#i wanna shove them together like two barbies like 'now kiss'

[spreadwardiard]

If you like megaop i want to be friends. Lets be cringe about this ship like its 2010 again pls.

[superhero--imagines]

Part 1 Here! / Part 2 Here! / Part 3 Here! / Part 4 Here! / Part 5 Here! / Part 6 Here! / Part 7 Here! / Part 8 Here! / Part 9 Here! / Part 10 Here! / Part 11 Here! / Part 12 Here! / Part 13 Here! / Part 14 Here! / Part 15 Here! / Part 16 Here! / Part 17 Here! / < This is Part 18!>

Donate to Move to Higher Ground HERE!

* Your eyes open, and your hand flies to your throat 

* You’re thirsty

* You sigh as you sit up in your bed a little annoyed, you were having such a good dream too

* Only when you look to your night stand to grab your blood bottle, past it you see Edward sitting in your desk chair 

* “What are you doing?” Your voice is gravely, and you don’t wait for a response before uncapping your bottle and taking a sip

* Edward fidgets, his hands tugging with the sleeves of his shirt 

* “I like watching you sleep” he admits with a shrug and a boyish quirk of the lips. 

* Of course the dork likes watching you pretend to sleep

* Somethings haven’t changed from the books at least

* Maybe he’s part owl or something

* “Ugh, it’s already Sunday where does the weekend go?” You mumble, it’s around 3 am right now

* To be fair you know  half your Saturday went in self loathing in a tree, and the other half spent with your entire coven congratulating you and Edward on your new relationship

* “I call (Y/N) as my sibling the next time we move!” Emmett grins

* “That’s not fair, I was going to make them my sibling.” Jasper pouts

* “You already have Rosalie don’t get greedy”

* And then they all basically tried to plan out your wedding. 

* So the pressure is on

* At least you still have all Sunday before you have to face everyone at school though. You haven’t even tried to look at your phone 

* “Edward,” he perks up at the sound of your voice “were they really thinking vile thoughts about me?”

* His eyebrows thread together, head tilting to the side

* “Mike and Conner, you said they were thinking vile thoughts when you...came to get me.”

* It’s been bothering you for some time, Conner you can understand, but Mike? 

* You feel....betrayed 

* Edward averts his eyes, you’re half hoping he was lying to you and that he was just upset you were kissing other people

* “Were they thinking of r*ping me?” The second the words fall out of your lips he scampers closer, the chair screeching behind him.

* “No! No of course not-at least I don’t think so-“ His hand cups your face, the other cards through your hair. He sits on the edge of your bed carefully

* “They were thinking of taking you...” 

* oh well that’s no so bad.

* “At the same time”

* So that’s a little worse

* “So they were thinking about a threesome?” Edward winces at the word but nods

* You let out a sigh of relief, a threesome is still kinda sketchy but that’s just normal teenage boy brain for you 

* “At the time I didn’t appreciate their...vivid thoughts but” he looks into your eyes, like two pools of gold. “Maybe you wanted that.” 

*  He had acted instinctively upon seeing their thoughts, but in reality he wasn’t much better

* He had imagined that same needy expression on your face dozens of times 

* Maybe... you might have enjoyed an experience like that. After all two lovers are better than one

* He’s stuck in his own self loathing until he hears you laugh. 

* You’re actually laughing at him!

* He’s worried that you missed out on a vital human experience and you’re laughing!

* The nerve

* And yet, he feels his heart flutters when he see’s you smile at him

* “No, I’m good.” You laugh, and he feels himself let out a sigh of relief.

* “What about Jessica? Does she hate me now” Edward shakes his head

* “I think she might have a bit of a crush on you now.” He grins at your confused expression

* Well that’s unexpected

* You know you can’t really sleep but you feel exhausted, completely emotionally drained

* You snuggle back into the covers  And pat the space on the bed beside you

* “Sleep with me?” 

* Your face feels uncomfortably hot when you realize what you just said. “I just meant like-dream with me-not um no-“

* “I know what you meant” Edward says with a small smile

* He lies down on the other end of the bed, at least five feet away from you

* “You can come closer, you’re my boyfriend now, boyfriend privileges”

* Boyfriend 

* He’s always thought the word was garish. 

* A boy who was your special friend, how idiotic. But hearing the word tumble from your lips makes him unbelievably  happy 

* “What are boyfriend privileges?” He repeats carefully. Shifting so he is lying beside you

* “Normal couple stuff I guess, kissing, hugging, public affection-“ 

* and sex stuff

* “So I get to be as greedy with you as I want?” 

* You feel your face grow warm at the thought of Edward being as greedy with your body as he wants

* The way his hands would feel as they ghost over your body, his sweet rosemary and argon scent filling the air

* You can’t manage to get out words so you just nod, and he grins

* “Let’s go out tomorrow” 

* To like a hotel or?

* “We can go to the aquarium in Seattle, I think it’s supposed to rain so something indoors would be good.”

* Oh like greedy with your time

* That seems more on brand for Edward tbh 

* “The aquarium sounds nice”

* You curl into his chest, breathing in his scent deeply. He feels warm, not as warm as a human, but soothing in its own right. A gentle warmth, like the warmth from a candle

* You feel so safe here with him. You feel yourself drift off into sleep, and Edward’s arms tentatively wrap around you

* Your weight is pressed against him, and he can’t help but wonder what it would feel like to have you pressed against him even more

* Your hands clawing at his chest as you plead

* “Great now I’m the one having vile thoughts” he murmurs to himself 

* You both sneak out early in the morning, while all your other coven members are still preoccupied 

* “Grab a couple blood bags and I’ll get some tumblrs” you nod, shoving it all quickly in his nike backpack, and you both practically jog to your jeep.

* The drive feels a lot shorter than you remember, it’s only 10 when you get there. 

* You sigh as you get out, you’re wearing faded blue jeans and a black coat that cinches at the waist

* Edward is dressed in a similar fashion, faded blue jeans, white shirt and a leather jacket

* Both of you wearing sunglasses 

* You don’t miss the looks you get as you walk across the parking lot. You already get a lot of attention as is  with the hot pink Barbie jeep

* But you and Edward together look like something straight out of a magazine catalog 

* “Did you already buy tickets?” You ask, your arm linking through his. 

* “Yeah, we just have to pick them up at the box” 

* It’s actually pretty busy, it is a weekend day though so it’s to be expected 

* “(Y/N)?” You turn to the voice and feel like the wind got knocked out of you

* “Jessica, Bella...” and there’s someone else with them, brown skin and long dark hair.

* Well he’s kinda hot, for a human that is

* “What are you doing here?” 

* They’re like the weirdest group for a Sunday hang out

* “My Dad had some tickets, he was going to come with my mom but I guess they got in a fight or something.” 

* You get the feeling that there’s more to it than that, but you’re just happy she’s talking to you after you kissed her without consent 

* “Oh um , this is Jacob we’ve been friends since we were kids.” 

* So this is Jacob, he looks older for his age.

* “Hey Jacob nice to meet you, I’m (Y/N)” you extend your hand and you see him stiffen for a second

* Yeah that sounds about right. All humans get afraid when they first me et you, you are technically their natural predator after all. He seems to get over it and grasps your hand

* “Hey, nice to meet you” 

* “Do you go to school with us?” 

*You know he doesn’t, but you’ve found it best to pretend in this situation. 

* You glance at Edward who hiding a twitching smile, looks like he heard something interesting

* “No I go to school on the res, I’m a sophomore.” 

* Oh a sophomore, younger man is more her speed huh? And they’ve been friends for years, he’s to her what Edward is to you

* You ship it

* “Do you guys want to join us?” 

* You can feel Edward’s eyes piercing you in the back. Yeah you know this is a date, and he probably wants some quality time with you or whatever-

* But it’s not like you’re f*cking after or anything

* And honestly you kinda wanna see how this whole Bella-Jacob ship plays out 

* “Well I don’t-“ Bella starts

* “We’d love to!” Jessica interrupts, and then taking a nervous glance at Edward she adds:

* “That is if you don’t mind?”

* Queue everyone looking at Edward. He looks at you, a small pout bowing onto your lips and let’s out a deep sigh

* “No of course not, I’ll get the tickets and meet you at the gate.” He says with a resigned smile

* He leans down, catching your lips in his. You know you don’t have a beating heart, but you feel it stutter when he pulls away and smiles at you

* “See you in a bit daring” and then he walks towards the empty “reserved pass” line

* Darling?

* DARLING???

* (Y/N).Exe is broken

* And you would stay broken if Jessica and Bella didn’t each grab a shoulder and shake you.

* “Oh my god what was that?!?!” Jessica shrieks

* “Are you guys like...dating now?” Bella grins

* “Yeah, I guess we are?” The human part of you understands that you’ve just agreed you feel the same, and that you have just started a relationship

* But the vampire part of you, the primal part, knows it’s so much more than that

* He’s your mate

* And saving any major changes, he is yours for as long the universe will permit 

* “Wait are you guys on a date right now?” Jessica asks, and it pulls you right out of your thoughts

* She’s worried she’s intruding

* “No-I mean maybe? Honestly we both just wanted an excuse to get out of the house.” You sigh

* “Are the rest of the Cullen’s not taking it well?” 

* You do live together, and you’re at that age. Sure Emmett and Rosalie and together, but that seems to be under more transparent circumstances 

* So imagine her surprise when you card your fingers through your hair

* “No they’re taking it too well!” 

* Last night you basically rotated between coven members as they all told you how happy they were you were with Edward now

* “Honestly I thought the nerd would never find the nerve” Emmett confided in you

* “Eleazer you’ll never guess what happened....we’re going to be brothers!” You had heard Carlisle tell Eleazer over the phone before breaking down into tears

* “Carlisle stop crying, the venom is going to make a hole in the floor.” Esme shouted before turning her attention back to you

* “So what colors do you like (Y/N)? I’m partial to gold and white myself-“ she said pointing the color combination examples in her wedding book 

* They were driving you crazy.

* “Carlisle keeps rotating between smiling and crying because ‘two kids are leaving the house’ and Tanya called to give me the most smug speech about it- I just need a break.”

* You sigh

* “Wait-did all of this happen after the party?” Bella asks with a smile creeping onto her face

* Before you can answer though, you see Edward walking towards you

* “We’ll talk about this later” Jessica whispers, not that it matters, going on the smirk on Edward’s lips he already heard everything

* “So Tanya called you huh?” He whispers in your ear when the others move ahead

* His breath fanning against your ear causes your stomach to flip. You’ve been around him so long, you almost started to forget how hot he was.

* “Yeah, she’s basically hoping I crush your heart so she can get revenge.”

* You’re mostly joking, but given past history, you know she wouldn’t mind if that’s how things turned out anyway

* “That’s fair.” He looks almost sad. What the hell happened between them to make him like this?

* You want to ask, but you feel like now isn’t the best time. Not when Jessica and Bella are a mere five feet away arguing about whether to see the jellyfish or penguins first

* So you do the only thing you can: You reach out and hold his hand, squeezing it slightly. Edward doesn’t say anything, he just squeezes back

* It’s a pretty nice day, Bella’s dad bought her a digital camera so you take a bunch of cheesy pictures around the aquarium

* “Oh try to get one like a shark is eating us! Like I’m in Jaws!”

* “You know they’re an endangered species and that stupid movie doesn’t help right?” 

* “There is no ethical consumption under capitalism Bella”

* Edward just makes a pained expression as he holds up the camera. All he wanted to do was go on a date with his significant other

* “Girls am I right?” Jacob asks, extending his bag of popcorn

* For a second you think Edward might hate him, but instead a smile arch’s onto his face

* “You have no idea.” He smiles, taking a few kernels.

* Aw, it’s Edward’s first human friend 💖

* You kinda wish you were the one with a camera now, or at least a smart phone

* Instead you settle for a grainy picture on your flip phone. They both look at you like confused puppy's when the shutter clicks 

* “Aw that’s a cute one” Jessica coo’s

* “You even got a shark in the back” Bella says pointing to a blurry gray blob in the background

* It’s a good day 

* You’re almost sad when you have to part at the end 

* “You sure you guys don’t want to come with us? Jessica’s dad is letting us have his reservation at the revolving restaurant in the space needle”

* You and Edward exchange a look

* “Nah it’s fine, I’m pretty sure Esme is wondering when we’re coming home” 

* “She’ll be pissed if we eat there without here.” You add for good measure 

* “Well alright we’ll see you at school tomorrow” Jessica says with a wave, and you smile

* “See you tomorrow”

* Looks like things are back to normal

* Edward drives on the way back

* You hold the plush sea turtle close to your chest as you watch him

* He really is handsome, chiseled cheekbones and full rosy lips. To add he has that mane of auburn hair, and that irresistible splatter of freckles across his nose 

* The prettiest boy you’ve ever seen

* “I can feel you staring” he says with a smile twitching onto his lips. Oh god you want to kiss that stupid smile right off his mouth

* “What went wrong with you and Tanya?”

* Way to kill the vibe

* “I’m sure Tanya told you all about it.” He shrugs. There’s that sad look again

* “I want to hear about it from you though” 

* And Edward might have denied you if your hand hadn’t found his, resting on top of it 

* He grins

* You don’t play fair, do you?

* He sighs, squeezing your hand while keeping his eyes on the road

* “I just...didn’t like the way she thought about me”

* “Like you were a piece of meat?” 

* He laughs

* “Like I was some charity case besides-“ he stops abruptly, looking at you before swallowing hard. “Never mind”

* “No tell me!” You lean forward cradling your hand intertwined with his against your chest and he chuckles, you really don’t play fair

* “ I didn’t-I don’t feel attraction to people unless-“

* He looks into your eyes, and you feel his fingers squirm against yours 

* “Unless we’re friends first” 

* Oh, he’s asexual. 

*Or  demisexual. 

* Somewhere on the spectrum for sure

* Is he coming out to you right now? 

* You give his hand a squeeze 

* “I get that.”

* You want to smack yourself. 

* The boy you love just came out to you about his sexuality and all you can say is ‘I get that’ 

* You feel so useless

* But Edward doesn’t let you feel useless for too long, he squeezes back looking at you with such warm eyes

* And again you can’t help but think that even though his heart doesn’t beat anymore, he looks so human

* He’s just pulled into the driveway at the house, the car parked. He’s about to say something when you cut him off, tugging him closer to you and placing your lips on his

* If he’s surprised he doesn’t show it, placing his free hand on your shoulder and leaning a bit closer to you 

* He’s so careful and gentle...and dazzling 

* He’s barely touching you but you can feel yourself seeing stars

* That thing he does with his tongue-it’s indescribable 

* Are you sure he’s a virgin?!?

* You can’t help the sigh that passes your lips when he pulls away. You’re still in a daze when he pulls you into his lap, one leg straddled on each side 

* His head is tilted back, an easy smile on his mouth. 

* You suddenly feel shy, that look in his eyes should be illegal 

* “So-“ you lean back a bit “do you-um-do you have feelings like that for me?”

* He tilts his head to the side in confusion and you gulp

* “Y’know sexually speaking” 

* He actually laughs at you

* Right there, when you’re only a handful of inches away from his face

* But you’re not annoyed, instead all you can feel is a rush of affection

* His eyes crinkle at the ends, his pearly white fangs sparkling as he grins. Your hands cup his face as he looks up at you with adoration 

* You can imagine the rosy blush that would light his face so clearly, the deep emerald green of his eyes. You’re almost starving for the image you see in your mind to be real

* He pulls you out of the image with a simple touch. His arms wrapping around your waist to pull you closer

* “I - like the rest of the entire student population at Forks High School- find you absolutely bewitching” 

* The way he says it makes you shiver, and Edward’s hand trails up your back. 

*He sits a little straighter, bouncing you slightly in his lap as he does, so you’re looking straight into his eyes

* “I find it hard to believe you don’t know that I have been dying inside everyday watching you walk around in those short shorts you love so much,” he whispers in your ear. 

*“That I haven’t been dying to absolutely ravish you .”

* You gulp.

* It’s all you can do when he’s looking at you like that

* If you thought Garrett’s bedroom eyes were intense, then Edward is on an entire different level

* You feel your heart stutter, butterflies erupting in your stomach...and something else

* A certain heat you haven’t felt in a long time

* You’ve never seen him look at anything like that, like he’s hungry- 

* Starving even 

* His lips brush against your neck, trailing down to your collar bone and you sigh

* He really knows everything about you doesn’t he? All your sweet spots, all your stories, every one of your secrets.

* Your hand trails up his chest, entangling in his hair and a low gasp tumbles from his lips

* And then your phone rings

* You hear him groan, and you shake your head

* “Ignore it” you mumble, your mouth meeting his once more 

* And you continue on for a few moments, until his phone rings

*He pulls away from you with a groan

* “Rosalie’s calling me a long list of profanities right now” he mumbles, you sigh pulling away to lean against the steering wheel 

* It’s probably for the best, no point in getting too turned on when you knew he was going to say ‘you should wait until marriage’

* Like honestly, he died, and you died, and now you live an alternative lifestyle where literally nothing matters anymore 

* But you’ll respect his wishes 

* “Guess we should go inside” You sigh, you move to get off of him

* But just as your about to crawl off, he tugs you to face him once more

* His thumb brushes over your cheek, and those deep gold eyes bore at you with that same intensity as before 

* He pulls you in for one last kiss, before getting out of the car and closing the door behind him

* “We’ll pick up where we left off later.” 

* (Y/N).exe is broken

* You walk to the house slowly, like humans do 

* “Are you ready?” He asks, holding out his hand

* You smile, placing your hand in his and nodding

* “Ready”

* So imagine your surprise when you and Edward get inside, hand in hand, to find the entire coven is laughing in the living room. 

* From where you’re standing you can only see Carlisle 

* “Ah your home! Come, I want you both to meet someone-“ 

* You move forward but Edward stays rooted to the spot

* Three people come into view, a woman with flaming red hair, a man -no older than 25- with rich mahogany skin, and a dazzling young man with hair the color of the sun.

* “Meet our new friends, Victoria, James and Laurent” 

* You turn to look at Edward, his mouth pinched into a frown

* Well F*ck 

Tags:  @moonlights27​ @thebluetint​ @the100thtwilight​ @awesomebooklover17​ @oneofthepotterheads​ @smileygirl08​ @imdoingathingmom​ @iconicgguk​ @yrawn​ @alyciaswhore​ @little-horror-show​ @wicked-watering-can​ @lazydreamers​ @ xxxmuxxx @ideas-for-you-to-adopt​​​ @poisoinedhope @maryleigh8796​​ @moose-squirrel-asstiel​​ @hotmessgoodness​ @jaimewho​ @corabmarie​ @what-am-i-doing10​ @alluring-venus​ @imdoingathingmom @anotheryooniverse​ @im-tired-not-sleepy​ @emmettcullenisahimbo​ @my-super-musical-life​ @smolvampiregirl​ @it-was-all-a-beautiful-dream​ @mihikaahujaaa @werewolflover3252​ @teenagezombiekryptonite @shynz​ @reclusive-chicken-nugget​ @monkeyluver4546​

[cham-chammity]

Drunk Striker (Fanfic Oneshot)

~~~~~~~

Background info (TW: mention of suic!de):

In my AU or whatever you wanna call it, Striker was raised by his dad (Buck) and his aunt (Cassandra). Striker's mother died at childbirth, so Cassie helped her little brother Buck raise Striker. Buck suffered from Depression and a Panic Attack disorder (Striker inherited the panic attack part). Because of this, it lead to Buck commiting suicide about a year and a half prior to Striker joining I.M.P. Striker's parents were only 16/17 when he was born, so partially due to the shorter age gap he was very close with his dad. My oneshot takes place around the two-year anniversary of his dad's death.

~~~~~~~

The taste of hot, straight whiskey burned Striker's throat as his lips met the one of two newly opened bottles of alcohol he purchased. He let out a relieved breath, as the western imp hadn't drank good whiskey since he last left Wrath. He also needed a distraction from the gut-wrenching memories trying to re-surface themselves in his head, memories he knew he'd be sobbing himself to sleep if he didn't force back down.

Taking another swig, Striker plopped down at the kitchen counter and took off his hat. The one dim light above him illuminated a sickly yellow glow, causing the bottle in the imp's hand to look like an old bottle of piss. Striker smiled at the thought, Blitz definitely would say something like that in the current situation. Speaking of his boyfriend, his small smile turned into a frown. Blitz wouldn't be home for awhile since he insisted he go spend the night out with Barbie. She was barely out of rehab; the twins hadn't seen each other in months. But that wasn't the driving reason why he told Blitz to go out for this particular evening. He didn't want Blitz to see him like... this. Striker needed to stay strong for Blitz, he couldn't let his mate see the weak, sad, drunk side of him. Blitz would probably just tell him to man up and push through it. Striker was strong. He can handle these things on his own. He didn't need comfort. Just a few drinks and sleep and he'll be good. Right?

Striker sat there taking in as much of the burning liquid he could handle, like a parched cactus in the dryest possible desert. Blackout drunk wasn't his go-to--nor his favorite--way out of these things. But it did the job. Sure, he knew how unhealthy it was, but at least he wasn't one of those 24/7 drunk-ass rednecks that did it thrice a week.

Striker was barely finished with the first bottle when the sound of familiar footsteps approached the door to their apartment. The door swung open and Blitz loudly barged in (per the usual), catching Striker comepletely off-gaurd.

"Hey babe, I'm back! You will not believe what-- whoah, why is it so goddamn dark in here?" Striker hissed and squinted as Blitz turned on the brighter kitchen lights, adding to the throbbing headache Striker could feel coming.

shit, Striker thought to himself. He isn't supposed to be home for another hour.

"You're back early, though' you'd be out for another hourer.. ssso." Blitz cocked his head in concern as Striker spoke. His accent was thicker than usual. He also doesn't normally do the hissy s thing unless he meant to or was drunk. And judging by the nearly-empty bottle of whiskey along with Striker's distraught appearance, he was definitely drunk.

"Babe, why have you been drinking? Alone? Basically in the dark?"

"Ssssno big reason, juss... ta pleasure mahselfss' all."

Blitz stood in thought for a moment. Striker never drank 'just because'. He always had good reasoning behind it, so something definitely was up. The crimsom imp walked over and sat down next to his mate.

"I came home earlier because I'm worried about you. You've been acting... off the past few days. You've hardly been eating, you're quiet, withdrawn... and I can tell you're tired as well. Now I'm really glad I came home early seeing you're trying to pass yourself out with a bottle of alcoholic-looking piss."

Striker sighed and lazily rested his head on a propped up arm. "Yeah, you're right ah guess," he muttered softly.

"So tell me, what's wrong?"

Striker sucked in a sharp breath at the question. "Iss nothin' ah can't handle on mah own. I'm alrigh'. I'll prolly juss go on n' hit the hay fer t'night."

As Striker stood from his seat, a blotched hand grabbed his arm yanking him back down on the stool he was sitting on.

"No."

"Wut?"

"I said no, Striker. There is clearly something wrong and I need to know what it is. I'm not going to let you shove it under the rug. And you definitely, by the looks of it, can't handle it on your own."

Striker looked at the floor, feeling nothing but shame for his weakened state. "Ah can't let ya see me like this though. Ah need ta be strong fer ya Blitz..."

A hand gently angled Striker's head up as calm, yellow eyes met tired, blown-out ones. "Hey, who was it that said no matter who you are, everyone has something deep under the tip of the iceberg?"

Striker took a moment to think before responding. "Ah did?"

"Yes. Who was it that said no matter what, there is going to be something dark in everyone's past?"

"Ah did."

"And who was it that said they'd help me heal those deep wounds and be there for me and stay with me every step of the way?"

"Ah did."

"You did, Striker! And you still continue to help me. But here's the thing, babe... our relationship here is a two-way street. I'd be quite an ass of a boyfriend if I wasn't here for you as much as you are for me. You are the strongest, bravest imp I know. You've always been strong for me and I know you always will. And just becuase you're vulnerable, doesn't make you weak."

Striker sat in stunned silence for a few long moments, before finally giving in.

"Mah dad. Two years ago t'day. He uh.. he passed." Blitz listened as Striker slowly slurred out the words, the crack in the taller imp's voice ripping a tear through his heart. He'd never seen or heard Striker close to crying before, let alone actually cry at all. "We were..." A long pause. "We were very close." Blitz wrapped his hands in Striker's and gave them a tight squeeze. "Ah misss him sss...sso goddamn much."

And with that, Striker broke. He finally let out the loud, ugly sobs he'd been gulping down the past hour. Blitz embraced him in a tight hug and wrapped their tails together, gently rocking his mate side to side while softly stroking his hair. Striker's shoulders violently shook as he took in harsh gasps and let out heart-wrenching sobs.

Blitz felt tears brimming in his own eyes at the sound of his lover's painful grief, the sharp claws tightly gripping at his shirt causing him to hug his lover tighter.

Neither imps knew how long Striker cried for, but once his sobs calmed down to quiet cries, Blitz helped walk him back to their room. He was pretty tipsy after all.

Blitz helped Striker strip down to his boxers as he did likewise. They both lied down on their bed and Blitz cradled his lover in his arms, placing a soft, gentle kiss on Striker's forehead.

"I love you so much, Striker," he whispered in his ear. "I'm always here for you, as you are for me. Don't ever forget that."

Striker gave Blitz's hand a tight squeez in response. He was too drunk and tired to muster any words, as well as his soft cries blocked any other noises that dared escape his mouth. But the hand squeez was more than enough for Blitz. He held Striker tightly the rest of the night, the taller imp fading in and out of crying spells before eventually entirely passing out.

Blitz refused to fall asleep until all he could hear was the soft breathing from his mate in his arms. As Blitz was finally able to drift to sleep himself, he was thinking up of some hangover breakfast ideas to make for his partner in the morning. Or afternoon, that'd work too. Striker needed the sleep after all.

~~~~~~

I originally post my fanfiction on my Wattpad (@cam-illeon). Hope y'all enjoy!! I might do a Drunk Striker pt. ll

[daydreaming-jessi]

Day seven: free day

The final beetlelands week piece, made it just in time. Here’s to many more!

It was a bit of an atypical day. Sandy had, for homesickness related reasons, brought a metric ton of Saturn sand to the backyard of the Deetz-Maitland home. Lydia wanted to keep it, because it was sand from Saturn, but the sand had to be taken care of lest it ruin their hard worked upon garden. Adam volunteered to help clean it up while Barbara and Beetlejuice elected to stay in and do some spring cleaning in the attic. Well, Barbara was doing spring cleaning.

Beetlejuice, however, seemed to be determined to distract Barbara from said cleaning. “Babs. Hey. Hey Barbara. Ba-arb, look!”

Barbara blew a distracting strand of hair out of her face, carefully wiping dust off the coffee table while Beetlejuice continuously tried to vocally prod her from the couch. She smiled triumphantly at the pock marks being successfully wiped away. It’s taken her quite a few tries to successfully put proper pressure on the cleaning cloth, but with some practice, it was getting much easier to do.

Suddenly arms wrapped around her hips, startling Barbara into dropping the cloth. She hadn’t even heard Beetlejuice get off the couch. “Bee, I’m trying to clean here. If you’re gonna distract me, then go do something else,” she huffed, twisting her head to glare at the demon grinning up at her.

“But Barbara, I wanna cuddle,” Beetlejuice crowed, yanking them both side to side. He batted his eyes adorably, in the way he knew that Barbara had a hard time resisting.

“We could cuddle sooner if you helped me clean up in here,” Barbara replied steadily, raising an unimpressed eyebrow.

“You and Adam are such neat freaks. What’s wrong with a few decorative cobwebs? Makes it feel homey in here,” Beetlejuice finally let her go to float backwards into a corner of the attic where a home of spiderwebs lay.

Barbara jolted at the sight of the webs. “Because it shows other people we don’t care about our home!” She said, coming over with a new dust cloth to clean the silk up. Beetlejuice stayed stubbornly in place, forcing Barbara to try and reach around his body. She was quickly stopped by a second pair of arms sprouting out from Beetlejuice, grabbing her hands and spinning her.

“A, who is gonna come see our attic, and dos, who cares what other people think? All that matters is that we look creepy and have an excellent aesthetic,” Beetlejuice said, moving to spin Barbara around the attic. She couldn’t help but giggle at the impromptu dance, partially glad for the distraction.

Cleaning the attic wasn’t exactly necessary, Barbara and Adam usually kept it well maintained, and even Beetlejuice kept from tossing things wherever he pleased for them, but Barbara had been drilled by her parents to always keep her home spotless. She didn’t keep to the part that the task was only a woman’s job, she and Adam shared the work equally, as one should, but it was hard to shake off the rest of the teachings.

The two finally stopped their spin in front of the couch, where Beetlejuice swayed back and forth, his eyeballs actually rolling in his eye sockets. Barbara snickered at his antics, but took a step back. “Alright, enough distracting me, you. I still need to sweep under the furniture,” she said.

Beetlejuice leaned backwards with a groan onto the couch, making it creak and sag dangerously. “You literally sweep up here every two days, Babs. There’s not gonna be anything there to sweep,” he pointed out.

Barbara shrugged self consciously. “It’s important to do, in case there is any dust buildup,” she argued.

“Literally, who cares? It’s under furniture, we don’t ever have to deal with it. You know normal people don’t clean attics, right? Chuck and D aren’t, like, expecting you to clean up here, and Adam has sawdust all over his workstation all the time, he ain’t some kind of neatfreak. You’re literally just doing this for nothing,” he pointed out, shooting Barbara a pout.

She tried to think of a counter, but found she had nothing that would satisfy Beetlejuice. “It’s just something I’m gonna do, alright?” She finally said, turning to grab the broom.

Beetlejuice frowned and crossed his arms and legs, looking like a sulking child. “Fi-ine, whatever floats your boat, Barbie.”

Barbara froze, before slowly turning back to Beetlejuice. “What did you just call me?” She asked, her voice strained.

Beetlejuice shot her a strange look, before answering, “Uh, Barbie..?” Barbara’s shoulders rose up, and realization lit up Beetlejuice’s radiation green eyes, and a grin began to stretch across his face. “What, you don’t like it?”

“It’s awful,” Barbara replied flatly, crossing her arms.

“You don’t wanna be called Barbie?” Beetlejuice cooed.

“Why would I wanna be called that dumb dress up doll brand?” Barbara replied, her cheeks blazing red.

“Holy shit, you hate it! That’s hilarious!” Beetlejuice cackled, falling onto his back.

“What’s so funny? I don’t even look like that doll! It doesn’t make sense,” Barbara huffed.

“Oh my god, I am so using this, this is fantastic! You’re so mad!”

Barbara gasped. “Don’t you dare!”

Beetlejuice paused his laughter and shot her an evil grin. “Oh really? Whatcha you gonna do?”

Barbara pointed a finger at him warningly. “I will not hesitate, Lawrie.”

Upon hearing her nickname for him, Beetlejuice’s grin impossibly widened, cracking his jawbones. It was a strange name the ghost couple had come up with, but he loved how warm it made him feel. Beetlejuice raised his hands reassuringly, looking away innocently. “Ok, ok, I’ll be good. No more of that nickname from me,” he said.

Barbara shot him a suspicious look, slowly turning back to her previous task. “Alright…”

“Yup. Not even gonna think of the word, trust me Barbi-“

“That’s it!”

Barbara tackled Beetlejuice on the couch, tucking his legs firmly between her thighs as she sat upon his lap and the air filled with his crackling laughter. She began to dig her fingers into his sides, making the demon jump from the sudden, tickling sensation.

“Weh-! No! No fair, I can’t actually feel your ghost fingers, no!” He wheezed, trying to shove her away.

“I told you, this is just what you get for not listening!” Barbara grinned, using one hand to clamp the demon’s hands above him, her dancing fingers moving from Beetlejuice's expansive belly to his armpits.

“No, stop! Oh my god, stop!” Beetlejuice howled. He managed to wriggle onto his stomach, but found it didn’t help, as she had more access to his neck, and began to kiss it as she dug into his sides, knowing it was just as ticklish as any other spot. “Knock it off, you wraith!” Beetlejuice wheezed, rolling back to his previous position and shoved his feet to press against Barbara’s chest. She giggled, and lurched forward again, her fingers wiggling threateningly towards his sides.

Beetlejuice pushed her back and Barbara found herself hanging against Beetlejuice’s feet above the demon. “Aw, c’mon, that’s not fair!” Barbara laughed, wriggling against Beetlejuice’s surprisingly strong calves.

“I don’t care if it’s fair, I never play fair, Barbie!” Beetlejuice grinned.

Barbara squawked in mock outrage, making grabbing motions at Beetlejuice. “I will get you back for that dumb nickname, you jerk!” She threatened, her smile wider still.

Beetlejuice laughed at how futile her attacks were, watching her for a moment.

Her blond hair was flying around wildly, roughed up from the play fighting, her face was red and she was huffing, slightly out of breath, and her eyes. They were crinkled up with laugh lines, shining brighter than the surface of UY Scuti, bluer than the depths of the ocean, and filled to the brim with care, and they were directed to him. She was laughing so beautifully, filled with adorable snorts and chortles, it made his long dead heart quiver like it was struck with heart attack inducing arrhythmia. He loved these moments, loved how easy and warm they were. Loved that he was never afraid of her and Adam, never had to hide himself from them. He could just lose himself, freely tease them and just enjoy his afterlife. He loved Barbara and Adam so much…

Wait.

Beetlejuice froze, his face falling into one of shock, and Barbara paused upon seeing this. “Lawrie? What’s wrong?” She asked.

Beetlejuice stared at her for a long moment, his hair starting to darken to a gorgeous magenta she’d never seen before. His eyes traced her face, the demon unnerving,h silent, before blinking out of his stupor.

“I love you,” he said, voice breathless.

Barbara froze, staring back at him in shock. He… he said that. He actually said that.

The door opened, causing the two to look up. “You would not believe how much sand a sandworm can carry from Saturn, I’m more dust than ghost right now,” Adam huffed, patting his clothes down as he came in. He looked up and paused upon seeing the scene, before smiling a fond grin.

“What are you two doing now?” He asked, leaning back and crossing his arms. His hair was highlighted with a warm copper tone, dusted a gray-yellow from the Saturn sands, his body framed by the golden sun filtering through the attic windows. His green eyes were twinkling, so fond and happy of the sight before him.

“And I love you,” Beetlejuice said, his voice in awe at the long known realization finally washing over him.

Barbara whipped her head back around to stare wide eyed at a Beetlejuice again, and Adam nearly choked on the sand still built up in his throat.

Beetlejuice seemed to have realized that the room was now silent. His hair became a flustered pink, white and blue. “I-“ he gulped, pale. He’d ruined it, he ruined everything. He went too fast, veered too far off course, he fucked it all up like he always did-

Suddenly Beetlejuice was almost knocked off the couch with an arm full of Barbara. She had his cheeks squished together and was pressing hundreds of kisses to his face. “Love you too, god, I love you too!” She whispered between kisses, reassuring and happy.

They were both enveloped in Adam’s arms as he scrunched into the couch behind Beetlejuice’s back. He pressed a warm, long kiss to Beetlejuice’s ear, grinning widely. “Love you too,” he added, resting his forehead against Beetlejuice’s hair. Barbara chuckled at his long gesture, before looking back to make sure the other colors were gone from Beetlejuice’s hair.

The magenta was back, and the tension was gone. He looked dazed, but there was a huge, drunk grin on Beetlejuice’s face, looking like he’d just been told that hallucinogens were reintroduced to modern medical treatment. “Cool,” he rasped, his voice somehow even more gravelly than before, and his body was lax. He didn’t need to hold onto the Maitlands tight, they were right here, they weren’t leaving. He had all the time in the world to just soak in their softness.

[boogiewrites]

No. 9 The Body Ch. 8

Characters: Diego Hargreeves & OFC Eve Corpuz

Summary:  Eve learns more about her powers while on a real date with Diego.

Warnings/Tags: Flirting. Sexism. Threats of violence. Canon Typical. Date. Diego Protecc. 

Click on my icon then go to my Mobile Masterlist in my bio for my other works and chapters. Please like, comment and reblog if you enjoyed it! It helps out us writers A LOT! If you’d like added to the tags, just let me know. This is a multi-chapter fic.

The day had started strong for Eve. She was being interviewed by a local women’s club for her transformation from using their services to becoming a respected doctor with a winning reputation. It’d been flattering and put a little perk in Eve’s step admittedly.

She was headed from a conference room, a much easier place to get to for a non-employee than her small office. But the ease for the interviewer was something she quickly wished she’d not cared so much about as she felt eyes on her, walking alone back towards her wing. She didn’t typically have to be around the board member hallways, it was a place most women avoided.

“Evie?” A familiar voice that immediately made her nose wrinkle came from behind her. “Long time no see.” Bryon Gray, a son of a bitch who happened to be a son of a chief of staff. They’d gone through residency together and every woman that had ever met him had quickly learned to avoid him. “What brings you over to this side of the hospital.” He gives her arm a faux friendly smack of greeting and she grimaces.

“I had an interview.” She answers flatly, his cross-fitted, legacy-name body blocked her path as he manspread across the hall and put his hands on his hips as if everything he said were to be stopped and observed most intently.

“Now I know everything going on around here.” He winks and taps his temple. “And I haven’t heard about you interviewing for anything.”

This may come as a shock to you Bryon but you don’t know everything, which is what she preferred to say. But instead, “It wasn’t for a job. I was interviewed for a magazine.” She says with a low brow.

“Oh! Which one? I mean, which ones are even in print anymore?” He laughs. “We talking the big NEJM?” He laughs. ”Oh wait, that was me.” He brags.

“No. It’s called Ms.” she begins to lean to initiate an exit.

“Mrs.? It like a wedding thing?” He asks with narrowed eyes. “I thought you were single.”

“It’s M. S. A feminist magazine started by Gloria Steinman in the 70s.” She wanted to slap herself for trying to defend it. He wasn’t worth it.

“Yeah that’s hot right now, isn’t it? What was it for?”

She sniffs and twitches her nose trying to not have such a knee-jerk reaction to this... jerk. "My work.”

“You are all work aren’t you Evie? Always have been.”

“Well, you know me.”

“I know Dads noticed the numbers you've been managing. Makes sense word would be getting around about an ex-stripper turned doctor who has the least amount of deaths of patients by a landslide would be a feel-good piece.”

She wanted to defend herself. To slap him and tell him to kiss her ass but she knew it would be fruitless. “Next thing you know they’ll be making a Barbie of me for all the things I’m great at.” She decides to retort with praise instead of defense. ”Stripper heels and a stethoscope would be a hell of a combination for accessories, huh?”

He gives her a look up and down. “You sure you aren’t dancing anymore? You’re looking... great by the way. Very… tight.” He motions a squeeze with his hands. More like how old male plastic surgeons do when they explain implants to young girls.

“I’ve been working out.” Another flat response as she clears her throat and begins to move far past him to continue back on her path. “I’ve got to get back to work.”

“Keep up the good work there Evie. Both professionally and personally.” She didn’t need to turn to look at him to know what look he had on his face. It was one every woman had had to suffer at some point in her life.

——————-

Eve was determined not to let some silver-spooned dumbass ruin her day. She had much more important things to put her energy on. Like going out with Diego that night. Oh, and saving people. Can’t forget that.

For early spring the air felt heavy and it didn’t help the sour mood that had followed her that day. She had stood too long in the shower, getting pruney, debating on whether to shave above the knee or not. She wasn’t gonna fuck him on the first date. No, she didn’t do that stuff anymore. But was it a first date? She’d known him for months now. Maybe best to not shave to deter her from making any rash decisions.

She’d been particularly mean to herself while trying to find an outfit to wear. She didn’t think she should be so easily frustrated with something like this but she realizes it’s been a long time since she cared about her outfit. Much less fussing over what to wear for a date. As always she played it cool, even when she wasn’t. She was relieved by the few pairs of stretchy denim she had still fit. She wrapped herself up in a black jacket and made her way to the gym in shoes that were nowhere near as comfortable as her usual sneakers. She figured boots with a heel were more low key than pumps. She rolls her eyes and swings her head to shake out the non-productive stream of thought.

“Hey Eve.” Diego’s voice breaks her out of the intrusive thoughts and she gives a smile that doesn’t give away that she’s been in a mood all day.

“Hey, Diego.” She answers in a relieved exhale.

They exchange pleasantries before heading off on foot in the direction of the bar. Her hands kept to the strap of her purse that was across her body. She hadn’t hugged him when she’d greeted him, but should she have? Should she… try to hold his hand? Was that too much? How do you date again? She chews the inside of her cheek.

“You worked today right?” He asked partly to kill the dead air but mostly because he was curious.

“You know I did.” She rolls her eyes and smiles.

“Overnight shift, huh? Have to pull anything out of anybody’s butt?”

He gives a wide boyish smile and she laughs in response. “Not tonight no.” she shakes her head. “What about you?”

“I luckily have not had to pull anything out of anyone’s butt.”

She laughs and gives him and below that knocks him slightly and as he returns to her side he stands closer than before. “Smartass.”

He smiles closed-lipped but proudly.

“Everyone’s always asking me about gross stuff. There are other things to ask a doctor…to ask ME about.”

“Like what?”

“Anything besides butt stuff.” She chuckles at her answer.

“Oh I didn’t think that was where we were going with this so soon BUTT-“

She scoffs and laughs and shoves him again before he comes back at her and smoothly, she must admit put his arm around her shoulders as they walked. “If it’s not then where IS is going?” She gives a playful pause. “Why’d you decide to ask me out?”

“Why’d you say yes?”

“I asked you first.”

“I respect you playing by grade school rules.” He teases before answering.

“What took this from two super freaks helping each other out to Diego asking Eve out on a date?”

“We’re still super freaks.” He corrects. “What do you wanna hear huh?” He gives a cocky nod. “That you’re… pretty? Smart? Funny?”

“I mean it’s a good start so go on…” she smiles.

“I...y’know. You don’t annoy me... all the time.” He shrugs slightly to play it cool. “It’s… easy with you. You aren’t a dick. Well I mean, a real dick. You’re a DICK don’t get wrong-“

“A dick but not a DICK-dick.” She clarifies.

“See! You get it.” He nods his head her way and she feels the sincerity he’s trying to give her in his way. They walk for a moment, the location in sight now. “You not gonna tell me I’m pretty now?” He jokes and hip knicks her before separating for the door.

“You’re very pretty Diego.” She coos as he holds open the door for her.

“That's better.” He bats his lashes and she walks in first, him close and protective behind her.

———————

Diego looks down at his phone with a sigh. “It’s my brother. I have to call him.”

“The serious little one from the gym?”

“ that’s the one.”

“ he doesn’t seem like a patient kind of guy.” She gives a soft laugh to show no hard feelings. “Go on, it’s fine. I understand.” She gives a nonchalant shrug. “If you have to leave just tell me first. Don’t disappear like you’re so good at.”

He gives a quiet, almost apologetic chuckle in response. “I won’t. I’ll be right back.”

Eve takes out her phone to keep to herself and pass the time. Five seemed like a very intense guy. Especially if he was someone that could get Diego to do something he didn’t want to.

“Hey.” She’d heard it already but kept her expression unmoving. “Hey, Girl.”

After the 4th time, it’s clear the guy sat between two friends who looked like they all fell out of the same legacy fraternities, and was not going to stop trying to get her Attention. she turns to meet his eyes with the most indifferent face she could manage.

“There she is. That guy leaves a hot thing like you alone?”

“No.” She answers flatly.

“He...uh, ya brother or somethin’?”

“No.” Another monotone answer

“Ah so is that lucky bastard ya mans then?”

She slowly blinks and takes her time to answer. “Why do you care?”

“I wouldn’t be letting you be nowhere alone if I was your man sweetheart.”

“Duly noted.” She turns back away.

“Oh, a smart one, fellas. You know I like it when they get feisty. What you do baby? You lookin' good as hell. You one of them dancers? Those freaky European girls over at the school?” He laughs and elbows his cohort. “Those broads talk all kinds of smart.”

“I’m a Doctor.” She continues to look at her phone and not engage. Diego would be back soon. And this guy was an idiot.

“Oh! a fuckin DOCTOR bros!” He mocks. “I might’ve listened to my doc if he had an ass like that.”

She sighs and feels her jaw tighten.

“Hey! I got something I need ya to look at sexy doctor. I bet you’ve never seen one like this before.”

“I’ve diagnosed the clap before so I have seen it.”

The guys with him laugh but he doesn’t.

“Why the ones with the smart mouths always such bitches?” He complains with a childish retort. “I was being nice and you gotta go act like that. You’re lucky your so hot sweetheart. Most men wouldn’t put up that shit.”

“Would you put up with it?”

“Fuck no, I keep my woman in line.” He says proudly

“Ah, good. So you can quit talking to me then. Because I’m just going to use words that further confuse you if you keep it up.” She rolls her eyes and keeps on her phone as Diego walks back to the table. For the moment the guy was silent.

—-

Eve excused herself to go to the bathroom, perhaps the beers had gotten to her. Or all the water she was forcing down her pie hole constantly it seemed. Trying to be properly hydrated was hard.

She was still distracted in thought, wondering how much she’d drank in water tonight to know how much she could pour out when she got home. She’d bought a jug with hourly markers because targeted ads worked and it was black matte and had-

Her train of thought is sharply interrupted by a forearm jutting out in front of her path. She looks to the perpetrator and there stands Chad. She assumed his name was Chad. He looked like one, acted like one. And if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck...well you know how that goes.

“I saw you walkin' back here in those tight fuckin jeans and was compelled to continue our conversation from earlier.”

“No thanks, dude. I’d like to get back to my date now.” She answers flatly.

“Ya little man’s left sweetheart.” His other arm comes up and her now to the wall back was tense and defensive. Their bodies blocked the small back hallway and she hoped someone would interrupt them soon.

“Then he’ll be right back.”

“He answered his phone and jetted babe.” He tsks. “Yahate to see it. “ a predatory pout comes across his face as he reaches to caress her forearm. “And to a dime like you.” She tenses and noisily exhales. “His loss my gain yeah?” He laughs and she smells a nauseatingly familiar combination of nacho cheese and cheap beer.

“Excuse me...Chad? Is it Chad? I’d like to get back to my seat if you-“

“I’m right here baby.” He smirks and wiggles his jaw. “Face or my cock girl, I ain’t picky.” His hands move to her waist and pull her against him. She didn’t want to make a scene. To let this asshole ruin her date.

“I’m giving you one chance to get your fucking hands off me bro.” She bucks back, deeper voice and glaring into his eyes.

“Mmm, what are you? Where ya mama from eh? You must be a little Latin mami lookityou.” The slurring was beginning to stand out more. He did loosen his grip and she put as much space as she could between them. Progress.

“It’s none of your business and you’re being rude and you’re drunk. You should go home.”

“Only if I’m taking this back with me mami,” he reaches his hand to her ass and before he’s fully grasped she’s shoved him hard against the wall. “Oh fuck yeah hard to get. I’m gonna hold you down and beat that pussy UP.”

“You couldn’t even get hard you needle dicked dumbass.” She straightens her jacket. “Let me say this so you understand. Leave me alone. I am not going to fuck you, you fuckin rapist. You should be ashamed of yourself. I hope your mother's dead so she doesn’t have to see what a piece of shit she raised.” She moves to walk away.

His glassy eyes look a strange mixture of hurt to mad to confused.

“Everything okay here?” A tone she hadn’t heard from Diego before as he stood with a wide stance in front of Eve but eyes on the walking cliche. “You okay?” He asks softer as he flicks his eyes to hers, a hand lightly on her arm.

“I’m fine. This guy is garbage. Don’t bother he’s not worth it. Just another moron who never got to the cognitive thought stage.” She sighs and pats his hand, heading back to the table.

After doing a poor job of acting interested in Diego explaining something about knives, she kept seeing Chad eye fuck her from across the bar. She could feel his eyes boring into her. He kept looking and acting casual otherwise, eating and running and talking with his beef necked buddies. Eve was no stranger to harassment. She was a woman and a woman who worked in the medical field. She’d been accosted more times than she could count. From old men winking and having their dicks out to young men locking her inside of an exam room and not letting her leave until he got what he thought he was owed.

She wasn’t even mad about him anymore, her rage was fueled by every man that ever made her feel uncomfortable. Every creep ass ex, every older man trying to take advantage of her. She felt like her face should be hot and Diego’s words become background noise.

-

Diego didn’t notice for a while, too excited to talk about a new knife rig he was working on. He looks behind him at the sound of choking and sees the guy that was bothering Eve earlier trying to clear his throat. He notices Eve isn’t responding even when he stands and tries to gasp. He moves to see her still and focused with flickering eyes. Like electricity was behind them. He watched her curiously, eyes set like a lion in the tall grass. He looks back to Chad, now red and holding his throat.

“Eve…” he reaches out to touch her arm and he’s met with a crack of static electricity. She doesn’t even acknowledge him and the guys turning a weird shade of purple. “EVE.” He says harsher and grasps her forearm, feeling the tingle of hair rise on the back of His neck. “EVE! HEY!” he reaches and as Chad's eyes bloodshot he turns her face to him and breaks her focus.

The desperate gasp of air from Chad was immediate.

“Eve… what the hell was that?”

“What?” She blinks rapidly as if she’d just come to.

“He was choking and you were…” he lowers his voice and moves closer to her. Everyone was now preoccupied with Chad. “...using your powers weren’t you?”

Her mouth holds open as her eyes now normal flit back and forth. “I…” she feels it. Something she could identify. A cooling rush in her veins. “I hurt him.” She whispers in shock.

“Yeah, you almost choked him to death. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m… I did that.”

“I didn’t know you could do that?”

“Neither did I.”

———-

Diego and Eve sit back in her apartment after a fast exit. She seemed worried, so he tried to hide his concern. He kept having to reach for her wrist to keep her on track and eventually settled on holding her hand. They hadn’t said much on the walk back. She was coming to terms with a lot and once again they’d fallen back into the roles of helping each other through these secret things only they understood and out of the dating pool they’d tiptoed in successfully tonight.

“Look you can control them, alright? You can control healing and you can control hurting. They’re the same thing. You got carried away. And that guy was an asshole and he deserved a scare honestly.”

He rubs her upper arms and she wipes at her face with a tissue. “I’m sorry for...ruining tonight.” She sighs out with eyes now makeup-free.

“You didn’t ruin it.” He grimaces. “We’ve just… got sidetracked. It happens.” He shrugs and tries to be supportive.

“I’ve had such a bad day, Diego.” She laughs to not cry and meets his eyes. “I didn’t want to cancel because of it and let it win. But I’ve been so sensitive today. I don’t know.”

“What happened?.” He moves to pull her to the edge of her bed.

“There’s just this guy, Brian at work and he was shitty to me today-“

“Brian who?” Diego quickly interjects in such a dramatic way it makes her crack a smile while he remained serious.

“You don’t have to beat him up.” She gives a thankful smile and pats the back of his hands. He takes her hands into his and lays them in her lap.

“If someone's makin' you so upset you lose control I'm pretty sure I DO have to kick their ass.”

“Thanks. Your heart is in the right place. I appreciate it. Seriously.” She frees one hand as he holds tight to her others. “I don’t want to be known as the woman who you can’t talk to because her b- her friend might beat them up.”

“Your what might beat them up?” He teases with a smile.

“Friend. My friend. That’s what I said.” She whines playfully and he smirks. “He’s one of the director's sons.” She shrugs.

She’d just given him enough information to easily find the guy. Not like he wouldn’t have gone through every Brian in that hospital. “Why would he be a dick to you?” He takes her hand back into his and it makes her smile as she looks down at them. He held her hands in a clear expression of his want to protect her. She thought it was very sweet of him. But she didn’t know he had full intentions of beating the white off Brian.

“Sexism mostly?” She offers and Diego gives her a look of impatience.

“I ran into him and he said some things about my past in a tone that wasn’t nice and he’s in general very… sleazy and gives uncomfortable compliments. No one says anything because he’s Knox’s son so...he’s a privileged white dude. That should tell you enough.”

“It does.” He accepts her elaboration. She was quickly learning he was stubborn as a mule when it came to wanting something, particularly information.

“Then the guy at the bar.” She rolls her eyes.

“Yeah, that asshole.” He sighs. “I would’ve decked him but you seemed like you didn’t want me to.”

“I could r done it myself if I wanted. But I didn’t want to ruin the evening.” She emotes dramatically, saying it didn’t matter in the long run. “He was talking to me while you were gone the first time too.”

“Seriously? Eve. Why didn’t you let me knock his punk ass out?”

“Because Diego I wanted to have a nice date with you. Without involving fighting. We can work it out at training later. I didn’t want to…” she groans.

“Okay, okay. I...get what you’re saying. And I think you’re wrong. But I understand.”

“Thanks. Maybe we’ll get it right next time.” She offers with a tired smile.

“Next time?” His smile gives away his glad reaction to the insinuation.

“Yeah. I figured we could go out on another date. Unless you don’t want to?” He feels her hands begin to pull away and he keeps them close.

“No! I do! I do Uh “ clearing his throat, “I mean I’d like that. It’d be..chill”

She snorts a laugh at his recovery. “I’m excited to go out with you again too. Don’t try to play it cool I already know you. I know you aren’t” she teases.

“That’s cold man.” He deflects and they share a nice pause between them. “We’ll go somewhere where no one can upset you.”

“If you’re with me you could.”

“Normally I’d agree. But I don’t plan on upsetting you... You know. I mean it might happen but like...I don’t wanna hurt you. For real.”

“I think I knew that Diego.” She gives him a warm smile and squeezes his hands. “I don’t wanna hurt you either. I’ve gotten pretty fond of you. As much as I hate to admit.”

“I don’t hate to admit it.” He gives a dopey smile and she pays his cheek.

“Thank you for… everything tonight.”

“Was nothin,” he answers cockily.

“You can be really sweet when you aren’t trying too hard.” She says as they feel their heartbeat flip for a moment as they look into each other’s eyes a bit too long for it to go unnoticed.

“I don’t have to try hard with you.” He answers back softly and he sees his moment. She sees the tell of his eyes moving to her lips, that tilt of his head that made him look like a sweet little pitbull puppy.

She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to thank him for everything he’d done for her. Properly. They could both feel the tension between them now. “Diego… I do-“

“Uh yeah, you’re right. It’s not- yeah-..” he stutters in reaction to what he thought could be rejection.

She smiles and rises to go after him as he puts space between them. “I WANT to, Diego I just don’t think right now is the right moment.” She explains gently with her hands to his chest and she yawns. “I’m exhausted from using my powers tonight. I don’t want to be… not giving you 110% if you get what I’m saying.” She wiggles her eyebrows and it knocks his defenses down as intended.

“Oh. Good. You...you’re right.” He chuckles shyly. “I can go now and I’ll see you at training then?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” She offers a hug instead of a kiss and he happily takes it. His temple to her temple for a moment and feeling her let out a content sigh in his arms. “Be careful headed home.” She offers as they part. “Despite everything I still had a good time tonight. For the record.”

“I did too.” He offers before ducking out the door with a “Goodnight. Sleep tight.”

She knew she would thanks to him.

@jaegeeeeer​ @diegos-butt​ @anglovesthis @likedovesinthewnd

[pattonsperfectfamily-asks]

Chapter 14- A Very Long Goodbye Chapter from Mod Iva

Masterpost

TW: past stalking (so much. so. much.), nonconsensual recording, crying, forcing someone to hit someone else, r slur, mention of almost forced contact, pushing someone into water, past kidnapping, murder, torture, flashback, breaking into someones house, brainwashing, electrocution

“98.2!” Patton cheers as he pulls the thermometer out of Damien’s mouth. “Now you’re all better!”

Damien sniffles, forcing his head down, his glare aimed passively at the floor. “I wouldn’t have gotten sick if you hadn’t been an idiot and put Virgil in the damn ice bath.”

“Don’t be rude to your father.” Logan scolds, watching the angry look in Patton’s eyes as he pulled Damien closer to him. “And we do not swear in this household.”

“Ohh what, so you’re fucking brainwashed as well?” Damien snaps. “You know, Virgil is one thing, but you’re a grown-ass adult. What’s your excuse?”

Logan froze, tears welling up in his eyes. “I-”

“Punish him,” Patton says curtly. “Do it. Damien, your father is going to punish you for talking back and swearing.”

“W-What?” Logan was shaking. “What would you want me t-to do?”

Patton mimes a harsh smack, his eyes cold. “Do it, Bunny. Or we could go into my room to cuddle if you don’t want to…”

Logan’s eyes widen as he faces Damien nervously.

“Really?” Damien snarks. “Maybe you deserve to be here with Patton, seeing how you like bending to his fucking will 24/7.”

“Glasses, now Logan,” Patton said firmly.

“Sush, we’re just cuddling. This could be much worse, couldn’t it Logie?”

“Get in the box Bunny.”

Alex didn’t take his eyes off him.

“Just shut up and go back to sleep,” Alex says forcefully.

“If you tell, well I won’t be able to go back up and give them food,” Patton says cheerfully. “They’d starve up there, and it’d be all your fault.”

“Husbands are supposed to be faithful, Lolo.”

“You won’t be taking this ring off.”

Logan makes a noise in the back of his throat, a mix of a scream and a sob, and slams his hand down on Damien’s face.

Damien drops to the floor and Patton moves over to Logan, wrapping his arm around Logan’s waist. Damien gingerly touches his cheek, looking up at Logan in shock, who hid his face in Patton’s shoulder and sobbed.

“Shh, it’s okay bunny. You’re okay…” Patton presses a kiss to the top of Logan’s forehead, moving to sit him down on the couch.

Roman watched as the sun slowly set.

Dinner had gone quietly, and Damien sat across from Roman on his bed, sitting silently as Roman peered out the window.

“I think Patton will be asleep soon.” Roman muses.

“I hate him.”

“We all hate him, Dami.”

“Not Patton, I loathe him. I hate Logan.”

Roman looked over at Damien in shock. “He didn’t mean to hurt you Dami, you know that.”

“Yes, he did.” Damien crossed his arms, staring at the door, a seething look in his eyes.

“Logan is just hurting,” Roman says quietly. “He’s doing what he thinks is best for his survival. And Damien, if you hadn’t noticed, it’s working. You shouldn’t have sworn at Patton.”

“But I-”

“No.” Roman cuts Damien off with a shake of his head. “You need to control your attitude around Patton. You know how he’s like, if you act like a happy kid, he won’t bother you. He’s not the problem here.”

“Jason’s only a problem for you,” Damien mutters.

“That’s not fair. That’s not fair, and you know it, Damien.” Roman says quietly. “Patton only bothers you because you argue with him, Jason hurts me no matter what I do. You could ignore Patton for the most part, you just chose not too.”

“Because I’m supposed to be in college right now!” Damien protests, “Which, by the way, I had to work for all summer because I missed most of high school because I was kidnapped by a sociopath!”

“We’ll escape,” Roman says quietly. “We did it before.”

“We got rescued. When we were in the state we were taken from, and in a house that Patton owned.” Damien argues. Roman hides his head in his hands.

“Let’s just go, they should be asleep by now.”

Damien begrudgingly grabs the flashlight they had taken, and carefully follows Roman out into the hallway.

“The closets the only place he could hide something…Besides the basement.” Roman shudders, quietly opening the door and beginning to pull boxes out.

Damien shines the light for him as he opens the first box and began to rifle through the contents.

Inside was a small photo album, which Roman grabs and sets aside. “Old receipts…But they’re from all over America…Some pins…A children’s book, maybe we could convince Patton to give that to Remus? Some old glass figures…barbies…”

Roman gasped, hurriedly grabbing a camcorder and holding it to his chest. “Hurry, help me put this stuff back.”

Damien and Roman quickly shove the box back into the closet and hurry back to Roman’s room, the photo album, and camcorder in their hands.

“So what exactly are we looking for?”

“Maybe one of the pictures will have an address or a map. Something to tell us more of where exactly we are.” Roman says hopefully.

“Sure.” Damien rolled his eyes, beginning to flip through the pages. “There’s just normal pictures of small Jason, and what I’m assuming is his family. This one has Jason and that priest that’s also named Jason…And here’s one with Patton, Amelia, Jason, the other Jason, and Alex. All of them together.”

Roman shuddered at the reminder of Alex, looking at the photo curiously.

The five kids, around twelve, sat together in a treehouse, their arms around each other’s waist. Patton, priest Jason, and Amelia all had big smiles on their faces, but Jason and Alex looked like they were plotting something. In the back, a smaller figure with long hair and a blurred face laid curled up.

“They look like they were in a club.” Roman hums. “Who’s the girl in the back…?”

Damien shrugs, turning on the camcorder and going to the back of the gallery, to the first ever video.

“Here she is! Little Miss Amelia, all done with her initiation!” A female voice from off-camera spoke, and Amelia giggled, clumsily curtsying.

“Doesn’t she look gorgeous!” Another female voice compliments. “You two are so lucky!”

“Amelia, say hello to the video.” A male voice prompts.

The young Amelia tugged at one of her braids. “Hello.”

“Do you know why we’re filming?” The first female asks. Amelia pauses, her face falling as she shook her head.

“We’re filming this to celebrate darling! One last little test, alright?”

“Okay, Daddy!” Amelia smiles once more, and the camera shakes as it’s set down on a table.

An older woman appears in the frame, her hair and eyes dark, wearing a fancy silver dress. “Go ahead and sit down Amelia.”

Amelia sits across from the mother, her legs kicking slightly as she smoothed out her pink dress.

“Amelia,” The man rummaged in a box and held out a photograph. “Do you know who this is?”

Amelia peered at the man and woman in the photo closely. “No.”

“Do you know any girls at your school named Sarah Jonas?” The mother prompts.

“No.” Amelia giggles.

“What’s your full name?” The woman offscreen asks.

“Amelia Marie Lebent.” Amelia says with a little nod of her head.

The mother and father beam and the video ends.

Roman stares down at the frozen screen in confusion, worry growing in the pit of his stomach. “This belonged to Amelia’s family…?”

“But why were they asking her what her name was?” Damien asks. “Was she in an accident?”

Roman looks at Damien, deciding not to build off of anything, and instead playing the next video.

“Look! It’s huge!” A young Patton struggles to hold up a fish to the camera, his fishing pole knocking off his bucket hat.

“Careful!” The offscreen voice of a young Alex snaps as Amelia grabs Patton’s hat and puts it back on his head.

The group of kids were on a boat in the middle of a lake, a town in the distance.

“Mummy said we had to come home soon.” Amelia pouts, looking seasick as she tried to read her book amongst the chaos on the boat.

“Look at my fish!” Patton appears in front of the camera again, holding up the same trout.

“You already showed us the damn fish, stupid.” A young Jason snaps.

“Isn’t it cool?!” Patton asks excitedly, showing it again to Jason.

“Patton, you have to put the fish in the cooler, remember buddy?” Priest Jason says gently, guiding Patton off-screen.

“Patton! Come'ere, lookit this!” Alex says excitedly. From behind the camera, Jason snickers.

“What?!” Patton practically trips over his own feet as he rushes to Alex’s side of the boat.

“Look, do you see that fish, it looks like a shark!”

“Really?!” Patton hurriedly bends over the side of the boat.

Alex quickly pushes Patton in, who falls with a big splash.

“Alex!” Amelia yells, snapping her book closed and jumping up. She and priest Jason hurry to the side of the boat where Patton was pushed, while Alex and Jason laugh.

“It’s not my fault his parents fried his brain and made him a r*tard!” Alex laughs as Patton surfaces.

“You’re so funny!” Patton laughs, looking panicked. “Can I come back on the boat now…I don’t wanna get bit by a shark…”

“There’s no shark.” Priest Jason reassures him as he, Amelia, and Alex pull Patton back onto the boat. “We’re on the lake. Sharks are in oceans.”

Patton shivers. “Can we go home now?” He asks, his voice small. His entire chest was shaking.

The video ended.

"He deserved it.“ Damien had laughed when Patton fell in, but Roman simply looked horrified at the video. "What?”

Roman’s mouth stayed open in shock as he played the next video.

A girl with brown hair was on the screen.

“She looks like the girl from the picture…” Roman notices.

“What’s your name?” The mother from the first video asks.

“…Olivia…” The girl can’t even manage to get out her last name as a button is pressed. She writhes around in front of the camera, sweat pouring down her face as her eyes rolled into the back of her head.

“Your name is Valerie, say it!” Amelia orders, marching over to the girl. “Say it! Your my sister Valerie!”

“That’s enough Amelia. Come back over here please.”

Amelia quickly complies as the girl tries to catch her breath.

“I…I want to go h-” She cuts off with another scream.

The video cut off, and they began again, now outside, where Patton and priest Jason peeked out from inside a large hole in the ground.

“Get out boys.” A man demands.

“But we’re playing Pop!” Priest Jason complains.

“This is a funeral! Out!” A woman says firmly. The two boys groan and pull themselves out.

“I still want a sister.” Amelia’s voice says from off-camera. Amelia’s dad appears in frame, holding Olivia’s body.

“We can try again next year darling, mummy can’t invest in another one right now.” Amelia’s voice says.

The man lays the girl down in the hole and begins shoveling the dirt back in as the camera moves to face a small seated crowd.

“That’s why I tell you, you go younger. My Alex never gave me any problems.” A woman holding a toddler in overalls says to Amelia’s mother.

The mother sips at her champagne in thought. “I don’t know, I think we might have only the one.”

“But I want a sister!” Amelia protests again.

“Daddy will get you a pony instead darling.” Amelia’s father promises.

“I already have a pony. I need a sister to play with.” Amelia pouts. “I’m the only girl except for baby Madeline.”

“Madeline won’t be a baby forever, and you have fun playing with your cousins.” The mother waves offhandedly, taking another sip of champagne.

The video ended.

“They…They tortured her…” Damien gasps. “Ohh my god she was Virgil’s age and they fucking killed her!”

“I think Alex said they did that to Patton too…I think they did that to all of them…” Roman switches to the next video, before gasping.

“Careful!” The camera shakes and then straightens out, zooming in on a thirteen-year-old Roman and Remus, playing together in the river.

“Sorry, dad,” Fourteen-year-old Patton says quietly, laughing when Remus shoved Roman under the water.

Roman spits water in his brother’s face in retaliation.

Roman switches to the next video, cutting off Patton’s voice.

“Look, Virgil, I borrowed this camcorder from my friend!” Twenty-four-year-old Patton says, pushing it closer so that Virgil’s face took up the entire screen.

The five-year-old giggled, gently pushing the camera back.

“Can you show me your drawing?” Patton asks.

Virgil carefully grabs the blue piece of construction paper, showing the camera. “Isa puppy!”

“It’s so good!” Patton praises, “You did such a good job Virgey!”

Virgil giggles, bouncing in place. “When Kai an mommy an daddy gonna get bac’?”

“Don’t be silly Virgey, your dad’s right here!” Patton says cheerfully.

Virgil giggles. “You na my daddy Pat-Pat! You my fwend!”

“Aww!” Patton shifts the camera, holding it away as he quickly came into view, kissing Virgil over and over on the head, which made the boy giggle. “I love being your friend, baby!”

The video ended.

“I feel sick,” Damien says quietly. “That video…It’s creepy, I don’t want to watch anymore…”

“They’ve been watching us this whole time…Patton knew about Remus and me since we were thirteen, maybe sooner.” Roman hid his head in his hands. “Holy fuck…We have to get out of here.”

Damien stands, backing towards the door. “I’m going to bed…I…I can’t finish watching…”

He hurriedly leaves, and Roman skips a few of the videos of Patton babysitting Virgil, his heart sinking when he saw Damien on one.

“Just ignore the camera.” Patton encourages.

“I don’t think I can-”

“No you’ll be great! I have to document this!” Patton laughs. “C'mon Dami, you’re so talented.”

Damien looks up at Patton then nods, blowing out a slow breath of air as he placed his fingers over the piano keys.

The video plays silently as Damien plays a classical piece, Patton cheering loudly at the end. “You did so good kiddo! You could win the competition next week!”

“Competition?” Damien looks up, confused.

“That must have been a few days before the first kidnapping…” Roman says to himself.

A quiet creak sounds from the hallway and Roman covers his mouth, hoping whoever was in the hall wouldn’t be Jason, and wouldn’t open his door.

Footsteps pad down the outside, and suddenly stop.

Roman’s door swings open, and Logan stares in at him.

“Why are you still up?” Logan asks, suddenly noticing the camcorder, “Where did you get that?”

“Why are you still up?” Roman asks as Logan sits next to him on the bed. “And why are you upstairs?”

“I couldn’t sleep after what I did to Damien…” Logan looks down in shame, fighting back tears. “I came up to apologize…But I couldn’t do it…What are you doing with a camcorder?”

Roman looked miserable at the question, holding the camcorder out to Logan and switching to the next video.

“Is that me?”

Roman grabs it back and looks. Sure enough, you could see Logan from through a window next to a door leading into his old classroom.

Roman plays the video.

A few moments pass in silence as Patton zooms in on Logan, seemingly grading papers.

“We’ve known each other so long…” Patton says wistfully. “I…Today I’m gonna do it!” He hurriedly moves away from the door and heads down a hallway. “We’re the only one’s that teach on this side of the building…I’ll just run into him, and he can help me pick up my stuff!”

The video ended.

The next video played.

Patton zoomed in through a window, the camera shaky.

Logan, maybe seventeen years old, sat down at a table with his family, eating with one hand and reading a book with the other.

“Ohh my god.” Logan chokes back a sob.

The next video played.

Fifteen-year-old Logan laid fast asleep in his bed, and the camera stayed on him for a minute before Patton began walking around the room.

“He likes science, and the planets, and pluto!” Patton giggles quietly, gently touching Logan’s space poster. “His favorite food is Crofter’s jam, and we’re going to have it every day on toast for breakfast!”

Patton returns to Logan’s bed and gently kisses him on the forehead. “I promise Bunny. We’re gonna have the most perfect little house, and kids and my brother Roman is gonna live with us!”

Logan stifled a sob, silent tears rolling down his face. “Ohh gods and goddesses…He…He ran into me on purpose…He snuck into my bedroom…Roman, he could have done anything when I was asleep, what if he-!”

Roman wrapped his arms around Logan, doing his best to comfort him. “We have to get out of here. I…I always just thought I was in the wrong place at the wrong time…Fuck…I never should have let him sit with me at the damn cafe!”

Logan sniffed, pressing the button to start the next recording.

Logan, only seven, sat on the swings at the park, reading a book and lazily kicking his feet.

“Are you sure Patton?” Patton’s mother asks, looking down at Patton. Patton smiles up at the camera.

“Yeah! I really really love him, Mama!” The boy giggled, and Jason shoved him lightly.

“Patton’s got a cr-ush, Patton’s got a cr-ush!” Amelia sand teasily. Alex said nothing, simply stared ahead at Logan deviously.

Patton went red. “Stop it!” He whined. “Mama, please can he be my husband when I’m big?”

“Of course love, whatever you want. Only the best for you.” She says. Patton beams.

“We’re gonna get married and live happily ever after!” Patton sighs happily.

“Only if you do what I say love, adults are tricky.” The mother reminds him. “You must go slow.”

“But he’s gonna love me forever and ever?” Patton asks innocently.

“Of course.” His mother repeats.

The video ended.

“I-” Logan choked up, staring at the ending screen. “At least he wasn’t in my room, right?”

Roman smiles sadly. “Yeah. I don’t think he did anything. I think that was the only time he went in your house.”

Roman shuts the camcorder off before Logan can look through the rest of the obsessive stalking videos, hiding it under his bed and turning to Logan.

“Why don’t we make a plan, okay Logan?” Roman says gently. “We’ll do that, but first you have to be very brave and go sleep with Patton, okay?”

“Okay…” Logan nods.

Roman stares up at him sadly as Logan stood. “Goodnight, Logan.”

“Goodnight…” Logan whispers. “R-Roman…Can you do something for me?”

“Of course.” Roman nods. “Anything, what?”

Logan hurriedly sat down and stared Roman in the eyes for a few seconds, pulling Roman into a tight hug, Logan chokes out a “Goodnight Remus” before crying more and hurrying downstairs.

Words: 3150

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[kay20032]

Hello again! ❤️ How would the ONF members react to their s/o sitting on their lap? It can be either fluffy or smutty, whatever you’d like uwu I hope you have a great day! 💕-💍

Aww that’s so cute!

Hyojin

Waiting for Hyojin to come back home was a little bit nerve wracking. He was gone for a long while, about two weeks, and you were excited to see him again. While stuck in thought you didn’t even hear the door unlock. Hyojin noticed you sitting on the couch staring at the TV. He smiled at your figure before clearing his throat, obviously catching your attention.

“Babe! You’re home!” You said with a big smile. Hyojin nodded and quickly sat down on the empty space beside you.

“Hi baby...” His voice gave away how tired he was from practicing. It pained you knowing that he was exhausted from practicing for a long while, but you knew how to make him feel better though. While he was talking about his time at the dorms with the members, you climbed onto his lap and wrapped your arms around his neck. He stopped talking for a minute, then hugged you as tight as he could.

“I missed you a lot baby.”

“I bet I missed you more though.”

He chuckled, “I seriously doubt that.”

E-Tion

Well... this isn’t exactly what you had in mind when you told your boyfriend you wanted to watch a movie together.

“Hey, what kind of movies do y’all wanna watch?”

“I swear to god MK if you say Barbie one more time-“

“Let’s watch Barbie.”

“No! Let me go Seungjoon! He asked for it!”

Chuckling at Minkyun and Hyojin’s little feud, you walked into the kitchen where Changyoon was finishing up the snacks. As he placed the pan with freshly baked cookies on the counter, he looked up and saw you admiring him.

“What’s up babe?”

“The usual, except Hyojin wants to fight Minkyun again.”

From a short distance you heard Seungjoon screaming. It definitely took a while to get Hyojin off of Minkyun, who was just laughing and having fun. But once everyone was settled, you decided to pick a classic. Grease. It certainly had everyone sitting down in their designated seats. But you had different plans.

Walking over to where your boyfriend was, you moved his hands that were occupying his lap and sat down. Changyoon’s eyes widened at the sudden action, moving to whisper into your ear.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing baby... just wanted to sit in my designated seat.”

He smiled before wrapping his arms around your waist. “You’re so adorable. I love you.”

“I love you more.”

“No I love you more.”

“No I-“

“Okay we get you two love each other. Couples these days...”

J-Us

“Oh, and then she had the audacity to say that I was the one hurting her! She started it!”

“Well at least you didn’t hit her.”

“I should’ve...”

Seungwoo chuckled at your response. You had a really bad day, and Seungjoon always let you rant to him. No matter how big or small the problem was. As long as you felt better afterwards, he didn’t mind. Sighing, you walked over to him and stood in front, hesitating a bit. Seungjoon stopped smiling and stared at you, slightly worried at how silent you became.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong-“

Before he could finish, you quickly sat on his lap and started crying. He frowned before holding you tight, rubbing and patting your head while kissing your cheek every so often.

“I just don’t understand why she picks on me... we’re in college for crying out loud! We’re supposed to be adults!”

Seungjoon just kept his tight grip on you, telling you that everything will be okay in the end. “We also may have a little problem...”

You sniffed at moved back a little to face him, tears still running down your face. “Are you seriously hard right now?”

“Well... I kinda didn’t expect you to sit on me like this...”

“I’ll be done crying in five minutes.“

Wyatt

“Baby... why are you so far away...”

Wyatt moaned out in sadness, staring at you sitting in the chair across the couch. You looked up from your phone to see Wyatt not exactly sitting the way he usually does. His head was leaning against the backrest, his legs spread out, and he looked sad. “Well, what do you want me to do?”

He pouted, “I want you to sit with me.”

“Okay,” you said before standing up from your seat and walking over to him. You then placed your knees on both sides of his thighs, straddling him while wrapping your arms around his neck and resting your head on his shoulders. He tensed up a bit, then relaxed and held you close to him.

“I kinda meant beside me, but this is way better.” Wyatt said, smiling from ear to ear before moving his hands from your back to your ass, lightly gripping it.

“Jaeyoung...”

“Sorry, my hands slipped.”

MK

“Okay but... Suki and I were in the middle of fixing our relationship. I was gone for a little bit, she could’ve already moved on to a different person!”

You groaned at your boyfriend’s response. See, he was becoming more and more busy with his fellow stray cat friends rather than spending time with you, and it wasn’t at all very pleasant. “But Minkyun-“

“Suki didn’t receive enough water! She could’ve died of thirst... and her death will be on my hands!”

Pouting, you lightly shoved Minkyun down on the love seat behind him and straddled him. You also buried your head into the crook of his neck before speaking up. “Babe, I missed you a lot... and you’re spending most of the time you have left with your furry friends rather than your girlfriend. I’m feeling a bit jealous.”

Minkyun giggled at your confession while pulling your closer, smelling the floral scented body spray he bought for your birthday.

“If I had known you were gonna be jealous, I would’ve done this a long time ago.”

You moved to look up at him and glared. “Don’t push it.”

“Got it.”

U

Today was absolutely wonderful. The weather was nice, the people weren’t huge jerks, and the beach wasn’t that packed! It was the perfect time to spend it with your boyfriend and his friends. You hadn’t seen them in a good while, so you asked them if they could hang out with you. (With Yuto’s permission of course)

“Heads up!”

Seungjoon yelled as the volleyball he hit went a little off course, heading straight for you and Yuto.

“I’ll save you!”

Minkyun shouted dramatically as he ran for the ball, getting hit very hard in the back. He proceeded to fall down in a very theatrical like manner and stared up at the blue sky.

“So... this is what death feels like...”

Yuto just stared at Minkyun while he laid there, then looked back at you.

“So as I was saying-“

“Wow! Not even a “Thank you my brave hero!” After I sacrificed my body for you?”

“I’ll cook two meals with you tomorrow.”

“Alright have a nice evening.”

Minkyun said as he got up, dusting off whatever sand he could, and ran back to continue playing volleyball. You giggled at how quick Minkyun agreed, and placed your head on Yuto’s shoulders again.

“Ahh, this is the best day ever...”

“It would be even better if you were in my lap.”

“Bet.”

As quickly as that left your mouth, you were in his lap. Shifting around to get comfortable you accidentally brushed against his clothes area, causing him to let out a small moan. Of course that made you smile.

“Aww... is my baby boy feeling okay?”

“Please don’t tease me...”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be doing the real teasing when we get to bed.”

Hopefully this wasn’t too bad lol. I finished watching avatar with my little sister now, so I’m back with the full time writing again. I love y’all 😘

[naveenscrackwhore]

Crumbling Down

Summary: All around the hospital rumors are being spread of how an Attending and Resident are in a relationship. Those rumors happen to be about Ethan Ramsey and Cecily Aldaine. What does this mean for the two of them? What will happen to them? 

word count: 2014

A/N: hi! im sorta new to writing but ive been inspired by so many amazing writers to write this. i hope you all enjoy this! it took me a bit to get the confidence to post but should i make this a series? tell me in the comments below :)

Cecily blankly stared at her trembling hands, attempting to concentrate on Ethan’s voice. She could barely hear him though, no matter how hard she tried to focus. Soon, all she could hear was her own blood chaotically rushing all throughout her body and the sharp throbbing pain of her head. Her eyes became cloudy and her vision foggy. She felt her lips tremble along with her short legs. She became weaker and weaker by the moment, any moment now her legs will give up and she’d collapse to the floor with a thud. Cecily continued to breathe in and out. Shutting her eyes close, she counted with the beating of her heart. She sucked in a deep breath and exhaled out. One. She repeated it, her hands slowly started to shake less. Two. Again, she sucked in another breath and held it for a few moments before forcing it all out and quickly opened her eyes. Three. Cecily was finally back in reality. 

She snapped her gaze back at Ethan, his tan, veiny hands grasped onto his brunette and faint grey streaked hair, his grip hard enough to rip out chunks of it. A nervous and frustrated habit of his. She observed the way his brows furrowed and two straight lines formed on top of it. His sky blue eyes shut tightly as he spoke frantically. Cecily could also notice the slight wrinkles forming at the corners. Her eyes followed his long leg when he continued to pace around the room, another nervous habit of his. Words were rushing out of his mouth and his voice was growing louder and louder,- a part of her was pretty sure, the whole hospital heard them. He opened his light blue eyes and their eyes met. His eyes boring into her deep green ones. It felt as if he was staring right through her skull, invading her privacy and seeing all of her secrets. Sometimes, she thought of him as a parasite or a disease manifesting through her. But that's not very romantic.

She felt something boil and rise in her. Cecily was always a friendly, nice person and she rarely was confrontational. Sure, she might be outgoing and ‘outrageously,’ enthusiastic and energetic most of the time. The woman always tried her best to never confront anyone unless she was extremely angry at them for a valid reason. She always hated arguments but she’s recently found herself to be in a lot more since she started her career at Edenbrook. Breaking out of her thoughts and her murderous glares, she stomped towards him and halted right in front of Ethan. 

“Ethan, I don’t care about my career as much as I care about you!” Cecily passionately argued back at him, her fight or flight mode switching on. She was now close to him, her fingers aggressively poked at his chest as she looked up at him. “You never ask me what I want! This is exactly what happened last year in Miami! You always tell me how I should feel and ignore my feelings! You’re literally impossible!” 

She huffed at her swooped bangs and stared him down. Raking her hand through her long blonde locks, she gave in. With a long sigh, Cecily's body lightly pressed against his as she  cupped one side of his face with her hand while the other tucked the loose curl behind his ear. “I- I care about you Ethan more than you can ever imagine. I don’t care where I am at in five years if you’re not there with me.” 

Ethan’s hands settled on the curve of her small back, supporting her from falling. They stared into each other's eye longingly as Ethan took a few moments to process what she said. He hesitantly leaned down as she stepped on her tippy toes, her freckled nose bumping with his.. Neither broke eye contact as their lips ever-so slightly brushed against each other. But before Cecily could even press her lips harder against his, Ethan pulled away and turned so she couldn’t see him drag his hand up his face.

“Ethan?” Cecily stepped closer to him, her hand gently touching his shoulder.” Are you oka-.” 

The moment didn’t last long as Ethan whipped himself to face her, lightly smacking her hand away from him. She stared at him, her mouth slightly open and her eyes slightly more big. He drew in a breath as he growled, “Dr. Aldaine, I care about my career much more than I’ll ever care about you.”

Cecily paled, she didn’t move, she almost was frozen. She felt her mouth become and her hands became unsteady again. Her sea green eyes moved away from him as she glanced at his desk. Her heart dropped low to her stomach and it felt like she couldn’t breathe, again. She rested her hands on her neck as she anxiously rubbed it. Tears were threatening to spill but she resisted the sensation that eventually would take over. After what felt like an eternity, she tumbled through her words, “Oh, um.. Sick. Right, okay.”

“I’ll be on my way, I have to get some scans for my patient. Goodbye, Doctor. Ramsey.” She cleared her throat and made finger guns towards the door. She quickly darted out of his office and away from his sight. Her throat soon closed again andher walls crumbled down. 

Cecily quickly turned the knob of the supply closet and collapsed. Her hands gripped onto the cracked walls and her nails scraped some of the paint off of it as she glanced up at the ceiling. Trying to keep the tears a float, she refused to cry,- at least not over him. She was breathing ragged, her arms moved to her chest and she clutched tightly on herself, attempting to hug herself. 

‘It hurts so much.’ she thought, ‘why does it hurt so-.’

The door swung open and Bryce stood in front of it concerned. His brown eyes scanned her, trying to comprehend why she was on the edge of a mental breakdown. He stood still for a while, not completely sure of what to do with Cecily. Bryce couldn’t recall if he ever saw her cry this much. The moment, they made eye contact. She rubbed her nose with the sleeve of her lab coat and sniffled.

“Bryce, don’t just stand there! Get in or get out!” she cried, throwing an ivy bag at him. 

Bryce gave her a sad smile, remembering their first day at Edenbrook. She said that exact same thing to him as she did a year ago. He silently closed the door with a click as he slowly walked towards her, sliding down the wall. His long, toned arm wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her closer to him. He rested his chin on Cecily’s head, keeping her close and tight. He rubbed soothing, circular motions around her back, whispering reassuring words in her ear. 

After a few minutes of her hyperventilating, she was finally stable and not crying. All he could hear was small sniffles and breathing steading. His arms still had her in a cocoon, protecting her with all he had. Bryce hated to see Cecily cry. They’ve been best friends since last year and were completely inseparable. They relied on one another, a lot. And when one was upset or in pain the other was there for them. He always joked that the best should always stick together but he really meant it, in some egotistical, cocky way. Bryce swears on his looks that he’d always be there for her, no matter what. 

Bryce’s fingers nimbly turned her head to face him, his thumb pressed softly against her chin. His eyes softened even more as he could see her nose was pinker than Azaleas. He comfortingly asked what happened to make her cry so much. 

Almost immediately, her chin started to wobble and her eyes began to water again. Cecily bit her lip, hard, trying to stop her cries but it failed, miserably. A metallic taste lingered on her tongue as she shoved her head into his chest. Through incoherent sobs, she cried, “I- I don’t wanna talk about it.” 

He massaged her shoulders and he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, “Okay, we don’t have to, if you don’t want to.” 

They stayed like that for a long time before Bryce finally stood up and offered her a hand. Cecily hesitantly took it, letting him pull her off her feet. A small giggle left her lips as she crashed into him. He laughed along with her, too. They quietly walked out of the supply closet, not bothered by the stares of their coworkers. At least, Bryce wasn’t. Cecily was though. She felt a burning sensation through her head, she knew whose eyes were on her and she felt dirty and ashamed. Cecily felt her cheeks flush a bright red as she attempted to concentrate on Bryce.

“Hey, at least, you don’t have make up on today.” he gave her a grin, “Right?” 

Cecily snorted dryly, “Yeah, I guess so.” She bit her lip, lightly before hugging him again. Resting, her head on his chest, her small arms wrapped around his torso. 

“You’re welcome, Barbie.” Bryce cockily mocked before winking at her, before strutting off to the surgical floor. 

“Whatever Ken!” she called out after him, walking towards the nurses station, picking up one of her patient’s charts and continuing the rest of her long shift. 

After the long hours of skillfully diagnosing and discharging patients,- and maybe avoiding a certain attending,- her day was finally over. Cecily could go home and sulk whilst eating a tub of strawberry ice cream or she can get drunk at Donahues. The ideas both seemed to fit well with her if she was being honest but she already made plans with the others for Donahues. She slipped on a pair of light blue sweats and a white crop. Staring at the mirror, she pulled her matching bandana and swiftly pulled her out of her face and poked at strands to frame her features. Cecily gnawed at her bottom lips as she remembered the occurring events with Ethan with a shake of her head and a sigh, she stumbled out of the changing room, shoving her professional clothes and heels in her locker. Frankly, she didn’t feel like bringing them home, she was just lazy. 

Sienna awaited near the entrance along with Jackie, Bryce and Elijah. All talking amongst themselves excitedly and were full of banter. Bryce and Jackie continued making witty comments at each other as Sienna and Elijah spoke of their interns, Sothy and Mitch. Cecily finally met up with them. She shared a bright, teasing smile and placed her small, pale hand on her hip. “Ready to start drinking lightweights or are you not up for it?” 

“That’s some big talk coming from a moppy drunk who can barely handle two shots of tequila,” Jackie quipped back at Cecily, her leathered arm swung over Cecily’s shoulder. Her big brown eyes sparked with a flare, the usual teasing flare, Jackie always had. She smirked, pridefully at her as Cecily shooed her away and elbows her side. 

“Leave her alone, Jackie,” Elijah grinned, “Cecily’s only 24, there’s a lot of time for her to become and train for drinking.” 

“I-,” Cecily groaned, she stared at the high ceiling, covering her face with her arms, “ Ugh! It was one time! And,- and I already had half a bottle of scotch! You can’t blame me!” 

The pair of residents strolled out of Edenbrook with lopsided grins. Screams of boisterous laughter and just yelling,- in general came from their direction. All of them butting heads and sizing the other one up. They staggered into each other, resulting in Bryce to fall flat on his behind which made Jackie make a remark and the others snickering. The five of them finally were there and were ready to venture into Donahues and forget anything that happened today with burning, refreshing liquid. 

hope you enjoyed! would anyone want me to make a taglist?

[butididntpourthewhiskeys]

L O V E B O U N D

“Christmasbound I”

No, it’s not Christmas yet but maybe it is cause I finally found the time to post this first chapter! Chapter 2 will follow if enough people read this xx

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Snow is heavily blowing into her face, almost hurtful, making her favorite season in the world feel not that as comforting anymore as it usually does. She squeaks her eyes together quickly, her nose red from the cold while holding onto the little cold hand tightly as she steps up quickly. The big door of the old brick building is covered with a little roof. Luckily. She feels snow turning to water on the tip of her nose as she leans in to ring the doorbell. Taylor shakes her head one time, feels snowflakes fall down from her bangs. She then immediately looks down to the blonde toddler next to her, wrapped securely in a dark green snowsuit. Instead of Taylor, the five year old doesn’t really seem to care about the fact that her entire face is covered in snowflakes, her little cheeks are flushed. She pulls out her tongue, tries to lick the snowflakes from her nose. Taylor automatically reaches down, strokes her hand over the little cold face to warm her up. 

This snowstorm out here is crazy. 

Just before Taylor gets to fix the two little buns on her curly head, that are also covered in snow by now, the door in front of her suddenly opens and the little girl immediately lets go off Taylor’s hand, excitedly squeaks while running off and into the tall man’s arms. “Daddy!“ she smiles, reaches for him. Joe immediately picks up the cold and wet toddler, his big hands holding onto the small body as tightly as he can. He looks tired, she can see that clearly. He wears his old grey sweatpants and the white basic tee he always used to sleep in. 

“My little angel, I missed you so much.“ He moans into his baby’s arms, holds her as tight as physically possible on his arm. “I missed you too, daddy.“ the little toddler mumbles into his neck. Taylor swallows lightly, fixes the grip of her bag on her shoulder while feeling his stare on her, after pulling back from the tight hug. She clears her throat slowly, doesn’t want to ruin the moment between Joe and his daughter but really wants to escape the ice cold breeze she’s still in. “Can I come in?“ she asks and the blonde tall man immediately lets the little snow angel down, signals her to come in. Eleanor immediately hugs his legs once more while gushing at him from the floor and Taylor feels her stomach churn. 

It’s always these moments in which she realizes how much Eleanor misses her father. The way her little arms hold onto him. The way she craves his closeness in this moment, while standing in the doorway. This girl truly has a lot of love for her daddy and by the way Joe’s eyes lid up as soon as he saw her, Taylor knows that he feel the same. 

“Of course. Come in. I just made some hot chocolate.“ Joe says euphorically. He looks happy that they’re here. She feels that even though she wishes he’d hold back his excitement. 

Taylor smiles politely, simply closes the door behind her. She feels the warmth of the big fireplace coming from the living room, still smells her old Byredo candles that she left here. 

“Uh, I’m just gonna give you her bag. A change of clothes is in there. There’s her little jeans dress for tomorrow when we drop her off at school. And her glittery tights. We have also brought Barbie, Ken and her Elsa. We don’t have a book but I think you still have the one where..“ “Don’t you wanna stay for some hot chocolate? The weather is insane outside and..“ “To be honest I still wanted to work a little as long as she’s at your place.“ Taylor says, looks at her daughter to not have to look at him. 

She knows what he’s doing. He tries this every time.

“C’mon Tay. I won’t let you go home through this snowstorm. How on earth did you two get here without freezing anyway? Stay here until the weather is better, please.“ he says, his daughter pulling his hand, clearly impatient and wanting all of his attention now. He grabs the toddler and places her on the little velvet lounger that is right next to the wardrobe next to the door. Taylor sighs. She hates it, but he’s right. Maybe the snow will get less soon. Maybe walking home in an hour really makes more sense. “Okay, fine.“ she mumbles, quietly takes off her black boots, places them next to his wardrobe. As she takes off her big black coat she can’t help but smile silently. Joe, who’s on his knees in front of the little green snowman just leaned in to kiss his daughter’s cold cheek. But a small kiss turned into plenty kisses and Eleanor giggles loudly, tries to shove his scruffy chin away from her. 

“Daddy.“ She laughs and Joe let go off her, immediately reaches for her feet to pull off her snow boots. “Daddy, I have my wish tree for you. Ms. Clarkson said we have to make one for our mommies and our daddies and so I made one for mommy and for you. And I have one for me. Can you write your wishes on it, daddy? You have to do it fast before Santa Claus comes tomorrow. Can we make pancakes later?“ Taylor just remains next to them, her arms crossed while watching Joe take off the big snow suit from the small body. He looks up at Taylor for a second and grins silently. She returns the smile, can’t help but laugh quietly as well. The little girl can’t stop talking. That, she definitely has from her mother. 

“A wish tree? What’s that, bug?“ Joe asks with his thick British accent and looks at the blonde girl that just throws her head back laughing out loud. Her two curly buns are a bit messy as well and of course, she wears her favorite sparkly Christmas sweater. After all, she’s still Taylor’s daughter. It’s more than obvious. 

“Are you laughing at me?“ Joe asks in a high pitched voice, acts a little insulted while laughing at his daughter who’s still goofing around, then covers her mouth mischievously with her hands. Joe starts to poke her little tummy and Eleanor yelps laughing. “Daddy, a wish tree!“ The girl says again, obviously can’t believe that Joe still has no clue what this is. Joe in the meantime has shared an amused look with Taylor once more and grabs the little goofy girl to lift her up. “Why don’t you explain daddy what a wish tree is, E?“ Taylor says and walks right behind them into the living room. 

She takes a deep breath. Traces from her past interior decorations are still visible in these four walls. The little treehouse candle on top of the fireplace. The painting she made him for his twenty- seventh birthday is on the wall. Small reminders of their past are still haunting this house. She has no idea how he can simply keep all this. All these reminders of the dreams and hopes that never came true. All the things she left behind back then when she left. 

“It’s a Christmas tree that I painted and then cut out of the paper and.. and every mommy and every daddy can write down ten wishes for Christmas and the new year. And that’s because my tree has ten pine branches.“ Eleanor explains, holds onto her daddy’s shoulders. Joe places her on the high chair that’s on the wooden dinner table in the center of the room. He has never moved it aside, clearly held onto her promise to let Eleanor spend every second weekend with him. This time, it’s the weekend of Christmas. A rough decision she had to make. Christmas without her baby girl. The first one without Eleanor. Her family was heartbroken about the fact that they’d have to relinquish Eleanor yet understood that it’s Joe’s turn now. After all, the last year has been difficult on him as well. The first Christmas without Eleanor. 

The first Christmas without her.

“Wow and you made me one as well?“ Joe asks, sinks his head and steals another kiss from Eleanor’s head before looking at Taylor again. “I’m gonna get it, hang on.“ she says, knows how eager her daughter is to show her father what she has made in school for him. After entering the long hallway once more and finding the piece of green cardboard in her Eleanor’s little koala backpack, she returns into the warm living room and hands Eleanor her present. By now, the little girl has a hot chocolate mustache on her face already, excitedly hands the tree to her dad. Joe slowly slides another cup of hot cocoa towards Taylor’s direction. She smiles silently and sits down on the opposite side of the two. Her eyes wander off into the kitchen behind them. He���s still as chaotic as he used to be. A feeling of familiarity spreads all over her. She likes this feeling. She likes to think that some things maybe never really have changed after all. 

“This is beautiful. Eleanor. Did you make this? All by yourself?“ he asks euphorically, almost thrilled and looks at his daughter who sips on the hot cup of cocoa while holding the big cup with both of her little hands. She carefully places the, for her, huge cup in front of her again and nods proudly. A little proud smile creeping through her lips. “Love, that’s amazing. You’re a little artist. Like your mum, huh?“ Joe asks and smiles, makes his daughter laugh and Taylor smile softly. He looks at the Christmas tree in his hands. The little girl has drawn many stars and sparkles all over the cardboard. Tree ornaments and hearts included. For a five year old, he really is impressed. “And that’s where I’m supposed to write down my wishes?“ he asks and points to the branches of the tree. The curly head immediately nods and explains her daddy how it works. After finishing her hot cocoa and giving her dad more than a few cuddles, Eleanor storms off to the little big box at the end of the living room, starts to take out all her favorite toys that she has left at dad’s house and starts to play on the floor. After a few “don’t forget to put everything back into the box again later“ from Taylor, Eleanor seems to be in her own world, hums a few Christmas songs she has learned in school while playing with her dolls. 

“Everything good? How are you?“ Joe asks, still hanging loosely on the chair in front of her, one hand around the still warm cup and the other one running through his hair. He looks tired. She can clearly sense that. “Yeah, everything’s good. How are you?“ Taylor asks, takes another sip from the cup in front of her. She’s finally unfreezing, the fireplace clearly doing the trick. “Tired. I came home from New York this morning.“ he says, Taylor nods. “How’s your movie going?“ “Great. Yeah, really good.“ he answers, doesn’t really go into it at all. For the first second, Taylor is confused. But then, she gets why. He doesn’t want to talk about his career to her. He doesn’t want her to think that this is still all he does, all he has. He doesn’t want her to think that she was right, when she left. That the only priority he has, is acting. 

“How’s Naomi?“ Taylor asks, doesn’t know why she even asked, clearly wanted to change the subject from his career as quick as possible. “Who?“ He asks, a big yawn escaping his mouth. Taylor looks at him in shock. “Your girlfriend? Naomi?“ “Oh.“ He suddenly realizes, blushes a lot. “Oh. good. good.“ he answers, seems just as uncomfortable as her. Taylor nods. She knew that they were never really a thing and his reaction just confirmed this to her. Suddenly it’s quiet again, Eleanor’s angelic voice making both of them smile. She seems to be in her own fantasy world, sings her very own version of ‘holy night‘ while building her Barbies a new home on his carpet. 

“What’s new with you?“ Joe asks, clearly wanted to break the silence and looks at her. „Not much. I’m just writing at the moment and..“ “Your album?“ “Album?“ “You said ‘writing‘.“ „Oh.“ Taylor mumbles, “No, I’m.. I’m writing songs. For people. Not me. Mom duties make touring and promoting an album impossible right now.“ She says. Joe nods. He seems interested, but not as much in her albums. “I understand. But.. I can help you out more if you want. I mean.. I’m done with my movie and I’ll have way more time next year. Nothing’s planned at the moment. So..“ “That’s nice. Thanks. But I think I’m good.“ She says, looks up at him with that same cold stare and nods. This was clearly not the answer he wanted. She can feel that. 

“Are you happy?“ Joe suddenly asks and Taylor looks up at him once more. She feels a lump in her throat. She definitely wasn’t prepared for this question. “Sure.“ she answers, manages to raise the corner of her mouth. She can’t really look into his eyes. “You?“ She asks, wants to take the attention from her and her happiness as fast as humanly possible. “I’ve been better.“ He says, a little too honest for her taste. Taylor doesn’t answer anymore, is suddenly super interested in the cup in her hands. 

“Mommy, look.“ The little girl suddenly comes running to her mom. Taylor has never been more happy about this interruption by her daughter, immediately turns to look at the Barbie Eleanor has in her hand. “It’s the mermaid Barbie.“ She squeaks excitedly. Taylor looks at her daughter and smiles. “Oh honey!“ She laughs, happy for her baby girl. “And we thought you had lost her in school. See? I told you to look at daddy’s house first.“ Taylor says, her arm around her daughters small torso, pressing a sluggish kiss onto her cheek. Joe looks at the two in front of them and remains silent. He feels many things in this moment. Things he knew he couldn’t forget. Ever. Not in this life. “Call me next time and I’ll have a look.“ Joe says eagerly and looks at Taylor with a serious look on his face. She returns his stare and nods. She feels this protectiveness radiating from him all of a sudden. They had this talk a few months ago. He wants to be more involved. He always says that. But it’s difficult for her to let him enter her life when she’s the one who wanted to leave his. “You were busy working in New York.“ “I’m never too busy to talk to you and I also would’ve known that the Barbie was in there. Also.. you have a key. Don’t you?“ “I won’t use the key when..“ “Daddy can we make some pancakes? I’m hungry.“ Eleanor interrupts her mom and walks over to her daddy to press her head into his side. Joe immediately picks her up and places her on his lap before giving her a cheek a kiss from behind. “First of all, we don’t interrupt when mummy’s talking, love. Second.. pancakes with bananas? And chocolate?“ “Yes daddy.“ she smiles and Joe kisses her once more. Taylor remains silent. As so often since she’s here, in his house. Joe seems so happy and carefree since Eleanor’s here. He looks much more content with everything than when he first opened this door a few minutes ago. She swallows. Long forgotten feelings slowly seem to creep back up. Separating herself from him meant also separating him from Eleanor. And Eleanor from Joe. She separated these two human beings in some way. These two people who love each other endlessly. She takes a deep breath, looks at him disappear in the kitchen. She spent too many nights feeling this overwhelming amount of guilt on her chest after hearing Eleanor ask for her daddy. After listening to Joe’s crying on her speaker, begging voice messages asking her to come home. Asking her to give him another chance. 

“One for mummy as well?“ Joe asks, slowly looks back at her with Eleanor on his arm. The little monkey immediately crawls onto his back and giggles into Joe’s neck while opening the fridge for her dad to take out all the ingredients he’ll need. Taylor suddenly stirs from her thoughts, quickly shakes her head. “No, I should.. I should get going now.“ She says, quickly gets up. “Are you sure? It’s still crazy out there and it’s dark already.“ Joe says, suddenly not caring about the open fridge anymore, slowly walking back to her again. “I can call a driver.“ She says, smiles politely at him. Just when he was about to say something to her, Taylor interrupts him. “Goodbye, baby. Have a great time with daddy.“ Taylor says and Eleanor slowly crawls down from her father’s back to touch the floor with her feet again to give her mom a last hug. “Bye mommy.“ she says and Taylor crouches down until her head is on one level with her daughter. She places both of her hands on her cheeks, kisses Eleanor’s small lips gently. “Be nice to daddy and listen to him. Bedtime is when daddy tells you. No dramatic show stunts before going to bed, okay? love you.“ She says and kisses Eleanor again. “Okay mommy.“ Taylor smiles at her and gets up. Joe slowly walks with Taylor down the hallway, while Eleanor storms off to play with her doll house again that she has carefully built on the expensive carpet in Joe’s living room. “Are you sure..“ “Yeah, Brandon can pick me up.“ She says and holds her phone next to her ear already. She grabs her coat slowly, confused about the fact that her call doesn’t seem to get through. 

“Don’t forget to make her go to the toilet before going to bed. We’ve had a few accidents in the last weeks. Oh and no chocolate after 6pm.“ Taylor says and Joe nods. “I know.“ “Good.“ Taylor answers, desperately tries to call her driver again yet the end of the line seems dead. She doesn’t seem to have any phone connection at all. The snowstorm that was predicted for this weekend must be the reason for this state of emergency in town. No phone connection. No tube. Not even London cabs are available today. “Don’t you want to stay? I still have the guest room and I’d really feel better knowing you’re not out there tonight. It’s almost dark outside.“ Joe says, looks at Taylor with a concerned look. She’s still trying to make her phone work, just stands in front of him with her black coat, ready to leave this house. “Shit, can I try your phone?“ She asks and Joe sighs. “Sure. But think about my offer.“ He asks, remains with her in the hallway. He doesn’t move. He doesn’t go to get his phone because he wants her to stay. She’s been avoiding him so much since over a year now and he can’t do this anymore. Not being with the woman who he considered the love of his life once is tough enough. But not even being able to talk to her normally, like they used to, is even harder on him. 

Taylor notices his eager look while hearing Eleanor play in his living room. She slowly puts down her phone and sighs. Then she looks up at him. He has this hopeful look on his face. Taylor just shakes her head softly. “Don’t you notice how awkward this is?“ She asks, looks at him with an honest look for the first time in a while. “I do. And I don’t like it.“ He says, seems thankful for her honesty in this moment. “Me neither.“ “We were best friends.“ He then says and Taylor looks up at him once more. She finds sadness in his eyes, even though he smiles at the thought of their past. She’s captivated by his look, this trip in his eyes to back then. Back to the secret moments they shared in every crowded room. Back to the secret smiles and the awareness of the fact that no one really knew anything, except for them. No one really knew what this thing was, this thing between them. They never really were just lovers. They were best friends. More than that. They had this secret bond that was there from the very first second. They were inseparable. They were the bestest of friends on this planet. A unit. One. Even long before Eleanor came into their lives. 

“We always used to be a team and I don’t see why we shouldn’t be that anymore. We have Eleanor and we should be a team again. For her.“ 

Taylor nods softly. He’s right. Being co- parents means more than dropping the kid off at each other’s houses and avoiding eye contact. She always admired how her parents dealt with their divorce, never let her to her brother feel any tensions between them. And that’s because there were none. That’s because they decided to be a team for their kids. And this is how it should be.

“You’re right.“ 

“Why don’t you stay over and we start to.. to become a team again? I’m sure Eleanor won’t mind.“ Joe says and laughs softly at the end. Taylor smiles back at him. Of course she won’t mind. If there’s one thing this little girl loves more than anything, it’s mommy and daddy time. Of course. This is what she was used to for the first three years of her life. This is how it was always supposed to be. Mommy and Daddy. Taylor and Joe. 

“A team?“ 

“A team. Maybe not as good as ‘team frosty crew’ but.. still a pretty good team.“ he answer, smirks at her. He’s thinking back to the same moment she does. She can see it in his smile. She can feel it in his eyes. The same starry eyes looking at her as back then…

Five years, three days and two hours earlier.

“Okay, can we go through this again?“ she asks while standing in front of the little drawer in the hallway, struggles with putting on the silver bracelet that her mother has gotten her for her birthday. She’s nervous. Not just a bit. Whenever things don’t work out as they were planned, she starts to feel stressed and panicked nowadays. This new habit of her is also one of the things she still has to get used to when it comes to her unpredictable emotions nowadays. 

“Taylor, this is my bloody family. Not the supreme court of the United States.“ He groans back from the kitchen, his mouth clearly full. “Stop eating it, holy crap.“ She yells at him, is met by amused laughter from the tall man in her kitchen. She just shakes her head, finally manages to close the silver bracelet. With her high heels she slowly walks into the kitchen, finds Joe leaning against the corner. His head is sunk and he’s focused on the lemon tart in front of him. With a silver fork he eats the messed up cake, clearly famished. His mouth is full and Taylor just shakes her head, crosses her arms. Joe suddenly notices her and can’t help but smirk at her annoyed stare. 

“That’s gross. It was out there for three hours. The fucking cake must be frozen by now, how..“ 

“I like frosty cake.“ He answers, referring to one of their inside jokes. Taylor just shakes her head. She sometimes has no idea how this slender man can eat so much and not suffer from obesity or diabetes. He’s literally about to eat the entire cake she has baked for his mum’s Christmas dinner and which she forgot on the patio this afternoon. She just wanted the hot dessert to cool down for a few minutes. Everything was planned. His grandparents from Scotland would be in town. His eccentric grandmother everyone in his family fears. Because grandma Maria is not just a rich old lady. In his mum’s words she’s described as a ‘dictator of taste’, a ’meticulous old lady’ and other unlovely things. Taylor has never met Maria, but the fact that she’s about to give birth to her beloved grandson’s first child is enough reason to feel pressured to give an amazing first impression. She knows that it’s stupid to make it a challenge to impress this old lady. But she wants grandma Maria to like her. She wants her to think that she’s ’good enough’ to be part of his family. And Taylor is sure that she would’ve loved her lemon tart recipe. But thanks to her pregnancy brain, she left the beautiful cake outside for three hours and simply forgot it there. A snowstorm has hit the London sky by the time she remembered and her beautiful tart was ruined with snowflakes and water already. There’s no way they can present this mess to his grandmother now. Even Joe agrees with that. 

“You look beautiful, wow.“ Joe says all of the sudden and smiles at her with a full mouth. She just sighs, slowly walks up to him. He inspects her outfit once more. She looks like a model for a Christmas commercial. A Christmas commercial with a beautiful pregnant lady. Her red lips and her green velvet dress with long sleeves and high neck match perfectly. Her hair is curly as always and the little J necklace she didn’t take off at all in the last two years is the perfect jewelry to this attire. She also wears high heels, which he hates nowadays. Because nowadays she can’t really see her own feet anymore and stumbling in her advanced stage of pregnancy is something he definitely wants her to avoid. Joe looks into her beautiful face. Something is up. He can see it clearly. 

“Baby, what’s..“ 

“Give me that stupid fork.“ She interrupts him aggressively and casually takes his fork before shoving a huge portion of the cake into her mouth. He can’t help but laugh at her. As much as she acted like if eating the frozen cake is ‘disgusting‘, she still seems to crave the sugary paste as much as he did before. “Someone’s moody today.“ “M’ no moody“ she immediately complains with a full mouth and Joe can’t help but smirk at her. He looks at her eating the ruined cake. She’s about to cry, he knows that look. Joe just lets out a low breath, clearly amused by her behavior. She looks like a Christmas ornament with the little bow on the back of her dress. A pretty round Christmas ornament, thanks to the baby belly in front of her. 

He carefully places his hand on her back, draws circles with his big hands on the spot that pains her a lot nowadays. Then he slowly takes the fork from her, kisses her cheek to sooth her in advance. 

“What are you doing?“ 

“Making sure you won’t get sick before dinner. We’ve been there.“ he says in a deep voice, clearly tries to calm her. Taylor doesn’t even fight him, just swallows the rest of the cake in her mouth and takes a deep breath. Joe then grabs her two hands and makes her look at him. 

“We’ve talked about this for at least ten times. You made the cake. If anyone asks, Isabel from your PR team has a friend that works at Crimson’s bakery and she got you the recipe. You added some.. something, and that’s why it tastes exactly as If we had bought it. Which we haven’t. Because.. you baked it. With your bare hands. Like a real housewife.“ He says, clearly not as serious about their little lie as Taylor would want him to be. She seems stressed, feels like she failed already. “It was just a cake. Your mom asked me just for a fucking cake. Your grandmother will think I can’t bake. Or cook. She’ll probably think I’ll feed my child Nando’s for the rest of my..“ “Taylor, no one will notice that we bought it.“ “We have to find another bakery. I’m serious. Your grandma knows Crimson’s. Everyone does. Fuck. Why don’t we..“ “Baby! It’s Christmas. No other bakery in our radius has lemon tart. I called every fucking bakery in this town today. Please calm down. Our plan is bulletproof.“ He smiles, both of her hands still in his. She just shrugs her shoulders, as whiny as so often nowadays. He can’t help but laugh at her, then immediately pulls her into a hug. Her baby belly against his stomach, his hands on top of the soft velvet fabric on the back of her dress. She smells incredible, just like the pine scented fragrance she put on earlier. He can feel her slowly resting her head against his shoulder. The pressure of impressing his grandmother is a lot on her, even though she’d never admit it to him. She has planned her outfit for days, planned the dessert and everything she would say and do. He doesn’t like it. He doesn’t like the fact that she’s stressing herself so much just to leave a good impression on his difficult grandmother. Christmas was always her favorite holiday. A ruined cake shouldn’t be the reason for her not to enjoy it this time around. One year ago, when Taylor was pregnant for the first time, she put just as much stress on her as she does now. She was scared. She was terrified. She wanted this baby but she was stressed to manage pregnancy and touring equally well. The doctors assured her that the miscarriage happened for different reasons. But he knows that the emotional baggage has influenced a lot. The loss of their baby is something they both have learned from. She needs to relax. She needs to think of herself, not let these irrelevant things get to her too much. 

All that matters is her and their baby. 

“I just wanted her to think that I’m capable of feeding a family. I wanted her to think that I’m not just a stupid singer, but also.. a housewife. A mother. I just want her to like me.“ she then mumbles into his chest and Joe can’t help but laugh slowly. “Where’s your feminism all of the sudden?“ “I forgot it outside with my dessert and my dignity.“ She shoots back and Joe smiles. He lets out a last sigh, then slowly moves his head to kisses her forehead. “She will love you. I promise. She’ll never find out that we bought the cake.“ He reassures her, strokes her back up and down a few times. She doesn’t move, remains limb in his arms and closes her eyes. She enjoys his back rubs. She enjoys them a lot. 

“At what time to we have to pick up the cake?“ She murmurs then, receives another kiss on her forehead from him. This pregnancy has been an emotional rollercoaster. She feels everything even deeper and more intensive than before, has no idea what she’d do if he wasn’t there to rub her back.

“In thirty minutes.“ He answers, still keeps her close. She has now swung her arms around him and hugs him while resting her head against his chest. She seems exhausted. She’s truly stressed about this. He knows that. “What If Patrick finds out and gives us away.“ Joe laughs quietly. “Nobody at my parents house tonight cares less for your cake than Patrick.“ He reassures her and she nods, slowly lets go off him and looks at him. Joe just smiles at her terrified facial expression and places his hands on her cheeks. She looks so beautiful. Even more since the so called ‘pregnancy glow’ has taken over her. She looks fuller than usually. Fuller and healthier. Flourishing. A life is growing inside her. A love is growing inside her. Joe smiles and kisses her slowly. She’s quiet. Her eyes are closed. “Let’s go, baby.“ He then mumbles against her lips. “Do you have everything?“ “Mhmhm.“ She nods, fixes her bangs quickly. “Nutmeg.“ She suddenly says, looks at him with big eyes. Joe, who’s fixing his tie in the mirror of the hallway by now just looks at her confused, unable to follow her fast thinking processes. As so often, nowadays. “What?“ “I added extra nutmeg. Which is a lie, obviously.“ She says, walks towards him into the hallway. “Don’t mess it up. Nutmeg. Remember this when..“ “I will.“ He laughs. It’s unbelievable how serious this is for her. “What If I say cinnamon, accidentally. That would totally give us away.“ He says in a serious tone, obviously ironic. Taylor just sighs and hits him in the side while grabbing her coat. She can’t hide a smirk though. “Baby, I won’t mess it up.“ He laughs, grabs the key from the drawer. “We’re a team.“ He adds, raises his hand to high five her, but she doesn’t react. She’s too grumpy to participate, just fixes her hair in the mirror once more. “We’re team frosty crew. Which has a total new meaning since your cake accident, by the way.“ He laughs amused and even Taylor can’t hide a smirk. He’s right. “Alright, Team frosty crew has to leave now. I don’t wanna be late.“ She says, leaves the house with Joe within the next two minutes. 

After the evening at his parents house has started off perfectly and Taylor has received tons of compliments for her outfit from his grandmother the moment of truth, which is the moment the cake was brought into the dining room has come. Surrounded by a Christmas tree and dozens of presents and family laughter, Joe can’t help but smirk mischievously while taking another sip from his wine glass. He can see from the corner of his eyes how Taylor takes a deep breath while sitting next to him, suddenly moves her left leg nervously under the table. Everyone starts to eat the lemon tart and Taylor receives tons of compliments. She remains noticeably quiet for her usual self, but no one seems to notice anything except for Joe. 

“Taylor, that is a remarkable tart. I’m impressed.“ His grandmother suddenly says from the end of the table. Taylor just smiles at her. “Thank you so much.“ “Tell me, dear. Did you bake it yourself this morning?“ The old lady asks strictly in her Scottish accent, which makes it even more difficult for Taylor to properly understand her. “Oh, yes. Of course.“ Taylor says, Joe fighting a laugh as hard as he can. “But I have helped as well. Right, babe?“ Joe suddenly says and looks at Taylor. They share a mischievous look and she grins back at him. She wants to kill him. He can see that in her eyes.

“Yeah. Joseph is a great helper in the kitchen.“ Taylor says in a monotone voice, receives an ironic smirk from Patrick on the opposite of her who’s eating the pie amusedly. “He added the nutmeg.“ Taylor adds and smirks at Joe once more. “Wasn’t it cinnamon, love?“ Joe teases and looks back at her while chewing the cake. Taylor looks at him once more and shakes her head quietly, still slightly smirking at him. He thinks he’s so smart. “No, babe. It was nutmeg. I’m very sure.“ She says and the conversations on the table seems to change again. Maria asks Patrick about his majors in school and Tom tells his grandpa about his new Job in Dublin. Taylor and Joe still smirk at each other. They don’t really talk, just laugh quietly. Everyone in the room is focused on the conversations between Tom and his grandfather. This is one of these moments in which they’re back in their own little world. Laughing about something no one understands and no one will ever understand. Joe suddenly grabs her fork and fills it with some pie from her plate. He then leads the fork into her mouth, feeds her like a little child. She laughs softly, a bit embarrassed of his behavior in front of his grandparents but then opens her mouth. Elizabeth looks at these two lovebirds fool around and smiles quietly to herself before following the other conversations again. “What are you doing?“ Taylor whispers with a full mouth, still looks at him and tries to recover from her laughs. “Team frosty crew rocks. We did a great job with this cake, don’t you think.“ “Team frosty crew should definitely shut up now.“ She answers him quietly, still chewing the dessert. Joe looks back at her and smiles. She does the same, can’t help but stare into his face. His gorgeous, beautiful face. He looks so cheeky, the little dimples in his smile radiating happiness onto her as well. 

Team frosty crew evidently rocks. Team frosty crew is just getting started.

“Okay, monkey. Time for bed. Please put the toys back into daddy’s box.“ Taylor says politely to her toddler, looks at Eleanor from where she sits. After Joe has ordered Chinese for the three of them, Eleanor was allowed to stay up a little longer than usually after not having seen her father for more than two months. The afternoon has still been awkward so far, after all. Taylor regrets that she agreed to stay. All she did was watch Joe and Eleanor interact. Joe kept on including her in their conversations but it seemed wrong. This was his time with Eleanor, not hers. He should be able to spend time with her all alone. She shouldn’t be here. Not at all.

 “Can I have bedtime with Daddy today?“ Eleanor whines from the end of the living room and Taylor looks at Joe. “Going to bed is a difficult project at the moment, so If you want I can..“ “No. No I’ll bring her to bed.“ Joe immediately answer her and Taylor nods. It’s definitely his turn, If he wants. Taylor slowly gets up and grabs the empty plates, carries them into his kitchen. Joe in the meantime has stood up as well and walks towards his daughter. “You can leave everything on the table, I’ll..“ “No way. You’re on bedtime duties, I’m on kitchen duties.“ Taylor interrupts him and Joe doesn’t fight her. Instead, he walks up to the five year old curly head on the carpet in front of him and smiles. He missed this so much. Joe remains standing behind her, slowly crouches down to place his big hands on her curly hair. The little buns on her head are clearly missed up. 

“Ready for one of daddy’s bedtime stories?“ He asks and Eleanor immediately jumps up, reaches for him. “Yes daddy!“ She squeaks excitedly. Joe gladly takes her onto his arm, is amazed every time how big his baby has become. Five years. Five years since this little angel has changed his life forever. He slowly walks back to the kitchen with Eleanor on his arm, who has wrapped both of her little arms around his head. “Say goodnight to your mum.“ Joe says to Eleanor, who just says soft “Goodnight mommy, I love you.“ Taylor immediately turns around and faces her daughter. Even Joe has to smile at the sweet words coming from their little angel. Taylor can’t help but smile at the little face, places the plates on the counter and walks up to Joe and her. Taylor smiles at the little girl, places both of her hands on these chubby little cheeks she loves so much. “Goodnight baby. I love you too.“ She smiles, kisses Eleanor’s nose a few times. Then she looks at Joe who just smiles back at her but remains silent in this moment. “Don’t drive daddy insane, monkey. Just one story, okay?“ Taylor says and Eleanor just sweetly leans her head to the side and grants her dad the sweetest smile possible. Taylor and Joe both laugh. “She’s got that from you.“ Joe says casually and then slowly walks out of the kitchen with Eleanor. She can’t help but smile while watching them disappear. He’s right. When she was always good at one thing then it’s wrapping him around her finger just by granting him a smile. 

“Can you tell me the one with the Papa bear and the babies, daddy.“ she asks him politely in her baby voice, hugs his head while being carried upstairs from her Papa. Joe loves the fact that he’s not the only one who seems to crave cuddles. Joe turns his head, presses a big kiss onto her chubby cheek. “Alright. But first brushing your teeth, love.“ He says and pokes the little girl into the side. She laughs immediately. Taylor slowly rinses off the dishes, hearts the two disappear upstairs. It’s weird how habits have changed so quickly throughout the last year. Before their separation, Joe had always been the one to bring Eleanor to bed. Even when she was just a baby, Eleanor loved falling asleep on her dad’s chest. It’s because of his incredibly calm personality. He radiates calmness, always has. And that’s exactly what Eleanor needed to fall asleep. Nowadays, she has gotten used to going to bed with Taylor. It has been a battle at first. But after a while, the toddler adjusted. That’s what kids do. They simply adjust. 

Taylor closes the dishwasher, asks herself if the situation tonight is weird for Eleanor. Does it bring back old memories of mommy and daddy together? Does she even have old memories of mommy and daddy together? If one thing has changed five years ago, then it’s the fact that everything Taylor does evolves around the well- being of her child. Everything. Even her decision to leave, back then. She wanted stability for Eleanor. Not a father who would break promises every night, who would travel the globe for his career but forgot to make enough time for his daughter. She could’ve stayed, she would’ve. She would’ve given him more time to find his way, would’ve fought endless fights with him to make him understand. But this is just what would’ve happened if there wasn’t a crying baby in her bed every night. This is not what Eleanor deserves. She deserves to experience faithfulness from a man, from her father. She deserves to experience unconditional trust from him. He’s the first emotional male interaction in her life and she didn’t want uncertainty to become the main emotion towards him. Taylor swallows. Just thinking about all the times he promised to come home and didn’t still break her heart over and over again. The little cries from Eleanor’s room. The tears that ran down her baby’s face because she asked for daddy a million times already. Because she wanted her daddy. She needed him. Even more than Taylor did. 

After drying the glasses with the grey kitchen towel, Taylor places the glass in the cupboard and closes the door. She scratches the back of her head and looks outside of the window. She smiles. It’s still snowing and the immense amount of white snow that covers the street almost lights up the sky. It’s the night before Christmas Eve and she loves the fact that they will, in fact, have a white Christmas this year. Just when Taylor was about to go back to the living room, she hears footsteps coming from upstairs. She peaks into the hallway with a confused look. But instead of her, Joe just casually enters the living room again, places the little baby phone on the coffee table of his living room before turning on one of the floor lamps at the end of the room. “What are you doing?“ Taylor asks him confused and Joe just returns her look. “She’s asleep. She was out after two seconds.“ He answers casually. “No. I mean the baby phone.“ Taylor says and he just looks at her again, not understanding at all what she’s asking him, while walking past her and into the kitchen once more. “What’s with it?“ “Joe, she’s not a baby anymore. She doesn’t need a baby phone. If she wakes up she’ll come to us, trust me.“ Taylor says amused about the fact that he still acts like Eleanor’s a baby and unable to tell them If somethings’s wrong. “I know. But it just makes me feel better to..“ “To hear her snores while sitting down here?“ She teases, leans in the doorway to the kitchen and looks at him grabbing something from the cupboard. “I just want to hear if she has a nightmare or anything as long as I’m downstairs.“ He says and Taylor doesn’t reply anymore. Joe adores this little girl. He has missed her. 

“Want some wine?“ Joe asks then, reaches for the bottle of white wine in his fridge and looks back at her. “Is this part of our team building?“ She smirks while still standing in the doorway, her arms still crossed. He doesn’t really answer at first, just smirks at her while automatically pouring wine into the glasses. She loves wine, he knows that. He has spent too many drunk nights with her in bed not to know how much she likes white wine. “Drinking wine has always been our way to.. bond.“ Joe murmurs, fills the two glasses with wine and then puts the bottle back into the fridge. “Or our way to make a baby.“ She casually says and Joe looks up to her. They both laugh quietly. “You’re right.“ He smirks, walks past her and casually falls onto his sofa. He then yawns loudly, runs his fingers through his hair. Taylor stands there, still more uncomfortable than ever. She still has no idea why she agreed to this. Why she let him convince her that this was a good idea. Spending the night with an Ex? Never a good idea. Especially not if you have a child and lots of unfinished business together. 

“What are you standing there?“ Joe then laughs, signals her to sit down next to him. Taylor awkwardly walks up to him, sits down at the end of the sofa. He still laughs at her and Taylor rolls her eyes before nipping on her wine glass. She tugs her legs up a bit, casually leans against the cushion sideways and shakes her head at him. “Why are you laughing at me?“ “You act like I’m a total stranger that you have to have a conversation with.“ he mumbles before taking a sip himself, clearly still amused. She blushes a bit, shakes her head. “Considering the fact that the last real conversation we had is more than a year ago, you probably count as a stranger.“ Taylor says, just realizes how sad these words were that came out of her mouth. She swallows quietly, not able to look at him anymore. She doesn’t know if these words were inappropriate. She didn’t want to sound rude. “I tried to have many real conversations with you over the last year but you were the one who high key tried to avoid them.“ Joe says, not angry at all. He’s calm. He can even look at her. 

Taylor sighs, then finds her courage to lookup at him. “I had my reasons.“ She just says. A little more reserved than she intended. “And these reasons were the fact that I was working a lot?“ He asks provocative and Taylor freezes. She looks at him, doesn’t react anymore. Does he call this ‘becoming a team again‘? Bringing up all these old things, all these old emotions that make her angry all over? If that’s his idea of becoming friends again, then she feels sorry for him. “Do you really wanna go there again, Joe?“ Taylor asks more tense than before, ready to play this game, ready to fight him If she has to. But Joe then looks at her again and his angry facial expression has changed. She knows this look. She has seen this look back then, last winter, when she dropped Eleanor off at his place for the first time after moving out. When he stood there in his door, dark circles under his eyes, hugging his daughter as if he was holding onto his life. This look is a look of surrendered anger. Sadness. Deep sadness. 

“I don’t.“ He simply answers, making Taylor swallow once more. She’s angry. She’s so done. She’s so done being the bad cop. Him making her feel responsible for all this. For the reason they aren’t a family anymore. 

“I should go to bed.“ She mumbles, places her glass on the coffee table in front of her. “Can I ask you a question?“ He suddenly says and Taylor sighs. She just wants to leave. She just wants to go home, to her own house. Far away from him and this living room. This room full of memories and all these questions he has. 

“What?“ She says, almost angry at him for even asking. “Did you lie to me?“ 

“When?“ 

“When you said that.. that you left because I was gone too much. Or was it because you just didn’t love..“ 

“How dare you even say this.“ She suddenly interrupts and Joe looks at her immediately with shock on his face. He never thought that this question would suddenly make her so angry. She looks devastated. Broken. He immediately starts to stutter, doesn’t know what to say to ease the situation but feels all these emotions coming back up again. He’s so angry. He’s so angry at her for having this power over him. For making him feel all these things, after all these years. 

“You left me a message. A bloody message, Taylor. You didn’t..you didn’t even want to talk about this. I barely saw you when you dropped Eleanor off at my place for the first time after weeks. I didn’t even have the chance to explain. You just left with my daughter within a few minutes. I came home and you were gone. Both of you. My family. Do you know how that feels? It feels like losing everything. I didn’t have a fucking reason to want to live anymore for months and months. So excuse me, but I do think I have the right to ask..“ 

“Goodnight, Joe. Thanks for the nice evening. I’m going home.“ Taylor mumbles ironically, immediately gets up and walks into his kitchen. She feels her heart bursting. There’s no way she can be in one house, let alone one room with him anymore. She feels like she can’t breath anymore. She feels like he’s taking her air. With all these words that just came out of his mouth. 

“There’s no way you’ll get a taxi that late at night.“ He suddenly answers, feels another emotion creep up. He’s scared. Scared to see her leave this house again. Scared to loose her once more, even though he didn’t even really have her tonight. Not really. Not enough to tell her everything. 

“I have security.“ 

“Good luck having them drive up that hill with these snow masses.“ He murmurs, hates to express these feelings with anger bit can’t help it. He seems to follow her around the spacious kitchen. She pours out her wine glass in the sink, then walks back to the living room to grab her cardigan. She looks angry, just like a volcano. Ready to explode. 

“I’d rather walk home and die from all this snow than be stuck in this fucking house with you.“ She suddenly turns around, hisses at him. Joe doesn’t reply, looks just as angry. He knows what’s happening. He’s been waiting for what’s happening. It’s the first time they actually talk. It’s the first time two people are confronted with each other since they set a bomb and watched their world explode, fall to pieces. It’s the first eye contact after the storm. After their world has come to an end a year ago. 

“I know. You left me a message on the speaker about that last year.“ He says with a sassy undertone, just as offensive as her. She just shakes her head, looks more angry than he thought was possible. She quietly puts on her cardigan, then pauses for a second and looks into his face. 

“Fuck you. I really thought you were honest about wanting to work things out tonight. I trusted you.“ She yells, tries not to be too loud to wake her daughter. Joe just looks at her, unable to believe she just said this. He feels all he felt back then slowly come up again. All the anger, all the sadness, all these memories in his head that seemed to haunt him to death. 

“Oh you trusted me? Great. Cause I loved you. I fucking loved you. How does that feel, huh.“ He yells but Taylor looks into his angry face, then immediately turns around and walks away. 

“Eleanor’s Christmas play begins at 4pm and she has to be there at 3pm. Don’t be late, her teacher will flip.“ She then says in a totally different voice. She seems cold. She has shut down again, has become as unattainable as she has been for the last year. Joe just watches her walk down his hallway, reach for her coat. Her phone is on her ear already as she puts on her boots. He sighs, looks at her walking away. He knows that it wasn’t the smartest choice to say all these things tonight when all he truly wanted was to become a team once more. But he couldn’t help it. He couldn’t keep these things inside. The hurt was too big to play this superficial single parent game with her today. He’s not ready to be a single dad. He was never ready to be a single dad. He didn’t sign up to become a single dad. He signed up for raising Eleanor with the love of his life. Not without her. 

“What are you doing?“ He murmurs, rubs his eyes. Watching her leave again breaks him even more. He feels exhausted from all these feelings that just boiled up. He feels exhausted from fighting from hating her. Joe slowly walks up to her, but she’s faster. “I’m leaving. Bye.“ She hisses, immediately opens the door and walks outside. The second she steps outside is the second she realizes that this, in fact, was a bad idea. A very bad idea. It’s not just the immense amount of snow that is coming down from the sky. It’s the intense wind, that is making it almost hurtful to feel the snow lashing against her skin. Taylor squeezes her eyes, unable to fully open them as she walks down the steps from his house. She holds her phone closely to her ear, prays for Brandon to pick up. How can the phone lines be that damaged? The national news have predicted that this might be the biggest storm in the modern history of England, but she never thought it would be so bad. It was a mistake to let Eleanor convince her to walk to Joe’s house. She should’ve taken security. She was so stupid. 

Just when Taylor is about to fight her way through the iced front yard, she suddenly realizes how slippery the floor really is. Even before she can catch herself, she looses her balance, fights to stay upright, but falls. Within a few seconds, her phone is in the air and Taylor slips, stumbled and falls onto the ground. She feels her back hit the iced floor, feels the hard collision in her bones. She feels like crying. Her back hurts. Her butt hurts. When will this streak of bad luck finally end? Taylor slowly sits up, realizes that she has ice cold snow all inside her clothes. She’s cold. Her phone is gone. She feels tears rolling down her cold and wet cheeks while sitting in the snow, right during this crazy storm. She can’t help but slowly let a first sob escape her mouth. She’s not sure wether it’s her fall or his words. His words that sing on her heart like a knife. She feels so much pain, is not able to get up again. She learnt to get up whenever she fell. But this time, the cold hard ground is too heavy on her. 

“Oh my god, are you okay?“ She suddenly hears the same familiar voice behind her that was haunting her in her tears before. Taylor doesn’t move, still sits on her butt in the cold snow and cries her eyes out. The white snow masses on the ground reflect onto the sky, almost light up this dark night. Taylor sinks her head once more, hears fast footsteps in the snow behind her, then feels two hands on her shoulders. “I found your phone. I saw you slipping from my..“ Joe then stops, catches his breath as he realizes that she’s sobbing. Hot tears are running down her face and she immediately pushes his hands away, tries to get up. It’s hurtful to move but it’s even more hurtful to feel him standing behind her, wanting to help her get on her feet again. She can get up alone. She has enough strength to walk home alone. She doesn’t need him. She just doesn’t. Taylor closes her eyes in pain, then gets up. Joe grabs her arm immediately. 

“It’s way too dangerous to walk home right now. Please come inside, that looked really bad. Are you in pain?“ He asks, feels incredibly bad that their fight before may have been the reason why she’s hurt now. But Taylor just doesn’t turn around, tries to free herself from his grip while fighting the lashing snow blowing into her wet face. She grabs her phone from his hand, then tries to shake off his big hand that is holding her left arm tightly. “Let go off me.“ She yells while sobbing hysterically, doesn’t want to face him. Joe doesn’t let go off her. There’s no way he’ll let her go home now. There’s no way he’ll let the mother of his child walk home all alone at night during a snow storm after hurting herself already due to the crazy weather conditions. “I won’t.“ He yells back, looks how desperately she tries to free herself. The entire situation must look almost comedic to strangers. Him holding onto her arm and her yelling, trying to free herself while being covered in Snow. “Let go.“ She yells again, then looks at him. He sees her crying face and swallows. He has never seen her more hurt than this. Joe immediately stops thinking, pulls her into a tight hug. She’s still fighting him, begging him to let go. But he’s stronger than her, just places his hand on her head, the other one around her figure. Then, slowly, she gives up. Let’s him hold her. Let’s him hold her in the craziest snow storm that she has ever been in. She cries hysterically into his jacket. Maybe because it all has gotten too much for her. Maybe because he smells like he always did. She can’t stand the pain anymore, in this moment. She’s not strong enough to stand it anymore, right now. 

“I’m so sorry.“ He suddenly mumbles into her ear, while holding her. She cries into his shoulder, holds onto him desperately while he feels her limb body in his arms. She knows that he’s not talking about the snowstorm or her fall. “I’m just so sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m so so sorry.“ She can hear him say, his voice changed as well. It’s not because of the snow, she knows that. “I broke so many promises, I.. I don’t know why. I always loved you. I always did, please.. please believe me. Don’t go. Please don’t go right now, I.. I need you to not go tonight.“ He mumbles into her almost wet hair, is clearly crying now as well. The amount of snow that’s coming down makes it almost impossible to not have a white layer of snow covering all of their clothes. Yet they’re just standing there hugging. But it’s not the gentle kind of hug, they often used to share. It’s not the loving hug they were both used to. It’s not a way to keep each other warm, anymore. It’s a desperate hug. A desperate way to hold on to each other. Desperate not to fall. Again. Taylor doesn’t reply in any way, just keeps on being more and more weak the second he talks. He holds her close, realizes that she’s freezing, her entire body is shaking. Even more than he is. Joe immediately pulls back, looks into her face. Her cheeks are bright red, her eyes even more so. She looks destroyed and pale. She looks more hurt than he thought he’d ever see her. But she looks at him. She looks at him for the first time. For the first time since then. This is her, opening up. 

Look what you’ve done to me. 

This is her showing him that she’s still there. That she didn’t forget. She can’t forget. Joe can’t help but place his lips on her bangs, kisses her forehead slowly. She doesn’t stop him, keeps on sobbing. He closes his eyes, breathes her in deeply. Just like then.

Six years, five days and three hours earlier.

“I don’t think we can do this“ Taylor cries, her eyes red and swollen. She sits on her bed, one leg under her butt, the other one hanging down. Her cold and wet hands are placed on her lap. The room is fully lit, even though it’s 2 am. Joe just sits down next to her, hands her the glass of water. 

“Take a sip please.“ “Everything will change. All we have will be gone. Do you..“ “Taylor, take a sip.“ He repeats, this time a bit more strict. She hiccups a few times, then grabs the class with her cold and shaky hands. Joe remains right next to her, places his hand on her naked shoulder, strokes her hair gently with his thumb. She’s absolutely terrified and panicked, will surely collapse if she won’t hydrate soon. She has cried since hours. Ever since she went into that bathroom. Joe looks at her, watches her gulp down the glass of water. He knew how thirsty she must’ve been. In between crying and fighting with him, there hasn’t even been a few seconds to drink something. As soon as she’s done, Joe gladly takes the class from her, places it on the nightstand next to her. Taylor breathes heavily, exhausted. She doesn’t move. Joe looks at her, grabs her shaky hand. “That’s good. Breath.“ He whispers, looks at her with a sunken head just breathing. She’s surrendering. She has cried too much. There’s no strength anymore. “I can’t kill it.“ She then mumbles, still not really looking at him. Joe can’t help but smile, immediately places his hand on her cheek to make her look at him. Her eyes are puffy and she has red spots on her face. She always does after crying. 

“I don’t want you to kill it.“ 

“I want it but not now. This was never planned. I wanted to get married first and..“ 

“We can get married afterwards.“ 

“You act like this is all fun.“ She suddenly says, a bit more angry than before. She looks up at him, his hand still in her neck. She looks just as scared as before, her red eyes full with tears. 

“It is.“ 

“It’s not.“ 

“Taylor.“ He then rants, looks into her eyes, “This is our baby.“ he mumbles, a huge smile spread across his face. He immediately places his hand on her stomach, kisses her cheek. “We didn’t plan this, but we always wanted this. I know you feel overwhelmed and you don’t know if you’re ready for this. But you will be. And just know that I am.“ He smiles and looks into her eyes, “I am so, so.. ready. I want all of this. I want all of you. I want the pregnancy, I want the sleepless nights, I want to raise this little angel. I want her or him to look like you, I want the parent teacher conferences, I want the tantrums. I want to do this with you. I love you. You’re my best mate. I want this.. with you.“ He says, got way more quiet at the end of his little speech. Taylor still looks at him, her chin slowly trembling again. He still smiles. She’s so beautiful. She’s a mess but she’s the mess he always wanted. The mess he will always want. He feels her cold and sweaty hand on his cheek. And then he kisses her. He kisses her, feels her hot tears on his lips. He can taste the saltiness. He can taste her fears. Her love. 

“I love you too.“ She then cries against his lips. "I’m sorry I’m such a mess. I just.. this is just… it’s a lot and..“ 

“It’s fine. It’s all fine. We’ll always be fine. It will always be us, Tay. You and me. We went through so much. There’s nothing we couldn’t do. Trust me, baby.“ He mumbles, pulls her into a tight hug. She’s still wearing nothing but her nightgown, has goosebumps all over her soft skin. He feels her soft sobs in his shoulder, kisses the little spot over her left ear a couple times. He then slowly lets go, wipes her tears away and smiles at her puffy face. She still looks scared but happy at the same time. He knew that it was his turn to calm her. She needed to be reassured that she’s not in this alone. That this wasn’t planned but is still something they both always wanted to happen someday. Joe can’t help but place his lips on her bangs, kisses her forehead slowly. She doesn’t stop him, keeps on sobbing. He closes his eyes, breathes her in deeply.

Taylor opens her eyes, then closes them again immediately. She still feels her aching back, feels her eyes that are still swollen and puffy from last night. There’s relief though. Deep relief. She groans tiredly, then opens her eyes again. She looks around confused, realizes just now that she’s in the guest room of his house. It seems to be late already. After all it’s not even dark outside anymore. Taylor scratches her head, then looks around. She hears noises from downstairs, slowly slides the blanket from her legs. She wears some old sweats and a hoodie from him. She doesn’t know these clothes, which implies that they’re new. Taylor remains sitting on the edge of the bed, reaches for her back once more. She’s making a face, then yawns. How could she be so stupid to just run out of this house late at night and think that she could just walk home alone. She’s still emotional over his rant. But it was good to finally get it out. It was good to be honest to each other for once, even if that means that she has a hematoma on her back now. The talk afterwards was important. Nothing is fixed. But they opened up to each other again. 

Taylor slowly walks outside of the room, then makes her way downstairs. As soon she gets closer to his kitchen, she can hear Joe’s and Eleanor’s voices coming from the kitchen. There’s her childrens Christmas music coming from the living room and the smell of cinnamon and chocolate makes her smiles slightly. “Now stir it. Yup. Like that.“ “But Daddy, what’s this?“ “Just stir it a little more, angel. Look, let me help.“ Taylor yawns once more, remains in the doorway. Eleanor stands on a chair in front of the kitchen counter. Joe right behind her, guiding her hand with the whisk while stirring the dough. Eleanor then seems to notice her, turns around and is clearly distracted by her momma. “Mummy’s awake.“ She determines and frees herself immediately from the chair and Joe’s grip. Joe just turns around while stirring the rest of the dough, smiles at Taylor. “Great timing as always. Pancakes are coming right up.“ He says busy, as Eleanor already runs into Taylor’s arms. 

“Good morning baby.“ Taylor smiles at her daughter, picked her up and holds her on her arm. It’s moments like these when she can’t believe how big her baby has become. She’s not even a baby anymore. Not at all. 

“Good morning, mommy.“ The blonde curly head replies and Taylor presses a kiss onto her lips. “How did you sleep?“ “Good.“ “Did you have a nice dream?“ She asks, smiles at Eleanor. This has always been their little morning ritual. Eleanor loves to tell her mom about her dreams and Taylor loves hearing her talk, loves to spark her fantasy when it comes to telling her about a dream she had. 

“Mhmhm.“ The little girl shakes her head, but Joe suddenly answers from the stove. “What about the the little baby bear that you told me about last night?“ Taylor immediately laughs, presses another kiss onto her daughter’s cheeks and sits down on the kitchen table next to where Joe is preparing breakfast. Her dreams always include cute pets. She has noticed that pattern. “Did you keep Daddy up last night?“ She asks, Eleanor just shakes her head, playing with her mommy’s long hair. “She came to me at.. about 4 am. We talked about the teddy dream and then went right back to bed.“ He answers, is filling the empty plate next to his pan with fresh pancakes by now. “Did you cuddle with Daddy?“ She asks and Eleanor nods smiling. Taylor kisses her cheek once more. She’s glad Eleanor got some snuggles from her Dad last night. She definitely missed that. Eleanor quickly frees herself from Taylor’s lap and runs up to her dad again. Unfortunately, she’s still too little to see how her Dad is flipping the pancakes. Joe laughs at how desperately she tries to climb onto the chair again, still in her Pjs. He then grabs the little girl with one arm and holds the big baby on his hip while continuing the flipping with just one hand. “One.. two.. three.“ He says, flips the pancake, let’s the pastry fly for a few seconds and then catches it with the pan again. Eleanor squeaks, immediately claps her hands. Taylor laughs, claps for him as well. Joe turn around and laughs at these two girls before preparing the next pancake. Taylor looks at Eleanor. The way she looks at him is something that still gives her goosebumps. 

She looks at him as if he’s the king of the world. 

He is the king of Eleanor’s world. 

“Again, Daddy.“ She says and squeaks one time which makes Joe laugh. “Okay we have one more left.“ He says, handling the pan and then flipping the pancake once more. This time he almost misses to catch it again, struggles to keep half of the pancake inside of the pan. Flipping pancakes with just one hand is more difficult than he thought. Eleanor laughs out loud, screams excitedly and then throws her head back laughing while holding onto his shoulders. Joe grouches desperately, then saves the pancake in the last second. His daughter is still laughing about her desperate Dad, lets her head fall against his shoulder while laughing out loud. Joe smiles at her, sinks his head to kiss hers while smiling at her. There’s no sweeter sound than his baby girl’s laughs in the morning. “Daddy..“ She laughs and Joe turns around with Eleanor on his arm, places the plate of hot pancakes on the kitchen table next to Taylor. She still looks tired but she smiles at how much fun these two are having. She looks how Joe places Eleanor on her chair, immediately fills her plate with a pancake. Taylor helps Eleanor put some bananas on her plate, then looks at Joe again and grants him a soft smile. 

“Looks good.“ 

“Doesn’t just look good, also tastes good.“ He says confident, smirks at her as mischievously as he always did. She replies an ironic smile and shakes her head. If he was always good at one thing in the kitchen then it was his ability to make pancakes. 

“How did you sleep? How’s your back?“ He asks and Taylor seems a little uncomfortable, busy eating her pancake. “It’s fine. Advil helped.“ She answers, doesn’t really want to talk about her little break down in the snow last night. Instead she focuses on the girl next to her, runs her fingers through the curly mess on her head. “Are you excited for your play tonight?“ She asks, knows how much Eleanor has been looking forward to her first Christmas play at pre school tonight. It’s actually a big thing. The little girl was chosen for the main role, that is little Rudolph, and Taylor’s heart has never been prouder. Joe promised to join as well after he has missed several choir performances and cake sales in the last year. This is his daughter’s big night and Eleanor has shed too many tears in the last years when her daddy wasn’t there to come along. If he dares to miss this one again, she’ll kill him. Literally. “Yes, mommy.“ She answers, her mouth full of the delicious pancakes that her dad made. At home, Eleanor isn’t that crazy about her pancakes. And even though Taylor uses the exact same recipe as Joe does, the pancakes of course taste better at daddy’s house. Taylor has sussed that out already. 

“Daddy are you coming with mommy?“ Eleanor asks Joe, who immediately nods. “Of course. Do you think I’ll miss my angel on stage tonight? No way.“ He says euphorically and Eleanor’s eyes sparkle. Taylor looks at him with that one specific look he knows too well. 

You better won’t break this promise or we’ll have a problem. 

“Mommy are you coming with daddy?“ “Of course, I’ll be there as well.“ “No, are you and daddy coming together?“ She asks once more, leaves Taylor confused. “Honey, why do you want us so badly to arrive together?“ Taylor laughs, still not sure where Eleanor is going with this. But to Taylor’s surprise, Eleanor suddenly becomes quiet, just slowly eats her pancakes with a pout. Taylor immediately feels that something is off, shares a look with Joe who just shrugs his shoulders. “Honey? What’s wrong?“ Taylor asks, her hand on her daughter’s neck, playing with the tiny blonde curls. 

“Emily said that.. that I’m a liarer.“ She mumbles, pouts like a baby all of the sudden. Joe has also put down his cutlery by now, looks at Taylor for help. “Why did Emily say that you’re a liar?“ Taylor asks, and Eleanor still doesn’t reply. Instead she immediately rushes down her chair and crawls onto Taylor’s lap, presses her little face into Taylor’s chest. Taylor naturally hugs her baby tightly, feels soft cries underneath her arms. Joe looks at Taylor in shock. “Tell me what’s wrong, baby. Come on. Mommy wants to know why Emily said that?“ Taylor murmurs, sinks her head to kiss Eleanor’s head. Eleanor then slowly sits up again. Her little face is red and a few tears are still running down her tiny face. Joe feels as if his heart is going to stop. The thing he hates the most in this world is seeing Eleanor cry. It’s one of the worst feelings in the world.

“Eleanor. Give me your hand, angel.“ He says worried, reaches for her tiny hand over the table. She quickly places her tiny hand in her Papa’s while still looking more than whiny. Taylor wipes her tears away, kisses her temple while rocking her slowly. She’s still in her little cat pajamas and naked feet are hanging loosely down from where she’s sitting. She looks like Taylor whenever she’s crying. Joe swallows, gently caresses her tiny hand that he’s holding on the table. “Why did Emily call you a liar?“ He asks now as well and Eleanor looks at him with raised eyebrows and desperation written all over her chubby little face. 

“Because.. she said that I lie because I don’t have a daddy and..“ Eleanor doesn’t even have to finish. The entire mood has suddenly changed. Dead silence between them. Taylor swallows, slowly looks up at Joe. He looks broken. He has never felt more pain than in the moment these words escaped his baby’s mouth. She can see that. He immediately gets up, crouches down in front of Taylor and Eleanor and grabs both of Eleanor’s small hands. “Your daddy loves you so much, Eleanor. And tonight when I come to watch your play, Emily will see that she was the one who was lying. Because you know that you have a daddy, right?“ He says, looks into her eyes. She nods. She doesn’t seem to be happy yet. Joe looks desperately at Taylor. She doesn’t know what to say, just sees in Joe’s eyes in how much pain he really is while still holding her baby. She’d love to help him, but she doesn’t know how. 

“Do you love mommy? Daddies love mommies and..“ 

“Honey, who told you that all these rules about what mommies and daddies have to do?“ Taylor immediately steps in, is sick and tired of these conservative values that the parents of this private school are giving their children. 

“Do you love mommy?“ Eleanor asks and looks at Joe who still crouches in front of the chair. Taylor suddenly feels her throat growing more and more tight. She didn’t want to go there, but apparently Eleanor really wants to know. Joe hesitates first, then swallows before nodding. “Of course I do. I love mummy so much, you have no idea. Your mummy is my favorite person in the whole world. And so are you, my love. Don’t let these girls tell you lies. From now on, I’ll always be at any school event to prove these mean girls wrong, huh? Does that sound good? If you want I can say hello to Emily tonight.“ He says and Eleanor seems to finally look happy. She smiles and nods, then slowly crawls down from Taylor’s lap and into Joe’s arms. He hugs her tightly while crouching in front of Taylor’s chair, closes his eyes while holding the little body as tight as possible. He’s crying. Taylor knows that. He presses his eyes together, as tightly as possible. She swallows. His words have touched her. This is the first time she feels like crying as well. Where on earth did they they go wrong? How could it ever come to this? 

“Daddy loves you so much. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you don’t have a daddy because none of these kids have a daddy who loves them as much as I love you. Okay?“ He mumbles into her ear and she nods. “I love you too, daddy.“ She mumbles and Taylor swallows, takes a deep breath not to cry as well. Joe then kisses the girl’s head a few times. Eleanor seems to be easier to ease than they thought. She climbs onto her chair again, seems as happy as before. How easy it is to make a child happy. How wonderful this life would be if it would work like this for adults as well. Taylor looks at Joe but he doesn’t return her stare, just sits back down again, stirring the spoon in his tea. “Mommy, can I get up and play?“ She asks politely and Taylor nods, clearly none of them in the mood to be strict today anymore. Eleanor walks up, runs into the living room and starts to play with her dolls again. Taylor looks at Joe who just quietly gets up. He seems to have lost his appetite. She can’t blame him. 

Taylor watches him start to clean everything up and gets up as well. He’s tense. She feels that. She knows him too well. He wants to cry. He is about to cry. She slowly places her hand on his shoulder while watching him rinse off the plates. He doesn’t react. After all, he’s not a bad father. He shouldn’t feel like a bad father. Ever. “These things come from all these over- privileged kids with their old parents who are all lawyers or doctors. Don’t..“ “She’s right. A dad attends school events. A dad is sitting in the front row. I’m not..“ “Don’t do this to yourself“ She immediately interrupts, doesn’t want him to go there. He has made mistakes, yes. But he has made so many things right as well. Eleanor adores him. She loves him to death. All of that is because he did so many other things right. Even when he was away. 

“She loves you.“ Taylor says, her hand still on his shoulder, caressing him. She can’t stand to see him like this. It’s true that he hasn’t been a great partner to her at the end of their relationship. But he’s not a bad father. Not at all. “Yeah, because I make pancakes and pay for things.“ He replies quietly with that sarcasm in his voice that makes Taylor sigh. It makes her angry to hear him say things like that. Cause it’s not true. Not at all. 

“Joseph!“ 

“It’s true though, isn’t it?“ He asks, trust around to face her. She lets go off his shoulder and looks at him, feels a lump in her throat. He has tears in his eyes. It’s been a long time since she has seen him this emotional. She slowly turns around to make sure Eleanor is not listening to any of this. But the little girl seems to be in her own world again, slowly sums the words to her favorite Christmas song while playing on the floor. “It’s not. Not at all. She loves you because you make her laugh, because you’re so kind to her. Because you love her unconditionally. You brought her to sleep when she was just a baby and she has her earliest memories with you. Don’t let these five year old brats let you..“ “I should’ve been there.“ He interrupts, turns around to continue rinsing the dishes. 

She doesn’t fight him this time. Yes. He should’ve been there. 

“You can be there from now on.“ Taylor says, not sure why it’s so important to her to let him know that he’s not a bad father after all. “You can become the helicopter Dad, If you want. You can change this from now on. You can fix this. You can fix all of this from now on.“ She says, reminding him of the Taylor he once fell in love with. The most positive person he has ever met. The little sunshine on a dark and rainy day. Her soft voice that was able to soothe all the chaos in his head. Joe slowly turns around. He still looks as emotional as before. But this time he looks right into her eyes. And it hits her deeper than she thought cause she can feel what he feels, once again. Just like it was back then. “I can’t fix it all, can I?“ He murmurs and she realizes that they’re not just talking about Eleanor anymore. This is about them. 

Taylor remains silent, doesn’t stop looking into his eyes. She can still read these promises in his eyes. She can still read all these dreams that never came true. He’s still Joe and he will forever be Joe. 

“You will never know how much I wish you would. I wish you would fix this. All of this. Us.“ She replies with a shaky voice, feels how her knees are growing weak. She swallows her tears once more, looks at Joe who seems rattled up all of the sudden. He looks breathless, waits eagerly for her to continue. “But you can’t. And you know that.“ Joe looks surprised, but sad and frustrated at the same time. He changes his standing position, crosses his arms slowly. This is not how he expected her little speech to end. 

“I can. Why do you think I can’t fix it?“ He asks and she sighs. Do they really have to go there again? “Because you love your job. And having a child means that..“ “You never gave me a second chance. Why? Why don’t I deserve a second chance? I became this fucking young asshole Hollywood actor who didn’t understand that family and job are hard to combine. I know that now. You were always more mature when it comes to that. But I have learned my lesson. Ever since you walked out that door, I have learned my lesson. I have learned what it means to loose your family. I know now that my job’s great but my family is better. Why can’t you forgive me? I just want a second..“ 

“Giving out chances means nothing else but bringing uncertainty in her life. This is not just about us anymore. This is about Eleanor’s life. Her emotional life. If I tell her that Daddy will be there from now on and then after a few months you decide that your movies are more important again, how do you think she’ll deal with it? I’m done hearing her cries when you decide to come home later. I’m done missing you.“ She said, suddenly realizes what just slipped out of her mouth. “I mean, I’m done watching her miss you. We can’t have any more uncertainty in our life. And that’s why I didn’t give you a chance when you..“ 

“I’m her father. How can you not give me a second chance?“ He suddenly asks and Taylor freezes. She looks into his eyes and suddenly doesn’t know what to say. He just leans against the counter once more, his arms crossed, his hair still messy from bed. She looks into his ocean blue eyes while standing in front of him, then sinks her head and lets out a slow breath. He has nerves to just say this. 

“Do you think there’s anyone out there who’ll ever love you two more than I do? You’re my life. You two are my life. You as much as her. I would swim from England to America If I’d have to for you two. I.. I made mistakes. I hate myself for it. But that will never stop me from loving you. And I’m glad that there was a crazy snowstorm last night so I could finally imprison you in this house because this is the first time in months that you’re not running away from me. I haven’t.. I haven’t touched you in over a year. I haven’t kissed you in over a year. I miss waking up next to you. I miss us three. I miss my best friend. I just..“ Joe sighs, ends his little speech and looks at her. He never thought he’d finally be able to say this and he’s well aware that his timing seems off. The dishes behind him are waiting to be rinsed off and his daughter is on the other end of this flat, playing happily with her toys. The timing seems off but it has never felt more right to say these words. He looks at Taylor and she stares out of the window behind him. “You act like all of this is so easy on me. I miss my best friend, too. But I love her and I won’t.. I won’t cause this huge change in her life just because you say all these things. I want you to act, not talk. And unless you do, none our feelings are relevant here. She’s a child. She’s dependent on us and I won’t.. I won’t risk her getting hurt.“ Joe can’t reply to that anymore. He just looks at Taylor who has had watery eyes. But she seemed to have caught herself again, slowly swallows the emotionality down. She looks back at him now and all he sees is her broken heart. The heart of the love of his life that he broke with his own hands. Joe looks down slowly, then looks back up again. 

“I still believe in us. I never stopped believing in us. I still think that you and me are..“ 

“You got what I said. I should get going.“ She interrupts, this time eager to follow her plans. Joe swallows. He feels rejected. In a hurtful way. But he understands her. If this is her decision, he has to understand her. “Don’t you want to drive together, later? I think it would be nice for Eleanor to..“ “Yeah, I’ll be back at 2pm. I’ll help you two get ready.“ She answers monotone, doesn’t look at him anymore. “Thanks for the breakfast.“ She adds, then turns around and stumbles upstairs to change.

Seven years, five days and three hours earlier.

“Put that damn thing away, woman.“ Joe mumbles, reaches for the polaroid camera in her hand. But she’s faster, quickly stretches out her hands while sitting on him, still wearing nothing but his while T- shirt. Underwear is overrated. Especially when they have touched each others most intimate parts anyway everywhere already. She starts to squeak as she realizes that he’s stronger than her, gives up as soon as Joe has towered her and lets go off the camera. He laughs at her, places the camera on her nightstand before pulling her back to bed with him. She laughs out loud, feels his strong arms grabbing her from behind. He bombards her with kisses on the cheek. She laughs, tries to fight him but gives up. “I just wanted one cute photo. Just one cute photo of my boyfriend.“ She protests, but Joe just keeps on working on her temple. “We’re having sex. Can we agree on a no-cute-photo policy during sex, please.“ He whispers and Taylor laughs, closes her eyes. She loves the way he’s working on her ear now, enjoys every second of his touch. His big hand is slowly making it’s way under her shirt, his fingertips brushing her left nipple, giving her goosebumps once more. “We’re not having sex. You just took a two hours nap, grandpa.“ she counters and Joe laughs, breathes out some hot hair. She can feel that tickling on her ear, his gentle hands that are still discovering all these hidden body parts. “You brought me to my limits. And we’re too late for my mum’s dinner already.“ Taylor smiles at him, loves the reason why both of them will be late. She turns around, simply looks at him. He smiles cheekily at her and she remains like this, looking into his eyes and granting him the biggest smile. She needs no words. Joe slowly gets closer, lets their lips touch each other for a split second before kissing her once more as If it’s the most natural thing in the world. “This is so weird.“ She laughs then slowly into the kiss, her head on the pillow, him over her. She loves his weight on her. She loves the fact that their noses are still touching. 

“What?“ He whispers against her lips once more, slowly buries his hands in her hair. 

“We’re just.. everything.“ She whispers, is so close to him that there clearly is no necessity for them to speak up in any way. “And what’s that?“ He smiles, steals her full lips one more kiss. 

“Best friends. Lovers. You give me orgasms.“ Joe can’t help but laugh quietly. He buries his face in her neck, slowly suckles on her warm skin. 

“I love giving you orgasms.“ Taylor smirks while placing her hand in his hair. She looks at the ceiling, feels his soft lips kissing her skin. 

“I love that you love giving me orgasms.“ She replies. He slowly lets go off her, then crawls back to press his nose against hers.

“I love you.“ He answers and Taylor looks into his eyes. She can’t help but touch his face once more, explores every inch of his skin with her fingertips. “Forever, baby.“ She smiles, kisses him slowly. Joe deepens the kiss, presses his body even more onto hers. He hears her soft moans while growing closer and closer. Her legs that slowly open up and the way she pulls him in…

“Mommy, can I wear the same lip color as you?“ Eleanor asks for the fifth time since Taylor has entered the house. She stands in front of Joe’s bathroom mirror, fixing her hair while waiting for him to get ready. She turns around and faces her daughter. The little girl is nervous, she can sense that. 

“Honey, you will play Rudolph the reindeer. You can’t wear red lipstick. All your friends’ lawyer moms will think I’m an awful mother for allowing you to wear lipstick at only five years old.“ Taylor laughs at her pouting daughter. Sometimes when they have a girl’s night at home, Eleanor is allowed to play with her make up. Put not tonight. And especially not with all these conservative private school parents in the room who already talk about superstar mom Taylor Swift and her child anyway. 

“Please mommy.“ She pouts and Taylor was about to answer as Joe suddenly enters the bathroom. “Where does that pout come from..“ He jokes, looks around and pretends to look for Eleanor. The little girl immediately starts to laugh, jumps up and down to make him notice her. Joe then suddenly notices her and smiles at Eleanor while struggling with his tie. Taylor smirks at him. He looks handsome, she won’t deny that. Joe in a tie will always be nice to look at. “I want to wear the lip color like mommy. She looks so pretty.“ Eleanor pouts at her dad again, crosses her arms dramatically while pulling on the skirt of Taylor’s dress. “It’s called lipstick, baby. You look just as pretty without lipstick though.“ Taylor says, as Joe crouches down to be on one level with Eleanor. She still is throwing a tantrum, but Joe immediately places his big hands around her small figure, looks into her face. “Love, you know why I always hated when mommy wore lipstick?“ He asks and Eleanor looks at him confused, doesn’t understand how anyone could not like her momma’s colorful lips as much as she does. She shakes her little head and Joe still holds onto her. “Because whenever she wore lipstick, daddy couldn’t kiss her because then daddy’s lips would be red, too. So what am I going to do If you wear lipstick now as well? Then I won’t get any kisses here anymore.“ He says dramatically, makes Eleanor laugh out loud. Joe makes a grimace and then forms his lips to give her a kiss. Eleanor immediately leans in and gives him a kiss on the lips. He smiles at her, signals her that he needs one more and then gets up. Taylor quietly observes how Eleanor slowly walks off, grabs the rest of the Barbie’s she has placed in front of the bathroom while playing. It amazes her any time how much Joe can calm her with his words. How he can simply make her laugh, in any given situation. Thinking that he’s a bad father is so wrong. A bad father doesn’t give his baby girls kisses like these. These two have a bond she’ll always admire. 

Taylor, who still leans against the counter looks at him. Joe notices her stare, looks back at her once more. She wears a dark blue dress, her hair in a bun. She wears high heels and he knows that she’s already the fittest mum in the entire room of parents tonight. She always was. 

“You look hot, mommy.“ He answers and Taylor just looks at him with an outraged look, immediately hits him into the side and rolls her eyes. He laughs, shrugs his shoulders while still trying to fix his tie in the mirror. “Shut up, Alwyn.“ She mumbles, can’t stand to see him struggling with his tie any longer. 

“Oh god, let me do this.“ She rolls her eyes, immediately reaches for his tie to help him fix it. Joe smiles down at her. She’s concentrated. He loves that. She suddenly looks up at him and then back down again. This feels like normalcy. “Are you always that desperate without me?“ She mumbles, clearly amused that it took him five minutes to fix his tie and for her less than thirty seconds to help him. She lets go off him, smirks and he laughs slightly, looks into the mirror once more. “I am. Look at me.“ He jokes, makes her laugh again. She hates the fact that it’s so easy with him. 

She hates the fact that she’s enjoying this. Him. 

“Do you still have some cash? They’re collecting donations at the end of the play and I only have ten pounds in my..“ “We pay them a ridiculous amount of money every year. Don’t you think they..“ “Joseph, this is your daughter’s education and they ask for donations, so we..“ “Alright, alright, mother Theresa. I’ll prepare a nice check for this poor private Hampstead school.“ He smirks while fixing his hair and Taylor rolls her eyes. 

“Be nice. We’ll meet all of Eleanor’s teachers, her friends’ parents and..“ “I know how to behave, Tay. Calm down.“ He laughs. It seems that both of his girls are a bit nervous for tonight. Taylor was just about to walk outside the bathroom to get Eleanor ready to go as Joe stops her one more time. She turns around and he signals her to step into the room once more, carefully closes the door quietly. “What?“ She asks confused. Joe looks uncomfortable, knows that he still has to ask this. “Have you.. do they.. do they know we’re not together anymore or..“ Taylor looks at him a bit unsettled, shrugs her shoulders. She then crosses her arms, has no idea what to say. “I never told anyone. I don’t think they know.“ Taylor says. There certainly have been a couple of break up rumors in the media this last year but never enough to even let the parents and teachers at Eleanor’s school know that they’re taking a break. “Do you want us to act like.. or..“ “I won’t lie to them.“ Taylor immediately answers, her arms still crossed. She has put her walls up once more. Joe just nods. Her answers was clear. Taylor walks out and Joe checks himself out in the mirror again. He doesn’t understand her. In one second, they’re laughing and she’s opening up, treating him like she always did. In the next second he’s the bad guy again. Joe sighs, rubs his eyes. Why does this have to be so difficult?

“Mommy, can I go to Anna and Lily?“ Eleanor asks her mom while walking down the school corridor on her daddy’s hand. She smiles at Eleanor and how excited she is. She’s nervously bouncing up and down on Joe’s hand. Seeing her friends with all these dressed up parents certainly makes the little girl more nervous than before. Taylor immediately stops, crouches down to Eleanor and smiles at her. “Of course. Look, Ms. Downing is also here.“ Taylor smiles, glad to know that her teacher will take care of the toddlers before their big show. “Baby, Daddy and me will be watching from the front row. Grandma and Grandpa will cheer on you as well and after that we’ll celebrate you. Promise. We’re so proud of you, no matter what. I love you.“ She smiles, give her little kid one last hug. Joe smiles at Eleanor, then also crouches down. Now it’s his turn. He hugs her tightly, then whispers something into her ear. Taylor can’t understand a word he’s saying, just notices all the stares from the other parents that are also dropping off their child for last rehearsals in this big old corridor. She’s uncomfortable, as always. This school is one of a high- profile yet she seems to be the only ‘superstar‘ dropping off her child. As so often, people stare then turn their heads to talk to the person next to them. She sighs. How much she hates these shady London elitist parents. 

Taylor looks down to Eleanor, who’s still holding onto her hand and who’s now laughing at whatever her Dad is whispering into her ear. Taylor can’t help but smile. She looks so cute tonight, wears a jeans dress and her favorite shimmering tights. She can’t wait to see this little girl in her Rudolph costume. A moment she’ll probably never forget. Joe then kisses her cheek a few times before requesting another kiss on the lips and then gets up to let her walk off. Joe and Taylor both wave at her, look at her walking up to her friends. “She’s so big. I feel like crying already.“ Taylor mumbles and Joe nods. He never thought that it would be such a weird feeling to see her do her own thing. To realize that she has fun with her friends, simply walks off and enjoys herself. That’s how it should be. Still, it’s the hardest thing to watch. 

“What did you tell her?“ Taylor asks him then, looks back at him while slowly walking into the other direction of the corridor. They pass a few other parents who are already on their way to the annual cake bazaar. “I just gave her some tips. From actor to actress, you know.“ He smirks. Taylor returns his smile. He and Eleanor have so many similarities. It’s incredible. 

“Okay, let me tell you a few important things..“ Taylor mumbles before entering the big assembly hall. They quickly rush into the first row, place their coats on four seats and then make their way out again. “Ms. Hendersson is Anna’s mom. And Ms. Mandra is Lily’s mom. She’s the Asian woman. We like them both cause they’re Eleanor’s friend. We won’t talk to the big redhead monster. Her son Brandy has hit Eleanor last month and..“ “He what?“ Joe asks shocked suddenly, looks at Taylor totally confused while making their way through the big old hallway once more. It’s dark outside already and the unpleasant old ceiling lights are lighting the building at this evening. “I told you about this.“ Taylor mumbles as they walk past the small classrooms once more. “You didn’t.“ He immediately says, “If I would’ve heard that some guy has hit my daughter I’d remember it trust me.“ Joe answers and Taylor rolls her eyes at him. “That ‘guy‘ is a five year old boy, so calm down.“ “I’m not surprised he’s a problem kid already. His name is Jack Daniels, who the fuck..“ he stops, immediately feels Taylor’s elbows in his side. She shakes her head, can’t hide a smirk as they walk pass a few other parents. He has always been overprotective when it came to Eleanor. 

As they enter the room, Taylor sighs deeply. Her biggest wish is for this night to finally come to an end, even though it hasn’t even started yet. She looks around. Many parents and teachers are having glass of champagne in their hands already while chatting the night away in all their British accents. Taylor hates these superficial interactions. An enormous amount of these parents are ten years older than them, showing off their huge diamond rings while sipping on their glasses. Taylor is very familiar to the stares as soon as she attends one of these school events. But this time, entering this room full of parents is suddenly very different. And it takes her exactly ten seconds to realize why. This time, the focus is not on her. It’s on the handsome company in the suit, right next to her. “Is this Ms. Clarkson..“ Joe murmurs, as the woman suddenly comes running to him, interrupts her answer. “Are you Eleanor’s father?“ - a middle aged woman suddenly walks up to them, immediately shakes his hand. “I mean.. you certainly are. The resemblance is astonishing.“ She laughs, doesn’t even notice Taylor at all, not even grants her a polite smile while shaking Joe’s hand. “Oh thank you. I hope so.“ Joe jokes slightly, makes the woman in front of them cackle in laughter immediately. Taylor looks around, can’t believe that this is how this night starts. “Mr. Alwyn, we’re so pleased to finally meet you. I’m Ms. Clarkson. I teach your daughter since last year. She’s such a bright little girl. You must be incredibly proud.“ The woman gushes, doesn’t even face Taylor at all while shaking her hand. She seems captivated by him. Taylor could puke right there. Joe just smiles politely as always, listens to the woman talk. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Clarkson. We heard so much about you already. Thanks again for the wish tree my daughter gave me.“ He says and the woman starts to laugh again. Taylor feels how annoyed she already is, after only five minutes into the event. She looks at Ms. Clarkson, notices how different she acts while talking to Joe. She’s flirting. Being more obvious about the fact that she seems to find the man in front of her attractive seems impossible. 

As soon as the brown haired woman starts to go on and on about how generous his last donation has been to the school, Taylor realizes that she needs a drink. As soon as possible. She slowly walks off, makes her way to the waiter at the end of the room and gladly takes two glasses from his tray. As she was just about to make her way back to Joe, she spots little Anna’s parents and walks over. This is a small talk she can’t escape. 

Ten minutes. Ten minutes later, right when she noticed that donations are about to be collected, Taylor tries to make her way back to Joe. During all that smalltalk with all these boring people, Taylor completely forgot that the second glass was for Joe. She didn’t mind though. Champagne is definitely all she needed to get over with this evening. 

She slowly places the glass on the serving tray, then looks around the big crowded room. It takes her exactly two second to spot her company. And she can’t believe it. Joe talks to a small group of some mothers. All of them clearly in their forties and clearly enjoying the conversation. She could get nauseous by the way these Hampstead moms look at him. The permanent giggles. The lovey eyes. She’s used to this reaction when it comes to going out with him. Joe has always been dreamy and the fact that he’s not really aware of this quality is part of the effect he has on most women. 

Taylor crosses her arms. This is unbelievable. He’s a father, for goodness sake! He’s at his child’s school. How can these mothers just stand there as a troop and flirt with him shamelessly. He doesn’t even notice, she can see that in the way he talks. He’s telling a story. He’s not flirting. She knows him too well to differentiate his gestures. He’s clearly not aware of the eyes these women are giving him. Taylor doesn’t know what it is, but she suddenly feels a wave of protectiveness rush over her. Old feelings, very old feelings she hasn’t had in a very very long time are creeping back up. Especially this one particular feeling she hasn’t had in a long time. Maybe it’s because he’s wearing a suit or maybe it’s because she sees how these women are looking at him, almost drooling at the sight of his gorgeous face. He is the father of her child. He came here with her. If any of these frustrated single moms think that this is how this works, then they’re wrong. She’s leaving with him. End of the story. 

Taylor immediately starts to walk over. First one, then two, then three pairs of eyes are suddenly on her. Taylor immediately fakes a smile, leans her arm around Joe’s shoulder and looks up at him. She can tell that he’s confused by the way she acts around him, stops his story of how he filmed his very first movie real quick and looks at her in pure confusion. Taylor smiles into the group of clearly aroused housewives and apologizes. “I’m so sorry for interrupting. I was so rude not to introduce myself before, sorry. I’m Mrs. Alwyn. Eleanor’s mother.“ She smiles, shakes the women’s hands automatically. Not just Joe looks totally confused at her, also the women she’s shaking hands with suddenly share a few confused looks. Mrs. Alwyn. Does that mean that Taylor Swift has gotten married after all? “Can I hijack my husband for a few seconds? Lovely to talk to you.“ She smiles, grabs Joe by his suit and pulls him out of this loud classroom. As soon as he walks down the empty hallway behind her, he finally opens his mouth. Still speechless about the scene she just caused back in the classroom. But Taylor’s going fast on her high heels, dragging him with her in a speed that’s confusing him even more. “Could you maybe explain to me what this was, or..?“ Joe asks but she doesn’t answer, instead seems eager to walk to the end of the hallway with him. “I can’t believe you introduced yourself as ‘Mrs. Alwyn‘“ he laughs, still not processing that she apparently decided to not tell these people that they broke up. He still walks behind her, confused of where’s she’s headed to. “What are you doing?“ “Showing you the school that you pay thousands of pounds to every month?“ 

Suddenly Taylor takes a right turn, walks up to a closed classroom at the end of the corridor. She opens the door, then turns on the light immediately. “What are you doing?“ Joe asks again. She seems different than before. More quiet. 

“I want to talk.“ She murmurs, lets him enter the classroom, then closes the door and locks it. He leans against one of the small tables in the middle of the room, looks at her with a confused look on his face. 

“Why are we..“ 

Taylor then walks up to him, doesn’t even stop before simply kissing him. Joe doesn’t move, hesitates for a split second before slowly placing his hands on her back, returning the kiss. She seems breathless, restless. Her kiss is gentle but dominant. She’s angry. He feels that. She then lets go off the kiss, breathes heavily then stumbles back to the door. She walks back and forth. She seems out of her mind. And he’s out of breath, not sure wether he’s dreaming or not. 

“Have you seen these sad, desperate women?“ She suddenly turns around, starts to gesticulate with her hands in the air while looking at him. The red lipstick on her lips is clearly smudged and she’s rattled up. Angry, to say the least. “Mr. Alwyn, it’s so nice to meet you. Your daughter is such a joy to our school. Whoops-a-daisy, Mr. Alwyn, my legs just fell open..“ she imitates them in a squeaky voice, makes even Joe laugh quietly. He still leans against the table, still more than confused from their kiss. But he gets it now. He knows her too well. She has had champagne, but she’s not drunk. 

Right now, she’s drunk on something totally else. And that is called jealousy. 

“You got jealous.“ He laughs quietly, his hand in the pocket of his trousers, while watching her come closer to him once more. “What was it that got you? I’m just interested.“ He smirks, definitely proud that she’s still so protective of him. Taylor immediately wraps her arms around his neck, presses her torso against his and kisses him again. He feels out of breath. Her lips feel too good. Her smell. Her taste. All of that brings back all these feelings. 

God, he loves this woman. He has never stopped loving this woman. 

Taylor slowly lets go off him, nipples on his lower lip, her hot breath in his mouth. “I want you to fuck me in this classroom, Joe.“ She suddenly breathes against his lips, still sucking on his lower lip slowly. Joe looks at her, a mixture of pure lust and uncertainty in his eyes. Is she serious right now? 

“Are you drunk?“ He whispers, tries not to laugh. She’s crazy. She always was. Suddenly Taylor kisses him again, seems to be sober enough to look into his eyes like she always did. And that’s when she suddenly gets what he’s doing. At first he was shocked. Then he understood that she was serious. And now, all he does is tease her. Tease her with his gorgeous smile. With simply standing there, not acting upon her hot words. He’s showing her that she can kiss him, but she can’t have him. 

But If really he wants to play this game, she can play it as well. 

Taylor slowly lets go off him, walks back to the door once more. She immediately turns off the light, then slowly makes her way back to him. He can hear the sound of her high heels on the floor, laughs quietly. He still can’t believe what has gotten into her. This side of her was something he discovered after months into their relationship. They always had this undeniable chemistry. She learnt to open up, to live out her fantasies with him. This is her opening up again. This is her admitting that she still wants him by herself. Even after all. 

“Have you seen the tall brown haired guy in the grey suit?“ She asks through the dark, leans against him once more after returning to him. Her hands are in his neck again and her torso is pressed against his. She’s almost nibbling on his lip once more while talking, leaving Joe with goosebumps. “His son is really friendly with Eleanor. He’s a single dad. Trust me, there were so many cake sales where he looked at me and I..“ She stops, bites her lips. She can see in his eyes through the dark that he’s looking at her lips. Still captivated by the sound of her voice. The hot breath against his skin. 

“And I knew that he’d love to do this for you.“ She finishes. 

Two can play this game. 

“Do what?“ He whispers, and she bites her lips once more. “Fuck me in this classroom. Make me scream. Make me scream like only you could make me scream. Make me drip on your feet. Make me forget my own name while.. while having you in me. Inside of me.“ Joe’s hands are suddenly incredibly tight on her waist as he runs circles on her sides and up to her ass, then he kisses her again. This time he’s the one that’s protective, almost possessive. Maybe it’s the darkness. Maybe it’s the fact that they both know how wrong this is. All of this. Joe starts to nip on her neck. She breathes out heavily, a soft moan in his ear. 

“You’re mine. And you know that“ he whispers as he guides his tense hand to the hem of her dress, lets his soft fingers pull up the fabric inch by inch. Until he can feel her butt cheeks under his fingertips. She’s wearing a thong. Her lips on his are driving him insane. He can’t think straight anymore. A primal instinct taking over him. Just the thought of her being touched by another man is driving him insane. Only he’s allowed to do this. Only he’s allowed to make her moan into his ear like this. 

“Fuck me.“ She moans out, doesn’t have to guide him anymore. Only profanities are escaping her mouth and she knows that she wants this. She fucking needs this. Her hands are on his suit and she digs her nails into his back, so deep that she swears he’ll feel the scratches on his naked skin tomorrow. Joe automatically kisses her, harder this time. His brain is on another level. All that matters is her. He looks into her eyes once more, right through the darkness of the room and pulls her thong down her legs immediately. He then pulls back, turns them around and places her on the table. He looks into her eyes and can’t help but kiss her again. 

She’s was right. She’s his. His only.

[billyhargroveinaponytail]

Good Ole Dacre Montgomery

Warning: soft smut, language,violence

Thank you guys for the love, I hope you enjoy this :)

Chapter 4: ‘Bye,bye Miss American Pie’

@dreamin-of-dacre​

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Wednesday morning had come and Paisley was due to arrive any minute. Myra quickly cleaned up her trailer, after getting off the phone with security letting them know someone would be coming to visit her. Myra opened the trailer door looking around outside when out of nowhere someone was wrapping their arms around her. "MJ I have missed you so much!" Paisley was always so tiny, she was often referred to as a toothpick, but for a toothpick she was very strong; probably because of her 4 older brothers always picking on her.

Paisley raised Myra off the ground squeezing her tightly, "Paisley, I missed you so much!" She spoke out of breath,after being sat back down on the ground she returned the hug. "Where is everyone? I am ready to meet people!" Paisley searched around the empty parking lot. "They're all working right now, either filming or getting into costume!"

Paisley sighed in defeat, "I can wait then! What do you have planned for today?" She removed her backpack and picked her wheeled suitcase off the ground. "I was thinking we'd go find ourselves an outfit and then we can come back and I can introduce you to everyone!" Myra replied,opening her trailer door for Paisley to come inside. Paisley looked around in shock complimenting Myra's temporary home. "This place is nicer than our apartment!" She made her way into the bedroom and bathroom taking in every inch.

Paisley noticed a man's jacket hanging from the bedroom door, "I-is this his jacket?" Her grin resembled something psychotic,Myra nodded "He let me use that last night when he walked me back home." Up until this moment everything seemed like a dream, a perfect twisted dream but now that Paisley was here and Myra was able to share everything with her it seemed real, she really had spent the last two weeks with Dacre and they had gone on a couple dates, learning more about each other and even though she hated to admit it she was falling in love.

The jacket was quickly removed from the door and moved to Paisley's nose, "Mmm he smells so good like come on, how much more perfect can this guy get?" Myra took the jacket from her grip and tossed it onto her couch. "How about this dress store? And I promise to tell you more on the way!" Paisley instantly tugged on her arm, racing them out of the home and to the cars. "So have you two kissed?" They walked towards the large gated area, Myra's Jeep waiting behind it. "Yes," She instantly started blushing and the nervous jitters she had gotten before returned. Paisley's face showed nothing but complete shock, "You kissed Dacre Montgomery, the Stranger Things' bad boy!" Paisley was almost jumping up and down with excitement, Myra always cherished having her as a friend, she was always excited for her accomplishments and always had her back.

The fenced gate swung open and they walked to Myra's car getting inside. "I did kiss him, multiple times and it was amazing! His lips are so sweet and he is so sweet!" Myra felt herself rambling on as she clicked her seat belt over her and started up the car. "So are you two going on a date to this red carpet event?" Myra had never really thought about that, she just assumed they would both be there working and that it wouldn't be much of a date thing. "I-uh-I don't think so, I have you and we're going to be busy helping out the cast!" Paisley clapped her hands with joy, "I can't wait to help, you think they need some extras on set? I could help!" Myra pulled out of the driveway, the gate closing behind her, she drove down the long road passing security and heading into town. "I am not sure if they need help but I can always ask!" Myra spoke before being interrupted by the chime coming from her phone,it was Dacre.

Dacre: I am missing you on set today! ;)

Paisley read the text out loud to Myra, giggling the entire time. "He misses you! That's the cutest thing! What am I typing back?" She starred over at Myra awaiting a response. "Oh uh nothing I will reply later!" She reached out for her phone placing it back into her cup holder. The dress shop was inside a mall about 15 minutes away from where they had been filming, they supposedly were going to be using this mall later on for the show.

Gwinnett Plaza, the large sign read at the opening, the parking lot seemed empty so they'd be able to get in, get what they needed and get right back to set. Paisley tugged the door open for her and Myra. "What kind of dress are you looking for?"

"Maybe something fancy and flowy?" Myra shrugged as they walked down the hallway to the first store. "You need something low cut and sexy! So you can show off for Dacre! Oh like this!" Paisley grabbed the first dress she saw on the rack, it was a long black dress covered completely in lace. "There is no way in hell that's way too much lace and that thing would be skin tight on me!" Paisley rolled her eyes and reached out for another dress. This time she grabbed a long strapless red dress with a ruffled floral pattern at the bottom. "What about this one?" Paisley held the dress up to Myra's figure. "Not for me but that would look great on you! You'll look like a movie star!" Paisley nodded now holding the dress up against her chest. "I'm going to try it on, see if you can find anything for yourself!"

Myra walked through the racks nothing catching her attention, a group of girls where huddled in the corner giggling glancing over at Myra. She gave a confused look and continued searching through the racks when a girl from the group gained the courage to walk over to her. "Is this you?" She held her phone showing Myra a photo of her and Dacre walking into the store together. Myra had no idea someone had taken their photo she didn't see anyone around. She stared at the photo speechless. "Are you dating Dacre?" The young girl waited eagerly for a reply. "No no," Myra shook her head, "We are just friends that's all!"

"Oh alright." The girl sighed before walking over to the group of friends again. Myra was still left in confusion but she brushed it off after Paisley left the changing room. "I feel like a barbie doll!" Paisley spun around the dress flowing with her. "That is definitely the one! You have to get it!" Paisley clapped her hands, swaying her hips to the song playing throughout the store. "Any luck finding one for you?" Myra watched an employee return a dress to the rack that caught her attention. "Oh it's sparkly I love it!" Paisley snatched up the dress shoving it into Myra. "Go try it on!" Myra fumbled inside adjusting the long grey dress up her figure, it had deep v cut and a long slit in the shirt, she could have never imagined herself if something like this but now that she had it on she felt like royalty.

The curtain was ripped back and Paisley peeked her head in. "You look incredible! You have to get that one!" Myra couldn't agree more. The shop had started to crowd up with people shopping around so the two of them made their way to check out and then off to Myra's car. Their two dresses were tossed into the back seat before Myra took out her phone to reply to Dacre.

Myra: Heading back to the trailer and then we will see you soon! :)

For the entire ride back Paisley caught Myra up to date on everyone back home, Myra's ex was still asking about her and her family was still coming over to Paisley's family's home every weekend for dinner. Paisley was adopted when she was 12 she says she doesn't remember much about her birth parents but something about it always seemed off to Myra like she did remember something she just didn't want to talk about it and Myra never wanted to force anything out of her but, she always stayed curious. Paisley's adopted family became close with Myra's during family days at school so close they even began spending weekends together having family dinners and family game nights, it was nice to know that the tradition still continued without Myra there to remind them.

The paparazzi that had been crowded by the parking gate before had now returned, George gave a friendly wave to the two of them as he opened the gate for them. Cameras were turned in their direction from the crowd of roaring people only for them to be disappointed when Paisley stepped out waving to them. She sighed raising her middle finger to them, "Don't be too butt hurt," Myra laughed grabbing her dress from the back seat. "They're looking for the Millie or Joe or any of the Actors, we aren't special enough for them!" Paisley took out her dress,slamming the door shut behind her. "You'll be special enough for them when they find out you are dating Dacre!" Myra slapped her arm shushing her. "Don't say that! We aren't dating we are just friends!"

Paisley rolled her eyes as they walked towards Myra's trailer, "Oh,so do you kiss all of your friends because I haven't gotten a kiss!" Paisley wiggled her brow, with a shit eating grin then, making a kissing face to her. They stepped inside and Myra laid their dresses on the bed and glanced at the schedule she had tapped to her fridge. "Looks like they're about to go inside to the green screen room, you wanna go there or wait until after?"

The expression of joy plastered over Paisley's face, "Will we get to see them filming?" Myra nodded, "Sylvia said you could join us on set, you just have to sign a paper saying you'll keep all information to yourself!" Paisley jumped up and down like an excited toddler,squealing. Myra's phone rung again, it was Dacre replying.

Dacre: Great! I am headed to set now I can't wait to meet your friend, babe! :)

Myra's stomach did twelve summer salts reading  his message, he called her babe. She wanted to run to him and shower him with kisses but held back the reactions. Paisley peered over her shoulder to read the message but her phone was shoved into her pocket. "You need to act calm when we get down there and you have to be quiet!" Myra held back her laugh,she had missed Paisley and her crazy behavior. Myra laid her passcode lanyard over her neck and lead Paisley to the large metal building scanning them in through the front door. People were scattered throughout the room as they squeezed their way through. A loud voice echoed over a megaphone as everyone took seats obeying the command. Mary saw the two lost girls and grabbed onto them leading them to empty seats. "Hey girls! Perfect timing!"

"Mary,Sylvia,Jane this is my friend Paisley!" Paisley shot them a wide grin and wave before the director yelled over the megaphone again. "Quiet on set!" A girl in a multiple patterned outfit stood in the center of the green screened room. She turned to face the camera and Myra had realized it was Millie the young girl who was portraying Eleven in the show. Paisley nudged her arm with a large smile plastered onto her face. "Action!" The director spoke as the camera moved positions from the top of her head to zoom in on her face. Millie looked to her right with a confused look; the floor, which had been covered in water, splashed up as she walked in the direction of Billy's beaten up car from previous night. She glanced inside the empty vehicle and walked towards the back of it, the trunk sat open, then her attention was brought to a girl whimpering in the corner someone seemed to be huddled over her.

"Don't be afraid." A familiar voice spoke in a deep monotoned voice. "It'll be over soon!" Eleven walked closer picking up her pace, the water beginning to splash up more around her feet. "Just stay very still." Billy spoke kneeled on one knee. Eleven stood directly behind him as he rose to his feet and quickly turned to face her. The trapped girl continued her whimpering, yelling for Billy, Eleven's eyes began to tear up when the director yelled cut. Everyone clapped and the room filled with praise. Millie walked over to their group waving at Mary, who stood from her chair to help fix her hair down with hairspray. "Millie this is our new intern Myra and her friend Paisley!" Mary nodded to the two of them. Millie shook both of their hands, "It's so nice to meet you guys!" Myra was a little caught off guard by her British accent, she didn't know Millie was British until now. "It's nice to meet you too!" Paisley spoke up in a calm voice this time.

"Glad to see you made it!" An Australian voice spoke up as Dacre walked towards their group. "You did great out there, you've got a thing with kidnapping girls don't you?" Myra spoke up offering up the empty seat next to her, Dacre obliged and moved his face next to hers, she gulped at the sudden closeness. "I mean I wouldn't mind kidnapping you." He whispered in a voice that made her knees go weak. Sylvia coughed to disrupt the now awkward silence. "Oh uh Dacre this is my friend Paisley!" Paisley stood from her chair introducing herself. "Ah yes, Paisley I have heard a lot about you!" Dacre smiled shaking her out reached hand. "Are you going to be joining us for lunch?" Dacre pushed back the lose curls that hang in his face. "Yeah that would be great I am starving!"

The lunch room was almost empty, the entire room consisted off Dacre, Paisley,Myra, a few background characters and the kitchen staff. "The desserts here are amazing, but very addicting!" Paisley shrugged taking a few onto her tray. "Fine with me I am not watching my weight!" Myra laughed taking a cookie off her tray and putting in onto her own. "Glad to know my Paisley hasn't changed."

Joe Keery had walked in with his ice cream uniform on, the small shorts exposing his upper thigh causing a light chuckle to leave Myra. "What is this?" She pointed to his attire. "This right here is the outfit of a working man!" He struck a pose, making the entire group laugh. "I'll grab a tray and I will be right over!" Paisley sat next to Myra her entire face an off shade of red, "He's a sweet heart there's no need to be nervous!" Myra whispered in a comforting tone. "So now that I have got you here you need to tell me everything about Myra!" Dacre spoke up as the two looked over at him. "No way!" Myra laughed shaking her finger in Paisley's face.

"Oh what do you want to know? The time Myra got drunk and kissed a Stranger Things poster or the time she wrote a fanfic for our english class or details about her room in our apartment?" A sinister look grew on Paisley's face. "Everything!" Dacre laughed choking on his drink. Myra could have curled into a ball and died at this very moment, she kept her eyes down at her tray trying to hid the embraced  look etched onto her face. "Perfect! So after watching the first season together, we instantly went out and bought posters and shirts, we even held a halloween party where we decorated the apartment up with lights and our own demogorgon creation. Also at this time Myra was a Steve girl through and through. Then we had a season 2 viewing party and Myra instantly fell in love with a blue Mustang pulling into the parking lot then with the man who drove that Mustang." Myra rolled her eyes correcting Paisley, "Camaro."

Paisley laughed continuing on her rant. "For my birthday we had a dress up party and she dressed up like female Billy and then got extremely drunk and made out with a poster of Billy, I think she still even has that poster at the apartment!" The entire time she talked Dacre laughed uncontrollably,worried on drinking anymore in fear he would spit it across the table. "Next we had a writing project in english to write about romance so MJ over here wrote a 'Harringrove' fanfic and she got the top grade in the class." Dacre paused her and looked over at Myra's hidden face. "Harringrove really? I never took you for the type!" He raised a brow, awaiting a response. "Oh come on you know the sexual tension is there, there's no denying it!"

"Continue on then I wanna hear about her room details!" Dacre chewed on his bottom lip keeping his eyes on Myra, sheepishly eating her food. "You know those little funko bobblehead things? We have those all over the walls along with posters and Myra has a Stranger Things comforter and she sleeps in a t-shirt that says.." Myra swiftly slapped her hand over Paisley's mouth. "No more thank you!" "Oh come on I have to know!" Dacre pleaded as Joe joined them at the table, Myra shook her head no changing the subject. "Joe this is my friend Paisley!" Paisley waved shyly in his direction. "Joe Keery it's nice to meet you!" He shook her jittering hand,placing his other hand on top. "You doing ok?" He chuckled looking worried. "oh yeah I'm ok, just uh cold." She lied through her teeth.

Lunch had ended and the group had returned to their designated areas. Dacre, Myra and Paisley stood around in the wardrobe trailer as Dacre dug through his rack looking for his next outfit. "I'm gonna step outside here and give you some privacy!" Paisley pushed open the trailer door, sitting on the steps outside. "I'm gonna join her outside!" Myra walked to the door before Dacre grabbed her up setting her down on the counter top. "I have been dying to kiss you all day.." He spoke in a low growl. Myra grabbed his shoulders pulling him between her legs,pushing her lips against his. He tasted sweet like the mint he had put in after lunch, he ran his hands under her shirt causing her entire body to be covered in goosebumps. Myra ran her hand down his chest undoing the few buttons of his shirt that were yet to be undone.Dacre placed light kisses down her neck then making his way to her ear where he tugged on her earlobe. "We-we have to get going Dacre!" Myra forced out with a soft moan. He nodded mutely as his mouth worked it's way down to her neck then to her collarbone.

"You ready Dacre?" Sylvia's voice spoke from the other side of the door. Dacre came to a halt, helping Myra off the counter and redoing the buttons on his shirt. He adjusted himself in his pants and nodded to Myra with a smirk. "Yeah Syl all ready!" He tossed back a curl from his shoulder and opened the door with a smile. "let's get going ladies!" Myra was lost, what in the world just happened, didn't matter she wanted more of it. Paisley gave her a questioning look, "You ok? You look flustered." Myra was at a lost for towards, she just nodded in response, pushing Paisley to keep up with Dacre and Sylvia.

Sylvia lead their group onto a set that was styled to look like someone's home, there had been family portraits hung up all over and it had the perfect 80s home vibe all the way down to the hardwood floors and textured wallpaper. Millie had returned to set and this time she was joined by Sadie, the actress playing Max. Paisley,Sylvia and Myra took their seats soon joined by Jane, while Mary stood on the set fixing everyone's hair and doing last minute make up touches. Dacre stood in the dining room area receiving notes from the director, he glanced in Myra's direction giving a wink and a playful smile. "What happened in that wardrobe trailer?" Paisley pulled on Myra's shirt gaining her attention.

"Oh uh nothing we just talked." Myra kept her eyes glued to the manila envelope laying in her lap. "huh just talking? You've got a funny way of just talking, I mean the poor dude came out with a hard on and his buttons on his shirt all a mess." She pointed to Dacre adjusting the buttons in the small mirror that hung in the set designed home. Myra did everything possible to keep from laughing, her face burned with embracement.

"Millie,Sadie let's get you two in the hall and we will start there! Everyone else get in your place!" The director spoke over the loud groups. Everyone filed into place,two older people joined Billy at the dining table. The entire cast stood motionless waiting for the next command,as a camera focused on Millie and Sadie standing in the doorway. "Action!" The camera focused on a picture of Heather and what seemed to be her parents as Sadie spoke up.

"This is her house."

"What?"

"Heather's house"

A woman's laugh was heard throughout the home as they turned the corner to hear Dacre speak up. "Isn't that cute huh?" They came to face Heather's parents dressed up at the diner table joined by Dacre. "He's so funny!" The mother continued on laughing,before he attention to brought to the two young girls dripping wet in her living room.

"Max." Dacre spoke in a charming voice. Everyone's face grew with confusion when Max spoke up. "We didn't mean to...barge in. We tried to knock, but..you maybe didn't hear us over the storm." Both of their damp hair drenched the floor they stood on, Dacre continued chewing with a devious look. "I'm sorry who is this dripping all over my living room right now?" Dacre let out a low chuckle,shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Janet, Tom, this is my sister Maxine!" He tossed his napkin onto the table before standing and walking to her. "What on earth are you doing here? Is something wrong?" His expression changed when he came to face Max.

"We just wanted to make sure everything was ok." "Ok?" Dacre gave off an almost unreadable expression."Why wouldn't it be ok?"

"Where is she?"Millie spoke up stepping forward. "I'm sorry, where is who?" His lifeless eyes starred at the two. "Well, they're a little burnt, I'm sorry-" Heather came around the corner carrying a tray of cookies to the dinner table. "Heather!" Dacre chimed raising his arm to introduce the two. "This is my sister, Maxine. And I am sorry I did not quite catch your name." "El!" Millie spoke in a serious tone. "El." Dacre repeated. "Now what is it you were saying,El? You were looking for somebody?" Eleven mumbled a little in confusion. "I--I saw-I saw you.."

"Your manager. At the pool. He said you guys didn't come in to work today, so we got worried." Sadie retorted quickly. "Heather wasn't feel so hot today so we thought we'd take the day off to nurse her back to health." Dacre crossed his arms in front of him. "But you're feeling just fine right now,aren't you,Heather?" Heather gave off a forced smile before speaking, "I'm feeling so much better! Do you girls want a cookie?" Dacre stared back to Millie with an obnoxious look.  "They're fresh out of the oven!" She offered the tray forward. "Cut!" The director yelled startling everyone. "Let's film Billy at the doorway then we will start with Heather's family!"

Dacre moved to the fake doorway they had created and stood in the window pane while a camera moved to focus in on him. "Action camera 1!" He exclaimed. The camera slowly moved in to Dacre's expressionless face, as it moved closer the look of pain came into his eyes. "Camera  2 start!" The director spoke from his chair. The second camera was close up on a record spinning around a vinyl player. The song it played was American Pie by Don McLean, it then moved to face Heather's mother who was eating one of the cookies Heather had made. Dacre joined them back at the table, "Is everything alright?" Heather questioned him as he took a seat in his previous chair. "Yes,everything is fine!" Dacre confirmed. "Your sister really didn't want to stay?" Heather's mother spoke finishing off the last of her dessert.  

"No, she's just not,you know, really a people person." Dacre adjusted his chair forward, reaching for his silverware. "Well I just don't like the idea of them out there in the storm like that." "Oh they'll be fine!" Her husband spoke up shoveling his food in. Janet reached forward for her glass accidentally knocking it and the contents over. "I told you to slow down on that wine, Janet!" She rapidly cleaned up the stained table cloth. "You ok mommy?" Heather asked in concern. "Yes, I'm--I'm just feeling a little lightheaded is all." Dacre continued feeding his face showing no concern for the situation.  "It's all the wine!" Tom spoke arrogantly. "I'm sorry um if you'll excuse me, I'm just going to go upstairs and lie down for a bit." Janet whipped off her lap before standing from the table.

Heather gave Dacre a deep stare as the sound of her mother collapsing in the living room startled her father. "Janet?" Tom stood to assist his wife. At this time Dacre was reaching under the table for a small brown bottle pouring its content onto the napkin he had been using. "Janet? Janet?" Tom dropped to his wife's side.  "Janet! Call 9-1-1!" Heather reached for the bottle of wine as her and Dacre rose from the table.

As Tom looked back to get the attention of Heather he was blindsided by Heather swinging a bottle into his head, with a loud grunt he too fell to the ground. Even with wounded head he tried his hardest to crawl away as Dacre handed Heater the drenched napkin. Dacre leaned his arm against the wall observing Heather stomp her foot into her father's back and grab a fist full of hair yanking his head back to cover his mouth with the napkin. "I'm really sorry about this,Daddy,but it'll all be over soon I promise." Tom's screams where muffled by the towel smashed against his face as the camera moved back to Dacre devious expression.

"Cut!" The director yelled, his loud claps booming. "That was perfect guys! let's get everyone changed and get ready for the warehouse scene!" Everyone rose from their seats swiftly going out the doors to the golf carts that waited outside for them. "I have got to get changed you want to join me?" Dacre stepped towards Myra speaking quietly. "I'd love to but it looks like my help is needed getting things ready for this sauna scene.." She pointed to a section in the script, she saw the sadness on his face and replied with a smirk placing a kiss on his cheek. "Raincheck for later?"

"Raincheck for later!" He smirked, chewing on his lower lip.

[artificialqueens]

Girls Interrupted, Chapter 2: She Wants To Dance Like Uma Thurman, But She Can’t (Vatya) 2/2 - Maeve

A/N: Hi, it’s Maeve here, and holy fuck this is long! Sorry for the wait, everyone, it’s been a real time. I’ll admit that I spent a lot of time collecting firsthand accounts of real teen parties because homegirl has never been to one of the cool kid ones. I feel no personal shame! I hope you all enjoy it. I’m a one woman show over here, but I’ve tried to be as accurate as possible with the characterization of the queens. There are some parts of this chapter that might be a little confusing, but that’s because the story is told through Katya’s eyes and she doesn’t always have all of the information. She will soon, though! As always, constructive criticism (really feedback of any kind) is welcome. If there’s interest, I’ll drop my sideblog one of these days. Here’s some petty teenage bullshit to take your mind off of the outside world.

What do normal people wear? What’s ‘in’ with the youths? Katya furrowed her brow. She grew out of following trends in middle school. The clothes weren’t her, and they didn’t magically assimilate her into a friend group either. So Katya was no manic pixie dream girl, more of a manic sexy carny And that was okay…most of the time. There would be a wide variety of teens at the party—Alaska ran in many different circles—but all of them had eyes, and Katya wasn’t about to make Alaska question her judgement over unironically worn Hawaiian print. She’d have to pass for artistically different. Dresses were risky, so Katya opted for a pair of skintight black denim shorts and a well-worn Warner Brothers Studios shirt. A good french tuck and a statement jacket were just enough to polish off her shabby-chic ensemble. It would have to be good enough.

Katya’s freshly washed hair had dried in loose waves that framed her face beautifully. Two things she refused to guilt herself into were shaving her legs and putting on makeup, and she wore her bangs down to hide the hairline she was so self-conscious about. It wasn’t like she was trying to impress anyone. Katya had given up on that a long, long time ago. She glanced at the clock. It was only a few minutes past 6:00. Living in a constant state of perpetual anxiety was a real bitch.

Katya sighed, Wheel of Fortune and Diet Coke it is. Her parents were at the neighborhood’s annual Back to School Barbecue, so she had the entire house to herself. She hoped there would be a familiar face or two—or at the very least caffeine—at Alaska’s house.

Katya could hear the music coming from the inside of Alaska’s house through her massive front door. It was a hot and humid evening, yet Katya chose to linger in the yard. She wasn’t the first one there, and she wouldn’t be the last one, either; there was just something about crossing the solid oak barrier that made her presence…pressing. Awkward, even.

Alaska wouldn’t have invited you if she didn’t want you to be here, Katya reminded herself. She knew this was true—Alaska Honard was an absolute sweetheart—but her paranoia got the best of her. She pulled out her phone and sent a message to ‘Bianca del Realest’:

I’m outside. Walk me in? I don’t wanna know if pigs’ blood comes out of denim.

Her phone vibrated seconds later with a response from Bianca:

Pussy.

Soon, the door opened, revealing a smug Bianca del Rio. Katya grinned, “Yes, I do have a pussy, mama, and I’m serving fish all night.”

Bianca howled, “I don’t put things in me if I don’t know where they’ve been, and you’re a filthy whore.”

“You rotted cunt! That was a rash, not a herpes sore!” Katya protested.

“Just get your ass in here, Zamo, before the neighbors call the police to report a solicitor on the premises,” Bianca stepped aside so Katya could enter.

The first thing she saw was an ornately framed oil painting of Alaska and her family. It had to be at least her height. “Holy mother of pearl…” Katya gaped.

“Mother of Alaska, actually. Father and sister, too,” Bianca corrected. Katya gave her a shove. “What? I do this out of love, honey.” The blonde rolled her eyes. “Come on, there’s someone I want you to meet,” Bianca grabbed hold of Katya’s arm and steered her towards the kitchen.

Alaska’s kitchen—which was a literal gourmet kitchen—was relatively empty save for an entire island of snacks and several coolers with drinks. She could still feel the thrum of the bass in her teeth, but the walls muffled the music’s full volume. What Katya found most shocking was actually who was in the kitchen. Trixie Mattel was leaning against the sink in a pair of light wash jeans and a flowing pink top.

Wow, Katya’s eyes went wide. She was in the same room as Trixie Mattel, about to be introduced by their apparently mutual friend, and she desperately needed to be able to pull herself together.

“Oh, honey, send in the clowns!” Trixie exclaimed, noticing Bianca’s return.

“I prefer to be called an erotic clown,” Bianca shot back. Katya snorted. “This is the creature I was telling you about.” Bianca gave Katya a small shove forward.

“Hi, I’m the chemical burn from the spiral perm, Trixie Mattel,” Trixie introduced herself extending a well-manicured hand. “I sit across from you in English, but we’ve never really talked.”

“Yekaterina Petrovna Zamolodchikova. But your dad just calls me Katya,” Katya winked and took Trixie’s hand, gently kissing her knuckles. Inside her head, Katya was screaming, Fuuuuuuuck. However, Trixie’s smile only grew. The life-sized Barbie doubled over with laughter.

Trixie turned to Bianca, “I’ll keep her!” Katya scrunched up her nose. She didn’t realize she was for sale.

“Just make sure to walk her often. She’s not house trained,” Bianca warned.

Katya wasn’t given the chance to retort because the door that connected the main room to the backyard flew open, and all three girls reached to cover their ears as Travis Scott’s voice grew three times as loud. An out-of-breath Jinkx Monsoon stood in the doorway, and her mouth began to move.

“What?” Bianca shouted over Sicko Mode.

Jinkx came further into the kitchen and screamed, “I said the hotshots just pulled up! If you don’t wanna get trampled, we should probab—”

“Bottoms up, bitches!” Willam shouted from somewhere in the hall. A cacophony of voices seemed to flood the space all at once, and then the kitchen was swarmed with all of the juniors on the cheer squad and football team. Hands and bodies were everywhere. Katya, standing at 5’1”, was swept away in the sea of future frat boys. Thankfully, the kitchen was only a stop on their route, and once the kitchen had been successfully raided, the four girls could get their bearings.

Jinkx straightened her dress. “Leave. I was going to say leave,” she finished her earlier thought and slumped against the kitchen island. “The real party’s out back. Now with added kegs.”

“Now, this I gotta see,” Bianca chuckled, “You in?” Katya shrugged and followed Bianca and Trixie past the horndogs sucking face in the living room and into Alaska’s massive backyard. She didn’t know what she’d gotten herself into, and she didn’t see it getting any better.

The glass doors let out onto a patio with a cabana and firepit. Stone steps led down to yet another seating area and a resort-style pool filled with floats, fountaints, and colored lights. There must’ve been at least a hundred people outside. She’d never seen so much illicit activity in one place. What was the word? Collusion? Collusion. Collusion vibes but not in a good way, Mama. We’re all going to hell, Katya swallowed thickly. The blonde was overwhelmed by the sweaty bodies, loud music, and flashing lights. Was this what a rave was like? The kegs by the pool were a happening place, and she planned to avoid them as much as possible.

When she looked to her right, she noticed Bianca had slipped away unnoticed, leaving her completely and utterly alone with one Trixie Mattel. Fuck. Again.

“Come get a drink with me!” Trixie insisted. She might not have been entirely comfortable alone with her crush, but tagging along was a significantly better option than hiding in a corner. The two pushed their way towards the booze. Trixie filled a red solo cup for Katya before grabbing one for herself and maneuvering them over to the poolside loveseat.

Katya’s drink felt awkward clutched in her hands. She knew that most highschoolers had experience with alcohol, but it was different watching her peers getting trashed. What’s the point? Katya wondered.

“That’s gonna get warm, you know?” Trixie snapped Katya out of her thoughts.

Katya gave her a sheepish smile, “I don’t really drink. Like at all. I just took it so you didn’t think I was lame.”

“Oh, honey,” Trixie began softly, “I would never judge you for something like that. Here, let me take that.” She made a grab for Katya’s cup, but Katya pulled it away.

“One sec!” Katya stuck two fingers of her free hand right into her beer and pulled them out. She saw the confusion on Trixie’s face and gave her a mischievous look. Katya took her beer fingers and wiped the alcohol across the pulse points on her neck. Playing it safe, she repeated the action until all the places she’d usual spray with perfume were sticky with beer. She was sure she smelled like a distillery. Perfect. Once again, Trixie made a grab for the cub, but another hand beat her to it. Alaska Honard in all her glory snatched it from Katya and drained its contents.

“Thanksss, Kati,” Alaska slurred. “Jus’ needed a lil’ liquid courage before I go on.” She swooped down to give Katya a sloppy kiss on the cheek. Alaska was sloshed. Her makeup was smudged she was swaying on her feet, and she smelled worse than Katya, who had just taken a bath in her beer.

“Go on what, Alaska?” Needless to say, Katya was a bit concerned. Because the two had done most of the work for their partner scene the previous class, Alaska and Katya were able to spend the day’s 3rd period chatting away. The demure girl from earlier was nowhere to be found. She was beginning to wonder if her friend had even processed her question when Alaska finally responded.

“‘M gonna be a star, Kati,” Alaska giggled. “Britney, bitch!” She then proceeded to fist up the fabric at the bottom of her dress and try to pull her black bodycon sequin gown up and over her body. Katya could only watch as she writhed around and made pitiful whining noises in her attempt to undress. “Off!” Alaska pouted, giving Katya her best puppy dog eyes.

Katya shared a look with Trixie before standing up and carefully spinning the blonde around. Her small hands were perfect for pulling down tiny zippers, and the dress slid down Alaska’s lithe body and pooled at her feet. Katya’s throat went dry.

Underneath her dress, Alaska wore a lacy, black strapless bra and a matching set of panties. Katya could not handle it. She didn’t mean to stare, but she couldn’t bring herself to look away. Soft, pale, flawless, Katya took in the beauty in front of her. Talk about body-ody-ody. Alaska was toned with the supple legs of a dancer—unfortunately, she lacked a dancer’s poise. Katya’s aneurism was cut short when the cheerleader stumbled trying to get out of the offending garment.

“Geez, Alaska,” Katya exclaimed, “Would you be more careful?”

“I may not be graceful…” Alaska trailed off, beginning to sway on her feet.

“I need my Lasky!” Detox shouted from the edge of the pool. Alaska visibly perked at her nickname and gave Katya a sloppy goodbye kiss on the cheek before teetering off towards Detox and Roy.

What the fuck? Katya raised her eyebrows. She turned to Trixie in search of an answer as to what just happened, but all the blonde had to offer was a shrug. Katya looked back to Rolaskatox and noticed a few pertinent details she’d missed in her first glance: Roxy and Detox were also in their skivvies, three chairs were now in a row on the bridge that separated the two halves of the pool, and the music had stopped.

Katya tried to do the math in her head: liquid courage + 3 scantily clad girls x 1 chair - Kendrick Lamar = ???? She had to be missing something. “‘I’m gonna be a star,’” Alaska had said…Fame = liquid courage + 3 scantily clad girls x 1 chair - Kendrick Lamar. Katya’s brows knit together. Some kind of performance? And then it hit her. “‘Britney, bitch,’”…They’re performing a Britney Spears number practically naked. Obviously the ideal way to spend a Friday night. Katya could think of no other explanation for the weird happenings of the last few minutes, but the answer she’d arrived at wasn’t any less of an acid trip.

The three girls took their places behind the chairs, and Roxy, who had at some point manifested a microphone, gave pearl a thumbs up.

“Where my party people at?” Roxy shouted into the microphone. Praise Putin for Pearl because the feedback on the mic might have made their ears bleed. The crowd around the pool hooted and hollered. Yuck, Katya gagged on the high school movie realness. “We’ve got a special treat for you tonight! Our little Lasky here,” Roxy pushed Alaska forward, “Didn’t think that she was going to make the varsity cheer team.” Alaska flushed at her friends divulgence and squirmed in her grip. Naturally, Roxy paid no attention to her friend’s discomfort, “So Toxy and I, we made a bet: if Lasky didn’t make varsity we’d have a Golden Girls marathon, but if she did…she’d have to show off her sweet moves at the Back-to-School Bash!”

“Hit it, Pearl!” Detox shouted. Roxy tossed the microphone to someone near the end of the walk, and the three girls took their places by their chairs. Alaska was clearly less thrilled about the performance than she was when she had been talking to Katya minutes ago. Liquid courage? No dice. The instrumental intro into Britney Spears’ “Toxic” began to play from the outdoor speakers, and Alaska’s gyrated her hips mechanically to the beat.

Baby, can’t you see

I’m calling

A guy like you should wear a warning

It’s dangerous, I’m falling

Katya was dumbfounded. Mouth agape, she wondered, Does this shit happen at all high school parties? Mother, I swear I’m sober. She hadn’t had anything to drink, so she couldn’t have been drugged or anything crazy like that. This was, in fact, happening. And Katya had thought she was fucking mental. A glance to her side told her that she wasn’t the only one questioning her sanity; Trixie’s eyes were bulging out of their sockets.

There’s no escape

I can’t wait

I need a hit, Baby, give me it

You’re dangerous, I’m lovin’ it

Dangerous. There was something sinister about the atmospheric red that bathed the trio and spilled into the audience. Her hands began to tremble. Brenda, not now, she willed herself to calm down.

Too high

Can’t come down

Losin’ my head, spinnin’ ‘round and 'round

Do you feel me now?

It wasn’t just her shaking, though. Alaska’s body was vibrating with tension—not ‘loving it’. Her sisters in scandal moved a lot smoother than she did, and she was concentrating hard on keeping herself from falling off of her chair. How much “‘liquid courage’” did this bitch have? The trio had gotten up on their chairs at the beginning of the chorus and were doing what looked like Christina Aguilera choreography circa Genie in a Bottle. Katya wouldn’t be surprised if Rotox had actually gotten the wrong blonde when choreographing. Katya frowned, Alaska, please don’t crack your head open.

With a taste of your lips I’m on a ride

You’re toxic I’m slippin’ under

With a taste of a poison paradise

I’m addicted to you

Don’t you know that you’re toxic?

And I love what you do

Don’t you know that you’re toxic?

She regained her breath when the chair acrobatics were finally over. The dance routine had evolved into what could probably qualify as softcore porn. Roxy, Alaska, and Detox were writhing on the platform in an obscene manner. Katya thought they looked like cats in heat. Alcoholic cats in heat. Which was actually quite a shame because real alcoholic cats in heat were something that Katya would totally like to see.

It’s getting late to give you up

I took a sip from my devil’s cup

Slowly, it’s taking over me

Too high, can’t come down

It’s in the air and it’s all around

Can you feel me now?

Britney Spears you are a cruel bitch, Katya chewed her lower lip. She was trying her hardest not to feel anything.

With a taste of your lips, I’m on a ride

You’re toxic, I’m slippin’ under

With a taste of a poison paradise

I’m addicted to you

Don’t you know that you’re toxic?

And I love what you do

Don’t you know that you’re toxic?

Don’t you know that you’re toxic?

If she weren’t so put off by the course the night had taken and concerned for her friend, she might have been more than a little turned on. There was no denying that Alaska was attractive—even as she flopped about like a fish on a marble platter—but her mother raised her right. We do not objectify women, and we definitely do not allow others to take advantage of inebriated ones.

Taste of your lips, I’m on a ride

You’re toxic, I’m slippin’ under

With a taste of a poison paradise

I’m addicted to you

Don’t you know that you’re toxic?

With a taste of your lips, I’m on a ride

You’re toxic, I’m slippin’ under

With a taste of a poison paradise

I’m addicted to you

Don’t you know that you’re toxic?

Katya had to admit she was impressed. There really was no better way to draw attention to yourself than repeatedly slamming your pussy into the makeshift stage. It certainly seemed to be working now; she might just have to try it sometime.

Intoxicate me now

With your lovin’ now

I think I’m ready now

I think I’m ready now

Intoxicate me now

With your lovin’ now

I think I’m ready now

Roxy, Alaska, and Detox all struck their final poses. Katya could see their chests heaving wildly as they held for the raucous applause of the party guests standing poolside. It was certainly strange, but she couldn’t knock their performance. Kids would be kids, right? She was about to chalk it all up to a bit of harmless fun, after all, when tweedle dumb and tweedle dumber broke formation and pushed Alaska straight off of the platform. Suddenly, the tall blonde was in the water, limbs thrashing about in response to the sudden change in environment.

“Pool party!” Willam shouted, stripping off her own dress. Leave it to Willam to make a splash. Literally. For some reason the most inebriated of the guests decided that it was a fantastic idea to accidentally drown themselves instead of their sorrows. Soon, the pool was full of bodies and she could no longer keep track of her friend.

Alaska finally scampered to the steps with the stability of a newborn fawn. She all but fell out of the pool and took half of the water with her. Alaska’s mascara streaked down her cheeks, and her hair hung limp and matted. Roxy and Detox were nowhere to be found—either to help her clean up or to read her for filth. Coco Montrese and her longtime frenemy Miss Alyssa Edwards, however, were more than happy to fill in.

They sound like those brain dead hyenas from The Lion King, Katya snickered to herself. Maybe not that lady one, though. That bitch was fierce.

Alaska coughed up a mouthful of water right at their feet. “Hey, Coco,” She began, “Your makeup is terrible.” Coco wasn’t laughing anymore. Point Alaska.

“Have you seen yourself, mama?” Coco fired back, The blonde rolled her eyes and snatched the drink in Coco’s hand. Alaska tossed it back all in one go.

“Thanks,” Alaska drawled, tossing the empty cup back and wrapping herself in the first available towel.

Katya turned to Trixie with a question on her lips. “Does this happen often?” She asked. Trixie gave a low whistle.

“Pearl has dragged me to a lot of weird shit, but I think this might just be a first,” Trixie answered with gusto. She checked her watch, “And it’s not even 10:00! The night is still young, honey!”

Right, Katya thought, the night is still young. Just great.

Trixie soon ditched Katya for Pearl—something about the stupid pumpkin carriage coming to steal her friend after midnight—and Katya hadn’t known Trixie long enough to reasonably protest the abandonment. She hoped Bianca was somewhere inside the house.

There were still people in the living room, but it looked like the horny gremlins from earlier had finally gotten a room. Literally. Unfortunately, the cheerleaders that had taken their place were not much better. Head bitch Violet Chachki had her legs draped over one of the arms of a stately armchair in a carefree yet superior manner. Why anyone would want to be queen of the hot messes? Katya couldn’t tell you. But apparently power—or at least the perception of power—gave one Violet Chachki a raging hard on. Gag.

Bianca wasn’t in the room, but the blonde was determined to see her valiant quest through. Hopefully, she’d stumble upon a nunnery with some sexy ladies along the way. Sneaking past the wicked bitch of the west and her flying monkeys, she regrouped in the kitchen. Katya went down her mental checklist: Keys? Check. Assorted limbs? Check. Clothes? Check. Inhibitions? Check. Virtue? Debauched. Sanity? Remaining hopefully optimistic. Bianca? Still M.I.A. The kitchen was empty due to the commotion happening poolside. Chips crunched under the soles of Katya’s sneakers. That was another reason she didn’t enjoy being out in the general public for extended periods of time: bitches be nasty.

The second floor was significantly cleaner than the first. An entire floor of the Honards’ house was dedicated to entertainment. Katya knew that Alaska had an older sister, Nebraska, but she couldn’t fathom why any child—or two children for that matter—needed an entire floor to play. How could the rooms not feel so…empty? Katya wondered, shuddering involuntarily. The blonde couldn’t picture Alaska spending much time up here now. She felt as though she was looking at an abandoned playground and couldn’t help but think it made Alaska sad, too.

After a few moments, it became clear to Katya that Bianca wasn’t there, but she continued to linger on the landing. Her blue eyes were drawn to the set of stairs that would take her to the third floor. It was an idea for the pantheon of bad ideas; she was tempted nonetheless. Katya could hear her grandfather’s words in her head: ‘Curiosity killed the kitty, лисичка,’ What her Deda didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. Besides, I’m not that kind of pussy, am I? She justified.

Katya crept up to the dark third story of the house with the innocence of an intruder—she’d plead the fifth if necessary. The second door down from the landing was ominously open. Honestly, there may as well have been a big red arrow pointing towards the room because Katya’s feet were already carrying her towards it. Darkness engulfed the room, itself, save for a rectangle of warm light.

“Jinkxy, is that you?” Alaska groaned, presumably from the same direction as the light. “Jus’ leave the dress on the bed. Save the lecture for the morning.”

Katya cleared her throat, “Alaska? It’s Katya. Can I come in?” She received a grunt in response. The blonde followed the sound into what turned out to be Alaska’s master bathroom. Her friend was curled up against her marble tub with a beach towel wrapped around her.

“How was I, Kati?“ Alaska drawled.

Katya took a seat in front of her and pulled her legs to her chest. She thought for a moment before speaking, “80% sexy, 20% disgusting…like me.” Alaska whined. “Why are you still in your wet clothes?” She asked. Her friend shrugged. Right, Katya sighed. Alaska was half asleep; this wasn’t going to be a one woman job. Thankfully, Jinkx appeared moments later with her heels in one hand and Alaska’s little black dress in the other. Katya raised her hands in surrender. “I swear she was like this when I found her,” she blurted.

“This isn’t even the worst of it,” Jinx spoke candidly. She tossed her shoes onto the floor and pulled up her long, red hair. “I’ll wrangle the monkey if you go and find her some dry underwear and something to wear to bed.” Jinkx’s tone left no room for questioning.

Mother, I never thought I’d be a panty snatcher, much less an invited one, Katya made a face. Alaska’s dressers were easy to find, and she felt undeniably dirty as she began her game of panty roulette. Pulling open the first drawer, Katya sprang back, ready to strike. Assorted pajamas were hardly a foe, and she vanquished them swiftly. Rebel athleticwear laid in wait behind drawer number two. They, too, were no match for her feet of fury, Katya kicked the drawer shut with a battle cry.

“Katya, what the hell are you doing out there?” Jinkx called.

Katya had the dignity to look sheepish. “Nothing!” She shouted back. “Be there in a second!” The underwear turned out to be in the next drawer down. She thrust a hand inside without looking and tightened her grip on the first piece of fabric her hand found. Her feeling of triumph only lasted the few seconds it took for her to realize what she’d managed to retrieve: a lacy black teddy. Katya dropped the offending garment as if she’d been burned. I am going to hell, she shook her head, Straight to hell. I will not pass go, nor will I collect $100…Deuces never loses, right? The scarlet thong she fished out next begged to differ. Her face was almost as red as the fabric, itself, when she flung it across the room. Fortunately, the third time was the charm. The pastel pink boyshorts seemed like a more appropriate item to put on a drunk girl, so Katya returned to the bathroom to present her nightwear bounty to Jinkx.

The motherly redhead, unsurprisingly, was not impressed. Jinkx arched a brow expectantly.

“You see,” Katya began, “I wasn’t comfortable—I didn’t um feel right digging through her things without, you know, her permission?” She swallowed thickly. “So I thought maybe it would be less creepy if I just reached in and grabbed the first thing I touched. Well, you see, Alaska’s got such a wide range of tastes, and it-uh…It took a hot second to find something appropriate…for the…occasion?” She was expecting to find disgust when she raised her eyes to meet Jinkx’s, but the redhead cackled loudly instead.

“Lemme guess, you saw something you didn’t want to see?” Jinkx chortled. Katya managed a weak nod. “I’m sorry, doll, I forget that not everyone is as acquainted with Miss Honard’s unmentionables as little ol’ me.”

Not everyone is as acquain—Oh! Blue eyes threatened to burst from their sockets as Katya processed her words.  

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, not like that,” Jinkx exclaimed, reading the thoughts reflected on Katya’s face. “Lasky and I did community theater together. I’ve known her since the first grade. Drunk proof her nightstand for me? I’ll dress blondie over here.”

“Does this happen often?” Katya asked Jinkx after Alaska’s door was closed. The incapacitated cheerleader was finally sound asleep in her bed, and the two girls didn’t think she’d be up anytime soon.

Jinkx sighed sadly, “It didn’t use to. Roxy and Detox are more toxic than Drano, and there’s no one to stop her from going out with them. Look, Lasky’s a sweet girl. A good, smart girl. But she makes bad choices sometimes, and there’s nothing that I—that we—can do about it. She’s gotta be the one to say enough is enough.”

Katya understood. Katya understood more than she wanted to. She’d been a shell of a girl drowning in the voices in her head not too long ago. It didn’t matter how many hands reached out to her if she refused to take them. Alaska—happy and hopeful Alaska—might just be drowning, too. Katya wondered if she drank to impress, to keep up, or to forget.

Jinkx promised that she’d look over Alaska until the next morning, so Katya reluctantly chose to rejoin the land of the living downstairs. The first floor was significantly louder than it was when she left it. Games of flip cup and beer pong had picked up in the dining room, and Violet’s flock had not only grown, but had grown to include both Trixie and Bianca, who were trying their hardest not to laugh at the spectacle in the middle of the living area. Willam and Courtney were having a major bitchfest for all to see. Normally, Katya would run for the hills, but if Bianca and Trixie weren’t afraid of getting caught in the crossfire, she figured it was safe enough to stick around and tuned into the conversation.

“Your tone seems really pointed right now,” Willam pursed her lips. She was clearly the calmer of the two, as Courtney was beet red and positively radiating tension. Katya could tell Willam’s nonchalance was only winding the Australian up more.

Courtney folded her arms defensively. “Well, I’m sorry you think that, Willam,” she took a deep breath. “I feel like everything I say kinda comes from the heart, and I’m truly hurt that you threw yourself at Daniel when you knew how I felt about him.”

“Sorry ‘bout it,” Willam scoffed, picking at her nails. Her words reflected everything but the sentiment they were meant to.

Katya knew that Willam was a bitch, but this was a little much even for her. Willam and Courtney had been best friends since Courtney moved from Australia the summer of their freshman year; it was hard to believe that Willam would throw their relationship away. Katya held her breath. Everyone in the wings was uncomfortable during the pregnant pause. The scene before her was straight out of a 90s teen movie, and she didn’t have the popcorn to go with it.

All movement stilled when Willam finally looked up. “I tend to think emotions are for ugly people,” she deadpanned. The room let out a collective gasp. Courtney was across the room in a flash, and her palm made contact with Willam’s cheek. It would be logical to assume that Willam, who was just slapped across the face by her best friend, would be the most in shock at the sudden turn of events; it would also be the wrong conclusion. Courtney’s features were frozen in fear. The offending hand still hovered in the air, trembling like a leaf.

Willam was the first to react—and in a very uncharacteristic way. She engulfed the smaller girl in a tender hug. Courtney began to sob muffled apologies into her neck, and despite her obvious desire to recoil, Willam continued to hold her close.

Maybe Willam actually does have feelings, Katya’s eyebrows raised. The sight of Willam whispering words of reassurance into Courtney’s ear was enough to make even the coldest heart melt. Well, the coldest heart with the exception of Violet Chachki’s. Katya was pretty sure the stick up her ass was a permanent installment.

When the two pulled apart minutes later with smiles on their faces, they were met with a round of applause. Courtney wiped at her eyes, careful not to smudge her makeup. If she noticed Willam’s arm around her waist, she didn’t give any indication as she addressed the spectators that had gathered, “Well, I’m gonna need to be less sober before I spill any more about myself. Truth or drink, anyone?”

Truth or drink? No thanks, Katya turned to sneak out. Unfortunately, Bianca had also chosen that exact moment to glance in her direction, and Katya was caught in the act.

“Bitch, you can’t leave yet. It’s not even midnight!” Bianca half whispered, half hissed.

And Bianca doesn’t associate with losers, Katya reminded herself. Don’t be a loser. “If my locker gets filled with worms next week, I will personally marinate you like a chicken,” she promised her friend.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it all before. Blame it on Bianca Del Rio. Take a number, sweetheart, you’re holding up the line,” Bianca patted the space next to her on the floor.

Laganja had batted her eyelashes—and used her mouth—to coerce one of the mindless jocks to bring in one of the kegs from outside for their “slumber party secret sesh”. There were fifteen girls, including Katya, who stuck around for the potentially risky game, and Katya wasn’t thrilled to be playing with most of them. Adore finished off her beer and placed the empty bottle in the center of the circle.

“Party!” Adore shouted before giving the bottle a good spin. Around, and around, and around it went before coming to a stop at Coco’s feet. “Miss Coco Montrese, truth or dare?” She asked.

“I’ll pick truth, mama,” Coco answered.

Adore thought for a moment before speaking, “Are you afraid that you’ll always be the runner up?” There was a chorus of oohs. Everyone knew that the race for junior varsity squad captain their sophomore year was a sore spot for both girls. It was no secret that Alyssa was originally chosen to be captain by her teammates. However, when she became implicated in a cheating scandal, Coach Calhoun was forced to denounce her and give Coco, Alyssa’s best friend and the candidate to receive the second most votes, the position. To make matters worse, it was rumored that Coco was the one who suggested that Alyssa had committed academic dishonesty in the first place. Alyssa and Coco had patched up their friendship over the course of the last year, but there was no telling whether or not the structure would hold if tested.

“Out of respect for me and Miss Alyssa, I am going to drink,” Coco responded without hesitance. Adore poured her a shot, and Alyssa gave her hand a grateful squeeze as she tossed it back. “Ain’t no use bringing up what’s past.”

Coco spun the bottle next, and it chose Trixie as its victim. “Truth or dare?” Coco asked.

“I think I’ll pick dare?” Trixie responded with hesitance. Katya didn’t know much about Coco Montrese, but for Trixie’s sake she hoped Coco was one of the nice ones.

Said cheerleader gave Trixie a small and genuine smile, “Okay, mama, I dare you to let Miss Pearl over here do your makeup. Something has got to be done because you aren’t doing a pretty girl like yourself any favors.” The reactions to Coco’s dare for Trixie were mixed. Some of the she-demons tried and failed to hide their amused laughs, Pearl’s eyes opened fully, Violet’s grip on her chair tightened, and Trixie seemed to be not entirely opposed to the idea.

“Pearlie girl,” Trixie began, standing up and crossing to her best friend on the opposite side of the circle, “Treat my face like a princess and then fuck it like a slut.” The life-sized Barbie batted her eyelashes animatedly, earning her a laugh from pearl and a glare from Violet. The ice queen’s elevated irritability prompted Katya to reconsider her previous assessments—maybe it was an entire branch up her ass.

When Pearl and Trixie left, there was a void that seemed to swallow Violet whole. The physical space around her remained largely unchanged, but Katya could feel the emptiness that moved to fill the space Pearl left. And for the first time it occurred to her that Violet Chachki might be alone. I guess there might be some truth to the saying, she mused. After all, if you’re at the top, how can anyone else be? When you stripped away the glitter, the makeup, the clothes, you were left with a girl—albeit an arrogant, entitled, straight up cunt—plain and simple.

“Heavy is the head that wears the crown, huh?” Bianca nudged Katya’s arm, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“What?” Katya asked. Had she missed something while she was contemplating the character of Violet Chachki?

Bianca chuckled, “You’ve been staring at Chachki since Trixie and Pearl left.” The blonde feigned innocence. “You know how I feel about that 48 Hours show, Zamo. Share with the class before your peanut brain short circuits.”

“What’s her problem?” Katya whispered. “I mean, aside from her general disdain for anything that has a pulse and moves.”

“With Trixie?” Bianca confirmed. Katya nodded. “Oh, this is old news. Her Royal Hardass doesn’t share, but Sleeping Beauty’s got a soft spot for one Trixie Mattel.”

The dots aligned in Katya’s head once again. “Violet’s the pumpkin carriage!” She whisper-shouted.

“Bitch, that was not English,” Bianca snarked, “You been hanging around with Jose Cuervo?”

Katya rolled her eyes at her friend’s question, “I have ninety-nine problems, and substance abuse won’t be one of them if I have anything to say about it.” She turned back to the circle just in time to see the neck of the bottle stop on Bianca, who didn’t even flinch. Katya was secretly proud; her friend had bigger balls than most of the ‘macho men’ at the party—this was going to be interesting. Since Trixie had gone upstairs to get her face redone, Detox decided that she would be the brave volunteer to issue the next truth or dare.

“Bianca, truth or dare?” Detox asked smugly. Katya couldn’t guess which one would be worse. Unsurprisingly, Bianca chose dare. “I dare you to ask Max for his number.” There was, again, a chorus of oohs, and it was Bianca’s turn to roll her eyes.

“Really, bitch?” Bianca asked. She stood up and righted her denim shorts before striding over to the meatheads playing beer pong with a clear purpose and her head held high.

Because Bianca could run with the boys, no one batted an eye—unless she wanted them to. She hoisted herself up onto the pool table in front of Max and held out an upturned palm. They were too far away to make out their conversation, and Katya was a terrible lip reader at best, but she could picture how the exchange would go down:

“Gimme ya’ numbah, beefstick,” She imitated Bianca in her head. The 1920s gangster voice was a bold choice, but she wasn’t going to mock it just yet.

“D’uhh…okay,” Fake Max droned.

The blonde chuckled to herself as the real Max stuck a fist in the pockets of his jeans and fished around. Finally, he produced what looked like a wadded up gum wrapper and snagged a pen from his pal, presumably jotting down his number. Bianca hastily took the offering and sashayed back to the group of girls. She dropped the wrapper in Detox’s lap before taking her seat by Katya.

While the hens squawked over her success, Bianca leaned over to Katya and whispered, “Never let a bitch see you sweat.” Katya had so many questions, but she wouldn’t be able to ask them until later. It was Bianca’s turn to spin the bottle, and Adore, unsurprisingly, chose truth when landed on.

“Adore, which girl on the squad is the skunkiest?” Bianca waggled her thick, black brows. Because she was the mascot and didn’t change in the locker room, she genuinely had no idea how rank the girls smelled after practice or a game. Sue her; she was curious. What Bianca also didn’t know was that the question had a definitive answer, and that answer would do damage far beyond her intent to poke a little harmless and innocent fun at one of the girls.

Even completely sloshed, Adore recognized the gravity of the question. “Fuck! If I drink any more, I’m gonna be sick,” Adore groaned. Her teammates looked at her with pity in their eyes.

“Yeah but it’s not like anyone’s ever died from drinking too much!” Laganja came to her rescue, topping off her cup, “What’s one more?” Adore could only offer her a weak smile.

“Uh, I think I’m just gonna spin the thing now…For everyone’s sake,” Adore informed the group. The bottle landed on Gia, and she picked dare.

The turns only seemed to bleed together as time went on. After Gia drank from the toilet, Roxy refused to reveal her weight. Laganja told her dad she was eloping in Vegas, and when she spun the bottle it landed on Violet. Because ladies don’t kiss and tell, the brunette tossed one back instead of revealing the number of sexual partners she’s had. Alyssa confessed that she was afraid she would never achieve her dream of owning her own dance studio. Courtney shared that she’d never been in love, and Willam exposed her entire browser history, telling Katya a lot more than she wanted to know about the girl. For obvious reasons, Joslyn refused to eat a raw egg. Detox followed by removing Adore’s socks with her teeth. Katya played it safe and suggested that Bianca would be a bad date because she’s insulting people all the time before daring Gia to reveal any childhood nickname she had. Things didn’t start going downhill until the bottle landed on Violet a second time.

“Violet,” Gia cooed, “Truth or dare?”.

“Truth,” Violet answered with an unreadable expression.

Gia thought for a moment before asking the first truly problematic question of the night, “Who in this room do you like the least?”

Ruh-roh, Katya winced.

Violet didn’t waste a moment before answering, “Willam.” There was a collective gasp across the room. Willam, on her part, didn’t seem to be phased in the slightest. Then again, you could never really read Willam Belli.

Pearl and Trixie returned, arm in arm, before Violet could spin the bottle. Katya’s jaw—along with all the other girls’—dropped. Trixie looked gorgeous. Pearl reclaimed her seat next to Violet, much to the cheerleader’s delight, but brought Trixie with her. At the group’s insistence, Trixie was allowed to take the turn that she missed, and Detox was dared to call a random number in her phone and deliver the worst pickup line she could think of. Katya was glad for the change in the room’s atmosphere after Violet’s confession until Detox took her turn. After the call, Detox dared Violet to spend the next hour trapped in a bathroom with another girl from the circle chosen at random. Anyone who didn’t know Detox might think she was trying to create a seven minutes in heaven type deal, but even Katya could pick up on her intent to stir up trouble. She pitied the poor soul who ended up stuck in there.

Of course that poor soul ended up being her, and she wasn’t about to pussy out in front of the most popular girls in school. Peer pressure was a bitch. Judge, jury, and executioner had all decided it was her time, and she accepted that; she just wished her death march had a better soundtrack. Katya would be cooped up in one of the Honards’ bathrooms with a less than pleasant—soon to be considerably more less than pleasant—Violet Chachki. She was going to punch Detox in her stupid mouth.

Katya entered the bathroom the same way she’d rip off a band-aid: quickly and without much thought for the immediate consequences. Violet, who was perched on the bathroom counter, had been engrossed in her phone when the door swung open to reveal the one girl that she just couldn’t seem to get away from. Unsurprisingly, the cheerleader wasn’t thrilled.

“Really, bitch?” Violet griped, giving Katya a once over. It wasn’t like the situation was ideal for either of them.

Katya put her hands on her hips, “You know what you can suck? My whole dick.” She unenthusiastically plunked herself down against the wall opposite of the door. “We’ve got two options, Chachki, we can either suck it up and spend the next hour in here in silence, or we can French a little.” Violet was aghast at her words. If Katya were a proper woman, she might have been able to hold in the cackling fit prompted by the girl’s scandalized reaction. Violet wasn’t impressed with her wheezing, either. Katya finally calmed down and attempted to explain herself, “Sorry, I could have been more clear, but your reaction was priceless.” She wiped at her eyes. “Thanks. I needed that. Detox said she was “‘feeling generous,’”  and if we so choose, we can suck face and then get the hell out of Dodge.” Violet sneered, and Katya wondered if it was with anger or disgust; she didn’t know which one was better.

“As fucking if,” Violet scoffed, clearly feeling as though Detox’s so-called coup de grâce was more of a personal attack.

“Well, I don’t see anyone lining up to get the kiss of the spider woman, either,” Katya observed. “I told you that you weren’t going to like it.” The cheerleader exhaled sharply, and she was surprised not to see steam come out of her flared nostrils.

Violet pursed her lips, “Just shut up and stay on your side of the room.” With that, Violet returned her attention to her phone, but Katya didn’t fail to notice that her expression didn’t soften. If Katya weren’t trapped in the room with her, she’d probably find Violet’s situation hilarious.

Katya had made the mistake of leaving her jacket—and consequentially, her phone—on the coat rack in the hall. Call her old fashioned, but it was a force of habit. Besides, she didn’t need her phone because Bianca was supposed to be there to pull her out of trouble if it arose. But are we really surprised to find ourselves here? Katya asked herself. No. Not at all. At least she found herself entertaining. Hoping to bring forth inspiration, she laid back on the floor, let her gaze unfocus, and tried to lose herself in the plain ceiling. Katya didn’t know how long she’d been drifting for when Violet’s voice shattered the silence.

“Fuck!” Violet cursed, and the sound of hard plastic hitting the floor made Katya’s whole body go rigid. She squeezed her eyes shut. I am not going to be equipped to handle this, Katya bristled. Maybe if I just keep my eyes closed, I can fall asleep. It seemed like a feasible plan until she heard the first sniffle. Of course I find out she has feelings when I’m stuck in a room with her, the blonde facepalmed inwardly. Why today, of all days, to be railed in the ass by life? Her left eye opened first, searching for any signs of danger before being followed by her right eye.

“I knew you didn’t like me Chachki, but I didn’t think you found me this repulsive,” Katya spoke. “Quite frankly, it’s offensive.”

“Fuck you,” Violet spat, but the usual venom in her voice was gone. Katya propped herself back up against the wall to get a better look at the girl on the counter. Her attention was unwanted, and Violet turned towards the door with a huff.

Clearly comedic relief wasn’t the answer. “Do you wanna talk about it?” Katya tried again. No response. The girl’s side profile was growing red and blotchy, and Katya had sent her mom enough photos of her crying to know that Violet was trying and failing to stifle an emotional response. Go figure. “I won’t tell anyone if you cry, you know?” She said softly. “Bottling it up is just gonna make you feel shittier than you do now.”

“Do you think I’m a goddamn idiot?” Violet barked. She wiped furiously at her eyes before whirling around in an attempt to intimidate the blonde. “Better make your fifteen minutes last.”

Katya was genuinely taken aback. Does this bitch really think I’m in on this? She shook her head incredulously. Her airhead friends would literally eat me alive, and I’m pretty sure I haven’t given her any reason to think that I’m faker than Malibu Barbie. If I were made of plastic, why in the hell would I keep my hands this small? “Are we really back on this bullshit, Violet?” Katya snapped. “I’m sorry you think that the universe revolves around you. I hate to burst your bubble, but I have better things to do than conspire against you with your teammates over scones. Get over yourself, Princess.” In her head, Katya blew the smoke from the pistols in her hands. Call me perestroika, Mother, for I am reforming problematic practices, she hooted.

“Whatever,” Violet grumbled. Katya, on the other hand, wasn’t willing to let this go; some conversation was better than nothing.

“How’s the back?” The blonde inquired and was pleasantly surprised when Violet outright snorted at the shift in conversation. Katya took her in as she threw her head back in laughter. There was something about this Violet—the unguarded and natural Violet—that captivated her. Violet’s eyes crinkled, and she clasped a hand over her mouth in a flimsy attempt to stifle the noises she was making. It was frustratingly endearing.

Violet cleared her throat before answering, “Fucked. I’m considering outlawing acrylics on the squad. That shit’s not even practical for a cheerleader, and it’s hurting like a bitch to corset.”

“You’re wearing a corset?” Katya gasped. For the first time that night, she took all of Violet in. She wore a nude illusion dress with a loose black lattice pattern. It covered just a little more than her ass and was cinched at the waist with a rocker belt, squeezing her in a way that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. How in the world do you hide a corset under that? Katya wondered. In addition to the dress, she donned thigh high, slick black boots and a thick, black leather choker that looked more like a collar. Hot damn, Katya could n e v e r, and she knew it. She finally composed herself, “First of all, you’re literally a cheerleader with a body to die for. Second of all, why wear something that hurts you?”

The cheerleader didn’t even seem phased by the inquiries, almost like she’d dealt with them hundreds of times before, “Pain is beauty, and I’m the prettiest.” Katya couldn’t argue there. Violet was beautiful, but she still thought her ideology was questionable.

“So what actually happened at the pep rally? We all saw you fall, but I’ll believe it was your fault when the garden is full of ducks holding pastry in their hands. You’re too much of a hardass.”

Violet raised her eyebrows, as if daring Katya to say it again, “I will let that slide only because it’s technically a compliment. And you’d be correct; I am a professional, unlike others. You’d do well to take note: one of my biggest pet peeves is when people don’t take the things I love as seriously as I do. I accept nothing less than perfection.”

“That must be lonely,” Katya couldn’t stop the words from spilling from her mouth. “You know, having such high standards? Does anyone ever make the cut?” Opening her mouth was clearly a mistake because Violet seemed to shut down all at once.

“What do you know about how I feel?” Violet fired back, crossing her arms over her chest.

Keep digging yourself deeper, why don’t ya? Katya shook her head. She needed to tread carefully. It was a miracle that she had even been having a civil conversation with Violet in the first place, and she didn’t want to ruin the progress they had made. “I know that you work harder than anyone else on that squad, and nobody gives you credit or appreciates you for it,” Katya began. “I know that people are fast to discredit your talent because of how young you are. I know that you’re waiting for the day those bitches stop hoping that you’ll screw up or get hurt, the day you can finally stop looking over your shoulder, the day that you no longer have to prove yourself. I know that you’re tired of fighting tooth and nail for the respect that you’ll probably never earn, and I know it’s fucking hard for you to pretend that your peers aren’t harboring resentment towards you. I know that at night you try to wash it all away because you’re still holding out hope that it will all be worth it in the end. Cheer and theatre aren’t that different. It was obvious in the gym, and it’s obvious now.” Katya took a deep breath. Maybe she’d been thinking a little more about Violet that afternoon than she’d like to admit. She hadn’t meant to go off on a tangent like that, but she certainly didn’t regret what she said. Based on Violet’s reaction, however, maybe she should have. The brunette’s hands were clenched into tight fists at her sides, and tears began to roll down her cheeks. Katya tried to backtrack, “Violet I—”

Katya was cut off by the bathroom door swinging open. Pearl, who stood oblivious on the other side, immediately noticed the state of her friend. “Vi?” Pearl approached her hesitantly. Violet’s gaze didn’t move from the floor. “Hey, what’s going on? Talk to me.” She moved to lift Violet’s chin up, but Violet recoiled from her touch.

“Don’t touch me!” Violet shouted, her voice almost frantic. Katya’s eyes darted from one girl to the other. Pearl, who was visibly shocked by her reaction, looked hurt, which was very uncharacteristic for the mellow girl. Katya, herself, had never seen anything but characteristic nonchalance reflected on Pearl’s face, and the change made her uneasy.

Pearl took a reluctant step forward and spoke in a whisper, “Violet, did something happen? You know you can tell me anything.”

“Is that the truth, Pearl?” The brunette questioned. “Because clearly I don’t know you as well as I thought I did.”

Pearl shook her head in frustration. “Cut the crap, Vi,” She demanded, “You’re literally my best friend, and—”

“Bullshit!” Violet interrupted. “I call motherfucking bullshit!” Both girls were standing now with less than a foot between them, the situation escalating by the second, and Katya was stuck in the middle of it. She tried to push her back further into the solid wall behind her, but there was nowhere for her to go. Fuck me! Katya grimaced. Why is Toxic so damn appropriate right now?

“What the hell, Violet?” Pearl shouted back. “God, you’re fucking impossible.”

“Fuck you, Pearl!” Violet pushed Pearl, and the blonde hit the wall with a dull thud. “Fuck you! You and I are done! You hear me? Done! Save your goddamn lies for that pathetic dress up doll. I never want to see you again.” With a huff, Violet stormed out of the bathroom, leaving an uncomfortable Katya and a drained Pearl alone. What the fuck just happened? Katya tried and failed to process the encounter.

She was caught off guard when Pearl finally acknowledged her presence. “Forecast predicts drinking to forget,” Pearl deadpanned, nodding her head towards the door Violet had just stormed through. “Want in?” Katya shook her head furiously. Getting piss drunk with those two would be like making smalltalk with a Molotov cocktail. She’d pass. She’d pass hard. Pearl seemed to understand. “It’s flazéda or whatever,” The corners of her mouth turned up slightly. “Just do me a solid and remind me to fuck with Willam’s weed on Monday.”

Katya didn’t know what “‘flazéda’” meant, or the why and how of Pearl tampering with Willam’s weed, but the questions weren’t enough to persuade her to stick around the party longer. When Pearl left, Katya made a run for the Honards’ front door. She grabbed her jacket before taking off down the street. The blonde didn’t stop until she could no longer hear the music pulsing from the house. Her phone buzzed in her pocket with a text from ‘Bianca del Realest’:

Bitch, where are you?

What the fuck happened in there?

Earth to Yekaterina?

Katya sighed and pocketed the phone again. She’d call her when she got home. That would buy her some more time to put the experience into words…and to decide just how much information she should share.

The drive home from the Honards’ was quiet—too quiet. Music normally made being in the car enjoyable, but there was something about the night that didn’t allow Björk to keep her out of her own head. It didn’t feel real, and that terrified the shit out of her. Life was monotonous, life was mundane, life was one of those stupid time loop movies where you had to learn from your mistakes over time and find out what was important in the stupid haystack of chaos. Violet Chachki and her ex best friend potentially ex best friend were not supposed to have the Chernobyl of all relationship meltdowns in Alaska Honard’s guest bathroom right in front of her. Katya didn’t know who opened this tragic can of worms, but when she found them, she was going to slap a bitch silly.

[hargroves-angel]

Time Changes People / 1

Chapter 1 - These Lies You Tell Yourself

Warnings - Swearing, Smoking, Cigarettes 

You stepped out of the car. People stared. Of course they stared. This wasn’t the Y/N Eastwood that used to come to Hawkins. You were a changed girl, scrap that you were a whole new woman. Your days of pretty dresses and floral perfume were over.

That was all thanks to New York City. Once your father had been offered his new job at a high end lab facility over there, you had to leave. Your father worked so efficiently that he’d managed to get enough money to purchase the lab he worked at, along with favours from friends and colleagues.

The new school you had gone to was so different from Hawkins High. The boys were all very handsome but also assholes, the girls were pretty but much more bitchy. You also worked efficiently, learning that the only way to fit in was to get a new attitude, new closet and a new car.

That was the new you, and you didn’t hate it. You ruled that school, dated various guys and slept around a few times, you’d started smoking, something you weren’t too proud of but only when you were stressed. Everything was perfect, your current boyfriend Tom was starting to think about college and you had made a plan to move in together once school was over. But no, that was all changed. You still remember the morning.

It was last week of summer before school started again, your last year. Your brother Sean came into your room.

“Dipshit” he shouted as he banged the wall annoyingly. You groaned and threw a pillow at him.

“What?!” He threw a flat packed cardboard box into your room. “We are leaving tomorrow, hurry up and pack”

“Leaving?!” Sean nodded.

“We are going back to fucking Hawkins” He left with that delivery of news. Your blood ran cold. ‘WHAT’. Your mind raced as you ran downstairs. Your other two brothers were arguing with your dad already. Sean was smirking in the background as George and Arthur complained to your father. They were triplets all a year older than you. Unlike you, back in Hawkins they were party animals. Very popular, a lifestyle you only now started to understand.

You huffed as your father tried to explain to them that it was due to his work. It got to the point where you heard your dad scream at them. “We are leaving tomorrow there is nothing you can do about it, pack right now!” He was pissed.

Everyone went silent as you all sulked back upstairs. You immediately called Tom, he offered to come over and help pack, spend some last moments with you. It all happened so fast and before you knew it you had to say goodbye to the house you’d grown to love. You held Tom one last time, you promised to make it work, long distance plus it was only a year, he waved goodbye, your number written on his arm.

Once you’d arrived to Hawkins, you were reminded of that past you. A weaker you. You hated that memory. You were so innocent, such a goodie two shoes who wouldn’t dream of going near someone who smoked let alone date one and become one yourself. Cringing at the thought of your flouncy dresses and sensible shoes.

You drove your car into the drive way of the address your father had given you, your brothers were driving their cars whilst your father drove the moving van, he was going to buy a new car once he got here. A fresh start he called it. Bullshit.

This house was huge compared to your old house in Hawkins. The small three bedroom bungalow. Not even enough space for a dining room. It was cosy at least, not too small. This place was beautiful, with perfectly trimmed hedges, it had three floors and every bedroom had an en-suite, you bagged the top floor because in your words : “you’re the only girl in the house therefore require the most privacy”

After having unpacked your stuff, the start of Hawkins High soon dawned on you. You’d stayed inside the rest of the three days you had left here. No way where you letting anyone get a sneak peak of what was to come, obviously they wouldn’t suspect it would be you. After all Y/N Eastwood was the innocent church girl who baked cookies and hung around with Nancy Wheeler.

This now leads us onto where we are currently.

You, in the parking lot of the school, people whispering your name. Some people barely even believing it was you. Grabbing a cigarette from your denim jacket that hung loosely on your figure you took a drag from it. Smoke lacing your lungs. You took your bag from your car and locked it. The school bell rang whilst you made your way across to the school. Your heels clicking against the concrete.

It was that clicking of - Heels?- that confused Billy, he thought that you were a guy, I mean your car and your number plate, it didn’t make sense. His head moved to look at the this “Eastwood”. He felt his pants get a little tight.

He watched your ass as you strutted across the parking lot. A short, white, pleated skirt with a tight, cropped, black ,cami top that was cut into a V neck, that accentuated your cleavage. A denim jacket wrapped around you, slightly oversized. A pair of black heels heals to complete the look.

The cigarette that hung from his lips nearly fell on the ground. He watched Carol and Tina run after you, desperate.

He heard Max shuffle around and grab her bag before she muttered a ‘bye’ and left to go into school.

A hand rested on his shoulder and the familiar voice that he recognised belonging to Tommy H started to speak, “Y/N Eastwood... Shes changed a bit” he chuckled. Billy shrugged his hand off of him.

“Whatever” he muttered as he threw his cigarette on the floor and went into the school.

You walked towards your locker. Carol and Tina behind you. “Y/N Eastwood?!” They both continued to ask questions. You smirked.

“Yes it’s me, anything else you wanna know?” Carol and Tina were taken back by the attitude. They used to mock you occasionally for your kindness, but they weren’t ever cruel. Not as bad as they could’ve been.

Now, to you they were just like the girls back in New York, plastic. So fake it’s like looking at a Barbie Doll. But in your new experience you new how to deal with them, befriend but don’t trust. The only person you trusted in New York was Tom, all the other girls were snakes who only really used you for popularity.

Once you’d reached your locker you took your English book out of your bag and shoved it (the bag) in there. You held the book to your chest as Carol and Tina talked about how much they “missed you” and how all those silly words they said were such great “banter”. You smiled along with them, befriended.

The walk to your English class was fairly short, you really just wanted to escape the constant chattering in your ear about some sort of gossip.

Before you reached the door you heard someone shout your name. Tommy.

Carol ran up to Tommy and he threw his arm around her shoulders. “So when did little miss innocent become badass?” Tommy smirked as he referenced the new you.

“I got laid” you replied a smirk now on your lips.

Everyone laughed and Tommy’s mate, Dean, even patted your back. “She really is a changed woman now guys, never thought I’d hear her say such sinful words” he placed his arm around your shoulders. “How about we get out of here Y/N?” He leaned down to whisper into your ear. You grimaced and pushed his arm off of you.

“I’m down for skipping as a group, but unfortunately I’m taken, sorry boys” You sassed as Dean raised his eyebrows.

“Well he isn’t here now is he?” He tried. You rolled your eyes.

“Not happening, sorry... what was your name again” you knew his name obviously, but this was a new Y/N the girl who everyone wanted to be friends with.

Tommy let out a loud laugh at Deans frown. “Well then, I suggest we skip as group, after all Y/N is a new woman... she won’t be the little tattle tail she used to be” he took a dig at you.

Your old self would’ve been upset by a comment like that, maybe if your day wasn’t so good you’d have cried just a little bit. But you stood there, unphased, a smirk plastered on your face.

“Sure thing” You all left to go to someone’s car. He was called Billy or something, you really were forgetting some names.

You saw the car first. A nice blue camaro, beautiful car, your father used to have one similar, it was a red one, older but still cool. Then you saw the boy leaning against it. Cigarette inbetween his lips. You met eachothers gaze.

His blode curls framed his symmetrical face. He had slight stubble, which formed around his mouth, his lips were a plump pinky-red colour. But his eyes, they were gorgeous, ocean blue irises. He had a strong frame, he worked out. The glimpse you had at his chest showed that. His slightly unbuttoned shirt underneath the denim jacket. ‘Double denim’ you thought not many could pull that off, but he sure could.

He grinned at you. He’d been wanting to introduce himself since that moment he heard your heels.

Butterflies erupted in your stomach, fuck. You calmed yourself down a bit. You had a boyfriend, he’s just one of those handsome guys you see and think about for a moment, before forgetting about them later, he obviously has a reputation.

His eyes traveled lower on your body, he studied you again. You had a pretty face, no, a beautiful face with a stunning figure to match. You weren’t too tall or too short, same height as Carol meaning he could easily Dom you. You were for sure a sub, no matter how badass you looked right now he was certain he could get you whimpering his name in the sheets.

Tina noticed Billy staring at you and nudged you. “Making eyes at Hargrove already, thought you had a boyfriend?” She whispered. You took a deep breath she was right, you did.

“I do, and this Billy kid has nothing on him” you smirked as you looked elsewhere. Tommy introduced you two to eachother.

“Beautiful name for a beautiful girl” he bought your hand to his lips and kissed it softly. You moved it out quickly.

“Umm... thanks” you looked at the floor for a second. Thinking about how you carry yourself next. You needed to show your confidence. “So is this what you guys call fun?” You perked up. Tommy shrugged.

“What else is there to do?” Tommy quipped. You smirked.

“Why don’t we go to the mall or something?”

“Don’t have one” You took that as your queue to let someone else suggest something.

You stood and listened to everyone’s conversations. Hawkins was so boring. Nothing interesting ever happened here. No wonder you moved in the first place. You wanted to go back to New York so bad, you thought about Tom.

Whilst thinking you didn’t notice Billy move closer to you. “So then Princess, where you from, recently I mean?” You met his eyes.

“New York, the bright lights and city is so much more exciting than this shithole” you sighed. Billy smirked. You were sassy.

“True... true, then why come back?” He raised an eyebrow, your eyes hadn’t left eachother the whole time.

“Dads work, something like that” he nods his head slightly.

“Tommy says you’re different from what you used to be, what changed then?”

“That’s for me to know and you to maybe find out” You sassed.

“Ahhh So she’s a mystery girl, I find ways of solving mysteries easy but I think I’m gonna need to find out a bit more about you, for further investigation... of course” he winked at you. You smirked. “Unfortunately, Mr Reputation... I have a boyfriend” why was it so hard to say that?? The bell ringed as if on queue signaling the end of break. You waved goodbye to the group as you, Carol and Tina walked away together to your next class. Billy was shocked to say the least.

“Cat got your tongue Hargrove?” Tommy chuckled. His boys all laughed along with him. Billy rolled his eyes and went to class.

Soon enough your day had come to an end and you managed to weave your way though students who were crowded around your car one brunette caught your eye in particular. ‘Shit’ it was Nancy, your former best friend. After Barb things weren’t the same, she would call you every night but once she told you the news you two grew distant and then the phone calls stopped and you lost contact. It was shame, but you didn’t need Nancy, you had Carol and Tina now. Something you thought you’d never think.

You backed out of the space and drove home. All that was on your mind now was calling Tom.

Once you’d got home you ran upstairs. You dumped your bag on your floor and called him.

After a few rings you heard his voice. “Y/N, I cant talk right no-“ you heard some shuffling and a girls voice.

“Who’s that?” Tom took a deep breath.

“I can’t do this anymore Y/N, this long distance thing, it’s over I’m sorry” he hung up before you could even say anything.

‘That asshole, it’s only been three fucking days’... you were gonna stay together. You felt the tears coming. You hadn’t cried since you’d last been in Hawkins. You couldn’t help but let them fall. You didn’t bother to wipe them away. You couldn’t move.

He was the only person you trusted in that whole damn place and ... now he’s... you breathed in. You tried to gain composure.

You sat on your bed, looking straight at the phone that was on your wall. You wanted to break it, you wanted to tear it up, you wanted to scream. You stayed silent.

You let the tears roll down your cheeks as you let out an ugly cry and delved your head into your pillows. Your mind was all over the place... You hadn’t cried since you’d last been in Hawkins...

The words “weak” and “dumb” played through your mind. People would allways call you this because you never stood up for yourself, you never said anything if someone was horrible and most importantly you let people tread on you. So you stopped crying whenever someone said something horrible, you said something back. You stopped crying fullstop.

You brushed the tears from your face and went to the mirror in your room. ‘You can do this Y/N’ you thought. You don’t need him. All he wants is the next piece of ass out there. Like you care, a lie. You didn’t even want him anyway, another lie.

You were done with feelings, that was a fairly convincing thought but still a lie. All you needed was to calm the fuck down, shove a smile on your face and walk through those doors of Hawkins High tomorrow and act as though you couldn’t give a single shit, that’s a good plan.

You could get anyone. You were Y/N Eastwood. The new Y/N Eastwood. Who got all the boys attention, you didn’t need Toms special treatment. ‘Fuck him’ you thought. You’re over him anyway, another lie.

You took a deep breath and grabbed a cigarette from your bag. You lit it and inhaled the smoke. Your nerves calming. You hated smoking, you hated it with a passion, it smelled horrible and felt horrible too, but at the same time something about it calmed you.

All you need is a plan for when you get out of here, nothing wrong with some minor adjustments.

[fanficimagery]

The Lost Magician

#289 "Oh, fuck off."

Summary: When Darcy, Pepper and Natasha are overpowered, and Natasha's badly injured while Pepper's been knocked unconscious, Darcy must call upon an old friend and expose a part of herself that she's tried to put behind her.

Shit. Shit. Double shit.

Darcy anxiously paces the stone cell that she, Pepper and Natasha have just been tossed in, she regretting ever staying in touch with superheroes after Jane had unofficially let her go when Thor whisked her away to Asgard. She had planned to learn how to stand on her own two feet, and she had for a while, but then Clint came back into her life one night while drinking at a bar and then soon followed Natasha, Steve, Pepper and Tony.

Natasha had been rather intimidating at first, so Pepper made it her mission to get the two females comfortable with each other. It worked, and Darcy and Nat had soon become better friends than either of them had anticipated.

So with Avengers back in her life, it was only a matter of time before their enemies found the one weakness they all had in common. Darcy herself.

Normally, Natasha could take care of herself and another individual. And since Darcy had been taking self-defense lessons from her friends, she could briefly hold her own in a fight. But swarm after swarm of thugs in tactical gear ambushed the three ladies while enjoying a relaxing week at the Banyan Tree Samui in Thailand, and not only did Natasha try protecting herself but she also tried to protect Darcy and Pepper simultaneously. For her troubles Natasha took a bullet to the knee and another to the shoulder, Pepper was knocked unconscious as she tried calling in back-up, and Darcy got smacked around a bit after taking down two thugs with her trusty taser.

"Save your energy," Natasha says quietly, holding Darcy's torn plaid button-up to the wound on her shoulder. "You and Pepper are going to have to help me if we want to get out of here alive."

Darcy scoffs. "Nat, we're in the middle of nowhere. That little window up there," she says, pointing to a bar covered window that could barely fit a toddler, "shows nothing but jungle. And I swear I heard some large cat on the prowl outside."

"We couldn't have gone far," Natasha tiredly muses. "I wasn't out for long and you said they drove us by vehicle, so we're still in Thailand."

"No shit." Natasha blandly stares at Darcy, the brunette then cringing at her words. "I'm sorry. I just- I don't like cells and I want out."

"Get it together, Lewis. You're no good to us if you have a panic attack."

"Oh, fuck off." She can feel her chest tightening and if she was uncomfortable before, she’s 10X more uncomfortable now. But then Pepper groans as she groggily comes to and Darcy has something else to focus on. "Hey. Hey, take it slow," she says as Pepper tries to sit up.

"T-Tony?"

"Darcy," she regrettably admits. "We couldn't get a SOS out before they brought us in. They also stripped of us everything but our clothes, so our panic buttons were taken, too."

Pepper whimpers. "Where are we?"

"We're not sure." After Darcy helps Pepper get situated so she's sitting up against the wall, she then stands and heads over to check on Natasha and make sure the makeshift bandage around her knee is not loosening. "But I think- God, I'm so sorry- I think I can get us out of here."

Natasha's bloody hand falls atop of Darcy's trembling ones as they tighten the bandage, she frowning. "Unless you've got some hidden abilities that we don't know about, it's best we sit tight and gather our strength to fight it out later." She smiles to try and lighten the mood, but at Darcy's crestfallen expression her brow pulls together in confusion. "Darcy, you don't actually have abilities, do you? I've read your file front to-"

"It's- it's new," she stammers and then stands to put some space between her and Natasha. "I only did about a year and a half of schooling before it all became too much. It's- it was a lot like Harry Potter, actually, only it was college for the magical adept. There were no wands, it was a lot more terrifying, and not at all whimsical and fun like the fantasy books make you believe."

"Darcy," Pepper says sadly. "Why didn't you-"

"Tell anyone?" She guesses, scoffing. "I didn't want to be on SHIELD's radar. I didn't want Clint acting weird around me and I didn't- I'm not cut out for this stuff! If people found out- if Steve found out- he'd push for me to train and join the superhero club, but I can't. I can't, Pepper," she sniffles.

Though her expression is carefully put together, Darcy can tell Natasha doesn't exactly know how to handle this news. Ever since Loki, any talk of magic put a lot of people on edge. "When did you start?" She asks.

"A-As soon as I got back into the States," she mumbles. "After Jane, I thought I could go back to school. And I did, only it wasn't normal school like I thought it'd be." The two women don't exactly know what to say to her admission and Darcy suddenly thinks that this was a mistake. But now that the cat's out of the bag, there's no shoving it back in.

"Darce, can you get us out of here?" Natasha asks, gulping as she straightens up. Pepper suddenly looks a bit hopeful and Darcy feels terrible about letting them down.

"I can't. I couldn't even finish magic school," she sighs dejectedly. Natasha sighs as well and Pepper slumps in defeat. "But.. I think I know someone who can." Darcy rushes to the other side of their cell, she sitting with her back to the wall and crosses her legs as if she were about to meditate. "You just- you have to trust me. Trust us. We're not bad people, I swear."

"Darcy," Pepper softly speaks. "We adore you. I can't speak for Natasha, but I trust your judgement."

Darcy looks to Natasha. "I wish you would have told me," she says. "But I understand why you kept your secret under wraps." Natasha then grimaces as she shifts her position on the ground again. "So if you didn't finish school, how does your lack of magic help us?"

Darcy takes a couple of deep breaths and closes her eyes. "The other Magicians that were assigned to my Discipline specific house, a house for those who are focused on one particular brand of magic, were like stoners. Entertaining for sure, but just not my cup of tea. Not anymore, at least. But then Penny came around, a Psychic and Traveler, and we were.. good friends."

Natasha faintly smirks. "Which is code for fuck buddies. You slept with her."

"I slept with him," Darcy admits. "It was fun, but that's all. His heart belonged to someone else and I- I just needed someone to ground me at Brakebill's. Penny and his friends did that for a while."

"Okay, so how can this Penny guy help us?" Pepper wonders.

"Like I said, he's a Psychic and Traveler. Travelers can travel anywhere in just the blink of an eye, so if I mentally or verbally call out to him he might be able to hear me and come find us. Maybe. I'm not sure how his magic actually works."

Neither Pepper or Natasha say another word, so Darcy settles in to calm her racing heart and mind. Taking a few more deep breathes, she mentally calls out, [Penny, I really hope you can hear me right now because I'm in deep shit and I need your help. It's Darcy, by the way. Penny. Penny! Please, hear me. I'm afraid they're going to kill us very soon. Please find me.]

Blinking open her eyes, she's met with one hopeful expression and one bland. "So what now?" Natasha asks.

"I dunno." Darcy takes a gulp before casting her gaze around the room and in a last ditch effort, she says aloud, "Penny! Penny, help me. They're going to kill us if you don't find me. Please, Pen. Please," she pleads.

"Darcy," Pepper smiles sadly, shaking her head. "It's okay. Calm down."

Darcy blinks at her, suddenly aware that she's crying. She quickly wipes the tears from her face, sniffling and then coming up with another idea. "What's the most annoying song you two know?"

Pepper takes a moment to think on it, but Natasha already has a song in mind. "Barbie Girl. I played it on loop for Stark after he pissed me off one day and he cracked after the third loop."

Despite their predicament, Pepper snorts a laugh and Darcy grins. "Weakling." Then settling in, Darcy starts humming the rather catchy tune to will the lyrics to pop up in her mind. [I'm a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world. Life in plastic, it's fantastic. You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere. Imagination, life is your creation.] "Come on, Pen. Come find me. Follow the annoying song. Just.. hear me, goddammit." [I'm a blond bimbo girl, in a fantasy world. Dress me up, make it tight, I'm your dolly. You're my doll, rock'n'roll, feel the glamour in pink. Kiss me here, touch me there, hanky panky].

"This was a bad idea," Natasha grumbles.

For hours Darcy hums the song, ignoring the pitying looks as she curls up in a corner and eventually dozes off.

Darcy's strapped down to a table, her head the only part of her body that she's able to move. To her left lays Natasha and to her right is Pepper, but something's.. something's wrong. Pepper's whimpering and struggling against her own bindings, but Natasha.. Natasha's eerily quiet and staring rather lifeless up at the stone ceiling.

"N-Nat?" She mumbles. "Nat!"

"She's dead. She's dead," Pepper cries. "She was too much of a threat. She was the only one who could fight back and that they were afraid of."

Tears well up in Darcy's already puffy eyes, they falling a moment later. She struggles even harder against her bindings, screaming her throat raw. She doesn't want to die. She can't! She still has so much to accomplish in life and if she dies now-

"D? What the hell kind of dream is this?"

"I don't wanna die, Pep. I don't wanna die. There's still so much-"

"Darcy. Look at me." Hands cradle her face, tilting her face to stare up at a familiar brown face, concern etched in his expression. It's Penny. "You're dreaming, D. You need to wake up."

She's tired. Oh so tired. Weakly shaking her head, she says, "This isn't a dream. This is going to be my reality soon enough."

His brow furrows. "What are you talking about?"

"This room isn't that different from where I currently am. I think," she frowns and pulls on her bindings. "Tables are new though."

"Focus, Darcy. Where are you? I can find you, you know I can. I just need-"

"T-Thailand. We're in Thailand." The door to the room opens and several men enter the room, rolling along a cart that holds some terrifying pieces of machinery. Darcy whimpers as she realizes what they're carting along, and not even Penny trying to grab her attention works.

"It's not real. It's not real, Darcy. Your dream, your control. Just will it away."

But the men keep coming closer until they're settled by the end of the table by her head. They shove a rubber mouth piece in her mouth, and at Darcy's muffled screaming Penny starts to rush at the men. But since it's a dream, he merely passes right through them.

"Darcy! It's. Not. Real!" Some type of oil is massaged on her temples and then the cold metal of round shock paddles are pressed there. Over her screaming and muffled pleading, she can hear the swearing of her friend. "It's not fucking real, D! Think of something else. Come on, Darce. Anything else."

But her mind is stuck on her current situation and a moment after the ominous click of a dial, Darcy arches up in pain as electricity courses through her brain.

Darcy screams awake, drenched in ice cold water. Her chest heaves as she tries to catch her breath, the door to their cell slams shut, and Darcy realizes a moment later that she had fallen asleep. "What- what-"

"You were screaming," Pepper tells her. "We couldn't wake you up and the guards didn't like the screaming. They brought us food, though."

"First rule of being kidnapped," Natasha mumbles. "Don't eat the food. It's most likely laced with sedatives."

Darcy looks at her, frowning that her friend is on the verge of needing some medical attention as soon as possible. "Hang on," she tells her. "I think- I had a visit from Penny. He'll be looking now. I'll just have to mentally call out to him every now and again."

Natasha sighs. "That's good. Our captives don't appear to be in any hurry. No one knows we're missing yet and the morons are talking about ransoming us. They're not super villains, they're just money hungry assholes who got lucky."

Darcy scoffs. "Typical." Her stomach grumbles and she casts the food and water a yearning look, but Natasha upends the water and tray with a grunt. "You suck, Tash."

"You'll thank me when you actually have the energy to fight back should someone try anything with you."

The women all go quiet, Natasha because her energy levels are already low and Pepper because being kidnapped is exhausting. As she gives them a reprieve of quiet, Darcy bends her knees and hugs them to her chest. Then laying her head atop her knees, she starts mentally singing 'Barbie Girl' again.

     - X - X - X - 

"Jesus fuckin' Christ, Penny!" Darcy suddenly yells, staring up at the ceiling. "Can you just find us already?!"

Natasha’s head lolls to the side and Pepper snorts awake. Aggravated at getting nowhere, Darcy pushes herself up to her feet and angrily paces the room while mumbling beneath her breath.

After giving her a moment to vent her frustrations, Pepper says to her, "Maybe you should get your mind off of everything going on. Why don't you show us some magic?"

Her irritated glare lands on Pepper before softening, she throwing out one last mental threat/plead to Penny before sliding down against the wall opposite Pepper and Nat. Taking a deep breath because her friends don't deserve any of her attitude, Darcy lightly shakes out her arms. Hands in her lap, she then says, "I'm not sure what to show you. I didn't finish my schooling."

"Show us what you can." Natasha then mumbles.

Darcy feebly nods, and then concentrating briefly she brings her hands together, palm to palm an inch apart. "Funny little thing they don't tell you," she says, hands and fingers already moving in an intricate dance. "Magic doesn't come from talent. It comes from pain." Then as she slowly pulls her hands further apart, a dark blue energy crackles before a small dark storm cloud manifests between her hands. "My discipline was natural magic. I can manipulate natural elements."

"It's beautiful," Pepper breathes as the rolling clouds fade away.

     - X - X - X - 

Darcy spends the next couple of hours making it rain outside, holding onto her anger and pain to fuel her concentration on spell casting. Pepper holds the cup between the bars, filling the cup up enough to rinse out any lingering traces of drugs and then refilling it with clean water to drink.

It's when the sun's setting yet again that something new happens, shouting and gunfire making the three women perk up. When it goes momentarily quiet, two voices can be heard arguing. One seems rather agitated and running on adrenaline, and the other- feminine- blandly, yet amusingly talks about not having seen this much excitement in a while.

"Margo?" Darcy mumbles quietly. But Pepper and Natasha hear her, and as the voices continue talking, she's even more sure she knows those voices. "PENNY! MARGO! We're in here!"

The voices cease and then..

"Darcy?"

"Yes! We're in here," she yells, running up to the metal door and pounding on it with her fists. "We're in here!"

"Hold tight, D. We're going to get you out." Margo had always been Darcy's favorite, after Penny of course, what with her blunt and sassy attitude.

Several runic designs start to glow on the door and Darcy quickly jumps aside. The hinges on the door explode and the door is knocked down just before two figures rush in. Penny and Margo.

In the next second Darcy finds herself wrapped in a pair of strong, brown arms, her face pressed into the neck of her ex-lover. "Jesus Christ, D. Never fucking again, you hear me? This is not how I imagined our little reunion going."

Darcy snorts and when she has a moment to pull back she finds Margo slowly pacing the room with a wrinkled nose. "Ew," her friend mutters, fluffing her hair as if preparing to get down to work. "This place is not fit for a Queen. Couldn't they have at least given you a bed?"

Darcy huffs a laugh. "Margo," she says, shaking her head. "Rescue now, bitch later. I'm sure our kidnappers heard your little explosion. They'll be coming."

"On the contrary, my friend," Margo grins. "Penny and I warded up both ends of the hallway after taking care of a few.. pests. No one's getting in until we pop out of here." Margo continues to pace the small cell, dragging a finger along the walls. "Seriously, these people have no imagination. You'd think that with a Queen in their midst they'd have asked for so much more than what we overheard them asking for."

"Q-Queen?" Pepper stammers.

Darcy groans and hides her face in Penny's chest. "Not now, Pep. Later, I promise."

"Now sounds like a perfectly good time," Natasha says, grimacing as she tries to stand. She does, but her weight is on one leg only and her palm is pressing to the wound on her shoulder. "Apparently no one's getting in, so what else haven't you told us?"

Darcy feels Penny tense against her, his chin resting atop her head, content on not letting her go. And huh. That's a new development. She could have sworn Penny was all about Kady. He was never the cuddly type with her. "An Avenger, Lewis? Seriously? You really know how to pick your friends, don't you?"

"If it makes you feel any better," she mumbles, "I knew about half of the Avengers before I attended Brakebills."

"Oh, gross," Margo suddenly groans. "That's a lot of blood."

"You think?" Natasha deadpans.

Margo looks offended for exactly two seconds before she's smirking at Natasha. "Oh, I like you. Darcy should have introduced us sooner." Darcy turns her head to look at her other magically adept friend, she finally leaving the safety of Penny to help Natasha stand. "I brought some healing potions for Darcy since Penny was freaking out after he transported into her dream, but you seem like you need them more."

Margo holds a few vials out to Natasha, but the redhead merely stares at them. It takes Darcy grabbing them and uncorking a couple, she then holding them out for Natasha to take when she's ready. "I trust them," she tells Nat. "If I needed these more than you, I'd swallow them in a heartbeat. But seeing as you can barely stand and look paler than normal, you need to take them."

Natasha reluctantly takes the vials, drinking the potions while staring blandly at the two newcomers. The potions kick in, in less than a minute, Natasha then standing straighter with a healthy flush to her cheeks. She nods tersely to Margo in thanks and then stumbles over to Pepper to check her over herself.

"So if we're all ready now, can we go?" Darcy asks. "I really need a shower, food and like.. a bed so I can sleep for a couple days straight."

"Yeah," Penny says. "Lets get out of here." Margo immediately takes up his right hand and Darcy takes up his left. Then looking to Natasha and Pepper, he says, "Just clasp hands and interlock your fingers with each other. Then take up Margo and Darcy's hands to close the circle. I'll transport us to a place I'm familiar with and then you can tell me where to go from there."

Darcy takes Pepper hand with a smile, but the blonde's knowing smirk unsettles her. "Queen Darcy, huh? I can't wait to hear all about this."

"You would," she sighs. "Don't get too excited. Being one of the Queen's of Fillory isn't as grand as it sounds."

Penny snorts. "You got that right." And then within the blink of an eye, the group is whisked away to safety.

[amazingphanisnotonfire-imagines]

Sweet Pea//Serpent King

Request: Can you do a Sweet Pea x female reader one-shot with some Varchie, Bughead, and Choni thrown in the mix? The reader is a Serpent and is transferred to Riverdale High with her boyfriend Sweet Pea and her friends Toni and Fangs. Veronica and Archie are still going strong. Toni and Cheryl hate each other at first but they eventually start dating and Cheryl gets the red jacket. Betty and Jughead get back together and Betty becomes the Serpent Queen. No smut, please.

Walking through the doors of Riverdale High you could feel every single students eyes on you. Sweet Pea gripped your hand tightly as you moved forward with the rest of the serpents. Toni and Fangs were stood beside you glaring at everyone looking at them and Jughead was of course leading you all. You and Sweet Pea looked at each other and rolled your eyes when you saw the table set out with a some enthusiastic looking students stood behind it. 

“I think we’ve just walked into the set of every stereotypical teen movie ever.” You mumbled making Sweet Pea smile. 

“Friends! On behalf of the students and faculty here at Riverdale High, welcome to your new school!” A dark haired girl smiled at you and you had to suppress a laugh. “To ease this transition, I’ve set up a registration desk, where you can get your locker assignments, class schedules and a list of sports and extracurriculars.” She continued, you looked beside her to see a red headed boy hanging off her every word and beside him a dark haired boy who Fangs was sending some serious vibes to. “We encourage each and every one of you to drink deeply from the cup that is fair Riverdale.” She finished and you and Sweet Pea squeezed each others hands to stop you both from laughing. 

“Stand down Eva Peron!” A red headed girl interrupted and everyone looked at her. She walked down the stairs, with a stereotypical looking footballer and a bunch of cheerleaders following her. 

“Here we go.” Sweet Pea mumbled and you rolled your eyes. You looked beside you to see Jughead and Toni staring at her angrily.

“There’s the school spirit I so fondly remember.” Jughead said sarcastically and you laughed. 

“Cheryl. No one invited fascist barbie to the party.” The dark haired girl acknowledged her but she just ignored her. 

“Wrong, Veronica. No one invited Southside Scum to our school.” She replied and the entire group tensed. “Listen up, ragamuffins.”

“Ragamuffins?” You mumbled. “What kind of insult is that?” You asked loudly gaining everyone’s attention.

She looked at you with raised eye brows and Sweet Pea squeezed your hand tightly. “I will not allow Riverdale High’s above average GPA to suffer, because of classrooms that are overcrowded with underachievers. So please, do us all a favour and find some other school to debase with your hard-scrabble ways.” She finished with a smirk and looked you all up and down. 

“Why don’t you come over and say that to my face?” Toni asked angrily and moved towards her. You, Sweet Pea, Fangs and Jughead followed her, ready to fight. 

“Happily, Queen of the Buskers.” 

“She is just asking for a smack.” You muttered and Sweet Pea held your arm. 

“Okay, guys. Everyone. Can we just put our Northside-Southside differences apart and start over? A new slate?” The read headed boy asked and you could practically hear everyone roll their eyes. 

“You don’t speak for the Bulldogs, Andrews. And need I remind you, these greaser-snakes showed up at your place trying to kick your ass.” One of the bulldogs told him. 

“Happy to finish what he started.” Sweet Pea threatened and moved forward. You pulled him back and stood in front of him. 

“I’m so over the toxic masculinity in this hallway right now.” Veronica started. 

“Oh shut up.” You snapped and she looked at you offended. 

“Alright! Thats enough pomp and circumstance. Everyone get to class. Now!” Principal Weatherbee said and Jughead pushed Sweet Pea forward, the rest of you following and glaring at the Northsiders who were still staring. 

“We haven’t even got our schedules.” Fangs complained. 

“Do you wanna go back?” You asked annoyed. 

“No.” He replied and continued to glare. 

“Stupid northsiders.” Sweet Pea grumbled. 

“Its okay baby.” You kissed his cheek and he sighed. “Everything will get better.” You reassured him and he shook his head. “And if not, we’ll just kick their ass.” You added and he laughed. 

A few weeks had gone by and you, Sweet Pea, Toni and Fangs had been inseparable. Everywhere you went their were judgey stares, which of course you returned. Everyone had been in their fair share of fights and now you had been made to get rid of your serpent jackets, meaning Sweet Pea had to wear a turtleneck to cover his tattoo, much to everyone but his amusement. 

“You look great babe.” You stifled a laugh as he walked into the student lounge. Toni and Fangs turned around to see what you were talking about and almost fell over laughing. 

“Shut the fuck up.” He grumbled and made his way over to you. 

“It suits you.” You added and tried to conceal your smile. 

“Yeah. It er. It brings out the colour of your eyes.” Fangs added with a smile and Sweet Pea shoved him. 

“Its really not that bad.” You tried to reassure him but he rolled his eyes. “I’ve seen Fangs wear much worse.” 

“Hey!” Fangs replied offended and you laughed. 

“You would look good in anything. I promise.” You kissed him and he smiled. 

“Thanks but that doesn’t make me feel any better.” 

“Are you busy tonight?” Fangs asked. 

“No.” Sweet Pea shook his head. 

“Sort of.” You replied. 

“What’re you doing without us? We’re you’re only friends. Isn’t that right Toni?” Fangs looked beside him but Toni had disappeared. “Where’d she go?” 

“Cheryl.” You and Sweet Pea replied at the same time and he nodded. 

“Anyway. What you doing?” 

“Betty wants me to escort her to the Southside so she can see Jughead. I think she’s planning on making up with him if you know what I mean.” 

“And you agreed to that?” Sweet Pea asked confused. 

“He’s the future serpent king. I don’t want to be given all of the shitty jobs when FP passes the crown on.” You replied and they agreed. 

“Smart.” 

“But I shouldn’t be too long. What did you wanna do?” 

“I wanna go see Love, Simon at the Bijou tonight. I was gonna invite Toni as well but she’s too busy trying to get with Bombshell.” He rolled his eyes and you laughed. “I’ll see you guys later.” He sighed before going to his class. 

“Don’t you have the same class?” You asked Sweet Pea. 

“Oh shit. Yeah.” He remembered. “I’ll text you when we’re meeting tonight. I love you.” He kissed you before running after Fangs. 

“Soooo. Do you think you and Jughead are gonna get back together?” You asked Betty as you walked beside each other. The majority of the walk had been in silence and seeing as though you could see his trailer you thought you may as well make some sort of attempt at conversation. 

“Hopefully.” She replied and you smiled slightly. 

“Thats good.” You replied awkwardly. 

“I’m sorry for how everyone treats you. And thats not just because Jughead’s a serpent.” 

“Its okay. Its not you thats discriminating. You’re doing the opposite to be honest. You’re sleeping with one of us.” You shrugged and she laughed. “Well, here you are.” You gestured to his trailer and she nodded. 

“Thank you.” 

“No problem.” You replied and turned around. “Put in a good word with the future king.” You mumbled. 

“What?” She asked. 

“Nothing.” You shook your head and walked away. You heard the door open behind you and turned around to see them already making out, so you assumed they made up and were back together. 

You arrived at the bijou a little later than planned and saw Sweet Pea and Fangs waiting impatiently outside for you. 

“Sorry.” You apologized. 

“We’ve missed like half the movie.” Fangs complained and you rolled your eyes. 

“Shut up Fogarty. I’m five minutes late. The adverts won’t have started yet.” You argued. Sweet Pea held your hand as you walked in and found your seats. “Is that Toni?” You asked once you had all sat down. “With Cheryl?” 

“Holy shit.” Sweet Pea muttered. 

“Its cute.” You smiled. 

“We’re still going to tease her when we see her tomorrow though?” Fangs asked. 

“Of course.” You replied. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing beside Sweet Pea you laughed at something stupid he’d said. Fangs was stood on the other side of him and Jughead was sat in front of you all. You looked around the park and saw Cheryl and Toni laughing with each other, making you smile to yourself. 

“Listen up now! All right, listen up!” FP shouted, gaining everyone’s attention. “Some 60 years ago, the very first Serpent meeting took place on these same riverbanks. Now, it makes sense that this is where we gather now, where I-” He paused trying to find the right words. “Where I say my goodbye. Jughead would you step up here, son?” He finished and everyone started to mutter. 

“What the fucks going on?” You whispered to Pea. 

“I’m not really that sure. To be honest, I thought we were called here to get drunk and celebrate how far we’ve come.” He replied honestly and you laughed. Jughead made his way towards FP and the three of you looked at each other confused. 

“What are you doing?” He mumbled. 

“What I should have done a long time ago.” He muttered back. “I’m retiring from the Serpents.” He announced and the muttering got louder. “For real this time.” He added and you laughed. “Now, my boy has never stopped fighting for this crew. Hell. He almost died for it. Thats why I’m giving you the mantle.” He told Jughead and everyone cheered. Sweet Pea hit Fangs making him wince in pain from his gunshot wound. You then hit Sweet Pea in the arm to make up for it. “And now, as your first official duty as Serpent King...” He nodded to Toni who made her way towards the two of them and handed FP a red serpent jacket. “I think you know what to do with this.” He handed it to Jughead making him smile. 

“All right, all right.” He muttered. “All I can say is...I love you dad. And the serpents will not die out. Not on my watch.” He said and everyone cheered again. Cheryl made her way towards him and they smiled at each other as he gave her, her jacket. 

“Whoooo!” You cheered and clapped and she smiled at you. “Thank God, we’ve got another girl.” You smiled and she laughed, before making her way back to Toni and kissing her. 

“One more thing.” Jughead told you all. “We have a new Serpent Queen.” 

“Jughead! I told you I wasn’t ready for you tell everyone yet!” You shouted and everyone laughed. 

“Jughead! You told me I was the new Serpent Queen!” Sweet Pea joined. 

“And me!” Fangs added, just as upset as the two of you. 

“Shut up.” He smiled. “Betty’s the Serpent Queen, not any of you idiots.” 

“Very clever, insulting the serpents literally five minutes after being crowned king.” You teased and he laughed before ringing Betty to tell her the good news. 

“I love you so much.” Sweet Pea smiled at you and you grinned. 

“I love you too.” You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him towards you, connecting your lips quickly. 

“You’re my Serpent King.” You mumbled against his lips. 

“And you’ll always be my Serpent Queen.” He smiled and kissed you again. 

Permanent Taglist: @mayaslifeinabox​ @thoseawkwardturtless​ @we--are--infinite--2​ @serpentgirll​ @reblogserpent

[sinsiriuslyemo]

Good afternoon everyone!! Here is a fun new episode of Cuba v DR!!

EPISODE 9

“We're just looking,” Amber said as she sat with you in the kitchen while Omar and Nevada sat in the living room, they decided to visit after checking out the house.

“Looking is a start,” you said gently.

“We'd be divorced within the year if we keep living in Jersey.” Amber hugged tighter you.

“Omar is a very good man, you're lucky to have him. But I don't know if he's a good husband, I've only ever seen him as a bodyguard and a brother.”

“He’s trying,” Amber offered with a shrug. “Though he did have some doubts before we got married as to whether we should get married at all, but...I think it was him trying to take pressure off of me mixed with cold feet.” She paused for a moment, taking a sip of her coffee. “He’s great with Fallon.”

“That's good,” you offered back, pulling her closer as you braided her hair. “It's good that he's great with the baby but...it's gotta be lonely.”

“I mean, it’s not a fucking picnic but...our relationship is more than sex,” she mumbled. “It’s fine...that’s why God invented dildos right?”she added, chuckling half-heartedly.

“If it makes you feel better my sex life is almost gone as well,” you said gently. “So if you ever want some action, call me up, I'll do anything to get off,” you said with a teasing laugh. Both of you giggled as you held her close. “You're my best friend,” you whispered. “You know I'd set this whole city on fire for you if I had to, right?”

Amber rolled her eyes, “Okay, calm down pyro, but yeah, I know.” She hugged back tight and smiled at you. “I love you too Barbie.”

“You need to support her head more,” Omar said with a pinched expression at Nevada as he held Fallon.

“I know how to hold a fucking baby, pendejo, I got three of em,” Nevada bit back, holding Fallon up against his chest. “Surprised to see you here, bro. Jersey City not working out?”

“It's a fucking nightmare, the only person more miserable about it than me is Amber. Even she says we can't live there. It's not our home and Fallon can tell how unhappy we are.”

Nevada nodded his head a little, his eyes on Fallon.

“You’re itching.”

“What?”

“Itching, you know like when someone loses a limb and sometimes they still feel an itch where their leg or their arm used to be. You want things back to how they were instead of accepting that things won’t ever be like they were,” Nevada replied, looking down at Fallon and asking, “Isn’t that right, mija?”

“So what then? Fuck my marriage? Fuck my old life? Now what?” he asked a little tensely.

“I’m not saying fuck your marriage, oye, you gotta calm down. Fallon, tell your dumb ass father to calm down,” Nevada said, once again talking to the baby girl, who cooed back at him and smiled. “You gotta lean into what’s different, not fight against it. You know if you move back here, your stress level will give you a fucking coronary. You’ll be always worried about this one, and the other one going places she shouldn’t be at. I’ll tell right now, you guys do whatever you want, but if I see your wife in my club, I’ll just fuckin’ kill her.”

“She’s not that stupid,” Omar answered.

Nevada arched a brow in doubt, shrugging a little.

“I don’t know about that,” he mumbled under his breath. “Entonce que?”

“Jersey will kill us. So where do we go then? She misses everyone.”

Fallon fussed at the notice of her father's distress.

“If we don't do something, we'll go insane.”

“Coño, pero carajo, it’s not like we don’t still see each other all the fucking time. Her and Dama are together constantly, mami’s always over there too. Como que misses everyone?” Nevada asked with a bewildered expression. “Oye, I’m pretty sure she just never wanted to leave, cause she’s stubborn as fuck and she thinks she can take on anyone and everything. She doesn’t think anything can happen to her, cause she’s fucking Amber Woods,” Nevada answered, swaying his head as he spoke her name. “You even wanna be married anymore?”

Omar shrugged lightly, looking down at his hands.

“Jesus fucking Christ, you two are fucking exhausting, sabes?”

“I love her, she's the mother of my child but...have you ever fallen out of love with Dama?”

Nevada shook his head, corners of his mouth pulling downward.

“No...I thought I did once pero, deep down, I knew I was still in love with her. Why? You think you’re not in love with blanca anymore?” he asked, lowering his voice so as not alert the two women in the kitchen.

Omar shook his head, eyes staring into Nevada’s.

“Then, you should probably tell her. Si no, la vas a volver loca con preocupación. You owe her that much, bro.”

“She says she's still in love with me, I owe it to her to make it work...Jesus, she'll probably run off with officer fuckface.”

“You owe it to her to be honest,” Nevada replied, arching a brow. “You think she’ll be happy with you pretending to be in love with her still, just to try to make it work? Oye, eso es cosa de guajiro,” he added.

He sighed and nodded, “So I should divorce her?” he asked softly. “I want your honest opinion.”

“You should talk to her, and just tell her what’s on your mind. Tell her how you feel, be honest,” Nevada answered.

He nodded softly and took a sip of whiskey. “Alright, you're right.”

“Papi,” you said as you moved to the room and refilled both their glasses. “We'll be late for dinner if we don't get ready soon.”

“Yeah, okay,” Nevada replied, handing Fallon back to Omar. “Do what I said, trust me,” he mumbled to his brother.

You immediately grabbed Fallon. “No no, my baby,” you smiled and held her close. “You're the closest I get to another baby,” you cooed to her and kissed her cheeks until she screamed in excitement.

“Listen to the other one,” Nevada mumbled, rolling his eyes playfully.

Omar laughed, “Don't eat her, Dama, she's my kid.”

“Oh I might,” you made faces at her making her giggled as she shoved her hands into her mouth. “You're so beautiful,” you cooed and kissed her blonde curls before handing her back over and giving Nevada a pouty face.

Omar smirked. “I guess we both need some good luck,” he mused to Nevada.

“What’s that face for? You want another one? Vamos, let’s go upstairs, I’ll pump another baby into you right now. I’ll fuck you so hard, you’ll get pregnant twice,” Nevada said as though he were suggesting the two of you watch a movie.

You grinned at him, “Careful papi, I'll take you up on that,” you purred. “Whether you knock me up or not.”

“Ew, people still in the house,” Amber chimed, rolling her eyes. “Wanna get going? These fuckers are going to dinner,” she said to Omar, who nodded and took Fallon back from you before giving a wave and moving towards the door.

“I love you, always,” you say with a smile to Amber.

“Forever and always, Barbie,” she winked and moved out the door with Omar.

Once they'd gone, you wound your arms around your husband's neck and kissed him. Kissing you back and placing his hands on your hips, he looked down at you before sighing softly.

“So, what’d she say?” he asked.

“She's scared, she knows the marriage is loveless at the moment. She's not stupid. I offered to fuck her, but she declined,” you said jokingly.

“If she knows it’s loveless, why the hell is she staying?” he asked in confusion. “Oye, didn’t anybody ever teach you women that if something isn’t working, you should probably let it go?”

“She wants to try to make it work, a child with divorced parents...she saw what it was like for the kids when we were apart.”

“Better they’re divorced, happy, and getting along than together and miserable. That’s a great way to teach a little girl what a marriage is supposed to be. I wouldn’t want Lily or Fiona thinking that if they’re not happy, they gotta make it work anyway,” he replied.

You nodded, “yeah, I just hope they…” you shrugged. “I hope things work out.” You took his hand. “Let's get dressed, we said we'd be at the Blackwoods in twenty minutes and we aren't even close to ready.”

He nodded his head, following you upstairs.

“I hope it works out too,” he mumbled.

Rafael got home the next day with a small box in his hand, moving towards Roxie, who was in the kitchen. With a soft smirk, he came up behind her, setting the box down momentarily to wrap his arms around her waist and kiss her neck.

“Hi,” he whispered, nuzzling skin with his nose. “I got you something.”

“A present?” she asked with a quirked brow. “Is it to eat?”

“No,” he replied, still smirking softly and reaching for the box again, holding it in front of her. “Open it,” he insisted.

Her fingers traced over the box gently before opening it to find a small notebook scrawled with the title: The Chef is Always Right.

She beamed, “A recipe book, I love it,” she leaned over and gave him a long kiss. “And I love you.”

“I love you too,” he replied, kissing her again. “Promise to bake me the first recipe you write down in this?” he asked, though he already knew the answer. He’d always gladly been her guinea pig for her new recipes.

“Anything for you, my love,” she whispered and smiled softly as Izzy came into the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of wine and nodded at them both.

“I'll be in my room,” she waved.

“Why with a bottle of wine?” Rafael inquired, arching a brow at her.

“Why not with a bottle of wine?” she asked with a shrug. “Can't a girl get drunk?”

“No, wait,” Roxie crooked a finger for her to come back. “Hold on.” She opened the bottle and took a long swig, chugging it down until it was closer to ¾ of a bottle. “Now you can go.”

“Alright,” Izzy grinned, “I knew there had to be some part of you that was cool.”

“Why are you getting drunk by yourself?” Rafael argued. “Give me the bottle.”

“No!”

“Give me the Goddamn bottle!” he boomed, furrowing his brows at her.

Rolling her eyes, she handed him the wine, and he also uncorked it, smelling it before tilting the bottle back and taking a healthy swig of his own.

“You don’t have the common courtesy to invite me, I’m inviting myself,” he said, looking back at Roxie. “Are you getting in on this?”

“Are we all getting drunk?” Roxie asked in amusement.

“Oh fuck yes, let's get the good stuff then, not the boring adult drinks,” Izzy grinned and moved to the cabinet to grab her own stash of vodka, tequila and absinthe.

“I’m drawing the line with the absinthe,” Rafael said. “It may be Friday, but I would like it if I could still remember my own name.”

“Oh come on Rafi, live a little,” Izzy said with a smile as she opened the bottle of green liquid with her teeth and took a swig. “It's the good stuff too,” she offered it to Roxie who sniffed it and looked at it skeptically.

“I'm not sure this is a good idea…” she mumbled and took a long drink of it, making a horrified face. “Oh my god that has actual wormwood in it. Where did you get real absinthe?”

“Some people from the label gave it to Lila and I for our wedding.” Izzy shrugged.

“Doesn’t that stuff make you hallucinate?” Rafael asked, arching his brow.

Izzy nodded, “If you get the good stuff, I've been told some people do. Come on Rafi,” Izzy grinned and handed him the bottle. “One sip, live a little.”

“I dunno,” he said warily, eying the bottle.

“I've only had it once, when I was about sixteen, on a train in London,” Roxie said softly as she took his hand. “It was interesting, if nothing else, it's a good distraction.”

“I don’t…” He pursed his lips.

A distraction didn’t sound half bad, but he knew his troubles would just be waiting for him in the morning along with a possible hangover. Rolling his eyes, he sighed heavily and took the bottle, taking a bigger sip than he probably should have and coughing as he made a face.

“Oh my God, that’s repulsive,” he said in a raspy voice.

“I didn't know they'd legalized it here,” Roxie mused as she sipped the bottle of wine as well.

“Well…” Izzy trailed off and Roxie paused, eyes wide.

“Oh god please tell me it's legal here.”

“Who's to say what's...legal.”

“The lawmakers!” Roxie shouted in horror.

“Relax, absinthe is completely legal as long as it doesn't have too much wormwood in it.” Izzy said as she took another sip.

“Do you honestly think I would’ve had any if it was illegal?” Rafael asked Roxie, looking almost offended. “I’m a DA, for Christ sake.”

“ADA,” Izzy said with a third sip.

“No more,” Roxie grabbed the bottle from her and took another swig. “Okay, we need to put this away before we all die of alcohol poisoning.”

“So how long before it kicks in?” Izzy asked curiously. “You're the only one who's been in this position before. What was it like?”

Rafael looked to his fiance as he took a second swig from the bottle.

“Not long, and I don’t think mixing other alcohol with it is the best idea, unless we’d like to end up in a random hotel with a stripper in New Jersey,” Roxie replied.

“But what's it like?”

“Well, it's like any alcohol, hallucinations is an exaggeration love, it's definitely different though. When I was on it the first time, like I said, I was just a kid. I was traveling by train up to a concert in the north. I met a few people whom I shared one of the train cars with and we all drank till we passed out. I wasn't the best child,” she said to Izzy gently.

Izzy smiled, she knew Roxie did her best to relate to her, she appreciated that.

“My mom once took magic mushrooms and spent the entire afternoon arguing with the microwave until I called the doctors for her.” Izzy offered with a bit of a smile. “I was about five, I thought she was dying. She and...him were so mad I'd called an ambulance. She had to spend a night in the hospital.”

“I smoked a cigarette when I was thirteen,” Rafael offered. “Right after he left...I got grounded for a week.”

Both girls laughed as Roxie leaned over and kissed him. “You've always been this sweet?” she asked, genuinely curious.

“Haven't you done anything...wild?” Izzy asked.

Rafael rolled his eyes, sighing a little.

“Not really,” he answered. “When I wasn’t taking care of Y/N, I was always pretty focused on school, and getting out of the old neighborhood. That didn’t leave very much time to be wild.”

Roxie stroked his cheek, “I love that about you,” she said honestly. “I wish I'd been mature enough to handle myself the way you did. But I didn't start raising my sister until I was eighteen. Which meant I had plenty of time to rebel,” she giggled.

“Luck you,” he quipped with a smirk.

“I think we should get some pot,” Izzy suggested.

“I think not,” Rafael replied, narrowing his eyes at her.

“But this could be your chance to be wild,” she argued.

“Hey, you know what would be really wild?” he replied enthusiastically.

“What?” she asked, seemingly excited for whatever he had planned.

“If we didn’t do anything illegal,” he answered.

“Last time you smoked pot you smoked too much and threw up from coughing,” Roxie said with a pointed look.

Izzy glared, “He didn't know that!”

“Whoops, I guess the alcohol is kicking in,” Roxie said with a bit of a laugh.

“You smoked pot?!” Rafael exclaimed. “And you knew?!” He turned his attention to Roxie.

“She begged me not to tell, she got sick and promised she'd never do it again, darling. We both know you would have overreacted. It was over with, she learned her lesson.”

“I have never overacted a day in my life,” he replied. “Overreacted, that’s what I said.”

Roxie rolled her eyes, “If it had continued, I would have told you in a second. But there's no point in raising your blood pressure for something that's said and done.”

“To be fair, I don't even like pot,” Izzy added.

“Fine,” he replied.

“By the way, random thought, but I keep forgetting and I just remembered, you guys need to hide that sex tape in a folder within a folder within a folder because I borrowed your laptop the other day, and found it in like, five seconds,” Izzy mused, opening the tequila and taking a sip as she went to sit on the couch. “Come drink!!”

Rafael’s hand was over his face, his skin turning a deep red as he peered over at Roxie.

“Rafi, no need to be embarrassed,” Izzy said as she handed him the bottle. “At your age it's hard to find time to work out, not everyone can have a six pack.”

Roxie spit out her drink, coughing at the words as she looked at Izzy. “Your brother is gorgeous naked.”

“Because you love him,” Izzy pointed out. “Channing Tatum is gorgeous naked and I'm gay.”

Roxie made a face, “No, no, he's all wrong, he's too fit.”

“Ahhh, you're a chubby chaser,” Izzy smirked. “I get it, you cook a lot, of course you'd like bigger men. Don't get me wrong, I think Rafael is very handsome. But he's not Michael Phelps, nor is he claiming to be.”

“Do not sass my man,” Roxie said with narrowed eyes. “Do you want to defend your track record? Stick thin supermodels that all leave you high and dry? You have a type and it's vipers.”

She made a face, she hadn't meant to be so mean.

“Excuse me, I may not have six pack abs, but I am not chubby,” Rafael complained. “Maybe I have a bit of a stomach but--”

“Yeah, you have a dad bod,” Izzy replied.

Rafael’s face fell as a silence filled the room, and he looked down at the floor, taking a large swig from the tequila bottle. How could he have a dad bod when he wasn’t even a father?

“Let’s talk about something else,” he mumbled, still looking down at the floor and holding out the bottle for Roxie to take.

“Okay, Roxie on the other hand is tight,” Izzy mused with a grin. “Even if she can be a little cunty with her words sometimes.”

“Don’t call her that,” Rafael whispered.

“No, I deserved that one,” Roxie said softly. “Sorry Iz, I didn't mean it. You're young, you should date whomever you please.”

Rafael rolled his eyes a little as Izzy smiled.

“Thank you,” she said.

“Aren’t you still married? You shouldn’t be dating anyone,” he mused.

“Don’t tell me how to live my life,” Izzy replied, arching a brow.

“Are you still with her?” Roxie mused as her fingers trailed up Rafael’s arm. “The art dealer,” she added to clarify.

Izzy's cheeks heated up immediately. “That's none of your…” She took another swig of her drink. “Yes,” she mumbled. “How'd you know?”

“Spending the past few days here I've grown to notice things,” Roxie answered as she shrugged. “I'd much rather be involved with someone else's problems right now,” she admitted.

Izzy looked at the two of them for a moment, taking a swig from the tequila before she handed the bottle to Rafael.

“When are you guys gonna talk about what happened? Why did you disappear to London for a week? Why haven’t you gone back to work yet?” she asked softly.

Rafael bit his bottom lip, looking to Roxie as he tried to gauge whether she was ready to discuss their loss.

“We got some bad news,” he offered. “And just needed some time away together.”

Izzy nodded, she already knew what had happened, if Roxie was drinking, the baby had been lost. It made her heart ache just thinking about it. But she'd wait until they were prepared to talk.

“Does Lila know you’re seeing other people?” he asked, changing the subject as Roxie snuggled up to him thankfully.

Izzy nodded, “She knows, she hates it, but she knows.”

“She was nice when she came over the other day,” Roxie said softly to Rafael, eyes drooping a bit. She wasn't an excited drunk, she was a sleepy drunk.

He smirked a little at her, pulling her closer against him and kissing her forehead.

“What’s her name?” he asked Izzy as he stroked Roxie’s hair.

“Max,” Izzy said with a gentle smile. “She's nice, beautiful, good in bed but she doesn't have what Lila and I have.”

“Well, if you’re going to be seeing other people it’s probably in your best interest not to compare them to Lila,” he suggested.

“It's just sex Rafi, nothing serious.”

Rafael arched a brow in way of a shrug.

“Some people might argue that sex is serious,” he replied.

“Just you,” she pointed out with a smile and a roll of her eyes.

“Sex can be serious,” Roxie offered sleepily.

“Sex is hardly ever just sex though, more often than not one of the two people develop feelings. Especially if the sex is ongoing,” Rafael mused.

“I beg to differ,” Izzy said seriously and Roxie yawned and nodded.

“Yes, when I was much younger I could separate sex and feelings,” Roxie agreed. “I clearly can't do that anymore,” she said with a giggle as she gestured to Rafael. “The shagging and conversation was so good I followed him to another country.”

He smirked down at her, humming and kissing her lips before he once again addressed Izzy.

“Trust me, just because you’re not developing feelings doesn’t necessarily mean she isn’t,” he said, fingertips grazing over Roxie’s bare shoulder. He was an affectionate drunk.

“She's married too, so I think we're on the same page,” Izzy grinned. “Her and her wife.”

Roxie's eyes shot open. “No way.”

“Jesus,” Rafael mumbled, shaking his head lightly. “Does her wife know she’s bumping uglies with other people?” he asked with a smirk.

“She's also bumping uglies with me.”

“Yeah, that’s what I said, she’s bumping uglies with other people, ‘other people’ meaning anyone who is not her wife,” he replied, nodding his head.

“I mean the wife is,” Izzy clarified.

Rafael stared at his sister for a moment, shaking his head lightly as his brows bounced in bewilderment.

“Unbelievable,” he mumbled. “I can’t imagine having sex with anyone besides Roxie,” he added, hand moving to lay against her hip. “Maybe you’re not as in love with Lila as you think.”

“I love her more than anything,” Izzy whispered.

“Obviously not if you’re sleeping with other people,” he replied gently. “When you love someone, you don’t even think about anyone else that way. You don’t even have to try not to think of anyone else that way because that person that you love is the sun, the moon, the stars…” He looked down at Roxie, smirking softly. “They’re everything to you, and every time you look at them it’s like nothing else in the world exists.”

“Barf,” Izzy groaned, rolling her eyes.

“If you’ve never felt that, then you’ve never been in love,” he replied, looking back at his sister.

“You don't think Roxie hasn't had sex fantasies about another man?” Izzy smirked knowingly.

“Fantasies and actually having sex with other people are two completely different things,” he argued.

“True,” she nodded in agreement. “But I believe that Dama loves Nevada and she's fucked Jasper Blackwood.” Izzy shrugged, you'd only told her when you'd been wasted.

“I sincerely doubt that,” Rafael replied.

“No, she’s right. Your sister and Nevada shagged that Jasper bloke and his wife at the same time,” Roxie chimed.

“Well, then, ew, first of all. Secondly, again that’s different, if they did it together, then presumably it was something they both fantasized about and acted on together.” He shook his head at Izzy. “Izzy, you have no case” he told her.

She rolled her eyes, “Fucking lawyers,” she said with a laugh.

“Try being engaged to one,” Roxie teased.

“You love me,” Rafael reminded her with a smirk.

“I do,” she said with a big smile and kissed him deeply.

“Izzy, do you really want children someday?” Roxie asked curiously.

“Yes,” Izzy nodded. “I've always wanted kids but… I shouldn't have them. They'll end up like me, I know it...my biggest fear is raising them like my mom raised me. To be fuck ups, broken, sad and lost.”

“I don’t think it would be so bad for your kids to turn out like you,” Rafael offered. “You’re pretty terrific...I think you still have some growing up to do, but you’d be a great mom someday. Not all of us turn into our parents, most of us learn from them so that we can try to do things better.”

Izzy hugged him gently. “I love you Rafi.”

“I love you too,” he mumbled as his phone rang, and he took it out to see Liv’s name on the screen. “Hello?”

“Barba, it’s Benson. Listen, we caught a missing child’s case that’s become part of a pattern. How fast can you get down here?”

“I don’t know if that’s the best idea right now, because I am fairly drunk,” he answered honestly.

Olivia sighed, “Can you be in tomorrow?” she asked tensely, “We really need you in on this one.”

“Absolutely, cariño, I’ll be there at nine am, not a moment later,” he answered with a smile.

“Wow you have been drinking,” Olivia laughed. “Take care of yourself tonight.”

“I will,” he replied, hanging up and looking up at Izzy. “What? Do I have something on my face?” he asked, wiping around his cheek.

“You just called Olivia, cariño,” Izzy said with a grin.

Roxie bristled a bit but stayed silent.

“So? She’s my close friend, it’s no different than saying, ‘sweetie’. It’s just in Spanish,” he replied.

“It's...very affectionate,” Izzy shrugged and passed Roxie the wine. She took it and took another swig.

He made a face, arching a brow above one eye.

“Not really,” he answered. “It’s not like I called her baby, or honey, or darling...right?” he looked over at Roxie, pulling her closer to nuzzle his nose against her cheek and sighing around a smile.

Roxie made a face, “I don't really like it either,” she admitted softly. “You and Olivia are so close already that even your mum thought you'd marry her...calling her sweetie makes me...uncomfortable.”

“Aw, mi amor, you don’t have to be jealous of Olivia. I only have eyes for you,” he cooed, noisily kissing her neck. “You’re so pretty,” he added, kissing her cheeks as he got up to go into the kitchen, sneaking another small swig of the absinthe.

She smiled a bit, she liked how affectionate he got when he was drunk.

“Rafi, no more drinking!” Izzy scolded. “Don't you dare drink all of that. It's expensive as fuck!”

“Be nice! God, you are such a party pooper. You’re still drinking,” he said, pointing to the wine bottle in her hand before putting the absinthe away and grabbing a wine glass. “Fill me up,” he said softly, holding the empty glass out.

She poured him a glass and giggled, “Jesus you're a bossy drunk.” She stood up and looked at the clock. “I have to make a phone call really fast,” she moved in a bit of a stagger to the bedroom.

Grinning over at his fiance, he slowly made his way towards her.

“Roxiieee,” he sang gently, setting his glass down and crawling over her until she was laying on her back. Kissing her, he hummed against her mouth. “I love you so much,” he said sweetly as one hand slid over her thigh, reaching under her dress.

She giggled and kissed back, fingers tangling in his hair. “I love you too,” she smiled and nuzzled against him.

“Let’s go to bed,” he whispered, taking one of her hands and bringing it to his crotch as he kissed over neck.

She smiled and rubbed him a bit, kissing his jaw. “I'm not sure Rafi,” she whispered. “We should spend time with your sister.”

He pouted down at her, groaning a little.

“She’s on the phone,” he mumbled, kissing her shoulder and inhaling her shampoo. “Oh God, and you smell so good, cariño,” he added, kissing her neck again.

“I don't like you calling Olivia that,” she mumbled. “Not when you moan it to me.”

He rolled his eyes a little, sighing dramatically.

“Okay, I won’t call her that again,” he relented. “Just so you know, it doesn’t mean anything if I say it to someone other than you,” he added.

“It does to me,” she whispered and nuzzled against me. “If I called Jacob sweetie, wouldn't that bother you?”

“You have called Jacob sweetie, and love and darling, and yes it did bother me a little, but I never said anything because deep down I know that you don’t mean anything by it,” he answered. “If you really feel that strongly, I won’t call anyone else cariño ever again. It was the absinthe talking, mi amor. Absinthe makes my heart grow fonder,” he added, biting his bottom lip to keep from laughing.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him lovingly. “I'm sorry, my love,” she cooed.

“You don’t have to apologize, mi vida,” he replied, peppering kisses over her neck and rocking his hips against hers.

“Oh my God, Rafi, seriously? Can you not go five seconds without mauling your fiance?” Izzy groaned as she came back into the living room.

“No, I’m in love, leave me alone,” he groaned with a smirk, moving off of Roxie to grab his wine before he settled behind her, letting her rest between his legs with her back against his chest.

“I have to head out, Lila asked if I'd come with her to counseling today instead of tomorrow.” She moved to hug Rafael and Roxie. “Have fun boning.”

“You’ve been drinking, Izzy. Do you really think it’s a good idea to go out intoxicated? What if a cop stops you?” Rafael mused.

“Lila is picking me up, and I'm not obviously intoxicated,” she added gently.

“You know what?” He realized right then that he couldn’t keep protecting her if she was ever to grow up and take responsibility for her own decisions. “You’re an adult. You should make your own decision,” he said, taking a casual sip from his wine.

“Have fun,” she hugged them both and moved out the door.

Roxie quirked a brow, “Wow, normally that would have been a fight,” she said in amusement as she tugged him down for a lazy kiss.

He kissed her back and shrugged lightly.

“I can’t protect her from everything, she’s gotta learn to stand on her own two feet, even if she falls sometimes,” he answered. “Besides, I would much rather spend my energy on you, mi amor.”

She giggled and nodded, “I agree,” she whispered and pulled him closer. “Now take me to bed, Rafael.”

[multy-fandom-lover]

Who am i

Castiel x reader

You layed there in the dark damp room that you were trapped in you have been there a while. Suddenly a door swung open reveling a tall dark figure. The light blinded you, you didn't know who was there.

"Y/N is is that you" the voice studderd like they knew you your sight was slowly coming into focus. A black haired man wearing a trench coat and a tie and has bright blue eye's.

"Did you put me in here" you cough it has been a while since you spoke and your throat was dry.

"Why would i put you in here you know i could never do that to you" he looks hurt and paind and so very confused.

"What do you mean i don't even know you" he comes to your side and unties you.

"Don't you remember me" he says in a soft voice you shake your head. You try to stand but you fall back down the man helps you up. "Sam, Dean in here i found Y/N" two guys rush in the room suddenly adrenaline is pumping through your blood. You run over to them and backflip kicking them in the face.

You dart down the hall what the hell is happening and who are those guy's. Suddenly the man from the room is infront of you and tuches your forehead and you're out like a light.

You wake up in a bed filled with familiar things you pick up a book to your right it read. "Y/N's notebook" a sticky note on it read "read me" you pulled it of and you flip the page and begin to read.

"The boys had no idea what was going on when i walked through there bunker door. There dear old dead sister was back into there life and was a hunter. Dean questioning expression was worth not telling the boys when Chuck brought me back. But i also felt bad i was on a hunt in there territory. I heard there was hunters so i went by to ask them for help. A nest of gen is hard to kill or destroy all on your own.

I stepped into the bunker and thats when i saw my older and younger brother. Dean, and Sam i silently cursed myself i should have known it was them. I tried to lighten the shocked mood i asked if they wanted to help with the hunt. Dean told me to calm myself and explain why i was alive. So i explained that Chuck brought me back when they first found him.

Of course he was pretending to be a profit so he asked me to lay low. He never told me to stay out of hiding so i always stayed hidden. Eventually i started hunting again but the boys were on my tail i got them off of it. Then i made a mistake by comeing into there home.

Dean was pissed his green eyes where dark and Sam was just shocked. But it got better over the years i learned a lot about them and they learned a lot about me. I got close to Castiel and those blue eyes closer then the brothers would have liked. But today i have to leave it all behind. The men of letters are not to be trusted i have to stop them.

They wont listen to me there blinded by toys and trinkets so im alone. Hopefully i will end it most likely i will die but it's for the best.

Goodbye."

You place the book down is that who you are and if it is you just kicked your brothers in the face. And hurt your boyfriends feelings bad you stand. And look around you apparently have two walls for weapons. Two weird drawings on your wall you had know idea. But it felt like it was on the tip of your tongue like everything was sitting there. But you couldn't draw it out.

You walk out the room slowly "im sorry i don't remember you i only know your names. I know that Sam, and Dean are my brothers and Cas this must be very hard on you. You all lost your girl i dont know who i am so i need help finding out who i am, will you help me."

"We will always help you you're family and we think we may have found a way". You nod hopeing that was all it took for them to spill. "We need two powerful creatures like Cas here and Crowley we have that you're blood. And the two hard ones your true love and whoever did this to you" Sam says matter-of-factly.

"Cas, and that barbie doll bitch not that hard" you speak surpriseing everyone and yourself.

"What" Sam and Dean scream Cas freezes in his spot was what you said a secret. "You didn't know did you even read the big goodbye she well i wrote it literally said read me." Sam gets up and grabs the book from your room and gives it to Dean.

"I thought it meant you were really good friends" Dean skimmed the page and nodded in agreement with Sam.

"You two know nothing about women when a girl says closer than her brothers would like it's probably romantic." All this time Cas hadn't moved or spoke it caught you by surprise.

"Is it true did you like me."

"Yhea it's like a emotional blurry picture in my head Cas you are way to innocent for your own good i flirted with you a lot."

"I will be right back" with a snap Cas was gone you heard a faint cheering noise you laughed he snaped back.

"You okay there Cas" Dean chuckles and Sam full out bursts with laughter. "But i am serious you hurt her we will kill you well almost" they start laughing again you and Cas are silent.

"Guys i might not know how things work here but that, that is really creepy and scary as hell. And are we going to start getting my memory back or is that not important."

"Okay we need your blood Cas."

"Always happy to bleed for the Winchester's" a vile of blood pops in his hand he gives it to Dean. "Now for the barbie doll bitch" you spit up the water you were drinking.

"Is it just me or is Cas most innocent guy in the world and everyone is loveing it." You continue laughing with the boys you finally calm down.

"Crowley should know a thing or two i mean his mom is a witch."

"Watch this" you clear your throat "CROWLEY" all of a sudden a very angry king of hell is standing infront of you.

"You called" Crowley snaps at you like he was asleep or drinking his demon ass off.

"How did you do that" Dean looks over at you.

"I have no fucking clue" you look at Crowley "how can i do that i have a feeling you know how."

"Do you not remember the curse mother put down i will always be at your beck and call whats wrong with her."

"She lost her memory we are getting it back but we need you for two steps. One we need you to locate the British woman that invaded my brain."

"I like my saying better."

"Or how Y/N put so delicately the barbie doll bitch" Crowley chuckles.

"Nice one okay i need holy oil, a map and a match" Sam stands and gets the supplies. Crowley pours the oil on the map and starts to chant. "Ostende mihi British bitch ad palagam gui maledicas". He reaches over and pricks your finger and puting the dripping finger over the map he shoves it away after a drop. "Indica mihi ubi est ad locum," he lights the map it, burns the map exsept for one spot.

"Sioux Falls" Cas snaps all of you to a hotel room you appear infront of a sleeping form. You realise its her the British bitch Crowley takes the blood from her. You're snaped back to the bunker they throw the ingredients together.

"Do i have to drink it."

"Just pour it over your head should work" you tip it over your head all your memorys shot back into your head. You wipe the blood of your head and toss it on Sam.

"You're an ass you literally only had to flip the page and you would have saw you only needed a incantation, but thank you Cas would you please." You point to your head he snaps his fingers and all the blood is gone.

"Do you remember anything from before" you shake your head Sam and Drean start to walk away "Come on Crowley."

"But i wanna watch" he pouts but leaves anyway as soon as they leave Cas speaks.

"You know i love you too" your eyes widen at shock what did you do. "You told me that you had feelings for me so i want to do one thing." He leans forward and kisses you you kiss back damn thank that barbie doll bitch.