed and shook his head. Running his hand through his hair.

You looked at Eddie and his hands were shaking. He seemed to be checked out.

You turned to your brother.

" What is he doing here?" You whispered.

" He...he called the house...I don't think I hung up. Mom had just slapped you. And I put the phone down."

You looked back at Eddie.

Did you hear everything?

You couldn't stop yourself. You grabbed his hand and intertwined your fingers with his. He looked at your hand then looked at you.

He shook his head. " I'm sorry I couldn't get to you fast enough."

You didn't say anything. You couldn't. Eddie came to your rescue. At least he tried.

No one but your brother knew what went on behind closed doors. It's the reason he didn't leave after he graduated.

See your parents have always been very violent towards you and your brother. It started when you were really little. You remembered when you were still very small your parents would pinch you. Then as you got older every time you would get unsatisfying marks in school you would get hit. Even when your parents caught you sneaking food late at night because they started feeding you less you would get beat. It happened so much that it felt like it was actually normal. But to your brother it wasn't. He got hit so bad sometimes that you knew you had to get the hell out of Hawkins as soon as you could. That's why you went above and beyond in school. When you skipped a few grades your parents were actually nicer. And with every A+ you got it kept them from raising a hand to you. You always did what you were told and you NEVER talked back to them. Knowing full well what might happen. But this time you were done. You were eighteen now and you could leave whenever you wanted. But your brother convinced you to stay until you graduate. You didn't want to. On your birthday you actually had your bags packed. However, your brother stopped you. He said that you needed to graduate because you needed a full ride to go to college. And no one would take you if you dropped out. So you didn't leave. And you started your senior year.

So far you had been good. Not doing anything to upset your parents. That was until you fell that first day of school.

When you got home from the doctors your mom squeezed the hell out of your foot and wrist. Saying that it was punishment for skipping school. They always did shit like that. Always hurt existing wounds. They never broke skin and never hit you in the face. Well until tonight.

You were so used to this by now. You were just so numb after every time. This time the only difference was now someone knew. One of the most important people in your life knew you got beat like this. Eddie knew.

As you sat there you just looked at his hand in yours. You wanted him to hold you. To tell you that you were okay and he would keep you safe.

But for the sake of your sanity you thought holding his hand was enough.

Wayne came back out and stood in front of you and your brother.

" Do you have any place to go tonight?" He asked

" Uhh yeah. We can go to my girlfriends house." Your brother answered.

" No we can't. She lives in the next town over. I have school tomorrow and you have to work. You can't afford to miss any days now."

" You're going to school tomorrow?"

You looked at Eddie. " I have to."

He shook his head and looked away from you after you answered his question.

" We can get a hotel room until we find a place." You suggested. " I've been saving all my allowance money and have all my birthday money. You have your savings too so we can do this."

You felt Eddie squeezed your hand. You looked at him again. " Eddie we can take care of ourselves. We kinda been ready for this day."

"No. You will stay with us." Wayne said

Eddie looked at him clearly worried about having enough room for all four of you.

Wayne knew what he was thinking. " We'll make room. I leave for work in a couple of hours. Eddie when I work nights you can sleep in my room other than that you'll take the couch. Darlin' you can stay in Eddie's room because women need their privacy and your brother can sleep on the cot."

" umm I mean no offence Mr Munson. But we're adults. We can-"

Wayne cut you off. " Darlin' you're staying with us. I understand that you think you can do this with just you two. But you are gonna need help. Now... is there stuff you need from inside?"

You replied with a soft yes.

Eddie's uncle was scarier than shit. But you weren't scared of him the way you were with your parents. You were scared that you would disappoint him.

You tried to get up but everything hurt. Eddie put your arm around his shoulders and grabbed your waist. You didn't even need to put any effort. He lifted you up to your feet. Once up, you moved out of his arms holding on to your stomach. It was really hurting something fierce.

You started for the door with Eddie following.

" No boy. If you go in you'll lose your shit. Stay with him. I'll go. " Wayne said pulling him back.

Eddie watched as you walked in with Wayne. He could cry seeing you leave like that. Even when you gave him one last sad look before Wayne closed the door.

He sat next to your brother and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"FUCK!"

" Eddie man. It's okay-"

" What the hell happened!?"

Your brother took a sharp inhale. " Mrs Clark came by."

Eddie turned to look at him. " What-what did she want?"

" She said that her son saw you sleeping with y/n."

Eddie was filled with anger again. His hands started shaking again and his lip quivered. He clenched his jaw and fists over and over again.

Why would she do that? We didn't have sex.

" Did...did you guys get hurt because of me?" He knew the answer but he had to hear it. "Did y/n get hurt because of me?"

" Not exactly. This was bound to happen sooner or later. She just felt like today was the right time to stand up to them."

" Why?"

" Eddie-"

" Why man? What made her do that?"

Your brother sighed before replying. "She was standing up for you. They didn't want her to see you anymore and she refused."

Eddie hung his head.

"Eddie. It's not on you. She was tired of this happening. She wanted out. She always wanted to leave. But I convinced her to stay. This is not on you okay."

Eddie couldn't help but blame himself for you and your brother's injuries. When he thought about this he hoped you would fight for him. But he meant arguing. Not this. Not this type of fight.

What was he gonna do now? He couldn't let you come back to them. He also didn't want him being the reason you got hurt. How long has this been going on? Did he need to stop being your friend? He had to. Right? But should he? After all that? After you fought for him?

"NO!". His inner monologue shouted at him. He couldn't stop being near you. He had to be there. Always. To care for you, to make you laugh, to make you happy. To keep you safe. But most importantly, to love you.

...

When you went back into the house you didn't look at your parents. You quickly moved through your room stuffing a duffle bag full of clothes. You got on your knees in front of your dresser and pulled off your small wads of cash you had duck taped under it. You shoved the money into your backpack with all your school work.

After you ran over to your brother's room and started getting his things. You grabbed his check book and his piggy bank he put all his spare change in.

Your last stop was the bathroom grabbing all the necessities.

You went back out to the living room and Wayne came to you grabbing the bags. You stop for a second to look at your parents. They looked beyond furious.

" I love you guys. But you know what you were doing was wrong. Please get help."

With that said you and Wayne left.

...

You would have felt better if you guys went to a hotel instead of putting out the Munson's. But it wasn't just that you were worried about. Being this close to Eddie was all you could really think about other than the embarrassment of what he heard and saw.

He kept looking at you as if you were broken. To be fair though you were. But still, that look he had hurt you.

As you followed the truck to the trailer park you kept silent. When you finally parked Eddie and his uncle helped with the bags. Eddie came to you and cupped your face.

" It's okay now. You're safe....I'll keep you safe."

Please don't say that.

You nodded and followed him inside.

The warm air of the trailer hugged you. The faint smell of cigarettes filled your nostrils. The soft amber light made the living room look something out of a movie. Mugs and hats covered most of the walls. Everything felt like home. But not like a home you ever known.

Eddie grabbed your hand and led you to his room. While he cleared off his bed you looked around his room. You smiled to yourself seeing his big hand painted Corroded Coffin banner.

His room looked like what you thought the inside of his mind looked like. Everything he liked and loved was here. Even though everything was in disarray. it was all Eddie. And you couldn't help but love it.

He cleared his throat. " Umm it's not much but it's home."

You took a deep breath. " Can...can I hug you?"

Eddie was almost offended that you asked. Of course you could hug him.

"Yeah sweetheart. You can always hug me."

You shuddered at the word. You wanted to cry. You wanted to turn around and leave. But he wrapped his arms around your waist and held you gently.

His wonderful scent filled your lungs. His hold on you was strong but gentle. You melted into him. It felt like home here too.

Just not mine.

You pulled away slightly and looked down. " Can I have a minute to change?"

" Yeah. Umm I'll take blankets and a pillow to your brother... I'll be right outside. If you need me-"

You nodded pulling out of his arms. Still not making eye contact.

Eddie hated this. Hated you being this quiet. This fragile. Like you would never be happy again. He especially hated you pulling away from him.

He left you alone and went to help your brother set up the cot. After a few minutes he thought he heard you call him. Maybe it was his imagination or something. But he swore he heard you crying his name.

So he went to the room and found you curled up back facing him crying. He shook his head and climbed in with you. Your body instantly tensed up as he embraced you.

"It's okay. I'm here."He said just above a whisper

As your body relaxed you turned to face him.

"Eddie. I'm so sorry." You said looking at his chest.

"What for?"

You sighed. " I-I know that this isn't what you were expecting when it came to me and my family. And I can understand that once me and my brother find a place, if you don't want to be my friend anymore. It's okay. I'll be okay."

" No y/n. No. You're right. This is a lot. But that doesn't make me want to stop being your friend. It makes me want to take care of you...so please...let me help."

Why?

" Eddie." You looked into his big brown eyes full with sorrow. " I...I love what we have. And I know this is gonna change how you see me. But please don't feel sorry for me. Because I'm much stronger than I look. I just need a minute to get my head on straight."

" I don't see you any different. I'm looking at you how I've always seen you. And I know you're strong. But you need to know that I'm here. I got you. Whatever you need. I'm here. Always."

Eddie looked back and forth between your eyes. Waiting for you to say that you liked him or that you have feelings for him or something. Anything. But what you did instead caught him by surprise.

You gave him one tender kiss. It was the softest kiss he had ever received. It only lasted a second. Which wasn't enough time for him to process it and kiss you back. He was going to but you pulled away. You looked at him with tears in your eyes.

He didn't know what to do. He wanted to kiss you back but you obviously didn't mean it how he wanted it. There were so many feelings going on right now. And he knew you kissed him because of the sadness you felt. He didn't want it to be like that. He wanted you to want him because you truly wanted him. Not because you're hurting right now and needed some comfort. He couldn't say this and hurt you even more though. So he just stayed quiet.

His words felt true. You know he meant it. So you kissed him. You kissed him because it felt like it was the right thing to do. It felt like it would make you feel better. But it didn't. When your lips touched his there was nothing. No fireworks. No spark. Just...nothing. And when he didn't kiss you back it became clear. You turned around and quietly sobbed.

Maybe you guys weren't meant to do this. Maybe you were always meant to be friends.

Just friends.

...

@chloe-6123 @irishhappiness @ghosttownwherenoonegoes @idkidknemore @hiscrimsonangel @hellv1ra @browneyes528 @b-irock @erinsingalong @salenorona23

[mywifeymax]

Who Would have thought---💌🌲(Bellamy Blake X reader) Part Two

(Y/n pov)

*Finding Jasper tied to a tree I quickly try to make my way over to him but suddenly felt myself drop but someone held onto my hand I looked up meeting eyes with Bellamy as he pulled me up* "Careful princess"He said

*Making my way over to Jasper I quickly cutt him down from the tree but we stop as we heard sounds suddenly there was a tinger that came out of nowhere and Bellamy quickly shot it* "There's dinner for the night"Bellamy said

-----

*getting back to the camp I quickly helped Clarke carry Jasper into the dropship and I held his hand in mine* "Hey jasp everything is going to be okay you're home now"I whispered soft words to him as he yelled out in pain

----

That happened for a few days *As I stuck by his side I made sure to dap his forehead with the water I looked over as I saw Bellamy come in* "He's suffering can't you guys see that?"He asked "because he's in pain"I said "I give it by tommrow then I am killing him putting him out of misery"Bellamy said "You touch him and I swear to God"I said "What are you going to do huh?"Bellamy said "Guys enough"Finn said "Don't worry I find the stuff before tommrow Finn do you want to come with me?"Clarke asked "Yeah come on"Finn said

*As they left I stayed by Jasper's side not leaving it one bit* "I don't know why you're so in love with him I mean man couldn't even defend himself"Bellamy said "You don't understand anything"I said harshly "Whatever just remembered what I said"Bellamy said I hate Bellamy I hated him so much he was nothing but a controlling prick.

*As the night went on Jasper kept screaming out in pain and I squeezed his hand telling him words of encouragement and I watched as Octavia quickly made her way up the ladder and shut the door sealing it* "What the hell?"I asked "Murphy going to try and kill Jasper"She said *I nodded as I kept dapping Jasper forehead and keeping pressure on the wound*

------

*The next day Clarke made it back with the stuff we needed as she took care of Jasper and we all waited for him to wake up I sat there anxiously*

"Hey guys"Jasper weak voice said *sitting up quickly I took his hand* "Hey jasp"I said "Hey y/n where is Octavia?"Jasper asked as he asked that I felt tiny different stabbed wounds go into my heart "She's downstairs I'll go get her"I said "Okay"He said with a nod

*Climbing down the later I walked over to her* "Jasper wants to see you"I said *I watched as she quickly got up and climbed up the ladder* "Jeleous don't look good on you you know"Bellamy said coming up from beside me "I'm not jeleous"I said "Says the girl that was refusing to leave his side until he woke up"Bellamy said "As long as he is happy"I said "God you're really something aren't you?"Bellamy said "And you're a pain in the ass"I said

*Leaving the drop ship I walked off to my tent as I sat down and sighed* I guess this was my life now being down here on earth with a snearkie ass guy like Bellamy and watching the guy I had a crush on since I was 3 fond over another girl yup this was something I definitely wanted

-----

*As night came I left my tent as I saw a girl going into Bellamy's tent I rolled my eyes* God he's disgusting

*I walked over to Murphy who was just leaning against the dropship* "I guess you got nothing better do?"He asked "How did you know?"I asked "Well knowing you normally you be arguing with Bellamy over something or hanging out with that little boyfriend of your's"Murphy said "Yeah boyfriend"I scoff "Guessing things didn't work out between you and Jasper?"He asked "He's to found over Octavia"I said "Don't blame him honestly"He said "Dont you have something to do like kick wells ass?"I asked "I've been trying but Finn been getting in the way"Murphy said "Oh well I see"I said

*As sat in silence I looked at the dropship* "I'm going to go check on Jasper"I said "Have fun with that"Murphy said

*going inside I walk to the ladder as I climb up I walked over to Jasper and he sat up and I quickly helped him* "Is it true?"Jasper asked suddenly "What do you mean?"I asked "You're feelings for me is it true?"He asked how did he know about them "Jasp-"I said "Answer the question y/n is it true?"He asked "Yes it's true"I said "I appreciate it but I think we are better off as friends"Jasper said "Jasper why are you being so distant all of a sudden?"I asked "Because I like Octavia"Jasper said "Oh okay I see"I said

-----

*climbing down the ladder I suppressed my tears and I stopped as I saw Bellamy walk up to me* "We got a problem"He said "What could it possibly be this time?"I asked "wells is dead"Bellamy said with a serious tone

*I watched as everybody gathered around as we all barried him into the ground and I left the scene as I walk to the tent where the investigation was taking place by the console*

"Who do think could have done it?"Jasper asked "We don't know it could be anybody"Clarke said *I walked over to the knife and picked it up* "J.M"I read out "That's Murphy's"Bellamy said "No he couldn't have I mean he wouldn't have"I said "It's his knife"Clarke said "How about we tell nobody"I said "I actually agree with princess here"Bellamy said "No they deserve to know"Clarke said "Someone else is either going to get hurt or die"I said

-----

*As the other confronted Murphy I stayed back as they are trying to hang him for his crimes and I ran to Bellamy* "Stop it's too far!"I yelled out "No princess it's what the people wants!"Bellamy said as the crowd cheered him on

*Suddenly Charlotte confess that it was her and all of us stopped as we looked at her I exchanged glances with Bellamy as we quickly made out way to her and dragged her to the tent*

"Bellamy what the hell are we going to do?"I asked "I don't know but the others are going to want her blood we need to find a way to protect her"Bellamy said "I'll hide her"I said "Are you sur?"He asked "I'm positive"I said "I'll come with you"Bellamy said "Fine whatever"I said.

-To be continued -

[bluejaysandblackbats]

A Yellow Ribbon

Fandom: DC Comics, Young Justice, Flashfam, Superfam

Summary: Conner's been best friends with Bart ever since they met at the carnival when they were children. The problem is that Bart can't remember meeting Conner that night. But Thad does...

Chapters: 1/?

Characters: Clark Kent, Conner Kent, Lois Lane, Bart Allen, Thaddeus Thawne, Don Allen, Meloni Allen, Jonathan "Pa" Kent, Martha Kent, Max Crandall

Relationships: KonBart, KonThad, Clois, MelonixDon, Ma/Pa Kent

Additional Tags: No Powers AU, Mistaken Identity, Possibly Unrequited Love, Unrequited Crush, Twins, Lies, Stolen Moments, Unconventional Love Triangles, Misunderstandings, Childhood Friends, Complicated Relationships, Family Dynamics, Family Bonding, Best Friends, Secret Crush, Autistic Bart Allen, Autistic Thad Thawne, Thaddeus Thawne Gets a Hug, Conner Kent-centric, Bisexual Conner Kent, Conner Kent Needs a Hug, Third Person POV, Hurt Clark Kent, Boys in Love, Friendship/Love, Farm/Ranch AU, Farmboy Conner Kent, Grandparents and Grandchildren, Unconventional Families, Unconventional Relationship, Romance, Light Angst, Strangers to Lovers

Chapter One: Les Fleur

"You can hold my hand if you're scared," Conner whispered as he stretched his hand out to the crying boy. The small boy reached out and took Conner's hand, his eyes shut tight as he followed Conner out of the hall of mirrors. "I used to get scared in the hall of mirrors, too," Conner whispered, "I'll tell you when we're outside."

He nodded, squeezing Conner's hand tight. Conner couldn't let go even if he wanted to. And he didn't want to. The small boy wouldn't budge, so Conner took off his necklace and gave it to the boy to wear. "I'm not gonna let go. You can wear my ring around your neck until we get out. The cold air hit their faces as they stepped outside, and Conner kept walking until he got to a food stand. "Oh! You can open your eyes now... Are you hungry?" Conner asked. The boy nodded, still holding Conner's hand tight. "Two corndogs, please." Conner paid for their food, and the boys ate while Conner walked them to the help tent.

"Thank you," the little boy mumbled.

"No problem," Conner smiled, "I'm seven years old... How old are you?"

"Six." The little boy took a bite of his corndog and swung his feet as they sat on the bench. He'd finally managed to stop crying, and Conner waved the lady at the tent over.

"Hi, Conner! I saw your pa's watermelon. I hear he's gonna take a picture with the mayor tonight," she smiled.

"Uh-huh! And Ma's gonna win the blue ribbon for her apple pie tonight!" Conner exclaimed. "Wait... Mrs. Feeny, this kid's lost. He's six years old, and I found him in the hall of mirrors-." The little boy tugged his sleeve.

"Where are the bumper cars?" he whispered. "My daddy said to meet him there if I got lost... But I can't remember where that is."

"Oh, I can take you there... Sorry, Mrs. Feeny, I've got him," Conner smiled.

"What's your name?" the little boy questioned.

"I'm Conner. What's your name?" Conner asked. He looked at the little boy's face, but the little boy never looked back. Not directly, anyway.

He finished his corndog and stared down at his feet. "Bart," he answered.

"Nice to meet you, Bart," Conner replied. Bart glanced at him.

Conner led Bart through the crowd, and Bart kissed Conner on the cheek. "Thank you," Bart smiled before darting off. He leaped into his father's arms, and Conner backed away. His job was done. Besides, he was late meeting Ma. He ran toward the Blue Ribbon Baking Contest, and Ma waved at him.

He ran into her arms, and she sat down and bounced Conner on her knee. "You're late, sweetheart," Ma whispered as she kissed his cheek. "Not too bad, though."

"Sorry, Ma. Somebody got lost in the hall of mirrors," Conner explained. Ma took a bite of his corndog and grinned.

Conner sat on her lap for the rest of the contest, and he fell asleep. Ma held him close to her chest. That night, she won the blue ribbon for her excellent apple pie.

*

Conner's alarm went off, and he jumped out of bed. He searched the room for his coveralls. "Ma! Ma! Have you seen my coveralls?" Conner shouted. Someone knocked on his bedroom door, and he answered, startled by the presence of Clark Kent standing in the hallway. Conner rarely saw him in person, save for the occasional holiday. But he always watched Clark on the news. Clark was always much bigger in person. Frighteningly so. "Good morning, Clark." Conner looked up, swallowing hard as he extended a hand to Clark.

Clark crouched down and embraced him. It was unexpected, sweet, and jarring, but Conner hugged back. Clark didn't explain his presence. Instead, he plainly stated that Conner would be with him for the day. Conner never asked why. Instead, he nodded and searched his closet for something to wear. He dressed in jeans and a snap-button shirt before brushing his teeth and washing his face in the restroom.

The sun hadn't risen yet, but it was working hours for the summer, and Conner was well accustomed to the schedule. Clark took his hand and walked him to the car. "Where's Ma and Pa?" Conner asked. It dawned on him that he hadn't seen or heard from them.

"They had to go into town... But I was visiting anyway," Clark answered. Conner squeezed his hand. "How've you been?"

"I have a loose tooth," Conner whispered. Clark looked down, and Conner wiggled his tooth for him.

"That's a nice one. Maybe I'll help you pull it later," Clark replied. Conner nodded. Things had always been odd between the two. Conner knew that Clark was his father, but Ma and Pa only told him that recently. There was still a lot he didn't understand. Clark loved him, he knew that much, but they failed to connect to one another on a fundamental level. They were practically strangers.

"Clark, could we get breakfast?" Conner asked. Clark nodded.

"Did you have fun at the fair last night?" Clark asked. Conner nodded.

"I helped a boy find his dad... He got lost last night. I bought him a corndog and gave him my ring," Conner whispered.

Clark nodded. "We'll have to get you another one then. How about us two go to the antique shop together?" Clark offered. Conner grinned. "Excited for second grade?"

"No... I liked first grade. Pa says it can't be helped," Conner answered. Clark chuckled.

Conner pulled his boots on and slipped on a bolo tie. "Are Ma and Pa at the fair?" Conner questioned. Clark shook his head.

"Ma and Pa are looking for a missing neighbor," Clark answered. Clark put him in a car seat and swallowed hard. "Conner, I love you. Do you know that?"

"Are Ma and Pa okay?" Conner asked. Clark nodded.

"Ma and Pa are fine. They're worried about their friend, but they'll be home before dinner," Clark answered. Conner nodded, and Clark drove out to a twenty-four-hour diner. "Want some flapjacks?"

"Can I have cinnamon sugar on them?" Conner asked. Clark nodded. "Is Lois coming?"

"Mhm, you'll see her soon," Clark replied, "She's still asleep. We didn't get in until late."

Conner swung his feet. "Does Lois like me?" Conner asked. Clark chuckled.

"Lois loves you," Clark replied.

"She cries when she sees me," Conner mumbled as he wrung his hands.

"That's because she misses you," Clark explained. He reached across the table and squeezed Conner's knee. "Is this strange for you? Me being here?"

"Ma and Pa said I could go with you and Lois without asking-."

"No, Conner... I mean-. Do you feel comfortable around me?" Clark asked. Conner grew silent. "I promise one day this will all make sense, Conner. I hate that it doesn't right now. I love you more than you'll ever know."

"Did you not like me? Is that why you're not my daddy anymore?" Conner asked.

"That's not-. Conner, I was trapped out of the country. No one even knew if I was still alive. Lois thought I was dead, so she was too upset to be the mommy she wanted to be. When I returned, you thought Ma and Pa were your parents, so I decided we should let you grow up in the home you've always known," Clark explained.

Conner didn't say anything else about it. None of it made sense to him, but he didn't want to say something wrong and keep Clark from visiting again. "Can we go to the fair after breakfast? I promise I'll be good. I'll even hold your hand if you want," Conner promised.

The waitress smiled and put her hand on her hip. "How are my two favorite Kent boys?" she grinned.

"Hi, Miss Lisa. Clark said I could have cinnamon sugar on my flapjacks," Conner announced.

"We're doing alright. Can we have two orders of bacon and flapjacks? Orange juice for me and milk for Conner? And how are you, Miss Lisa?" Clark ordered.

"I'm doing good. Nice to see you, Clark," Miss Lisa smiled, "Oh, and thank you for those eggs, Conner. That was so sweet of you." She waved before walking off.

"What about eggs?" Clark asked.

"It was only a half dozen. I gave the eggs to Miss Lisa's grandson 'cause he's in my class," Conner answered. Clark smiled.

"You got taller since the last time I've seen you," Clark noted. Conner nodded. "You're gonna be bigger than me when you grow up. I can tell."

[jade-escobar]

At Last | Jadrigo

Featuring: Rodrigo Escobar & Jade Clark; mentions of Frankie, Emma, Fletcher & others Location: The Hibernia; San Francisco, CA Time Frame: Late afternoon/early evening, April 4, 2024 Notes: JADRIGO GET MARRIED, Y'ALL! @rodrigo-esc

JADE

Jade was sitting still as the finishing touches to her wedding ensemble were being adjusted into place. Her necklace was centered on her chest, Jewel was securing the bracelet to her wrist, and one of the photographers was making sure her hair comb was secure before stepping back and snapping some candid photos. Her new gown had practically fit like a glove when she'd first put it on. The alterations were minor and while Jade was new to believing in fate, she did feel like despite the circumstances that required it, this dress was meant to be. She appreciated Frankie helping uphold her staunch rule that there not be anything other than water in the room she was getting ready in. Once her jewelry was all in place and the photographer had the photos they wanted, Jade and Jewel carefully hugged each other.

The timing was perfect, as the coordinator knocked and poked her head in. "It's time! I need your wedding party to line up with Jewel, Jett and Jade at the back like we rehearsed." She smiled and asked, "Ready, Jade?"

Excited butterflies and nervous jitters were competing for space in her but after taking another deep breath, she nodded. "I'm ready." And after others preceded her out of the room, Jade picked up her bouquet and carefully followed them out to walk with the coordinator. No matter what happened now, she was going to marry the love of her life.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo was feeling calm which was a huge deal considering how many times he had been nervous during the preparation of his wedding. He kept adjusting his tie, hoping the knot didn't look ridiculous but thankfully Fletcher had helped him realize he looked fine. He had requested to see Emma right before she had gone off to join the others and he gave her a giant hug. "Guys have it easy." He murmured, sitting on the loveseat in the room while he waited. He chuckled wondering what his soon-to-be-wife was up to. There was someone at the door when he had gotten caught up in his thoughts and he lifted his gaze when they were told it was time. The groomsmen went to line up with the bridal party and Rodrigo was to be led to the altar. Once there, he'd wait as the guests arrived and filled their seats.

Time was going quickly and slowly both at the same time. While he didn't think that was possible before, Rodrigo certainly felt that now. He made sure to nod at all the guests, smiling as they all took their seats on either side of the room. It was nice recognizing every face and it made him glad to have an intimate ceremony.

Fletcher would come down the aisle with Frankie first and then Emma and the others. Once his brother was up at the altar beside him, Rodrigo took a deep breath. in mere moments, the music would change and he knew it would be Jade. He couldn't wait to see her.

JADE

Jade gripped her bouquet tightly and did her best to keep herself calm. They'd made it to this point without incident but she would likely feel better once she finally saw Rodrigo. She hadn't seen him all day so far and was silently cursing that particular tradition now. He was her rock and balance when she felt unsteady, nervous or started filling her mind with self-doubt.

Standing out of sight of the aisle, she watched as Fletcher, Frankie, Emma, Jasper, and Ziggy headed out to the ceremony site, walking to Ella's Fitzgerald's "Our Love Is Here To Stay". And when Jewel and Jett were about halfway up the aisle, the music smoothly transitioned, fading from the beautiful vocals of Ella to the iconic violin opening to Etta James', "At Last". Jade's heart was thumping hard in her chest. She didn't need the coordinator to tell her that that was her cue. Glancing down and seeing the early trail of Jewel's rose petals, she took another deep breath and felt herself smiling as she followed it with careful strides around the corner and to the stark white runner--now beautifully sprinkled with white and baby blue rose petals. She heard fabric rustle and a few chairs creak as guests got to their feet to greet her. Yes, Jade was aware of the people standing on both sides of the aisle, but only vaguely. Her brown eyes lifted and immediately locked on Rodrigo.

There he was.

Her heart leapt up into her throat, pushing some tears into her eyes that she tried to blink away. Her lipstick-painted lips curved into a smile, and then a toothy grin as Ella's sang, "My heart was wrapped up in clover the night I looked at you..." She let out a small, breathy chuckle at how utterly overjoyed she was just at the sight of him at the opposite end of the aisle. She was his, completely, and he was hers. And although there were several snaps of a professional camera quietly clicking somewhere nearby, she was wholeheartedly fixed on Rodrigo.

Remembering to move her feet again, she started up the aisle, all smiles with tiny tears sitting on her long lashes. Her heart was galloping the entire slow walk down the aisle. The nervousness was slowly dissolving with each step closer to her future husband. She felt like she was falling in love with him all over again and could only hope that this was what she could look forward to with marriage now on the horizon for them.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo smiled as his friends walked down the aisle. It all felt so surreal. The music playing filled him with the utmost happiness. After everything they had been through, the obstacles Jade's mother had created for them, they were finally here. He felt a small lump forming in his throat as he patiently waited for his bride. When he heard the music change and the guests stood up, he straightened up and looked out for Jade.

His mother had warned him that when Jade appeared, he'd be moved. While Rodrigo didn't deny that'd happen, his expectation was different than the real thing. The moment his beautiful bride was in his line of sight, his gaze never tore away from her. A soft smile pulled at his lips as his cheeks warmed. That lump forming in his throat had fully created a space there and his heart beat only for her. He chuckled when she did and seeing how happy and beautiful she looked coupled with the music, Rodrigo felt the tears forming in his eyes. Before she could even reach the altar, Rodrigo was crying, his body shaking slightly. The officiant offered him a tissue and he chuckled again as he accepted it to wipe his face. "I'm a mess," he whispered with his teary eyes still focused on Jade.

It felt like the first time he'd seen her with her trench coat and beret. Rodrigo should have known then that he was hers. When his bride stepped up to him, Rodrigo's smile widened and he faced her completely. He wiped his tears again before whispering, "How are you real?" it was enough for the front of the audience to hear and the air was filled with soft laughter and sniffles. "You look beautiful."

JADE

Seeing Rodrigo cry made her instantly want to get to him faster. She had never seen him cry before and although she saw him smiling and even chuckled mere moments before, it still pierced her heart. But from her peripheral, she saw the officiant offer Rodrigo a tissue at the same time that Fletcher tugged a handkerchief free from his breast pocket. She still wanted to go to him quickly and help clear his tears--despite some of her own brimming in her eyes--but she continued her intentionally careful walk all the way down the aisle until she reached him.

The music faded just as Rodrigo asked his question. Jade's smiling lips parted for a small, breathy chuckle in response. "I love you," she ended up mouthing and then swallowed thickly and whispered back him, "So do you." She reached up and lightly brushed away a tiny bit of tissue residue from under his eye and then resumed holding her bouquet with both hands. The officiant invited everyone to have a seat again and proceeded to welcome everyone and thank them on behalf of the couple for being there to support them and witness their nuptials. And as much as Jade was trying to retain everything the officiant was saying, her mind was so full of Rodrigo. She was committing this moment with him to memory while her mind was pulling up various memories of Rodrigo and the 2 of them.

It wasn't until the officiant addressed her directly that Jade came out of her slight trance and took the cue to share her vows. Tugging a folded sheet of paper from the base of her bouquet, Jade turned to hand the flowers to Frankie and then unfolded the paper with slightly unsteady hands to read. "Rodrigo, I can't say enough of how much you mean to me and how much I love you. When we met, I didn’t believe in fate. My upbringing just didn't allow for me to believe in such a thing, and that life was only moments of chance and luck. But you moved me. Your kindness, humor, love, openness, nurturing and patience with me changed my mind and my heart. You have made me believe in fate. You have made me want to be a stronger and better version of myself so that I can stand here today, and everyday after and be confident in saying and being your friend, partner and your wife. With that, I promise to continue to love you, support you, walk beside you through all of the good, bad and in-between that life throws our way. When you're sick or having a hard time, I promise to be there to be your strength and give you all that I have to care for you, protect you and lift you up. My heart has been yours before today, and it will still be yours for the rest of our days." Folding the paper back up, she said, "I love you, Rodrigo Emiliano."

RODRIGO

Rodrigo dried his eyes, taking Fletcher's handkerchief as well as the tissues. He'd need all the help he could get. He felt incredibly light on his feet almost as if he'd fall at any moment and the only thing keeping him grounded was Jade. She was his anchor and she had been since the day she walked into his life. He was overwhelmed by happiness and complete adoration. How did he live so long without her?

"I love you." he echoed her words and for a quick second, he caught sight of his crying mother being comforted by Luna. That also made him cry again and he quickly joked, "Bear with me." to the officiant, Jade, and the group of friends and family in the room. His words were met with some more laughter and he was glad for the light feeling in the air. He couldn't keep his eyes off Jade as he wanted this moment forever in his memory. He wanted to revisit it over and over again, tell others about it, and make their children want to puke from how disgustingly adorable they both were. He'd never thought he'd get this chance.

When the vows were to be presented, Rodrigo paid close attention to Jade, listening intently, his tears still forming at just about anything that was happening at this point. Jade's vows were perfect. He cleared his throat and reached into his pocket for his written vows. "Hard act to follow." He chuckled and sniffled away his tears. "Phew. Okay." He straightened himself and looked at Jade in her beautiful eyes. "Jade, when I met you, I was excited about having someone help with the school play. In truth, I saw it as a way to get myself out of it. I'm the worst, I know." He smiled at her. "And all my scheming went to waste the moment you walked into my classroom. When I saw you, all i could say was 'I see you, God' because you had caught my attention many times before and I just never had the chance to approach you and suddenly, there you were but I had to keep it professional." he chuckled. "That didn't last long."

He turned the page over. "It didn't last long before I was completely enamored by you. Everything about you made my heart jump, made me want to try harder, and made me want to be better because, for me, you deserved nothing less than extraordinary. And early on in our dating life, I was hit with the feeling of when is it too soon to know you're dating the person you want to marry. I asked my friends, I asked Drew. Thanks, Drew. When it happens, it happens. It doesn't have to be a perfect equation of time. I saw a future with you, my future, your future, our future. No one has ever made me as happy as you have. No one has accepted every bit of me as you have. No one has made me feel secure in my feelings as you have." He felt his tears fall. "I mean look at me right now. Who am I even?" He smiled. "I know who I am because of you. I never thought this would happen and it's met every great expectation I've had of falling in love. I promise to love you for who you are, and for who you are yet to become. I promise to be patient and to remember that all things between us are rooted in love. I promise to nurture your dreams and help you reach them. I promise to share my whole heart with you and to remember to show you how deeply I care for you, no matter the challenges that may come our way. I promise to love you loyally and fiercely—as long as I shall live." He folded his paper and took a deep breath. "I love you today and always, every day a little more than the last."

JADE

Jade was holding firm to the paper she'd written her vows on. She'd re-folded it and when she finished sharing her vows aloud, she accepted her bouquet back from Frankie and held the cascade of white and blue flowers the entire time Rodrigo took his turn. His comment of her being a tough act to follow made her bashfully chuckle. Her eyes didn't leave his face once. As she listened, she took in everything about him, watching his eyes follow the words on his paper, his lips form the words and curve with his occasional chuckles. And when fresh tears formed, Jade felt that urge to wipe his tears rise up again. All the while, his vows and the inclusion of when they first met had her feeling like her heart was swelling to the size of her chest cavity. She never loved anyone before Rodrigo and she knew she would never love someone like him ever again. He really was it for her and she was beyond happy about that.

When he finished, she carefully stepped forward and reached up to wipe his tears away from under one eye and then the other. The officiant looked moved by the couple but eventually continued the ceremony with the exchanging of their rings and their, 'I do's. While Jett was their ring bearer, their actual wedding bands had been in Frankie and Fletcher's care. Jade turned to Frankie to get Rodrigo's band in exchange for her bouquet again, and the officiant began with her again. "Do you, Jade, take Rodrigo to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?"

Jade wanted to reply, "And then some," but she stuck to the order of the service and replied, "I do," with a smile before carefully placing the band on Rodrigo's ring finger.

RODRIGO

When Jade reached to dry his tears, he smiled at her, unable to keep his gaze away. "Thank you, honey.' He whispered those words and then turned to his best friend for Jade's band. Rodrigo listened to the officiant and then to Jade, his smile pulling the corners of his lips. When she slid the wedding band onto his finger, he admired the piece of jewelry for a few seconds. It was perfect and he'd wear it every single day.

The same words were repeated to him. "Do you, Rodrigo take Jade to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her so long as you both shall live?" It was all picture-perfect. Rodrigo took everything in. Jade's beautiful dress, her hair, her gorgeous bouquet, the ring now on his finger.

Rodrigo nodded, his smile still gracing his features. "I do." He noticed her engagement ring was on her right-hand ring finger so that he could place her wedding band on her left-hand finger, closer to her heart. He slid the band on and he felt so much love in his chest. This was it. It was finally happening.

JADE

Jade smiled back, "Any time," whispering as well. And when it came time for her to declare her intent with Rodrigo and place the ring on his finger, the repeat thought in her mind was to not drop the ring. Thankfully, her fingers had been steady enough. She then waited as the officiant posed the questions to Rodrigo and when he said, "I do," she held her hand for him and parted her fingers slightly. After today, she would join her engagement ring with her band as it fit more comfortably on her left hand. But today, she was relishing the new symbol of hers and Rodrigo's marriage sitting solo on her finger. She smiled at the ring and then accepted her bouquet back from Frankie, her gaze quickly returning back to her husband.

The officiant conveyed blessings and a lifetime of happiness to Jade and Rodrigo just before saying to everyone present, "By the power vested in me and the state of California, I'm honored to pronounce you husband and wife." Jade grinned as the officiant looked to Rodrigo and said, "I know I don't need to tell you what to do now."

RODRIGO

He loved seeing the band on Jade's finger and he loved seeing it on his hand too. It solidified everything, made this dream come true and it created a sense of peace they both needed in their lives. No Jeanette, no Julya to ruin this moment. No drama, no tears full of sadness. It was pure love and peace and they weren't the only ones putting it out into the world. They were surrounded by people who adored them and that part especially made Rodrigo so damn happy.

He chuckled when the officiant said he didn't need to tell them what to do, Rodrigo shook his head and added, "nope." before gently taking the boquet from Jade to hand it to Frankie so that he can wrap his arms around her and delightfully and lovingly kiss her lips. The crowd applauded for them and even more when Rodrigo dipped her and when he withdrew, he helped her back on her feet with a giant smile.

JADE

Jade was momentarily taken aback when Rodrigo lifted the bouquet from her hands but when he closed his warm and sure arms around her slender frame and bent to kiss her lips, she wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss. She held a little tighter around his neck when he dipped her but she'd lost herself in the moment. She and Rodrigo were married. Sure, they had their license to still sign but before all of their nearest and dearest, they were married. Pure joy filled her and had her feeling as nearly swept off of her feet as Rodrigo nearly had her. When he helped to right her again, she was still buoyant, almost to the point of dizzying delirium. "I love you," she said again, her hand now holding his while she retrieved her bouquet from Frankie one more time in preparation of walking back up the aisle. This time though, she wouldn't take that walk alone.

RODRIGO

“I love you more.” He chuckled knowing they’d argue this point forever if they allowed themselves to. He was on cloud nine, completely and utterly in love with his wife. Rodrigo took Jade’s hand and waited for their bridal party to walk down before it was their turn. Their audience filled with friends and family applauded for them as they walked together. He grinned and waved at a few people here and there and before the reached the exit of the ceremony room, he leaned into his wife to remind her that , “ we made it.” He brought their joined hands up to his lips to kiss Jade’s and continued walking toward their receiving line. They would have some time before joining the reception. While their guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, they’d get a sneak peak of their reception hall and photos . Before that, the newlyweds were going to have a chance at some cocktail hours appetizers in the bridal suite so they could get something in their stomachs and ready themselves for their pictures.

Rodrigo joined his wife in the bridal suite, waited for her to get comfortable and instantly wrapped his arms around her. “Mrs. Escobar, you’re the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

JADE

Jade playfully scowled at him even though she was still smiling. "I refuse to argue with you today." She was unbelievably happy and admittedly felt some relief that everything went off without a hitch. The photographers got photos of them coming up the aisle together and with the two of them heading to the bridal suite together. Once inside, Jade set her bouquet down so she wouldn't have to hold it while they had a moment to themselves. It was their first time being alone that day which was special in itself for Jade. She knew they would have photos to take, a marriage license to sign and guests to mingle with and thank, but for the time being, she was going to enjoy the one-on-one time with her husband.

Her smile grew from how Rodrigo addressed her. She leaned into him while trying to be careful not to get makeup on his white suit jacket. Cradling her manicured hands to both sides of his face, she looked up to him, "Thank you, my beloved husband." Even in her heels, Jade was still considerably shorter than Rodrigo but she gently pulled his face to hers for a tender kiss and then whispered, "I'm going to love being Mrs. Escobar." She grinned and then shut her eyes for a moment, thinking about their wedding ceremony and how wonderfully the day had been so far. Her mind was thinking about how great it was that they had done their first look during the ceremony rather than beforehand. "Are you ready to eat, drink and dance the night away?"

RODRIGO

Rodrigo chuckled at Jade's response. Her sass amused him and it was just one of the many things that made him fall in love with her especially since she had no idea sometimes she was being so funny. Once in the suite, Rodrigo reached for a glass of water to take a couple of sips. He hoped the bridal party was enjoying their first picks at the cocktail hour with everyone else and that all their guests were also okay.

"Beloved husband. That sounds soooo nice." He kissed her once more before she pulled away and smiled softly at her whispered words. "It just sounds right, doesn't it." He couldn't believe it, he was Jade's husband. "This dress...honey you really blew me away. I'm still not over it. I will probably never be over it?" He chuckled. The photographer peeked in to let the newlyweds know they'd be taking them to their reception hall in 20 minutes for their first peek and for photos. "Thank you." He answered the photographer and then pulled his wife over to sit on his lap on one of the couches. "Twenty minutes but not before we enjoy some of this spread." He sat on the couch and patted his leg for Jade to join him. "Grapes?" He tossed a few into his mouth and offered some to his wife. "And you bet the two of us are going to dance the night away. I won't have it any other way."

JADE

"I'm glad you think so because it's never going away," she promised. Her smile was bright as she replied, "It does. I hadn't told anyone before now, but I've been practicing my signature." Once her name was legally changed, she would be signing off on contracts, deliveries, paychecks and other future paperwork as, 'Jade Escobar'. She took a half-step back and looked down at herself, and then back up to Rodrigo. "Thank you, sweetie. I owe Jasper and our dad for it. Jasper even took the time to learn how to bustle it when I went to get it altered." Her hands moved from his face to his shoulders, even when she looked to the photographer and also thanked them for the time check.

Jade joined Rodrigo on the couch and giggled a little when he pulled her into his lap. She slipped an arm around his neck and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Ooo, those look good. Yes, please," she accepted his offer, eating one at a time. "When we're taking pictures with the photographer, I'd love for us to get a few of us on the roof."

RODRIGO

Rodrigo kissed Jade on the lips, careful not to mess too much with her makeup but also knowing that Frankie and Emma would have makeup kits ready for her if necessary. They really did have a great group of friends. At Jade’s confession, his features softened and he smiled. “Really? That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever heard.” He imagined Jade practicing her signatures and it truly delighted him. He had a wife. He’d remind himself a million times through the night as it still felt so surreal but in the best way possible. Rodrigo listened to Jade tell her how Jasper and her father had come through with her dress and how her brother had learned how to bustle it. “I will thank them over and over again. Your father is really coming through and that makes me happy for you and for the future of your relationship.” He kissed her temple. “And Jasper is such an amazing man. I’m glad he’s a part of the family now too.”

Rodrigo gave Jade a couple of grapes and then made a small little plate of cheeses and fruits for her. He knew they were both starving. “Oh that’s a great idea! The roof is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see what the reception hall looks like.”

JADE

Jade blushed after admitting to practicing her new signature. She was still deeply elated about her and Rodrigo being married now but she knew it was a little immature to admit to signature practice. Her love for Rodrigo was completely unshakable though, regardless of the occasionally immature things she sparsely did. Still smiling, Jade said, "He really is trying. I think it’s just been harder for him to show it since I'm not a child anymore but I'll be forever grateful for him finding a replacement gown for me to wear today. And I'm glad you love it as much as I do." She shut her eyes at the kiss to her temple, and then opened them again at Rodrigo mentioning Jasper in his praise. "I'm sure Jasper feels the same way about you. And you know Jewel and Jett are excited that their favorite teacher is now their brother-in-law."

Jade continued to eat the grapes one after the other and then accepted the small plate Rodrigo fixed for her. "Thank you," she told him, picking up another grape from it. "Yes, I really loved the view when we were touring this place for our venue. I'm excited to see how the reception hall is transformed too. Our theme is so fun and everyone looked so amazing when we were walking away from the ceremony." As she picked up a cube of cheddar cheese to offer her husband, she looked him in his eyes and asked, "Do you know how handsome I think you are right now?"

RODRIGO

He found everything about Jade endearing. He loved how she was funny without even trying or knowing she was making the funniest or remarks. hearing that his wife had been practicing her signature made him beam with pride of being her husband and also want to squeeze and cuddle her for being so damn adorable. "I love that you've been practicing. It's really sweet and I think it just makes you even more special. Rodrigo nodded as Jade spoke of her father. He was glad that the man had swallowed his own pride and had seen the errors of his ways. He hoped that Wendy would follow suit soon. While he knew she tolerated a lot, she needed to also not blame Jade (whether it was in her head or in a subtle way or not) for the wrong doings of the patriarch in the family. "I really do love it. It was absolutely made for you and it goes perfectly with our theme." A gentle smile appeared on his lips as he thought about being Jasper's brother-in-law and hearing how excited the twins were too. "Not that I'm biased or anything but I do love them very much."

"Well, you had some amazing ideas and everyone does look amazing. It's a dream come true." He opened his mouth for the cube of cheese and chuckled when it was tossed in. Rodrigo smiled at his wife and pressed a soft kiss against her lips after he chewed his food. "Pale in comparison to you, honey but thank you. I wanted to really match the theme. I can't wait to see all of our pictures. I want all of them. I just want to always remember this day and to be able to look back on it."

JADE

"Thank you," Jade replied, still blushing as she sat in her husband's lap. She was so ridiculously happy and in love with the man she was now married to. They had a good life together, even when getting through the challenges that had come their way. "I'm glad you love it. I know you wouldn't have cared what I'd worn today, but I did. I mean, I wanted to wear something special and memorable for today, for myself and for you. My dad had three gowns delivered somehow and this one," she touched a hand to her own lap, "was my favorite." For a few seconds, Jade leaned in and rested her forehead to Rodrigo’s. She nuzzled her nose to his and then raised her head when Rodrigo began fixing a small plate for her.

"Thank you, my love," she said and grinned when she stuck the cheese in his mouth. "And I can't wait until our honeymoon." She returned his kiss and then shook her head with a smile at how he turned the compliment back to her. "I won't think on the trip too much right now because just like you, I want to take everything in today and make as many memories to look back on for today. But I'm excited for all of it!" She picked up a piece of cheese for herself and then set the plate down to free up her hands long enough to cradle Rodrigo's face in her hands. "Did you have breakfast this morning?" She was so used to eating something with Rodrigo's breakfast in the morning but because they were apart, she couldn't help checking in on him.

RODRIGO

"Your dad has great taste then!" Rodrigo meant that. Jade's dress was stunning. Rodrigo smiled softly when Jade rested her forehead against his and chuckled when she nuzzled her nose against his nose. "I love you so much." He'd say it a million times tonight and then a million times every day. Rodrigo was full of love for Jade and now that she was his wife, he was just over the moon. He reached up to caress her cheek bones with his thumbs and kissed her lips once more. "Thank you for making me the luckiest and happiest man."

"Our honeymoon is going to be amazing, I just know it. We have to take a lot of pictures there too. We definitely deserve it." Rodrigo and Jade worked really hard to do the things they wanted to do with their wedding and honeymoon. They had budgeted and made proper plans, had taken it easy so that any surplus from their paychecks would got into their wedding account. He was proud of their tiny sacrifices. He finished off his little plate, figuring he'd have plenty to eat when dinner was served. A smirk pulled at his lips when Jade cupped his face and all his focus was on his wife. "I had coffee and a pancake. I did munch on some fruit and veggies that were out for me and the groomsmen as we got ready so it hasn't been too bad. I'm ready to eat the big stuff though." He chucked, knowing Jade knew how big of an appetite he always had. "What about you?" The photographer knocked on their door and announced they had 6 minutes or so left and Rodrigo nodded before looking back up at Jade.

JADE

"And I love you," Jade replied, smiling under Rodrigo's tender touches against her face. Her heart was then fullest it had been since he proposed to her--ready to burst and completely fill her completely. "We'll absolutely take plenty of pictures, go on tours, try authentic cuisine, visit the museums and enjoy everything New Orleans has to offer us." She was glad that she and Rodrigo would be able to fully enjoy their honeymoon as much as they were enjoying their honeymoon. With much of their personal funds going into the wedding and the two of them setting up a honeymoon registry for family and friends to contribute to, they were more than set for their trip.

As she listened to what Rodrigo had for breakfast, Jade reached for another grape but frowned. "A pancake?" Hearing about the fruit and veggies helped ease her but only mildly. She knew Rodrigo had a better metabolism and bigger appetite than a single pancake could satisfy but she believed him being ready for the dinner they would be having at their reception. Offering him the grape instead, she said, "Frankie took care of breakfast for all of us getting ready together earlier. There we're donuts, muffins, croissants, fruit, coffee, orange juice..." She trailed off not having specifically mentioned what little of that she'd eaten but she added, "There were nuts and granola bars and water bottles in here earlier while we were getting ready." She looked to the door and also nodded and thanked the photographer again, and then admitted to Rodrigo, "I ate a bit at breakfast and snacked on almonds while I was getting my hair done. I was trying not to drink too much so I wouldn't need to use the bathroom once I was in my dress, but now, I could use one of those water bottles." She carefully stood from her husband's lap in hopes of finding a remaining bottle. "I don't want to faint at our own wedding," she added with a small laugh, thinking back to Luna and Khamani's wedding.

RODRIGO

As he listened to Jade talk about their upcoming plans for their honeymoon, he couldn't help but get slightly lost in their future trip. He would be lying if he said he wasn't excited about getting away from California for a bit and actually spend his time off doing something. This time, he had a whole-ass wife to hang out with and have fun with. "Outside of our friend's weddings and, I haven't really gone on vacation so this will be amazing."

He chuckled at her response and nodded. "I know. A pancake, What a nightmare. I was a little nervous this morning and rushing but I promise I did snack a lto and it made up for it." He was relieved to hear that Frankie had come through. "A God-send! I'm so glad they took care of all that for you guys. He shook his head at her and playfully pointed. "No passing out!" He was glad that Jade was going to drink water and would be mindful of making sure she did so during the reception. "Alright, beautiful. Are you ready to party with your husband?"

JADE

"You deserve more trips away. Even if they're little weekend getaways once in a while." Jade knew she wasn't much better than him in that regard but it sounded like a good goal for them to set going forward--either together, solo or with friends. But when they got to talking about their food for the day, Jade had been a bit nervous about talking about what she'd consumed. She was glad that Rodrigo had done some snacking but she was sure he was going to love the spread he would have to enjoy for their wedding. Jade stuck to her word that even though Fresh Start was handling the food, she didn't lay one finger on any of the preparations or the cake. Her staff wouldn't have let her anyway.

"No passing out," she repeated back like a promise spotting an unopened bottle of water in the corner and picking it up to open and sip. As she drank some water, she hummed, "Mmhm," and then she offered some to Rodrigo before picking up her bouquet again. "To the roof first? I bet we could get some really pretty sunset photos before we go see the reception."

RODRIGO

"That doesn't sound bad at all. We should do that, the two of us." It was something the two of them could look forward to. Rodrigo and Jade both deserved to treat themselves especially with how hard they work. "Maybe we can do little weekend or day trips once a month as a realistic goal." Rodrigo kissed Jade's temple once smiled at her. "Great idea." Rodrigo gladly took the water from Jade, taking a few sips before standing up to adjust his outfit and hair. He looked in the mirror quickly and smiled to make sure there was nothing in his teeth. "To the roof first." He opened the door for his wife and let her go first. Their photographer came jogging to them and Rodrigo expressed their desire to take some photos in the sunset. They were led up onto the roof and Rodrigo kept Jade's hand in his as the followed the instructions.

JADE

"Once each month sounds doable for us. We could look into places outside of San Francisco to visit. Like wine-tasting in Napa, or a weekend in Lake Tahoe. Or maybe down to Pismo Beach or something?" They were just a few suggestions that came to mind as the idea grew in her head. She smiled from Rodrigo's kiss to the side of her head and thanked him again when he complimented her for the idea. And after both of them hydrated a bit and Rodrigo double-checked his appearance, Jade gripped her bouquet and said, "Thank you, honey," to his chivalrous act and she headed out of the room, walking hand-in-hand with him to the roof. She heard some camera shuttered behind them as they took to the stairs and then onto the rooftop setting.

The couple were directed through some common shots of Jade standing back to Rodrigo’s front with his arms around her while she held her bouquet. There were a few different poses with them facing each other and a few times, they'd ended up photographed laughing. One of Jade's favorites that the photographer showed them after-the-fact had been with Rodrigo's facing the photographer and Jade standing beside him with her back to the photographer. They were holding hands in the middle; Jade had a lax hold on her bouquet in her other hand while Rodrigo's other hand was resting casually in his pocket. The two of them had their heads turned to each other with Jade looking up into his eyes and Rodrigo gazing down into hers. They'd taken some other photos with the sunset in the background and then were led back downstairs to get their sneak peek at the reception hall. On their way, Jade said, "I can't wait to see all of those. That was fun!"

RODRIGO

“You really are full of the best ideas.” He was glad that they balanced each other so well and they always looked out for one another. The idea of going a few trips here and there would help them both tremendously with the stressors from work and just life in general. As newlyweds, it would also be a nice break for the everyday living and their chance to unwind a little.

Rodrigo followed every direction tossed their way and made sure to keep Jade warm in between shots. He was so impressed with how quickly and how beautifully the photographer captured them. “They did such an amazing job. I’m really happy we did those photos, babe.” Rodrigo smiled and pressed a kiss against her lips.

The photographer follows them downstairs and then walked in front of them to capture their reaction. You could hear their guests laughing and talking at the cocktail hour. Rodrigo smiled and took a deep breath before opening the doors so they could walk in. Once inside, he felt his jaw drop slightly, a small chuckle falling from his lips. “Babe…” he whispered and looked over to Jade. “Look at this!” It was truly the most beautiful reception hall. Everything they had envisioned was now theirs.

JADE

"I'm glad you like my ideas," Jade told him in earnest. She was beyond thankful to be married to such a loving and supportive person. Rodrigo let her shine and gave her opportunities for her to let him shine too. She had fun with him on their dates out or nights in, and she loved going to special occasions with him be it to celebrate a holiday or support friends or family.

The rooftop photo session had been a joy and when they got downstairs on their way to the reception hall, the photographer momentarily delayed them to get just a few more couples shots by one of the venue's blue double doors. The color had been perfect with their wedding's color scheme and the way she and Rodrigo positioned themselves, Jade was sure they would be more meaningful and beautiful photos. She thought about this up until Rodrigo opened the doors to their reception space and the photographer captured their genuine reaction to the transformed space. It was the perfect meld of a 1920s speakeasy and a 1930s jazz club. There was a tower of champagne glasses at the bar, art deco designs of blues and golds, and beautiful centerpieces on each table. The food was set up and the cake was on full display. A big band of 10 musicians dressed in white and black blazers and slacks had even been set up in a corner near the dance floor. A DJ was setting up too but the live swing, jazz and bebop excited Jade more. She gasped, wide eyes taking everything in. "Oh my God..." she whispered, squeezing Rodrigo's hand. "This is incredible. I can't believe this is all for us."

RODRIGO

The venue was meant for them or at least that's how it felt. The blue doors alone made for beautiful shots and if not for the photographer, Rodrigo would have missed those. He was too excited to see how everything had turned out. They had gvein their idea into detail to their coordinator and had dreamt about what this day would look like since the day he proposed. He understood now why people insisted on perfection when it came to their weddings. It was something he hadn't given too much thought until now that it was their turn. In his mind, Jade deserved a fairytale wedding. She had been through so much, had endured so much with Jeanette and her upbringing thinking or being made to think she'd never reach this point in her life. Rodrigo wanted nothing but the best for his wife. So after they took their pictures and they went inside, he made sure to keep his loving gaze on Jade. He wanted to capture her reaction and commit it to memory.

He smiled brightly when she squeezed his hand and while yes, the room looked phenomenal, he couldn't stop taking Jade in. She was heavenly, out of this world and this was the type of happiness that made her shine. "All for us, honey." He shifted his gaze momentarily to admire the setup. He thought about the people he loved and their reactions too. He couldn't wait to celebrate with them. He couldn't wait to dance the night away with his wife.

[stoptellinglieslois]

Love fair Act 35

Vampire fanfiction Clark Kent human x Richard Grayson vampire no capes or tights but fangs and might.

Richard pov

We made it to Thor's place it was a beautiful tower in a private property two hours away from Gotham close to a big lake. I believe it is not where Thor usually stays.

Alfred drove us there it was cold out and the snow still is kicking our ass. It would pelt down non-stop.

We walked towards the tower as the door automatically opened for us a man led us in. Me and Clark wonder in the tower Alfred stayed behind in the car it wasn't far I wasn't waiting for a room full of vampires and I also see Jason sitting in the front row among them two chairs are at the front of the room.

"Please sit down the both of you usually I would be sitting in the front but I wanted to hear what your Clark had to say." Thor's voice carried I couldn't see him he didn't make himself visible to me the stone walls and the teal decor with cool colours made this room more formal.

Until I noticed him and Tim. Tim tied up in a chain by the neck like a dog. At least he is wearing clothes or more like rags.

I watched them for a moment and Thor motioned for us to sit down. I looked where Jason was sitting with a frown on his face, I didn't know what to expect I don't ever go to these types of things like trials.

We sit and I feel the whole room shift. "We are here as a clan to witness what crime is done on your Grace has been committed by Tim." Tim never looked away from where me and Clark are sitting as Thor kept talking about the gravity of these crimes that are clan is here to help the human race not feed off of them like cattle.

Blue eyes pierce mine I didn't understand this but at this moment I realised that Tim didn't like me, And at this moment I know now he hasn't like me for a very very long time.

"I wish to hear from Clark." Thor said watching us intently he had a gaze as if he understood what I was thinking about and he wanted me to listen instead he read my mind like a book.

"My name is Clark Kent." Clark got up his seat and the vampires in the room laughed at him for being so not like us and just getting up formally introducing himself like he was in school, He also insisted in dressing himself in a suit I didn't own anything that would fit Clark but Bruce did.

Clark wasn't a hundred percent right in the head right now but he wanted to look professional I didn't know why maybe it was just him, He wanted to make a good impression I also didn't know why he thought that I indulged him in going into Bruce's closet and finding what he needed to make a first impression to a bunch of vampires.

"Sit down teacher you're not on trial but this fool is." Thor jingled the chain on Tim's neck I don't know why when Thor doing that triggers Clark he sat down fast on his seat never looking in Tim's direction. "I am here because the reason why he's in chains by your feet is because I mentioned he is consuming human blood he blames me for being in this position right." Clark explained crossing his leg looking straight ahead not looking in anyone's direction.

"He got himself in trouble not you teacher." Thor assured him.

"I panic though everything about him made me back away from him, His true nature came out in front of you and the werewolf's in that room I didn't mean to get him in trouble fear over took my judgement." Clark said. At this point I felt a shift in Clark he wasn't scared like he was when he first sat down or even enter this place.

"I don't know what to call you." Clark addresses Thor.

"Thor's fine teacher." Thor replied a smile on his face watching us intently.

"Thor you believed me right away when I told you something hidden about him, He did manipulate my mind into rubbish he made me believe Richard was doing awful things to me he didn't know me really." I thought that was weird Clark is in full control of this situation he is a bit demented none the less confident in what he's saying though.

"What do you mean teacher elaborate more on what he didn't know about you." Thor asked. I watched for something in Thor I got the hint Clark is leading this somewhere.

"Well when he entered my mind I entered his I no all of his victims every single one each victim is telling their story as we speak." Thor leaned forward in his chair I guess this is where Clark is leading us.

"I am not sure I am following." Thor asked he wasn't confused he just needed to hear what Clark has to say.

"His victims name A Harvey Dent is his latest victim he's an attorney in Gotham, Tim would go to the bar every Wednesday night frequenting this place. He didn't know Tim was a vampire he didn't know he was being stalk by him he is innocent like any human. He didn't kill him he was lucky to escape him." Clark looked like he is in a trance like state talking about this person who he had never met yet is able to pick apart this man's life.

"You see all of this then."

"He's lying." Tim out of nowhere protested his innocents Thor yanked the chain on his neck hard. "Silence." Thor hissed at Tim who didn't coward away from Thor's venom.

"You nicknamed him two faces you made him crazy like me you would take his blood unwillingly, He didn't want that from you yet you told two tribes you pay them and they came willingly Harvey didn't want that from you." Clark eyes glowed blue his brown eyes gone I am wondering what is going on.

"You underestimated Harvey and he escaped you."

"He is lying."

"He is worse than Thalia and Ghul at least they stuck together being evil but you hate Richard, And I could confess Richard is not evil." Clark went on.

"I thought you were a good descent. I was wrong about you and I was right in backing away from you." Clark accused crossing his arms legs now uncross.

"You made me roll around in the snow like a fool crying in front of my boyfriend." I was shocked when he said the word boyfriend it made all of this more real and this made me happy to no end.

"I never have done those things to you I've only just met you and you're with Richard why would I go after you." Tim felt brave enough to defend his innocents it fell flat on me.

"Don't test me Tim I had to shake this crazy off of me for three months with the help of Richard by my side Harvey has no one to help him fight your madness." Clark grew angry the more Tim talked the more angry he got.

"I am already chained up when you had this episode I wasn't thinking about you at all." Tim said Thor rattled the chains on his neck as he yanked it again.

"I will tell everyone here of all your crimes if you don't stop talking."

"My goodness I would like to hear about them." Thor seemed more on the edge of his seat now wanting Clark to expose more.

I realise Tim was hiding himself from the family for years and it is only now we are getting the full version.