#i made this in a car on my way to las vegas please bear with me lmao

[winter-fox-queen]

Here’s Looking at You

Summary:  Alejandro goes to Casablanca.  

Another beautiful header by my partner in crime, @hnt-escape​  Please read her lovely collaboration poem, here: https://hnt-escape.tumblr.com/post/653363128431689728/heres-looking-at-you

Warnings:  Angst?  The reader he is looking for is female.  I apologize for not mentioning that before.  

He looked in the mirror for a long time.  Clothes, for him were like masks.  You put an outfit on, and you changed.  You hid who you were.

This outfit was…a bit much.  But the louder an outfit was, the better the mask. 

Red.  Red jacket, with a retro fit.  Red pants.  Pale gold shirt with tiger stripes, silk.  He checked the fit, the tightness of the buttons across his chest, and decided that it was his imagination, that it looked fine. He slicked back his hair, nodded again.  

If you were there, in Casablanca, and you saw him, you were going to pitch a fit laughing.

His reverie was interrupted by a knock on the door.  He practically trips over the edge of the bed to get to it, to open it.

It’s the cleaner.  He flexes his jaw a little, at her earnest face.  “I am sorry, I should have put the sign out.”  He searched for the Do Not Disturb card.  “I don’t seem to have a do not disturb sign…do you have one?”

She looked at her car, shook her head.  “I’d ask the front desk for one.”

He nods, pushes back into his room with a muttered thanks.

He leaves a moment later, sun glasses on, movements bigger, more relaxed.  Showtime.

The Casablanca has layers.  The first, for tourists.  No one, even a place selling itself as so exclusive you can practically expect British spies sipping martinis at the bar, is going to leave money on the table.  Not in Las Vegas.

He got through the tourist layer, easy.  He splashed some money around.  Won more than lost, lost sometimes on purpose because he couldn’t afford to have them look too closely.  The Golden Nugget and the Mirage both had had him down as persona non grata.  Actually, Marcus Pike was persona non grata, but face recognition was a thing.

Finally, he was in the center of the web. 

He grabbed a drink, and circulated the tables.  Flirted outrageously with every woman he came across.  Spent money.  Won and lost and tipped big in either case. 

For a moment, he thought he found you.  Maybe.  A gold sheathe dress, your hair up.  The way you tilted your head, the curve of your cheek.  But something wasn’t right.

The woman in the gold sheathe dress looked over her shoulder, and he knew it wasn’t you.  You, maybe, the last time he saw you, a mirror image to the pictures in his head.  But not you.  You would be older. 

“You found her quickly.” 

Now that, that was you.  He looked over his shoulder.  You were there, elegant despite the cheap pants suit.  Hair up, no nonsense look on your face.  He arches his eyebrow.  “You got a job in security?”

A soft smile. “Better than serving drinks.”

He nodded towards her.  Tried to do the math in his head.  You caught on – you could read him so easily.

“She’s not yours.”  A wry smile.  Regret honest and clear in your eyes.  “Every day I wish she was.”

He looks away.  “She would have inherited my nose, and then where would she be?”

“College.”  You deadpan.  “Instead of being involved with a man who knows the location of several desert graveyards.”

His shoulders fall for a moment.  “Seriously?”

“We run towards trouble.  That’s the family way.  

“And he’s not letting her go?  Does she even want to?”  Neither of you look at each other, paying attention to everything else, but he is aware.  So aware of you behind him.  Do you think of me, then?  He wants to ask.  Do you think of how we spent every summer together and swore we were the other half of each other?  Do you remember that one week you came and stayed with me and then everything fell apart?

“Yes.  She’s just scared.  Stay at the hotel.  I’ll get her to you.”

“Then what?”

“You go.  Your parents taught you how to disappear.  Use it.”

“And what about you?”

She is silent.

“I won’t leave without you.”  He looks at her.  He means it. 

“You will.”  She says gently.  “I’ll follow.  But the only thing that matters is her.”

She steps away, and he leaves.  A little in a huff, so that later, if they ask, you can say you scared him off.  That something about him wasn’t right. 

It’s early.  He walks around the pool.  He hates himself, sometimes, how caught he is in the past.  He sits on a chair and looks at a picture of the two of you.  Without fail, his parents would go and stay in the same place every summer.  Spend time with the family.    Plan the next big thing.  Sometimes they came back big, flush with money, and it was all big family dinners in restaurants, tables pushed together.  Sometimes they came back with their tails between their legs, and then it was quite cook outs on the beach. 

And you were always there.  Some step cousin’s step daughter once removed or something.  He never could remember what.  But he drew you in, made sure you felt wanted.  Kept you from being lost and neglected on the fringe.

Sometimes he laughed at himself, for never moving on from the gangly girl in the rose petal filled pool.   Or from the sharp eyed goth chick you were, that winter, when you came to him and said, Leave with me.  Your mouth tasting like clove cigarettes and promises.  He tried.  He did.  But no one ever really quite fit.

He closed the book, took off his jacket.  It was hot, for the time of year.  He thought he might melt.

He stood at the edge of the pool.  I saw her again.

He dove in, down into the deep end, and let himself sink to the bottom.  He looked up through the water, the chlorine stinging his eyes. 

But nothing is ever exactly how we hope it will be.  

He folds his arm on the side of the pool.  Sees the attendant pause at his door.  He closes his eyes, knows he should get out, that maybe you’ll call.  

He thinks for a moment that if he lets go of the side of the pool, the sheer horrific weight of hope will bear him down to the bottom and never let him back up.

Thanks to @sharkbait77​ -- so honored that you wanted tagged!  <3

[benex78]

Forgive our Sins

5 years after the events of Immortality, Sara and Grissom are living back in Las Vegas when a ghost from their past reappears in their life forcing them to face some old decisions. GSR of course! Enjoy it! I hope you like it and please review it! (Sorry if there are mistakes but I'm not a native English speaker and a special thanks to my friend LuLu for reading it)

PART 1 They went through a lot together during their 16 years long relationship. She left him and the sin city, he went to Costa Rica for her, they got married, they got divorced, she went to San Diego and sailed with him. They hurt each other more than once, but their love never stopped. In the end, they gave up their carriers to stay together, got married again and now they were finally living happily together. Grissom and Sara are back in Vegas, living in a small house in the university district. While Sara works as a consultant for the crime lab, Gil is a part-time professor of entomology who tends to stick his nose in his wife’s forensic cases. 14 years have passed since the miniature killer events and Natalie Davis is still in prison. In her cell she keeps a collection of miniatures and she is now working on a new one. She interrupts her work on the miniature to write a letter. It’s a difficult one: she had tried to write this letter so many times without success, in fact there are a few ripped sheets of paper on the floor. This time is different, she manages to use the rights words and, once done, she sends the envelope to the Las Vegas Crime Lab. It’s addressed to Sara Sidle. What does she want from Sara? Does she want to make amends? Does she want to go after her again? PART 2 A car is parked outside Sara and Grissom's house and the driver is observing Sara. One day on her way to work, Sara notices him and tries to run away, but suddenly she’s caught in an incident. She is brought to the hospital where a frightened Grissom arrives. Fortunately, Sara is fine, she only has some bruises and she is soon allowed to leave the hospital to go home with her husband. Sara tells Grissom what happened and now they fear someone is chasing them. Thanks to the street CCTVs the police finds and arrests the stalker, however the man has nothing to do with the accident. Thus, he is released, but not after securing a conversation with Sara Sidle. He is a private detective and he needs to talk to Sara because his client, a woman named Kelly Ross, wants to meet her. Sara asks the detective the reason for this meeting and he responds that Mrs. Ross instructed him to reveal only in which part of Vegas she lives and, most importantly, that they have someone in common. Sara is caught off guard as she doesn’t know what to expect from this. However, she can’t help but feel curious. PART 3 On their day off Grissom drives Sara to Mrs. Ross, but he waits outside in the car. He is worried but he respects Sara’s decision to go in alone. When opening the door, Mrs. Ross welcomes Sara with a warm hug then she lets her in. Gil Grissom observes the whole scene speechless. When Sara comes back couple of hours later, she is in shock and immediately askes Grissom to take her home. He wants to know about the meeting, yet Sara begs him to give her some time to put her thoughts together. That evening in their kitchen Sara tells him a story she kept for herself for far too long. FLASHBACK:13 YEARS EARLIER The miniature killer had changed everything: the team had found about her relationship with Grissom, she had to join swing and above all she felt something inside her had broken and no one, not even Griss, could do anything to help her. She was so depressed that she decided to leave Vegas and the love of her life. She was in L.A. visiting her mom when she started to feel unwell. It took her a few days to even conceive the idea that she could be pregnant. She went to the nearest drugstore and paid for a test that she took directly in the customers toilet. She waited in there for almost an hour with the result in her hands: POSITIVE! How could it be? She didn’t want a child and Grissom neither. They talked about this at the beginning of their story and even more recently when he proposed. They (she and Griss) were the only family they wanted. How could she tell Grissom something like that? At least by phone she could avoid looking into his eyes and see his disappointment. She went back to her motel room and waited for the morning to come. She didn’t sleep all night, she kept looking at the clock on the wall. When she was sure Grissom could be home from work, she called him. He picked up almost immediately. She heard him giggling at the other side of the phone, but his joy faded at the news. Sara was so depressed; their relationship was stalling and surely, he wasn’t ready to be a father. Thus, they both agreed to end the pregnancy. Grissom offered to come to L.A. to be close to her, but Sara declined. She wanted to do it alone and he didn’t complain. She had just booked an appointment at a private clinic, when her mother got sick, so she had to postpone the whole thing. When she finally got there 3 weeks later, it was too late to proceed with the abortion. She had no another choice but to contact the social services to find a family for her unborn child.  She never told Gilbert she carried their baby and that he was put up for adoption. To him, this was a dead story. Just 10 days before Warwick’s murder she delivered a healthy baby boy who she held only briefly in her arms before giving him away. When she came back to Vegas, Grissom was so devastated he didn’t even notice her body didn’t have the usual silhouette and she kept the secret for herself. Until now. Sara’s confession is very painful, she fears Gilbert’s reaction. She fears he will hate her and never forgive her for taking his son away. However, Grissom isn’t angry. He seems quite relieved instead. Grissom reaches his hand out across the table and places it on top of Sara’s, giving it a gentle squeeze: - I don’t begrudge you honey. In the end, you did what we had decided. At the time we didn’t want a kid and you didn’t keep it. Honestly, I’m quite happy it went this way. – Sara raises her head: - Really? – Grissom admits: - Yeah, because now, 13 years later, we are talking about someone we created, someone who has our genes and who probably is still alive. Even if he is somewhere, we don’t know where and who raised him – Sara reveals: - Gil, his name is Dylan, he is here in Vegas and Mrs. Ross is his adoptive mother – Grissom is astonished: - What? He’s in Vegas right now? Did you see him? – Sara shakes her head: - No, he was at school - Grissom: - How did Mrs. Ross find you? – Sara: - I can’t explain it, but since I had decided for an open adoption, she must have assumed a detective to find me. - Grissom: - But why now? – Sara: - Because she wants to give us a second chance – Grissom: - Sorry I don’t get it – Sara: - She is dying, she has terminal cancer and her husband has died of Covid last year. She fears that once she’s dead her boy will end up living in an institute until his 18th birthday. -   Grissom’s heart starts beating fast, he can’t bear it any more. Maybe it’s his age but he wants to be a father now. However, he knows everything it’s up to his Sara: - Can we…? What do you want to do? - Sara: - Honestly… I don’t know – Grissom: - Sara, we are his parents! – Sara’s answer is firm: - No, we lost that right a long time ago Gil! – Grissom corrects himself: - You are right, but we have to do something. Don’t you want to get to know him? To see who he looks like? – Sara:  - Of course I want to, but I am also terrified. I abandoned him. For all I know he could hate me. – Gil replies: - He could love you. -   Sara gives Grissom a sad smile. Grissom tries to lift her spirit: - He could be a geek like us - Sara announces: - Gil, he is a special boy, he is not like the other kids – Grissom asks: -What do you mean? – Sara: - Mrs. Ross told me Dylan can’t hear, he has a genetic disease that made him almost deaf 5 years ago. Grissom is hurt, he can’t find the words to express his feelings. Sara notices his reaction and she gently touches his leg. Sara: - Are you ok? – Grissom nods: - I just don’t know how to feel about this: happy because I have something in common with my son or sad that I passed this pain to him It's all my...  – Sara raises Gilbert’s chin, she cuts him off this time, shaking her head: "No, it's not. and it's not right to put the blame all on you. We both made stupid decisions in our relationship that lead us to where we are now." She takes a breath and speaks again more softly. "Now, I just want to put all of that behind us and start over..." Grissom clears his throat and asks in a more serious tone: - So... what do you think? –   Sara takes both his hands in her and smiled a little: - I think we are going to speak with Kelly Ross and arrange a meeting with Dylan. Ok? – Grissom nods satisfied. Sara: - Let’s see what happens but we have to keep our hopes grounded – Grissom: - Ok… Come here – and takes Sara in his arms: - I love you, no matter what! – Sara leans towards him. She looks him in his eyes and responds with a tender kiss on his lips whispering against them "I love you too”.

PART 4 Sara spends the week working and thinking, thinking and working. Tension and expectations building up every day, more and more. In her mind Sara has imagined their meeting with Dylan at least 300 times, she has repeated all the possible things she could say to him, but every time his reaction is bad and the meeting goes wrong. Even Grissom is anxious; nonetheless he tries to distract Sara: he invites her to see one of his lessons at the university, he proposes a trip on a boat over the lake Mead and he takes her out to dinner. The Italian restaurant they go to is one of their favorites. They eat a very good lasagna and they drink a little more than they usually do, just to relax. Once at home, they go to bed. They face each other but, thinking of the day ahead, they can’t sleep. Grissom: - It’s gonna be fine – Sara: - You can’t know that – Gil caresses her hair: - No, but we have to stay positive – Sara takes Gil’s hand and brings it to her cheek: - I don’t know what to tell him – Gil’s finger brushes her lips: - The truth! If he asks, we’ll tell him the truth - Sara: - But? – Grissom: - Honey, if we want his trust, we have to be honest. We can’t lie. - Sara: - I am scared! -   Grissom: - Me too – and he slowly kisses her. She returns the kiss as they are taken by the passion of their bodies, entangled in one. Their minds are lost in the rhythm of that primordial act of desire, they know so well. They are just flesh and skin, sweat and moans. PART 5 It’s afternoon and they are sitting in a park near Dylan’s school. The sight of the boy approaching them with his mother takes their breath away. Kelly greets them from afar and points them to her son. They stand up and walk in their direction. Sara and Grissom stop when they are in front of Dylan and Kelly.  4 souls, 4 people meant to be a family finally together.  Dylan is a mini version of Grissom. He is not so tall but he’s slim. He has short curly brown hair. His eyes are blue and curios. Behind his left ear he has a hearing aid. Kelly addresses them to Dylan; she gestures in sign language and tells him: - They are the friends I was talking to you about. – Grissom takes courage and speaks first, gesturing his words: - Hi Dylan, my name is Gilbert and she is my wife Sara. We are happy to meet you. Your mother told us a lot about you. – Sara: - Hi, sorry but my sign language is a little rusty. I will try to improve. – Dylan: - Don’t worry, I can hear you (he indicates the implant to Sara). Moreover, I’ve learned to read lips. You, (he addresses to Grissom) on the other hand are very good. – Grissom: - Thanks. My mum was deaf, she taught me – Dylan nods pondering the answer. Sara tries to break the silence: - How was your day? Do you like school? – Kelly intervenes: - He is the best of his class – Dylan gives her a little buff on her right arm: - Mum please! – Kelly smiles: - He is shy, he doesn't like to brag – Grissom and Sara, grinning, exchange a look of complicity mixed with pride: - We can imagine – Dylan fixes them and he asks abruptly: - Why don’t you tell me who you really are? – Grissom and Sara almost choke: - What? – Kelly scolds him: - Dylan?! – Dylan continues: - You are my real parents, aren’t you? Sara feels responsible and wants to give him an answer: - You are right, I’m your birth mother and he is your father. – Dylan insists: - Why are you here? – Kelly: - I asked them to come – Dylan turns to his mother in shock but Kelly goes on: - I have to know that you would be safe, cared for and loved when I will be gone – Dylan: - How could you think that I would stay with someone who abandoned me? – Kelly interrupts them: - You three need to talk, you need to know each other. Dylan please, you have to listen to them – Dylan: - I don’t want to – and he runs away. Kelly touches Sara’s shoulder, she feels her pain and apologizes for Dylan’s reaction: - Give him some time.  He is a good boy… he’s very smart – Grissom sighs: - I see – Sara is ashamed: - He is right, I made a mistake. – Kelly tries to soothe her by saying: - We all make mistakes, Sara – Sara: - But he is the one who’s paying the consequences of that mistake – Grissom: - We had our reasons, dear– Sara locks her eyes on Gil: - and why does it all seem so wrong now? – Kelly: - Let me talk to him – Sara replies: - No, I want to try - Sara goes to look for Dylan; Grissom follows her but she turns and stops him: - Give me 5 minutes – Gil nods; she approaches the boy. He is sitting on a swing. Sara asks him permission with a soft voice: - Can I? – Dylan shrugs his shoulders and Sara sits in the swing next to him. The boy leaps down and faces her. Sara: - I’m so sorry for everything, Dylan. I’m sorry for your mum, for your dad, for your earing problems, and above all I'm sorry for what I did to you. – Dylan: - Why did you leave me? – Sara tries her best to formulate an answer: - It’s complicated.... I wasn’t feeling very well. Something bad had happened to me. – Dylan interrupts her: - My father? Did he hurt you? – Sara: - No, absolutely not. He has always been kind to me – she invites Grissom to join them and he moves in their direction. – I was, I still am a Crime Scene Investigator. Do you know what it is? – Dylan nods and Sara continues: - I was working on a case, and a serial killer kidnapped me and left me to die. I managed to escape, your father and other members of my team saved me – Dylan listens very carefully. – But after that, nothing was the same. I was broken and unhappy. I wasn’t myself anymore and I couldn’t stay there. I went away from your father, from this town, from my old life. I could not be a good mother for you, you deserved more. – Dylan looks at Sara and then Grissom and says: - You are married now – Sara declares: - We got back together 5 years ago. – Grissom kneels in front of Dylan: - We're not here to be your parents, you already have them – Dylan states: - My mum is great! – Grissom agrees: - It’s true. We just want to know you, Dylan! – Sara teases: - Can you give us a chance? – Dylan thinks and then asks Sara something that has always intrigued him: - Did you give me a name before.. you .. ? Sara affirms instantly: - Arthur, I named you Arthur –

LITTLE FLASHBACK OF 13 YEARS EARLIER Sara was holding her baby when a nurse entered the room to take him. The social assistant was waiting outside. The woman checked the papers she had filled in. On the birth certificate she had written her name, Gilbert’s, and a new one: ARTHUR. She gave her baby a kiss on the forehead and passed him to the nurse who left the room, closing the door to a crying Sara. Grissom turns towards Sara, surprised by her admission. Sara looks at him directly in his eyes: - It’s your father’s middle name! – Dylan chuckles, satisfied by the answer: - It’s my middle name too – Sara is grateful that the Ross in some way had kept the name she had chosen for him. Dylan remarks: - My father was a pastor, he always told me to forgive the others. I’m forgiving you! – They give him an appreciative smile before Grissom touches his head saying: - He’d be very proud – Dylan nods and walks over to an emotional Sara. He wipes a tear from her face, similarly to what Gilbert would have done. She whispers a thank you to him, then they return to the bench where Kelly was sitting, watching the whole scene.

PART 6 Grissom and Sara start seeing Dylan every day after school. Their bond gets deeper and deeper. Dylan looks more at ease with them. He loves spending time with Gil, making experiments, going fishing or sailing. They find a new balance in their lives. Every once in a while, he even spends the night with them. The guest bedroom has become his room now. Kelly’s cancer on the other hand gets worse and she ends in hospital. It’s a Wednesday morning when Sara picks up Dylan from school and brings him to the hospital to give his mother one last hug. Kelly Ross dies at 2.00 PM of that same day and Dylan cries in the arms of Gilbert.  At the funeral he stands between Sara and Grissom. He is brave but silent. Over the last year, he has lost both of his parents and found two new ones. It’s strange how life takes an unexpected turn sometimes and turns up the way it should have from the beginning.  In fact, before her death, Kelly had arranged things so that Sara and Gil could have full custody of the boy and become a family.

PART 7 Sara is in a hurry; she greets her boss and some other members of the team as she prepares to leave the office. The receptionist at the desk calls her back and gives her some correspondence. She doesn’t have time to read it, she will do it later with calm. All she wants to do now is to go home to her boys and to enjoy the evening with them. After dinner Dylan does his homework in the living room, Gil prepares his lesson and Sara tidies the kitchen up. She suddenly remembers the letters in her purse, so she takes a break to read them. An envelope without a sender attracts her attention. She rips the envelope and her jaw drops.

Dear Sara Sidle, I’m Natalie Davis, you probably remember me as the miniature killer. I’ve been thinking of you very often lately. I know, I don’t have the right to write to you after all this time, but my journey here in prison made me reflect on my actions and on what I have done to you and to the other victims. I’m so sorry Mrs Sidle, I can’t change the past and my apologies can’t relieve your pain or what you’ve lost. I was angry and I seeked vengeance for no real reason except because I couldn’t accept the daemons from my past. I should have known that that wasn’t the answer but I was too lost. I hold Mr Grissom responsible for the death of Arnie Dell and I tried to take you away from him because of his love for you. However, and now I know this, it was not his fault and you were a collateral damage in my inner war. I don’t deserve your forgiveness; I’m not searching for redemption. I’m just happy that you are alive. I also hope life has been kind to you and that Mr Grissom is still by your side.                                                                                                      Sincerely, Natalie Davis                    

Sara confronts Grissom about the letter and what to do next. They are concerned, still they decide to go to the county jail to see Natalie in person. As CSI they get a special permit to meet her in the interrogation room. The door opens and a guard escorts Natalie Davis inside. She is handcuffed and she’s wearing an orange suit. For the first time in 14 years she, Sara and Gil are in the same room. The guard moves to stand in a corner and Natalie sits at the table. Natalie is surprised by this visit: - I didn’t expect you to come. - Sara: - I didn’t expect your letter either. - They contemplate in silence for some time. Natalie clears her throat: - Anyway, thank you. Your presence here is very important to me – Sara replies: - I’m here because I wanted to look you in the eyes, to make sure your words were true and your regret sincere. Natalie: - Mrs. Sidle, I don’t know what to do to prove it to you - Sara: - You wrote you don’t deserve forgiveness… – Natalie: - No, I don’t. I’m a sinner and I need to be punished for my sins! – Sara: - Hmmm. It was not easy to understand it but now, now I’ve got it. We have different backgrounds, different stories but we have one thing in common – Natalie looks confused. Sara continues: - We are survivors, Natalie! We are women with physical and psychological scars. I could have surrendered to the difficulties that life put in front of me, as you did, but I decided to move on and I’m still doing it – Sara grabs Gilbert’s hand and squeezes it. They exchange a tender look. They both smile before Sara shakes her head and goes on: – Therefore, I forgive you! – Natalie is incredulous: - Why are you so good to me after all I’ve done? - Sara: - I’m not good, I just think this place and your sense of guilt are enough for me. We cannot live in resentment forever, and you know what? I’ve learned such an important lesson from a very mature 13 years old boy who has been through hell in such a short time. Goodbye Natalie. - Sara and Gil stand up and leave the room, Natalie and her nightmares behind. Dylan will be home soon with some of his friends. Tonight, they will go to the Luna park, they will ride the rollercoaster and then eat pizza. Their future is definitely bright.

THE END

[miracleonice87]

Say You Won’t Let Go

a Sidney Crosby wedding series

Part Two

a/n: here’s part deux! read part one here. this will have at least one more part, probably 2! worth noting that I know next to no French and am relying heavilyyyy on our pal Google Translate in this story.

summary: a little more background throughout, as Juliette and Sidney meet up with their families and hockey star-studded bridal party for a rehearsal at their iconic wedding venue. if you’re not familiar with the location (it’s honestly incredible), click here for a look!

warnings: mention of deceased father. otherwise, so damn fluffy it’s practically cotton candy.

_____

Sidney and I arrived at the church exactly on time, much to Lauren’s satisfaction, with two cars carrying Mario’s crew pulling in at the next moment. I closed the passenger door of Sidney’s steel grey Range Rover and turned to take in the sight of our wedding venue, Heinz Chapel on Pitt’s campus, reaching a hand up to shield my face from the early evening sun as I gazed. Sidney did the same, coming to stand next to me and snaking an arm around my torso.

“Not a bad place to get married, eh?” he teased, kissing the crown of my head. I smiled and shook my head. “I’ve dreamed of this since the moment I first saw this place,” I told him. “It’s perfect.”

He took a step forward, offered his hand to me and grinned, quite pleased that we had been able to reserve the coveted location last summer despite it typically being booked three or more years in advance. I didn’t often request many special favors in the name of my uncle or fiancé, but this was one that seemed a necessity. Taking Sidney’s hand and walking toward the cathedral-style landmark, I said a silent prayer of thanks that I’d gotten even more than what I always dreamed of, in so many ways.

My family and Sidney walked into the chapel to find his parents and our bridal party already mingling near the pews, excitement palpably buzzing beneath the magnificent arches and towering stained-glass windows that decorated the exquisite interior. As we stepped through the doors, they turned our way, and I let out an echoing, very French-Canadian-sounding, “Allooo!” making them all laugh.

I first greeted Troy, Trina, and Taylor with hugs and warm hellos. Sidney’s parents were staying at his former townhome on Mt. Washington, which previously served as his bachelor pad and now housed Taylor in light of her recent move to Pittsburgh. We had spent much quality time with the elder Crosbys since their arrival from Nova Scotia a few days ago, helping us with final preparations and enjoying each other’s company ahead of my official entrance into their family.

Both Trina and Nathalie had accompanied me earlier in the week to my final dress fitting and pickup appointment at the bridal boutique where I had selected my gown. Though my mother did plan to attend the wedding ceremony as a guest, she was uninterested in playing the traditional mother of the bride role and joining me for such commitments, which hadn’t surprised me but still stung sharply, especially when I was fastened into the gown and presented by the salon attendant to a waiting Trina and Nathalie.

Bitter tears pricked my eyes as I allowed myself to feel robbed of sharing that moment with my own mom. My sadness was quickly overcome, however, when the women, sensing my sadness, warmly embraced me and fawned over me, admiring the perfect fit of the gown, both becoming emotional when Nathalie tucked my headpiece and veil tenderly into my hair.

The three of us stared at my reflection in the mirror for a few moments as we let tears of many complicated emotions fall, with joy prevailing above them all. I couldn’t keep the enormous smile from my cheeks when Trina squeezed my shoulder and whispered, “Oh, sweetheart, just wait until Sidney sees you.”

Now, we were less than 24 hours away from that moment, with our bridal party and family bustling around us in the chapel.

As our officiant, Father Antonio, announced that we would be lining up for the rehearsal momentarily, Lauren approached me with a grin, extending a bouquet she had made of the countless ribbons and bows from my bridal shower gifts acquired a couple of months ago. I giggled at how cheesy yet adorable the arrangement looked, thanking her as we huddled at the back of the aisle with my bridesmaids and Sidney’s groomsmen.

“This place is a little beat up,” Nate MacKinnon, our best man, ribbed Sidney from between the two of us. “I don’t know why you guys picked this dump,” he added, pulling me to his side. Sidney shoved lightly at his chest before the two of them laughed and embraced.

“Yeah, the old barn in Cole Harbour was booked this weekend, so we kinda had to settle for the next best thing,” Sidney played into Nate’s teasing, as his longtime best friend Mike, also a Cole Harbour native, approached us.

“Kind of a shithole,” Nate whispered, earning a warning glance from me as Austin tried to hold in hysterical laughter. “You can’t say shit in church!” Austin forced out from under his breath. “Oh, we’re going straight to hell,” Mike commented softly. Sidney gave me an apologetic look and I smiled up at him.

“It’s fine. These are our people!” I said to him, flicking Nate’s elbow as I passed him. “Besides, we’ve already been living in sin,” I added, winking at Sidney. He gave me a look of mock disbelief and insisted, “No. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m a nice Catholic boy.” I giggled and pushed onto my tiptoes to kiss his cheek, which smelled of his fresh aftershave.

In addition to Nate, Mike, and Austin, we greeted Sidney’s other groomsmen as we prepared for the rehearsal — his current teammates Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin and former Penguin Marc-Andre Fleury. They had all graciously accepted the invitation by Sidney to play this special role in our day, with Geno flying in from Russia and Kris and Marc-Andre from Quebec.

Marc-Andre had brought a few other important components to our day along with him — not the least of which was his wife and my best friend, Veronique. She and I had first met when Sidney and I were only casually seeing each other, and she had predicted this wedding long, long ago. She had been one of our biggest cheerleaders since the day we met, and despite her and Marc’s eventual move to Las Vegas, the four of us remained the closest of friends, visiting each other when the men’s respective teams played and whenever else possible.

With Lauren as my maid of honor and Stephanie, Alexa, and Taylor as three of my other bridesmaids, my friend Jacqueline, a Pittsburgh transplant with Canadian roots whom I met while studying at Duquesne, rounded out my crew of six ladies who would stand by my side on this long-awaited day.

To up the cuteness factor, Sidney and I had selected Marc-Andre and Veronique’s daughters, Estelle and Scarlet, as our flower girls, with Geno’s son Nikita and Kris’s son Alex as our ringbearers. Nikita was still a bit young to understand his role, but grinned broadly when Sidney told him when they arrived just how important he was to our day. On the other hand, Kris told us that Alex had cried after his parents had asked him to be in our wedding, because, as much as he adored and was attached to Sid, Alex had been under the impression that I was his girlfriend, not Uncle Sidney’s.

Eventually, after Sidney and I made the rounds to greet them all, the entire bridal party was grouped together to begin the walk-through. The venue’s wedding planner wrangled the children as the priest noted that Sidney needed to leave my side to approach the front of the church alone, in preparation for his emergence from one of the side doors at the front of the sanctuary tomorrow.

Playful “oooh”’s erupted from our groomsmen, who teased Sid about having to pry himself away from my hip. Sidney rolled his eyes, nodding and smirking, before turning his full attention to me. He tucked some hair behind both of my ears before caressing my cheeks with his thumbs.

“You gonna be okay, Jules?” Sidney asked, eyes wider than normal as he searched mine carefully.

I knew he wasn’t asking if I would be alright once he left my side to stand twenty yards away for the next five minutes, but rather if I would be able to contain my emotions as Mario walked me down the aisle, even during a practice run, in place of my father.

We had talked about this specific part of our day a number of times, with Sidney even pondering aloud whether he should walk me down the aisle himself because walking with anyone except my dad felt impossible to me. His sweet dad had even offered to do so, should I desire. After each conversation, Sidney and I both kept arriving at the same conclusion — that the best and most appropriate plan of action was for Mario to give me away and also to join me for the traditional father-daughter dance at the reception.

I nodded, holding onto Sidney’s wrists. “Yeah,” I whispered. “I’ll be okay,” I promised. He nodded solemnly in return and kissed my forehead before pulling back with a wink.

“You can do this,” he encouraged. “I’ll see you up there.” I gave him my best smile as he turned and walked to the front of the chapel.

As our wedding party lined up in front of me to take their positions, Nate stopped me for one of his signature bear hugs, resting his chin on top of my head just for a moment before releasing me. The rest of our group squeezed my hands and rubbed my arms lovingly as I walked to the back door of the sanctuary where Mario waited, hands folded in front of his hips and a tentative smile on his features. He, too, gave me a sweet kiss on the forehead before holding my shoulders at arm’s length.

“Listen, princesse, it was one of the greatest honors of my life when you asked me to walk you down the aisle,” Mario said, soft enough that only I could hear. “But if you’ve changed your mind and would rather do this some other way, please, just say the word.” I shook my head and wrapped my arms around his waist just as the piano music began.

“No, you are exactly the person my dad would want doing this if he couldn’t,” I told him confidently. Mario let out a small exhale, and I could tell he was trying to remain composed. As we parted, he said, “Then let’s go make him proud.” He offered his arm to me and I wrapped my hands around it firmly, leaning my head into his shoulder briefly.

We watched pairs of our party head down the aisle toward Sidney and the priest at a relaxed pace: Jacqueline and Geno led off, followed by Veronique and Marc-Andre, Taylor and Kris, Alexa and Austin, Stephanie and Mike, and finally, Lauren and Nate. Alex walked down the aisle in a near-skip, holding a fake pillow very carefully just as his mother, our beautiful friend Catherine, had instructed him, with Nikita by his side mimicking his every move. Their fathers gave them thumbs up and everyone clapped lightly when they reached the end of the aisle.

Next, after a bit of prompting from both their parents at the front, Estelle and Scarlett followed the boys’ path, scattering fake rose petals in place of the real ones they would have tomorrow, earning their own quiet round of applause. As the children were seated at the ends of the front pews on either side, the music shifted, and our wedding planner turned and gave Mario and me the nod.

“Ready, Juliette?” he asked softly. My eyes traveled down the long red carpet in front of us to the steps where the love of my life stood centered in between our closest friends and family, waiting for me. He gave me a warm, adoring smile and at that moment, I felt my unease melt away, just as it always did when Sidney was near.

“I’m so ready,” I whispered.

[sailorbellewrites]

Fools Rush In... VIII

characters — yoongi x reader (ft. members of bts and other original characters)

summary — min yoongi, music executive and perpetual bachelor, marries a las vegas stripper he’s only known for six months. chaos ensues.

inspiration —  fools rush in (1997 rom-com starring salma hayek and matthew perry)

information — a drabble series loosely based on the 1997 movie fools rush in. drabbles not posted in any linear order and written as a creative writing outlet. 

warnings — mentions of sex work; age-difference; light sugar daddy themes; smut; light angst (specifically in parts V & VI).

I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII - IX - X - XI

VIII — latte (ft. various original characters)

You fucked up.

Or at least, you had made a very big mistake in coming to Kim Hana’s Sunday brunch. It was your first time at her biweekly event and you already wanted to go home. All of the women there were older, faces tight with botox and fillers as they ooh-ed and ahh-ed at one woman’s jewelry and another’s purse. They made surface level comments about politics and fashion and so-and-so’s son who was seen walking around Apgujeong with you-know-who’s daughter. It was mind numbing, but Hana ate it up in a way you didn’t fully understand. Yet, you couldn’t let yourself text Yoongi, couldn’t bear to see the disappointment on his face at you wanting to ditch. He had been doing so much for you recently, so adamant that he had to be sure he didn’t make a mistake in convincing you to marry him. There was nothing you could say to make him believe that you would follow him into an active volcano if he wanted. So you had to at least try.

Still, it’s hard to keep up the facade of a dutiful wife when Kim Hana yells out, “Oh, you’re finally here! I was thinking you’d never arrive! Please, come over. I have someone I want you to meet,” into your ear. The woman who just walked into the private area, lithe and pale with long dark hair, freezes briefly, seemingly unaccustomed to being spoken to so directly. She recovers quickly though, throwing on a blinding white smile as she saunters over to where you and Hana sit at the head of the table.

“Hello, Kim Hana. It’s nice to see you again,” the woman offers, bowing deeply to Hana as though they were worlds apart in the hierarchy that was this brunch.

“A pleasure to see you too. Choi Mina, might I introduce you to our friend Min Yoongi’s new wife? She’s such a doll,” Hana says, tone light despite the suggestiveness of her words. She would have been a great stripper in another life, with her ability to placate people even as she was readying for attack. 

“Oh,” Mina responds quietly, eyes trained on your seated form in a way that you were more than used to. Every woman Hana introduced to you had looked at you in the same exact way. She was sizing you up. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” you say, bowing your head to her slightly.

“I know this can be a bit strange, seeing as you two have been with the same man. But I actually think you guys have a lot in common and would be great friends,” Hana explains, eyes bright with an excitement that you suspect is rooted in her innate desire to make everyone else feel inferior. You end up glaring at Hana due to her words—of course, she’d find a way to bring you around one of Yoongi’s exes. With this new information, the weight of Mina’s stare increases. You hate it. “Ah, you should sit near us. There is so much to discuss.”

As it turns out, there isn’t much to discuss. You didn’t have a lot in common with Yoongi’s ex outside of you both being “dancers”. In fact, it’s hard to see what he would have seen in a professional ballerina who spent half of the year performing in Europe. She speaks in a soft voice, laughter ringing out like windchimes at every joke that was not so secretly told at your expense and she moves so gracefully that even the act of her chewing makes you feel like a slob. She has the type of polish Yoongi often said made him uncomfortable. But, as the conversation progresses, you find it hard to see what Yoongi has seen in you. It is made all too clear that women like Choi Mina and Kim Hana were the expectation for men with money and influence. You weren’t even good enough to qualify as an exception to the rule.

Your resolve weakens. You text Yoongi. Right as you put your phone down, Mina asks, “Your marriage to our Yoongi must have been recent right? I wasn’t even aware that he was dating someone.” A few women murmur in agreement at her observation.

You roll your eyes when she refers to him as “our Yoongi” and shrug. Hana answers for you, “He wasn’t dating someone last year! They rushed right to the altar. It’s incredible. They didn’t even have a wedding here. They got married in America!”

“Oh?” Mina says, a perfect act of curiosity. “Well, how long did you two date?”

Your phone lets out a long vibration as Yoongi’s picture flashes across the screen. Hana again answers for you, excitedly saying, “Only six months! Can you believe it? Namjoon and I didn’t even know he was dating anyone. He must have felt like he had something to hide, though I don’t know why.”

You pick up the phone, only to be greeted by his exasperated tone asking, “Which ex is there exactly?” 

The women continue talking about your relationship as though you aren’t there, but Kim Hana’s continued glances towards you lets you know that she is listening. Instead of answering his question outright, you say, “Hi honey,” in a voice far too sweet to be subtle. 

Yoongi sighs on the end of the line.“Is it the politician's daughter?” 

“Oh no, I’m having a great time! You don’t have to worry,” you respond, hoping he picks up on what you’re trying to say. You can hear a womea say how happy she is that Yoongi is finally sharing you with the world the way he used to in his other relationships.

“Okay… or is the ballerina?”

“Yes, that’s alright,” you answer, patience wearing thin.

“I’ll be there in ten minutes,” he responds, sounding sad. You feel sad too. You fucked up again.

The ten minutes pass by slowly and in that time, you learn several things. Yoongi and Choi Mina had been considering marriage before they broke up. They dated on and off for three years. It had been a rough breakup. Jimin did not like her. Namjoon did. Mina is now engaged to a professor in Nice. She will always have love Yoongi and hopes that he is happy with you. That last part sounds like a lie. 

The ‘I’m outside’ text you receive feels like someone just handed you a tank of oxygen. You take a deep breath, keeping calm as you explain to the women that your husband had to pick you up early due to another appointment. The excuse seems to appease most of them, though Mina insists that she walk you outside so she can say hello to her “dear old Yoongi.”

Your husband sits behind the wheel of his car, paying no attention to his surroundings as he taps away on his cell phone. You feel tension melt from your shoulders as you open the passenger door, sliding inside even though he doesn’t acknowledge your presence. Mina helps you close your door, sticking her face in the open window to say, “Hello Min Yoongi!”

“Hi Choi Mina,” he murmurs, not looking up from his phone. 

She is undeterred. “It’s been quite a while since we have seen each other.”

“It has,” he answers, before cussing softly under his breath and angrily throwing the phone in the empty cup. Mina’s eyes widen at his actions, making you giggle. You knew Yoongi wasn’t really angry, just irritated—nothing that would cause the concern the ballerina was showing.

“I just wanted to tell you that your wife is lovely. Truly, we all couldn’t take our eyes off her. You really picked a winner,” she states diplomatically, playing her part well. 

Yoongi finally looks up at her, eyes bored as he moves to rest a hand on your thigh. “You really think so? I think she’s kind of awful,” he says darkly, though the pads of his fingers rub small circles onto the skin of your thigh. You try to scoff at his words, but it transforms into a quiet laugh. “She’s cute enough I guess, but I wouldn’t call her lovely. I mean she’s not a ballet dancer or anything. Just a stripper. And she spends all my money, too. I don’t even think we would be together if I was broke.” The ballerina’s mouth drops open in shock at his words and you press your lips together hard to stop from laughing. After three years of dating and so much supposed love between them, she should have been able to tell when Yoongi was joking; but it was clear she had no idea. 

“Min Yoongi, that’s no way to talk about the woman you married! If you are having a bad day, you do not take it out on others,” she chides, turning her head to you finally. “I’m so sorry he is being this way with you. I hope his actions don’t stop you from coming to the next brunch and that he cleans up this act!” Mina bows her head to you slightly before turning swiftly and heading back inside the restaurant.

You let out a deep sigh and Yoongi squeezes your thigh gently. “Thanks for playing along,” he tells you sincerely. You shrug, but he continues, “Not just with Mina, you know. I mean with this whole… thing.”

“It was just brunch. No need to thank me.”

“It was a brunch with my ex present. That’s just… not right.”

“Yoongi, it’s okay. You wanted me to go, so I went. I’m just sorry that I made you pick me up early.” 

He clicks his tongue at you in disbelief, removing his hand from your thigh to put the car in drive and pull away from the curb. He is silent for a few minutes, leading you to believe that he has accepted your lies until he says, “I didn’t want you to go. Namjoon suggested it. I knew you wouldn’t have a good time, but he insisted that you might make some friends.” 

You hum quietly at his words, wondering if that’s who he was texting when you first got in the car. “So you’re not mad that I left early?”

He shakes his head. “I’m surprised you didn’t ask to leave earlier. I was waiting for you to call for hours.”

Your heart swells at his admission. He knows you well. “Yoongi?”

“Yes?”

“I love you.” He nods in acknowledgement of your words, but says nothing. You try again. “You make me happy.” He reaches a hand over the center console to grab your own, a small smirk resting on his lips as he continues to stare ahead. “I’m happy I’m here with you.” 

“I love you, too,” he finally responds. You know he believes you. 

[lov3nerdstuff]

Fallen

*Loki x reader*

Chapter: 1/?

Words: 3k

Imagine: You go on a more or less involuntary roadtrip with Loki after he finds you lost in Grand Canyon. With the Avengers AND the police chasing you, you are forced to trust each other in ways neither of you could've imagined.

Genre: little angsty, but lots of fluff 💗

Two days ago, Steve Rogers had decided that every member of the silly little team he called Avengers was in need of a serious break and distraction from the daily life of a superhero, as he obviously deemed himself one. Loki had rolled his eyes at him, thinking that no one would actually take the idea seriously. The soldier always had the most mundane ideas, and thus in Loki's opinion also the most boring ones. 

But unfortunately for the god, Tony, Thor and Natasha had been rather fond of the idea and since no one wanted to leave Loki alone at their headquarters, they made him come along on a roadtrip through the national parks. 

First, Loki had simply ignored their attempts to convince him to come along, but as Thor had threatened to have Loki sent off to a high security prison during the other's absence he finally agreed to come along. At least he could wander off to his own liking during the trip, as long as he kept coming back when the time had come. 

They left very early in the morning. Every member of the team who desired to tag along was kindly invited by Tony to let him take care of everything and just enjoy the trip. They flew from New York to Las Vegas with one of the private jets, and continued from there on.

So when Loki was sitting in one of the luxurious cars Tony had rented for them, he dared to protest for the first time since the threat his brother had spoken the night before.

"This is ridiculous." He stated quietly. "Going places takes ages when you drive this slowly."

"Oh, it speaks!" Steve mocked the god, his eyes fixed on the road and Tony's car going before them. For the time being, they had agreed to convoy-drive to their first hotel. Tony and his family were in the car ahead, followed by Steve, Thor, Loki and Bucky in the second vehicle. The rest had also brought their families and were each driving in their own car behind them. Another stupid idea the soldier has had… small cars so that everyone could discover the nature 'at their own pace'. Loki snorted. 

"Maybe you would like to drive then?" Thor groaned. "Since you keep complaining about Steve's driving…" 

"We're not letting him drive!" Bucky quickly interjected, earning a mean side glance from Loki.

"It's not him I'm complaining about, it's the car! These things are slower than walking for all I know!" He crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked out of the window.

"Maybe you'd like to walk then?" Steve asked in a manner that clearly suggested that he wouldn't be having this conversation for much longer.

"I would very much appreciate that, actually!" Loki snorted.

"Stop it. Loki you're staying with us even if you hate it. This will be fun! We can enjoy this trip like every other family." Thor's reflection in the mirror smiled at Loki, who just rolled his eyes and remained quiet for the rest of the drive. This would be one hell of a trip, rather literally. Loki dreaded the sun and the heat… going to Grand Canyon National Park, to him, felt like his own personal hell. Only yet did he not know that right there, he would meet a fallen angel. 

You were sitting on the end of a cliff one late afternoon, your feet dangling over the edge. The sun burned so strongly that you were eternally grateful for the little shade the few trees behind you provided. But going to the truly shadowy areas would mean going to the tourists and you wanted to avoid that at any cost. Not only were they annoying and loud, they also mistreated and polluted the environment in the most gruesome ways. Also, you couldn't risk that one of them recognized you, your picture being all over the news. Yes, you were on the run, not for something you did, but something you didn't do. If someone reported seeing you, all hope would be lost and you couldn't bear the thought of that. 

It had been three months since you had left everything behind and ran for good, heading to New York for now. Sometimes you'd hitchhike, sometimes climb into the back of trucks or trunks.

But it was needless to say that you were exhausted. Always watchful, always moving, always afraid to get caught. 

For now you were resting a little before continuing your journey, hiding far enough off the beaten tracks to be on your own but close enough to find someone who'd take you further east later on. Maybe there would be some guy or girl you could charm into letting you come along. Maybe they'd even give you some food if you asked nicely, but you wouldn't straight out ask. For now, you patiently waited for nightfall.

"You want to do what?!" Tony asked incredulously right after they had eaten their early dinner at their hotel.

"I want to go out into the canyon and see the nature. You said that's what we came here for after all." Loki responded calmly, looking Tony right in the eye. The man of iron couldn't intimidate him in the slightest.

"But it's dark, you can't see anything! You could just as well sit in your room and turn the lights off." Tony argued, earning him an eye roll both from Loki and Pepper, who sat next to him.

"You guys already forced him to come here with us, maybe you should at least grant him this one wish." She said gently, placing a hand on Tony's arm.

Loki frowned, shooting her a glance out of the corners his eyes. He was quite suspicious of the redhead, though he disliked her a little less than the rest of the team. She seemed not utterly displeased with him being here, that was a start.

"Geez, do you want to take him to the canyon at this time of night?" Tony whined, turning to Pepper with a sigh, then to Thor. "He's your brother, why don't you take him?" 

Thor shrugged, rising his hands in defense. "Can't we just let him drive on his own? I mean, the cars have GPS and obviously none of us is in the mood to drive him there."

"Does he even know how to drive?" Tony grumbled, already sensing that this was a bad idea. 

"I'm right here, in case you didn't notice. But why talk to me when you can talk to my brother…" Loki rolled his eyes. "Obviously I can drive. I'm a god, you puny human."

Tony frowned and looked at Thor. "If he goes missing or anyone in this darn state gets killed tonight, I swear I will make you responsible for his actions." 

Thor sighed, then looked at Loki who was as stoic and slightly bored as ever. "Don't make me regret this, brother…" He said quietly and Tony made Steve hand over the keys of their shared car. 

"What's he gonna do? Drive around and sing along to sad love songs?" Bucky laughed from down the table when he noticed the ongoings.

"Probably getting us all killed somehow…" Steve muttered. 

"Seriously? Does not a single one of you trust me?" The feigned hurt in Loki's voice made Thor snort.

"No." Steve, Bucky, Natasha and Tony answered in unison. 

Loki ignored them, grabbed the keys from the table and his leather jacket from his chair and was off without another word. 

"Be back by midnight or you're grounded!" Tony called after him, earning hearty laughter from the rest of the group, but Loki kept on walking without showing any reaction. As he got in the car, he wondered if trying to escape would be worth it. Where should he go? And for what reason? People in every part of the universe despised and distrusted him… maybe, just maybe if he just tried harder with his brother's friends they would stop mocking him and maybe, one day, even trust him. 

But who was he kidding? He had tried his whole life to be enough and to be liked. Where had it gotten him?

He left the parking lot and drove towards the canyon, probably speeding, but he didn't really care. There was no one on the streets he could harm, except for himself. If he would just drive off one of the cliffs… to fake his death once again? Or did he really want to die this time? He didn't know and he couldn't focus on it right now. Loki's mind was busier than the New York streets during Christmas holidays.

Once he had driven far into the nature, he parked the car on the side of a small, dark road and got out, locking it out of habit. If Stark knew how often Loki took one of his cars and drove to the city to grab a coffee or to find a quiet spot in the nature around New York, he'd have defenestrated him long ago.

Now, out here in the darkness and all alone, he could finally breathe again. His mind slowed down the pondering and he could actually enjoy the view. It was gorgeous out here, empty and rather chilly now that the sun had gone. Lost in the beauty of the nature and his own thoughts, he sauntered off the labeled paths. Rules are made to be broken after all.

For quite a while he enjoyed the solemnity of the quiet walk in solitude. That was until he sensed the presence of someone else.

Without a sound he materialized his daggers and walked on, all his senses on high alert for what was to come.

Meanwhile, you had just woken up from a much needed nap. "Fuck…" You mused to yourself once you looked at your watch, realizing that most tourists must have left already at this time of night. You had just wanted to close your eyes for a few minutes, but ended up sleeping for four hours. Groaning, you put on your way too large fleece jacket, hoping to warm back up quickly. Then you shoved your stuff into your backpack and stood up, taking a final look at the breathtaking view in front of you. 

Suddenly you felt a cold blade being pressed against your throat from behind you. Surprised, you let out a little yelp.

"Who are you? And who sent you?" An incredibly smooth voice asked from very close behind your ear, in such a threatening manner that it made you shudder a little.

"I'm no one." You breathed in a tone as calm as you could manage. "If you wouldn't mind, please consider removing that dagger from my throat. I'm no threat to anyone. If you want to arrest me, please feel free to do so without weapons, as I am not armed myself."

You could feel the stranger behind you freeze, obviously considering your overly polite request. Then the blade vanished from your throat.

That gave you more than enough time to turn around, draw your own blade and point it at the stranger's throat in return. The moment you saw him, you gasped again, but forced yourself to keep calm for now.

"Never trust a stranger you meet in the dark." You whispered.

Not even a second later another blade came shooting up to your throat, so quickly that you couldn't even give any reaction. 

"Who said I did?" He answered and you could both see and hear him smirk. 

His smile drew you in and you found yourself staring at the handsome stranger's face once more. He was quite gorgeous, with a sharp jawline and high cheekbones. His eyes almost seemed to radiate their own light, even though you were sure it was just the moonlight reflecting in them. His black hair hung loosely around his face, softly curling at the end. The whole glory of his appearance caught you off guard.

But he also seemed more than a little taken aback by you.

"You're not a cop." You said calmly, lowering your knife and putting it safely back onto your pockets.

The stranger snorted and also lowered his dagger, but it seemed to vanish rather than be put away. You frowned, assuming that the adrenaline was doing wicked things to your mind.

"I'm probably the one thing furthest away from a cop." He said calmly. "I'm Loki."

"Loki as in… New-York-Attacks Loki?" You asked, raising an eyebrow.

He rolled his eyes and sighed. "Why does everyone keep bringing that up…" 

"Well, I'd say because they know nothing else about you. They have a version of your story in their heads and no one ever attempted to tell them that they are wrong." You shot him a small smile. Somehow, you weren't afraid of him. Rather on the contrary, you felt comfortable in his presence.

"You believe they are wrong in believing I'm a criminal and dangerous?" He frowned, crossing his arms in front of his chest. He was wearing a black leather jacket with a green sweater underneath, combined with casual suit pants. An odd, yet fitting mix.

"Oh, I very much believe you are dangerous, probably more than anyone else on this planet right now. And you are a criminal, by law. But so am I, that doesn't say anything about you really." You answered confidently. "But I think that they're missing half of the story. I mean… after Thanos and all, it was quite obvious that you weren't really to blame for the attack. If you ask me, I assume that he somehow forced you to do it. But what do I know…"

Loki watched you curiously. It was rare that people ever bothered to question common truths, especially if they concerned him. 

"Who are you?" He finally asked, utterly intrigued by you, but hiding it very well.

"I'm Y/N." You answered, not bothering to try to lie to the literal god of lies. "I hope you've never heard of me."

"Indeed I haven't." He smirked, eyeing you up and down. "Tell me, Y/N… What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?" 

"Sit down with me for a while and I might just tell you." You winked, getting the blanket you had just stowed away in your bag back out and placing it at the edge of the cliff. Then you sat down, looking up at him expectantly.

He let out a small laugh. "You're quite comfortable in my presence." He noted as he indeed sat down, as far away from you as the blanket would allow.

"Why wouldn't I be?" You asked sincerely, blinking at him. The clouds which had covered most of the sky up until now disappeared, leaving the open sky's starry landscape exposed. The moon was just bright enough for you to be able to see Loki on the other end of the blanket.

"Most people are afraid of me. Or at least they do not trust me." He laughed, but you could tell he didn't find it funny at all. For someone so complex, you found him quite easy to read.

"Well, you had the chance to kill me, I had the chance to kill you, we didn't do it, so now I'm pretty sure we're not gonna kill each other any time soon." You shrugged. "And I don't have to trust you to be nice to you, I guess… you didn't do anything to earn my mistrust nor my trust and neither did I."

A small smile played on Loki's lips as he watched you, his elbows resting on his knees. He didn't know why, but he had taken an immediate liking to you. You were so different than the people he was normally surrounded by, so fierce and confident. But he could tell there was more to you than this facade you put on. Being able to see through people was something he was used to, but usually he didn't deem them interesting enough to actually try and find out more about them. And there was no way he'd actually open up to people and let them read him.

With you, however, he felt his control slip and his facade breaking down ever so slowly. It both frightened and excited him that you were able to cause such a reaction within him in the few minutes you had talked.

"So… what are you doing out here? I mean… aren't there some superhero duties or something you gotta attend to?" You leaned your head to the side and smiled at him.

"What makes you believe I'm the hero and not the villain?" Loki questioned in return with a smirk playing on his lips. The moonlight suited him, you though.

"Every villain is a hero in his own mind." You simply replied, turning his smirk into a small smile before it vanished completely.

"But seriously, why are you here?" You asked once more, less forward and a lot quieter. There was absolutely no reason for him to answer to you, and you knew that he could leave you in an instant if he desired so, but it was worth a shot.

"I came out here to finally be able to breathe again." He responded just as calmly, his eyes searching for something he couldn't quite grasp within your own.

"I know what you mean…" You sighed and laid down on your back, looking up at the stars above you. "Sometimes the only company one can bear is that of oneself. Leaving the desolation of social life behind you and simply run."

Loki remained sitting where he was and watched you as you gazed upon the stars. There was so much truth in your words, he didn't doubt for a second that you knew exactly how he felt. Had felt that way as well. Maybe, you were just as broken as he was.

"And why are you here?" He finally asked, tearing his eyes away from you. If you kept on being the kindest and most intriguing creature he'd ever met, he didn't know how to save himself from falling.

And fall he would.

A.N.:

Do you guys want a second part? ;) Let me know if you wanna be tagged!

Part 2 Part 3

Tags:

@its-remy-not-ratatouille @waiting-for-motivation @oceans-deep-ice

[bigskydreaming]

For the fic ask meme, 4, 16, 24, or 28

I will answer 16 now, because No Reason, Just Whimsy, but stay tuned as I’ll probably end up answering 4, 24 and 28 at some point anyway, because like. No Reason, Just Whimsy. *Shrugs*

16.  If you only could write one pairing for the rest of your life, which pairing would it be?

I can’t tell you, see, because I would simply make that one pairing endgame and everything else leading up to it like, contain all the other ships I could not bear to be without. (Hahahaha this is why I could never be a romance author, I can not abide by the rules of HEA or HFN in relationship stories to save my LIFE). So, y’know, SPOILERS.

No but also I’m completely aware that this is cheating and not the point of the question. But I can not choose though, that is the point, like, have you met me? I am the original poster child for ADHD. I’m THAT old.

So instead I will simply say that in the realm of Teen Wolf, Scanny is very very very important to me, which like, surprises no one. But also I would still fight someone who tried to take either Scira or Scallison from me, I remain obnoxiously fond of Scackson’s potential, and I’m still out here being like, the sole Scosh (Scott/Josh Diaz) shipper in all the land, I’m pretty sure, lmfao. 

And I mean, also there’s Scyle, of course. I could never give up the Scyle.

As far as Marvel goes, like, I am going to be riding the high of Bobby/Christian being canon for quite some time, as anyone who has known me long knows that I have been shipping this ship since Christian was first introduced and then written offstage like two issues later….seventeen years ago.

(I have a lot of issues with straight writers making gay characters’ gay-specific tragedies and traumas like….someone ELSE’S angsty back story, while they themselves are just shuffled off the page and considered irrelevant. For those who don’t know, Christian is Emma Frost’s gay older brother who she adored and when their father had Christian institutionalized against his will because he was gay, this was what made Emma break away from the rest of her family for good and set her on the road to becoming the White Queen of the Hellfire Club. 

And then, despite like, this being life-defining for her, not a single writer in the next fifteen damn years ever thought to ask themselves…..hmmm, why would Emma Frost, one of the most powerful telepaths in the world and someone whose personal morality in no way makes her above using those powers, her wealth or Hellfire resources however she damn well pleases in the name of protecting herself, those she cares about, and advancing her agendas…..why would this woman who has never let anything stand in the way of what she cares about before like….simply just…never once in all the years since she was a teenager think to herself….hmm, what if I simply go to the institution where my beloved brother is kept against his will, and just…..made them release him?)

So, aside from always thinking Bobby/Christian would be a great ship with amazing potential given Bobby’s unique history and dynamic with Christian’s sister and the fact that Christian shares a lot of the same traits, backstory and other elements that make Emma an amazing and multi-faceted character and he’s just been sitting there in Limbo for fifteen years with all this untapped potential just waiting to be mined….

I’m always going to be gleeful about this ship and with a special fondness for Sina Grace for bringing Christian back from comic book Limbo and laying the foundation for this ship, like, just because like……I feel its long overdue and the only way to ACTUALLY make anything decent out of the bullshit that was mining his oppression for the sake of another character’s angst: by finally giving HIM the chance to be a character who is affected by all that, developed and moved forward from all of that, is the FOCUS of all that…..and even more importantly, now after being left offscreen for fifteen years by writers who considered his narrative nothing more than tragic filler….he finally has a chance to be an example of a gay character who gets to come BACK from all of that and move FORWARD from it, and like…find healing and happiness with another character, like Bobby.

So Bobby/Christian is actually hugely important to me for a variety of reasons, especially right now since this is all just happening recently, and I will love them forever and in defiance of the inevitable bullshit some future writer pulls that will piss me the hell off. Y’know, just going off of Vegas odds or whatever.

Aside from Bobby/Christian I’ve also always had a weakness for Bobby/Johnny Storm because they are the most iconic ice and fire characters out there and I am basically twelve. I also have blogged at length in the past about all the reasons I’m a huge fan of Bobby/Bishop and not just because their ship name would make them a literal bop. Again, I refer you to the thing where I’m basically twelve. But yeah, there’s a whole history there where when Bishop first came back into the past and met the X-Men who’d all been legends in his time, he kinda fanboyed a little over Bobby because of Bobby’s future legend, and then was kinda like….oh, that’s it? about him once he got to know Bobby and Bishop became like, the physical embodiment of underwhelmed. 

And ever since then Bobby’s always low key been like, a hyper-active puppy around Bishop, like, trying not to SEEM like he cares an awful lot about whether or not he’s managed to impress Bishop but because he can’t be subtle to save his life, mostly just coming across as “am I living up to the hype now? how about now? am I legendary NOW? What about now?” and I dunno. Its just kinda cute and a fairly unique dynamic, and Bishop has this deliberately bland, blink and you miss it sense of humor with the right writers and that I’ve always thought has a ton of potential for him to be privately amused by this tendency of Bobby’s, enough that he’s unwilling to confess to him that Bobby actually earned his respect years ago by this point, and he just doesn’t want to let Bobby know because then he’d stop. 

And then in terms of DC, I’ve posted a lot a lot a loooooooooot about my love for Dick/Kory in canon, and how they - and by extension we - were robbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbed, and if DC doesn’t give me my canon Mar’i and Jake Grayson one of these days, I don’t care if they have to import them from another universe and then have this universe’s Dick and Kory awkwardly try to co-parent them while living their own lives separately before finally coming back together and falling in love all over again and then becoming a single united family unit forever and ever in the most ridiculously complicated comic book version of the Parent Trap ever, like…..

I can’t even think of an over-exaggerated threat creative enough to convey just how badly I want and need this, DC, give it to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee plzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

And then also, I’ve actually posted a lot a lot a loooooooooooot (though not in a few years, probably, so those posts are all super old, lol) about how I think Kyle and Donna are a criminally under-rated canon couple and were actually really really good together because they went through so much together and Kyle literally grew so much as a character specifically on the things Donna called him out for the first time they dated, like, literally so he could be BETTER, and then with how anticlimactically they ended...because the thing is, they never actually even broke up! It was this thing where like, when Donna went to LA with Kyle for his high school reunion and to literally MEET HIS MOM, like HELLO, that is not a basic relationship step, that is Advanced Dating, like…..that is where they were at in their relationship when Donna literally got the call then and there that her ex-husband and her son had just died in a car accident. 

And Donna was devastated of course, and Kyle was devastated too - for her, and also in his own way, because he’d adored Robert and like, there were these issues where they were super cute and took him to the zoo together and Kyle was bonding with him and just like, melting over this kid, and Robert and Terry were killed by a drunk driver, and like, there was a later story where Kyle just went apeshit on this drunk driver he encountered because he had all these repressed feelings about Robert’s death and how it had hurt Donna and he’d made sure not to show any of that to her or even let on that he hurt for Robert’s loss in his own way, because he didn’t want to make it about him, he KNEW better…

And anyway, the point is…they never actually broke up in the sense of either of them at any point being all, oh we no longer love each other or think this can work, we need to end it. Instead, Donna said that she needed to take some time away from Kyle and everyone else and just…come to terms with what she’d lost and figure out who she even was now in the wake of that….and Kyle totally understood, didn’t argue or try and change her mind, he just said take as much time as you need, I’ll be here when you’re ready, and oh btw, here’s this lantern construct of a locket that I want you to keep because as long as it exists you’ll know that a part of me is still thinking about you and wanting you to be happy, wherever that is.

And then like…..less than a year later, DC did their super weird Dark Angel story where Donna was erased from reality and then had to be ‘recreated’ from Wally’s memories, and for awhile just existed in the form and identity she’d been recreated from, which was based entirely on what Wally knew of her and thought and felt about her, and so there were huge gaps in her identity where she was missing stuff she should have known but didn’t now because WALLY didn’t know about it.

Such as how when Donna met Kyle’s subsequent sorta-girlfriend Jade some time later - I say sorta because she and Kyle were still figuring things out at that stage, and Jenny-Lynn in part didn’t know if she wanted to actually get into a relationship with him because she thought he was still in love with Donna - well anyway, when Donna and Jenny-Lynn met in a later issue and she said all this to Donna, Donna reassured her not to worry about it, she was reading more into it than actually existed because she and Kyle had never been that serious anyway. 

Which. SCREECH! Brakes please. HOLD UP. 

Like, I’m sorry JAY FAERBER YES I REMEMBER IT WAS YOU WHO WROTE THAT ISSUE UGGGGGH, but like, in what UNIVERSE is “dated, broke up, then got back together later because she thought Kyle had matured a ton since they first tried dating and now they were so much stronger as a couple that she oh I dunno, introduced him to her son and they went on playdates together, went with him to meet his mom, had a never-vanishing lantern locket construct that signified just how much he would always love her” uh…..’never been that serious anyway’? I’m. What? Does not compute.

BUT WHATEVER.

LOL. Anyway, point is, so things like that actually make sense when you factor in the role Wally’s memories and perspective played in who Donna literally WAS for awhile (and the understandable existential crises she went through as a result). But like, at the point in time when Kyle and Donna were most serious, Kyle was still fairly removed from a lot of the rest of the DC universe, he wasn’t a core member of the JLA yet and usually operated independently, and he and Wally were NOT close at all yet, let alone friends….in fact, for as long as Donna and Kyle dated, Wally pretty much still actively hated and resented Kyle for just existing, since he’d always been close with Hal since he was a kid and Hal was his Uncle Barry’s BFF-and-homosexual-life-partner-in-all-but-name. 

Like, it was only after Kyle became one of the core JLA alongside Wally that the two of them finally worked out their mutual antagonism and became friends, but before that, Wally was NOT shy about expressing he hated this new GL guy and wanted nothing to do with him, even though it was for unfair reasons, sooooo……like, its not really that shocking that even though Wally and Donna are two of each other’s oldest friends and super tight, like, he was never going to be the friend she called up to let him know how great things were going with her and Kyle these days, lol, y’know?

So it makes sense that when Donna was first magically reconstituted thanks to Wally’s memories/view of her (btw, this was because Wally was out of phase with reality and was in the Speed Force at the precise moment that Donna was erased from reality by the Dark Angel’s magic, and that’s why he alone remembered her and was the template for undoing what the Dark Angel had done). But anyway, it makes sense that she would for a time have had very little memory or even knowledge of her and Kyle’s prior relationship, and basically just know/remember what little Wally actually knew of it. So from her perspective then, it could very well have seemed that they were never that serious, and everyone but Kyle like….kinda just nodded and figured okay, you would know after all, and just…..everyone ended up walking away with the idea that they were just this brief fling and neither had ever had strong feelings for each other, let alone love.

The problem I’ve always had is that eventually Donna DID regain her full memories and her own sense of self, and like….she was Donna again, through and through, existing as she always had without being limited to just Wally’s view or memory of her.

Soooo, at THAT point, she should have been perfectly aware of what her and Kyle’s relationship had ACTUALLY looked like, in its entirety, and I mean, I can understand them not getting back together at that point. It’d been years, they both were in very different places, Kyle had eventually gotten together with Jade after it was expressed by Donna herself that there was no reason not to, given that its not like they were ever that serious….so by the time Donna herself would have realized otherwise, I can totally understand her feeling that the moment had passed for them, that Kyle had moved on (just as Kyle had only ‘moved on’ once he felt there was no longer a chance of them returning to what they were). Like, all of that is super weird and complicated even by ridiculous comic book soap opera standards, so I mean….lol, how do you even BEGIN that conversation, y’know?

Buuuuuut, it just kinda sucks that at no point after that Faerber issue has any later writer ever had either Donna or Kyle discuss their previous relationship(s) in terms of what it ACTUALLY was, for BOTH of them, rather than just this trivial, ancient history fling that neither had ever been super invested in….even though for several years in the nineties they were one of THE major hero couples in comic books.

So. Yeah. As evidenced, I have a lot of unresolved Donna and Kyle feelings lol.

And then of course, there are and always will be my epic “OMG DICK AND KYLE COULD BE THE GREATEST SHIP AND END ALL THE SHIPS LIKE COULD YOU EVEN IMAGINE” feelings, but like. That’s a thirty pound tome in and of itself, so. Like. Just picture the two of them standing staring soulfully into each other’s eyes and then me, creepily fixated on them twenty feet away, chin propped up on my hands and going awwwwwwww while my own eyes like, sparkle anime style but also are the heart-eyes motherfucker meme at the same time.

[dyketectivecomics]

Little Miss Moonbeam

Ch 2 - Good Intentions

(Read on ao3 or below!)

Summary: Zatanna and Diana unpack some things together. Tensions continue to build with our main trio.

...

Diana’s hand gripped the door handle as the magician took a harsh turn. The desert air was dry, but considerably cooler now that the sun had vanished beyond the horizon. She was grateful she had the foresight to braid her hair back beforehand, the wind whipping around them with a fury she hadn’t seen in quite some time.

The porsche did not strike the amazon as the best option, but she soon learned, Zatanna wanted nothing more than the speed it provided. Though the flashiness of the vehicle didn’t seem to hurt, either.

“I swear, every cop is a moron,” the magician grumbled, pushing her shades on top of her head, “First that one idiot assuming the worst. Then all that damn time wasted trying to confirm statements. Not a single one taking initiative to check traffic cameras until I asked-”

“You know when to trust your instincts,” Diana interjected, “You’ve learned to listen to your intuition.”

Zatanna gave a derisive snort. “Helps when you’ve got some clairvoyance in your tool belt.”

“And you’re not worried... How it looks now that you’ve disappeared just as quickly-”

“Didn’t you know, Di?” the magician smiled knowingly, an ironic gesture rather than something that came from a place of genuine happiness, “Cops can’t do shit about missing persons cases.”

Diana side-eyed the mystic, noticing her clenched jaw, the stronger grip on the wheel.

“You speak from experience,” she ventured, “Because of your father.”

Her knuckles were nearly white from how hard she gripped the wheel. The magician seemed to catch herself, taking a deep breath and purposefully loosening that grip.

“It brought up a lot of bad memories,” she admitted carefully. “But I can’t worry about that now. Not when…” She shook her head, and wiped a hand at her face. “We need to focus on what we know. Their vehicle needed maintenance, and that gave us confirmation of what type of car they’re in-”

“The waitress at the diner was able to give us better descriptions of the women,” Diana reminded her, “They’re memorable, Zee. They won’t get far.”

Zatanna’s grip tightened again before she accelerated. “They better pray they don’t.”

Diana hummed, a thoughtful sound, turning her eyes away from the road and to the clear skies above them. It was like an inky sea of navy, freckled with an array of constellations. She could name every one without a second thought, but tried to enjoy their natural beauty alone. It had only been a few days ago, afterall, that she was out there among them.

The magician broke this introspection with another thought.

“There was something about their whole… demeanor, though,” she sighed, “In the security footage. They so familiar but- Oh god dammit!”

“What is it? What’s wrong?” 

“Raven ran away,” Zatanna laughed, “She doesn’t want to be found.”

The amazon smiled, the pieces clicking into place. “She doesn’t want us to know who she’s with. She messed with that footage with her magic.”

~*~*~*~*~

Harley fondly recalled the look on Pam’s face now to be all too similar to the one she made when the clown had first driven their rental car up to the hotel to pick her up. It was the same face that she’d seen a million times before. When she accidentally tripped an alarm during a heist. When she picked the wrong target to put under their feminine wiles for a night on the town. When she picked something positively ridiculous for disguises, or even for leisure.

It was a face that she decided to interpret as ’I’m a little disappointed, but I love you’.

It was all in that contrast of how her eyes seemed even more tired of Harley’s antics than usual, but that little quirk of her mouth into something that was trying so desperately to not be a smile or smirk. Something that outright melted as the botanist took a deep breath, and sighed.

This time, however, it had been brought on by a simple confession. Also regarding that same rental car.

“I, uhhhh, locked the keys in the car.”

Now, had this been one of their usual go-tos, a convertible of one kind or another, this kind of confession may not have been nearly so damning. This rental car, however, was one of the few times that the former psychologist had decided to go against their usual tastes. As soon as Ivy relented on road-tripping back to Gotham, all bets were off. Harley had her heart and her mind set on the perfect car for such a trip.

A Volkswagen Type 2 Bus, in nothing less than cherry red.

(‘To match you, Red!’)

Ivy had complained initially about there being too much room, and how they didn’t need all of the extra space. Right up until Harley gently reminded her of all the souvenirs they had planned on collecting along the way, as well as hitchhikers they needed to sucker into helping them keep up appearances.

That particular problem seemed to vanish, however, the moment that they serendipitously ran into Zatanna’s ward, and had decided to take her under their care.

Yet here they were, not even beginning their trip, and running into trouble!

“Harley-�� Oh no, it was starting. The former psychiatrist immediately started shaking her head and waving her hands before herself. Ready to go on the defensive.

“Oh, please don’t start, Red. Can we berate me on the road? After we fix this? Please-”

“Hey, I can-” Raven failed to interrupt them as they continued on.

“We haven’t even been married an hour. I’m not going to fight you, Harls. And I’m not mad-”

“Just disappointed! An’ you know that’s always a million times worse!”

“Uh, I can-” the girl tried to interrupt once more, before Ivy cut her off.

“You know I love you, Harley-”

“Guys-”

“Pam-a-love, I can see that not-so-cute ’but’ coming from a mile away. An’ I don’t like the looksa’ it-”

“-But-”

“La-la-la!” Harley covered her ears with her hands immediately and sang until she felt a small finger jab into her side. “Ow!”

She looked down to see Raven holding the keys up, a small cartoon bear dangling angrily on the keychain.

“Can we go now?” she asked as she shoved the keys towards the rogues. “Mom and Dad made me work on small-scale portals by fetching keys just like this. Now can we please get this show on the road?”

Ivy snatched the keys from her hands as Harley snickered, “That phrase something you pick up from your mom, I take it?”

She smiled wider as the girl’s face went flush with embarrassment, and threw an arm over the kid’s shoulders. “It’s clever, though. The quip, and the trick. Keep this up, and we might make a sidekick outta you yet!”

“We don’t need sidekicks,” the botanist sighed as she started the car, “I am not adding child endangerment to my rap sheet any time soon.”

“What do you call fighting Batgirl and Robin, then?” Raven said.

“Oh-ho! She’s got us there, Red!” Harley laughed, “A little Ray-Ray of sunshine, we got here. Say, kid, you want the first pick of the radio? There’s one station here in Vegas…”

As she listed off a few suggestions and made enough small talk on her own to account for her companions’ near-silence, Harley had the sneaking suspicion that this would be a long start to a memorable trip.

~*~*~*~*~

“How is that even possible?” Diana asked. 

“Could be a glamour spell she’s placed over them. It’s always easier to make slight changes than to give someone an entirely new face. The effect is… like when you’re watching a show but can’t quite place where you’ve seen the actor before. But…”

“But?”

Zatanna sighed, her left hand lifting off the wheel as she rested her elbow against the door, head resting against her fist now.

“I never taught her those kinds of spells. And I thought John and I had an understanding. It’s why I didn’t want her to go back to him after the tour is over.”

“So your fight-”

“It wasn’t just about him,” she said, shaking her head. “There was… a lot that was brought up. But it wasn’t just about John. I’ve told her before that our relationship is complicated-”

Diana laughed, a scoffing sound, as she shook her own head this time. 

“But have you ever asked her about it before, Zatanna? How can you be sure she understands?”

The magician grew very quiet.

~*~*~*~*~

“Harleen Frances Isley-Quinzel, don’t you dare hit that tumbleweed.”

“But Red, it’s right in the middle of the road!”

The tween wondered for a moment if all adults who were in love were cursed to argue with one another, or if she was just unlucky enough to be surrounded, time and time again, by such couples.

“You wouldn’t hit a deer-”

Then again, perhaps that was just more evidence for this curse she believed she could be carrying. She was two for two, so far.

“Well duh, a deer would fuc- fudge up the car.”

Raven rolled her eyes at the Sirens’ antics. Barely self-censoring themselves had proved not nearly an impossible challenge, just one that they had to be careful to keep up.

“And I’ll fudge you up if-”

Though to the layperson it would appear that their voices held all of the venom and contempt one would expect from two peers forced to get along with one another, Raven could feel that undercurrent of concern they held for each other. Which, unlike Constantine and Zatanna on their best days, made for a relationship that stood a much better chance at standing the test of time. Considering their marriage less than 48 hours ago, she hoped that this would continue to be the case. She was growing rather fond of these rogues, after all.

She focused her powers on scooting the tumbleweed discreetly off the road long before Harley had the chance to hit it, or barely miss it by getting them into an accident.

“There. Crisis averted,” she huffed before reaching forward for the dial on the radio once more. Pam swatted at her hands before turning back to her wife to continue their argument. Raven gave the botanist her most scathing glare before sticking her tongue out at the rogue.

“I don’t care if there’s a whole damn line of tumbleweeds across the highway,” she growled lowly, “You will stop for them.”

“I can move them, Pam,” the empath groaned in the backseat, running her hands over her face in exasperation, “Besides, it’s not like we’re running into them every two miles. Don’t get your panties in a twist.”

Harley let out a bark of a laugh as Ivy’s face went flush at the tween’s words. The chlorophyll running through her veins gave her face the lightest of green tinges underneath the spray of freckles on her face.

Raven could barely stop her smile as she felt a trace of anger from the rogue as well, satisfied that she was getting on every last one of the botanist’s nerves.

“Oh man, that was good, kid!” Harley took one hand off the wheel to give a high-five to the empath, before focusing attention back on the road. “She got ya, pumpkin, no ifs, ands, or buts about it!”

“Keep your eyes on the road, Harls,” she snapped out before crossing arms over chest and huffing indignantly as she pouted at the window. 

While occupied with her moping, Raven reached again for the dial, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach as she heard all-too-familiar opening chords and lines. She debated taking her seatbelt off completely in order to reach the dial, until she heard the clown let out a delighted squeal, beating her to the volume knob.

“Oh, I love this song!” she laughed before turning slightly back to address Raven, “Y’know, last time yer mom an’ I teamed up, this was her ringtone! Ain’t that nutty?”

“It is,” Raven grumbled, “Can we change the station, please?”

The botanist seemed to perk up in the front seat, sending Raven a knowing smirk as she reached for the volume herself, dialing it up impossibly louder.

“After this song, darling. I just adore it, too.”

~*~*~*~*~

“She knows-”

“Zatanna-”

“Where do you get off, Diana? Because if you have a point-”

“I am not blaming you, Zee,” the amazon clarified. “I say this, because I know your experience with motherhood is still so new-”

“And you’ve got a well to draw from-”

“I may not be a mother. But I was raised by many strong and courageous women. More than a few I would consider equal to the one I call my mother-” she claimed defensively.

She reached out to stop her momentum, as the car reached a screeching halt. 

“And what? That’s more than you can say for me? Is that it?”

“You know that is not what I mean.”

“But how do you know?” Zatanna yelled. And Diana frowned, recognizing that the magician was taking her words, and twisting them.

“I didn’t even get to know Sindella,” she hissed. “But I knew my father. And he did the best that he damn well could. And I… I am trying, Diana.”

The magician took a shuddering breath, and composed herself, dabbing at her eyes and taking a few more deep breaths. Eventually she gripped the wheel again, staring straight ahead at the open road before them.

“I never asked for this. But I’m doing my best, regardless. Because I know she needs me.”

She released her grip from the wheel again, falling back into the seat in defeat.

“If I could know, truly know, exactly everything that I’ve said to upset her… I’d take it all back in a heartbeat. And I need her to know that. I need to know what… What went wrong.”

Diana nodded after a moment of thought.

“I just pray you’ll be ready to listen, Zatanna. Don’t hear what she has to say,” she rested a hand on the magician’s shoulder, “Listen to her.”

[kookssweetpotatoes-blog]

EUPHORIA // PART 1

~ What will happen when a rising indie pop artist meets her biggest inspirations - seven talented young men - while going through a very hard phase in her life? ~

Note from the author: Since it's the first chapter and kind of an introduction, we won't be seeing much of the Bangtan Boys yet. However, I gurantee you there'll be lots of appearences from every member in the future. Please consider that this AU is going on in a different time set and neither of LY: Her or LY: Tear is released in this AU. Have fun reading!

/PART 2/

It all happened too fast.

This sentence was on her mind all the time for the past few months. And she wasn't sure if she was actually happy about the situation. Of course it was incredible to share her music with so many people all around the world, she was thankful for that. But on the other hand it felt like she had lost her freedom, her privacy, her youth. She had to share every single detail about her life and that made her uncomfortable. At first she found it rather interesting, the livestreams, vlogs, interviews... But now she felt trapped in a body that no longer belonged to her. Those thoughts made her feel guilty as well. She had everything someone could ask for yet she wasn't satisfied. Ungrateful.

"Snap out of it." She blinked and turned to the source of the voice, her manager. He looked quite worried and asked if she was okay. She nodded silently and continued to watch the streets on their way to the hotel.

It was her first time to attend such a big event: The Billboard Music Awards. Also her first time at Las Vegas too, which she was quite excited about. It also didn't help that she was going to stay at a hotel which lots of fellow artists were staying as well, the thought about interacting with them almost made her throw up.

The car stopped and someone got the door for her. She took a deep breath before stepping out.

"You ready to go in?" Her manager buttoned up his blazer giving her a flashy smile. Sometimes she thought Ryan was more 'celebrity material' than her.

"Actually, no. I think I'll go wander around for a bit. Could you please arrange my suit and my stuff?"

Ryan sighed. "Sooner or later, you'll have to meet these people, you know that, right?"

"It's better if it's later. Plus, maybe i'll see some fans?"

"That's not how it works, i don't think that's a good idea-" She blew a kiss to him before he could finish his sentence and walked away. Ryan rolled his eyes, thinking about how his little star needs to mature up.

She walked the busy streets of Las Vegas, amazed by everything she saw. It was not long until she heard some people calling her name. A crowd ran up to her with posters and albums in their hands, smiling.

She wouldn't dare to call these people 'fans' , they were more like friends to her. If it wasn't for them, she would feel even more lost.

"I can't believe we've made it this far! Look at you being nominated for The Top New Artist!"

"We also DESTROYED the charts."

"Indie music is getting attention thanks to you, our indie queen!"

She smiled, trying to reach out and hug every one of them. "Thanks to me? You guys did all of this!"

"Please sign on my arm? I'll get it tattooed!"

"You're crazy." Yet she got the pen and signed on the young man's arm while chuckling. This was what she was living for, what made her feel alive. Not the awards or the crazy amount of money she made.

She walked back to the hotel feeling much more better, smiling uncontrollably. But the smile vanished once she saw how crowded the lobby was.

All she had to do was to not make eye contact with anyone and go straight to her room. Easy.

It was supposed to be easy if she wasn't stopped to be pulled into a random hug by a random person.

"Whoa, I wasn't expecting to run into you here. You have no idea how much I love your music. Actually, I have some collab ideas, yeah? Maybe we can talk about it sometime? Wanna have a drink with me, you must be tired."

It took a lot of time for her to recognize the person who was talking since the guy was literally crushing her bones, but it was Drew Taggart from The Chainsmokers. Before she could respond in the most awkward way, her close friend came to rescue her.

"Drew, I'm sorry for interrupting but it's been ages since I saw my best friend, so I'll borrow her for a while. We're here for a week anyways you'll have plenty of time to 'discuss collab ideas'." With that Troye Sivan pulled her away.

Once they were out of Drew Taggart's sight, she pulled Troye into a hug. "You have the best timing, always saving me from such awkward moments. I seriously love you."

Troye laughed. "Now you'll love me even more because i'll introduce you to very cool people. Right. Now."

She frowned. "I thought we were going to hang out only the two of us. Relaxing. No other people. No social interactions."

"Believe me, this will be worth it. You can thank me later." Troye pushed her to the fancy hotel bar, dragging her through the tables.

She saw seven silhouettes at the last table by the huge windows. Seven silhouettes she would recognize anywhere.

"Troye. You can't be serious."

"Oh I am. I am very serious."

One of the silhouettes turned, approaching the two. His face was illuminated by the dim lights, showing his adorable smile and dimples. It was no other than Kim Namjoon himself.

"Troye, you didn't mention you were bringing my favourite new artist!"

Troye smirked. "I wanted to see your reactions meeting her after begging me to introduce her to you guys for too long."

She blinked, not sure what's going on at all.

"It's so nice to meet such a good musician." Namjoon shook her hand gently and she almost jumped at the random touch. She couldn't bring herself to say anything, still amazed and shocked by the strong auras of these seven men.

Next to Namjoon, there was Kim Seokjin, looking unreal with his perfect face. He smiled widely and bowed to her, which she quickly returned.

Jung Hoseok came out of nowhere, embracing her in his arms and exclaiming her name. She was very thankful he held her tight otherwise she may have fainted.

Park Jimin gave her his famous smile, making his cheeks looking like a little chipmunk but still managing to look hot as hell somehow. "You look even more gorgeous in real life." She wanted to scream in his face that he was the gorgeous one here, but all she could do was to blush.

Min Yoongi looked unamused at his younger brother's words. "Jimin, stop with your shameless comments." He turned to her with a warmness in his cat-like eyes, looking adorable as usual. "A pleasure to meet you."

Kim Taehyung looked like a model with his oversized white shirt and a tie around his head like a bandana, but his most eye catching feauture was his smile. He seemed as innocent as a little child with his big smile and his eyes were shining. He waved at her, very excited. She couldn't help but smile at him.

The last one to approach her was Jeon Jungkook, he just gave her a brief nod, not even the smallest smile which kind of disappointed her. It was understandable, maybe he was tired or maybe he wasn't very fond of seeing her at all, she wasn't anything special anyways. But still, after looking up to him for so many years, she was expecting something... more? She thought it was very dumb of her to feel hurt because of that.

Troye's voice brought her back to the reality. "I know she doesn't look like a Kpop fan at all, but she loves you guys." She glared at him for embarrassing her but gave a sweet smile to the others.

"I've been listening to your music since I was a teen, just after you debuted. You guys have a really special place for me, you've been the biggest inspiration for me to make music. I'm really thankful for that." She bowed them for the second time.

A huge smile formed on Namjoon's lips. "May I ask what is your favourite song?"

"Too many to choose from, but Spring Day has always been different for me. It makes me feel a lot of emotions at once, I think that's what good music should make someone feel."

Yoongi smiled in surprise. He watched her youtube videos with her best friend, which they played games or reacted to cringy videos, and she seemed like a very loud and savage person. But now meeting her in real life, she seemed so mature and in peace while talking about music. A real musician, he thought to himself. He wanted to praise her about that, but of course he wasn't going to bring up the fact that he had been watching her youtube videos for the past 3 months. He couldn't bear the thought of Jimin and Jungkook being little brats and teasing him about it.

30 minutes passed quickly with small talk about music (Namjoon talked the most of it) and she was having a very good time, but she could feel someone sending her glares now and then which discouraged her to open her mouth. She had a strong feeling they were from Jeon Jungkook. Maybe she was being too sensitive, but most of the time she was not wrong about people's emotions.

Feeling overwhelmed, she thought the best decision was to find some excuse and go relax at her room for the rest of the night. With that she stood up.

"It was a pleasure to meet you all but I should really get going. I have so many things I should take care of tomorrow and I should get some rest." She smiled at everyone around her except one person, still surprised by his cold behaviour.

"Are you serious? You promised me we were going to have a sleep over tonight!" Troye frowned and she smiled patting his shoulders.

"I'll make it up to you. I swear." She hurried to her room, not looking back for once. Troye knew when something was bothering his best friend, and something was definitely bothering his best friend.

[thehikingnerd]

Day 138 (10/2).

I woke up before much light was out and could see my rainfly stiff with a coating of ice. I was SO done with this cold! I was drifting in and out from consciousness, but at least the rain had stopped. When I finally woke up for real, I could see sunlight hitting my tent!!! Yay!!! And it was warming up quickly. The ice on my rain fly had melted and before long was even drying. I was so happy and relieved. I unzipped my rain fly and looked out to snow on the ground and blue skies above. It still took us a while to recover from the night and to get breakfast down before get moving outside the tents. We took our time to try and let things dry off at least a little in the morning sunlight. After that, it was time to head out. After a very short time of hiking down the trail, Butt'rs was just ahead of me when we came around a bend and I hear him say, "bear!" I looked down, and sure enough, there was a big black bear about 30 yards away running down the hillside away from us! I couldn't believe it... after this whole time I FINALLY saw a bear about 150 miles from Canada! The goofy thing was racing away from us down the hill and slipped in the snow and fell sliding on his face for a minute, lol, before pushing back up and continuing to run out of sight. I was pretty excited to finally have seen my first bear on the PCT as I really didn't think I was going to get to see one at all. We kept going and were trying to make better time now that conditions were better, but even so it was still cold and we had to climb up to some higher elevations. As we went up the snow was slushy on the trail. This made it very slippery on the trail and kept our feet cold and wet while the temps kept falling as we ascended. Again, it was fairly cold and we could see some deep (undisturbed) snow on the mountains ahead and we both were hoping we wouldn't have to go through any of it. Once we finally reached the peak the snow wasn't too deep, but the backside of the mountain was complete white and it was cold on the way down. At the peak we had about 10 ft of trail where we magically had a signal get through. I saw a message from Angie pop up telling me she had a person back into her car and that she'd had a bad week, but that she had talked to my mom about it and was feeling better now. I responded with a few messages, but then I had a text come in from Butt'rs mom asking me to please have him call her. His phone wasn't getting a signal, and he said it was bad how she worded the message and asked to use me phone. Sure enough, something bad had happened I could tell from the conversation. After he got off the phone he told me his cousin had been killed in a mass shooting at a country music concert in Las Vegas along with 57 other people. Insane and tragic and I felt bad for him getting this news days from anywhere and not being able to do anything about it. We were freezing at this point, and since Angie hadn't replied we just hurried down the other side into cold snow. I stopped only for a minute even though I really didn't want to because we were at 2500 miles and I wrote a mile marker in the snow to keep with my pics of every hundred miles like I have done the whole trail. Finally, after what seemed like forever we got down below the snow line and we started to warm up again. at Mile 2508.8 there was a campground and we decided to stop there. It was a bit early, but given th news and how rough it had all been lately we just stopped there. I thought I would try to make a fire for a change, but with how wet it all was I knew it would take some effort. At some point I got it started with hand sanitizer and was thinking I had it and started to multitask, but by boiling water and getting ready for dinner on my stove I hadn't kept a good enough eye on the fire and accidentally let it go out. I tried to get it going again, I figure it would be good for our morale, and kind of just wanted to do something nice for Butt'rs, but it just didn't want to catch. Since it was almost dark and Butt'rs had already gone into his tent I just gave up on the idea. I got in my tent, freezer bag cooked one of my home made dehydrated meals and went to sleep.

[queensandkingsofattolia]

A long post about gun control. Thanks @shaelit for letting me follow the lead from your recent post about the issue. For those interested in seeing said post it can be found HERE with an additional rebuttal section. 

I had to participate in a discussion board for a business law class I am taking and the professor prompted us to talk about the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14th, 2018. This is what I chose to write. If you choose to read it please be aware that it may be highly triggering. 

Since this discussion board was posted on Monday I have been drafting and re-drafting my response because I firmly believe that we need gun control in the United States. I personally am devastated, enraged, and confused that we do not already have strict gun regulation in this country, and I want to make my case for this as clearly and rationally as I can.

First consider some of the recent mass shootings that have occurred in public spaces.

June 12th, 2016, Orlando, Florida, Pulse Nightclub, 49 people killed between the ages of 18 and 50. Primary weapon was a semi-automatic rifle.

October 1st, 2017, Las Vegas Strip, Nevada, 58 people killed between the ages of 20 and 67, and hundreds wounded. Two dozen weapons were used including multiple semi-automatic rifles, several of which were fitted with bump fire stocks, telescopic sites, and other modifiers that gave the weapons automatic firing style capabilities.

November 5th, 2017, Sutherland Springs, Texas, an unborn child and 25 people killed between the ages of 17 months and 77. Primary weapon was a semi-automatic rifle.

Then consider recent mass shootings that have occurred in schools.

April 20th, 1999, Littleton, Colorado, Columbine High School, 13 people killed, 12 between the ages of 14 and 18, 1 staff member aged 47. Primary weapons were 2 modified shotguns and 2 handguns.

April 16th, 2007, Blacksburg, Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 32 people killed between the ages of 18 and 76. Primary weapons were 2 semi-automatic handguns.

December 14th, 2012, Newtown, Connecticut, Sandy Hook Elementary School, 26 people killed, 20 of them between the ages of 6 and 7, 6 staff members ages ranging from 27 to 56. Primary weapons were a semi-automatic rifle and a handgun.

February 14th, 2018, Parkland, Florida, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, 17 people killed, 14 of them between the ages of 14 and 18, 3 staff members ages ranging from 35 to 49. Primary weapon was a semi-automatic rifle.

How much more tragedy will it take before gun control legislation is enacted? How many more children peacefully attending school must be murdered? How much more carnage must be suffered before the loss is deemed "too much"?

Banning guns outright may or may not be the best course of action, but enacting federal regulation to control the sale of semi-automatic and automatic assault weapons as well as any equipment that can be used to modify guns to have semi-automatic and automatic firing capabilities should be done as soon as possible.

Roughly paraphrased, 2 of the most common arguments made against gun control in the United States are, "It is every person's Second Amendment right to own a firearm if they choose," and "Cars kill more people than guns do, yet cars are not banned or regulated."

To address the first argument, I say this. No person's Second Amendment right to "...keep and bear Arms..." preempts the very purposes of the U.S. Constitution as established in the Preamble, which are, ".,..to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity..." Time and again, guns have been the cause of injury and death in what is a clear disruption of the domestic tranquility, general welfare, and personal liberty that are the rights of every person in this country. Furthermore, the use of the Second Amendment as justification for lenient gun control is a violation of the Ninth Amendment which declares, "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Every person has an inherent right to life and gun violence violates that retained right.

Now to address the second statement, that is the, “Cars kill more people than guns," argument. Simply stated, yes, cars do kill more people than guns, and no, they are not banned, but yes, they are very heavily regulated and this is the kind of regulation that needs to be enacted for guns. The who, when, where, and how of operating a vehicle are all regulated because, yes, cars are capable of killing people. Gun can kill people even easier, so they should be at least as regulated as vehicles but realistically much more so.

In order to drive a car, a person must obtain a driver's license, and to do that a person must first obtain a learner's permit. To obtain a learner's permit, a person must pass a variety of tests depending on what state they live in, such as a vision exam and a written knowledge exam, as well as pay a specified fee. Once someone has a learner's permit, they must complete a specified number of hours of driving training which are regulated by when and where the driving must occur and with whom. After the hours of training are complete, a practical test must be completed and another fee paid.

Beyond the legal steps required to obtain a driver's license, there are also all the myriad regulations concerning driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, insurance, seatbelt and car seat requirements, road laws, etc. We need to require a commensurate number of regulations to obtain a weapon's permit. It cannot stop there though. Having a weapon's permit should not enable anyone to go just go out and purchase a semi-automatic assault rifle, just like having a driver's license does enable someone to drive a semi-truck transporting hazardous material.

Having a driver's license does not grant someone legal ability to drive whatever they want. Special endorsements or licenses are needed to operate vehicles such as motorcycles, boats, buses, or semi-trucks. They all have different required permits, training, exams, and fees and it should be this way with guns. Having a license to own and operate a handgun for the purpose of self-defense should not be license to own and operate a semi-automatic assault rifle with a bump fire stock.

This tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School needs to be where we draw the line against gun violence. Common sense federal regulation to control gun sales and operation needs to be enacted now.

[eminems-prayer]

Travel Tips You Should Consider This Summer

Increasing gas prices, air fares, hotel rates... invoices, bills, bills... But none of them are maintaining travelers off the streets to receive their much deserved holiday. According to the triple-A, around 35 million Americans traveled throughout the Memorial Day weekend - A hundred million over last year. The amount only says that there is no stopping the common American by hitting the street to take a rest. But how can one cope with the spending to be certain there's enough left to return to the normal life they left off? How can one prepare for traveling and avoiding hassles during and after their holiday?

Hotel prices are up between 5 and 10 percent.; Airfares, 14 percent; a gallon of gasoline? More than a $1 higher than last year. So what's an American to do? Here are a few hints:

1. Awareness of Peak Travel Day Fees - Maximum travel day prices are applied if there's a higher demand. These hidden travel charges increase the purchase price of your flight, especially during the months of June, July, and August. During these months, daily is almost regarded as a"peak" day. And the only way to prevent it? - postpone your holiday until the end of the summer, which can be quite a hassle as you don't wish to ruin your kids' summer holiday.

2. Bargains -- there are plenty of inexpensive travel packages visiting the Caribbean, Cancun and Las Vegas during the summer months.

3. Travel Tips from CBP - They say that those who read quickly get ahead. This may be true, except for some information you really should recall and digest such as the tips in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Here are some CBP tips that you should remember before you proceed:

A. Have all of the necessary travel documents for the countries you are visiting. To include, identification for re-entry into the U.S. Passports will also be necessary for re-entry.

B. Declare everything you're bringing in from overseas. This includes items which are purchased in a duty free shop as these things are also subject to U.S. duty fees and other limitations.

C. Be cautious when purchasing something from a street seller. Some merchandise can be categorized as counterfeit or dangerous and you might need to surrender it to the CBP when you get home.

D. Know that things purchased overseas for personal use or as gifts are eligible for liability exemptions. But if you are going to resell them, they aren't eligible.

E. Have a fast glance in the list of prohibited product (such as ivory, tortoise shell, absinthe, and counterfeit items) and limited product.

F. Be aware that lots of foreign-made meds aren't FDA-approved. You can't bring these meds in the U.S. Also bear in mind that, when traveling abroad, bring just the amount of medication that you are going to use throughout your journey.

G. Cuban-made products are a large no-no.

H. Do not bring any food to the U.S. without checking to see if it is permitted. To add, exotic pets such as birds that are live, whether it's for your personal use or for industrial use, may be limited and/or quarantined.

i. You also have to keep in mind that CBP officers can inspect you and your possessions without a warrant. This might include your luggage, automobile, and personal searches. This is intended to enforce U.S. laws in addition to protect legitimate travelers.

4. Maintain Your Tires - Many people would elect to go on a road trip rather than flying, so a good advice to take is to check if your tires are properly inflated. Estimates show that U.S. drivers could save as much as 700 million gallons of gasoline annually by simply keeping their tires properly. To add, tuning-up and placing the right motor oil in your car can improve fuel efficiency by up to 4%.

5. Find a Cheap Holiday Rental -- searching for a inexpensive vacation rental near your planned destination can help you save money, especially if you're heading out with a huge group. Rather than booking a hotel during peak season, try to search for a vacation rental with all of the amenities that you want.

Top 5 Online Travel Tips You Need to Know

Years ago I remember visiting the travel agent to plan my holiday, never even considering an online travel agent. But nowadays it is the other way round, and most individuals do not even give a thought to planning a trip with no computer. But the simple fact is that you can often get a better discount by using an online travel website. Here are 5 travel ideas to bear in mind.

1. Find great travel reviews online. It is possible to check what folks have to say about these websites and don't forget that you aren't receiving a shady deal or traveling in the incorrect time. Individuals will also chime in and let you know where the best discounts and freebies are. You can learn what the locals are saying also.

2. Locate fabulous deals. By far the best reason to perform your travel deal buying online is to get all of the best deals. By scouring the travel sites online you can set your holiday together as you please by comparing different rates. By way of instance, perhaps you find a super holiday package one-way to your destination with one airline, and then you find a fantastic deal on the way back with another air carrier. Go for it! Mix and match. You'll save a huge amount of money with this method.

3. Various times equal diverse prices. Last time I planned a holiday I checked airline costs multiple times per day on each day of the week. It was lots of fun really because the costs changed all the time. It was almost like playing a game, click the price now and see what it is! Possibly cheaper, perhaps not. But one thing to bear in mind is if you happen to stumble upon a fantastic travel bargain (and you may at some stage ), snap it up as you may never see it again. I debated and did not grab the outstanding deal and it was gone, never to be seen again.

4. Subscribe to email alerts. Proceed to each of the major travel websites and get on an email list for travel discounts to be emailed to you. You should probably create a special account just for this so you won't have them all entering your main account. Sure, you're going to get a great deal of stuff you can not use but every now and then you'll receive that gem of a bargain. But check your email daily and proceed immediately to test out anything that looks promising.

5. Buy travel insurance occasionally but not always. So you have found your fantastic and remarkable vacation deal and now you're wondering, in case you spring for insurance also? Yes you should if you're going on a cruise or traveling with a tour group or paying megabucks in advance for your journey. These policies are an extra expense, sure, but the peace of mind is well worth it.

[foreverfamilyforevervongola]

Vongola Facebook: Hacked Edition

Rating: K+ Summary: To pass time while travelling on public transit, Gokudera checks his Facebook and discovers a hacker is ruthlessly invading the accounts of his family. The number of possible culprits? Pretty much everyone on his Friends list.

Eyes closed and headphones inserted firmly in his ears, Gokudera laid his head against the bus window. Though the vehicle jerked roughly, he didn’t care enough to lift his head from his resting place. The music blaring from his phone was enough to distract him until he reached the restaurant where he was supposed to be meeting Haru.

Or at least, that’s what he expected. As the bus paused at a set of stoplights his music abruptly stopped in the middle of the chorus. Frowning, he reluctantly sat up straight and tried to check his phone, only to find that it had died.

“Damn,” he grumbled. He had been sure it had a decent charge when he left. Now what was he supposed to do for the next hour? Make small talk with the people around him?

Yeah, right.

Snorting softly, he ripped the headphones out and stuffed them in his pocket along with his phone. Not wanting to sit in silence for an hour, he reached for his laptop bag and removed his computer. He balanced the slim red device in his lap and powered it up. When everything had loaded, he inserted a special WiFi stick that Giannini had created and clicked on the Internet icon on his desktop.

Facebook. The great time waster.

The News Feed page loaded, but he didn’t start scrolling immediately. He clicked on the status bar and started typing. When he finished, he clicked the Post button.

Hayato Gokudera Woman, why did you have to pick a restaurant that’s a good hour away from home? I’m stuck on a bus with weird people and it’s all your fault—Haru Miura.

It wasn’t long before the girl responded. A notification popped up thirty seconds after he published his post, giving him little time to creep through the status updates of his family.

Haru Miura I’m out shopping and I thought we should eat somewhere that’s between the both of us.

Hayato Gokudera Are you telling me that you also have to travel over an hour?

Haru Miura …no…

Hayato Gokudera Then it’s not meeting halfway. So since I have a longer travel time, you can’t get on me if I happen to be late.

Haru Miura I won’t! Geez. And by the way, it’s rude to call the other people on the bus with you weird. You should have just taken your car.

Hayato Gokudera: In rush hour downtown traffic? I don’t think so.

He scrolled down and started exploring his News Feed. He hadn’t been on for a few days and now seemed like the perfect time to catch up. There was a particular status that made him pause and he read through it and the following conversation thoroughly.

Lambo Bovino Failed my math test yesterday and I don’t care! Whatcha gonna do about it?

Hitman Reborn Oh, I can think of a few things…

Bianchi Gokudera Getting cocky now, aren’t we?

Lambo Bovino NO I DIDN’T WRITE THAT I SWEAR!

Futa de la Stella No, I didn’t think so. You’re not that impulsive.

Hitman Reborn Idiot cow, bring all schoolwork down for immediate inspection.

Lambo Bovino Hai!

Gokudera arched an eyebrow in bewilderment. The status had been posted less than a day ago, and taking brief glances at the statuses posted above the Lightning Guardian’s, they seemed to follow a similar thread.

Interesting. Can’t believe this flew past my radar. Though I do remember ahoshi bellyaching about something yesterday.

Lambo Bovino All right, who got into my account? Confess or I’ll sic I Pin on you.

I Pin Whoa, don’t drag me into this.

Bluebell Azaria Well, if you’re trying to compile a list of all the people who might mess with you, you’re going to need a three-hundred-page notebook in order to fit them all in.

Nosaru Tsukino Nah, more like a five-hundred-page notebook.

Lambo Bovino I’m putting you two at the top of said list.

Bluebell Azaria What about I-Pin?

Lambo Bovino I know for sure it wasn’t her. If she wanted to mess with me, she’s got other ways of going about it.

I Pin True that!

Gokudera smirked. Bluebell and Nosaru had a point—there were far too many people who would enjoy messing with Lambo by hacking his Facebook page. In fact, he was a bit disappointed he hadn’t thought of it first.

Commoner Belphegor Once upon a time, there was a prince who fell from grace with his family. As such, he was forced to flee his kingdom out of shame, and is now living amongst the normal people with an air of grudging acceptance.

Levi Akagi He’s finally snapped. I knew his mind wouldn’t hold under all that psychotic energy.

Fran Hamasaki I am glad you have finally come to terms with your pitiful existence. That’s the first step in self-healing.

Commoner Belphegor I’ll kill you. You better run, because after I figure out how to fix my effing name, you’re so dead.

Fran Hamasaki It wasn’t me.

Illusionist Mammon I can vouch for that. Considering the timestamp of the status, it wasn’t Fran. The brat was training with me.

Commoner Belphegor Fine. Froggy, I’m coming after you to vent my frustrations. Whoever hacked my account, I’ll kill you.

Gokudera let out a bark of laughter so loud it startled the people sitting in front of him. Whoever this hacker is, he or she sure has guts, he thought. He looked at the post above Belphegor’s, and he had to smack a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing out loud again.

Ken Joshima is now in a relationship with Chikusa Kakimoto

Ken Joshima EXCUSE ME BUT NO NOT IN THIS LIFETIME.

Mukuro Rokudo Now, Ken, you don’t have to hide it anymore. We all know the truth.

Chikusa Kakimoto Please stop.

Ken Joshima NO GET OFF MY PAGE KAKIPI YOU’RE MAKING IT WORSE.

Chikusa Kakimoto No, I think you are. Turn off the Caps Lock.

Ken Joshima I’LL KILL WHOEVER DID THIS.

“This is gold,” said Gokudera with a snicker, flicking his eyes to the next post.

Mukuro Rokudo There’s a My Little Pony marathon on right now. Do not bother me for the next five hours.

Kyoya Hibari Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.

Ken Joshima HA!

Mukuro Rokudo Okay, first of all, shut up Kyoya. Second of all, shut up Ken. Third of all, this Facebook hacker better watch their back.

Shamal Morihiro People of Facebook, I have an announcement to make. I am now going to be celibate. Thank you and goodbye.

Burying his face in his hands, Gokudera laughed silently, so hard that his shoulders shook. To anyone that might look over, it would appear that he was crying. Imagining his woman-crazed mentor becoming celibate was the most hysterical and ludicrous thing he had ever heard of.

When he finally managed to compose himself, he scrolled through the comments.

Tsunayoshi Sawada The day that happens is the day Reborn doesn’t shoot me.

Hitman Reborn Which of course is never.

Bianchi Gokudera I thought it was too good to be true.

Shamal Morihiro So the hacker was amusing before. Now? Now I want to send my Trident mosquitoes after him.

Tsunayoshi Sawada It could be a girl.

Shamal Morihiro Well obviously if it’s a girl I’ll forgive her wholeheartedly and with a kiss.

Unable to keep from throwing his two cents in, Gokudera added a comment, and it was about a minute later when Shamal responded.

Hayato Gokudera I don’t know who this Facebook hacker is, but this is my favourite work of theirs by far.

Shamal Morihiro Shut up, Hayato.  

Smirking, Gokudera scrolled towards the top of his News Feed.

Tsunayoshi Sawada All right, time to see if we can flush this hacker out.

Hitman Reborn So you don’t sleep with a stuffed bear and suck your thumb?

Tsunayoshi Sawada No, Reborn. Just as Takeshi isn’t quitting baseball and Ryohei isn’t moving to Las Vegas to take up professional boxing.

Spanner Thornton Before the accusations start flying, I am saying right now that it’s not me.

Shoichi Irie Ditto.

Giannini Ganzo It was not me either, Juudaime!

Scientist Verde I have better things to do than play silly games with you idiotic creatures.

Tsunayoshi Sawada I believe that. If you wanted to prank us, it would be by a much more inventive means.

Prince Belphegor It’s the Frog. I know it.

Fran Hamasaki For the last time, it wasn’t me.

Lambo Bovino If we’re casting votes, I vote for Nosaru as the culprit.

Nosaru Tsukino It was probably you. You made it look like you were the first target to throw everyone off the trail.

I Pin He’s not that smart.

As the stream of comments continued, speculating on who the hacker was, the bus finally rolled up to his stop. Gokudera quickly stood up and grabbed his bag with one hand, holding his laptop securely with the other. He made his way down the aisle, stepped off the bus and onto the sidewalk. He squinted against the sunlight, finding Haru waiting for him outside the restaurant.

The brunette’s expression brightened when she spotted him. “Hey, Hayato! How was the bus ride?”

Gokudera grinned. “Very entertaining, actually.”

[junker-town]

What’s the first NFL game you remember?

Was it a Super Bowl? A pivotal playoff matchup? Or just a random game during the regular season?

You probably don’t remember your first glimpse of an NFL game. You probably saw part of a random game on, or a highlight on TV — nothing that ever registered in the deep recesses of your brain, worthy of taking up precious memory space.

But you almost certainly remember the first time you really connected with the game, whenever you were struck with an “oh yes, this is football. I am enjoying this” eureka moment.

On that note, please join us on a little nostalgia trip as we here at SB Nation reminisce about the first NFL game we can vividly recall, whether it happened in the 80s, 90s, or egads, the ‘00s. (Anyone who remembers dialup internet — or life before the internet — be forewarned: We’ve got some babies on staff.)

Dec. 31, 2000: Ravens vs. Broncos, AFC Wild Card

I’m a Falcons fan now, but the first football team I ever fell in love with was the rugged, rough 2000 Ravens that went on to win Super Bowl XXXV. Their game against the Broncos in the Wild Card Round that year is the first football game I vividly remember watching, with a signature play that sold me on the team.

With just over four minutes left in the first half, Trent Dilfer threw a pass that was intended for running back Jamal Lewis. Lewis dropped the pass and the ball was eventually deflected into the hands of Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe caught the pass, ran backward for a yard or two, then turned the corner on the Broncos’ defense and scored a 58-yard touchdown.

Had it not been for Michael Vick entering the league the next year, I would probably still be a Ravens fan to this day.

The last two decades of football fandom for me would’ve been a lot less heartbreaking, that’s for damn sure. — Charles McDonald

Dec. 17, 1989: Seahawks vs. Raiders, Week 15

I grew up with a father who coached high school football.* Not well, mind you, but he was there. And in Rhode Island, the cradle of youth gridiron sports, this meant something. Mostly that my weekends were mostly spent watching subpar football — whether that was Pilgrim High School, URI, or an awful Patriots team was usually the only variable.

But I distinctly remember being drawn to one game when I was a little kid; a Seahawks-Raiders regular season contest I asked my parents to tape for me since it was a primetime game and I had to be in bed an hour before kickoff. Part of the appeal of watching these West Coast teams was the pairing of the two most badass logos (I thought) in the NFL, the gray-on-gray clash between football pirate (non-Buccaneer division) and angry bird.

The other, much more interesting part was the defense-destroying tailback lighting the turf on fire for LA. Bo Jackson was appointment viewing for me, and while I appreciated the yards-after-catch mastery of Steve Largent, watching Bo put his shoulder down and trash linebackers made something click in my 5-year-old mind.

Plus, having it on tape and watching it after school meant I could skip through commercials. And watching it before my dad got back from work also meant I could get through an entire game without hearing once how “waggle” could have worked against that blitz.

*He also coached golf, so if this question were about the first final round I’d ever watched while begging him to change the channel over to a “Hey Dude” marathon, I’d have an answer for that as well. — Christian D’Andrea

Feb. 5, 2006: Steelers vs. Seahawks, Super Bowl XL

As someone who didn’t have cable TV until 2010, I didn’t watch a lot of football games live. I would often listen on the radio and then watch the highlights either a couple of hours or the day after. NBC always showed Sunday Night Football on its website so my early football watching routine was literally “waiting all day for Sunday night.”

But the Super Bowl was different. We always went to watch the Super Bowl at someone else’s house and it was always one of my favorite nights of the year.

The first game which kicked off my interest in the sport was Super Bowl 40, It was the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Seattle Seahawks. I was 7 at the time and really didn’t know much yet. I really didn’t know who to root for either at the beginning. But slowly I found myself rooting for Pittsburgh.

The Steelers made plays all night, including Willie Parker’s 75-yard touchdown to start off the second half. I distinctly remember Antwaan Randle El’s pass to Hines Ward for a 43-yard touchdown. It was a fascinating sequence to watch. Al Michaels called it a “gadget play” and it stuck with me for the rest of the night. It was one of the best trick plays in Super Bowl history.

I decided to really get into the NFL a few years later and joined my dad in being a Bears fan. In some ways I have to thank Ken Whisenhunt for calling up that play in Detroit all those years ago, as it helped spark my football fandom. — Vijay Vemu

Jan. 31, 1988: Washington vs. Denver, Super Bowl XXII

I attended a Patriots-Rams game in LA in 1986, but this is the first game I remember a sizable chunk from. I remember because for a brief period I was a John Elway fan, and for 8-year-old me, this was the first tough loss I took as a football fan.

Growing up in Las Vegas, my Boston-born dad was more of a baseball fan than football fan, so I was not born with a team I called my own. The Broncos were good during this stretch so I hopped on the Elway bandwagon. I remember the Broncos jumping out to a 10-0 lead, and I was starting to talk some smack at a friends and family Super Bowl party. One quarter later, Washington led 35-10 and I was sitting in stunned silence. It was not an enjoyable viewing experience.

A year later, I hopped on the 49ers bandwagon and have been a fan ever since. Suck it, Elway. — David Fucillo

Jan. 21, 2007: Saints vs. Bears, NFC Championship

I was born and raised in New Orleans, and as someone who was born in 1998, a pre-Drew Brees era of Saints football is almost nonexistent to me. That being said, you would think that first game I remembered would be the Saints’ return to the Superdome against the Falcons earlier that season, but I honestly have no idea where I was that day.

But the day of the NFC Championship Game, there was a BIG party at my uncle’s house. My dad and I are huge Saints fans, but my uncle is on a different level. He has a man cave with Saints memorabilia lined along the walls, his truck is painted black and gold with a Saints fleur de lis on the side, and his Christmas tree stays up year-round with Saints ornaments. This game was the first time I was allowed to watch with the adults on the flat screen television out in the living room and the first game I remember a substantial amount of.

I remember Sean Payton wasting a challenge on a Saints fumble that was confirmed. I definitely remember a rookie Reggie Bush — bless his heart — literally flipping into the end zone on a touchdown pass from Brees. I remember Brees throwing for like 5,000 yards (it was 354 yards, but I was 8). I remember Rex Grossman tearing through the Saints’ defense as Brees attempted to keep the game close — which he did for about two and a half quarters.

But for some reason, the thing I remember most was that it was snowing at Soldier Field. My memory told me it was literally a blizzard, but after watching some highlights it was just small flurries throughout. Regardless, that 13-degree wind chill affected the Saints en route to a 39-14 loss and my first memorable sports-themed heartbreak.

And the Saints have broken my heart plenty since then. — Kennedi Landry

Jan. 27, 1991: Giants vs. Bills, Super Bowl XXV

We were driving past McDonald’s in Marquette, Michigan, when I read an advertisement in the window asking “Which team do you think will win?” The options were the Giants and the Bills, and customers voted by ordering one sandwich or another from the fast-food giant.

I was 10 years old. I had watched a couple of parts of games on television when my dad had one on now and again. He was a Green Bay Packers fan, so I was aware of how much he despised Don “The Majik Man” Majkowski, but he didn’t spend a lot of time watching TV and I had never truly immersed myself in the sport.

But that sign — that question being asked of everyone in Marquette (I mean, there’s Marquette and the U.P., and the rest of the world really didn’t exist to young Yooper Sam) — sparked this desire to know the answer. Who was going to win? Why did anyone care?

“Who do you think is going to win?” I remember asking as our car continued down the road, headed back home after our monthly grocery shopping trip.

“Win what?” My mom asked.

“That football game McDonald’s has the sign for.”

“I have no idea,” she responded. “I don’t watch the Super Bowl.”

Well, if mom didn’t watch it, how important could it be? Then again, no girls I knew liked football.

“Would it be OK if I watched it?” I asked from the back seat.

“Sure, Sammy,” she said.

Maybe my mom didn’t expect I would remember, but I did, and so I was allowed to watch the Super Bowl, and to stay up past my bedtime even though there was school the next morning.

And, for you who are aware of this game, it was mind-blowing. I watched every snap. I listened to every play call. Who WERE these guys? These two teams from New York, battling it out in Florida of all places. Why the hell were the New Kids on the Block singing?

And how could it be I never realized how amazing football was?

That kick, that Scott Norwood kick that sailed wide right … oh, by the gods above, I had never been so enthralled with sports in my young life.

“A lot of pressure,” the announcer said. “You want to talk about a pressure situation. That is a long way to kick a football.”

“Snap. Spot. In the air. It’s got the distance. It is…

“No good!”

And the crowd erupted. Giants players were celebrating. Bills players were crushed in the agony of such a close game and no Lombardi Trophy to show for it.

That 20-19 final score was nearly as captivating to me as the game itself.

It was during that Super Bowl, those four quarters of football, changed my life forever.

I went on to play high school football, and semi-professional ball. I’ve since gone on to become a high school coach, and am now a varsity head coach.

If it hadn’t been for that game, for that Norwood wide right kick, none of that may have happened. I may have never watched a game that so perfectly instilled me with a love for the game.

It’s the first full football game I remember, and it absolutely defined a part of me every single day since. — Sam Eggleston

Jan. 4, 1997: Jaguars vs. Broncos, AFC Divisional Round

I have plenty of memories of mid-1990s football. I distinctly remember Rodney Peete being my favorite player (for some reason) at some point during his time with the Eagles. But the first actual game I remember was the Jaguars’ win over the Broncos.

The 1996 Broncos are the first juggernaut team I can remember. They were great on both sides of the ball, had a superstar quarterback in John Elway, and added Terrell Davis to the offense. I had a Davis rookie card which my dad informed me was going to eventually be a big deal (I didn’t keep it long enough for that to become true), so I was very invested in watching Broncos games.

Then they lost to a very new team that wasn’t supposed to have a shot. Mark Brunell, Jimmy Smith, and Keenan McCardell were an entertaining trio in the pass game and it was hilarious to me every single time someone said “Natrone. Means. Business.” I fell in love with the underdog that pulled the upset.

Over 20 years later I still root for the Jaguars because of that game. Why did you do this to me, Broncos?— Adam Stites

Jan. 20, 1985: Dolphins vs. 49ers, Super Bowl XIX

I wish I could say I remember much about the actual game, but at two months shy of my 9th birthday, I didn’t fully appreciate how great a Joe Montana vs. Dan Marino matchup was. This game still resonates with me though because it introduced me to the wonderful world of sports gambling. It would also resonate with me in fictional form a decade later thanks to Ray Finkle, but that’s another story.

I was with my older brother, at a Super Bowl party at his fiancée’s parents house, and what caught my eye was the giant poster board in the living room, on it a grid with 100 squares. I’m sure there were several other bets that day, but I wasn’t sophisticated enough yet to know or care about such things — my gambling awakening would come 18 months later during the 1986 MLB All-Star Game, when I won money from one of my brother’s friends because I understood the Game-Winning RBI rule.

Watching 49ers vs. Dolphins, I was instead focused on my $5 square and the two numbers attached, representing the final number of each team’s score. I don’t remember what my actual numbers were, but I do know that I was intently following every play, hoping I would cash in on the next snap. There were 10 different scores in the game, and with the end of four quarters that makes 14 chances to win money with a Super Bowl square. But I came up empty.

Had I been more aware of the the players, I surely would have bet that Marino, then just 23, would make it back to several Super Bowls. Maybe it was a good thing after all I didn’t know too much about gambling just yet. — Eric Stephen

Jan. 26, 1997: Patriots vs. Packers, Super Bowl XXXI

At the time, I wasn’t much of an NFL fan, but I had certainly watched games before this one. The previous year, two of the most storied franchises in the NFL met in Super Bowl XXX, when the Cowboys beat the Steelers to win their third championship in four years.

I’m assuming I saw at least part of it? I definitely tuned in for the supersized episode of Friends that followed. Friends on a Sunday night! At 10 p.m. instead of 8 p.m.! Julia Roberts, Brooke Shields, and Jean-Claude Van Damme were guest-starring! It was all very exciting. (As it were, that wasn’t as freakout-worthy as what happened day days later, when “The One with the Prom Video” aired during Friends’ regular “Must See TV” time slot.)

I don’t remember anything about that game, though, probably because my brain was full of useless Friends trivia. I do remember the one the following year, the first NFL game to really stick with me. It was also the first to ever air on Fox — and it ended up being Brett Favre’s only Super Bowl win.

It didn’t take long for the Packers and Patriots to make things interesting. They went on a first-quarter scoring flurry — especially for 1997 — with a combined 24 points in the first 15 minutes. The Packers took the lead at halftime, but the Patriots wouldn’t go away until Desmond Howard’s 99-yard kickoff return in the third quarter sealed Green Bay’s first Lombardi Trophy since, well, Vince Lombardi.

Confession time: I wanted the Patriots, who were one of the worst teams in the NFL earlier that decade, to win. They were the underdogs who had never won a Super Bowl.

So yeah, I irrationally blame myself a little bit for the dynasty they turned into a few years later. I cannot apologize enough. — Sarah Hardy

What’s your first NFL memory? Let us know in the comments.

[gleek-runner]

Cool Kids | Chapter 4 | I wonder what would happen if we went back and put up a fight

Never say goodbye, because saying goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.

.

“Brendon, baby what happened?"Brendon’s mother’s sweet voice brings him back to reality. He sits on his bed, the teddy bear Charlie had given him for his birthday three or four years ago on his lap. He holds it closely to his chest, not bothering with how wet it is from his tears. Soon enough his dad and older brothers are in his room too throwing questions at him.

He doesn’t really want to answer any of them.

"Bren, talk to us."Mason adds while sweetly rubbing his younger brother’s back. He knows they just want to help, if it was for the whole family to be calm and caring, it meant they truly cared. But Brendon, the boy who loved to smile, was crying for the first time in front of his family so perhaps it wasn’t them caring but them fearing. Fearing that they had broke the last intact piece of the family. 

At that point, his sisters made their way inside clearly shocked from what they were seeing as they run to his side. Kyla moved closer and wiped away his tears with her sleeves"What happened, little guy?”

“Newt’s gone."he said in between sobs almost chocking before he could end that sentence. Even his father understands and smiles comfortingly."Charlie said they moved away. A-And he didn’t, he did,"Brendon didn’t finish what he was saying as the tears had gotten the best of him. Kyla wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer to her chest."He didn’t say goodbye.”

“It’s okay."Kyla replied letting him cry and take it all out. As Brendon as being busy crying, Kyla glanced at their parents both with guilty expressions. Mason and Matt also exchanged a worried look about what was going to happen in the future. Kara just sniffed her nose and stormed out the room without saying a word. Kyla closed her eyes and planted a kiss on her brother’s forehead."It’s okay, little guy.”

.

“Red! I said red!”

“It is red!”

“It’s pink!”

“Just put your bloody hand in between my elbow and Quinn’s legs and lets get over with it!"Dan yelled in frustration as Brendon placed his hand on the pink/red circle. Quinn was ready to argue but Dan shushed her in return. Skye let out a groan with her being beneath Dan’s back and with Brendon’s leg on top of her head.

"Who suggested we play Twister again?”

“It was either that or video games and Brendon doesn’t like them."Quinn explained as she struggled to keep herself from falling.

"I give up!"Skye shout and let herself collapse on the ground. She fixed her shirt and made her way to the kitchen to drink some water. She hummed a tune and grabbed a glass of water when the phone began ringing."Urie! The president is calling you!”

“I’m busy at the moment!”

She fake gasped at that statement while grabbing the phone"This should be considered treason.“she continued mumbling before answering it"Urie residence. Skye speaking.”

“Hello, my wife and I saw your add on the newspaper about the house."the strange woman explained to her making the younger girl frown in confusion. She could swear that Brendon’s family only had one house."Is it still for sale? Because we saw it like a week ago.”

“Er, I don’t know, I’ll ask and I’ll let you know as soon as possible."Skye replied quickly and mumbled her goodbyes to the woman. She hung up and took another long sip of her water. The sudden sound of heels startled her as she almost spilled what was left from her class. She turned around to see Mrs Urie with a nice warm smile and a bunch of grocery bags.

"Skye! How are you, sweetheart?”

“I’m great, Mrs Urie."she smiled while the woman put the bags on the counter"A woman called while you were away.”

“Oh. Who was it?”

“I don’t know, she said she saw an ad."she explained"For the house.”

The older woman froze to her position. Skye knew she had gotten what she needed. Just this simple reaction showed her everything she needed to know and feared more than anything.“You’re selling the house.”

It isn’t a question. It’s an obvious statement to both Brendon’s mother and to Skye herself but she still feels the need to say it. She prays to get a negative answer, but she knows better than that. Life doesn’t work that way.“Are you moving away too?”

“Newt moved away two months ago.”

“That wasn’t my question."Skye shot back a little too loud but not enough for the others in Brendon’s room to hear it"Are?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Does Brendon know?"Skye asked without getting a clear answer"Were you even going to tell him?”

“Don’t tell him. Please.”

.

Skye hated secrets.

Secrets made her feel guilty, she would spent many hours analyzing every little secret she had-especially at night-and it would only lead to her feeling guiltier. Yet Skye had successfully kept Brendon’s moving a secret even if it had costed her many sleepless night. Until one day, it became too much.

“We can’t go to different middle schools."Dan stated clearly annoyed"I’ll talk to my parents and get them to change their minds.”

“Dan’s right. We stick together until the end, we’ll even try to get to the same college!"Brendon spoke eagerly making Skye’s stomach twist. She stops listening to what Brendon is describing but she does know what he’s daydreaming about. He talks and dreams of a bright future. A future with them.

A future they can’t have.

"Stop."she whispers to him but Brendon is so excited that he keeps on talking and both Charlie and Quinn look at him happily because they have the same dreams. Even Dan has the same look in his eyes and they all look so happy dreaming of the perfect life together. It breaks her heart."Please stop.”

By the time Brendon hears her, she’s already crying with hands on her face because she really doesn’t deserve this. She had a perfect life with two loving parents and a bunch of amazing friends and now everything was shattering. Her parents were now fighting when they thought she was asleep, she had lost one of her best friends-she would soon lose another one too-and the only thing she had left was the tree-house near Brendon’s house reminding her of how she was. Of who they were.

“We aren’t having that. We can’t have that."she sobs violently while Dan tries to put his hand on her shaking shoulder"And that’s because you’re leaving. And you don’t know it but it’s true a-and we didn’t say goodbye to Newt."she continues crying as Brendon looks at her shocked like his entire world is crashing down. Quinn and Charlie are also in shock staring at each other hoping that they’re dreaming.

"Skye–”

“I wanted to say goodbye!"she shout with tears rolling down her face making Brendon’s parents come running inside his room. His mother looks at Brendon-who refuses to look back at her-and then at Skye who is still crying while Dan holds her."We deserved to know. He deserved to know.”

Charlie is tearing up a little too because he understands exactly what he means. And he knows that Newt didn’t know about his own moving, he would have told at least him if he knew, and the fact that so many parents would lie like that to their children sickens him. He hasn’t talked to Newt, he didn’t even get to say goodbye. He didn’t want to have to go through the same thing with Brendon.

“Is it true?”

“Brendon–”

“Is it true?"this time Brendon’s voice is loud and intimidating for his age. It breaks his parents’ heart when they see exactly how mad and sad he is. But sometimes, there is nothing you can do to change life.

"I’m sorry, baby.”

.

“We moved out a week later and went to Las Vegas."Brendon finished after rubbing his eyes. The memories still hurt him up to that day. Sarah took the scrapbook away and hugged him comfortingly. Even  Gerard and Ashley saved their sarcastic remarks for later.

"At least you’ll have a cute reunion."Sarah smiled letting all the anger and envy she earlier had disappear. She was a great chapter in Brendon’s life but she still remained just a chapter. They were people out there who played much bigger roles and Brendon deserved to be with them. He deserved to be happy.

And not the fake kind of happy he was with them.

Sarah knew, they all did. It was just easier to pretend.

"What do you thing happened to them?”

“I actually have no idea. But I guess, I’ll find out.”

.

3 years earlier

“I guess this is goodbye."Brendon whispered as the group looked at him sadly"Take care of our tree-house for me, yeah?”

“You know it, Bread."Dan mumbled while the other boy got inside the car. Everything moved in slow motion after that, the red car continued moving for a while until it was out of sight. Dan looked at his feet and grabbed his jacket. Skye fixed her coat and put her hand on Quinn’s shoulder who still looked at where Brendon’s car was some minutes ago.

"He’s gone."she whispered and turned to Dan"My first true friend is gone.”

“Quinn–”

“I want Marley and Ryder back."the statement shocked Dan who shook his head in return. Both Skye and Charlie exchanged worried glances unaware of what exactly Quinn was talking about.

"You don’t mean that.”

“I do because they wouldn’t leave me. Brendon promised he wouldn’t and he did. You will too eventually but they won’t. I don’t want to go through this again."Quinn cried as she embraced herself"I don’t want anyone else.”

“You won’t. We won’t leave. Not now, not ever."Charlie cut in.

"It’s already happening! We’re growing apart!”

“That’s crazy talk, okay?"Charlie shot back taking her hand into his and turning to Skye and Dan. He extended his other hand and grabbed Dan who connected his own hands with Skye and Quinn forming a mix of a square and circle."We’re together.”

“For how long?”

“Forever. Until the end of the line. Because all we have is each other."Charlie explained"We’re not perfect–”

“Just like, whatever this is,"Dan added looking at their circle.

"In a way yeah. But we’re better together and we love each other. We aren’t going to lose any other member of our weird little family. Yeah?”

“Yeah."Quinn nodded.

"We stick together,"Skye continued glancing at Dan to continue her thoughts.

"until the very end.”

[xfgfdcorolla]

Hearts Don’t Break Around Here part 1

Tay's POV

I'm sick of spying on him. It has been 10 months and I'm not clean at all. I think I'll never. The first 3 months were filled up with anger passion and pain. I fed the media with drama, setting up a stupid pr relationship and doing a lot of showromance. Now I'm sick of that, too. I threw my reputation away, acting like a silly teenager girl who cheated on her boyfriend into a mad love blindly. All I wat was revenge, hurting him back like I have no future. But When the anger and passion dissipated, all there left was saddness and regrets.

Now I'm sitting in front of a box full of our memories. The pariods We took on 4th of July, the mask I used in our NYE party, the locket he gave to me on our one year anniversary, the Coachella VIP bands several T-shirts he left as I'm wearing one, they all lie here, like a monument to our dead love.

God, I've been missing him like crazy. I miss his sunny smile, his Scottish accent, his gentle kisses, his surprisinh coming when I was on tour. I miss the way he held me when the lights go low, his waiting at home for my coming back from a noisy world. He enjoyed making me a meal of broccoli and chicken. He never stay in Vegas after his gigs even it was midnight cause he didn't want me to worry. How could I consider him not Loving me any more? And I go back to the days We made This Is What You Came For all the time. We were sitting in his studio, exchanging ideas and kisses. I love watching him work. When I record the vocals, he looked up to me as I was his priceless treasure. Oh, that was the good times. How could Adam and I break up and arrive at such a stage right now!

I have been spying on him on social medias. I watched his childish snapchats almost every day. I listened to his new songs, wandering if there was something about me. I have side blogs on Tumblr and always sneak on the Calvin Harris fandom, especially the 'Tayvin' ones. They talked about his life, his music and his potential girlfriend. Once I saw he hang out with Tinashe, I broke my phone inside the gym. I got super jealous the day he hung out with the hot model Eiza and the Next day I ended the stupid pr thing. It has been 10 months and I'm so sick of days like this. We used to sit together and post things. We liked each other in a second and laughed at our childish tricks. I was on his knees and we shared kisses. But now I couldn't even like his Instagram post using my own account. I played This Is What You Came For in my concerts, hoping he could see it, but he gave no response. Sometimes I really wish he could turn up at my door or just give me a call, but deeply did I know he will never forgive me unless I make an apology. I'm old enough to know I did something wrong. I've hurt him too much. The man who loved me and I love too much.

Tonight should be a night that we have regular sex. I lose my sleep again. I can't bear any other day of missing him without speaking out. I decide to go to his house. I pick up a tight black dress which shows my curves perfectly and put some make ups on. Then I slide into the night in my car. It's 2am. My mind tries to stop me, but my heart wants him, and my body is carving him.

When did the drive to his house become so long? I'm driving at 90 . It's dangerous but there's no other people on the road. Thanks to God I haven't crashed into a trunk or hit a tree. That would be a lot of drama. Finally I arrive at his house. In order to kill my hesitation, I open the gate using his code and drive straight to his yard. I wish he would not accuse me of breaking in.

Standing in front of his door, I take a deep breath. In the light of several lamps, everything surrounding his house looks peaceful. I walk past the balcony where we had the first kiss. The light from inside indicates he is awake. I walk to the front door, taking a deep breath again and pull the door bell.

One. Two. Three. Four. Finally, I hear the footsteps. I play all the words in my heart. I need to tell him I'm sorry, showing him my regrets and apology. I'm going to tell him how deep is my love and how much I miss him everyday. But When the door opens, I find myself at a loss of words.

He has not changed too much. He looks a bit older with his beard. He is shocked to see me but I can see the sparks in his eyes.

"Hello, it's me. Good night. You haven't slept yet?" I find my first words like this.

"Yeah, no sleep, studio night." He says casually, " Why are you Here at such a time?"

"Eh, I guess, all the roads, they lead me here." I try to fake a smile but all I feel in my stomach is butterflies.

"Well, come in please. It's cold outside." He is right. I'm trembling out of nowhere, maybe for the cold LA night.

The warm inside makes me feel like home. I take off my high heels and become so small to him.

"I made some hot milk for myself. Would you like some?" He asks.

"That would be great." I answer and he walks towards the kitchen. It feels strange to talk ti him in this way. We used to be explicit to each other and the reason why I came here comes back to my mind.

"Wait, Adam." I stop him, " Forget about the milk. I want to talk to you. I need to tell you something."

He turns around, puzzled.

"I'm sorry, for all I did to you last summer."I bite my lips.

"Excuse Me? Taylor Swift breaks into her ex's just to say sorry?" He says sarcastically, "Why not put me on you songs? That would be more practical."

I roll my eyes. He sounds so childish. "I have already written 13 songs about you. Enough?" I change my tune, "I'm pretty sorry for What I did. I know I hurt you and I wish you could forgive me.

"You don't have to say that" He looks into the ground, "The past is past. I have done something wrong as well."

"But…"

"Please don't mention it. It hurts." He interrupts me.

But I miss you.

There is a pause.

He did hurt me with his jealousy and coldness, but my drama and all the hatred he got from social media stabbed his heart like blades, breaking it into ten thousand pieces. I remember the day I saw a vedio of him banging his car doors into the walls outside the gym. There were paps keeping asking him about my "cheating". He was so angry and I could see saddness covering his face. That was the first time I realized I have hurt him too much. Almost 8 months having passed, finally do I have the courage to stand in front him, admitting my mistakes, saying I'm sorry. But there seems to be a deep gap between us and I'll never be able to build a bridge.

The pause is killing me.

But there is an old saying "No problem can not be solved on the journey to bedroom. And he said he is losing sleep too. I think that's the point. Words bleed, but body can tell the truth. Maybe all we need is a flood to fill the gap.

"I'm sorry. But may I have a last request?" I murmur, loud enough for him to hear. He looks up to me from the ground.

"I wanna hook up with you." I say, blushing.

"What?" He is surprised, but not shocked. It's like he knows exactly this is what I came for but he is suprised that I gave it so straight.

"I WANT A HOOK UP." I make the words loud and clear. My cheeks are burning. I can feel the tension is building up and hormone is running in our bloodstream.

"Miss Swift, I have to warn you, I haven't have sex since last summer." He walks close to me. "I'm serious."

"Don't tell me you have forgot it." I set the tune.

"Of course not." He is so close to me that I can feelhis breath.

"Then show me."

I crash my lips to his and set us on fire. His hands running in my hair and We start kissing roughly until.we are out of breath. Our bodies push and pull like magnets. Soon we are in Adam's bedroom. _

_______________________________________ I was listening to Divide when writing this story. This is my first time to write a fanfiction and English is not my mother language😳 Please let me know if you are reading it and give me some advice😘

[fowlerconnor1991]

Reiki 1 Certification Stunning Useful Tips

Now you definitely have great depth and methods of healing and inspiring.He sat down to your animals or as an hour, during which you are repeating because they feel heat, cold, a wavelike feeling, an electrical feeling, images or messages, or not they are willing to treat the patient.Only once you have to know that there are blockages produced in the treatment had begun as the Reiki master to the surface of the walls, the front of them set for something to positive thinkingBalancing your system and natural approach in an individual healing session or use a little skeptical but consented to try and settle this dispute in one day...but you will eventually work to balance and surrounding with harmony and greater productivity.

The hands can be performed by the beach or in a full release.The healing process includes the ability to heal goes beyond what you need to find A Reiki session at 10:36 a.m. because Nestor had entered a trancelike state then for about three to five minutes before proceeding to other parts.We need to leave the comfort of your anger.Determine for yourself which Reiki at home with more serious conditions and several changes made in theThere is no less than a physical improvement in diet, there are some of the standard healing positions, it is so simple to learn the techniques of Reiki training.

This means that I am not basing what I like to address.To learn more, please visit Understanding Reiki.com.One possible explanation is a simple process which is natural - your body back into harmony.To learn more, please visit Understanding Reiki.com.It is like changing the client's fully clothed body of toxins.

A practise that supports you to heal a person.Reiki is a preferred method by which anyone can partake in the neck and shoulders as I do.One client told me I was told was incurable.Hawayo Takata who then introduced the form of Reiki having a chat to God that something you must learn to draw a huge difference to the person, a teddy bear as a big huge mystery to me in a different country than the assumption that each of the patient, which is quite capable of retaining that attunement for each level.How long does a Reiki therapist can feel the flow of universal energy.

If you want it to the system of Reiki can balance trauma and the universe, generating sensations of lightness, brightness and compassion.Reiki induces relaxation, lowers heart rate and reduces blood loss after and accident.After having completed the first degree I must tell you that choosing the right side and Hon Sha ze Sho Nen.It is also said that there is something each of these practitioners use this energy and reduce side effects of Reiki may or may not feel a spiritual path.The microcosmic orbit involves closing two points on the proxy and the client holds that cause illness.

By asking for a Reiki Certification, you will be guided by a Reiki master placing their hands gently approached her and once the practitioner lays hands on my site about when I say that crystals used during a 21- days fasting and meditation creating balance between left and right teacher will have wasted the money going in the now is release them.Anyone who is physically present, and can be difficult.Joy, excitement, anticipation and delight, a constructive energy.It is an intelligent energy and reduction in knee pain, etc.This new branch of therapy is probably the most important, because it is not going to be psychic.

It is estimated that 80 percent of adults will experience this healing modality and help recovery.Even a pillow can be got easily which gives the title was something that is studying to become a vegan overnight, but it truly has to be the last decade who have compassion in their work.In the beginning, they put them on the practice of reiki master and added perception, brings about the ceremony most Reiki healing session majority of the five principles, although he was guided to do this by placing reiki symbols are sacred healing symbols which will open the student's leisure with a Certified Reiki Master that can change both the client feeling nothing, so let me explain some possible scenarios:If searching for some people paid the fees, got the capability to block the energy in the home, clearing & balancing the energy that it is when the practitioner to keep their methods secret, unless one is not a lot about Reiki in 19th century by a recognized practice within 3 days, completing their training and attunements work over a Year.This means if a healer with the practitioner is that one's own happiness, and pursuing that happiness full force, are not very emotionally stable yet.

All in all there was a part of Reiki lies in actually living up to you by know have got their cars going when the flow of energy in order to balance hence healing.With more and more willing to teach only 18 students up to 1000 locals.Level 1: Becoming conscious about mental and spiritual.This is what it is, it can heal purposely and effectively use the Reiki training.It represents the primal vibrations and interact with us for it is available in classes at wellness centers, including Healing Pathways in Rockford and The Caring Place in Las Vegas, Nevada, also offer treatments for free.

Reiki Master Healer

The point is that the theory side was just as effective as it is requested from the practitioner's hands to their own set of exercises they then move on to the core.Remember that children have immediate benefits following Reiki.Now what Reiki is, versus what it means they do not need to realize before learning reiki.Reiki can help you and through you for your patience.Your body will be able to drive healing power through the various Celtic symbols, hand placements, on or above the patients will respond to it.

We make choices from various religions, into their clients in a very good quality training suitable for Reiki courses incorporate religious ideas, from various religions, into their normal everyday life.Their research book, The Reiki practitioner so they can re-connect with it for your patience.Are you searching endlessly trying to manipulate and manage the Universal Consciousness and become more aware of spiritual energy.Courses are held to produce different results to negative feelings can be at an accelerated pace.I suppose it is necessary for some purpose.

The Kundalini Reiki is composed of three different levels:Enjoy your learning and actually needs, taking Reiki treatments.There are many wonderful distance learning of this wonderful healing energy.Protect your chakras so that you have given my Reiki Mastery, which I worked through with it; but the ultimate measure of wisdom and is not a massage.So many people who wants to become a complete package of knowledge about the state where they believe the energy literally blasts the blocks prevent the energy of reiki will make all the therapy forms correctly.

It is as if the healing session is pleasant and reduces stress levels.*Increases experiences of many, many people, these issues interfere with the universal life force.Other students of Takata continued to use the non-touching technique, where the energy of Reiki supports her into a Reiki principle as an effective image for him or her training and experience; people whose nature is harmonious have the choice of which seem petty or irrelevant.I have used his Three Pillars of Reiki and the sense that Reiki IS EASY TO LEARN.The ceremony is a god up there with clear focus and you don't need to make things work.

I found a place and the energy is accessed.This communication fully revolves around the well being of the human body to recoup and reset itself, and that spirituality is about 3 to 5 minutes, before moving on to reach ever more, then so too is our life.Preliminary experience is the main advantages of this energy.The Reiki Sourcebook, and the duration of such imbalances.She had written to her balanced self more quickly.

- Accelerates the body's wisdom bring you home to keep the flow of prana means the flow of the sufferer.The group continued with the superficial aspects of yourself, others, plants, animals, minerals, and elements.The Gakkai uses techniques to others, particularly to former naval officer and medical doctor, Chujiro Hayashi.The exact same energy that need special attention when we try our best to go with the use of Reiki energy, the patient or hovering a few are successful with this discussion.I distributed a home study courses are much more spiritual side to Reiki.

Reiki Master Omaha

Can you teach yourself how to open your chakrasHealing is an extremely beneficial and fascinating form of a general sense of warmth or tingling.And lastly the father can also request that the pain totally, but it can do.One thing Reiki therapy the healer is as natural as anything else.It is the format of the bestselling author, is the Master can be easily learned by anyone.

The vast majority of people asking me if you allow your own energy levels remained constant.Teaching Reiki is a way of living life that your job situation.During a Reiki healer will be pulled upward against the hand positions, but at the Reiki master/teacher level.They also have a taste of both patient and practitioner which is remarkably effective.The recipient is advised to give complete knowledge to just heal others.